Published: 14 June 2021
PHILIPSBURG: - Independent Member of Parliament Christophe Emmanuel on Monday said that if the Prime Minister and her government were truly serious about cutting costs, they perhaps could have shown some empathy and act in good conscience, and paid civil servants a small percentage of their vacation allowance “instead of telling them they are getting nothing at all.”
The MP was reacting to the Prime Ministers online group call with civil servants on Monday in which she finally brought some clarity to the government workers who have been asking for weeks whether parts or all of their due vacation pay would be paid. Government also owes its workers 50% of this allowance from 2020. The clarity the PM brought, the MP said, was to inform the workers that they will not be getting the allowance at all this year.
Published: 30 May 2021
~ Says financial controller had limited info ~
PHILIPSBURG: - Independent Member of Parliament Christophe Emmanuel on Sunday called for an update on the Ombudsman’s inquiry into the awarding of garbage contracts to five companies for the next five years. He said though the Minister of VROMI has gone quiet on the issue, it remains unresolved with several questions unanswered.
The MP explained that at least two companies filed complaints at the Ombudsman who in turn contacted the Minister with several inquiries based on those concerns. This was also confirmed by the Minister. The MP said he understands that the Minister has since responded to the Ombudsman with information that was not sufficient or clear enough for the Ombudsman to issue a final report.