The following is the address presented by Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson at the first Labour Information Session held at Sonesta Great Bay on February 24th 2010.
It is a great pleasure to be here this afternoon, as Commissioner of Labour, to be a part of this historical workshop as it relates to the Labour Laws and Constitutional Transition of St. Maarten, due to the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles.
With St. Maarten on the verge of becoming a Country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it is very important that all parties involved are brought up to par with all legislative information that is necessary in order for all parties to function optimally and operate in accordance with established laws and mandates.
The impetus and recommendations of all parties involved is very important in making this three day workshop and beyond a great success. So as I stand here today, I would like to encourage all parties to participate to the fullest of their capabilities.
I look forward to a fruitful working relationship in making all ventures as it pertains to Labour a great accomplishment, as one of my foremost concerns on the island. These informative sessions are to be considered steps in signifying the importance of the need for continued improvements between employers and employees, businesses, unions and government, citizens and their country.
I thank you in advance for your participation here today and I look forward to working with you in the future.
Mr. H. Richardson
Commissioner of Labour