Dear Editor,
Almost 7 months since the article was posted on August 21, 2018, our questions still remain, where is the protection of our local people? Who is investigating and where is our government?
Since bribery and investigation on various issues has been a hot topic on our island, it seems to be only focused on our own, and not of those of foreign investors, who came into our country and are not abiding by the rules and regulations of country St. Maarten.
Who is investigating? Where is our government? The recent Macao restaurant on Front Street, former McDonald’s and Rouge et Noir casino; why are the inspectors not checking if undocumented persons are working there or living in inhuman condition? And the treatment of workers. Where is the protection of our local workers? Why is there a blind eye on these matters?
Can a so-called managing director, who does not have working documentation, continue to work on the island; moreover, after their passport has been stamped, and banned for three years from the island. How are they allowed to slip through the system? Is it allowed to be bullying and enslaving our people? And they walk around like they have no fear. Where is the protection of our local people? Who is investigating, and where is the government?
If there is a CLA (Collective Labour Agreement) in place as it regards to bonuses, allowances, etc., should it not be honoured and respected for union members and even contract workers? Should contract workers be treated differently? Should a Jr. accountant be allowed to rob employees of their hard-earned money? If employees’ evaluations were implemented, and received good evaluation, should their contract not be renewed without a valid reason? Should these same positions be filled by their own people, foreigners?
Should incentives be created to fool our people and when it is time to be compensated, no compensation? Where is the protection of our local people; who is investigating and where is the government?
It is of the opinion that employees of Rouge et Noir and Macao restaurant are being treated worse than dogs. Employees seem as if they cannot even communicate amongst each other without being penalized. Voicing their concerns of their wellbeing seems to be an offense. Should an employer threaten an employee with termination, if he or she has grievances? In the eyes of society, our locals are being criticized of not wanting to work.
Rouge et Noir had court cases over the past year since new investors took over. Employees took them to court, and all cases were won by the employees.
Who is investigating this? Where is the justice? Who are we as born St. Maarteners in our own country?
Name withheld at author's request.
