PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Egbert J. Doran has expressed deep disappointment following Parliament’s rejection of his motion to hold Ennia’s management and the Central Bank accountable for the financial mismanagement that led to the bailout crisis.
Despite the motion aligning with the Government’s stated efforts, it was voted down with 6 MPs in favor and 8 against, raising serious questions about the motivations behind the decision.
MP Doran noted that even Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs acknowledged that she aligned with the motion’s intent but felt no need to support it since the Government was allegedly already working on the matter. According to Doran, this should have made it easier for MPs to support the motion, as it would have reinforced and formalized what was being done. “It is rather questionable that Members of Parliament would vote against a motion that strengthens the Government’s efforts. It raises the question: what and who are they protecting? What and who are they afraid of? Or is it simply because it is a motion penned by the opposition?”
Doran highlighted that resolve #2 of the motion, which mandates the Government to explore all legal avenues to acquire the Mullet Bay property as part of the Ennia bailout, may have been a key factor in the rejection. The proposal suggested determining the purchase price through an independent appraisal at fair market value. He questioned whether this specific point was the issue, stating, “If they had concerns with this particular resolve, it raises serious questions about their commitment to ensuring accountability and fairness in this process. It makes you wonder if this is truly about protecting taxpayers or just putting on a show.”
The MP called on his colleagues to reflect on their actions and motivations, stating that Parliament should always strive to be on the right side of history. “When the younger generation looks back, they should see that we made courageous decisions. Rejecting this motion sends the wrong message.”
Doran also responded to comments made by Minister Gumbs during the budget debate, where she insinuated that his newfound interest in Mullet Bay was disingenuous. He urged the Minister to review the minutes of the Council of Ministers’ meetings during his tenure, which, as Minister, she now has access to. “She will see that my stance on this matter is consistent. My sentiments today are aligned with my sentiments then,” he stated.
Highlighting inconsistencies in Parliament, MP Doran criticized the selective approval and rejection of motions based on perceived alignment with Government’s trajectory. He pointed out that some motions were accepted for being in line with the Minister’s plans, while others were rejected for the same reason. “This is a clear show of bias and lack of reasoning,” Doran said.
The MP further called out the hypocrisy of coalition MPs who had recently accused the opposition of playing politics when a meeting could not start due to a lack of quorum.
“These same MPs are now biasedly approving or denying motions based solely on who authored them. It’s disheartening, but unfortunately, not surprising,” he added.
Despite his disappointment, MP Doran reiterated his commitment to doing his part and holding the Government accountable. “At the end of the day, I will continue to fight for what’s right, and I sincerely hope the Government succeeds in addressing the Ennia crisis effectively. The people of Sint Maarten deserve no less.”
