On Monday, June 22nd, Council lady Wescot-Williams on behalf of the Democratic Party faction in the island council requested the Lt. Governor to provide her with all objections filed against the ring road project in Philipsburg.
Recently, it was reported that an environmental organization had filed a 5-page objection against this project and seemingly there are several other objections against this project as well. In order to take a well balanced position on this matter, the people’s representatives and the general public deserve all the information, including the reaction by government as to how they plan to address the concerns expressed by the different organizations. "Openness and Transparency!"
Have meetings been held with those persons who in one way or another will be affected by this project?
How can we be assured that in addition to the arguments of beautification and traffic improvements, St. Maarteners have a fair chance where contract work and employment is concerned?
How will the outstanding land issues of businesses and individuals in this area be resolved? Where can these persons turn to? When will they be provided with information regarding same?
As government boasts that (young) people are involved in these major construction projects, we need to be provided with numbers of such to determine the employment impact for the local labor force of Sint Maarten, consisting of nationals and those already on Sint Maarten for the purpose of employment. These must be our first concern when speaking of employment opportunities.
Released by Sarah Wescot-Williams, June 22, 2009