PHILIPSBURG–Prime Minister William Marlin said on Wednesday that National Alliance (NA) and United St. Maarten Party (US Party) are still open to forming a national government in the best interest of St. Maarten.
Marlin said earlier this week that he had sent another invitation to all political parties with a seat in Parliament with respect to forming a national government, but he stressed that while NA and US Party are willing to pursue this route, there must be willingness to form the national government across the board.
He said also that Minister and NA deputy leader Silveria Jacobs, who has accepted to take over the helm of the party as leader, also believes in a national government.
Marlin had made efforts to form a national government last week when he messaged all party leaders seeking a meeting to this effect. Parties met and had to adjourn the meeting to meet with Governor Eugene Holiday. Parties pledged at the time to continue their discussions.
The importance of not having political turmoil at this time was also stressed during the meeting with the Governor. Marlin said parties had shaken hands indicating that they would continue their meetings, but instead of this, a scheduled urgent meeting of Parliament resumed late in the afternoon and a motion of no confidence was passed against six of the seven Ministers. Democratic Party (DP) appointed minister Emil Lee was spared the vote of no confidence and Marlin said everyone knows why this was done.
Marlin said that to date NA and US Party were still open to entering into discussions with the other parties to form a broad-based government. He said he has no interest in remaining Prime Minister in any broad-based government that is formed. His earlier suggestion had been for a person to be appointed Prime Minister who is supported by all the parties and someone who has experience.
“The National Alliance is still prepared to sit with anyone to discuss a national government. The willingness is there,” he said.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/70822-marlin-says-na-us-still-open-to-forming-broad-based-govt
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