PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — From the outset of the Central Committee meeting of Parliament on Friday, February 10, dealing with the draft law “Rules for Administrative Enforcement,” Chairlady Sarah Wescot-Williams made it clear that Members of Parliament will be given the time and opportunity to delve into the depth and width of this necessary, but very technical piece of draft law.
The handling will not be delayed, but neither will Parliament rush through this draft law. Already the Chairlady had pointed out that she will break down the law in main parts, making the deliberations more manageable and constructive.
The meetings, in the Chair’s view, should, in addition to providing the MPs the opportunity to amply debate draft laws and topics, also serve as informational exchanges for the public at large.
During today’s initial deliberations on the “Rules for Administrative Enforcement,” the Chairlady explained the gist of the law as follows:
How does the government administration enforce compliance with existing laws? Who makes up the reports of such? How are persons notified that they are or that they have acted in contravention of a law or rule? How far can government go with sanctions against citizens?
A plus point in this respect, she pointed out, is that the draft eliminates bias in handling such cases.
Secondly, where such is possible, infringements will be dealt with administratively (by government) rather than criminally.
The draft law was initiated by the government, hence the presentation of such by the Minister of Justice Rafael Boasman on Friday, February 10.
