PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister of St. Maarten Sarah Wescot Williams told members of the media on Wednesday at the Council of Ministers' weekly press briefing that the parliamentary elections for 2014 will likely be held on September 5th, 2014 (anniversary of Hurricane Luis) if the current government runs for the full term. Wescot Williams also laid out some of the things that have to take place prior to the elections. Elections she said have to be held between 80 to 90 days prior to the end of this parliamentary term which ends on 10/10/14. Another key factor is that candidates have to postulate 48 days before election date while voting cards have to be sent out to all voters eight days before elections. Persons that are not on the voter's registration list can approach the court to get on the list, this she said also has to be done within a specific time frame.
When asked if she considered the date for elections since it is scheduled during the peak season of the hurricanes, Wescot Williams said that from the inception when the status change was granted everyone knew when elections had to be held. Furthermore, she said that even if the Parliament of St. Maarten is dissolved on April 1st (example) elections will be held during the first week of July which is also part of the hurricane season. The Prime Minister said no one can determine the weather conditions at no time of the year and if it turns out that there are weather conditions when the election is scheduled then political parties have to use less political paraphernalia alongside the public roads.
PM to Meet with Residents of Nazareth --- Promised to touch base with Minister of VROMI.
Wescot Williams also announced on Wednesday that she received a letter from the residents of Nazareth Dutch Quarter asking her to meet with them to discuss the road conditions of that area. Wescot Williams said that the residents who invited her to meet with them also attached list with a number of signatures therefore she will meet with them. She said that she will consult with the Minister of VROMI Maurice Lake who met with the residents some time ago to unleash the road development plan for that area.
Fort Amsterdam in Deplorable Conditions --- Government asked Harbour Holding Companies to Chip in with Repairs.
Wescot Williams also announced on Wednesday that the government was informed that Fort Amsterdam is in deplorable conditions and that the Ministry of VROMI will be conducting some emergency repairs. She said because the Fort is eroding the Government of St. Maarten requested that the Harbour Group of Companies assist with the repairs which could be more solid.
