Member of Parliament George Pantophlet said that it is a shame that nothing is heard as yet on the discussion that was supposed to be held between the Minister of Finance Martin Hassink and the casino operators. During the debate on the Budget 2014 the Minister said that a meeting was planned with the casino operators the following week. The Budget was discussed in mid January and we are now in the first week of March. The Minister should update the people of St. Maarten on the outcome of those discussions if they were held at all. And if it not held then explain to the people why not. It is a known fact that these institutions owe millions to government in fees and seeing the Budget constraints it is imperative that payment arrangements are made posthaste to collect these outstanding amounts. Also one can only imagine what revenues government is losing by not imposing the Turnover Tax on these Institutions. It is either this or increasing the fees.
The Member said he has heard nothing regarding the process of the legislation to increase these fees. He believes it will show responsibility on the part of the Minister if he can inform the public as to the status of these deliberations. The receiver’s office is roaming about like a hungry lion trying to collect taxes so it is important that everyone pay their share. On another note but related an article appearing in one of the daily newspapers alluded to a "new dogfight in Lottery industry. It concerned Smart Play and Jamaroma who dragged My Lucky Day NV into court. What stood out to the Member of Parliament were the 12000 guilders and the 18000 guilders per day turnover that Smart Play generates. If one takes the average we are looking at some 15000 guilders per day multiplied by 360 days equals 5.4 million guilders annually. What needs to be established is whether this is generated on St. Maarten or all the islands in the Kingdom. If it is only St. Maarten and we take an average of 250 employees multiplied by the minimum wage of some let me be conservative 1400 guilders equals 350 thousand guilders annually add to this rent expenses average 30000 guilders, energy average 20000 guilders, fees the expenditures can amount to some 400 thousand guilders. The wage tax is not included because this is withheld from the employee or should be. When this is deducted from the income it can definitely be concluded that they make a handsome profit. It is clearly proven that the measly fee they have been paying the last 15 t0 20 years is ridiculous. It is time to increase these fees.
George Pantophlet