Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
~ Counterpart policy at centre of decision ~
PHILIPSBURG--Democratic Party ((DP)) Member of Parliament (MP)-elect Cornelius de Weever broke his silence Friday on his reasons for pulling his support from the slate on which he was elected to help the United People's (UP) party form a one-seat Parliamentary majority.
De Weever said in a press release that the counterpart policy was "a principle" on which he "was not willing to compromise," as it sought to protect the interests of "our nationals [who – Ed.] want to return home only to be told they do not have enough experience and are even sometimes told they have too much experience and the company cannot afford to pay them; all this while companies still want foreign work permits for the same position."
De Weever said that with all "the rumours and innuendo circulating," he wanted to inform the populace formally on the "reasoning" behind his decision.
He said he had informed (DP) party leader Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams that he would be taking up his seat in Parliament instead of serving as Minister.
"In this regard, I believe an explanation is warranted to the people of St. Maarten – those who voted for and supported me; to my fellow (DP) candidates and their supporters and voters; to our current coalition partners their voters and supporters as well; and finally and most importantly to the people of St. Maarten, whether they voted or not," he said in his statement.
"My decision to go into Parliament is a complicated one and a surprising one for many, just as it was for me. It was not a choice I thought I would be making at any time during the election, but as you well know, the dynamics of our governmental system can be fairly volatile.
"Those who are appointed and those of us who are elected and willing to sit in the executive seats understand the risk associated with becoming a minister. Knowing that you are the one to execute the coalition's governing program requires sharing your input and vision for St. Maarten."
De Weever said that when his input, proposals and vision were not being supported by some in (DP) it had became clear that he had "no other choice than to go into Parliament to protect the health, social and labour reform that I started and that St. Maarten needs to continue."
"Importantly, the counterpart policy is a principle that I was not willing to compromise on, as it sought to protect the interests of our nationals who often want to return home only to be told they do not have enough experience and are even sometimes told they have too much experience and the company cannot afford to pay them; all this while companies still want foreign work permits for the same position."
The sitting Minister of Health, Labour and Social Affairs said the decision he had taken had not been made based on emotions, but rather one that had demanded much in terms of reflection.
"As you know, my story with the Democratic Party goes back many years, and began at the feet of my family, my aunt Millicent and my uncle Leroy de Weever. I grew up within the party and when given the opportunity to serve the people of St. Maarten, I embraced the opportunity to do so as your Minister of Public Health Social Development and Labour.
"As a loyal party member, I served through three and a half tumultuous years, toeing the party line through many challenges, yet always trying to be even-keeled and committed to influencing positive change," he said.
De Weever said he had decided run as a (DP) candidate despite the many rumours and proposals associated with his running with other parties.
"After six weeks of campaigning, working hard with the other (DP) candidates and humbly asking the population to vote for me, I asked the voters to cast a vote for me, not against another person or party. As history shows, after the election results came in three parties met to form a coalition. It was also clear that the voters wanted a change and have largely embraced young politicians to represent them to lead our country St. Maarten forward.
"That said, it is unfortunate that many within the political apparatus are unwilling or unable to allow for change and new leadership, but rather are more concerned with the status quo and special interests. Self-serving interests cannot advance the needs of St. Maarten and its people," he said.
He said that as an elected representative, he believed it was in the best interest of St. Maarten that he take a parliamentary position where he is "guaranteed" the opportunity to represent the populace for the next four years. He said he looked forward to serving as an MP. He urged the populace to "keep an open mind" and let his work determine his contribution.
