"If there are new elections our satisfaction would be short-lived. We will come out of this together stronger."
Philipsburg:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams took the opportunity to address the people of St. Maarten regarding the political developments on Oral Gibbes live on Monday. The Prime Minister gave an explanation on the political discussion and answered numerous questions from a significant amount of callers. "I think that what the people of St Maarten need to understand is that we once again have a situation where St Maarten needs to rise to the occasion and solve what we are experiencing now and set the example for the people. I realize, and we must all realize, that this too will come to pass and will serve as a lesson for all of us. At the end of it we will have become stronger and review the laws which we have. At the end of this we will see changes and amendments to rules and regulations so that we can stop this situation from happening again," commented the PM.
"I have taken distance from all statements regarding anything related to a Mexican Standoff. This statement sends the wrong message not only internationally but especially to the people of St. Maarten. When politicians start talking about Mexican Standoff; meaning that no one will budge on their position without thinking what that will do to St. Maarten and our young Democracy. They are putting their own political aspirations above those of the people. I will not entertain this and I think it is very unfortunate that those statements have been made. Regardless of the situation we are in we, as leaders in this Country, need to give direction as to how we act, do or say and we need to be very conscious of our statements."
The Prime Minister also explained that a very dangerous precedent is being set. "The dangerous and unfortunate part of this whole situation is that if those that are continuing this stalemate this are allowed to do so this situation can basically go on for ever. I have understood that the President of Parliament adjourned the Parliamentary Meeting today for Friday. However, there is no guarantee that on Friday the same thing will not transpire; that the President will adjourn again. Our parliamentarians need to see now how we can ensure how that is going to continue.
"The proposals from politicians and governing need to be clear to the people of St. Maarten. Elections on their own will not stop happening what is happening now. No one is able to foretell what a person will do when they get into Parliament. That is why we need electoral reform; we need to come to a system that will make it much clearer to the people of St. Maarten to understand to what politicians and political parties stand for. How can politicians be held accountable for the things they sold at elections and during campaigns? I believe that for elections to gain the turn around for what people are clamoring for we need electoral reform. If there are new elections our satisfaction would be short-lived realizing that elections did not help at all.
"I am a firm believer that there are many person of good will on St. Maarten and we will fix this matter. I have a moral and professional responsibility to lift this country. Let us ban together and fix this situation in the long run. We will come out of this together this stronger than when we entered into this situation," concluded the PM.
From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister
