PHILIPSBURG–Chairperson of Parliament William Marlin has scheduled a closed-door meeting for today, Monday, at 3:00pm, among faction leaders to discuss the developing situation in French St. Martin.
The meeting was called at the request of United Democrats (UD) Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah Wescot-Williams.
The UD MP said in a press release on Sunday that the meeting among faction leaders will be a closed-door session for discussions as a precursor to parliamentary meetings and also to discuss matters of national interest. “I believe the situation on French St. Martin warrants such a meeting, void of partisan politics,” Wescot-Williams said.
“The representatives of the people should at a minimum have the factual information of what is playing out. That both governments are in communication is a good thing, but Members of Parliament too should be briefed on the ongoing developments, as these developments affect every citizen of our island in one way or another,” she said.
Wescot-Williams said she had also asked that the outstanding payment to Justice personnel and the Dutch Quarter project be discussed, because the Parliament meeting regarding payment to Police and Immigration officers last Friday “left most persons more confused and frustrated than before. This is not a situation you would want unaddressed for any length of time, especially during these times.”
She said the lack of progress with the Dutch Quarter project is another such matter that is simmering below the surface and generating tension amongst workers and residents.
“This is not good and needs to be allayed to avoid an escalation. I am thankful that the Chairperson of Parliament has agreed to this meeting. If nothing else, these discussions can lead to communication with the government with the views of all factions of Parliament, thereby avoiding the politicising of these sensitive matters,” she said.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/93297-faction-leaders-to-discuss-crisis-on-french-side-at-sarah-s-request
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