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Published On: Mon, Sep 26th, 2016

MP Meyers apologizes for migrant remarks

GREAT BAY – Franklin Meyers, the deputy leader of the United People’s party ate his own words when he left a voicemail with Sidharth Cookie Bijlani to apologize for his statements in Billy D’s radio show where he attacked migrants saying that only born St. Maarteners have a say in government’s decisions. Meyers’ statement was a blunt attack on Minister Emil Lee, but it backfired because the Indian community got upset with it.

The voicemail of Meyers’ apology has been posted on Facebook. The clip last two minutes and twelve seconds and shows that Meyers called Bijlani twice. On the other end of the line nobody picked up but the recording of the calls was posted on Facebook.

The first time, this is what he said: “This is Frankie Meyers. I a m just calling to let you know that the tactics that the Democratic Party is playing as it regards as you being a member of the United People’s party and trying to portray me as a bigot is nothing short of lies. They have taken what I said out of context. If I had a problem with you being on the UP-list – I am the deputy leader – I would have made that clear from the beginning. I am not a hypocrite to have you on the list and now trying to create that as a problem. I have no problem working with you or with the Indian community. There is nothing in my character that shows that I am a bigot or against anyone.

Forgive me, when I speak, I speak passionately for the people of St. Maarten but I also know that you hold them dear in your heart. I know we can work together to progress this country and to make everybody proud of what we have here in St. Maarten.”

In a second call to Bijlani’s voicemail, Meyers says: “I want those in your community that listened to the clip to know that it is a clipping from an entire interview. At the end I said: I would be an idiot to believe that St. Maarten could only progress with born St. Maarteners alone. I know the dynamics of this country, I know that diversification (Meyers probably meant diversity – ed.) makes us great. I am a person that holds the people of St. Maarten very dear and I strongly believe, as I told you earlier, we can do this together. We cannot do it alone. We have some issues to deal with; one of them is that the people see no way out. I am glad that you are on board and that you’ll be part of the solution. I do not believe that you are part of the problem.”

Sidharth ‘Cookie’ Bijlani (left) and MP Franklin Meyers. Photo Facebook