Back Story....

There is going to be a lot of back story to get everybody caught up as to why I would bother spending the time ranting about the process to get my workers residency and work permits. I am a...Lets say foriegner, and have been living on St. Maarten for 15 years. My company has upwards of 80 employees, many of whom need thier work permits and residency renewed every couple of years. For those of you who know what it is like to go thru the process just for you or your family, imagine what it is like to keep up to date with so many people with papers expiring at different times of the year? It is a full time job just standing in line and gathering documents. You would think that there is a special line or window to assist companies with large amounts of people...But no! Get up at the crack of dawn and get in line each time one of the staff needs their papers renewed. Like we have nothing else to do to running business.

It is important to note that all of my workers are on the books and all of the various taxes are paid. I do not believe in skirting the system, but I do wish that all of the taxes I do pay would at least buy me the courtesy, respect, or efficiency from the pit bull with the 8 inch nails on the other side of the counter sending me back yet AGAIN because now I need another 5 Fls stamp ($2.77). Oh the joy!