SINT MAARTEN CHRISTIAN PARTY MANIFESTOcaribbeanelections.com/eDocs/manifestos/sx/smcp_manifesto_2018.pdfmotives, and principles of a political party. To date, manifestos in Sint Maarten

MANIFESTO

2018Rebuilding,Resetting,Recommitting

SINT MAARTEN CHRISTIAN PARTY

SintMaartenChristianParty|“Serving YOU for a Change!” 1

ContentsManifestooftheSMCP..........................................................................................................................3

OurPhilosophy .........................................................................................................................................3

OurVision .................................................................................................................................................3

OurMission ..............................................................................................................................................3

OurCoreValues........................................................................................................................................3

OurObjectives ..........................................................................................................................................4

SECTIONONE:Parliament ............................................................................................................................4

1.StableGovernment...............................................................................................................................4

2.NationalReconstructionPlan ...............................................................................................................5

3.ElectoralReform ...................................................................................................................................5

4.ReduceMPSalariesby15%..................................................................................................................5

5.ReduceSalariesofSMCPMPs ..............................................................................................................6

6.ReductionofSeverancePay .................................................................................................................6

7.CodeofConduct ...................................................................................................................................6

8.AnnualReportsbytheHighCouncilsofState ......................................................................................6

9.IntegrityReports...................................................................................................................................7

10.AuditofdecisionstakenbyrecentCare-takerandInterimGovernments .........................................7

11.AccountabilityfromtheCouncilofMinistersandindividualMinisters .............................................7

12.ParliamentaryCommittees.................................................................................................................7

13.DisasterPreparationandManagement .............................................................................................8

14.LegislationHigherEducation ..............................................................................................................8

15.NationalBudget..................................................................................................................................8

16.PublicRelations ..................................................................................................................................8

SECTIONTWO:Government/CouncilofMinisters .....................................................................................9

SECTIONTHREE:SMCP’sStanceonControversialIssues ...........................................................................15

SECTIONFOUR:ListofSMCPCandidates ...................................................................................................19

SECTIONFIVE:APPENDIX............................................................................................................................22

Table1:Declaration&AgreementtoGiveUp15%oftheMP’sSalary..............................................22

Table2:AgreementtoEnsureStableRepresentation .......................................................................23

Table3:Declaration–EradicationofPovertyInSintMaarten ..........................................................24


PrefaceAccordingtoArticle15oftheNationalOrdinance,governingtheElectoralCouncil,politicalparties must publish “a political program in good time before the election”. A party’spoliticalprogramisalsocommonlyknownasapoliticalplatformormanifesto!There is a clear distinction between a political program (manifesto) and a governingprogram.Thegoverningprogramdetailstheplans,projectsandtasksthattheGovernment(CouncilofMinisters)intendstoaccomplishduringitsfour-yearterm.Itisspecificaboutthewho,what,why,when,where,howandcostsoftheexecutionofaprogramoraproject.A manifesto, on the other hand, only gives an outline of the beliefs, intentions,motives,andprinciplesofapoliticalparty.To date, manifestos in Sint Maarten look and read more like governing programs,expoundingonwhat thepartyplans todowhen inGovernment i.e.,CouncilofMinisters.Thisisveryconfusingtothepeoplebecausepoliticalpartiesandpoliticiansarecontestingaparliamentary electionwhile at the same timepretending tobe vying for aministerialposition.SintMaarten votersneed to knowonce and for all thatMinisters are appointed andnotelected.ItistimethattheSintMaartenvotersunderstandthattheyhaveabsolutelynosayintheappointmentofaMinister.As the SintMaarten voter can only elect parliamentarians it is extremely important thatduringthecampaign,candidatesforparliamentinformthepeoplewhattheyintendtodoforthemwhentheyareelectedtoParliament.Aparliamentarianhastwomainfunctionsnamelytolegislate(initiateandapprovelaws)andtooversee(monitor,control)GovernmentortheCouncilofMinisters.In the political program or manifesto at hand SMCP will inform you what itsrepresentativesinParliamentplantododuringthenextparliamentaryterm:2018-2022.Since SMCP expects, after the elections, to be involved in forming the government andappointingministers,SMCPwillalsoincludeinthismanifestoissuesthataretobetackledbytheCouncilofMinisters.SectionOneofthisManifestodescribeswhatourMembersofParliamentwillbedoingoncetheyareelected(Seepage3).Inthisway,thepeoplewhoelectedSMCPparliamentarianscan hold them accountable by simply checking this Manifesto for the things that SMCPpurposed to do when elected to Parliament. The second section presents issues andproblemsthatmustbedealtwithbytheCouncilofMinisters(page9).


ManifestooftheSMCP

“Serving YOU for a Change!”

WhatistheSintMaartenChristianParty(SMCP)?A “Christian Party” is not a new phenomenon in politics. Most countries in Europe andSouthAmericahavepartiesbasedonChristianprinciples.The Sint Maarten Christian Party is a political party comprising of persons who haveaccepted to live andwork according to the principles of Jesus the Christ. SMCP is not adenomination,neitherisitachurchbutagroupthatembracestheConstitutionofCountrySint Maarten which reads " WE, THE PEOPLE OF SINT MAARTEN AFFIRM that weacknowledgetheguidingprinciplesofAlmightyGodasthecoreofourvalues...".These universal principles are, among others: accountability, compassion, honesty,integrity, justice, loyalty, respectand transparency.Basedon theseprinciples,SMCP isoftheopinionthatitcanoffergenuineleadershipwheninParliamentandinGovernment.

OurPhilosophyTheSintMaartenChristianParty:

1. acknowledges the sovereignty of theAlmightyGod over all the affairs ofman,includinggovernment.

