~ Opposition MPs intends to hold Government responsible on execution.~
PHILIPSBURG:--- Members of Parliament voted in favor of the draft initiative law for the sale of St. Maarten shares of UTS NV St. Maarten. The draft law was prepared and presented by MP Rolando Brison. Brison in his presentation said his hope is for the money gained must be used to pay the police officers that have been waiting for remuneration for the past nine years.
Members of Parliament from the opposition shared their concerns about the draft law they were approving especially since they do not have any confidence in the sitting council of ministers. National Alliance MPs Christopher Emmanuel and Egbert Doran pleaded with two Ministers that attended the parliamentary debate on Thursday to give them a guarantee that the funds will be used to pay the justice workers. However, both Ministers namely Finance Minister Perry Geerlings and Minister of Justice Cornelius de Weever did not give the expected guarantee.
Leader of the USP Frans Richardson said he understands the needs of the country and got the explanations he needed but since the government does not have his trust he voted in favor of the law with a heavy heart. “I have always been against the selling of our assets but I do understand the options St. Maarten was given. MP Christopher Emmanuel said he also does not trust the executive branch of government and while he understands the concept of having a bird in his hand rather than two in the bush he will use his power as a legislator to hold government accountable if they do not comply with the intent of the funds based on the law.
MP Brison also promised parliament to submit an amendment to the law in the very near future. 11 MPs voted in favor of the draft law.