United Democrats ‘deeply saddened’ by Theo’s arrest | THE DAILY HERALD

 

PHILIPSBURG–A “dark day” is how the United Democrats has classified the arrested of its leader Member of Parliament Theo Heyliger early this morning by the Anti-Corruption Taskforce TBO.

  “It goes without saying that the arrest is a major blow to the UD and we consider this a dark day, not only for the party, but especially for Theo’s wife and children and St. Maarten in general. Grisha, the boys and his extended family are in our constant thoughts and prayers,” read the party press statement issued by party deputy leader MP Sarah Wescot-Williams hours after the arrest.

  The party leadership and members are said to be “deeply saddened” by Heyliger’s arrest in the “Larimar” investigation and pointed out that the country is “at crossroads in so many respects and the arrest of MP Heyliger is surely not helpful in this regard.”

  The statement further added that it is “still very early in the process and we implore everyone to not be hasty in jumping to conclusions.”

  “We will carefully follow the developments surrounding MP Heyliger’s arrest and we will uphold the mantra of innocent until proven guilty. We must, also for the benefit of our country, have faith in the justice system and we can only hope that fair justice will prevail, regardless of prejudices, real or perceived,” said the party.

  “It is an ordeal we wish no one, but the impact of Theo’s arrest will be felt far and near. In Parliament, we of the UD, will have to ensure that the people’s interest will continue to be center stage, despite this serious setback we are facing,” according to the party statement.

  The United Democrats will inform its membership and the St. Maarten people about the party’s course as more details and information become available.  

  Heyliger’s arrest comes after years of speculations about the alleged dealings of the country’s highest vote-getter.

  Meanwhile, due to the sentiment of the community for Heyliger and the similarity of events the led to the arrest and eventual death of the grandfather the late Dr. Claude Wathey, the country’s police and other security services are said to be on alert any demonstration or act of protest that may come based on discontent with Heyliger’s arrest. 

 

Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/85348-united-democrats-deeply-saddened-by-theo-s-arrest

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