Political Crisis in St Maarten

Even as Citizens celebrate St Maarten Day today, the future of the Dutch Island is uncertain.



Sunday the governing Democratic Party (DP) lost its one seat majority in the 11 member Island Council after one of its members withdrew his support for the party.



Following the detention of the DP Commissioner of Labour, Social Affairs, Youth and Culture Louie Laveist on allegations of forgery in October the party asked Laveist to resign from the Executive Council.



However, he would have retained his position on the island council.



But on Sunday he announced that he was withdrawing his support for the party announcing that he plans to join the opposition National Alliance (NA).



The NA would then have a majority in the council if it accepts Laveist.



At a press conference hastily called yesterday by Leader of the Governing Democratic Party Sarah Wescot-Williams, it was disclosed that the current political crisis could affect plans by the Island to become more autonomous by 2010:



Laveist was arrested by Federal Detectives on October 22 and placed in pre-trial detention in the Pointe Blanche prison.



All his portfolios had been distributed to the other four members of the Executive Council.