The COCI building in Philipsburg.
PHILIPSBURG--The St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry (COCI) urges the business community, social organisations and foundations, etc., to use the next two weeks and January 2019 to update their information at the Chamber, as COCI is in the process of updating its business trade registry.
Executive Director Anastacio Baker said businesses, federations, associations and foundations should use the opportunity now to update their files at the Chamber, so everybody starts off the New Year 2019 fresh with their business registration in order.
“It is very important that COCI has the latest information of all entities operating in the country and that the business trade registry is up to date,” it was stated in a press release.
Any changes to shareholders lists, articles of incorporation, business address, telephone, fax, cell, website or email address, directorship, board members, etc., should be reported, as COCI’s business registry must have the most recent information related to the legal operating entity.
In the case of a business owner who has passed away, but the business is still registered as active, the Chamber requests that the next of kin visit COCI to have the files updated to reflect this matter.
Business owners who have for whatever reason discontinued business operations – closed down – should inform COCI, so the business can be registered as inactive or closed. This will allow the owner to not have to go through the process of receiving tax assessments and to have this rectified.
Some owners assume that once the physical business location is closed, they no longer have anything more to do, but that is not the case. Formalities have to be officially concluded to prevent any issues of fees and assessments, the release said.
Businesses and organisations/foundations are all reminded to make sure that their letterheads and receipts have their COCI registration number printed on them, as it is required by law.
Businesses that offer a warranty for products sold are reminded that they are required to have a copy of the warranty deposited in their file at COCI.
COCI through its trade register, aides in providing a secure environment for business undertakings in Sint Maarten. This entity in accordance with the stipulations of the law registers all businesses, seeking to be operational in Sint Maarten.
While this is the primary function of COCI, the chamber contributes in many ways to the socio-economic development of Sint Maarten. COCI, through its representatives on Committees or through its advisory function, undertakes to contribute effectively and actively toward initiatives aimed at creating a sustainable business environment in Sint Maarten, the release said.
The Chamber will be closed for the holiday season from December 24, to January 1. COCI will resume its operations on January 2.
