SXMElections.com

St. Maarten – UP leader and formateur Theo Heyliger has asked and received more time to submit the final names of his cabinet to form the new government according to a press release from Governor Eugene Holiday.

The formateur originally had a November 30 deadline to submit the final list, but in a meeting with Governor Holiday yesterday, Heyliger made his request for additional time and was granted till December 16. Heyliger presented the Governor with his progress report during yesterday’s meeting, and deliberated on the required information for the screening of the candidates for the posts of Prime Minister, Ministers, Minister Plenipotentiary and acting Minister Plenipotentiary.

“Based on the available information and the discussion it was concluded that the background screening of the candidate ministers is in its final stages. The screening covers a background review of (a) the personal and professional credentials, (b) the financial position, (c) the fiscal (i.e. tax and social security premiums) compliance, (d) the judicial background including possible suspicious transactions, (e) the security background and (f) if necessary, the health condition of the candidates.

“The purpose of the screening is to assess the integrity, independence and solvency of the candidates as well as the stability of the new government. As a result the formateur informed the Governor that it is not feasible to present a final formation report on November 30, 2014 as scheduled. The formateur therefore requested an extension of his commission to form a new government. Governor Holiday as a result and having assessed the situation extended the commission for Heyliger to present him the final report of the formation process by December 16, 2014.”