PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT) Melissa Arrindell-Doncher says recent statements made by the Philipsburg Promotional Board (PPB) regarding the decline of business in Philipsburg are politically motivated and noted that she is not to blame for the downward spiral in economic activity.
“Involving the current Minister of TEATT with the Philipsburg Promotional Board (PPB) as per a recently published article by the board’s president is purely politically motivated, as information was seemingly tainted,” the minister said in a press release.
“Previous works by the current Minister of TEATT were prematurely interrupted when she left office in January 2018, and the situation seemed to have deteriorated for almost two years. Though it is understandable the cries of Valentine Davis and the PPB, since the revitalization of our economy – especially in the Philipsburg area – have been ignored by the recent government, to blame the current Minister of TEATT for being passive in not addressing the issues proves that information presented is done to fool some people who are not cognizant of the fact that this interim government just began its tenure less than one month ago.”
She said the revitalization of Philipsburg has always been at heart as she was raised in Philipsburg and still currently lives there. The minister said she has first-hand knowledge of how far behind on the list of priorities Philipsburg has fallen by previous governments, and how far it can rise if given the attention it so rightfully deserves.
Minister Arrindell-Doncher and her cabinet are “certainly not passive on the issues and challenges of doing business in Philipsburg and will not sit idly due to a notion that is perceived to be political. The minister was appointed to serve the best interests of the people of this country and that is exactly what will be done. The unfortunate decline and lack of attention will not deter the commitment and determination of said minister to effect change to address some of the issues that are pressing for our nation’s capital in the short term given to serve,” it was stated in the release.
“The Minister has always believed in this season of giving, Philipsburg should be the prime example of a festive atmosphere with lighted décor that will help lift the spirits of the population, especially the children. She too was bright-eyed with excitement during this time of year watching the yearly display of lights as a descendant of Philipsburg herself. So, whether the intentions of Davis and/or the PPB is perceived as political or not, our main focus on Philipsburg area as an interim minister will not be deterred, as she is not a passive-user of the capital but an active one who still resides there.”
Arrindell-Doncher invited PPB and Davis to meet and “let us show our true love for Philipsburg and St. Maarten by implementing a solution together.”
