SINT Maarten-Prime Minister shocked at the detention of parliamentarian

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten, CMC – Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs Monday said she was “shocked and concerned” at the detention of the leader of a party member of her coalition government.

Media reports said that Rolando Brison, the leader of the United Peoples Party (UP), was arrested on Friday as part of an anti-corruption operation called “Lissabon” but has since been released.

The St Maarten Prosecutor’s Office said Brison, suspected of taking bribes and abusing his position, “remains a suspect in the ongoing criminal investigation.”

In a statement, Prime Minister Jacobs said that she wishes Brison and his family, as well as the UP party, “much strength during this tough time while awaiting the process of the judicial system” and was “very happy” to learn of his release.

“I have a great deal of sympathy towards the MP and his family; matters such as these leave very little room for the privacy of those close to the affected individuals within our small island society. I hope that they find strength during this time of turmoil.

“I trust our legal system will deliver a fair and just outcome for all involved. I urge the public to not jump to conclusions and to be patient as it takes its due course,” she added.

Prime Minister Jacobs said, “it is uncanny that these investigations surface when they can negatively alter local political stability, and it asks if it is indeed geopolitically or locally instigated.

“However, we remain committed, as a coalition, to focus on handling the budget in the coming week, which is of utmost importance to the people of this country,” she added.

The UP controls five of the 15 seats in the Parliament and is part of the coalition government headed by Prime Minister Jacobs of the National Alliance (NA).