PHILIPSBURG:--- President of Parliament Drs. Gracita Arrindell, says that there are detractors out there who are attempting to create news and sensationalize news rather than focus on the issues of the country.
"I felt it necessary to address a couple of things that have been published online which do not hold any water. The media has a responsibility to publish correct, factual information. Once you stray away from that premise, you are doing a disservice to the St. Maarten community who expect better.
"First of all, I have the full backing of the United Peoples (UP) party faction in parliament. They realize the situation that our nation is facing and are ready to deal with those issues in order to move our island nation forward and make us stronger and better.
"The relationship with the leader of the UP Party Theo Heyliger is excellent and he realizes that we must stay the course just like the entire UP faction in order to deal with the issues facing the nation. Being overwhelmed and at loggerheads is far from the truth. We were elected by the people to do a job. It has only been a little over seven weeks that we have been on the job, and within that space of time we have been laying the ground work so the work can begin on a local and regional level.
"A coalition government was formed and we are ready to work with the Council of Ministers in the coming weeks and months to address matters of national concern, the first one being the approval of a balanced 2011 budget," President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell said on Thursday.
With respect to parliament having a representative at Saba Day national celebrations on Friday, "It was agreed by Leader of the National Alliance (NA) William Marlin that Senator Louie Laveist would represent the Parliament of St. Maarten. An official advice was prepared and presented to parliament," Arrindell said on Thursday.
