After five successful Community Based Dialogues sessions, the National Development Program process of country Sint Maarten, is continuing with its community based dialogue sessions. The Monday evening session organized for Belvedere had to be rescheduled due to the inclement weather.
Residents and stakeholders were invited to come out to the Billy Folly Community Dialogue session on Thursday, May 15, however due to unforeseen circumstances; this will be rescheduled for another date.
This micro and macro public consultation process with community stakeholders will continue until the end of June with communities, schools, the private sector, unions, non-governmental organizations, and Government. The majority of voices reflecting the diversity of the country’s society will be captured.
The districts where Community Based Dialogues took place were Simpson Bay, Cole Bay, Guana Bay, St. Peters and Dutch Quarter. 145 residents in total took part in the first round of discussions.
Upcoming dialogues will be held in Belvedere, Billy Folly, Cul de Sac, Little Bay Area, Lowlands, Madame Estate, Middle Region, Philipsburg, Point Blanche, Sucker Garden, South Reward, Oyster Pond and Zagersgut.
The persons who attend these dialogue sessions have the opportunity to engage in fruitful discussions about what affects us socially, economically, culturally, and environmentally throughout the country.
In addition, persons will be able to find solutions which will help to improve the lives of those who live in the country. The thoughts and ideas expressed in these dialogues will be captured into the National Development Plan. The contribution made to the development of this plan will hopefully make persons feel a sense of ownership for putting this document in place.
The National Development Plan is facilitated under the auspices of the project, “Building a Nation: Sint Maarten National Development Plan & Institutional Strengthening.”
The Ministry of General Affairs, Department of Interior and Kingdom Relations (BAK) are providing key support for the NDP process along with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
For further information please refer to: nationaldevelopment@sintmaartengov.org, and/ or call 542-0897.
