Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
PHILIPSBURG--Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs’ invitation to faction leaders in Parliament to meet separately with him today, Wednesday, in an attempt to get “support for solutions for stability in government†has been rebuffed by members of the new coalition in Parliament.
In response to Gumbs’ invitation to meet, faction leaders Members of Parliament (MPs) William Marlin (National Alliance), Sarah Wescot-Williams (Democratic Party), Frans Richardson (United St. Maarten Party) and Silvio Matser and Maurice Lake (both independent) stated in a letter they would be ready to talk when the Council of Ministers adheres to the motion of no confidence passed against them by Parliament on September 30.
“The solution for stability in government is first and foremost the act by all ministers in accordance with Article 33, Sub 2 of the Constitution. When we are informed of this, we will avail ourselves for any discussion to ensure a smooth and rapid transition,†the new coalition’s letter stated.
In accordance with Article 33, Sub 2 of the Constitution, any minister against whom a motion of no confidence is passed by Parliament must make his/her position available. The Council of Ministers is yet to comply with the September 30 motion and instead has moved to dissolve Parliament with the use of Article 59 of the Constitution.
The Gumbs Cabinet has submitted to Governor Eugene Holiday for ratification a national decree to dissolve Parliament and hold elections by December 8. The Cabinet is awaiting a reaction on the decree.
The round of meetings between individual faction leaders and Gumbs with his advisor is to start in the Government Administration Building at 9:00am. Invitations to the faction leaders from Gumbs were sent out on Tuesday.
Gumbs continues to emphasise “the need for stability, civility and tranquillity in the country,†according to a press statement. To that end, he has invited the faction leaders “to discuss solutions for stability in government.â€
The Council of Ministers decided on Tuesday to explore this avenue to seek a solution to the impasse between Parliament and the Council of Ministers in the long-term interest of the country and its people.
“This approach being offered brings Parliament and Government together to work in the interests of the people,†Gumbs said. “I am looking forward to meeting with the various faction leaders as we discuss possible solutions for stability in future Governments of this country.â€
