Press release from the Democratic Party of Sint Maarten

On both levels of government, the Democratic Party of Sint Maarten has dispatched a set of pointed questions with regard to the announcement that the NA/Heyliger Executive Council has intentions to replace Act. Lt. Governor, Mrs. Millicent Acuna Lopez de Weever.

 

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Unclear is whether this is to happen immediately, on short term or on long term. In any case, this announcement raises several questions. It would appear as if this petition is in the hands of the Central Government for some time, judging from the NA’s acknowledgement that the papers of "another" candidate are presently being screened by the agencies of the Central Government. The million dollar question would then be why? We refuse to accept that this has something to do with recent island council meetings, as the leader of the NA would want to make believe. It is the opinion of the Democratic Party that if these stories are true, it has all to do with the attitude of the NA, which continues in the same vein as when the party’s name was SPA and that is: "if you’re not for me, then you are against me". Under this mum, the then SPA now NA, upon assuming government responsibilities back in 1997, fired members from boards of companies and from different corporate positions, because in their (SPA/NA) opinion these persons were "against them". While in opposition, the NA became infamous for challenging the chair or acting chair of the Island Council. They should be the last ones to accuse any chair of the Island Council of being partisan or un-informed, as more often than not, the actions of the NA while in opposition could be labeled as "breaking or bending the rules". Regardless of the reasoning, the NA’s modus operandi is unprofessional and disrespectful towards one of the highest office-holders of our island.

Where has their argument that no (recently) active politician should hold the office of Lt. Governor or Act. Lt. Governor gone? If the NA has any misgivings about her, the proper thing for them to do would be to discuss such with the Acting Lt. Governor. After all, the NA together with Commissioner Heyliger are now the island’s government and they should act the role. This type of political posturing is what turns off the general public and our professionals in particular, from holding public office.

The questions by the faction of the Democratic Party seek to obtain clarity on this questionable act by the NA/Heyliger Executive Council and if by chance the Central Government for the sake of stability of its coalition agree to this, its actions too need to be questioned.