If all goes according to plan, the Parliament of St. Maarten should soon be complete again, once the opposition showed they would not make use of the coalition’s current lack of a majority to block the appointment of Jules James (see related story) as substitute for detained and therefore suspended Theodore Heyliger of United Democrats, as the Constitution prescribes. This means the UD/SMPC Council of Ministers will again enjoy just enough backing in the legislature.
Both National Alliance and United St. Maarten Party said the intention was never to stop James from being installed, as they respect the democratic process. The problem their factions had was about the way the candidate’s credentials were earlier approved in a gathering without a quorum, and the Governor apparently agreed with them by asking for an official decision from Parliament, which of course requires a majority to be signed in as present.
Another meeting had consequently been called for Monday and this time a quorum of 13 of the 15 seats could be established. A new committee was formed that examined and approved James’ credentials so he can now be sworn into office.
The latter is of course paramount to the proper functioning of government, because foreseeable frequent 7-7 ties in votes could easily have created a serious and undesirable political impasse. Ultimately, how it all went down seems less important than a return to relative legislative normalcy.
The opposition deserves credit for enabling the incoming member to occupy his seat and restore Parliament to its full strength after all, despite their absence at prior meetings set for that same purpose. The right thing was thus done in the end.
