Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
PHILIPSBURG:--- The first political debate hosted by Glen Carty on Laser 101.1 on Saturday evening was successful. Then four candidates George Pantophlet (NA), Claret Conner (UP), Emil Lee (DP) and Havic Doran (US) managed to share their views on the current issues affecting St. Maarten. While the debate was successful in getting information from the four candidates it was clear all of them were aware of the problems St. Maarten is facing but none so far seems to have a plan in place as to how they will solve these problems in the next four years.Host and moderator Glen Carty kept the candidates on point by asking key questions regarding the budget, personnel cost. NA number two candidate George Pantophlet said that Parliament does not have monies to hire a lawyer to assist them in drafting laws and therefore they are obliged to depend on government legal advisors. This prompted the moderator to ask Pantophlet why did Parliament chose to be part of Parlatino when Parliament does not have what it needs to work efficiently.In an invited comment Carty told SMN News on Sunday that based on the demands of the listeners they are extending an invitation to all the leaders of the Political Parties currently holding a seat in Parliament to take up the challenge and be part of a debate prior to the August 29th election. Carty said Laser 101 received numerous emails and phone calls Saturday evening and Sunday where the people want to hear from the leaders of the political parties currently in Parliament. He said the people were fascinated with the way the debate was constructed where there is no rules, but the moderator kept the candidates on their toes regarding the current situation on St. Maarten.
