Dear Editor,
As a Board, we are very disappointed with the constant misrepresentations and falsehoods coming from, especially, the leader and deputy leader of the UP party. Since the valid vote of no confidence the leadership of the UP has been doing whatever they can to make an unconstitutional call for new elections.
From our point of view, we agree with MP Sarah Wescot-Williams, in stating that Article 59 should only be used when either there is unwillingness in Parliament to form a coalition of eight, or if the Parliament is making a mockery of our institution by jumping back and forth. Neither of these situations are presently valid and the UP leadership should do the honourable thing and take up their positions in the opposition benches.
It’s the highest form of hypocrisy for Deputy Leader of UP Franklyn Meyers to be calling for electoral reform now that they are in the opposition, when after the election in August 2014, the very same method of “ship jumping” is what had them in Government in the first place. The arrogance of the UP leadership is astounding in insinuating that we only need electoral reform when someone “jumps ship” from the UP, but all is well when someone jumps ship to the UP.
The people of St. Maarten have sat through a year of inaction, corruption and nepotism that seem to be the modus operandi of the UP. We, as the Board of the NA, would like to ask the UP to state just one thing that was done for the people of St. Maarten. We do, however, hear of countless deals that are established to enrich the leader of the UP, his family and friends.

The UP leader should explain to the people of St. Maarten why he is hell bent on forcing GEBE to take a 700-million-guilder loan for a waste-to-energy plant and other upgrades, when under former Minister William Marlin a more advanced and environmentally safe waste-to-energy plant was costing GEBE and the people of St. Maarten nothing to construct. The conversion of the GEBE generators to LPG gas also included friends of the UP yet again.
Under this UP-led government, a private company was simply given US $10 million as a payoff to drop a court case. What kind of responsible governing is that? Instructing the harbour to settle a lawsuit caused by administrative errors of the UP Leader Theo Heyliger. Now the Harbour Group of Companies owes SZV $10 million. If this continues, SZV will eventually join the Harbour Group of Companies in financial difficulties.
After purchasing the Vorst property for NAf. 5.5 million, the UP-led government is prepared to lease the land to Algemene Pension St. Maarten (APS) for a symbolic price of one guilder for 60 years. Not one guilder a year for 60 years mind you, but just one guilder. Indications are that APS would then contract a construction firm with close ties to the UP leader to construct social homes. Another UP plan with self-interest dripping all over it.

This land could be leased to young professionals to build their own homes, which would lead to more economic activity for all and not the selected few.
The above is only a small part of what has transpired over the past year; yet not one project to assist with job creation for the young people. Where is the new hospital the UP promised? Once elected the hospital was put on the back burner for a number of projects with questionable prices, ulterior motives and self-interest.
Additionally, Justice is a mess; safety and security, due to the rise in crime, is a concern to our population. There is a serious tack of proper training and equipment for our police corps. The education system is suffering due to lack at schools – increasing challenges in meeting the needs of learners in a highly technological world; and, a lack of qualified teachers while the present government can’t ensure proper continuing vocational education. There is also a lack of promotion of cultural and sports development, coordination with other stakeholders in meeting the needs of our youth, and protection of our vulnerable groups, all while the UP supports a health ordinance which robs the seniors of basic health care instead of assisting them.
For the UP leader to claim that the new coalition was formed for self-interest is simply not valid. It is a gross attempt to once again fool the people of St. Maarten. It is clear that the year of inaction, negligence, incompetence, secrecy and greed on the part of the UP leadership is what ultimately led to the vote of non-confidence. The “ship jumpers” have taken the first step in taking St. Maarten back from the few and giving it back to the people. They are to be commended for taking such a bold step.

We, as the Board of the NA, would like to ask the people of St. Maarten to give this coalition a chance to work in the best interests of the island. This is not an oligarchy controlled by the few wealthy families, but a democracy controlled by the people.

Team National Alliance

Dear Editor,

Marcel and Dennis should stop trying to belittle the Governor and at the same time stop making a mockery of the system. The Governor is one of the few Mohicans of this country whom one can say has an irreproachable conduct. He carries himself as a statesman with the necessary humbleness.

Marcel and Dennis, your lack of action to resign as ministers is an offense of the constitution. As such Marcel and Dennis, you are trampling the constitution and at the same time holding the country hostage. Marcel and Dennis, your refusal to resign as ministers are tantamount to a coup d’état. Article 33 of the constitution is clear. You do not have to be a rocket scientist to understand the content of this article.

Marcel and Dennis should resign and leave the rest of the process in the hands of the Governor. According to my humble opinion the Governor has already indicated that he does not see the need for new elections, because there is a new majority in parliament to form a government. Marcel and Dennis, do you really want to be forcefully removed from your offices by the strong arm and most probably charged with “lokaal vrede breuk?” That will be a pity. So, Marcel and Dennis, resign and stop the charade.

Marcel and Dennis do not allow your anger to take over your ability to think and act rational. Marcel and Dennis, history will not treat you kindly.

