Philipsburg: ---- National Alliance Councilman Hyacinth Richardson reacted to media reports which stated that he had left his party and went to the Democratic Party. The councilman made his statements at press conference which was called by the party leader William Marlin on Saturday afternoon at the Parliament Building.
The councilman who was obviously disturbed with these statements said that members of the Democratic Party visited his 88-year old mother and asked her to encourage him to cross the lane and joined the DP. He said his character has been proven to be one of principle with a sense of fairness and honesty.
He characterized the present fall of government as a spiritual movement which is above many people's comprehension but felt that the National Alliance will prevail today as well as in the future. "The Democratic Party government in the mood of desperation tried every tactic to get members from the National Alliance to join them. I was approached by phone calls from four members of the DP representatives." Richardson said he did not entertain the persons who approached him instead he has his own ‘think tank' group that consists of eleven persons including pastors, lawyers and doctors and other well respected people from the community whom he consults with along with his campaign force from the National Alliance.
The councilman described politics that has the skills of art and craft which he has to use when necessary. He said it is very important that he put this matter to rest where it concern making deals with the Democratic Party. "I did not and will not make any deal with the Democratic Party or anyone else. If I am to make any deal then my party leader and "think tank group" would have to be included. I must tell you money cannot buy me but good will and deeds can influence me and not greed". Richardson said in his statement .He said he was contacted but he did not accept any deals. Richardson said he he did not personally meet with the DP but he did speak with them on phone where they made several offers to him including positions in government. "I never said yes to no one, but as an elected representative I do have the right to speak and listen to what people have to say.' Richardson explained.
The National Alliance Councilman said he is very touched with what members of the Democratic Party did to his 88 year old mother who is a born Anguillan. "Over these last few days the DP visited my elderly mother and dragged her into the political arena something I do not appreciate, and I am asking the DP as well as the media to stop because my mother was never in such as situation before."
Also clearing the air was councilman Rudolph Samuel who was also approached by the Democratic Party. "I received three phone calls, the first one was from Tony Brown who works at GEBE, whom I congratulated for making the call, I told him to tell those who asked you to call me to do it themselves and I hung up the phone. The second phone call came from Elton Jones who said he was juggling, I immediately told him I am not juggling and have a good afternoon. The third caller was Julian Rollocks who said he had a commissioner seat in the Government Building that is getting cold. My response to Julian Rollocks you don't have Samuel. Rollocks asked me if we were still good friends and I told him yes. Rollocks then said I will talk to you when I see you again." Besides that I did not meet with any member of the DP and hold any type of discussions with them Samuel said.
National Alliance leader William Marlin also condemned the calculated deception of the Democratic Party sources who have told the media that councilman Hyacinth Richardson has been engaged in discussions regarding their loss of the government. He said these leaks have been a cynical construction of lies designed to mislead the people of St. Maarten. He said councilman Richardson continues to be dedicated 125% to the National Alliance with its vision and strategies for the benefit of the people of St.Maarten.
Marlin called the media reports of the past days as unfortunate. He spoke of the sharing of Theo Heyliger portfolio which it was said will be given to Richardson. Marlin said the mere fact that was reported is because the reporter in question probably does not know the system under which the island is governed or they are looking for sensation. He said to get portfolios one has to be a commissioner who can only be elected by the majority on the floor of the island council. He said that he hoped that the information given today would clear the air. "There is no National Alliance minus one, this is one team with the support of another council man who are ready to take up its responsibility."