EXCLUSIVE: MP Emmanuel calls on Minister of Justice to give clarity on sale of UTS.

December 22, 2018

PHILIPSBURG: — Member of Parliament Christopher Emmanuel is calling on the Minister of Justice Cornelius de Weever to give clarity on the possible sale of 12% shares of UTS St. Maarten.
Emmanuel said based on information he received it is his understanding that LIBERTY an American Company that bought the 88% shares of UTS Curacao and they are busy negotiating to buy St. Maarten’s 12% for some $24M.
The Member of Parliament said he understands that the Minister of TEATT will use $15M of that money for a bridge loan to PJIAE. He said he knows that the Minister of Justice picked up the Managing Director of UTS Curacao recently, thus he knows that something is ongoing while the people remain in the dark.
Emmanuel said he is very much concerned about the status of UTS workers on St. Maarten, he wants to know if UTS employees’ jobs are secured especially since several workers on St. Maarten was laid off since the passing of hurricane Irma.
He said Cable TV workers, hotel workers, and many other workers were laid off and he feels that the Minister of Justice must explain to the people what is going on because these negotiations are taking place in secret. Emmanuel said he wants to know if UTS shares on St. Maarten will be sold for $24M. He said if this is true then the Minister of Justice Cornelius de Weever has to then level with the people of St. Maarten especially since his job is secured. Emmanuel also called on the Minister to also shed light on the contract given to Atlas Construction Company to construct the perimeter wall of the Prison.