Amy Arrindell

Dear Editor,

The execution of the following two articles 33 and 59 of our relatively young Constitution has been the point of discussion by many of our Politicians and readers /supporters. Thus I shall build my elucidation around said articles of our Constitution in this edition.

Article 33 paragraph 2 of our Constitution reads:

“IF A MINISTER NO LONGER HAS THE CONFIDENCE OF PARLIAMENT, HE SHALL RESIGN.” Paragraph 3 of the same Article says that by National Ordinance further rules may be established with respect to paragraph 2.

This simply means that when the majority of the elected representatives, MPs, representing those that elect them, express to have no further confidence in the Executive body, the council of Ministers they must resign.

To use the words of Mr. Heyliger in an article he had printed in a local newspaper in the year 2013 when a similar situation occurred, the so-called “Mexican stand-off” and I quote: “The people of the country would like the impasse created by the National Alliance to be over and governance returned to the country! There is a crystal clear parliamentary majority in place! The Governor needs to take his decision based on this.” Unquote.

It should at no time be viewed as a crisis, as dramatically put by Prime Minister Mr. Marcel Gumbs when the majority of parliamentarians cast their vote against the Council of Ministers which he presides over and who the majority of Parliament feels are not doing the job that they were put there to do by this same Parliament.

Mr. Gumbs confirmed that his cabinet is getting nothing done when he made it clear to the Nation that his cabinet was only putting out fires and cannot get around to do the people’s business. He went further with his statement in which he expressed that certain constituents, that he has sworn to represent, should put a weight around their neck and jump.

When Parliament cast their vote in favour or against, it cannot be considered or termed to be a crisis if it goes against certain political interest. It is the basis of our democracy, freedom of expression and not a crisis. You win some and lose some, this one you lost.

It is considered to be a crisis in the making when Parliament expresses the many wrong doings taking place at the various Government companies that are not being handled. Is it not a crisis when Parliament requests information and cannot be provided through the concerned minister and Parliament takes action of not having confidence in the minister or ministers? Are we to consider the fact that Parliamentarians are fed up with being treated like subordinates/children who do not deserve answers from Ministers/CEO’s to know what is going on in Government on behalf of the people that elected them?

Permit me again to refer to Mr. Heyliger’s article of 2013 in which he stated:

“The longer this impasse goes on leads to more speculation that something is amiss. A parliamentary majority is in place and this should be respected by the Council of Ministers.”

Yes, Mr. Heyliger, those were your words uttered in 2013. Don’t they sound familiar? As we would say KARMA IS A B….

To create more confusion Mr. Prime Minister states the following:

“None of the Cabinet members were given the opportunity to address Parliament before the vote was taken. I feel this defies the rules of propriety and common decency which Parliament should observe.”

Mr. Prime Minister I have duly read the Constitution and have overlooked or failed to encounter that section or paragraph that describes the mentioned path when parliament has no confidence in a Minister. With due respect to your cabinet whom I frankly believe meant well, but there were stronger forces that did not allow the smooth executions. Face it!

Regretfully Mr. Prime Minister I have lost all respect for the mentioned professor you have quoted from the Curaçao University who in 2013 considered this process as Constitutional and in this cycle under the same identical situation views it different. I hope he will face the music and correct this embarrassing situation as a professor. He lied then or is lying now, if I can trust the word of the Prime Minister to be factual.

Mr. Prime Minister I believe and understand why you are presenting the case to be a crisis situation as this would allow the application of article 59. This should only be used when decisions cannot be reached in Parliament amongst those 15 elected MPs. Then and only then shall the Prime Minister step in and after different attempts to consider disbanding Parliament and call for new elections. That is a crisis situation.

Mr. Gumbs here follows one of those “Cigar expressions:”

“This means that Government, struck by a Parliament that withdraws its confidence, has the power to strike back by calling for elections.”

Mr. Gumbs, it is not about striking at the peoples representatives it is about the will of the people shall be the basis of authority wherein you and your cabinet, excluding Mr. C. Connor, do not fit. Taking it back to the people at this time will not stop the jumping and will not solve the recurring conflict before the changes are brought in the electoral laws. As long as vote buying is the evil root to electoral success, this great tree called democracy is a farce. In addition, Mr. Prime Minister, I cannot believe that you said that the intention of our lawmakers were to arm the Prime Minister when the MPs strike.

Those who knowingly created an unnecessary standoff have therefore once again tarnished the good name of the country (taken from Heyliger’s article).

They have permitted to send the wrong message once again to the outside world, especially the foreign investor and the visitor to the island (taken from Heyliger’s article).

I fully concur with His Excellency the Governor's statement released in 2013 by his cabinet for all stakeholders to do all that is necessary to maintain and protect the integrity of our constitutional democracy, and to foster actions in keeping with our constitution and saw no reason not to uphold the decision of Parliament, when coming to his decision of the so-called Mexican standoff then and now.

I do hope that the appointment of a new President of Parliament that will be forthcoming, followed by a new Council of Ministers, to work in the interest of the people and the country could be the start of a new beginning.

