Philipsburg:--- The officers of the Voluntary Korps of St. Maarten (VKS) are not in favor of Chief Inspector Anthony Rogers who was recommended by outgoing Commander of the VKS Jean Illidge to take over his position as commander of the VKS. Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams confirmed to reporters on Wednesday during the Council of Ministers' weekly press briefing that Rogers was recommended to her by Illidge but the appointment has to be made by the board (management team) that is not yet established.
Wescot Williams also confirmed to reporters that the VKS officers are not in favor of Rogers getting the position. She said while the selection of a commander has to take place, Paul Martens will be at the helm of the VKS. It should be noted that Paul Martens is the section head of Disaster Management, he is the President of the Red Cross, and as of March 1, 2013 he will also hold the post as Commander of the VKS.
Illidge told SMN News in an invited comment on Wednesday that he recommended Rogers because he knew of Rogers' capabilities. The outgoing commander said that Rogers worked under him in Aruba and on St. Maarten. "I gave 16 years of my life to the VKS and I suggested someone who I think is capable of carrying the baton. If the Prime Minister does not agree with my suggestion she should have said that. I don't understand why a local St. Maartener cannot hold a prime position and why it always has to be an outsider." Illidge said that Martens already has three major positions and it is impossible for him to be the interim commander of the VKS. Illidge further explained that the officers that are complaining want the position and in his opinion they are not capable of doing the job. "What is happening right now among the VKS officers is a fight for position and that is why they are grumbling about Rogers." Chief Inspector Anthony Rogers could not be reached on Wednesday for a comment on the ongoing saga.
