PHILIPSBURG--It has been four months since the current National Alliance (NA)-led Cabinet has been in office, but still no separate Minister has been appointed to head the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (TEATT).
The absence of a Minister has drawn concern from United People's (UP) party leader Member of Parliament Theo Heyliger. The former tourism commissioner said in a press statement Sunday that he wonders why the National Alliance (NA)/United St. Maarten Party (US Party)/Democratic Party (DP) coalition is “so quiet” on the topic.
“The most important portfolio in Government, as tourism drives our economy, remains unfilled for several months and it seems that we are on a rudderless ship as the economy nosedives without any direction being provided,” said Heyliger.
“When will this process to finalise a Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs finally materialise? Was a new candidate submitted for screening? If so, what is the status of the process? Is it nearing completion? Did this person fail the process? If so, has a new candidate name been submitted? If so, when did this take place?” he asked.
A minister candidate recommended by US Party was submitted for screening a month ago, but no appointment has yet been made. The candidate is said to be Melissa Arrindell-Doncher, who works in the Tourism Minister’s Cabinet.
Justice Minister Rafael Boasman is acting TEATT Minister.
