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PHILIPSBURG:---  The chair of parliament Roland Brison did not mince words on Monday when he called out the laziest Member of Parliament during the closing of the parliamentary year.

The UPP MP and chair of parliament said when listening to the positions stated by members of parliament, he looked around the hall and understand the concerns, because for most of the faction leaders, the level of representation, and more importantly, the level of work they put in, is very clear and commendable from his viewpoint as chairman.

Brison said however he does feel the need to give his observations of how the factions of parliament and its members are functioning, and how he believes they should be going forward.

First the good:

For at least 5 of the 6 factions in parliament he observed that every single one of them has presented amendments, motions, has chaired meetings in their respective committees across opposition/coalition lines, and other real initiatives things that are today being upheld by the government Read more

Mixed Reaction To IrionS Tax Reform Presentation

PHILIPSBURG--There was mixed reaction from Members of Parliament (MPs) to the tax reform presentation delivered by Finance Minister Ardwell Irion on Monday.

  United Democrats (UD) MP Read more

Sarah Wants Discussion On Rent Tribunal Report

UD MP Sarah Wescot-Williams.

PHILIPSBURG--United Democrats (UD) Member of Parliament (MP) Read more

Unilateral Decision By Presidium Of Parliament Not Condoned By The Ud

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The UD party is not amused by the latest stunt by the presidium of parliament, so-called to improve the viewing quality of meetings of parliament. By removing the live stream from the Facebook platform, the president of Parliament is taking away the opportunity for the population at large to interact real time with the members of parliament and with one another. “This type of censorship is simply undemocratic and infringes on the fundamental right of freedom of expression.” The ire of the UD is the result ofa decision communicated to members of parliament by letter dated June 25, 2021, informing them of a change to the broadcasting of Parliamentary meetings. “Was this abrupt change necessary?,” questioned the UD Read more

Unilateral Decision By Presidium Of Parliament Not Condoned By The Ud.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The UD party is not amused by the latest stunt by the presidium of parliament, so-called to improve the viewing quality of meetings of parliament.

By removing the live stream from the Facebook platform, the president of Parliament is taking away the opportunity for the population at large to interact in real-time with the members of parliament and with one another.

 "This type of censorship is simply undemocratic and infringes on the fundamental right of freedom of expression."

The ire of the UD is the result of a decision communicated to members of parliament by letter dated June 25, 2021, informing them of a change to the broadcasting of Parliamentary meetings.

"Was this abrupt change necessary?," questioned the UD Read more

Ud To The Shareholder Of Nv Gebe: Act Now!

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Was last Fridays meeting of parliament regarding GEBE a foreboding of things to come? is what the UD faction is wondering. That meeting was one requested 7 months ago and questions asked nearly 2 months ago. More answers are still to come, but in the meantime, another government-owned company drama seems to be unfolding.

UD MP Wescot elucidates: Not quite the same, but these developments at GEBE are reminiscent of the PJIA saga that played out over a period of several months, without the shareholder exerting its authority to bring the matter under control.

The consequences of that inaction by the government of St Read more

Ud: Another Govt.-Owned Company Drama May Be Unfolding With Gebe

UD MP Sarah Wescot-Williams.

PHILIPSBURG--The United Democrats (UD) party says that another government-owned company drama seems to be unfolding with utilities company GEBE.

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PHILIPSBURG:--- Was last Fridays meeting of parliament regarding GEBE a foreboding of things to come? is what the UD faction is wondering.

That meeting was one requested 7 months ago and questions asked nearly 2 months ago. More answers are still to come, but in the meantime, another government-owned company drama seems to be unfolding.

UD MP Wescot elucidates: Not quite the same, but these developments at GEBE are reminiscent of the PJIA saga that played out over a period of several months, without the shareholder exerting its authority to bring the matter under control.

The consequences of that inaction by the government of St Read more

Relationship With Saint Martin AtAn All-Time Low,Says The Ud Party

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — In a press release, the UD questions the seemingly nonexistence relationship between the Government of St.Maarten and the Collectivity of St.Martin. “Have the respective Ministers met with their French-Side counterparts since taking office over a year ago?” the party questions.

The UD is on record for standing up for this relationship, as the party is convinced that the future of this island is one of togetherness, not separation.Other than lofty words at commemorative events, there is lately very little to show for the one-islandness many like to profess.

We are still in a pandemic as Covid-19 continues to affect us economically and has basically crippled our tourism product Read more

Relationship With Saint Martin At An All-Time Low, Says The Ud Party

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – In a press release, the UD questions the seemingly nonexistence relationship between the Government of St.Maarten and the Collectivity of St.Martin.

“Have the respective Ministers met with their French-Side counterparts since taking office over a year ago?” the party questions. 

The UD is on record for standing up for this relationship, as the party is convinced that the future of this island is one of togetherness, not separation. 

Other than lofty words at commemorative events, there is lately very little to show for the one-islandness many like to profess. 

