Philipsburg:--- Island councilmember and former commissioner of labour Louie Laveist said no one is going to use him as the scapegoat to vote against the constitution that was debated on Wednesday. "I also want to know who told the members of the Democratic Party they can intimidate me" Laveist said when he listened to the presentations delivered by members of the Democratic Party it was clear that they are alluding that he and the leader of government are in cahoots regarding a clause that was added to the constitution.Laviest was referring to the clause regarding article 36 of the constitution that deals with how a politician or elected person could be removed from office if he is convicted or suspected of a crime. Louie Laveist was charged and convicted on five counts last year, he appealed the verdict and was partly vindicated by the appeals court. Hoping to fully clear his name the island councilman appealed the verdict in the supreme court. The arrest and prosecution of Laveist led him to break away from the Democratic Party, this is the main reason why Democratic Party is opposition. Directing some of his comments to the members of the DP Laveist said he has been through a lot since elected and simple attacks or ridicule does not make him fearful.
He said if the Democratic Party wants they can have the clause removed since he does not need it to protect him. "Let me state for the record state if they are going to vote against the constitution because of me and that line then take it out. I have enough jurisprudence to protect me within the justice system."
Laveist also called on members of the Democratic Party to show him any constitution that were voted retroactively in the world. He asked the DP members if someone was convicted for murder and should this constitution say there is going to be capital punishment if the prisoner serving his sentence is subjected to the new law?
Laveist said the display from the Democratic Party was pitiful and they should stop the whining or rhetoric. "You all created a storm in a teaspoon and not teapot. I also want to know when this constitution is passed if you all are going to pull away one of the two seats held by some members of the council."
Laveist also commended the leader of the Democratic Party for her dedication towards confusing people if she is not able to convince them. "He called on the DP members to make sure when they choose a tree to climb to make sure it is not a prickle tree.
Island council members Rudolphe Samuel and Leroy De Weever called on members of the council mainly leader of Government William Marlin and leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams to be more mature during the second round and explain the constitution. Samuel said the two leaders were in all the meetings for the past ten years and they are privy to all information. " I was not in all the meetings." This document is no one person document and no one should take credit for it. "I believe you Mrs. Wescot Williams was the commissioner of constitutional affairs for nine years and you should be out there nine times more than William explaining the people what this document would mean for them." Councilman De Weever said government should have printed thousands of copies of the document to make sure every man, woman and child gets a copy of the laws that would dictate their lives. He said there are articles that deal with the abuse of animals and he believes the people should be told what are the consequences of cockfights. "I was told these laws were made from those of Holland I also want to know if the Dutch would go over to Spain and lock up the people who engage in bull fights.
