~ Says move ‘absurd’ ~
PHILIPSBURG–Caretaker Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams has condemned the move by the Dutch Government to issue instructions to Governor Eugene Holiday to thoroughly screen incoming ministers from the United People’s (UP) party-led coalition.
In an invited comment on Friday Wescot-Williams said government “will resist” this latest move by the Dutch government. She said the three Caribbean countries had protested, but to no avail.
“Our arguments in the case of the integrity instruction are even stronger in this case. No autonomous matters seem to exist anymore in the eyes of the Dutch government,” Wescot-Williams said when asked to give her opinion on the matter.
“Minister Plasterk’s other option was to have the AIVD under the pretext of our security service carry out the screening according to criteria set by the Minister. In essence, what the governor has been instructed to do, but then on my instructions via the St. Maarten security service, which was not to be made public. Of course I objected.”
The Prime Minister said St. Maarten’s screening process was “in evolution. We have adjusted and refined the process over time. But it is our responsibility. Our national security service has cooperation agreements with many other services and when necessary calls on these other services.
“But we cannot replace our service by other ‘experts’ because the Dutch government has issues with some politicians on the island. It is absurd. … What will be next?
“The Governor should never be put in this position. After all, he is also part of the government of St. Maarten. And worse, he does not decide if a minister is admissible. He needs to inform the Kingdom government. This is asking for trouble.”
SOURCE DAILY HERALD
