Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
Several motorists have expressed doubts over already the third gasoline price hike in just over a week that went into effect on Monday. They reason that world oil prices don’t seem to be recovering quickly enough to justify so many upward adjustments.
The fact that Curaçao announced a drop in fuel rates at the start of this month no doubt added to the confusion. However, it must be noted that tariffs for petroleum products there are adapted on a quarterly basis, which means the effect of international fluctuations is delayed.
Nevertheless, a combined increase of 25.7 cents per litre within such a short time is rare and parliamentarian George Pantophlet (NA) has sent a letter on the topic to Economic Affairs Minister Claret Conner (UP). He is requesting pertinent details, including the dates of purchases and shipments, how long reserves are kept at the bulk station and data on controls at gas pumps.
As local governments over the years have not been in the habit of replying quickly to these kinds of inquiries despite a legal obligation to do so, it may take some time before the opposition member receives any answers, if at all. Still, his effort at least puts the minister under public pressure to provide a bit of clarity sooner rather than later.
In general, while debating on the floor of Parliament is important, legislators ought to make greater use of the possibility to submit written questions. That way there is no need for a meeting, which requires a request by more than one and a quorum to actually take place.
The latter means the majority always can boycott such a session, even twice, until it’s called for the third time and a quorum is no longer necessary. Besides, not all matters are best tackled in a discussion setting; requesting specific information on paper can often be more effective.