A parliamentary majority is in place and this should be respected by the Council of Ministers, in particular those that claim to be READY members of the UP.

I believe that the parliamentary majority has presented its case to the Governor. The Governor has to now stop dilly-dallying as this only creates doubt in the minds of the voter as to whether the action taken is constitutional or not. He has to act.

There is no difference than what transpired 2013 compared to now! Tell me what is the difference? Elections held within the next couple of months will not change anything. You will still be in the same situation as before where Members of Parliament can leave a party and become an independent member of parliament, and withdraw their support and form a government with another party. That is the political reality that we live in today based on the current electoral laws of our country. In legal terms there is jurisprudence.

Changing the aforementioned is only dealt with by Members of Parliament revising the electoral laws.

Arnel Brown

Dear Editor,

  The Honourable Chief Minister Victor Banks insists that his primary business is putting the country on track. He said the country faces real challenges indicating, his task at the moment is to deal with some very high intensity matters including budgetary issues with Great Britain.

  “The executive council spends long hours in sessions on a daily basis, with a full focus of getting the country on track.” He was adamant that many of the issues he is dealing with are crucial to the direction of the country and are fundamental to setting the country on course. The Banks Government has been in office less than six months.

  The indigenous Bank crisis is a matter of grave importance for The Honourable Chief Minister, who remains very adamant and optimistic, declaring that some of the key players in the dialogue are working together with him for a resolution. The question was asked about the merging of both banks that answer was not clear but assumptions are, both banks would be merged as a permanent solution to the crisis. Mr. Banks indicated, that in such a scenario it will not be an instant undertaking but an exercise that would take some time, probably years.

  He said, “I will not allow these banks to be taken away from the people of Anguilla, we must be prepared to make a direct input; some degree of taxation may be necessary, sacrifices must be made in seeking a sound conclusion.” In that regard he admonished the Anguillian people to support their national banks and make them strong institutions. Mr. Banks warned, those persons having debt, should be prepared to deal with their debt to the banks; he expects that all bad debts would remain the responsibility of the debtors. He was unable to give full details, claiming information on the situation remains strictly confidential.

  All Ministers gave indication of the serious workload on behalf of the country. In sports, the Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Cardigan Connor said he is presently engaged in developing a new running track for the island. “Our athletes in track and field will in the future have a new running track, to better develop this sport.” He also spoke of the tourism of season, indicating, there is consideration to expand sports into a tourist product, during the off season, combined with some aspects of Caribbean tourism, which is the second largest niche in our tourism market and fits right with our major Summer Festival. With sufficient concentration and promotion, this is an area we feel can improve the slow season in our tourism development.”

  The Minister of Health made a significant input, becoming very emotional, as he described the state of health care on the island. The Honourable Minister Mr. Evans McNeil seems optimistic about education on the island, but said, the health care situation has his heart broken and he intends to improve the health situation for the people. He said it is his promise to deliver a modern health care facility to the people of Anguilla.

  Mr. McNeil talked about the frequency of incidents on the island, requiring overseas services; he said patients are flown out at all hours, as far as Panama, incurring very high cost and these cost must be covered. He said it is his obligation to make a difference in health on Anguilla and he has already initiated a programme where the hospital must be better equipped.

  The Honourable Minister of Infrastructure Curtis Richardson talked about the water situation on the island; he said he had set several dates by which he thought he could meet the goal of delivering water to the people and apologized because of constraints. The Minister said progress has been made. He acknowledged that there is water loss because of leakage and expressed concern of instances where water is being stolen as well, but indicated very strongly that with the serious effort of the Water Authority and the Water Board, having installed a new Chairman, they will complete an effective watery delivery system to the people of Anguilla shortly.

  The Minister, who had been very adamant in his campaign, now faces the reality that the machinery of Government turns very slowly and is massively bureaucratic. He said, he tested the system very early on and learned some lessons, but has proven that things can be done through the correct process. He was talking about a new road he started work on coming up from Sandy Ground to South Hill. The Minister said this road will be completed.

  The Minister of Immigration and Labour, the Honourable Cora Hodge Richardson, was very specific in her delivery; she indicated in several instances where policy has been adapted and legislation drafted to affect the required changes she is adapting in several areas of her Ministry. It is clear that the Honourable Minister is at work.

  Earlier, several complaints were lodged about the conduct of Immigration and Customs Officers at Blowing Point port, action was taken in improving situations there. The Labour and Immigration Minister said she is making changes to the Belonger Status Law, affecting the grand children of Anguillians and when that is done, grand children of Belongers of Anguilla would be free to live and work on Anguilla.

  She said her ministry has started work on establishing a minimum wage system in the island’s labour market which would affect the various categories of skilled and unskilled workers. A minimum wage would be set in all categories; legislation is presently being drafted to make these changes.

  The issue of a Government spokesman was raised, The Honourable Victor Banks said, a Government spokesman is a key asset to the performance of government and will come. He doesn’t believe there is a shortage, or vacuum in information to the people, he said, some are anticipating information they want to hear.

Elliot J. Harrigan.