2. willbeguidedbyChristianvalues,normsandprinciples.

OurVisionWeenvisionaSintMaartenwherepeople feelsafe, there isaffordablehealthcare,gainfulemployment,qualityeducation,equalbusinessopportunitiesforall,unbiasedjusticeandaprotectedenvironment.

OurMissionTopromotegoodgovernancethroughChristianprinciples,normsandvalues.

OurCoreValues• Accountability• Compassion• Honesty

• Integrity• Loyalty• Respect

• Teamwork• Transparency• Service


OurObjectives1. Toattainseatsinparliamentandpositionsingovernmentinordertobeableto

servethepeopleofSintMaartenandtohelpimprovethequalityoflifeforall.2. To restore andpromote accountability, transparency, integrity anddecency to

publiclifeandtogovernance.3. Toform,asneeded,allianceswithpoliticalpartiesthatascribetoSMCP’sguiding

principles and are willing to pursue similar objectives in the interest of goodgovernance.

SECTIONONE:ParliamentAs SMCP is contesting this parliamentary election it is important that SMCP informs thepeopleofitsintentionsonceitsrepresentativeshavebeenelectedtoparliament.SMCPisoftheopinion that since theestablishmentofCountrySintMaartenon10-10-10,notmuchimprovementhastakenplaceinParliament.Havingobservedthemediocreworkethicandthe lowproductivityofParliament (1 law initiatedandapproved,non-functioningof theparliamentarycommittees)SMCPismorethanevercommittedto"RAISINGTHEBAR"inParliamentwhenelected,aswehavepledgedsinceour2016manifesto.SMCPbelievesthatthefollowingproposalswilldefinitelyhelptoimprovethefunctioningofParliamentduringthe2018-2022parliamentaryterm.

1.StableGovernmentWhenSMCPobtainsthemajorityofseats(8ormore)inParliament,SMCPpurposesto work towards a stable government that will last its four-year term. However,shouldSMCPgetaminorityrepresentationinparliamentbutisaskedtohelpformacoalition government, then SMCP will bring certain conditions to the negotiatingtable that would help to guarantee a stable government for the next four years.Someoftheseconditionsare:(1)followtheprocedureofutilizinganinformateurandaformateur;(2)includetheelectedMembersofParliament(MPs)intheselectionofministers;(3)formationdiscussionsintheHouseofParliament;(4)appointthePrimeMinisterfromtheparticipatingcoalitionparties;(5)appointcompetent,qualified,professionalsasministers.


2.NationalReconstructionPlanOn the6th of September2017, Sint.Maartenwashit by theworsthurricaneever.This resulted in severe devastation of buildings, homes and infrastructure. InOctober2017,GovernmentpublishedadescriptivereportofthedamagesunderthenameNationalRecoveryPlan InterimReport.Todate, fourmonths later, the finalreportisyettobeseen.ThisfinalreportshouldspecifyhowtheDutchaidwouldbespentonthereconstructionofthecountryasfarastheeconomy,businesses,homes,and infrastructure are concerned. The aid should also go towards uplifting ourpeople out of poverty. The report would also outline the working relationshipbetweenSintMaarten,theNetherlandsandtheWorldBank.ShortlyafterSMCP’sMPsaresworninto Parliament, they will call in the Minister of General Affairs to provideinformationtoParliamentandto thepeopleabout thereconstructionplanand itsexecution.

3.ElectoralReformSintMaartenisindireneedofreformofourelectorallaws.SMCP’sMPswillsubmitamotiontochargeGovernmenttotackleelectoralreformandtosubmittheirreportconcerningtheneededreformswithinsixmonths.Thereportwillpresentproposalsconcerningthefollowing:- howtodealwithshipjumping;forexample,reducingtheincentivesthataone-

personfactiongetsinparliament;- the amendment of Article 59 of the Constitution to regulatewhen,where and

underwhichconditionsParliamentcanbedissolvedandsnapelectionscanbecalled;

- changethewaythepublicendorsementofpoliticalparties isdonetodateandestablish anonymous endorsements, respecting privacy and transparencythroughouttheprocess;

- other changes to the Election Ordinance, the National Ordinance Registrationand theFinancesofPoliticalPartiesasproposedby theCentralVotingBureauandtheElectoralCouncilrespectively.

4.ReduceMPSalariesby15%SMCPMPswillpresentamotiontoamendtheOrdinancethatregulatesthesalariesofMembersofParliamentwiththeintentionofreducingthesalaryby15%withinthe first 100days in office. For years, thepeoplehavebeenoutragedby thehighsalariesofourMPswhoovertheyearshavenotbeenabletoshowhighproductivityforthemoneytheyhavebeenmaking.Imagineinthelastsevenyears,ourMPshavenever initiated and passed any kind of legislation. Furthermore, in this season ofpost hurricane Irma,when people are hurting financially, SMCP is of the opinionthat MPs can easily give up a small portion of their salary to help alleviate thecountry’sbudgetdeficit.


5.ReduceSalariesofSMCPMPsIn the event themajority of theMPs refuses to support themotion to reduce theMP'ssalarythentheSMCPMPswillvoluntarilydeductthe15%,onamonthlybasis,fromtheirsalaryanddonatesaidamounttoaFoundationthatwillbeestablishedtohelp mitigate immediate personal and social situations related to families orindividuals. This Foundationwill not bemanagedby theMPsor theparty but byneutralpersonsinthecommunity.

6.ReductionofSeverancePayAfter active duty,MPs receive severancepay commensuratewith the timeperiodthat they served inParliament. Currently, theminimumamount tobepaid is oneyear.Forexample, ifanMPserved3months,he/she isentitled tooneyear’spay.MPsover60yearsarenotentitledtoseverancepay.Giventhefinancialsituationofthe country, SMCP is of the opinion that the severance pay for MPs should bereduced. Consequently, SMCPMPswill present amotion to reduce the severancepay-periodforelectedMPswhoarenolongeractive.

