Video 1 Parliament St Maarten continuation central committee 06

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VIDEO 1 OPENING The continuation of Central Committee no. 06 took place on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

Video 1 Parliament St Maarten continuation central committee 06

However, the meeting reconvened at 15.00 hrs.

Minister of Justice, Mr. Lyndon Lewis provided Parliament with the answers to the questions.

In addition, questions were posed on the draft National ordinance budget amendment 2024, in relation to the Justice Ministry.

First, It began with Acting Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Mr. Lyndon Lewis.

Minister of Tourism, Transport and Telecommunication, Grisha Heyliger-Marten was next.

Then, Members of Parliament were given the opportunity to pose additional questions to each Minister, respectively.

The meeting was then once again adjourned.

In order to allow the Ministers time to prepare the answers to the questions posed by the Members of Parliament.

The meeting is scheduled to be reconvened on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 10.00 hrs.

The Parliament of St. Maarten began its journey on October 10, 2010.

That’s when the island officially became a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

This shift followed the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles, a process that redefined the political landscape for several Caribbean islands.

Video 1 Parliament St Maarten continuation central committee 06

St. Maarten, which had long been part of a larger political unit, gained its own legislative body with full control over internal affairs.

This marked a significant step toward self-governance.

The island now possessed a separate and independent Parliament, responsible for lawmaking, governance, and representation of its people.

Before this transition, St. Maarten operated under the Netherlands Antilles, a political federation that also included Curaçao, Bonaire, Saba, and St. Eustatius.

These islands shared a central government based in Curaçao, which often dictated policy decisions for the entire group.

St. Maarten, like the other islands, held limited local power through its Island Council, but major decisions concerning the island were made elsewhere.

This arrangement bred frustration among St. Maarten’s population, which increasingly sought more control over its own governance.

The centralized political structure limited the ability of St. Maarten to fully address its specific challenges and opportunities.

In response to this frustration, a movement for autonomy gained momentum during the late 20th century.

By the 1990s, many islanders had grown dissatisfied with the Netherlands Antilles’ governance model.

Video 1 Continuation Central Committee No. 06 10-15-2024 Sxm St Maarten Parliament

In a series of referenda held across the different islands, the people of St. Maarten expressed their strong desire for a new political status.

They voted to break away from the Netherlands Antilles and form their own country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

This decision set the stage for the constitutional changes of 2010, when St. Maarten gained its own Parliament.

St Maarten also gained the ability to control its domestic affairs while remaining part of the Kingdom.

The Parliament of St. Maarten consists of 15 members elected every four years by popular vote.

The electoral system uses proportional representation, ensuring a diverse political landscape where multiple parties compete for influence.

Video 1 Parliament St Maarten continuation central committee 06

Video 1 Continuation Central Committee No. 06 10-15-2024 Sxm St Maarten Parliament

This system often leads to coalition governments, as no single party has dominated the political scene for extended periods.

The Parliament’s key functions include passing laws, approving national budgets, and overseeing the actions of the executive branch.

It also represents the island’s citizens, giving voice to their concerns and needs in a formal legislative setting.

As a unicameral legislature, the Parliament wields significant power over the island’s legal and political framework.

It drafts and enacts laws that impact all areas of life on the island, including education, healthcare, taxation, and infrastructure.

However, St. Maarten’s status as a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands imposes certain limits on its legislative authority.

Matters such as defense, foreign policy, and Dutch citizenship remain the responsibility of the Kingdom government, headquartered in the Hague.

Video 1 Continuation Central Committee No. 06 10-15-2024 Sxm St Maarten Parliament

This division of powers is enshrined in the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

This document that outlines the constitutional relationship between the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Maarten.

Since its establishment, the Parliament has navigated several significant challenges, particularly in relation to political stability.

St. Maarten’s political system has been characterized by frequent government changes and coalition collapses.

Parties often struggle to maintain unity within their governing coalitions.

This leads to periods of instability that result in early elections and government reshuffles.

These disruptions have hampered the island’s ability to effectively manage important issues such as economic growth, infrastructure development, and disaster preparedness.

