Dear Editor,
Numerous studies have pointed to our national challenge whereby our costs of public sector are too high and our cost of living is too high as well. If our population grows further then without a higher level of tax income our ability to avoid deficits decreases.
It is also pointed out that over the years St. Maarten has become addicted to this growth rather than enjoying an economy which can sustain itself without living standards having to decrease. It is clearly evident that there is strong political resistance to any temporary reduction in incomes, particularly in the influential public sector.
In order to break out of this addiction that was created by our original growth model we need less people who are more productive and earn higher wages which will product tax income at a higher level.
It is therefore a little surprising to hear the government being enthusiastic about a project whereby St. Maarten residents might work on low paying cruise ships whilst residing on St. Maarten. If there are persons who would appreciate this employment I would not begrudge them the opportunity, but as a contribution or solution to solve St. Maarten’s longer term economic problem it makes me wonder if our government has a plan for the future that has any chance of success.
Robbie Ferron
