Philipsburg: --- Reliable information reaching SMN News indicates that commissioner of public works Theo Heyliger will be leaving the Democratic Party and would be going independent like council member Louie Laveist. Heyliger already sent a letter to the chairman of the island council Franklyn Richards informing him that he wants his resignation to become effective immediately instead of waiting until June 8. The letter it is said was submitted on Monday morning to Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards.
The source said Heyliger would link up with the National Alliance and he would be one of the commissioners appointed to continue his road projects. So far, Heyliger has remained mum on his plans. While leader of the National Alliance did not mention Heyliger in his statement to the press on Monday, it is understood that the NA leader is busy negotiating with Heyliger and they already have a deal in place. Marlin said that after meeting with his membership over the weekend they decided not to continue negotiations with the DP since they were not willing to negotiate when the NA was available. Marlin said on Sunday afternoon the NA signed an agreement with Laveist where he gave his support to the NA to form a new executive council. He said in that agreement Laveist will not be holding any functions in government neither would he appoint anyone as commissioner. Marlin explained he was expecting to meet with Richards on Monday but the governor was busy with meetings on the French side of the island making it impossible for them to meet. He said he conferred with Richards where he requested the governor to convene an Island Council meeting so the process of forming the new government could take place.
Marlin also said he was not worried about Laveist wanting to pull away from the NA before the IC meeting. The NA leader said his focus right now is on forming the next government. Reasons behind Marlin's confidence is Heyliger who is also his trump card should Laveist be put behind bars.
A meeting of the island council will take place on Friday where a motion of no -confidence will be brought against commissioners Sarah Wescot Williams, Maria Buncamper Molanus, and Roy Marlin. If that process runs smoothly then the new executive council would be sworn in. Lt. Governor and chairman of the Island Council of the Island Territory of St. Maarten Franklyn Richards confirmed the meeting would be held on Friday.
SMN News also understood that Heyliger is very upset with the board and leadership of the Democratic Party since they were having meetings all weekend without him being involved. The National Alliance on Sunday sent an email to Richards informing him that the five members of their faction along with the support of Laveist would be forming the next government. Leader of the NA William Marlin also dropped off a hard copy of the letter on Monday morning so that the process can officially begin.
The government on St. Maarten fell some three weeks ago when independent island councilman Louie Laveist pulled his support from the Democratic Party. Ever since then the National Alliance had offered to negotiate with the DP to form a broad base government if all members of the executive council had resigned. Just last week leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams said all four commissioners had submitted their resignation, which will become effective on June 8.
In an invited comment leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams said she would not be making any public statement until after her membership meeting, which is scheduled for Wednesday 27 at the Philipsburg community center.
