Independent Member of Parliament Frans Richardson said he questioned the proposed law when it was discussed in the Central Committee meetings. Richardson said as a Member of Parliament he has a right to either vote for, abstain, or vote against laws that are taken to Parliament. Richardson said he is not totally comfortable with law and as such he voted against it. Richardson further explained that the law will allow the invasion of people's privacy. He said while he is not comfortable, he is of the opinion that the law must be taken to the people of St. Maarten so that they will know what the law entails.
Members of the National Alliance also voted against the law that will give investigators the right to tap the phones and scan emails, Facebook and SMS messages of persons that are suspected of a crime.
Minister of Justice Roland Duncan told reporters that he is happy the law was passed. Duncan said after three years the law will be reviewed and if there is any type of abuse of the law then Parliament can retract the law.