"Electoral reform is a permanent feature of any healthy democracy"
Members of the SHTA were treated to a unique opportunity on Friday during the association’s monthly "Mixer", with the attendance of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Sarah Wescot-Williams and the Chairman of Parliament, Drs. R. Samuel.
The two officials were the specially invited guests and were asked to address the members on the new government structure of Country St. Maarten. For his part, the Chairman of Parliament explained the structure of Parliament, its committees, and the workings of this legislative body. He stressed that the fifteen-member chamber represents all of the people and therefore have an overarching responsibility to the constituents.
The Prime Minister expressed her delight at the opportunity afforded her due to the many misconceptions that still exist as it pertains to the structure of the Country’s government. In a very detailed presentation, the PM compared the current council of ministers with the former Executive Council, explained the relationship between government and Parliament and outlined the differences between the former function of the Lt. governor and that of the current Governor.
"It comes as a surprise to many that in our dualistic system, the Government appoints the Ministers and the Government can dissolve Parliament", commented the Prime Minister. "In addition, the Governor and the Ministers make up the Government, but the Governor has no executive powers." Furthermore, the legislative process is not complete without acts of both Parliament and Government.
The members of the SHTA were quite interested in the functioning of Government as a body in a structure where Ministers have independent responsibilities and brief overview was also given of the accountability and liability of Ministers by the PM.
The Association asked the Prime Minister’s views on electoral reform, a topic she gladly delved into. What is often misunderstood is that electoral reform is a broad term that can include voting and electoral systems, election laws and political parties, campaign financing and party funding. She concluded that part of her presentation with the quote: "Electoral reform is a permanent feature of any healthy democracy".
After the presentations, there was an animated Q&A with the Prime Minister and the Chairman of Parliament and there was a general consensus that the information provided to the members of the SHTA should be made available to the wider community through different means and forms of dialogue. The evening was closed off with an informal reception and a mingling of those present.