PHILIPSBURG–Caretaker Minister of Justice Cornelius de Weever, against whom a motion of no confidence was passed to leave office with immediate effect 15 days ago on September 25, also stepped down from office on Thursday. Both de Weever and caretaker Prime Minister Leona Romeo-Marlin indicated in separate press releases that they would be leaving office.
De Weever said in an October 10, letter to the Council of Ministers that during a transition, it should not be about political polarization, but political inclusion in the interest of St. Maarten.
“Today is Constitution Day and as a strong defender of our constitution and our democracy, I must do everything humanly possible to avoid any potential conflict or confrontation from escalating with Parliament while protecting the principle of trias politica. As we observe Constitution Day, I would like the council to consider my resignation as soon as possible to avoid the current impasse from intensifying,” de Weever said.
De Weever claimed that Chairperson of Parliament William Marlin “will be using this impasse politically to vindicate himself of what transpired in 2017 and in fact has indirectly instructed the Kingdom Council of Ministers to intervene as they did in 2017. I do not want to be used as a political pawn in his, the NA (National Alliance), the USP (United St. Maarten Party), Brownbill and Mercellina vendetta or misconstrued revenge game against the Kingdom Council of Ministers, despite the lack of contention within the Kingdom, and that the interests of St. Maarten are actually being served while the opposite was true post Hurricane Irma,” de Weever said.
According to a press release, de Weever said in his resignation letter that Parliament in its capacity as co-legislator, should in this stage until elections focus its strength on the handling and passing of the Penal Code, the Penal Procedure Code and Book 2 of the Civil Code to avoid a public statement for non-adherence/compliance to the recommendations of the CFATF.
“Given the sensitivity and risk associated with the potential public statement, I must submit to you my resignation in an attempt to avoid jeopardizing our national security. It is often said: “Country above self,” and I will surely put St. Maarten above myself to ensure that the livelihood of our people and our economy are protected,” de Weever noted.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/91634-de-weever-also-steps-down-thursday
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