Dear Editor,
The island is in great financial need. Government has been experiencing budget deficits from the time we became a separate country within the Kingdom. So, to me, it makes sense that we brainstorm on ideas for revenue for government. The citizens do not want to pay new and or more taxes, and the politicians do not really want to introduce tax measures as it may not work out favourably for them with the people during election time.
Once again, we read about getting rid of, or getting away from the Dutch government’s oppressive rules. I have great pride in St. Maarten and just like everybody else, I do not like to be governed by others. However, in order to have this type of independence, I must provide for my financial independence. In order to qualify for a bank loan, the bank has its set of rules that I have to abide with. So, what is different from being dependent on Holland? It is true that Holland does not contribute to our budget, but they have the power to control it and they use that power. In my opinion, sometimes justifiably and sometimes not.
What is our reality however is that unless St. Maarten can put bread on the table, we will not be considered for independence. Not by the Netherlands or the United Nations. Rather than fight the same fight for our rights that gets us nowhere, let us show them that we can balance our budget and that we can provide for the needs of the people. Then, there will be no force in Holland or the UN to prevent St. Maarten from opting for independence, if that is the will of the people.
One would assume that new ideas for revenue that do not include tax would spark the attention and that a leader of a political party would capitalize on such ideas, if they were possible. I ran in the last election on the combined list of the UD party as candidate #19. During that election, as well as the previous one with the UP party, I campaigned heavily on the enhancement of our economy. During my speeches I presented projects of development that will provide much-needed revenue for government, social benefits, and new job and business opportunities for the people. Now if my ideas were not realistic, I would expect the leader of the party to draw my attention to this.
Some of my ideas presented during the 2016 election were introduced in the governing accord for the government that would have been formed by NA and UP. I looked forward to finding them in this governing accord as it would have actually contained revenue-generating projects which do not entail unnecessary tax-related burdens on the people. Not one was included.
I submitted a proposal to the Cabinet of the Minister of TEATT to provide my services as consultant for government on the possible establishment of a social insurance burial plan. I have contacted the Cabinet since for a response, which I have not receive yet. Again, if this project is not possible, then I would expect government to inform me of such. However, from what I have learned, there is no law preventing government from establishing a new social benefit plan. This plan would have all citizens benefit from a basic funeral plan. It entails a minimal contribution from all employees and employers and benefits are extended to immediate relatives of the insured employee. Government has a guaranteed new annual revenue income source without imposing unnecessary and unwanted burdens on the population. Union representatives have expressed interest in this project proposal. To just sit on this plan and not capitalize on it in my opinion is bad governance. Another project that I campaigned for is to have government establish a National lottery. The establishment of a National lottery would create business opportunity for lottery agents. The lottery agents would hire employees and government would have new revenue. These two projects have a potential annual revenue income for government of N.A. of ten million Guilders.
What is there in these projects that the party could not embrace? Yet, I will be crucified as a ship jumper if I would join another party. Not to worry. I will not participate in elections anymore. I do however, knock on the door of the Honourable Member of Parliament Christopher Emanuel to look into these projects and see if he might see the benefit for the people in these projects. And if he does, I request him to table questions on the floor of Parliament with regards to the possible implementation of these projects. The reason I request this from the MP is that he has proven to me through his actions as minister, as well as Member of Parliament that he loves St. Maarten. This man has empowered people in his public life in a way that a father would do for his family. I hold him in high regard for this.
On a different note, and with regard to the CFT’s insistence on the 10% reduction in salary for the ministers and MPs, I humbly beg to differ as the position of these top-ranking officials bears heavy responsibilities. One must also take into consideration that some of the government-owned companies top-ranking officials receive immense salaries. We must remember that it is easy for a powerful or rich businessman to bribe a government official. A well-paid government official should at least be less tempted to permit themselves to be bribed. Reducing salaries of the ministers and MPs by 10% saves just over half a million guilders a year, if my calculations are correct. In the bigger picture, would this really help?
Cost-cutting measures are a must for proper government functioning. However, I opt for revenue-generating projects rather than drastic and ineffective cost-cutting measures. But then again, I am just a businessman and not a numbers-man. The Honourable President of Parliament Sarah Wescott-Williams has done an excellent job increasing MP’s presence in parliamentary meetings for which I commend her highly.
Louis R. Engel
