The President of Parliament, DP leader Mrs. Sarah Wescot-Williams, was present at the Courthouse on Friday morning to observe the proceedings in the two cases put for the consideration of the Constitutional Court. In commenting on the proceedings, the DP leader said “It did me proud to see the Constitutional Court in session, considering that this forms part and parcel of the system of checks and balances created when St. Maarten became a country within the Dutch Kingdom in October 2010.” Excesses by lawmakers (government and parliament) that go against the constitution are curbed by the existence of the constitutional court.
The institution charged with bringing perceived infringements to the constitutional court is the Ombudsman of St. Maarten, another indispensable part of the checks and balances in our country. The Ombudsman also hears and assesses complaints by citizens against government and public officials.
All in all, whatever the outcomes of specific cases, the fact that these institutions exist and function should be a comforting thought to all citizens.
