Business View Caribbean | May 2019

41 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN MAY 2019 “Bringing changes to the electoral system and certain laws is also included under restructuring. A committee to do an assessment on electoral reform was established. We will make a proposal and bring it to parliament, so we can compare notes with their committee because we think some things in the constitution might have to change, but we definitely know that some laws will have to be amended.” Safety and Security “In terms of Safety and Security, as an island that is governed by two separate Governments, I think about, for example, ensuring that our prison is modernized and that we have proper rehabilitation for those who are incarcerated. We look at persons who would like to become Dutch citizens, ensuring there is a path for them to obtain the Dutch nationality. We’re looking at upgrading and strengthening the police force; the volunteer corps; all entities that wear a uniform; introducing more community policing and ensuring our men and women in blue have the right equipment and advanced training to execute their jobs more efficiently. We’re looking at ensuring that there is proper and improved street lighting, better road signs, ensuring that the sidewalks are safe for pedestrians, and damages are repaired are all part of upgrading the safety & security on the island.” Health and Social Wellbeing “This point in our governing program is about promoting health and wellbeing in the lives of the citizens of St. Maarten. We started with the hospital project, rebuilding our medical center and ensuring we receive funding from the $580 million trust fund given by the Netherlands to build the hospital to withstand more than 180 mph sustained winds. “We are looking at accelerating education in the health and wellbeing sector, the improvement of our youth development, and upgrading our sports facilities and programs. We have a lot of talent, THE PR IME MINI STER OF ST . MAARTEN