St. Maarten Private Eye

Roy going green? I was being cynical!!!!

Look here:
Frans: Roy flying private jet while island in dire straits
~ Tackle crime, says Roy ~

PHILIPSBURG--Tourism Commissioner Roy Marlin has come under fire from National Alliance (NA) Island Councilman/Parliamentarian Frans Richardson for flying via private jet when the island is in dire financial straits.

In response, Marlin chided Richardson for picking on unnecessary issues when crime is becoming rampant and the Central Government, which Richardson supports, needs to be more involved in making the island safe.

Richardson told The Daily Herald Sunday that Marlin had taken a different turn by giving up flying commercial airlines in favour of hopping onto a private jet to carry out his tourism duties. The latest trip Marlin took was to Colombia, he added.

“No wonder he has asked for an increase in the tourism budget. I want the chairman of the Island Council [Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards] to explain this new development as soon as possible, because the people are facing hardships while the commissioner is flying in the most luxurious fashion,” Richardson said.

He will ask Richards formally for an explanation and an outline of what the budgetary increase will be used for. “The people need to know if spending more for such travelling is government’s new way of doing business.”

Commenting on the claims levelled at him, Marlin said he had not travelled by private jet on government business and never intended to do so. “However, what I do on my private time is my business. Government does not pay for my private travels.”

He urged Richardson to put his concerns in writing to the Executive Council.

“Richardson should deal with issues affecting the island. Crime is rampant. People are afraid to leave their homes. He should say what he has done to combat crime. After all, his party supports the Central Government and he should get the Minister of Justice [David Dick] to pay attention here,” Marlin said.

He sold the villa... the one on Oyster Pond... maybe he has some money he would like to spend? Am I just being silly or is it really a peculiar business for a commissioner to be the owner of a roundabout? Desperately trying to do something with you money that garentees a good payback or what?