Philipsburg:--- The leader of the United Peoples Party Theodore Heyliger called a meeting on Friday afternoon with the members of his faction in Parliament especially Romain La Ville. The meeting was held in Heyliger's office where they also discussed how they will handle the Pelican saga and Jules James.
Sources close to the party and board members said that the issue surrounding Pelican and Jules James had to be dealt with a long time ago but the party leader Theodore Heyliger did not do what he was supposed to do. A party insider said the purpose of the meeting on Friday afternoon was to make sure James takes a decision on his political future. "Jules James is making more money working for SMBRC and Royal Resorts Management Company Ltd. Besides that, James has several businesses around the island so he does not need to be in parliament. The situation with Jules James and the Pelican workers is hurting the United People's Party very much and Heyliger and James would have to take a decision as to how they will proceed." During the meeting on Friday members of the United Peoples Party gave Jules James a few days to think on the course of action he will take. While the UP members did not spell out to Jules James that he must resign from Parliament if he wants to maintain his jobs at the former Pelican Resort, they made clear to him that he can no longer take the front seat when representing the company if he wants to stay in Parliament. "You cannot be the one to fire people and sign on behalf of the company. Morally this is not right and playing with people's livelihood will not go down well," one member told James.
Some of the United Peoples Party members said they respect Romain La Ville for taking a stand on Thursday night since La Ville on several occasions mentioned to Heyliger and his other faction members that Jules James was taking the party downwards. However, during Friday's meeting the members told La Ville that he needs to choose better words when he is on the floor of Parliament. The source said Laville was still emotional he eventually apologized to the faction members before the meeting ended.SMN News further learnt that James and La Ville ended up arguing over the Pelican affair.
The United Peoples Party members are scheduled to meet again next week to further discuss the matter.
Some of the Members of Parliament from the United Peoples Party Faction are also very upset at James for refusing to take advice from his colleagues. "What happened Thursday night could have been avoided because James was advised to use the Front Street entrance to leave the building but he is so naive that he refused to listen. Besides that, his son was busy cursing and arguing with the Pelican workers. We believe that James the Preacher needs to keep his house in order and control his emotional son. "
