The man in hiding

The Minister of VSA, Mr. Emile Lee, finally came out from his secure hiding place to appear on the talk show, People’s Voice. The Minister used the first part of the program or at least the part that I heard, to blame Prime Minister William Marlin just like his Leader Sarah did for St. Maarten not being able to receive the funds from the Netherlands.

Mr. Lee also took a jab at the Honorable Minister of VROMI by stating that after the hurricane in 1995, the then government brought in emergency houses for the people. He followed by asking, “where are the emergency homes this time around?” Minister Lee, let me ask you the same question, what are some of your responsibilities as the Minister of Social Welfare? In your coalition meetings did you broach this question with the Minister of VROMI? Or was this just said for political millage?

The Radio host allowed the Minister to make just a statement and never held him accountable to his function as a Minister, the welfare of the people of this country. Minister Lee, since you got the courage to show your face from your secured hiding place, we the people of St. Maarten want to know when are you the Minister of Labor is going to make a statement about the labor situation on this Island. Hotels on the Island made promises to their staff. Today it is being rumored that these same hotels are going back on their promises to pay their staff for three (3) days whether they work or not. Was the Minister of Labor too busy taking care of his own hotel property and not aware of the plight of the people of this Island?

Two Hotels owned by the same owners are letting go 205 of their workers and we are told they will take two (2) years to repair the property and by all indication, they received permission from the Labor Minister. My question now, is it because he is in the same hotel business?

I really need the Minister of Labor to explain us, how was it that St. Maarten Cable was told, “not so fast guys, check us back in March 2018 for an answer on your request to dismiss all your workers.” I am sure St. Maarten Cable did not have 205 workers. So Mr. Lee, please inform us who are now out of a job, what was it that Diamond Resorts International told you as their reason, that you gave it your consent and approval to have them put 205 persons out of a job???

The Minister likes to say, “that he allowed his staff to work on their own.” Mr. Lee are you serious ??? What St. Maarten went through on September 6th, was nothing ordinary Sir. Any leader of worth would have been out there making decisions for his people. That is your portfolio Sir, the well-being of the people of this Island, leave it to the staff, are you serious? Had you been working for a corporation and made such a statement, you would have FIRED for incompetence.

So Mr. Lee can you call the host of People’s Voice and book another interview and explain to the people of St. Maarten your lack of concern for their well-being and the jobless situation on the island

H. Richardson