HARBOUR VIEW–Governor Eugene Holiday has appointed Democratic Party leader Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams as new formateur for the incoming interim Government. She is to deliver her final report on the composition of the new Council of Ministers by January 12.
Her appointment came after United People’s (UP) party deputy leader MP Franklin Meyers withdrew from the post and removed himself as a candidate for Prime Minister. His decision stemmed from issues that arose in the screening process.
Holiday met with Meyers, Wescot-Williams and independent MP Chanel Brownbill on Thursday and Friday about the changes to the formation process. These consultations were a result of the declaration of October 29, 2017, signed by UP, DP and Brownbill to form a new Government, the motion of no confidence passed against the Marlin II Cabinet and the Council of Ministers’ decision to dissolve Parliament.
Based on the consultations, Holiday requested that Wescot-Williams finalise the formation of an interim Government supported by a majority in Parliament, a Government consisting of Ministers who are committed to promoting the wellbeing of the people of Sint Maarten and are dedicated to the reconstruction of Sint Maarten.
As with Meyers, Holiday requested that the formateur form an interim Government that dedicates itself to take immediate action to conclude the development of a recovery plan, to reach agreement with the Netherlands on the financing of the recovery plan, to cooperate with the social partners in rebuilding Sint Maarten, to revisit the budget for 2018, to develop a plan to strengthen security, to execute the agreement with the Netherlands on border control, to implement the law on the Integrity Chamber in accordance with the protocol with the Netherlands, to the execution of the election and to take steps to realise electoral reform.
He also emphasised the importance of the strict observance of the regulatory requirements, including the screening criteria applicable to the appointment for Minister candidates.
Bron: Daily Herald