7.CodeofConductForyearsourparliamentarianshaveavoidedestablishingacodeofconductwhichisaverycommonlawamongparliamentsintheregionandaroundtheworld.Acodeof conduct would require financial disclosure by Members of Parliament beforeacceptingtheirseatinParliamentandalsoattheendoftheirparliamentarytenure.MPswouldalsohave todiscloseallof their side jobsand theirbusiness interests,includingtheirshareholdings.Thecodewouldstipulatewhetherthemonthlysalarythat our MPs currently enjoy is commensurate with a part-time or a full-timeposition.ThecodeofconductwouldalsoregulatetheacceptanceofgiftsorfavorsreceivedbyMembers of Parliament. SMCP intends toput forward aproposal andrevivethedebateconcerningacodeofconductforparliamentarians.

8.AnnualReportsbytheHighCouncilsofStateAnnually, the General Audit Chamber, the Council of Advice and the Ombudsmansubmit their reports to Parliament. In addition, institutions like the SER and theElectoral Council also submit their reports on an annual basis. Sometimes thesereportsarequitecriticalofParliamentandofGovernment.Parliamentissupposedto use these reports tomonitorGovernment and to evaluate itself. Unfortunately,these reports are simply shelvedandnothing isdonewith them. ItmustbequitediscouragingthiscanbeforthestaffoftheHighCouncilsofStatewhoputsomuchtime and effort in researching, evaluating and analyzing the state of affairs ofGovernmentandGovernmentEntities.SMCPwillensure that thesereportsarenolongershelvedbutthattheyarepresentedtotheParliamentfordebateandfollow-up.


9.IntegrityReportsThree Integrity Reports and the 2014 State of Affairs Institutional IntegrityManagementissuedbytheGeneralAuditChamberhavebeenshelved.SMCPintendsto have these reports, even though late, brought to the floor of Parliament anddebated. Furthermore, the recommendations from these reports should bereviewedandifneedbe,executed.

10.AuditofdecisionstakenbyrecentCare-takerandInterimGovernmentsIntheinterestofintegrity,SMCPMPswillrequesttheMinisterofGeneralAffairstohaveanauditdoneofallnewdecisionsmadeoutsidethescopeofthedailyaffairsofGovernment,thatweretakenbytheCare-takerandInterimGovernments.Areportof the audit findingsmust be presented to the Parliamentwithin a period of twomonths.

11.AccountabilityfromtheCouncilofMinistersandindividualMinistersIn the past, Members of Parliament apparently did not consider their oversightfunctionandresponsibilityasbeingveryimportant.Hence,MinisterswereseldomcalledtoParliament togiveanaccountof theirdecisionsandactions.SMCP’sMPsintend to monitor the decisions and actions of the Council of Ministers and theindividualMinisters closely and to call them to Parliament to give an account asoftenasnecessary.SMCPMPsintendtoupholdtheprinciplesofgoodgovernance.Ministers must also be aware that they can also be held personally liable fordecisionsthathaveanadverseeffectongovernmentandthecountry.

12.ParliamentaryCommitteesItisnosecretthatthe12committeesinParliament(8permanentand4ad-hoc)arenot functioning. The annual report of Parliament shows that the only meetingscalledbythesecommitteesaretoappointthechairpersons.TheproperfunctioningofParliamentdependsontheproperfunctioningofthesecommittees.Itisthereforeimperativethatthesecommitteesbegintofunctionassoonaspossible.SMCPMPsintendtoreactivatethesecommitteesandhavethemfunctioningsothatParliamentcan become effective in carrying out its duties. SMCP will demand that thesecommitteesreportatleastonceamonthtotheCentralCommittee.


13.DisasterPreparationandManagementAccordingtotheOrdinanceregulatingDisasterPreparednessandManagementtheMinister of General Affairs is required to present Parliament with a disasterpreparedness and management plan on an annual basis. Furthermore, the lawrequiresthatsixmonthsafteradisasterhasoccurredtheMinisterofGeneralAffairsmustsubmitanevaluationreportofthedisastertotheParliament.Thismeansthatby March 2018, the Minister must submit such a report to Parliament. SMCP’srepresentativesinParliamentwillberequestingthisreportplusthe2018disasterplan that has been put in place to dealwith the pending hurricane seasonwhichstarts on the 1st of June 2018. In addition, the MPs of SMCP will be asking theGovernment to draft an earthquake and tsunami disaster preparedness andmanagementplanaswell.

14.LegislationHigherEducationSince 10-10-10, tertiary education became the responsibility of Sint Maarten.Nevertheless,neitherGovernmentnorParliamenteverfollowedthroughtoregulatetertiaryeducationandtheroleoftheUniversityofSt.MartininhighereducationonSintMaarten.TheordinanceonhighereducationwillensurethatstructuralfundingfortheUSMisavailableandthatthequalityofhighereducationisguaranteed.SMCPMPswillensurethatbytheendof2018thelawonhighereducationispresentedtoParliament for approval. This legislation should enable the USM to become theepicenterofhighereducationforSintMaartenandtheCaribbean.

15.NationalBudgetAccordingtoArticle100oftheConstitution,Parliamenthastherighttoamendandapprove the budget. Hence, via this article Parliament is able to establish itsfinancial priorities. SMCPhasobserved thatParliamentdoesnotmakeuseof thismeanstoestablishprioritiesasfarasthedevelopmentofthecountryisconcerned.For example, in a given year parliament can allocate more funds in a particularsectorofthesociety(e.g.tourism)whilsteconomizinginanothersector.TheMPsofSMCP intend tomakemore use of Article 100 than the pastMPs have done. Thegovernment will be encouraged to present a budget geared towards thedevelopmentoftheislandratherthanatraditionalmaintenancebudget.

