Emil Lee.
~ DP out of the race ~
PHILIPSBURG–Former Minister of Health, Labour and Social Affairs VSA Emil Lee has re-entered the political ring and will be contesting the January 9, 2002, snap parliamentary elections with the United Democrats (UD), which is being led by former Chairperson of Parliament, Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah Wescot-Williams.
The Democratic Party (DP), for which Wescot-Williams is also leader, is out of the race for the upcoming elections.
The former Health Minister assured that the construction of the new St. Maarten General Hospital, which came together when he had been in office, will continue under the direction of “the capable staff” at St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC).
Lee, who was removed from office with a no confidence motion on July 2, tabled by former UD MP Dr. Luc Mercelina, said he chose to run with UD led by Wescot-Williams because choosing a party that shares his values of stability, integrity and transparency was a critical part in his decision-making process.
“Sarah Wescot-Williams always has been a mentor, friend and partner in my development as a servant of the people of St. Maarten. For that reason, I will run with Sarah as she leads the UD into the next election,” Lee told The Daily Herald.
Asked why he decided to return to politics Lee said: “I debated about whether or not to run in the upcoming election. Like many people in the community, I don’t believe changing government every year is good for the country. However, for two main reasons, I have decided to run in the upcoming election. First, St. Maarten is in need of true reform in so many areas, and I bring a lot of experience in terms of stability and reforms to government. Originally, when I decided to enter politics, it was with the idea of real change and real solutions. We have demonstrated the ability to be effective in making this a reality. For instance, the healthcare sector is in the process of radical transformation as a result of our combined efforts. Our healthcare sector on St. Maarten will be the envy of the Caribbean while creating new economic opportunities for St. Maarten.”
Lee said many improvements have been witnessed in the healthcare system such as more specialists now operating in St. Maarten. “The legislation to reform healthcare financing in St. Maarten is ready for debate in Parliament. The Labour Tripartite (unions, business and government) has a consensus on a path to labour reform. Social reforms also are underway, but dependent on government liquidity. The experience and knowledge that I have gained over the past several years are valuable resources for helping to initiate and effect change. These lessons learned can be applied to other areas such as in Parliament.
Secondly, St. Maarten is my home. While I wasn’t born here, I was definitely born to be here. My family is here. My future is here. Like everyone else in St. Maarten, I am very worried about the future of our island, our home, but I also have hope for the future … I will continue to work with integrity and transparency for a better future for St. Maarten.”
Addressing the way in which he had been removed from office and the constant slander and accusations levelled against him while in office, Lee said: “I made decisions about how to best represent the people of St. Maarten, I have remained true to those commitments even though it meant my term in office would come to an end. Everything that was being done was in accordance with the governing programme that was signed by all members of the coalition and incoming ministers.
The fact is that one of the coalition members was someone who couldn’t listen to reason and offered no solutions, only criticism. I tried my best to explain our choices, and how these decisions were in the best interests of St. Maarten citizens, but he wasn’t really interested in listening. Confronted with the choice between adhering to my principles or keeping my job as minister, I choose to adhere to my principles.”
He said once the motion was made in Parliament, but before it was put to a vote, an MP told him “if you pull back the contract for Inso to build the new hospital and put the proposed GHI (General Health Insurance) legislation on the shelf, you could possibly survive the motion and keep your job as minister.”
My response was “I couldn’t imagine anything worse than stopping the things that I believe in – those programmes that are best for our community – coming to work to execute tasks that I don’t believe in, just to keep my job. Thanks, but no thanks.”
Lee said he feels comfortable that he has been loyal to St. Maarten and that he has lived by the principles of integrity, transparency and good government. “I wouldn’t have done anything different. I have no regrets.
Regarding the slander and false accusations, I am taking legal steps to address that. I understand politics and the games that people play, but my reputation and honour are precious to me and I will not just sit by while others slander me with completely fabricated stories.”
In terms of what the electorate can expect from him if re-elected and what his priorities will be, Lee said: “One of the top priorities has to be electoral reform. The lack of stability in government is definitely hampering the reconstruction and development of St. Maarten. The economy of St. Maarten needs to improve. If the economy doesn’t improve, everything else will stay behind as well. In the word of James Carville, “Its the economy, stupid…”
“My experience serving in government only solidifies these priorities for me. I have seen how these two topics can make or break the progress and cripple development. It is truly a trickle-down effect and unfortunately, the people always get the last drop. Cliché, but this needs to change, and I truly believe that we can.”
And what would he do differently if re-elected to serve: “I believe that I have been consistent in my beliefs in bringing about reforms with integrity and transparency. I have really enjoyed the time since being out of office to be able to spend more time in the community. I would hope to be able to balance my time between work and time in the community differently.”
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/92482-former-minister-lee-to-run-with-ud-under-sarah-s-leadership
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