“We cannot issue permits for sex workers. If we grant permits for sex workers, we would be creating an employer and employee relationship between the company and the women to be obligated to perform sexual acts, and that is something that Government cannot facilitate,” he said.

Changes to the policy include:

The brothel owner is not allowed to provide money/loans to the adult entertainment worker prior to her/his arrival in St. Maarten, with the aim to develop financial dependency that would make her/him vulnerable to perform work that he/she does not want to do.

The adult entertainment worker is liable for, insofar as applicable, the payment of social premiums and wage tax.

The adult entertainment worker cannot and shall not be forced to perform sexual acts against his/her own free will.

The adult entertainment worker has the right to terminate his/her agreement with the brothel/strip club owner at any time, and must be free to leave the establishment of his/her own free will.

The adult entertainment worker must remain in possession of his/her passport and other personal identification and travel documents during his/her stay.

“All of this is aimed towards protecting the human rights of all individuals that are coming to our island, as well as to regulating the industry in a way that is mutually beneficial to all stakeholders,” concluded Minister Lee.

The Daily Herald asked Lee how the VSA Ministry would ensure that the rights of the worker are not violated. He responded by reiterating that his ministry just gave out the permits, but if the workers had issues, they were free to file a complaint at the Labour Department just as any other employee.

Minister of Health Emil Lee finds a way to human traffick prostitutes legally in St Maarten

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