Board of Chamber of Commerce holds first joint meeting on Saba

The Chamber of Commerce of St. Eustatius and Saba held its first joint meeting on Saba. Since its inception in 2010, the Chamber’s Board, represented by three members of Statia and two of Saba, has always held meetings via video-conference, but on this historic occasion, the Statia Board members and the Chamber’s Executive Secretary travelled to Saba to hold its mid-year Board meeting, and to host a meet-and-greet for Saba’s business community.

Board President Nicolaas “Koos” Sneek of Statia and Vice President Wolfgang Tooten of Saba addressed the gathering at the reception, which was held June 30 at the office of the Chamber of Commerce in Windwardside.

Some 14 members of Saba’s business community, including heads of foundations, company directors, as well as office staff attended, as did the newly-installed Commissioner of Economic Affairs Rolando Wilson.

In his brief address, Sneek welcomed the guests and introduced the visiting board members Carlyle Tearr, Public Relations Officer Ebelene Schmidt, Secretary Petronila Lara Reyes and Tooten, and administrative assistant Sharmina of the Saba office.

Sneek gave an overview of the Board’s responsibilities and encouraged those present to contact the Chamber whenever they have questions concerning the functioning and activities of the Chamber, or the establishment of business ventures on the island, assuring them of the Chamber’s availability to assist the business community at all times and in very instance.

Tooten welcomed the Statia Board members to Saba and echoed similar sentiments regarding the working relationship between the two offices and the business communities they serve.

The Chamber, in cooperation with Antek IT Solutions and Software Company, sponsored a payroll workshop conducted by Klaas van Sloten and Louis Bute, attended by about 10 individuals from various offices and business.

Tax Department representative Judith Thomasia also gave a presentation on the proper application of payroll taxes and premiums, and the most effective use of payroll software, following Tax Department guidelines.

The day on Saba was considered a success. Both the workshop and the reception were well received, and a similar event will be held on Statia on August 18.

The Daily Herald.