16.PublicRelationsAsadirectbodyofrepresentativesofthepeople,Parliamentshouldkeepthepeopleconstantly informed as to what is going on. When in Parliament SMCP MPs willproposethatthePresidentofParliamentandtheothermembersof thePresidiumholdregularpressbriefingsandthatthechairpersonofthepermanentandadhocCommitteesalsoupdatethepeopleonaregularbasis.


SECTIONTWO:Government/CouncilofMinistersAftertheelection,themajoritypartyoracoalitionsetsouttoformagovernment(CouncilofMinisters).Withregardtotheformationofgovernment,SMCPhaspresenteditsplanonpage 3 as to how to obtain a stable government comprising of capable, competent,professionalandqualifiedministers.Aninherenttaskofformingagovernmentisthedevelopmentofagoverningprogramthatspecifieswhatthegovernmentplanstodointhecomingfouryearsandwhy,howitwillbeexecutedandhowmuchitwillcost?SCMP has a list of projects and programs that it suggests Government to tackle in thecoming four-year term. In the event SMCP does not obtain the majority of seats inParliament,thentheseprojectsandprogramswillhavetobenegotiatedwiththecoalitionpartner(s).Ofcourse,SMCPwilldoitsutmosttonegotiatetoensurethattheissuesthatitconsidersfundamentalforthedevelopmentofSintMaartenareincludedinthegoverningprogram.Below is the list of projects that according to SMCP shouldbe included in the governingprogramandthereforeneedtobediscussedandnegotiatedintheeventSMCPisrequiredtobecomeapartnerofacoalitiongovernment.

1. TheReconstructionofSintMaartena. ShortTerm

i. Repairdamagedroofsandhousesii. Restoredamagedinfrastructure(e.g.streets,lighting)iii. Amendthebuildingcodeto includeamongotherthingsacisternfor

eachhomeandthattheroofbecoveredby30-40%concreteb. MediumTerm

i. Rebuildhomesii. Restore/rebuildtouristsitesiii. Synchronize the reconstruction efforts between Dutch and French

sides.iv. Prepare a national disaster and recovery plan in the event of

hurricane,earthquakeand/ortsunami.c. LongTerm

i. Ensure key infrastructure such as; Airport, GEBE, Harbor, Hospital,Telem

ii. Enforcethenewbuildingcodesiii. NationalDevelopmentFund

2. TheLandfill/Dump

a. FindandexecutesolutionstoridSintMaartenofthishealthhazardwhichisalsoaseriousenvironmentalconcernandatouristicandculturaleyesore.

b. Find and begin to execute waste-to-energy solutions such as a waste-to-energyplant that canhandle theDutchsidewastebutalsoFrenchside, St.Barth’s, Saba, St. Eustatius and surrounding islands. Our goal is to havesustainablegarbageprocessingandtocreateneweconomicdevelopment.


3. EnergyPolicya. RevisittheNationalEnergyPolicyforSintMaartenthatwasapprovedbythe

CouncilofMinistersin2014.b. Begintomakeplansfortheexecutionofsolar,greenandrenewableenergy.

4. HealthCarea. Update the legislation listed on the Government website under the

DepartmentofHealthwhichisgrosslyoutdatedb. Ensurethatahealthpolicyisestablishedthatwillincludetheconstructionof

the new hospital, implementation of health care certification and theNationalHealthInsurance.

5. EducationandTraininga. SMCP views education as ameans to effect change in SintMaarten. SMCP

thereforewillseekwaystoimprovethequalityofeducationatalllevelsandto introduce a diversity of training programs for the population that is nolongerattendingtheregularschoolsystem.

6. EradicationofPoverty75%ofthehouseholdsinSintMaartenliveinpovertyaccordingtothe2015Transparency International Report on Integrity in Sint Maarten (p. 22).According to calculation a household on Sint Maarten needs at least US$2,200orFls.4.000inordertosurvive.SomeofthewaystobegintoeradicatepovertyonSintMaartenare:

i. IncreasetheOldAgePensionii. Transitionfromaminimumwagetoalivingwagesystemiii. Eliminatetheabuseoftheshort-termlaborcontractsiv. ReplacetheTOTwithafairsalestaxv. Stimulatetheeconomywithproposalsforgovernmentincentivesvi. FollowguidelinesissuedbytheSintMaartenAnti-PovertyPlatform

7. ShortTermLaborContractsOnthe10thofDecember2017the legislationonshort-termlaborcontractswas debated in Parliament but needed to be further worked out by theGovernment. This legislation must be revisited and presented again toParliament.


8. SustainableNationalDevelopmentPlana. SintMaarten’sdevelopmentineverysectorofthesocietyhasevolvedmore

or less in an ad hoc manner. SMCP is of the opinion that a NationalDevelopmentPlanistoserveasablueprintforSintMaartenforthenext20-30years.Thissustainabledevelopmentplanwill includemattersrelatedtocultural, economic, educational, environmental and social development.Other topics such as e-government, e-commerce, new investments,information technology, telecommunications, ownership/empowerment oftheSintMaartener,willalsobeincluded.

b. SMCP will instruct the Government to develop a strategic, sustainableNationalDevelopmentPlanwithinaone-yeartimeframe.

