SXMElections.com

PHILIPSBURG--A group of St. Maarten-based Haitians who are part of a group called the Permanent Electoral Council (PEC) will be coordinating elections amongst Haitian nationals in the country this October.

Those elected are hoping to represent the interests of Haitian nationals residing in St. Maarten under the auspices of the PEC. Vice President (VP) of the PEC Dominique Vital said Haitians in St. Maarten are dissatisfied with the current Haitian St. Maarten Community Association and stressed that the Association does not represent the interests of Haitians in St. Maarten and it has not had elections in a very long time.

Vital said PEC elections will be held on October 5. The Council held a fundraising barbecue and dance on Saturday to help raise funds for PEC. At the fundraising event, PEC was expected to apprise the community about its existence and recruit interested candidates for its upcoming election.

The PEC says it is an independent non-profit organisation which consists of 10 members. Vital said PEC was established in St. Maarten as “the voice” of Haitian nationals living in the country. The group has been in operation since mid-2014 to oversee activities and initiatives in the community.

“PEC is not only looking forward to government’s support in events of catastrophe (fire, hurricane, etc.), but to also contribute to its community in worst case scenarios,” PEC said. “It is PEC’s duty to let the Haitians residing in St. Maarten have hope, but to also help them grow and integrate in the Dutch community.”

PEC listed its goals as being to help gather Haitians legally residing in St. Maarten; introduce them to each other and exchange experience of their lives on the island by giving them spiritual and moral support; study the problems related to the working and living conditions on the island; compiling and providing information… on working conditions which are legally required; and elaborating on proposals and/or projects to the respective government and private organisations that are working in the labour and residence fields.

PEC’s Executive Board comprises President Canesse Gassant, VP Vital, Secretary Joslyn Riche and General Advisors Jean Boasman and Horell Laguerre.