Air Port ???

I’m having a real problem trying to understand the government of SXM . The way I read this they have $ 100,000,000 to be rebuild the airport and they can’t seem to move in any direction to get this done . It looks like they don’t want to give up any control as to how the money is spent and reported , I can understand the wants of the groups wanting accountability of this money and so should the people of SXM . Business should make a profit that’s why they are in business ,but no one else should enrich themself during this rebuild of a great airport . I can remember 35 years ago arriving at the old airport it was beautiful just what we expected , then the new modern airport was unbelievable it was now what we expect all the time . We are now going on to the third year ,and it looks like 2021 before it is rebuilt . WHY

Greed.

Do you think the govt will collapse (again) today?

It's more than likely, perhaps not today.

Wow, ok, I have been out of the loop, I guess!!

They either form a coalition or everyone resigns.....
https://stmaartennews.com/parliament/breaking-news-mp-meyers-withdraws-support-present-government/


Theo in jail, Frans arrested:

https://www.smn-news.com/st-maarten...myr7Wd91EtiOgS6ndiO8OIn2gq5RQZ1QgqQ0vKLA

And THEN....Frans' lawyer also resigned HER position!
https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islan...2MSopSJ2XCX29OkhMPMY6-1zUgYhWPM6b-IYhiPI

OK, I knew about Frans' lawyer resigning. Theo is NOT in jail currently, I don't think, but Frans is, as of a few days ago. I missed the rest of that yesterday. I'm not sure how Frans' lawyer resigning is related to the breakup of the coalition though. What a mess.

Theo is not in jail, but Frans yes for another eight days.

In Limbo

https://stmaartennews.com/politics/government-in-limbo/

Does everyone take money & kickbacks? They need to accept the Integrity Chamber. No wonder the Netherlands are requiring it!!

That's apparently why they are fighting the Integrity Chamber so hard.

Daily Herald story

And now apparently Frankie Myers wants to be a kingpin, I guess..

I was told that there was a coup in the works....

Interesting watching it all actually happen.

Interesting that the tourism commissioner is out of the country while this is all going on...

Something is cooking !

But, is it a good thing cooking?

Same ingredients, different plate.

That's false , he is here.

Time will tell.

Lesley--If you're referring to Minister Johnson, I was basing my note on the story in the Daily Herald, that he had left for some conference overseas.

Daily Herald story

Hi Carol , strange but he is on Island.

OK

https://stmaartennews.com/parliament/mp-meyers-goes-independent-fate-two-ministers-hands/

Johnson didn’t leave for Germany. Hope it was a refundable fare!!

https://stmaartennews.com/travel/fr...nue-mission-promote-st-maarten-globally/

https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islan...r-240m-to-finance-airport-reconstruction

LOL is right Carol!!!

https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/90910-van-raak-seeks-clarity-on-airport-project-financing

"Do you share my fear that the St. Maarten people are becoming the victim of the games of local politicians?”

No sh*t...

Right on.

But they keep electing the same people. I have talked to several locals and there is a strong sense of "tribalism" around each politician. "my guy is a good guy."

Correct it seems impossible that it’s over 2 years and the only thing done is the roof . This should have been the most important project to get this beautiful airport back to its former self . Instead I would have to guess not enough money is crossing the hands of the politicians , they are only in it for the monetary gain to them self’s . It’s time that someone or somebody take the Bull by the horn and get something done

Becoming?

What a cluster____!! Now
Vidanova says they cannot finance airport by themselves

...but they'd be willing to assist with financing, possibly in connection with the World Bank! What the what is going on??

Nah! They don’t need an integrity board!

Do these different factions seeking financing on their own even have the authority to do these negotiations or commit the govt to these loans or conditions?

Well, there's another good question! When even Sarah doesn't know whether they even have a firm agreement with the Dutch for the financing of the airport, something is seriously messed up!!

Daily Herald story

Don't understand the timing of the above story, in connection with the below story.

Government falls again

Opportunist they are .

Lesley--please explain. With Knops coming, does this mean that the airport will finally get this money??

It's coming from World Bank. Politicians can't seem to find a way to get their cut.

Yes, I understand that, but the question is, since this was just approved last week, does that mean that despite all this hoopla, that the airport will actually get the money?

"The approved project will be financed by the Netherlands government through the World Bank-managed St. Maarten Reconstruction, Recovery and Resilience Trust Fund."

Does that mean the Integrity Chamber was in place? No mention of it. I thought these funds were contingent upon that? I'm lost...lol

Leona--I am too.

The Airport will receive the Funds ; however the potential darkness could be new elections.

OK, glad the funds will be received. From the article in the DH, it seems that elections are a foregone conclusion?

What do you mean about foregone conclusion ?

What I meant is that there will be an election, not what the outcome would be.

Well actually most people hope not simply because they are not in the mind set to deal with a bunch of shitty meetings and false promises. Also money will be needed to hold the Elections , where will it come from ?

I understand that people don't want elections, but I guess I don't understand when you have to have new elections and when you don't.

There will be elections.

Government of Sint Maarten was live.
16 mins ·
COM URGENT PRESS CONFERENCE CALLING FOR ELECTIONS SEPTEMBER 23RD 2019

Go to Govt FB page just now you can watch the video

Here we go again

It's so sad Lesley, so sad.