9. NationalDisasterPreparation&Managementa. TheDisasterPreparednessandManagementPlanneedstobeupdatedtobe

able to deal with super hurricanes, earthquakes, floods and tsunamis; theorganizationalandadministrativestructuresneedtoberevisedandadaptedtocurrentsituationssuchasdealingwithinternationalreliefandcharitableorganizations.

b. Hurricanesheltersneedtobeassigned,madehurricane-proofandequippedbefore the next hurricane season begins. Community centers and publicschoolscanbepreparedwithaconcreteroof,generator,dieseltank,medicalemergencyandfoodsupplies.Theseshelterswouldbemannedaspartofthenew disaster management plan with nurses, marines, police/VKS andcommunity leaders. These would need to be self-sufficient for at least 2weeksincaseofanothercategory4+hurricaneorothernaturaldisaster.

c. Establish aNationalDisaster Fund tobe fundedby the governmentof SintMaartenandtheKingdomGovernment.

10. PublicTransportation

a. The Government needs to establish a policy on public transportation andinfrastructure. This policy will address the serious traffic congestions andstarttoimplementmeasurestorestricttheamountofcarsontheisland.

11. Tourism

a. Tourismis themain industryofSintMaarten.Thissector isalsooneof themost competitive sectors in the Caribbean. It is important that thedevelopmentof thiseconomicpillar issufficientlysupportedandpromotedby Government and everything must be done to enhance the visitorexperienceonSintMaarten.

b. Developamarketingplantorevitalizetherelevantstakeholdersandre-boostour economy. It is important to strike the right balance between cruise,timeshareandstay-overtourism.


12. EnvironmentandWell-being

a. Ensure that the natural environment is thoroughly cleaned such as theSimpsonBay Lagoon, the Freshwater Pond, the Salt Pond, etc. These areasalsoneedtobebeautified.ThemangrovesintheFreshwaterPondneedtobetrimmedandmaintained.Developasustainableenvironmentalpolicywhichalsoincludeseco-tourism.

b. Birdwatchingisahugetourismmarketandneedstobedeveloped.Includeadvice from the Sint Maarten Nature Foundation regarding marine andterrestrialenvironmentalpreservationanddevelopment.

13. EmpoweringourYoutha. SMCP will ensure that our youth are better engaged in community

developmenttohelpinstillinthemappreciationandasenseofprideforSintMaartenastheirhomeandtheir futureandassucharemorecommittedtoparticipateinnationbuildingandnationaldevelopment.

b. In our current environment our youth are not only concerned about theirfuturebutalsoaboutthecurrent issuesaffectingtheir lives,manyofwhicharefocalareasinthismanifesto.

14. OurSeniorCitizens–TakingCareofourelderlyAccordingtoacomprehensivereportonthestatusofourseniorcitizensof60yearsandolder,commissionedbytheDepartmentofSocialDevelopmentin2013,ourelderlypopulationhasincreaseddramaticallyoverthelasttenyears. The Report lists many recommendations that SMCP will strive toimplementwheninGovernment.

15. AgricultureDevelop an agricultural policy to maximize the potential of farming andfisheriesinasustainablefashion.

16. Immigrationa. Amend the immigration policy to address the land-size limitations of the

island, themonitoring of lives aboardwater vessels, and the availability ofjobs.

b. Enforcetheimmigrationregulationsinanexpeditiousandhumanemanner.c. ImplementtheBorderControlagreementmadewiththeKingdom.


17. Taxes

Over the years there has been a lot of discussion about revamping andsimplifyingthetaxsystem.Manyattemptshavealsobeenmadetoimprovethefinancialmanagement,taxcomplianceandfinancialreportingofGovernment.Itistimefortalktobeconvertedintoaction.Ourtaxsystemisnotcompatiblewiththe socio-economic and cultural context of Sint Maarten. SMCP purposes toreviewofour taxsystemtomake itmoresimplifiedandrelevant to thesocio-economicneedsofSintMaartenandpromotetaxcomplianceandcollectionbyimplementingelementsofFiscalResponsibility.

ThefollowingaresomeofthepointsandissuesthatneedtobeaddressedbythenewlyappointedGovernment:a. ensuringthatall tourismrelatedestablishmentspaytherequiredtaxesand

fees;b. offeringtaxincentivestobusinessesthathavebeenaffectedbythehurricane

aswellastoinnovativestart-upsmallbusinessesandentrepreneurs;c. replacing the Turnover Tax (TOT) by exploring the possibilities of new

indirect taxes, as recommended by the Social Economic Council; in thismanner the tax burdenwould be spread out over every single citizen andvisitor on the island. This policy should also include incentives to boostinvestmentintheislandlocallyandinternationally.

d. exploringthepossibilitiesofreducingtheProfitTax;e. seekingtoreducethewagetaxbracketpercentages;f. introducingaprogressivetransfertaxonthevalueofrealestatetohelpcurb

propertyspeculation;g. exploring the possibilities of levying a road tax based on vehicularweight

andvalue;h. offering tax- exemptions and/or incentives for companies that contribute

socially and environmentally to the development of Sint Maarten and itscommunity;

i. creatingfacilitiesthroughe.g.aSintMaartenDevelopmentBanktobeabletogrant localentrepreneurssoft loansaswellasassist in thedevelopmentofaffordablehomes.

IntheareaofFinancialManagementSMCPwilldiscuss:

j. establishing through the Central Bank, a minimum saving- and maximumlendingrateatcommercialbanks;

k. outsourcingcertaingovernmentfunctionstogovernmententitiesthatwillbeestablished;

l. establishingacapitalinvestmentpolicy;m. introducingaprogressiveremittancetaxandotherformsofcontroltohelp

curbmoneyleakagestoforeigncountries.