We are still in a pandemic as Covid-19 continues to affect us economically and has basically crippled our tourism product Read more

"Relationship With Saint Martin At An All-Time Low, Says The Ud Party

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a press release, the UD questions the seemingly nonexistent relationship between the Government of St.Maarten and the Collectivity of St.Martin.

"Have the respective Ministers met with their French-Side counterparts since taking office over a year ago?" the party questions.

The UD is on record for standing up for this relationship, as the party is convinced that the future of this island is one of togetherness, not separation Read more

Sarah Tells Coalition To Get Their Act Together

Sarah Wescot-Williams

PHILIPSBURG--United Democrats (UD) Member of Parliament (MP) Read more

Sarah Wants Clarity On DoncherS Suspension

PHILIPSBURG--United Democrats (UD) Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah Wescot-Williams on Thursday evening called on government to provide clarity on the suspension of Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) Holding Company ( Read more

Ud Praises Young Talent

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten — The United Democratic Party (UD) extends its congratulations to Kenyo Baly and Cay Hill, two very talented local artist.

“Kudos to you on signing on to  the record label, Pretty Boy Worldwide,” remarked the UD. 

The record label Pretty Boy Worldwide has been moldling both local artists for sometime. 

“Exposure on the world stage, building a solid professional entertainment career and recording your EP debut is a proud moment for our country,” UD stated. 

The UD continues to believe in the youth of St Read more

Ud Praises Young Talent.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The United Democratic Party (UD) extends its congratulations to Kenyo Baly and Cay Hill, two very talented local artist.
"Kudos to you on signing on to the record label, Pretty Boy Worldwide," remarked the UD.
The record label Pretty Boy Worldwide has been modeling both local artists for some time.
"Exposure on the world stage, building a solid professional entertainment career, and recording your EP debut is a proud moment for our country," UD stated Read more

Sarah Calls On Panneflek To Give Clarity On Continuation Food Aid

UD MP Sarah Wescot-Williams.

PHILIPSBURG--The United Democrats (UD) faction has called on Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA Read more

Mp Wescot Questions The Ending Of The Temporary Food Assistance Program With No Structural Program In Sight; Calls On Minister Panneflek.

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – I was taken abackbythe notification by the different agencies charged with the food assistance program thatthis programsends this month. Ihave tonevertheless,express my gratitude to the volunteers and organizations who assisted with this program. But factis,whilethe political posturing continues between the government of the Netherlands and the governing coalition on St. Maarten, recipients of the food assistance program are beingconfronted with the factthat this program will come to an end at the end of April, so in the next 2 weeks.

This fact alone raises several issues, such as:

1 Read more

PHILIPSBURG:--- I was taken aback by the notification by the different agencies charged with the food assistance program that this program ends this month. I have to nevertheless, express my gratitude to the volunteers and organizations who assisted with this program. But fact is, while the political posturing continues between the government of the Netherlands and the governing coalition on St. Maarten, recipients of the food assistance program are being confronted with the fact that this program will come to an end at the end of April, so in the next 2 weeks.

This fact alone raises several issues, such as:
1 Read more

Sarah: Nearly Criminal To Mess With AirportS Reconstruction

UD MP Sarah Wescot-Williams.

~ Believes sacking will jeopardise PJIA ~

PHILIPSBURG--United Democrats (UD) Member of Parliament (MP) Read more

Sarah Says Country Can Run Out Of Liquidity In 2 Months

UD MP Sarah Wescot-Williams during the press conference.

PHILIPSBURG--United Democrats (UD) Member of Parliament (MP) Read more

Ud, Pfp Request Urgent Meeting On Dutch Relations

PHILIPSBURG--The United Democrats (UD) and Party For Progress (PFP) have requested that an urgent meeting of Parliament be called to discuss the relations between the Netherlands and St. Maarten.

Read more

Wescot-Williams: A Blind Man Could Have Seen This Coming

Sarah Wescot-Williams

PHILIPSBURG-- A blind man could have seen this coming, United Democrats (UD) Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah Wescot-Williams said on Sunday in reaction to news that St Read more

Chairperson of Parliament Rolando Brison and MP Sarah Wescot-Williams 

~ Sarah: Its difficult to accept as miscommunication ~

PHILIPSBURG--Chairperson of Parliament Rolando Brison apologised to United Democrats (UD) Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah Wescot-Williams on Thursday for inaccurate statements he made on a radio station suggesting that Wescot-Williams had contracted a Dutch firm in Groningen for more than 20,000 euros to provide advice about how to handle the suspension of former MP Theo Heyliger.

  The information from Brison was incorrect, as 2,722 euros was the amount paid to the law firm Read more

Sarah Calls For Referendum To Be Held On Decolonization

Sarah Wescot-Williams during Thursdays press conference.

 ~ Also wants survey on what public feels is important ~

PHILIPSBURG--United Democrats (UD) Member of Parliament (MP) Read more