SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) – In the Budget Debate Public Meeting of Tuesday 28th April, 2020 the draft motion presented by Member of Parliament Solange Ludmila Duncan regarding a number of cost-cutting measures to alleviate the financial strain placed on the Government of St. Maarten due to the COVID-19 pandemic was passed. The motion was supported by the NA, UP and USP factions.
The MP stated “I must reiterate that these proposed cuts are not conservative; its intention is clear; to show solidarity with the people of St. Maarten by cutting not only one specific type of cost but various costs across the board that have the potential to add up substantially.”
One key point in the motion is the thorough review of the ‘Pensioenregeling politieke gezagdragers’ (AB2010 GT. 8), in particular where it pertains to the transitional allowance of public office holders. The MP requested the review to be carried out within six (6) months. “Here we can save the country much money in salaries of former ministers and parliamentarians. This has been a discussion in the public for years.”
Included in the motion was a request from the Minister of Finance for the delivery of a comprehensive approach to cost-cutting measures within 15 days and a general reduction in material costs of both the Parliament and the Council of Ministers by 20%.
Additionally, MP Duncan requested the Minister of Finance to reduce the salaries of the Council of Ministers and Members of Parliament by an additional five percent on top of the already agreed to ten percent for a total of 15%.
“This is a solid start to cost-cutting measures across the board and more cuts will have to come. I look forward to working with the Government and Parliament on discussing all avenues for improved spending of public funds.” commented MP Duncan.
ARCHIVE – TUESDAY – SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) – Member of Parliament Solange Ludmila Duncan in the first round of the Budget Debate Public Meeting of April 27th, 2020 presented a draft motion regarding a number of cost-cutting measures to alleviate the financial strain placed on the Government of St. Maarten due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The MP in her motion requested the Minister of Finance to present a comprehensive approach to cost-cutting measures within 15 days. This comprehensive approach should include a general reduction in material costs of both the Parliament and the Council of Ministers by 20% and a review of the ‘Pensioenregeling politieke gezagdragers’ (AB2010 GT. 8), in particular where it pertains to the transitional allowance of public office holders, in order to make economical fiscal adjustments. The MP requested the ladder to be carried out within six (6) months.
While presenting the motion the MP emphasized that St. Maarten is at a crossroads in its history as a country; “COVID 19 has presented not only challenges but opportunities for us to change course as well. We can no longer operate in a business as usual manner. We not only need to make better policy decisions, but we need to change the way in which we spend money, not my money or your money but the people’s money. If we are going to stand in solidarity with the people of St. Maarten, we need to show them that we as well will sacrifice for them.”
Additionally, MP Duncan requested the Minister of Finance to reduce the salaries of the Council of Ministers and Members of Parliament by an additional five percent on top of the already agreed to ten percent for a period of six (6) months. The motion was supported by a number of other Members of Parliament and will be voted on today Tuesday 28th, April 2020.
Source: Souliga Newsday https://www.soualiganewsday.com/index.php?option=com-k2&view=item&id=31156:updated-mp-duncan-motion-on-cost-cutting-measures-passes&Itemid=450
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