Thursday, June 15, 2006 - Philipsburg, St. Maarten, N.A
Migration problems to be discussed in July meeting
St. Maarten--The commitment has been made to take concrete measures and tackle the migration problem.
The Justice Department, Executive Council of St. Maarten and the Chamber of Commerce representing the business sector will meet in July to discuss the situation, Justice Minister David Dick said after meeting with the Executive Council and the Chamber of Commerce yesterday.
“If we leave the situation as it is, social and health problems will keep growing,” Dick said. He said the Netherlands Antilles had been characterised through its history by migration, but time had come to regulate this and take measures for long term solutions. One of the main problems solved will be the issuance of permits for foreigners.
He said he was glad that awareness of the problem had been acknowledged and willingness to discuss had been expressed during his meetings.
Chamber of Commerce President Ludwig Ouenniche said he also was glad the minister had invited the Chamber of Commerce to the July meeting. “We cannot allow ad hoc decisions to be taken,” Ouenniche said emphasising the necessity of presenting solutions to solve immigration problems in the future.
Copyright ©2006 The Daily Herald St. Maarten
