Plasterk asks for solution TOT-problem

During a recent working visit to the Netherlands, St Maarten Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT) Ted Richardson met with Dutch Minister of Interior and Kingdom Relations Ronald Plasterk. Also present was St. Maarten Minister Plenipotentiary Mathias Voges. This writes The Daily Herald.
According to a press release, Plasterk commended the resolving of the Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland (RCN) cable issue, between St. Maarten and Dutch State Service Caribbean Netherlands, in a timely manner. Plasterk indicated that a solution was still needed with regard to the turnover tax (TOT) between St. Maarten and the islands of Saba and St. Eustatius.
Richardson said he would speak with Minister of Finance Martin Hassink. Plasterk appreciated the willingness to address this issue. Richardson emphasised that, from an administrative perspective, it would be challenging to let retailers make distinctions between consumers from Saba and Statia, as well as any others.
Plasterk agreed that the situation is complex, especially in cases of individual shoppers. Richardson told Plasterk that a solution could be the establishment with a “Transit Depot” for goods destined for Saba and Statia.
The minister gave an explanation about his road map in an animated film and explained that St. Maarten is in the process of expanding its hub function within the Caribbean, in a similar fashion to that of the Netherlands within Europe.
Plasterk was impressed with the presentation and added that it held great potential for cooperation between St. Maarten, Saba and Statia.
Richardson also highlighted the country’s process to set up a Consumer Protection and Competition Authority, and claimed that it had now reached the stage of establishing the legislation.
The minister’s delegation comprised Chef de Cabinet and personal advisor Ludwig Ouenniche, and Jaap van Duinkerken of Ministry TEATT.