Governor Eugene Holiday’s appointment of two “informateurs” to explore the formation of a new government based on the result of Monday’s parliamentary election (see related story) was quite a surprise. Not only is it normally just one, but he opted for persons completely outside of local politics, which can be considered rather unusual.
Their task is to work on a government supported by “the broadest possible majority” in Parliament. Note that no mention was made of a two-thirds majority, as is sometimes done, perhaps because this would be too limiting with a 7-5-2-1 seat division.
They are to present an inventory of policy plans the four parties that earned seats in the legislature have regarding a sustainable reconstruction of St. Maarten, cooperation with the Netherlands and particularly agreements made on funding via the World Bank, preparing for the upcoming hurricane season, a durable solution for the landfill and waste processing, as well as the role of social partners in the rebuilding process.
There is no reason to doubt that the chosen well-respected duo possesses the necessary qualities to do a good job. Nevertheless, they will need to work fast, having to involve all relevant stakeholders and submit their report by Monday, March 12.
What this all means in terms of the next governing coalition and cabinet remains to be seen. The intention is clearly to make substance rather that campaign rhetoric the focus, but in the end the outcome will still be decided through political negotiations.