18. IntegrityChambera. NowthattheIntegrityChamberhaspassedthescrutinyoftheOmbudsman

theGovernmentmust dowhatever is needed to appoint themembers andputthestructureinplacesothattheChambercanbegintofunctionasap.

19. SafetyandNationalSecurity–Crimea. Residents and visitors have expressed great concern about safety and

protection. The goal of SMCP is to stem the tide of crime and restoreprotection, safety and a sense of community for all in SintMaarten. SMCPbelieves that crime is amatterof interest and importance toeveryoneandthateverycitizenhastheresponsibilitytoreportcrimeandcorruption.Thistopic will be a serious matter of concern when negotiating a coalitionGovernment.

20. ExternalRelationships

a. SMCPwill seek to promote and establish a close relationship with FrenchSaintMartinintheareasofculture,education,sportsandyouthaffairs.

b. SMCPwillalsostrivetoestablishacloseworkingrelationshipwithSabaandSt. Eustatius in the areas such as: trans-shipment of goods, sea and airtransportation,healthcareservices,etc.

c. SMCPwillalsoseektoimprovetherelationshipbetweenArubaandCuracaoas farasair transportation,Governmentexpertiseandservices suchas theCentralBankareconcerned.

d. The relationshipwith the KingdomGovernment needs to be repaired. SintMaarten needs to be able to profit more from its relationship with theNetherlands.

e. Regionalrelationshipneedtobestrengthened.

21. AppreciateandrespectourChristianHeritagea. SintMaartenhasarichChristianheritagewhichhasshapedandservedour

peoplewellformanygenerations.Wearenowacountrymadeupofpeoplewithmultiplefaiths.SMCPiscommittedtofreedomofbeliefandworshipasabasic human right and sees faith-based organizations as playing a positiverole in the continued development of our country. However, sinceChristianityisthebedrockofourbeliefsystemitshouldberespected.SMCPwillensurethatthefiveannualnationalecumenicalservicesareupheld:

-TheNationalDayofPrayer –2ndSundayinJanuary-EmancipationDay –July1st-ConstitutionalDay –2ndMondayinOctober-SintMaartenDay –November11th-ThanksgivingService –2ndSundayinDecember


SECTIONTHREE:SMCP’sStanceonControversialIssues

Since the ideologyand thevaluesof SMCPare consideredmore traditional and religiousbased,SMCPistheonlypartythatisquestionedonthefollowingtopicsandissueswhichareconsideredcontroversial.SMCPbelievesthatitshouldbeopenandtransparentaboutits stance on these controversial issues so that the voters know up frontwhat they canexpectfromSMCPonceelectedtoparliament.

1. SeparationofChurchandStatea. SMCPbelieves that theChurch and State shouldbe separatedbut that you

cannot separate God and Government. One has to do it God’s way if onewantsgoodgovernance.TheHon.MichaelManley,formerPrimeMinisterofJamaica, described the relationship between church and government as“distinctbutinseparable”.SMCPisoftheopinionthatneitherthechurchnorthe state should have any form of institutional control over each other. Inotherwords,thestateshouldnotdictatewhatthechurchshoulddo,neithershouldthechurchdictatewhatthestatedoes.

b. Wemust recognize that the church, is also an integral part of our culturalheritage and as such can have an influence on our society including onGovernment and Government decisions. Furthermore,many of our electedand appointed officials have a religious or church upbringing and as suchtheirdecisionmakingwouldbeconsistentwiththeirChristianbelief.

2. SameGenderMarriage

a. Asfarassame-sexmarriageisconcerned,SMCPisinagreementwiththelaw,asmentionedinSintMaarten’sCivilCode:BookI,Title5,Art.30whichstatesthatmarriageisbetweenamanandawoman.SMCPwillnotchampionsame-sexmarriageinParliament.

b. Sexualorientationandgenderidentityshouldneverleadtodiscriminationorabuse.

3. Abortion

a. SMCPbelievesinthesanctityoflife,thereforeeverystageofhumanlifehastherighttoliveanddeservestobeprotected.Abortionshouldnotbeseenasaformofbirthcontrol.SMCP’sstanceonabortionisoneofpro-life.However,theremaybeexceptionalcases thatwarrantanabortion,suchaswhenthelife of the mother is threatened. The articles on abortion included in thePenalCodeofSintMaartendatebacktotheDutchlawof1918whenabortionwastotallyprohibitedwithnoexceptionswhatsoever.Thislawwillneedtobeadapted.


b. SMCP also believes that in cases of abortion, provision should bemade tooffer counseling tobothparents (motherand father)aswell asoffer socialassistance.

c. SMCP is of the opinion that disseminating information to youngsters at anearlyageaboutsexandunplannedandunwantedpregnancieswouldhelptoreduce/avoidthenumberofabortionsinthecountry.

4. Euthanasia

a. SMCPbelievesinthesanctityanddignityofhumanlife.Hence,inthecaseofeuthanasia, SMCP is opposed to the withholding or withdrawal of care ortreatment frompersonswhoareelderly,sickordisabled.SMCPwillnotbechampioninganylawsrelatedtoeuthanasiainParliament.

5. Prostitution

a. Prostitutionisademeaningpracticewhichturnsaperson,(femaleaswellasmale) into an object. Until recently women were brought in from abroadunderfalsepretense,namelyasdancersandbartenders.Thesewomenwereexploited, harassed and often abused or ill-treated. It is known that youngmalesarealsousedasprostitutes.ProstitutiononSintMaartenisillegalandtheSMCPisopposedtolegalizingit.

