Philipsburg: ---- Leader of government Sarah Wescot Williams at a press conference yesterday at the A.C Wathey Legislative Hall said that she is sure the media and members of the general public may have several questions pertaining to the new developments surrounding government mainly the Democratic Party with the new statements of made by Louie Laviest.
Wescot Williams admitted Louis Laveist did give her two letters on Friday concerning his position as an executive and Island council member. However, Laveist did not notify her or the chairman of the island council about his decision to pull out from the present executive council. She said she is aware of the statements made by Laveist to the media but unless they receive an official notification from Laveist then the government remains in tact. "Whenever that notification is given to the chairman of the island council then the Democratic Party would then have to take a decision on how to proceed." The island leader said they can all decide to resign from the present island council or take the matter to the island council where the matter would be discussed openly. She said the benefit of the latter would be the people of St. Maarten would get the full story of what has gotten them to where they are today which is a potential change of government.
Wescot Williams said she also took note of the allegations that are out there concerning Laveist and his support for the Democratic Party but she would not refute the allegations, however, she is urging those making the allegations to come clean and explain the people the entire story. She said what is happening today is no trivial matter and she believed everyone should play open cards with the people of St. Maarten, something she is planning to do when the time comes. She said at this stage persons should not be looking at their personal agendas but instead they need to do what is in the best interest of the island since they are at a critical juncture.
The island leader said that when the official paper work is done then they would have to take the necessary steps to regulate the status of the island government. She stressed that even though the seats are occupied by the Democratic Party or National Alliance the seats cannot be taken back from the elected officials that are holding them.
Asked if the Democratic Party is discussing with any of the other factions, she responded in the affirmative but refused to elaborate.
Asked if any other member of her party has jumped ship, Wescot Williams said she could not vouch for that since this is all about each person holding the seats. Asked if her party is trying to merge with the National Alliance to form a National Government, Wescot Williams said this is not the first time this has happen. She said on the first occasion that took place St. Maarten found itself in a precarious situation because the island had just overcome a hurricane. Wescot Williams said she feels a sense of responsibility to make sure the island has a credible government and one that can continue the process of constitutional change and is willing to work hard for that to happen.
Asked if she intended to meet with Laveist to further discuss the matter, Wescot Williams said they tried all weekend but to no avail. However, SMN News understands the only time the island leader met with Laveist was when she asked him to resign while in pre-trial detention. The source said that the only two persons who went to speak with Laveist were Commissioner Heyliger and Marlin which was to ask him not to break the existing government. SMN News further understands the only member of the island council who called Laviest to express some sort of concern after his arrest was commissioner Heyliger.
SMN News also understands the Democratic Party was once trying to use Laveist as a sacrificial lamb when they were discussing with the National Alliance in the beginning even though Laveist basically elected himself by gathering more than 600 votes, Laveist was the third highest vote getter on the DP slate.
Asked if another member of the DP has disassociated themselves from the party, the party leader said she was not aware of that but she knows what she was told by the members of the DP. "Even though I don't expect that I cannot vouch for anyone or better yet I would not put my head on a block to say that will not happen.
In the meantime, SMN News contacted the Governor's office to see if Laveist had sent in his letter but Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards said he did not receive any correspondence from Laveist up to late yesterday afternoon.