Country's Constitution and Democracy well and alive
PHILIPSBURG:--- The President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell says she has upheld the rules of the House of Parliament and applied them according to the rules of order of the House.
With respect to an urgent meeting that was called by the National Alliance (NA) faction in parliament in a letter dated February 25, 2014, based on article 27, paragraph 1 and 3 of the Rules of Order, a meeting has to be held within 14-days.
Convocation was sent out to all members of the House on February 27, 2014 for the meeting about the Princess Juliana International Airport to be held on March 7, 2014 at 10:00am, which is within the 14-day period.
On March 7, 2014, at 10:30am, due to a lack of quorum, the Chair opened the gathering and had the names of the members called off to ascertain that the number of members required to be present for deliberations and decision-making was not complete.
Based on article 29, paragraph 2, of the Rules of Order, in such a case the meeting should be called again within 4x24 hours.
On March 10, 2014, the Members of Parliament were notified by letter that this meeting will take place on March 25, 2014 at 2:00pm, which is again well within the 4x24 hours period as stipulated by article 29, paragraph 2, of the rules of order.
"I would like to let the people know that article 29, paragraph 2, of the rules of order only stipulates that the meeting should be called within 4x24 hours.
"This article does not make mention that the meeting should also be held within 4x24 hours, and therefore I as the chairlady of Parliament acted in full accordance with the rules of order of the House.
"The Constitution and democracy is well and alive on Sint Maarten," President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell said on Monday.
