New Minister VSR Address Workers on Labor Day
Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA) Richard Panneflek, said on Friday May 01st that this Labor Day is marked by the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.
“As a nation, we are at an extremely difficult time in our national development. The labor force of the country are facing challenges never before experienced in our history. In order to address the COVID-19 public health pandemic, the Government of Sint Maarten has taken measures to halt the spread, protect the people and helping to save lives, by asking everyone to stay at home.
“The public health measures at the same time, impact negatively our national economy and the labor force. They have disrupted business activity, jobs and have caused unimaginable inconvenience for the nation. The Government has established the Sint Maarten Stimulus and Relief Plan to help businesses that are severely affected and for those who are at risk of losing their jobs. Minister Panneflek would like to say thank you to all the workers of Sint Maarten for their contributions over the decades, for what we have been able to achieve in building country Sint Maarten.
“Prior to this pandemic, the rebuilding efforts after the hurricanes of 2017 were well underway, but these efforts have been stalled due to COVID-19. He praises the resilience of the workforce, and says “we shall overcome this too.” Minister Panneflek also expressed gratitude to all front liners who are on the COVID-19 battlefront.
“On this labor day, we must remain unified, and in solidarity with one another, and as a resilient people and nation, we shall overcome, and we shall be better than ever. Panneflek said on Friday in his Labor Day message.
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