PHILIPSBURG:--- The attorney representing MP Frans Richardson Sjamira Roseburg that is currently in pretrial detention as TBO and RST investigate possible corruption at BTP has submitted her resignation to the Minister of TEATT Stuart Johnson.
Attorney Roseburg was the Chairlady and member of the Supervisory Board of Directors. Following is the detailed letter sent Minister Johnson on the resignation that takes immediate effect.
The Minister of TEATT Philipsburg
Sint Maarten
Philipsburg, September 5, 2019
Subject: Resignation as Board Member of Supervisory Board as of immediate effect
Honorable Minister Johnson,
As the Chairlady of the Supervisory Board of Bureau Telecommunications and Post {hereafter
BTP) it is of the utmost importance that I bring the following matter to your attention. Please let this letter serve as my official resignation from the Supervisory Board of BTP.
On June 25, 2019, I brought the irrevocable conviction of Mr. Chester Euton to your attention. I also explained in several email correspondences that I would like to know how the Ministry was planning to proceed with this matter, as I wanted to continue with my work as Chairlady of the Supervisory Board.
In addition to the above, this matter was also brought forward in April 2018 with the interim minister of TEATT, the Honorable minster the Weever. At the time, I was informed that the minister would resolve the matter, but nothing was actually done. The same is occurring now even though I have expressed the criticality of the situation and its impact to the board.
To be frank, we just need to follow the law and I do not believe that we are.
I am extremely disappointed in the ministry of TEATT. Although I was assured that the matter would be handled according to the law, nothing was in fact done. I even requested a sit-down with the ministry but to no avail. We are now almost 3 months from the point in which the information was presented, and I still have not received any response. All of this while I informed your ministry about the necessary changes that needed to take place based on the report of the 'Algemene rekenkamer'. The prime minister is also aware of this matter and up to now, no steps have been taken.
Put simply,this is a very straight-forward situation. Based on the law, a board member that has been irrevocably sentenced cannot fulfill a board position. It is time that the people in power abide by the oaths of their office and position and it is time to take the appropriate action. Seeing that article 11of the BTP ordinance has not been followed (as of today), I have decided to resign as a board member.
With integrity, I would like to make a positive contribution to St Maarten, but I can not and will not continue like this. Therefore with pain in my heart, but with my head held high, I am forced to resign from the BTP Supervisory Board of directors, effective immediately.
I am grateful for having had the opportunity to serve on the board of this organization and, of course, I wish the outcome was different. If in the future a board member with a legal background is needed, I will gladly contribute.
Wishing the organization, the best!
- CC. Governor of Sint Maarten
Prime Minister of Sint Maarten
Opposition
