~ COM decree calls for elections November 25 ~
HARBOUR VIEW–Considering the current political developments, Governor Eugene Holiday said on Monday that he has decided to start consultations to establish the feasibility of forming a new government.
These will take place on September 24 and 25. Holiday said in a press statement that on September 9, Member of Parliament (MP) Franklin Meyers withdrew his support from the United Democrats/St. Maarten Christian Party (UD/SMCP) government and subsequently declared himself an independent MP. Holiday “immediately” convened meetings with Prime Minister Leona Romeo-Marlin and Meyers to discuss the political developments. Holiday also held meetings with Chairperson of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams of the UD, National Alliance (NA) faction leader Silveria Jacobs, United St. Maarten Party (US Party) faction leader Rolando Brison and SMCP faction leader Claude Peterson.
On Sunday, September 22, Holiday received a Governing Accord from Jacobs, dated September 21, 2019, regarding an agreement in principle on the formation of the next government of St. Maarten.
The accord was signed by nine MPs – the five NA faction members, the two US Party faction members and independent MPs Dr. Luc Mercelina and Chanel Brownbill. A copy of the accord has been forwarded to the chairperson of Parliament and the prime minister for their information, Holiday said.
On Monday morning Holiday held a meeting with Romeo-Marlin in which he was apprised of the decision of the Council of Ministers to invoke Article 59 of the Constitution to dissolve Parliament and call new elections.
The prime minister submitted a draft national decree which calls for elections to be held on Monday, November 25, and for the new Parliament to convene on December 23.
Romeo-Marlin also made the portfolios of the ministers, the minister plenipotentiary and deputy minister plenipotentiary available. “Governor Holiday, after review, ratified the draft dissolution decree in keeping with the Constitution and took the resignation request into consideration,” it was stated in the release.
He called on the ministers, the minister plenipotentiary and the deputy minister plenipotentiary to continue their duties in the interest of St. Maarten and to continue working with him until a decision has been taken concerning their request for resignation.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/91135-holiday-to-start-consultations-looking-into-feasibility-of-forming-next-govt
View comments
Hide comments