Phased dismantling starts on
July 1, 2009 for St. Maarten
~ Temporary cooperation on SVB, APNA, BZV, FZOG, Capriles Clinic ~
DAWN BEACH--The Central Government, Curaçao and St. Maarten signed Tuesday night a decision list on the phased dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles and the start of constructing the new entities. St. Maarten has chosen to receive all tasks and authorities of the Central Government in two phases.
The agreement was reached on Monday and was scheduled to have been signed Tuesday 1:30pm. However, St. Maarten’s Constitutional Affairs Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams did not make it for the appointment and the signing was postponed till 8:30pm.
Wescot-Williams said on the occasion of signing the final document that with respect to the personnel the new entities would establish their new government organisations by the end of January 2009 and as such the placement of the personnel would be clear for this new organisation.
In addition it was agreed that a Social Statute for the personnel, guaranteeing their legal position, would be concluded between the Central Government and St. Maarten.
Pertaining to the legal transfer of tasks and authorities of the Central Government, it has been agreed that Parliament will be given the proposals for the transfers so that the necessary ordinances can be completed. In addition it has been agreed how the transfer of the individual tasks and responsibilities will take place. St. Maarten has chosen for a transfer in two phases: on July 1, 2009, and on December 31, 2009.
Regarding the list of organisations and foundations falling outside the Central Government organisation such as General Health Care Bureau BZV, Social Insurance Bureau SVB, Foundation Sickness Insurance Government Pensioners FZOG, Capriles Clinic and General Pension Fund Netherlands Antilles APNA, parties agreed to establish within the next two months a temporary form of cooperation.
An evaluation will take place on July 1, 2009, whether the agreements made were realistic, based on compliance by all partners involved.