6. CasinosandGambling

a. TheSMCPrecognizesthatcasinoscontributetotheSintMaarteneconomybyattractingtouriststotheisland,byprovidingjobsandrevenueintheformoftaxes.

b. SMCP is aware of the financial social and emotional pressure that casinosbringtobearonourlocalpopulation.Forexample,itiscommonknowledgethatmenandwomenwastetheirentirepaycheckinthecasinointhehopeofwinning.Mothersleavetheirchildrenunattended(inthecar,orathome)inthehopeofwinning.Fathersandmenbecomesoaddictedtogamblingthattheylosetheirjobs,theirfamiliesandallthattheyworkedfor.

c. SMCPisalsoawareofthefactthatcasinosarenotpayingtheirshareintaxes.There are laws in place to control the casinos but they are not properlyenforced.

d. As casinos are legal business on Sint Maarten, SMCP being a law-abidingpolitical party, would have to uphold the law and maintain the casinos.However, as many of the laws controlling casinos are not being enforced,SMCPwillensurethattheselawsareenforced.SMCPwillplaceamoratoriumon casino licenses. Thirteen (13) casinos on a 16 square-mile country aremorethanenough.


7. Carnival

a. SMCPisnotopposedtoCarnivalasaculturalevent.WhatSMCPopposesisthe amount of nudity, drunkenness, vulgarity (gyrating and obscenelanguage) etc. that takeduring this festival. SMCPwould like tobringbacktheculturalaspectsothatparentscantaketheirchildrentowatchandenjoyCarnivalorevenallowthemtotakepartinthevariousculturaleventsduringthecarnivalseason.

b. TomakeCarnivalacleanerandmoreculturalevent,SMCPwouldworkwiththeSt.MaartenCarnivalDevelopmentFoundation(SCDF)andtheauthoritiestocreateamorewholesomeandculturalfestivitybyensuringthatchildrenaresupervised,andcurbingthevulgarity,nudityanddrunkenness.

8. Marijuana

a. SMCP is in favor of regulating marijuana for medicinal use and scientificpurposes.However,SMCPisopposedtolegalizingmarijuanaforrecreationaluse.

9. Post-ElectionAgenda

a. Mostpoliticalpartiesandtheircandidatescometoyoupriortotheelectionsto get your vote. But after elections they are no longer visible in thecommunity.SMCPbelievesthatyouarealwaysimportantandwearemakingourselvesavailabletoservebeforeandafterelections.WheninParliamentoringovernmentSMCPwill continue to informyouofwhat is takingplaceaswellasconsultwithyouonmajorissuesanddecisionsthatconcernyouthepeople so that you can continue to participate in the governing process ofSintMaarten.

b. AftertheSeptember2016elections,SMCPkeptitspromiseandcontinuedtobevisibleandaudibleviaprintmedia,socialmediaandradio.Wewereaboutto start town hall meetings when hurricane Irma struck on the 6th ofSeptember2017,Governmentfellonthe2ndofNovember2017resultinginthedissolutionofParliamentonthe3rdofNovember2017.

c. SMCPintendstocontinuetoinformthevotersandthepeopleofSintMaartenbymeansof:

i. generalmembershipmeetings;ii. themediaandsocialmedia;iii. townhallmeetings.


10. Conclusion

SMCP,giventheopportunitytobeinParliamentand/orinGovernmentwillmakea change in the areas listed above as well as in other relevant areas.Weareappealingtoalleligiblevoterstomakeadifferencenow.YourfuturewillbeincapablehandswhenyougiveSMCPtheopportunitytoserveyouthepeopleofthisgreatCountryandmakeachange…thechangeisNOW!


SECTIONFOUR:ListofSMCPCandidates

Candidate#1:WycliffeS.SmithDuringmorethan30yearsofexperienceingovernmentservice,Mr.Smith,whoholdstwoMastersDegrees,functionedasaTeacher,InspectorofEducation,DirectoroftheDepartmentofEducationoftheWindwardIslands,PresidentoftheUniversityofSt.Martin,aseducationalandculturaladvisortotheExecutiveCouncilofSt.MaartenandasLt.GovernorofSaba.Asacommunity-mindedperson,Smithhasvolunteeredandsatonseveralboardsandcommittees,served

asachurchministerforover30years,thenaspastorfor14years.Inhisprofessionandcareer,Mr.Smithhasalwaysfocusedonservicetopeople.Nowwithhiseducationalbackground,trainingandexperienceMr.SmithisreadytoservethepeopleofSintMaartenforachange.

Candidate#2:KeithPeterJ.GittensAfirmbelieverinJusticewithapassionfortheyouthandtheelderly,Mr.Gittenshasaproven track record of selfless giving and service to the community. As an astutebusinessman, he is greatly interested in providing sustainable opportunities for theentrepreneur. With strong family values and Biblical principles to direct his path,"PeterJ"pursuestheinterestsofhiscountryandfellowmanbyhispersonalmotto"FortheGreaterGood".

Candidate#3:MulroseToulon-SponsperBornandraisedontheIslandofSt.Maarten,herfatherisMr.HerveBakerSponsper:theGuavaberryman.HermotherisMs.EudoraRogers-Mardenborough.Afterhighschool,Mulrosewentstraightintotheairlineindustryandstayedthereforadecade.In2012,Mulroseansweredthecallandwentintoministry.SheisnowpursuingherMastersdegreeintheology.Mulroseisabrightandwell-spokenyoungladywithaloveforhercountry.

Candidate#4:ClaudeA.H.PetersonAffectionatelyknownasChacho,heisthesonofretiredPoliceAffairsHead,HansPetersonandpoliticalactivist,AlineChoisy.Hewasraisedwithhisgrandfather,FelixChoisywhoinstilledinhimapassionandloveforhisislandanditspeople.Afterstudyingabroad,hereturnedtoSt.Maartenin2001asanentrepreneur.Petersonhasbeenapoliticalactivist,enlighteninghispeoplethroughsocialmedia,challengingthenepotismandcorruptionplaguing

GovernmentandParliament.HeismakinghimselfavailabletoSERVEYOUinParliamentanddefendingyourrightstoabetterstandardofliving.Corruptionisnothisculture.Don'tletitbeyours!


