Six scales rejected
in economic controls
PHILIPSBURG--Three baggage scales at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) accounted for half of the rejected scales in a recent Economic Affairs Department control of businesses using scales and weights.
The scales were removed, as were the two rejected in the drugstore control and one at a courier company. The rejected scales have to be fixed by the owner and re-inspected to ensure they are meet accepted standards. Stern warnings, but no fines yet, have been issued to businesses found in violation.
Economic Affairs Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the press Thursday that 54 scales in total had been checked by inspectors of the Economic Affairs Department in collaboration with two inspectors of the Central Government Directorate of Economic Affairs.
Of the total, eight were adjusted to reflect correct weights and 41 were approved by the inspectors. The inspectors visited nine drugstores, three supermarkets, five couriers and the airport.
Pumps at two gas stations were also checked. Of the 18 pumps, all eight diesel fuel and nine gasoline pumps were approved. One gasoline pump was rejected and sealed until it is properly adjusted to give drivers the correct volume of gas for their money.
The commissioner said the controls would continue on a regular basis with random visits to different businesses.
The inspectors from Curaçao also exchanged knowledge with their local counterparts. A training session, following a model developed in Curaçao, was carried out here. A copy of the manual was presented to the commissioner by the inspectors.
The commissioner said the controls were important for consumer protection and provided an opportunity for the local inspectors to gather more knowledge that will be essential when St. Maarten achieves country status next year.
Cornelis, one of the inspectors from Curaçao, said these controls were necessary on a regular basis, especially when the cost of living on the island is going up annually.
Unlike other countries in the world, businesses do not have to pay a fee for these inspections. However, this may change in Country St. Maarten, Buncamper-Molanus hinted. She said the revenues would be useful.