Video 1 Continuation Central Committee No. 06 10-15-2024 Sxm St Maarten Parliament

One of the most critical tests for the Parliament came in the wake of Hurricane Irma in 2017.

The powerful Category 5 hurricane devastated the island, causing widespread destruction to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.

The Parliament, along with the government, had to respond quickly to coordinate recovery efforts, rebuild the island, and secure international aid.

St. Maarten received financial assistance from the Dutch government and various international organizations.

However, Parliament faced intense scrutiny over its handling of these funds.

Concerns about transparency, accountability, and corruption emerged as key issues during the recovery process.

The disaster highlighted the ongoing struggles within the political system, as well as the island’s reliance on external aid in times of crisis.

The relationship between St. Maarten and the Netherlands has played a pivotal role in the Parliament’s history.

While St. Maarten gained significant autonomy in 2010, the Dutch government retains oversight in key areas, particularly regarding financial governance.

Tensions have arisen over this oversight, with some St. Maarten politicians accusing the Netherlands of infringing on the island’s autonomy.

Video 1 Parliament St Maarten continuation central committee 06

Video 1 Continuation Central Committee No. 06 10-15-2024 Sxm St Maarten Parliament

These tensions reached a peak during the post-Irma recovery, when the Dutch government demanded stricter financial controls and greater oversight of St. Maarten’s governance before releasing aid funds.

In response to concerns about corruption, the Dutch government established the Integrity Chamber in St. Maarten.

CFS is an independent body designed to monitor government operations and ensure good governance.

Video 1 Continuation Central Committee No. 06 10-15-2024 Sxm St Maarten Parliament

Despite these tensions, the Parliament of St. Maarten has remained at the heart of the island’s development as a self-governing entity.

It provides a platform for political debate, where representatives from various parties can voice the concerns and interests of their constituents.

The Parliament has passed legislation aimed at improving social services, supporting tourism.

These are (the backbone of the island’s economy), and strengthening the legal environment for business and foreign investment.

Members of Parliament have also debated ways to diversify the economy.

They’re seeking alternatives to tourism that can provide more stability in the face of global economic fluctuations and natural disasters.

In addition to its legislative role, the Parliament holds the executive branch accountable.

Video 1 Continuation Central Committee No. 06 10-15-2024 Sxm St Maarten Parliament

The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers report to the Parliament.

Parliament the authority to question government officials, request detailed information, and launch inquiries into their actions.

This system of checks and balances ensures that the executive branch remains transparent and that public resources are managed in a responsible manner.

Over the years, parliamentary inquiries have played a crucial role in uncovering inefficiencies and irregularities within the government.

Moving forward, the Parliament of St. Maarten faces significant challenges in ensuring political stability and economic growth.

Video 1 Continuation Central Committee No. 06 10-15-2024 Sxm St Maarten Parliament

Political fragmentation continues to be a pressing issue, with frequent elections and shifts in alliances creating uncertainty.

Additionally, the island’s reliance on tourism makes it vulnerable to external shocks, such as natural disasters and global economic downturns.

The Parliament must continue to work toward economic diversification while addressing long-standing concerns about governance and transparency.

Addition: also, furthermore, moreover, in addition, similarlyContrast: however, on the other hand, nevertheless, although, despiteCause and effect: because, therefore, thus, consequently, as a resultSequence: first, next, then, finally, subsequentlyConclusion: in conclusion, to summarize, overall, in summary, ultimately

St. Maarten’s Parliament plays a central role in shaping the island’s future as a young country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Its ability to govern effectively will be critical to the island’s continued development and its efforts to overcome the challenges of political instability, economic dependency, and natural disaster vulnerability.

As it grows into its role, the Parliament must balance the island’s desire for greater self-determination with its obligations under the Kingdom.

It must ensure that St. Maarten remains a viable and prosperous part of the Caribbean region.

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Video 1 Parliament St Maarten continuation central committee 06

Video 1 Continuation Central Committee No. 06 10-15-2024 Sxm St Maarten Parliament

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