Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The parliamentary year for 2013-2014 ended on Monday during a session of the House of Assembly.
The session was carried out by the chairlady of parliament of the United People's Party, the Honorable Gracita Arrindell.
During the parliamentary meeting, parliamentarians took some time to reflect on the last four years, while they took the opportunity to say farewell to their colleagues.
One of those MPs looking back at the four years served was out going Independent Member of Parliament, the Honorable Romain Laville who can now be heard via PodCast.
Leader of the United St. Maarten Party and Independent Member of Parliament, the Honorable Frans Richardson told his colleagues that the day is not seen as a farewell for him, but rather a day to say good bye to some Members of Parliament who will not be coming back for the new parliamentary term.
Via PodCast He also stressed on the need to continue to work in the best interest of the country by all MPs.
Outgoing Member of Parliament of the Democratic Party, the Honorable Roy Marlin whilst speaking at the closing of the parliamentary year 2013/2014 and in looking back, spoke of what he said were some popular as well as unpopular issues championed by him during his tenure.
For some time now, outgoing Independent Member of Parliament, the Honorable Patrick Illidge had been advocating the creation of jobs for the people of St. Maarten, and on Monday he again reiterated the need to do so.
Leader of the National Alliance is Member of Parliament, the honorable William Marlin.
Speaking on the floor of parliament on Monday at the closing of the 2013-2014 parliamentary period, he reflected on when the first parliament of St. Maarten took office in 10-10-10.
He also spoke of when the National Alliance received 7 seats in the election of the same year, at which time; the National Alliance was forced into the opposition benches.
The number 2 candidate on the slate of the National Alliance, George Pantophlet who was re-elected to parliament spoke of the need to not only have job creation for the people of St. Maarten, but job security as well. he specifically spoke of the short term contract, and the negative impact that it has been having on residents of the country.
Meanwhile, outgoing President of Parliament, the Honorable Gracita Arrindell stated on Monday, the past year she sought to execute her tasks with more vigor, knowing that time was of the essence.
For the past three years preparing and presiding over meetings of parliament, she said 54 were public meetings, while 130 were central committee meetings. She also made reference to laws that were passed regarding laws of the Netherlands Antilles.