Candidate#5:BeverleyGibbsTheyoungestoffivechildren,GibbswasborntoafatherwithSt.Maartenstrengthinhisveins,andamother,bornofstrongSabanpride.Specializinginspecialneedseducation,especiallyforAutism,Down’ssyndrome,andlearningdisabilities,Gibbshasdedicatedherselftoimprovingthelivesofthesechildrenandtheirfamiliesforabrighterfuture.GibbshasalsoservedasIslandSecretaryinSaba,andwhilelivingintheNetherlandsshecontestedtheMunicipalCouncil

electionsinAmstelveenwiththeDutchLabourParty.

Candidate#6:BenjaminBellBellhasapassionforthepeople,workers'rightsandjustice.AsanentrepreneurwithexperienceasaformeremployeeofthePelicanResort,theDepartmentofEconomicAffairsandtheInspectorateofTaxes,Benjaminhasaprovenrecordofstandingupforothersandstandingupagainstmanipulationandinjustice.Withaloveforthiscountry,hegivesbacktothecommunitybyvolunteeringinvarioussettings,usingtheplatformsofpastorandmusiciantobringnational

pride.

Candidate#7:FranceliseAlexandraMauricia-PetersonBornontheFrenchsideandeducatedonDutchStMaarten,FrancelisecompletedherstudiesinArubaandthenreturnedtoherislandhome.ShehasmanyyearsofexperienceintheHotelandTourismindustry,bankingandinthecivilserviceasanextraordinarypoliceofficerundertheMinistryofTEATT,sectionCasinoControl,aSupervisorofSectionCasinoControl.Franceliseisa

socialactivist,youthmentorandmotherofthree."Thepursuitoftruthandjusticearemypassions.WithmyconvictionsIwillstandfirmformycountryandmypeople”.

Candidate#8:ChristianPresidentBorn on the northern side of this island and raised for themost part on thesouthern side where he also obtained his education. After completing hisstudiesabroad,helandedajobintheAviationindustryatPJIAE.Asacitizenofour failed political climate, he passionately feels it is his duty to provide St.Maarten the best possible representation. He therefore offers himself as yourrepresentativeinParliamentasacandidateontheSMCPslate.


Candidate#9:MichaëlSomersallHusband and father of four, an accomplished businessman and former chiefpublichealthinspector,Somersallisastrongadvocateforpublichealth,offering25 years of ethical leadership experience. He played a pivotal role in thedevelopmentoffoodsafetyawarenessandtheenforcementofregulationsontheisland.Michaëlvoluntarilyprovidespestcontrolservicesatschools, foodsafetytraining at several institutions aswell as to cooks at soup kitchens. Somersall

pledgestoworkrelentlesslytohelprebuildaresilientSt.Maarten,whereeveryindividualwillhaveaccesstotheeducation,services,andresourcesneededtosucceedinlife.

Candidate#10:RichardPatrickPatrickisapeople'spersonwithhumbleupbringingsfromSuckerGarden.WithadegreeinBusinessAdministration,hehasseveralyearsofexperienceintheHospitalityIndustry,theMarineIndustry,andtheBusinessIndustry.Hehasbeenapoliticalactivistformanyyears.Patrickstandsreadytoserveyou.Changeishere.

Candidate#11:MarylouseRattan-PouloRattan-Pouloismarriedwithtwostepchildren.Shehasspent33yearsasaCivilServant. Currently she works in the Tax Administration's Audit and CriminalInvestigation Department as a Tax Auditor. She has excellent organizationaland administration skills with experience in dealing with Tax Laws andCustomers. Marylouse believes that a great leader inspires people to have

confidence first in themselves. Rattan-Poulo is offering to serve you as a Member ofParliament for the Country of SintMaarten to bring changes and new legislation, to bringcomfortandeconomicreliefforthepeopleofSintMaarten.

Candidate#12:AlbertoF.ButeAsanactivisthehasparticipatedinmanyactionstodefendthelessfortunateinoursociety.Hiseffortsledtothe“Employees’BillofRights”.ButehasexperienceasthepresidentofSUNFED,founderofseveralsocialandsportsorganizations,andrepresentativeoftheUFAUnion.HehaschampionedcausesrelatedtotheFortAmsterdamsale,theoperatorsofheavyequipment,studentsexpelledforlackofpayingschoolfees,amongothers.AsarepresentativeofNGOs,heisnow

workingontheNationalDevelopmentPlanforSintMaartenwhilebeingaco-coordinatoroftheSintMaartenAnti-PovertyPlatformandoftheSintMaartenConsumerCoalitiontofighttorealizetherightthedevelopmentandallotherhumanrightsofthepeopleofSintMaarten.


SECTIONFIVE:APPENDIX

Table1:Declaration&AgreementtoGiveUp15%oftheMP’sSalary


Table2:AgreementtoEnsureStableRepresentation


Table3:Declaration–EradicationofPovertyInSintMaarten


SMCP Headquarters: Backstreet #166, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten (D.W.I.)

Tel.: +1(721)543-SMCP (7627)Cel.: +1(721)580-9474 or +1(721)520-4232

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.smcp.online

www.facebook.com/smcponline

Documents

SINT MAARTEN CHRISTIAN PARTY MANIFESTOcaribbeanelections.com/eDocs/manifestos/sx/smcp_manifesto_2018.pdfmotives, and principles of a political party. To date, manifestos in Sint Maarten