PHILIPSBURG/WILLEMSTAD--The arrest of Member of Parliament (MP) Silvio Matser early Wednesday morning, in the ongoing “Octopus” investigation, is in no way politically motivated, according to the Prosecutor’s Office. Matser was arrested with two other men who are also suspected of election fraud (vote buying).
The Prosecutor’s Office has “never been or will never be politically motivated” in the execution of its duties, said spokesman for the Office Norman Serphos. His comments stem from “talk” in some sections of the St. Maarten community suggesting that Matser’s arrest was an attempt by the justice officials to stall the handling of the draft 2016 budget in Parliament.
“We did not know there was a budget debate. The National Detectives were ready with the case and it was decided since last week to proceed with the arrest today [Wednesday],” said Serphos. “The arrest was in no way politically motivated.”
MPs were slated to resume debate on the draft budget this morning, but the session could not commence as there was no quorum. A minimum of eight MPs is needed to start any plenary session of Parliament. Only seven MPs, forming the Coalition of Eight, were present and signed in for the debate.
Opposition MPs, referred to as “Super Seven” were present, but they did not sign in for the session. The meeting will be reconvened within the next four days by Parliament Chairwoman Sarah Wescot-Williams.
