Philipsburg: ---- Accompanied by his wife and several family members including his personal secretary chief commissioner of police Derrick Holiday looked confident as he appeared before the three panel judge for his appeal hearing yesterday.
The case which was scheduled to begin at 11 am started on time as the three judges entered the court room just about a minute ahead of time. Holiday seated next to his lawyer Jori Essed seemed relaxed and confident. The chief commissioner of police was questioned by all three judges pertaining to the re-entry permits he issued while being chief of police. He responded to each question giving careful and clear explanations about the type of forms that was used mainly during the grace period. On many occasions Holiday used his hands as he made gestures during his explanations. At times the judges as well as those in the tribune would chuckle.
Holiday was charged and convicted for signing at least 43 immigration re-entry permits which was designed by former and convicted commissioner or police Marcel Loor. Holiday insisted that the forms were not unlawful since they were not different from those in the NAVAS system. He said as Chief of Police he had the authority to sign these forms.
Holiday was also questioned about his renting contract and the house rent allowances that were paid to his uncle Donald Hughes. His attorney dissected every aspect of the case which called for a recess and continuation after lunch. Essed told reporters during the recess that he was confident in the panel of judges since he saw that they had a broad knowledge of the case, this he said made both him and his client more confident.
The prosecution demanded one year suspended prison sentence and a five year ban from the Police Force of the Netherlands Antilles.
Holiday contended that the Minister of Justice acted in conspiracy when he removed him from his office since he knew he Holiday was to be arrested. He said the Minister of Justice David Dick had mentioned this to the island leader Sarah Wescot Williams prior to him being arrested.
Holiday said the Minister had told him he had practical reasons for removing him from his office since he thought he was protecting his career. He said the Minister even suggested through a lawyer that he resign some thing he refused to do. He said his arrest, prosecution and conviction was to prove that St. Maarten was not ready for its new status since the chief commissioner of police is corrupt.
As for the rental subsidy that he collected while living in his own home, Holiday said the Minister had promised him if he repaid the monies he would not have been prosecuted. He said he did repay the monies and yet he was charged with fraud.
