Philipsburg: --- Leader of Government and the Democratic Party Sarah Westcot Williams acknowledged she had a meeting with detained commissioner Louie Laviest where she asked him to resign from his position as commissioner.
Wescot Williams made the announcement at yesterday's executive press briefing. "I was able to convey the position of the party with regards to members of the island and executive council who are being detained or under investigation. The party's positions are that person in the interest of the investigation should resign. This sounds little bit more blunt that the words ‘stepping aside which is often used. I specifically used the word "resign' since there is no other way for an island or executive council member to step aside. There are no other possibilities for members to take a leave of absence or to put his or her position at the disposal of the party and retrieve it back at some point in time." Wescot Williams said.
The island leader further explained that the only way a member of the island council can have his or her seat made available is the resignation of the person. The seat cannot be taken away or confiscated explained Wescot Williams. "I am extremely confident that commissioner Louie Laveist would exercise good judgment in the matter at hand."
The island leader further explained that she is extremely convinced that commissioner Laveist understands this would be in his own interest, that of the Democratic Party and the country.
Wescot Williams also acknowledged that Senator Erno Labega is the next person in line to take up the vacant seat in the island council. She said at this time the party would not be looking into reappointing another commissioner in the executive council instead they would continue with those that are already there. She further explained that while the maximum of commissioners has to be five but it does not have to be that amount.
The island leader said that the she has divided the detained commissioner's portfolios as follows. Facility Management and EDC or SLAC will be under the responsibility of Theo Heyliger, Youth Affairs and Culture under Commissioner Buncamper Molanus, Inspections, Controls and Security in Transportation falls under Commissioner Roy Marlin while she would be handling labour and social affairs. As for the census office that would remain under the island Lt. Governor says Wescot Williams.
In the meantime, the commissioner will remain in police detention confirmed chief prosecutor Taco Stein. Asked if the commissioner would have to appear in court tomorrow (Friday) for another extension, the island Chief Prosecutor said he would not comment on that for now he said a decision will be taken on the case today. However, Stein made it clear that the investigation is still ongoing.
Laveist Taken to SMMC -Blood Pressure was High.
In the meantime SMN News has learnt that the commissioner has been questioned for long periods on several areas of his portfolios over the past days. The source said most of the investigation is placed on the commissioner's foundations namely the "Culture Club" and how he acquired the monies that was donated to the foundation.
The source also said that the commissioner was taken to the St. Maarten Medical Center for treatment since his blood pressure went up on Tuesday afternoon. The prison doctor visited the commissioner and advised that he be taken to the hospital since he suffers from high blood pressure. The commissioner was given some medication as treatment and was sent back to the Pointe Blanche Prison where he is kept. Our source said the commissioner is not feeling well since he is now stressed out with the questions that are posed to him on a daily basis.
