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A Foundation of Hope for Our Country
A foundation built on strength, compassion and decisiveness
 
I. INTRODUCTION

If there ever was a time for government to plot its course carefully, to plan strategically, and to prioritize its activities, it is now.

The new trajectory for St. Maarten has been set with the accomplishment of country status on October10, 2010. This is a path towards more autonomy, more self-reliance, more responsibilities, and a long-term creative problem resolution mindset for our country.

After almost a year of being a constituent country within the Dutch Kingdom, it is clear that the road ahead will not be an easy one to travel. The change in St. Maarten’s constitution to its country status calls for the old adage “all hands on deck”. In order to build country St. Maarten, the creative utilization of various resources including human resources is imperative to the future success of St. Maarten and the implementation of the critical success factors.

The true and complete financial picture of our new country is slowly emerging and it will take some time before all aspects of this picture become clear. At the end of the day, upon completion of the division of assets of the former Netherlands Antilles, when St. Maarten receives its rightful share, it will be able to invest its available assets efficiently and secure prudent funds management; in our view this picture will be a promising one.

In preparation for Country St. Maarten, much attention was paid to the democratic foundation, which is so critical for any young nation. Though the financial consequence to guaranteeing this democratic foundation may be staggering, the social and economic benefits largely outweigh the costs.
During the composition of this government program, the 2011 budget has recently been approved.
With the 2011 budget inherited from the previous administration, the government set out to do the best it could. However, numerous government plans will have to be temporized due to current global and regional economic and financial realities. Nevertheless, the Government is determined to present its vision for our country and remains resolute that the constitutional change on October 10, 2010 has been for the betterment of the people of this nation.

It is obvious however, that much of the anticipated constitutional change has come at a time of major international challenges and uncertainties, which also impact the economic well being of St. Maarten.
At present, the world seems to be restoring in a sluggish manner from the economic and financial doldrums that have rocketed the world over the past 24-36 months. During this time St. Maarten was able to barely sustain the effects of the global financial crises.

In preparation for country St. Maarten, the available national resources were pushed to their limits, but the Government was provided with the blueprint for a government organization, worthy of country St. Maarten.
It is now our task to fill all functions needed to man this organization. It is evident, that for at least the coming 12 to 18 months, it will be impossible to permanently fill all critical functions and the alternatives of signing SLA’s and contracting consultancies will be financially very demanding, particularly because of time pressure.

None of the above however, will dampen the spirit of Moving Ahead as a country, responsible for our own destiny and that of our children. This Government will have a different approach towards the country’s first government program. This program will not be a static and dusty document, but rather a testing platform for the creativity of all within the framework agreed upon by the coalition parties.

With the outline of the Government’s vision and the focal points of the 2010-2014 government period, the government will enter into dialogue with government senior management and with the private and civil sectors to establish a joint agenda for the future of St. Maarten.
Based on the political programs of the governing parties, the building blocks for this foundation are the following:

1. Combating and eradicating poverty
2. Adequate healthcare
3. Social support structures
4. Sustainable development
5. Adequate infrastructure
6. Safe and secure living environment
7. Human development
8. Sound government

The tools to accomplish the above objectives will be a solid investment program,
supporting the following 5 pillars:

a) Economy,
b) Social Safety Nets,
c) Infrastructure,
d) Human Development,
e) Environment.