Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
BELAIR--Coalition, government's essential duty to the people, reducing the country's debts, immigration and other topics were dealt with by the number two candidates on the slates of five parties contesting the August 29 Parliamentary Elections at the second Arts Video Studio (AVS) political debate in Belair Community Centre on Sunday evening.
Participating in the debate were Leona Marlin-Romeo (United St. Maarten (US) party), George Pantophlet (National Alliance (NA)), Cornelius de Weever (Democratic Party ((DP))), Regina Janga (One St. Maarten People's Party (OSPP)) and Gracita Arrindell (United People's (UP) party). Debate moderator was Gina Bruney.
The first question to the candidates dealt with government's main duty to the people. Arrindell, who serves as President of the current Parliament, to whom the question was posed first, said safety and security and an effective education system were on top the list.
Janga, a first time candidate and a midwife, said the duty was first to the pregnant woman, then to education and safety via the police.
De Weever, who serves as Health and Labour Minister, said focus must be on good and transparent government, economic growth and providing opportunities for the people of the country.
Pantophlet, a current Member of Parliament, said that for the country to grow, residents must be protected and be provided with the tools and opportunities.
Marlin-Romeo said the duty of government to the people was straightforward and could be found in the Constitution.
To reduce the national debt, De Weever said simplification of the tax system was needed as well as ways of keeping corruption out of government.
Pantophlet said debt reduction was simple: government must pay its bills.
Marlin-Romeo said money could be generated by diversifying the economy, responsible spending and tax compliance.
Arrindell said the fat needed to be cut from government, dollarisation was needed and the asset division committee for the Netherlands Antilles needed to complete its task.
Janga said job creation was the key.
Regulating immigration is a must, but this cannot be done without inclusion of the French side, according to candidates.
Asked which party they would opt to join in a coalition if this became necessary after the elections, candidates generally said they hoped for the full mandate on August 29 and if a coalition were needed, that would be looked at after the results were in.
All candidates agreed that an increase in residents' standard of living and bettering of the education system were necessary and should be tackled by the incoming Parliament and Government. Asked whether their parties would opt to sell off unprofitable government-owned companies, candidates were generally in favour of seeking solutions to increase profitability.
Candidates tackled a number of other questions posed by the moderator before a live audience. Some questions were posed by audience members and some were sent in via e-mail from people viewing live on television or on the Internet.
The third and final debate will be on Sunday, August 24, with the leaders of the six political parties in the race for the 15 parliamentary seats.
