Heyliger extends full support to Aruba’s Prime Minister Eman PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – “We are one kingdom of equal partners, but too often this does not seem that way in practice. It seems as though one partner dictates to the others in a fashion of ‘do as I say, don’t look at what I do,” says United People’s (UP) party leader Member of Parliament Theo Heyliger about the situation Aruba Prime Minister Mike Eman is fighting against with his ongoing hunger strike. Heyliger called Eman on Sunday to commiserate about the pressure put on Aruba by the Dutch Government. “I gave Prime Minister Eman my full support in his struggle for proper respect for Aruba as a country within the Dutch Kingdom. I firmly believe rules in the kingdom should apply throughout and not just to one country or another depending on an issue or agenda.” Heyliger reiterated his statements made at the introduction of UP’s 23-strong candidates’ slate for the upcoming August 29 Parliamentary Elections. He said UP and St. Maarten will follow all rules on integrity and sound financial management, but the same rules must apply and be adhered to by all countries and public entities in the Dutch Kingdom. “Rule for one should be rule for all. We are aware of the financial situation of the Netherlands and its fights with the European Union over its budget. None of us are perfect, but as countries in the kingdom we can do better if we work together, support each other instead of doing the opposite.” The people of St. Maarten and Aruba have chosen to remain in part of the Dutch Kingdom into which they were enfolded almost two centuries ago, Heyliger said. “Our people have chosen to stay in the kingdom. This does not mean that our free choice, as expressed in past referenda, must be taken as conceding of the autonomy of our countries. We have to work together as kingdom partners or reassess how we move forward. There cannot be first and second class Dutch citizens nor first or second class partners in the kingdom,” Heyliger said. Eman went on his hunger strike as of Friday to protest what he says is meddling by the Dutch government in local financial affairs. Eman considers the Dutch request a direct attack on Arubas autonomy and said he will continue the hunger strike until the governor signs the budget. The hunger strike comes after the Dutch government asked Arubas governor to hold off on signing the 2014 budget into law pending an evaluation of it. Aruba, which approved the budget two weeks ago, is facing a major deficit and its national debt represents 75 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Monday, July 14th, 2014
Posted on: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 00:49:34 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015