Philipsburg: ------ Leader of National Alliance William Marlin at a press conference yesterday afternoon said that he felt the need to bring clarity to the people of St. Maarten since certain media reports may have distorted things. He said the National Alliance has shown its willingness months ago to form a stable government for St. Maarten. Marlin said they have always placed the interest of the island above any one commissioner and or political party and such the National Alliance is ready to begin negotiations right now but certain political issues has to be addressed.
The leader of the National Alliance said there are political issues that have to be ironed out, and the major hurdle right now is for them to determine how many commissioners will be allocated to each party. For this to happen the two party leaders must get together and sort things out-The last time we agreed on having a national government via a representative of the island leader they changed their mind. So it is best for the two leaders to meet and trash things out. However, before any of this can happen the present executive council must resign.
Marlin made clear that one should not try to broaden the executive council as a means to solve the present political impasse. He said be believes that these things should be separated. He said had Laviest had not withdrawn his support from the Democratic Party this would not have been of great importance.
Marlin said they stand prepared to form a new government and even they are willing but that cannot be done alone. He said to date there has not been any discussions within the two parties. He said right now some political decisions have to be taken so that it can facilitate the formation of a new government.
Marlin did not divulge any specifics on what the letter contained that was sent to DP. He said that they have made their position clear and that they expect to see some developments in the near future.
Marlin said several weeks ago he personally approached the leader of the DP and told her bluntly that the situation as is cannot continue in the interest of the island and its people. He said he personally told Wescot Williams that he was willing to sit with her to form a national government. ‘We are willing to bring the two parties together to form a stable and broader government. He said it has been for sometime now several persons are saying that the Dutch would place higher supervision over the island if the present trend continues. Marlin said he wants to make clear should this happen it would not be because of the National Alliance since they have made themselves available and willing to work in the best interest of the island.
"When those commissioners resign discussions on forming a new government can begin" He said the reason he feels this has to happen is to eliminate any stumbling block that might be in the way. "Just in case one or more of these commissioners is not part of the new government and they refuse to resign in the end will just be another stumbling block, which would force the new government to bring in a motion of no confidence against that person, while in the meantime a full executive council cannot be appointed because one or more commissioners are sitting on seats because they are not happy. He said the commissioners in office should be able to remove themselves so that official talks can begin.
Marlin gave an example to the situation last year when commissioner Maria Buncamper Molanus resigned from the executive council and remained in office until she was re-appointed three months later.
Marlin said despite Island Council member Louie Laviest resigned from the executive council he remained a full fledged commissioner until he is replaced. "Laviest still has rights to all the benefits of a commissioner until he is replaced" Marlin said.
The National Alliance leader said the ethical thing for the Democratic Party to do now is for the entire executive council to resign from office which would pave the way for the formation of a new government.
The National Alliance leader said he believes that persons in the community probably has the belief that the two parties already begins negotiating since certain media reports may have given that indication. He said so far no negotiations have started with the two parties. He said he had a brief discussion with leader of the Democratic Party on Friday when he sent a letter with a proposal from the National Alliance. He said on Saturday he received a brief email from the leader of the DP to which he has responded. Marlin refused to divulge any information on the contents of the letter and or proposal that he sent to the Democratic Party. He also refused to say what indication the leader of the Democratic Party has given him saying he does not believe it is ethical to discuss the proposal or any parts of the preliminary discussions in the media.
As far as constitutional changes, they have always been a team and he re-assured that he has committed himself to team St. Maarten and that he said will remain, while their focus will always be the will of the people which is to become country. He said while the new government would focus on other issues such as education, public health, the building of more schools and the traffic congestion has to be handled, focus he said will remain on the status of the island.
"While the National Alliance has been critical to several issues regarding government they are willing to find solutions to the existing problems such as the new government building, public works and other areas that needs urgent attention. These issues will not and cannot pose any stumbling block regarding the formation of a new government. He said whenever politicians come together to form a new government it is always about who gets what.
