In a statement to reporters leader of the National Alliance William Marlin said that his faction has received copies of the letter that was sent to the chairman of the island council Franklyn Richards. Marlin said because of this letter there is no government in place at this time and the opinion of the National Alliance is that all the other commissioners must tender their resignation before a new government can be formed.
Marlin said even though Laveist has resigned from the executive council he still remains a full fledged commissioner until he has been replaced. He said when the other commissioners resign they would remain in office as caretaker government until the new government is formed.
Marlin acknowledged that he briefly met with the leader of the Democratic Party and he promised her that he would get back to her after the NA holds its meeting. Marlin said whenever he meets with Wescot Williams and they have agreed to the proposal given by the NA then they can move on with discussions on the formation of a new government.
Also issuing a statement to reporters last night is leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams who said that she already received a commitment from members of the Democratic Party as well as those elected under the faction of the DP to do what is necessary for St. Maarten and the party.
She said elected officials locally would be doing what is necessary to make sure there is a government in place before someone else does it for St. Maarten. Wescot Williams said that even though she has not had a long meeting with the National Alliance she believes both parties realizes that they have a responsibility to the island is to guarantee there is government for St. Maarten before others does it for them. She said based on that commitment discussions will take place. ‘
Asked if she is referring to high supervision Wescot Williams said the Kingdom would not allow St. Maarten to remain without a government or governmental impasse for any long period of time. She said the possibility of higher supervision do exists.
Wescot Williams said that the members of the executive council would have to take a decision on whether or not to resign; however, there is a political process that has to take place outside of the formal meeting of the island council to appoint new commissioners. She said right now they have to allow things to run its course.
Asked what proposal she would be making to the National Alliance Wescot Williams said she is not willing to divulge that information prior to sharing it with the NA. She said after notes is shared between the two parties then a decision would be taken on what direction they would be going. Asked if she would support a NA led government? Wescot Williams said the talks have not gone that far and they have not yet decided on what type of government would be installed.
