Harbour View:--- On Thursday, October 27, 2016, the Governor of Sint Maarten, His Excellency drs. E.B. Holiday met with and received a progress report from formateur Mr. William Marlin.
During the meeting, the formateur provided the Governor with a copy of the governing program and an update on the progress of matters related to the formation. This included a review of the status of the screening of the candidates for the posts of Prime Minister, Ministers, Minister Plenipotentiary and acting Minister Plenipotentiary. The screening covers a background review of (a) the personal and professional credentials, (b) the financial position, (c) the fiscal (i.e. tax and social security premiums) compliance, (d) the judicial background including possible suspicious transactions, (e) the security background and (f) if necessary, the health condition of the candidates. The purpose of the screening is to assess the integrity, independence and solvency of the candidates as well as the stability of the new government. The background screening of the candidate ministers is still ongoing. As a result, the formateur informed the Governor that it is not feasible to present the final formation report on October 27th, 2016 as scheduled. The formateur, therefore, requested an extension of his commission to form a new government.
Governor Holiday as a result and having assessed the situation extended the commission for Mr. Marlin to present him the final report of the formation process by November 4, 2016.
