Philipsburg: ------ Commissioner Louis Laveist did not wait on anyone to support him at yesterday's island council meeting where a motion of non confidence was being presented for the second time against him. Laveist asked the Chairman of the Island Council and Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards who said the commissioner should resign from the island council due to his up coming court case if he is eligible to vote. Richards told Laveist he could not since the matter regards him.
Richards then read out several quotes as he tried to justify his decision on not allowing the commissioner to vote. Laveist however made it clear to Richards that he did not agree with his reasoning and that he felt whatever is held personal against him should stop. He said even though he is not going to debate the issue he felt he was not being treated fairly in the island council. Leader of Government Sarah Wescot Williams also agreed with Laveist saying she would challenge the matter where it has to be challenged.
Despite the lengthy discussions Richards made one of his biggest blunders when he called out Laveist name aloud as was picked. The commissioner did not hesitate and voted against the motion. Immediately after that Richards asked that the vote by the commissioner be stricken since he was not permitted to vote.
The motion which was brought forward by the National Alliance got the support of the five NA members while the DP faction consisting of five members voted against the motion. Since this was the second time this particular motion was brought to the floor of the island council for a vote and each time they tied the motion could not be adopted.