Caribbean News Now!

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao -- Government accountability to its people through parliament has now returned to Curacao. On Wednesday, the interim government presented itself to the majority in parliament. One of the assignments given by the governor to the interim government was to restore democracy and bring calm to the political arena.

Ministers Betrian, Smith, Bodock and Jardim were thanked and questioned by members of parliament and immediately gave answer to questions, which is customary in a parliamentary democracy.

The meeting was called by the newly elected president of parliament Dean Rozier. According to reports, the parliament clerk did not attend the meeting and the reason for this may include harassment by Ivar Asjes (former parliament president). The clerk was suspended and the Parliament subsequently appointed former clerk Frank Hanze as the temporary parliament clerk.

The 12 members of parliament appeared very satisfied with how the meeting went and expressed gratitude to the interim government for respecting the democratic rules of the country.

During the first meeting of parliament in the restored democratic system, the members voted and adopted three motions. These motions were:

Motion 1: prosecute former prime minister Gerrit Schotte and former minister of education Carlos Monk concerning false information to the international media concerning an alleged coup;

Motion 2: Official support from parliament for interim prime minister Betrian;

Motion 3: Request for international supervision of the October 19, 2012 elections.

Betrian announced that he will not be attending the meeting called by former president of parliament Ivar Asjes. According to the interim prime minister, that meeting is not legal and he does not recognize it as the parliament of Curacao.

The meeting of parliament was held at a local hotel as the former president of parliament has refused to turn over the keys to the parliament building.

Republished with permission of the Curacao Chronicle

Reads: 1779


Tweet