Mike Franco.
ST. EUSTATIUS–“Undoubtedly the year 2018 has been a year filled with unexpected challenges and changes – together we have embraced it well,” Government Commissioner of St. Eustatius Marcolino “Mike” Franco said in his New Year’s address.
“As we say goodbye to the old year in 2018 and welcome the New Year 2019, let me, first of all, thank you for your patience and endurance, confidence in my team and I.”
In February 2018, Franco was given the task to work along with the local civil service and the Dutch ministries after the ruling coalition was side-lined due to what the Dutch government considered grave mismanagement.
“It was quite a task that required extensive planning and preparation,” Franco said. The greatest challenge, he said, was getting people from two different cultures to work together under the most difficult circumstances. This required setting certain priorities and managing expectations in an unusual situation where almost everything that needed to be done was a priority.”
During the annual Statia Day celebration in November 2018, Franco announced that several projects would start before the end of the year. “I am proud to say that my team and I have delivered on this,” Franco said.
“Contracts were signed for several projects, such as the restoration of the historic Dutch Reformed Church tower and the cemeteries, construction of what will become the largest Emergency Operating Centre (EOC) in the North-Eastern Caribbean, and the road network at Cherry Tree as a kick-off to the larger Road Improvement Plan.”
Franco also highlighted the erosion protection of the cliffs around Fort Oranje, Bay Path and Claes Gut, as well as the removal of car wrecks and the new street-sign project.
“These projects have secured employment for residents and it is my ambition to continue this same trend in 2019 when more development of Statia is scheduled to take place; this includes the construction of the new airport terminal building,” Franco said.
Several projects in the social domain are scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2019. Plans for a new Central Administration Building, which are in advanced stages of planning and preparation, will be presented to the public at a later date.
Another noteworthy achievement is the rebuilding of 110 roofs following the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. “Team Wederopbouw (Reconstruction) together with all local contractors did a great job. This is the perfect example of parties working together for the same common good,” Franco said.
He said that on the financial-management level, “considerable improvements have been achieved,” as noted in the most recent report of the Committee for Financial Supervision CFT.
At the administrative level, the government focused on cleaning up the civil registry and on improving the functioning of the civil service in providing “intensive” training for all civil servants at every level.
The training will continue well into 2019 to further increase knowledge and to strengthen the overall functioning of the civil service, whereby the government hopes this will restore the public’s confidence in the administrative process.
In the new year, a series of trainings will be organized for existing as well as aspiring politicians who would like to hold political office in the future, Franco said.
“Holding a political office requires that someone has a full understanding of government, the government’s inner workings, the laws, guidelines and administrative processes.”
Franco said he has “great respect and admiration” for Statia’s entrepreneurs who continue to make their contribution towards the overall economic development of the island despite “beleaguering” global challenges.
“Operating a business on a small island with an equally small population is challenging, yet many go about this knowing that their livelihood depends on this,”
In 2018, several new entrepreneurs appeared on the scene with many new types of businesses. Contractors who were dormant for years due to a lack of regular economic activity in that sector are once again operational, Franco said.
“The confidence, you, Statia’s entrepreneurs, have shown in your island’s economy and its potential is a positive signal,” Franco said.
He extended his gratitude to the persons who have attended the Wednesday morning consultation hours. “I value your questions, concerns and contributions. Your involvement has allowed me to see Statia through your eyes and to understand what is important for you”.
He said he was “optimistic and committed” because there is so much that still needs to be done. ”There are willing and able Statia people on board, and as we work together, I will maintain an open-door policy and will also ensure that as residents you are all well-informed of all the developments pertaining to Statia. Within every challenge there lie great possibilities and by working together, hand-in-hand, we can meet them and make the new year even better than the year before,” Franco said.
On behalf of the entire civil service and his family he wished everyone “a bright and prosperous 2019.”
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/84135-commissioner-franco-optimistic-and-committed-at-start-of-2019
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