Some reading in Thursday’s paper that three opposition motions were passed in Parliament may have wondered if government was about to fall. After all, voting across the aisle isn’t exactly common nowadays.
However, some coalition members supporting the motions because they agree with their content showed maturity. Even though they nominated the Romeo-Marlin Cabinet, these elected representatives apparently believe a push in the areas mentioned is needed.
As explained, motions are simply wishes expressed by the legislature. They may “instruct” ministers to do certain things, but that doesn’t automatically mean these will become reality.
There are always considerations such as possible legal issues, monetary constraints, etc. What’s more, any financial consequences would have to be included in the amended draft 2019 budget to be handled next week.
The latter’s approval is obviously crucial to obtaining still-much-needed liquidity support from the Netherlands. Dutch State Secretary of Kingdom Relations Raymond Knops recently said that parliamentarians following the example of public administrators in Philipsburg who took a 10 per cent salary cut has been added to the conditions for such.
While perhaps hard to swallow, the handsomely-paid people’s representatives would do well to demonstrate the same maturity as with the motions on Thursday by making this sacrifice on behalf of the population and approving the already-very-late budget so that St. Maarten is able to move ahead in its recovery process.
