President of Parliament Hon. drs. Gracita Arrindell just recently returned from attending Parlatino meetings in Panama where Sint Maarten has been offered to be the venue for two Parlatino meetings.
Sint Maarten has agreed in principle to host two meetings on November 22 and 23. The Health Committee is one of the committee’s proposed to meet in Sint Maarten.
Sint Maarten and Mexico abstained on a motion submitted by Argentina, supported by the Argentine Government and Parliament, to nationalize the Spanish Oil Company in Argentina.
The Junta Directiva, which is an executive meeting, had representatives from Aruba, Argentina, Brazil, Curacao, Chile, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Uruguay, Honduras, and Panama.
Once a quorum was established by the committee President Hon. Elias A. Castillo, the president reported on his activities for the period January to April 2012. A decision report as well as resolutions adopted at the General Assembly meeting in December 2011 was also presented.
Arrindell informed the Junta Directiva of the decision taken by the Parliament of Sint Maarten to become a member of the Political Committee of Parlatino of which Aruba and Curacao are also members.
"Due to a miscommunication, Sint Maarten missed the boat in March when a meeting was held, however, there are two additional meetings in May and September where our membership in this very important committee can be handled," President of Parliament Hon. drs. Gracita Arrindell said on Sunday.
A report on the progress of the new Head Quarters for Parlatino in Panama was presented. This and other information and documents will be presented to the Parliament of Sint Maarten.
The President of Parliament will prepare and make a proposal to give a presentation to the Central Committee of Parliament about the role, the activities, and the importance of Parlatino as a regional forum.
"I believe it’s very important as well for each committee member to give a briefing on their activities and participation in Parlatino Committees. This should be done in a public session and is part of our parliamentary democracy in being transparent," President Arrindell said on Sunday.
Members of Parliament (MPs) Hon. Johan Leonard and MP Hon. Patrick Illidge were also in Panama attending XVI Committee for Justice, Human Rights and Prison Services meetings.
The two MPs visited a female penitentiary during their working visit.