St. Maarten Private Eye

Mr Larry, Please visit the Lt. Govenor's website and get firsthand information on the new policy on residence permits. It's high time that the Lt. Governor make these regulatory steps to control the free for all, do what you want attitude.
Why do you need 4 directors to opperate a 10x10 store? Business people have been abusing the system for too long and we are sick of it. We salute the Lt. governor's new initiative It 'spretty simple- prove that you are leasing a house for fls 2.250 and that your salary will be fls 75.000 annualy and your business will turn over fls 500.000 annualy.
Other islands in the Caribbean such as Anquilla and the BVI require more and then you are registered as a non belonger.

I must admit that I have some reservations about the turnover requirement. It will deter foreign investors from setting up small business, such as art galleries and craft type establishments.
At the moment we have too many small stores selling cheap T-shirts, and hair products with 5 directors.

Regading the refund, I know of someone who just got back their refund this week. This person was born in Europe, and at that time persons from Europe were require dto pay $600 or so for work permits. I was very surpise how fast the refund was expedited, usually it take sa very long time like everything else

It's time for us to diversify our market in e-commerce and encourage local participation in setting up small to medium light industry and export.

WE have always welcome foreign investment, and we still do, but we will not tolerate abusive business people who try to get circumvent the law. We need added value.