DP confident Louie will
exercise good judgement
~ Party believes he should resign ~
PHILIPSBURG--Democratic Party leader Sarah Wescot-Williams is confident that Commissioner Louie Laveist, based on his detention and the ongoing investigation against him, will exercise “good judgement” in light of making his Island Council seat available.
Next in line to replace Laveist in the Island Council is Erno Labega, while the Executive Council “for the time being” will continue to function with only four Commissioners.
Wescot-Williams confirmed during Wednesday’s Executive Council press briefing that she had been able to communicate with Laveist about DP’s position with respect to members of the Island or Executive Council being detained or under investigation.
“The position is: that person, in the interest of the investigation, should resign,” Wescot-Williams said. She pointed out that there was no other way, especially for an Island Council member, to so-called “step aside” than to resign.
“There is no possibility for an Island Council Member to take leave of absence or put his or her position at the disposal of the party and get it back. The only way for the person to make his or her seat available is by resignation.”
In this regard Wescot-Williams said: “I’m extremely confident in Commissioner Laveist exercising good judgement in this respect. I’m extremely convinced that this would be in his best interest, that of the party and above all of the country.”
If and when Laveist resigns, according to the law the position in the Island Council will fall to Erno Labega. Regarding the Executive Council, Wescot Williams said the maximum number of Commissioners government could have was five, but it did not have to be five. From this perspective, she said the DP Government would not be looking to appoint another Commissioner for the time being.
Wescot-Williams also announced the details pertaining to the temporary re-distribution of Laveist’s portfolios. The responsibility for facility management, Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation (SLAC) will now rest with Commissioner Theo Heyliger.
The Census Office, because of being in transition from Sector Welfare to Sector Management Support, will be placed under the supervision of the Lt. Governor.
Youth and Culture Affairs will be with Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus, while Commissioner Roy Marlin will assume responsibility for the Department of Control, Inspection and Security.
The Department of Labour and Social Affairs will fall under Sarah Wescot-Williams, who recently also assumed responsibility for telecommunications company TelEm.
