PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — Member of Parliament Claudius Buncamper on Thursday declared himself as an Independent Member of Parliament, effectively breaking his representation of the United St. Maarten (US) party in Parliament. Buncamper was the faction leader of the US in Parliament.
MP Buncamper explained that the separation from the US party was an amicable one, with a personal decision being taken following an open and clear meeting with the US party board on Wednesday evening.
He further explained that it became clear that the party had opted to move forward with its operational and ideological restructuring, and he was not willing to stand in the way of a process he does not support.
A key factor in his decision was the party’s focus to re-adjust its platform focus towards independence for St. Maarten, sooner rather than later. He said the country is facing too many pressing priority issues that would not allow him to devote energy to the noble cause independence currently.
“In the future once the country and its people are prepared, absolutely. I believe in the dream of independence but I am focused on the real issues for the people of St. Maarten that need to be addressed now. It is about listening to what the community needs are how we can best deliver and ensure a quality of life that our people deserve. My focus is on that for our citizens,” MP Buncamper said.
MP Buncamper thanked the US board, fellow party candidates and its party leader Frans Richardson for the opportunity to be part of the US and represent not just the party, but the people in Parliament. “Everyone across the country recognize the important role an MP has in holding the Government accountable and representing the best interests of our people. I believe I have done that and that is what I will continue to do as an Independent MP in Parliament,” MP Buncamper concluded.
