Saba Commissioners Chris Johnson and Bruce Zagers paid a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Marcel Gumbs last week to congratulate the Prime Minister as well as discuss a number of pressing matters in the relationship between the countries.
One of the key issues discussed was the method of transportation of fish and lobster from Saba to St. Maarten which is important for the economy of Saba. The Health Inspectorate of St. Maarten has implemented new inspection and transport procedures that is viewed as burdensome to fishermen and could result in a price hike on produce.
Minister Responsible for Public Health Rita Gumbs along with the Secretary General of Public Health Joy Arnell was present for this part of the discussion and will look at the possibilities of implementing a more flexible system. Prime Minister Gumbs said the government of St. Maarten will take Saba’s concerns seriously.
Also discussed with the Minister of Finance Martin Hassink was the turn-over-tax Saba pays on fuel shipped through St. Maarten, in particular for its utility company and other matters of mutual interest.