Member of Parliament Frans Richardson. (File photo)
PHILIPSBURG--United St. Maarten (US) party leader Member of Parliament (MP) Frans Richardson wants clarity from the Government he supports about conditions for aid from the Kingdom government post-Hurricane Irma. The US party faction requested an urgent Central Committee meeting to discuss this with the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister present.
The request was signed by the coalition members on Monday. Richardson said on the floor of Parliament on Monday during a public meeting that the people deserve to hear from the Prime Minister about the conditions attached to aid funds for the island from the kingdom. He said St. Maarten has been through a disaster of epic proportions and stressed that Government should not move forward irresponsibly in discussions with the Dutch when it comes to aid for St. Maarten.
“We are not only talking about aid, we are talking about constitutional implications and details that could negatively affect our people much sooner than is realised. All of us understand what is happening and the needs of our people,” he said.
“We want the Prime Minister to come in the House of Parliament and tell us exactly what is happening and what the Dutch Kingdom really wants to do. This meeting today is a waste of time. We need to be discussing the much-needed aid for St. Maarten and the way forward.
“The Dutch aid really needs to be discussed and people will have to hear from the Ministers and find out what kind of aid we will be getting. The US party faction is focussed. God bless those who truly love this country, and those who do not love it, pack up and leave.”
A date for the meeting will be set once the Parliament chairperson identifies a possible day.
