A motion of no confidence against Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI Egbert Doran was defeated by the smallest margin of 8-7 (see related story), although a tie in votes would not have led to its adoption either. The return of National Alliance (NA) Member of Parliament (MP) William Marlin from a long absence due to illness in any case meant there was still a majority supporting the young minister.
He will hopefully see this close call related to the district garbage collection and roadside cleaning contracts tender as a final warning, following his earlier motion of disapproval over the Vineyard Heights/Over the Bank land issues. In both cases findings of the Ombudsman played a role, so it is extremely important that directives and recommendations by this High Council of State are closely adhered to going forward.
Friday’s meetings also confirmed there is indeed a new coalition backing the Jacobs II Cabinet that includes Doran. It consists of NA faction members Marlin, George Pantophlet, Hyacinth Richardson and Angelique Romou, along with Orlando Brison and Sidharth Bijlani of United People’s (UP) party, plus Chanel Brownbill of United St. Maarten Party (US Party) and independent MP Akeem Arrindell.
President of Parliament Grisha Heyliger-Marten (UP) voted for the motion, as did former faction colleague Ludmila de Weever – who declared herself an independent MP during the meeting, Melissa Gumbs and Raeyhon Peterson of Party for Progress (PFP), United Democrats (UD) leader Sarah Wescot-Williams plus independent MPs Solange Duncan and Christophe Emmanuel.
So, the current Council of Ministers may now count on only minimal support in the legislature, which won’t make governing the country any easier because just one seat could make the difference. As such, it’s clear that no more missteps can be afforded.
