~ Called on Political Parties and candidates to stop inciting violence. ~
PHILIPSBURG: --- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina announced on Wednesday at the Council of Ministers press briefing that he intends to bring in assistance from the neighboring islands to assist the Police Force of St. Maarten on Election Day. Mercelina said he had a meeting with the police, who expressed concerns over the level of violence in the community and shared concerns about the safety and security of the people during the election.
Mercelina condemned the political parties and/or candidates who he said are busy on social media and other platforms inciting violence. He said that as Prime Minister, he would do everything he could to ensure that all persons on St. Maarten remain safe. Mercelina said the people of St. Maarten are not accustomed to any form of viciousness during election campaigns.
The Prime Minister also confirmed that he has decided to spend the limited budget on providing better safety and security by bringing in International Observers. Mercelina said that bringing International Observers to the island is very costly, and as Prime Minister, he had to choose to protect the people of Sint Maarten over International Observers.
LACK of Human Resources and Vehicles for KPSM
Asked by SMN News if KPSM discussed the lack of Human Resources and vehicles with him when they met and how he intends to fill this gap. The Prime Minister made clear that when he took office, he met all the problems he is currently dealing with. He said some people believe that he is responsible for the state of affairs in the country.
Mercelina said that since taking office, he found a country that had collapsed and has been dealing with each of the issues presented to him. “Since taking office, everything that I encounter is in the status of less, less manpower, less energy, less police cars, and the only thing I am trying to do since taking office is correct the things that had to be done for years. After years of negligence, everything is collapsing.”
