PHILIPSBURG:--- “We must have systems of checks and balances to make sure that those people who are making critical decisions for our country are held accountable, and nowhere is that more important than in the area of national security,” US Senator, Chris Van Hollen said.
It is within this context of checks and balances that one of the initiatives of this government is to address integrity issues, and increase transparency and accountability within the government organization.
The website of the National Security Service Sint Maarten (NSS Sint Maarten) is, therefore, another important step towards achieving that goal.
The NSS Sint Maarten may be known to many as the institution that carries out the screening of nominees for the position of ministers, but they do much more.
The legal basis for the functioning of the NSS Sint Maarten is the National Ordinance on Security Service. The tasks as mentioned in this national ordinance include:
- Carrying out security screenings;
- The promotion of security measures;
- Conducting investigations to protect the country from persons or organizations that might threaten its democratic legal order, its integrity or its other vital interests, including those of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The NSS Sint Maarten performs these tasks under the responsibility of the Minister of General Affairs.
The website of the NSS Sint Maarten clearly proves that political activist, consumer advocate and attorney, Ralph Nader was not entirely correct when he stated: “National security is the fig leaf against freedom of information.”
In pursuit of that freedom of information, I wish to encourage the people of Sint Maarten to visit this website as much as possible to gather all the information they need. The website ensures that you can exercise that freedom of information. All the information you need is now at your fingertips. Keep yourself informed so you can contribute to the development of your country.
May I congratulate the NSS Sint Maarten with the launch of this website and I want to urge them to keep publishing as much information as possible to keep the people of Sint Maarten and the whole world informed about the importance of the work they do for Sint Maarten.
William V. Marlin,
Minister of General Affairs.
Message of Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs, William V. Marlin on the launching of the website of the National Security Service (NSS) of Sint Maarten.
