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Published On: Thu, Aug 2nd, 2018

MP Doran: Unacceptable that Ministers keep postponing meetings

MP Egbert Doran

~ “The people need answers now” says MP Doran ~

Philipsburg – A continuation of Central Committee meeting of the Princess Julianna International Airport scheduled on Friday 3, August, 2018, to discuss the reconstruction status, was postponed reportedly due to a ‘double booking’ made by Honorably Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication Mr. Stuart Johnson. Minister Johnson previously made a confirmation (IS 793/17-18, July 26, 2018) to attend the requested Central Committee meeting via email to Parliament’s administration.

After Member of Parliament Egbert Jurendy Doran was informed about the postponement (see notice below – ed.) coming less than 24 hours prior to the continuation of the Central Committee meeting, he said, “This is unacceptable that for the ‘Umpteenth time’ meetings are being postponed due to “lack of availability” of the concerned Minister or Ministers.”

MP Doran further stated that the people deserve more from the government especially as far as it pertains to the reconstruction process and the affects it will have on the people.”

“This Central Committee meeting was a missed opportunity for the government to present to the people of St. Maarten the progress made in the reconstruction phase of the airport” stated the Member of Parliament.

He further believes it is of utmost importance to note that the Prime Minister and every other Minister in this country has a replacement in the event of their absence. This was also clearly stated by the Prime Minister directly after the swearing of the Council of Ministers when referring to the “vervangingsregeling” (Replacement Law) and outlined which Ministers replace each other in the event of absence, and therefore, postponing meetings or any other activity due to unavailability of a Minister is rather unacceptable, as an explanation should also follow as to why said Minister will not be replaced.

The Member of Parliament stated that lately the postponement of meetings in Parliament due to the unavailability of Ministers has increased and Parliament as well as the people of this country who are looking for certain services need to know the reason for this.

The SXM Airport, which is our main port to the world, is also one of Sint Maarten’s main source of income which the people depend heavily upon.

MP Doran stated “Having the PJIA up and running as soon as possible is one of the main projects Government must expedite, therefore postponing meetings where the people of this country are deprived of information and answers, is not exactly what is expected of our government, and we demand to see a betterment in this behavior rather sooner than later”

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Postponement continuation Central Committee meeting of Parliament about PJIA reconstruction Status

PHILIPSBURG:— The Central Committee meeting to be held tomorrow Friday, August 3, 2018 at 10:00 hrs. with agenda points

1. PJIA reconstruction Status (IS/159/2017-2018 dated November 27, 2017) (This meeting was requested by MP C.E. Brownbill, MP F.A. Meyers and MP S.M. Bijlani)

2. Invitation for one Member of Parliament of Sint Maarten to participate in a delegation to attend the 73rd General Assembly of the United Nations on September 18, 2018 in New York (IS/759/2017-2018 dated July 3, 2018)

Has been postponed until further notice upon the request of the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (Shareholder representative PJIA).