COLE BAY–Inclement weather at their first public meeting did not stop new party United Democrats from speaking about issues and throwing around the usual political jabs to those who showed up at Kim Sha Beach on Thursday evening.

United Democrats leader Theo Heyliger told the low turnout that the best option for country St. Maarten is the United Democrats and trusting other parties right now would be a mistake. He said that former Prime Minister William Marlin is still the leader of the National Alliance and people should not be fooled, because he wants to be back as the one in charge.

Candidates spoke passionately about their plans and wishes for voters to give United Democrats the majority in the snap parliamentary election February 26. United Democrats is the unification of the United People’s (UP) party and the Democratic Party (DP).

“The country’s unaddressed realities since Irma’s passage on September 6, 2017, the crippled economy and people desperately needing leadership and hope have all led to the coming together of the United Democrats,” said candidate Member of Parliament (MP) Franklin Meyers during his speech to the audience.

Minister of Justice Cornelius de Weever said in his speech that the United St. Maarten Party (US Party) is going around taking credit for regulating the Justice Ministry, but the insurance policy for police, Customs, prison workers and Immigration workers was not paid in 2017.

“They (US Party) have failed the people and the National Alliance (NA) claims that they had two balanced budgets, but our law officials are out there without any sort of coverage,” stated De Weever. However, he did not say whether he has paid for the insurance policy since he took office two weeks ago.

Prime Minister Leona Romeo-Marlin spoke about doing all in her power to get aid and regulate the economy as soon as possible. “I will do all I can to work for St. Maarten. Vote for United Democrats for clear leadership,” stated Marlin during her address.

Bron: Daily Herald