Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt said with the outcome of the second voting the variance permit is now officially denied by the island council of St. Maarten. On Monday the council debated the issues surrounding Olzina and its variance permit and the reason the developer took government to court. The court ordered the council to take a decision on the request submitted by Olzina or face a penalty fine of Naf 2,500 or a maximum of Naf: 5000 per day if decision was not taken by July 28th.
According to information reaching SMN News is that the developer will be returning to court as he contests the decision taken by the council.
At a press conference on Wednesday leader of government William Marlin told members of the press that the display they witnessed on Monday with caretaker commissioner Theo Heyliger who holds the ROB portfolio was not a representation of the executive council.
Marlin said over the past year Heyliger has refused to take action at the Public Works Department and while he probably got away with things when he was part of the Democratic Party that would not happen under his watch or leadership. "The former leader of government Sarah Wescott Williams failed to put her down and she allowed Heyliger to get away with certain things which caused the fall of her government". Marlin said.
Asked if the National Alliance government would replace Heyliger who resigned on July 19th. Marlin responded sharply by saying that he has had no discussion into replacing Heyliger. He said even though Heyliger resigned from the executive council, the political agreement signed on June 6th 2009 is still in place. "While Heyliger may not be reporting to work in his office he has been present at all the island council meetings and central committee meetings. One should also see that Heyliger is still sitting at his seat on the executive branch." Marlin then reminded the media of the events that took place when former commissioner Maria Buncamper Molanus resigned when she was confronted with a motion of non-confidence. He said Buncamper Molanus remained in office until she was reappointed.