The most recent political developments (see related story) have worsened a growing sense of uncertainty in the community. Independent parliamentarian Akeem Arrindell and Chanel Brownbill on behalf of United St. Maarten Party (US Party) rejected a motion by United People’s (UP) party leader Rolando Brison to add relieving UP faction member Grisha Heyliger-Marten of her duties as President of Parliament to the agenda of Monday’s meeting on phasing out the 12.5% reduction in public sector employee benefits, which consequently was not adopted.
That surprised many, because both Arrindell and Brownbill not too long ago signed on to help restore the National Alliance (NA)/UP coalition’s dwindling legislative majority in the 15-seat house. Some therefore already claim government has now fallen, but this might be a bit premature.
For one thing, a separate urgent meeting on replacing the chair was requested by the same new “group of eight” including the duo that rejected Brison’s motion, to take place next week. What happens then very much remains to be seen.
Moreover, Heyliger-Marten said she continues to be part of the coalition and supports the Jacobs II Cabinet. Arrindell and Brownbill also voted in favour of the 12.5% cuts-related amendments presented by Prime Minister and NA-leader SiIveria Jacobs.
It therefore appears to have become mainly a battle within the UP between Brison and Heyliger-Marten. The former seems to be backed by the current board, while the latter was the party’s biggest vote-getter in the last election and is co-founder Theodore Heyliger’s wife.
How this all ends, as well as exactly what the final impact on governing the country and its people will be, is anybody’s guess at this point.
