Reading the papers last week that more than half of businesses registered at the Chamber of Commerce have no Crib number, and as such are not paying taxes is shocking indeed. Businesses not registered at the Chamber of Commerce are not even included in the amount mentioned, while we may safely assume that many, if not most of them too do not have a Crib number and are not paying taxes.
If we, the people living on Sint Maarten, not just government, are serious about building a country and assuming our own responsibilities, it is time that we, the people, get actively involved. If an effective top-down approach to have everybody involved has been missing, it is time to consider a bottom-up approach. Paper will establish the country, but we, the people will have to live it and make it work! If discipline starts at home, the same discipline will have to be displayed by the parents in the workplace, whether one is an employee or the boss.
It is time that we, the citizens residing on this island, live up to our responsibilities rather than point fingers, look at government to do for us, or get mad when we are put in our place. Talking about responsibilities is not enough, acting responsible is what counts. Mistakes will be made, and that is okay as long as each one of us is prepared to accept our individual responsibility. Getting properly organized is part of discipline, which we -accepting the truth and our responsibility (!)-, lacked as a people.
Here is where government can step in, not to punish and take drastic measures against those who want to get organized, but like the grace period given to undocumented persons, assist business and other sectors in the community to get organized. Government should provide the public ample information on what is required in various areas, as well as know-how to effectively comply with certain rules and regulations. I think of issues such as knowing how to file taxes, fill out forms, meet deadlines, and more.
Documenting our affairs, whether it is our income and expenses, or our history, has not been part of our lifestyle. It is something we have to learn. It therefore behooves organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and other private initiatives, as well as Government Departments to go out to the people to help the country (to be) get organized. Of course we can stay where we are, and claim that it is the responsibility of the people to come forth and acquire the necessary information and skills, but if we really want to be effective, have results, and build a nation bottom-up, which will yield the most fruits in the future, we have to work hand in hand seeking viable ways to together build our future. It may be all shocking indeed, but this is our reality.
The issue is not being, or not being, from here, but “being here”, a citizen of this country that counts. The clock is ticking, and most of us are not planning to go anywhere, but are staying right here!
Dr. Nilda Arduin,
President Foundation Focus, Producer of The Law in Focus
