Philipsburg:--- A group of people that have started the petition drive calling for new elections will be holding a peaceful march on Friday afternoon starting at 4pm from the Le Grand Marche. The main organizer of the event Lisa Alexander told SMN News that the march will begin at 4pm at Le Grand Marche and goes to the Clem Labega Square in front of the Government Administration Building.
Alexander said that shuttles will be available for persons that are interested in taking part in the march. Persons can park their vehicles on the Pondfill and they will be taken by shuttle to Le Grand Marche where the march will commence.
Alexander said that the march will be based on article 2, 4 – 23, and 24 of the Constitution of St. Maarten where people have a democratic right to vote and petition. Alexander began gathering signatures from registered voters on St. Maarten sometime last week when the NA/DP/I-3 coalition government fell apart. The march slated for Friday afternoon is for all people that are residing and contributing to the economy of St. Maarten.
Rene "Cotto" Wilson also announced that he and his supporters will be joining the march that is organized by Alexander because it makes no sense to have two marches on that same day for the same cause. Wilson, a well-known activist in the St. Peters area said that he will be calling on his supporters to come out in large numbers to march for what he said is a rightful cause.
Parliament Officially Notified of Petition Drive.
Lisa Alexander also told SMN News on Wednesday evening that she submitted an official letter to the Parliament of St. Maarten to notify them that there is a signature drive taking place on the island where the people of St. Maarten are demanding that their democratic rights be respected and a new and fresh election must be called. Alexander said when she submitted the letter she presented Parliament with some of the forms that were signed by eligible voters on St. Maarten and she intends to submit the final set of documents to Parliament on Monday May 20th, 2013.