Philipsburg:--- On Monday shortly after the Parliamentary meeting was adjourned by the Chairman of Parliament Rodolphe Samuel, a press conference was held by the Members of Parliament that form the majority. During the press conference the majority raised several concerns, Member of Parliament Roy Marlin said that the chairman said that he sought legal advice on the meeting that was held and decision that was taken on May 13th, 2013 in the House of Parliament. Marlin said that the Chairman of Parliament claimed he received that advice and the meeting of May 13th, 2013 was an illegal meeting and so was the decision taken during that meeting. Marlin said if the chairman sought advice and received it, he is compelled to share the advice with the Members of Parliament. Besides that, the MPs from the UP/DP/Laville majority said what took place in the House of Parliament on Friday last week and Monday was undemocratic.
Marlin accused Deputy Prime Minister William Marlin of committing fraud when he sent a Landsbesluit to the Governor of St. Maarten stating that the Council of Ministers decided on May 7th to dissolve Parliament and call for new elections. He said he is of the opinion that the Deputy Prime Minister of St. Maarten wants the political crisis on St. Maarten to get out of hand. He said that the police officers that are present in the House of Parliament are there to protect them and when the Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of Parliament say there is no need to have police officers at the House of Parliament in his opinion they are looking for the political situation to get out of hand and are looking for problems. He said the longer this matter drags on it will become more heated. Marlin further explained that the Chairman of Parliament muzzled the Members of Parliament on Friday and on Monday. Marlin said they will take the necessary legal actions to resolve the political crisis. He assured that the political crisis on St. Maarten will not prolong. He said they will not do as the National Alliance who is trying to incite people, instead they are civilized and will use the legal tools at their disposal to resolve the matter.
Another accusation Marlin levied during the press conference is that the Acting Governor of St. Maarten, Attorney at Law Reynold Groeneveldt is acting in conflict of interest. Marlin said as Acting Governor of St. Maarten he is advising the National Alliance and that is in conflict with his role as Acting Governor. MP Marlin further explained that as soon as they (the new majority) get into office they will champion the removal of Groeneveldt from his position. When Marlin was asked if he has proof to substantiate the statements he made, Marlin said that he stood by his statements. MP Jules James also claimed that Groeneveldt is acting in conflict of interest because he saw the acting governor visiting the Chairman of Parliament to provide him with advice.
MP Romaine Laville in his statements said that the Chairman of Parliament has not been following the rules of order and he will ensure that the current standoff ends because he is the Vice Chairman of the Parliament of St. Maarten.
Member of Parliament Sylvia Meyers in her short statement said what is currently taking place in the House of Parliament is hinging on the democracy. She said that what took place in the House of Parliament does not reflect democracy. She said she is stressing on the importance of democracy. MP Meyers further stated that there might be people who were in the tribune that are happy but she wants to know where St. Maarten is heading since it became a country in 2010. She said she wants to know if St. Maarten is heading towards socialism or if its becoming a dictatorship country.
