PLP ISLAND COUNCIL MEMBERS MEET WITH STATE SECRETARY RAYMOND KNOPS ON ST. EUSTATIUS
On November 3rd, 2020, The Progressive labor Party PLP Island Council members met with State Secretary Raymond Knops. There was no was agenda submitted from the side of Knops, the PLP, seized that opportunity to present the topics that they would like to focus on during the meeting. The Topics presented were: Working Relationship moving forward, Feedback on the Outcome of the Election, Restoration of Democracy, Economic Development and Future Plans for Statia.
Knops expressed words of congratulations to the PLP and team for winning the elections and congratulated the New leader on her position. He continued by stating he is looking forward to working together in the restoration of democracy.
Below are the various points of the meeting:
• Both parties stressed the importance of having a dialogue with each other as this is the avenue to finding solutions in the future. This must also be done with Mutual Respect for one another.
• Knops stated that he is ready and will work with the PLP towards the restoration of Democracy. This answer is welcomed as it will put to rest the many concerns as to whether Knops would cooperate and work with the PLP based on what transpired in February of 2018. The PLP have assured Knops, that they too are ready to work towards the restoration of democracy along with the Government Commissioners.
• The evaluation procedure that will determine how and when criteria have been met to enter into the subsequent phase was put forward as there is still lacked transparency into the matter, Knops responded that the law gives the points that will be evaluated and that the report will be examined using a process similar to that of an auditor. He continued to explain that there are various factors that play a role in completing a criterion, capacity is one example. Not having certain experts available in house to carry out the work, bringing in these experts will play a key role in accomplishing the various criteria's. At that point, it became evident that there are factors beyond the control of the Island Council that may cause delays in realizing/completing the necessary criteria that are needed for the evaluation process. The PLP stated that this gives an opened ended feel to the restoration of democracy and suggested that two commissioners be appointed to carry out the necessary points together with the government commissioners. Knops stated that the law has provisions for the appointment of commissioners once the phase has been completed and stressed the importance of sitting and working along with government commissioners to set timelines. PLP reiterated their willingness to work with the Government Commissioners and will be providing feedback and solutions to facilitate the working relationship to accomplish the points set out in the Law.
• The importance of continuing the economic agenda that was started in 2015, as the projects would provide additional pillars of income to the island and create job opportunities in the various sectors.
• The Autonomy Agenda became a keen interest to Knops. Clyde Van Putten was questioned on his view and interest on the constitutional ties with the Netherlands. Van Putten and Knops engaged in fruitful dialogue about the autonomy agenda where their respective views were exchanged. Van Putten stated that he has never championed independence but instead an autonomous relationship within the Kingdom. Due to time constraints, this dialogue was not able to be completed. Van Putten and Knops both thanked each other for the opportunity to have the conversation, Van Putten then extended an invitation to Knops to continue this dialogue in the future.
• The PLP sent a token of appreciation to the Dutch MP’s that extended words of congratulations and well wishes via the State Secretary.
Even though there were times throughout the meeting where both parties did not agree on points, the PLP deems that this meeting was fruitful. The Leader of the PLP and team would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the community of St. Eustatius for the many prayers, well wishes, and support that they received in preparation for the meeting held this afternoon. At the commencement of The PLP Island Council members huddled together and prayed that God will allow for a fruitful dialogued. The Government Commissioners were thanked once again for their inclusivity and positive attitude, which will play a key role as we work together to restore Democracy.
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