Philipsburg: --- Minister of Constitutional Affairs Roland Duncan has endorsed the way leader of the National Alliance William Marlin has approached the present political crisis with the Democratic Party. The Minister said that while several persons are speaking about higher supervision being imposed on St. Maarten he wants to make clear that if politicians cannot find a solution he would step in and assume his responsibilities. "I will not sit back and allow Holland to come in and do my job for me, however dirty it is I would be executing it when the time comes." Asked what can that be Duncan said he has several scenarios, which can include the removal of the entire executive council. He said that whatever decision is taken has to be tailored to fit the island's specificities.
The Minister met with the island Lt. Governor Frankly Richards yesterday where they discussed the state of affairs on St. Maarten and the role of the Netherlands Antilles.
In a comment to SMN News Duncan said, one has to realize that the National Alliance did not create the situation the present government is facing. The standpoint of the National Alliance is clear, the Democratic Party won the election, but they have failed the people of St. Maarten. "Failed with the Maria Buncamper Molanus situation, and Louie Laviest who is now facing a jail sentence." Duncan said that the present government does have the responsibility of meeting the deadline of 2010-status change and not the NA. So far, they have failed which is told to them over and under. "St. Maarten has been to all the constitutional meetings and has signed all the necessary documents, but they were informed of the instances of failure which includes the casino gaming control board that falls under the island territory, the ombudsman, and the code of ethics which died on arrival."
The problem of St. Maarten becoming a country lies with the island government, which is hampering the achievement of country St. Maarten. This is why the National Alliance is saying that the present executive council must resign because no one intends to prop up the present government that is failing" Duncan said.
The Minister said says St. Maarten has a bad record in Holland and whoever takes over has to go back to Holland and convince them they are different if they are to get the ball rolling to make the 2010 deadline.
The Minister said if the Democratic Party believes that they can convince anyone member of the National Alliance to jump ship, then God Bless that person who would go over just to prop up a failing government. The government is not functioning properly and this has to be recognized. One may say my party is arrogant but they are simply saying that if they are to be part of the new government then they have to play a major role in governing. This means that several pet projects that are under several commissioners will die. "If the leader of the Democratic Party does not agree then she would have to see if she can bribe someone to join her or convince Laveist to go back home." Duncan said.
"Right now there are several investigations taking place locally, including the investigation at ROB on the issuance of permits by the SOAB." Duncan said
Asked if it is true that the National Alliance intends to form a government with Laveist, the minister said he was not aware of that but it is not a decision that has to be taken by him. He said while he is grateful that Laveist has extended his support to the National Alliance he wants to make clear that Laveist has to deal with his conviction.
"I do believe that Laveist must be able to hold on to his island council seat since he was elected by the people on preferential votes that must be respected. If he is to be removed then let the people remove him. Anthony Goddette was in the same situation he went to prison with his seat, came out, and was re-elected." Duncan said one should also look at Mandella, who is a great example. So let us respect democracy. Laveist was not convicted as an Island Council member instead as a commissioner. Duncan said.
Duncan said while it is said that William Marlin wants to be the leader of government, as if he is power hungry. "Let me make clear that there is no leader of government instead it's a signature. While St. Maarten created the term, "leader of government it does not really exists" but there is some sense to the terminology. While the Lt. Governor is the chairperson of the executive council, he is not a politician, so there was need to find political leadership in government. The signature is normally expressed by ones governing program, which is always given to the biggest party." Duncan explained.
