At the UTS Training Center, there was a meeting regarding the tripartite consultation in socio-economic policy-making, organized by the federal advisory organization of SER—the Socio-Economic Council.
Present at the meeting were representatives from different Sectors, Department of Economic Policy and Research, UFA, WIFOL, SHTA, Chamber of Commerce, amongst others.
SER, the Social Economic Council, is an independent body, but financed by government, that advises government on social and economic matters.
The purpose of the meeting is to set the groundwork of establishing a SER on St. Maarten. This is the first of 4 such meetings planned.
Welcoming the audience was Adjunct Island Secretary Gracita Arrindell who has been charged with the setting up of the Social Economic Council for St. Maarten.
For the past 2 months, the logistical matters to hold this meeting had been organized. Member of Parliament Glenn Camelia was appointed to assist in the organization of establishing such an organization on St. Maarten.
Commissioner William Marlin spoke at the event, pointing out the need and importance of having a SER on St. Maarten to assist with providing advice to government and to officially open the meeting.
After welcoming everyone, he said that St. Maarten will become country on 10-10-10. In light of this, St. Maarten has to create departments and entities so that it can function on its own.
Commissioner Marlin further stated that Curacao, due to its role in the constellation, had all of the departments to function on its own. However, St. Maarten has to build from the ground up. Though much of the work is done, we are not finished, and the establishing of SER for St. Maarten is a good example.
He added that whatever else St. Maarten needs the Dutch Government is willing to assist, but there needs to be a transition period in terms of human resources and financing, Commissioner Marlin said.
As the changes in government and status progresses, the responsibility comes along, and though the monies that were once transferred to Curacao will now remain on St. Maarten, it may not be sufficient. There needs to be a period of transition.
When government wants a law drafted or changed, they have to consult SER, a draft proposal has to be sent to SER, and they have to respond with an advice, which government has to take seriously. He added that government stands to benefit from a good council.
The next speaker at the meeting was Ludwig Ouechinnence, who spoke on participatory Democracy, on the importance of having social partners input on different governmental matters.
The main address was given by Senator Glen Camelia, who spoke about what the SER is, how it suppose to function, and the desired results.
The follow up meeting on the establishment of the Socio Economic Council is scheduled for January.