“We have put our differences aside and looked for common ground”

For who thought this day would never come: UP-leader Theo Heyliger (left) and NA-leader William Marlin are now best friends. Photo Today / Milton Pieters

GREAT BAY – With the exception of Tourism and Economic Affairs Minister Ingrid Arrindell who is attending the FCCA-cruise conference in Puerto Rico, all ministers of the incumbent cabinet signed their letters of resignation yesterday; today these letters will be presented to Governor Holiday.

Because the National Alliance and the United People’s party have already signed an agreement to form the next government, Prime Minister William Marlin expects that the governor will soon appoint a formateur – charged with the formation of the new cabinet, rather than an informateur, who would be charged with examining all possible combinations that could result in a stable government with a comfortable majority in the parliament.

Yesterday afternoon the NA and the UP gave a press conference in the parliament building, where for once journalists were allowed to sit behind the desk that is normally reserved for ministers and their staff during parliamentary meetings, while MPs, MPs-elect and candidates of both parties sat on the other side.

“There has been much speculation about how we came together with the UP,” National Alliance leader William Marlin said. “We have never come together before; in 2012 the NA won 7 seats but is was left out of the government. We have both had 7 seats at one point and now we both have five.”

Marlin killed rumors that one member of his faction (MP Christophe Emmanuel) was already about to declare himself independent. “That is absolutely not true. There is no but to this; he is not going anywhere,” Marlin said. Emmanuel, who was present at the press conference, has also denied any intention of going independent.

NA and UP celebrate their partnership

UP-leader Theo Heyliger described the agreement his party reached with the NA around 6 a.m. on Tuesday morning as a historic moment. “I have to go back to 1995 when I worked together with the leader of the National Alliance, be it with different parties,” he said.
Heyliger said that stability is the key word and he described the negotiations about the division of portfolios and how both parties see the future of the country as “cordial.”

Photo caption: NA-leader Marlin (left) and UP-leader Heyliger shake hands, with Silveria Jacobs and Franklin Meyers sitting next to them. In the background are, from left Tamara Leonard, Jules James, Claret Connor and Rodolphe Samuel. Photo Today / Milton Pieters

“We have put aside our differences and looked for common ground. I look forward to working together for the next four years.”

In his second run for a seat in parliament, Sidharth ‘Cookie’ Bijlani captured a seat in the UP-faction. Photo Today / Milton Pieters

Marlin said that the decision to join forces with the UP has the full support of his candidates, his board and his membership. “We campaigned for stability. We cannot afford to have five governments in five years,” he said. “The people are tired of it. I have no reason to doubt any of our members.”

Both party-leaders said that the ministers for the new cabinet will come from their list of candidates, so there will be no outsiders involved this time around.

The process towards the formation of the new cabinet will still have to go through the formal channels and through the office of the governor.
Marlin: “Since 10-10-10, parties have always run ahead of this process. The governor has already met with the political leaders of all parties.

He will most likely move to appoint a formateur.”

It is however too early to talk about the candidate-ministers, Marlin added. “We have to wait for an instruction from the governor. The screening of candidates can only be based on an instruction from the governor.”

Marlin declined to comment on reports that initial negotiations with Frans Richardson’s USp had fizzled because of the high demands Richardson reportedly made. “Going into the intricacies of who wanted what is irrelevant,” Marlin said. “The election campaign is over and the people have spoken.”

Asked whether the change of government will have any consequences for the construction of the new hospital, UP-leader Heyliger said: “I will answer that question towards the end of October.”

Photo caption: One happy family at the end of yestersday’s press conference. Photo today / Milton Pieters