Philipsburg: ---- Politicians in Holland has said it over and over that St. Maarten politicians are corrupt, a statement that has been debated over and under with many saying that there is more corruption in Holland than there is on St. Maarten. Given that may be true the latest development surrounding the fall of government behooves everyone to believe the Dutch is right with their statements. Just recently a commissioner was locked up and accused of forgery. While this is not the first case where high ranking officials are being detained and tried for alleged corruption it is enough to shed a dark cloud over the island.
That commissioner spent nine long days in pre-trial detention as he was questioned on his assets and achievements. A lien was placed on his income and thus he is allegedly being supported by his colleague. While there maybe a presumption of guilt everyone should be considered innocent until proven guilty.
The commissioner in question expressed himself to several media outlets saying he was ousted by his own party and colleagues, he went as far as submitting a letter to the party under which he was elected and resigned from that party. Furthermore the commissioner sent two letters to the Chairman of the Island Council, one informing him that he has declared himself an Independent member of the Island Council of St. Maarten and that the present led Government can no longer depend on him for his support. In the letter it is clearly stated that the DP led government no longer has his support. With these letters it is clear that the present government does not have the majority and measures have to be taken to make sure the island is governed. Ever since Wednesday's episode most of the commissioners stayed out of office as they had already packed their baggage to leave.
What is not clear and is beyond anyone understanding is two days after those letters were submitted to the Chairman of the island council, he is yet to acknowledge he received those letters and what is the present status of the island. The chairman who is called to make sure there is good governance seemly has missed the boat in this case and has allowed speculations and rumors to dictate the state of affairs of the island. What has not missed the naked eyes is the fact that only two members of the executive council and the chairman attended a meeting with the central government, even after the leader of government said they were about to resign which is yet to be done.
In an invited comment the chairman of the island council Franklyn Richards said in his defense that he is not legally obliged to react to what is happening. He said that he did what has to be done which is to send copies of the commissioner's letter to each member of the island council members. "It is the Island Council who has to hire and fire commissioners and not the Chairman and so far the island council has not updated me on the procedures. They are the ones who have to call an Island Council meeting and fire the commissioner from the executive council, as long that is not done the commissioner in question would remain a full fledge member of the executive council". Asked if the commissioner can now withdraw his letters, Richards said the commissioner can do as he pleases, he can either withdraw the letters or even say he would support the new government which can consists of the same members and say he is supporting this new government.
Richards agreed that the politicians are confusing people and there are lots of rumors out there but he cannot and would not react to rumors. He said that he is monitoring the situation closely and intends to send out a release over the weekend which would serve to outline the laws of the island.
What is more disturbing is the fact the same commissioner who is known as the ‘man of action' allegedly met with his party leader Sarah Wescot-Williams and strike a deal. Whatever that deal entails is yet to be made known since the commissioner can no longer be reached for comment, but it is strong enough to make sure the present DP government remains in power as perceived. A comment from the Democratic Party leader Wescot Williams said that there is nothing concrete yet. She said latest this weekend things should be much clearer.
Leader of National Alliance William Marlin said he intends to request an Island Council meeting early next week. Marlin did not give specifics on the date on which he would make his request but he intends to seek information on the resignation of Commissioner Louie Laveist and maybe explain why one of his council members has chosen to leave his party and now support the ailing Democratic Party.
SMN News was reliably informed that the DP government would remain in office since both Louie Laveist and Theo Heyliger has returned to their camps which means the present government would remain in tact with Hyacinth Richardson support.
The source said that the Dutch is expected to come down to St. Maarten and take over. "There would be higher supervision something that is caused by elected officials who are not there to look out for the interest of the people instead it's about what is in it for them." One St. Maartener told this reporter.
Sources say the National Alliance failed to reach a deal because of island councilman Hyacinth Richardson who was willing to jump ship since he wanted to be a commissioner on either slate. "Right now supporters of Richardson is angry saying he betrayed them by meeting with leader of the Democratic Party secretly while telling his colleagues he did not meet with anyone". SMN News received confirmation from Island Councilman Rudolph Samuel who said he received three calls asking him to joint the DP but he immediately put these persons including Julian Rollocks to their place telling them he is not a juggler.
"St. Maarten politicians can be considered prostitutes since they are willing to do anything for money. These people are criticizing the youths but what kind of role model are they to us. Both the DP and NA needs to get lost we are sick to our stomach and cannot wait for the Dutch to come in, after that the island might regain some integrity" said a group of local students.
Hyacinth Jumps Ships for Labor and Culture Commissioner.
Councilman Hyacinth Richardson has since crossed the lane to join the Democratic Party. Sources close to the NA said Richardson has sold out himself to be the next commissioner of culture and labour since Louie Laveist will no longer be in the Executive Council. "The councilman made a deal with the DP to take care of his relatives mainly his sisters who are civil servants and himself sometime close to 2am Friday morning."
"This goes to show that Richardson who cannot speak Dutch or Papiamento was willing to do anything for power locally. He acted worst that a prostitute said one of supporters who campaigned heavily for him during the last Island Council Election. I have news for "Brother" he know no one likes him and I had to put my neck on the block for him on many occasions since he is very arrogant but he better not count on my support in the future" said the elderly man.