~ 2x4 Coalition did not show up for the examination of credentials and admission to MPS. National Alliance requests to dissolve and appoint a new presidium~
PHILIPSBURG: --- The 7 Members of Parliament that makes up the opposition cleared the air on Monday morning during a public meeting of parliament that was called to examine the credentials for incoming Members of Parliament, during the notifications Member of Parliament Cloyd Marlin questioned the chair of parliament on the attendance of the 2x4 coalition government. Marlin said last Thursday, when the meeting was called, at least one and a half factions that support the coalition did not show to support their government. Yet the blame was placed on the super seven or opposition members to provide a quorum. He said on Monday, the member of parliament who called on Parliament to show up for the people’s business was also not present, and another was celebrating his birthday in Cancun. Marlin made clear that a house that is divided cannot rule.
Leader of the United Peoples Party Omar Ottley also questioned the chair and asked how long the chair would attach her face to a government that does not show up.
Member of Parliament Ardwell Irion then asked that the chair make a role call, thereby allowing all seven opposition members to leave the meeting.
When it was time for the agenda point to be read, Member of Parliament Egbert Doran requested that the agenda point for Monday’s meeting be adjusted. He also asked that the dissolving and appointing of a new presidium be added to the agenda before the handling of the credentials. The chairlady of Parliament denied both requests since the National Alliance faction of parliament went after her job as the chair of parliament.
In the past, a Public Meeting of Parliament could have been held regardless of whether it had a quorum after being called three times, each time twice within 24 hours.
However, the Rules of Order was amended since it was in contradiction with the constitution of St. Maarten. The amended Rules of Order took effect on May 1st 2004.
Despite the current situation some members of parliament that supports the 2x4 coalition has since left the island for Paraguay to attend Parlatino meetings.