Polluter Pays - A suggestion

One of the core principles of sustainable development is the "Polluter Pays" Principle. It is likely to be unknown to the Sint Maarten politicians and wannabe politicians so I take the liberty to explain what it is about. It may come in handy later.

The principles recognizes that the polluter should pay for any environmental damage created, and that the burden of proof in demonstrating that a particular technology, practice or product is safe should lie with the developer, not the general public. The principle was also adopted by the European Parliament and Council and is laid down in a guideline that must be followed by all member states of the EU.

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One way to adequately implement the polluter pays principle in the real world makes use of what are known as assurance bonds. Money put up by the "polluter" to insure against a worst case environmental impact, the bond would be recovered only if after sufficient time it had been demonstrated that the technology, process or product in question had been deemed to be safe as was reasonably acceptable.
Alternatively, if damage occurred, the bond would be used for environmental restoration, and to pay damages to anyone who had been harmed. By allowing the bond to accrue interest, the "polluter" receives an incentive to ensure that best environmental practice is followed, and to demonstrate that the technology, process or product is as safe as is practicably possible, without involving excessive cost.

A particular polluting practice of the worst kind is taking place right under our eyes: the excessive amount of election paraphernalia. Hundreds of flags, rags, stickers, posters and banners have polluted the island to a level unmatched in history. It is ridiculous. An eyesore and waste of money that nobody understands and it looks like a massive clean up is needed to rid the island of all the junk that was dumped everywhere.

For next election we seriously prefer to avoid these eyesores by banning all public display. But if the politicians must; let them cough up a $ 50.000,- assurance bond that can be used for environmental restoration after election time. We will need it. Mark my words.