Political situation remains murky
~ DP expected to make announcement today ~
PHILIPSBURG--The local political situation was “murky” at best up to last night.
However, it is known that key players of both the Democratic Party (DP) and the National Alliance (NA) had intense negotiations with Island Council members during Thursday in the respective parties’ attempts to form a majority in the Island Council.
Up to late last night there were no officially confirmed reports about what had emerged from the series of intense negotiations, but reliable reports reaching The Daily Herald said DP was expected to make an official statement today about the status of (a new) government.
From information about the latest situation gathered from several usually reliable sources, indications are that NA’s efforts to form a new government have been futile and DP will be able to remain in government, at least for the time being.
DP leader Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams met with Commissioner Louie Laveist for several hours on Thursday evening. While there has been no official word on the outcome of that meeting, apparently it formed a basis for Laveist to again pledge his support for the red party.
The new developments between Laveist and DP apparently also paved the way for Commissioner Theo Heyliger to decide not to entertain thoughts any longer of forming a new government with the NA.
Attempts to reach Wescot-Williams, Laveist and NA leader William Marlin for comment were in vain. Nevertheless, reliable sources close to DP told The Daily Herald matters looked positive.
“It looks as if everything is falling into place and that the DP will remain in government,” a source said.
“Talks are still ongoing and there is nothing concrete yet, but it looks as if things are falling into place,” another source said late Thursday night.
Meanwhile, the reality was that another day had gone by without clarity about the status of government in St. Maarten. The DP commissioners have not resigned as the party announced on Wednesday they would do after Laveist made official his independent status and withdrawal of support from the DP government.
