PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams surrounded by Board Members of the DP told members of the media on Tuesday that the DP was registered as an association for years but they had to amend their articles of incorporation in order to contest the 2014 elections. Party leader Wescot Williams gave an outline as to what the new articles of incorporation entails which she said is to promote the betterment and good for St. Maarten. She said the new articles of incorporation also establishes the rights and principles of members of the party.
Wescot Williams said that this is an election year and the people of St. Maarten has a right to know where the DP is heading. She further explained that she feels that the DP has the right to inform the people of their position on items and issues that are affecting the people of St. Maarten. Wescot Williams further stated that this is the time for politicians to put their monies where their mouth is when it comes to dealing with the social ills of the country. One of the things the DP board and its leader said needs to happen is that political parties cannot be allowed to do the things they did over the years to gather votes.
Member of Parliament Petrus Leroy de Weever also announced that he will not be contesting the 2014 elections. However, he called on his nephew Minister of Health and Labor Cornelius de Weever to take up the mantle this election year and run on the DP slate. MP de Weever said that his nephew has to speak up when he needs to speak out and he also has to follow the footsteps of his aunt and uncles who aligned themselves with the Democratic Party. MP de Weever said that he will remain in the background to guide and advise his nephew but he also made clear that if his nephew chose to go with another party he will not be receiving the support of his family. Minister de Weever confirmed that he was thought to listen to his elders and to also stick together as a family. Party leader Sarah Wescot Williams also confirmed that the matter was discussed and that is how MP de Weever made the announcement. The announcement on Tuesday has put to rest the rumors of the Minister's political ambition.
The slogan for the DP this election year is "Make it Right", Wescot Williams told members of the media on Tuesday. She said the tentative date for a new DP board is slated for April 6th, 2013 while parliamentary elections should take place in September 2014.
President of the Board of the Democratic Party Michael Ferrier confirmed that the former VP of the DP refused to sign the new articles of incorporation. Ferrier said that Johnson was asked to sign the document several times for it to be registered at the Chamber of Commerce but each time he had an excuse.
Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams said she confirmed receipt of Johnson's resignation and she has no intention to mudsling or throw him under the bus because everyone has a right to do what they want to do in life. She said Johnson was the youngest person to be the vice president of a political party board and in her view the party did what they had to do to uplift the younger generation.
When asked by SMN News if Johnson or other members of the DP endorsed the new logo and team song, Wescot Williams said that people should not try to find excuses for the decisions they took. "What has been a rumor for weeks has now become a reality," Wescot Williams said.
MP Roy Marlin also announced on Tuesday that he will be contesting the 2014 elections. The board and leader of the Democratic Party stated that this election will bring a lot of surprises to many people. MP de Weever said the business people on St. Maarten have been sharing their concerns as to why certain people went into politics and when election day comes many will be surprised to see what the voters will do.
Click here to view the new articles of incorporation of the Democratic Party.
