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PHILIPSBURG--The creation of a building team and deciding on whether to opt for government lease land or to purchase a parcel for the construction of a new Parliament Building were among the topic Members of Parliament (MPs) dealt with in a meeting of Ad Hoc Committee for the New Parliament Building on Friday morning.
The meeting, chaired by United People's (UP) party MP Franklin Meyers, was originally opened to the public, but was closed after committee members decided "due to the sensitivity" of the subject that the meeting should be closed.
Independent MP Cornelius de Weever has suggested before the closure for the committee to get a list of available land from government that is suitable for the building MPs want to have constructed.
Meyers said a list of possible locations was on hand as well as some possible options of private land for purchase.
United St. Maarten Party leader MP Frans Richardson recommended that the committee form a building team of professionals versed in building design and construction.
Independent MP Leona Marlin-Romeo said the building should be well secure while De Weever added the need for adequate parking and accommodation for the possible future growth of Parliament.
According to Article 45 of the Constitution, Parliament consists of 15 members, if the population of St. Maarten numbers 60,000 or fewer, 17 members if the population is between 60,000 and a maximum of 70,000, 19 members if the population is between 70,000 and a maximum of 80,000 and 21 members if the population exceeds 80,000.
Also attending the ad hoc committee meeting were MPs Tamara Leonard, Maurice Lake and Silvio Matser (UP).
