PHILIPSBURG--Nothing in the laws governing Members of Parliament (MPs) states there would be a cut in the MP's salary if they maintained and functioned in the job they had prior to being appointed to Parliament, President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell said Tuesday.
The post of MP is a full time one, but it is not explained as such in the law, she said, adding that an MP is entitled to their full compensation, in spite of having another job.
If an MP has another job, as long as it does not affect the attendance to meetings and does not impede their decision-making ability or that of the Parliament, Arrindell said there is no issue.
The issue of MPs holding two jobs has come into the spotlight in recent weeks because of MP Jules James of the United People's party (UP) who is also the General Manager of Pelican Resort. The resort has undergone a change of management which has been causing some issues for the workers.
Now that the matter has arisen in the public, Arrindell was asked if she sees the need for the law to be amended so that MPs must give up any other job once elected. Her response was that in a small community it is difficult to find people willing to serve in public office and therefore incentives are necessary.
"We live in a small society ... in order to attract persons who are qualified to work in government or even the private sector you have to have an incentive to give them. Right now, we still lack more personnel in all levels for the critical functions of St. Maarten," the Parliament President said.
She added, "We would be doing ourselves a disservice if we react emotionally [to this issue] and not just take a step back and look at the fact, and say OK, there are ways to solve these problems in these small communities."
Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/12310-no-salary-cut-for-mps-with-2nd-job-.html
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