Philipsburg:--- Deputy Prime Minister Theo Heyliger for the first time attended the weekly press briefings to answer questions that members of the media may have regarding his portfolios. When asked by SMN News about the Pelican saga involving MP James, Heyliger said there is nothing in the law to remove the MP from his position even if there is some level of conflict of interest. The UP leader said he has no intention to ask his candidate to step down from his position. Furthermore, he said the MP can take part in any debate even if it involves him but voting on the subject would be another thing.VROM --- Claudius Buncamper and Land Scandal.
SMN News also asked the deputy Prime Minister who is in charge of Public Works if he has taken a decision regarding the husband of former Minister Maria Buncamper Molanus who was also implicated in the sale of the long lease of government leased land. Heyliger said at this point he does not think the sector head of VROM has done anything wrong based on the current regulations. Heyliger said unless the public prosecutor initiates a case against Buncamper then the senior civil servant will continue working. Asked what advice the SOAB gave government when they investigated VROM/ROB, Heyliger said unless SOAB can provide concrete evidence of wrong doing he is not able to take their advice. He further explained that the report was sent all over the world and nothing came out of it. He said the SOAB report said there needs to be more checks and balances and this something they agreed upon with the Dutch Government.
Heyliger said one of the first initiatives he took when he became Minister was to sit with his secretary general to upgrade the department with more staff. Heyliger said the department of VROM is highly understaffed.
GEBE Concession saga regarding cross subsidies.
Heyliger also addressed the ongoing discussion with GEBE and Saba and Statia and his stance on spending St. Maarten's money on cross subsidies to those islands.
