~The motion tied with seven votes for and seven against.~
PHILIPSBURG: --- The motion for the government of St. Maarten to prepare for a referendum by December 2027 was shot down by the coalition partners of parliament. Former Member of Parliament and now Minister of ECYS Mellisa Gumbs explained to parliament that the matter of referendum and self-determination was discussed with the committee on parliament's constitutional affairs and said that the matter of referendum is the responsibility of the parliament and not the government of St. Maarten.
Member of Parliament Ardwell Irion, the motion's author, urged his colleagues to support the motion since he is a St. Maarten who believes in prosperity and empowerment. He said that it is time for the decision as to self-determination should be placed back in the hands of the people.
Member of Parliament Sarah Wescott Williams said that parliament had already started the discussion through the CCAD committee of parliament. Wescot Williams said matters of the referendum are in the hands of parliament and should be handled by parliament and not pawned off to the government, which is against article 92 of the constitution of St. Maarten.
SAM leader Franklyn Meyers said the articles of incorporation of the SAM party have in its first article to seek complete independence. He said he has been a long-time politician, and he, too, can recognize a curve ball when he sees one.
UPP leader Omar Ottley, in his motivation, said that at some point, people have to decide their future, and instead of going back to the beginning, he would change where it ends.
Ottley said the Netherlands had already abolished the legislation on the referendum.
Other members of parliament that also said they were in favor of independence but could not support the motion are Sjamira Roseburg, Viren Kotai, Dimar Labega, Veronica Jansen Webster, and Cris Wever.
Members of Parliament sitting on the Opposition benches have all decided to support the motion since the motion is for the government to begin preparations for the referendum. Those who support the motion are Members of Parliament Lyndon Lewis, Omar Ottley, Egbert Jurendy Doran, Darryl York, Ardwell Irion, Francisco Lacroes, and Franklyn Meyers. Those against are MPS Sarah Wescot Williams, Viren Kotai, Dimar Labega, Veronica Jansen Webster, Raeyhon Peterson, Cris Wever, and Sjamira Roseburg, while MP Ludimilla De Weever were not in attendance.
After the voting, the motion was tied by seven members voting for and seven against.
Based on the rules of order, this motion would have to be discussed again and put up for voting. `
