Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
Philipsburg, St. Maarten– Member of Parliament, Sarah A. Wescot-Williams in a recent statement stated that It has been some months now that the Association of Psychologists and Allied Professionals (APAP) has approached me regarding challenges faced by its members. In fact, nearly one year ago, the association publicly expressed its concern with respect to the continuation of mental health services by its members due to a number of reasons, such as timely payments, adjustment of tariffs and the fact that since 10-10-10, these professionals, unlike most of their peers, are still subjected to Turn-over-Tax.
MP Wescot-Williams said that for months I have been asking the Minister of Finance, when projected tax amendments will find their way to Parliament. It was again questioned during the budget debate, only to learn that the Ministers tax plans will be shared at some point in the future. I guess this will not be before the tax proposals of the Country Package are worked out.
In a recent letter, the MP has directed several questions to the Minister of Finance regarding this particular Turn-over-Tax Amendment for Psychologists.
My questions serve to determine how far this process is after all this time and if necessary, to initiate an amendment to correct this situation. In perusing the relevant legislation, it is indeed an oversight, inherited from the Antillean TOT law. Curacao, who faced the same issue, corrected this matter several years ago. A correction that is quite straight-forward and does not require a major change., said Wescot-Williams.
I continue to express my concern for the overall mental health of our people and for the many persons who are burdened by the weight of mental issues and stress, caused or exacerbated by the current pandemic. I take this opportunity to thank our mental health professionals, who make an extra effort to offer care during these trying times.
