Yesterday afternoon, in an informal meeting, representatives of the MPB party sat down with representatives of the Democratic Party at the invitation of the Democratic Party leader. The meeting explored the possibility of MPB supporting the existing government.
“On behalf of MPB, we told those present that we do not feel called to join the government again. We explained that, for several reasons, it is difficult for us as MPB to do this at this time,” said MPB leader Hennyson Thielman.
Criticism Piling Up in the Community
Thielman explained that one reason is the amount of criticism that has accumulated over the past three years within the community regarding the way the current coalition has governed.
“Many things are stuck here in Bonaire, and when you complain or highlight them, they blame the previous government, public employees, and everyone else. To top it off, they also take it out on you personally. This is one of the reasons why Salma Serberie decided to withdraw her support from the current coalition,” Thielman said.
Creating Many Problems in Bonaire
“In the past three years, MPB has been the party that most criticized the way the current coalition worked and the problems it created in Bonaire. It is still fresh in our memory how heated discussions went between us and Democratic Party leader Clark Abraham regarding the purchase of land in Santa Clara, which is still under investigation,” MPB leader Thielman said.
A New Direction for Bonaire
Thielman continued that Bonaire needs a new direction and a positive path as soon as possible.
“As MPB, we hope that the other parties and factions can quickly come together to form a stable government to begin addressing the many problems in the community, including the urgent need for housing, rising prices, problematic permits, deteriorating roads, and also the issue of the airport,” he said.
MPB Ready to Take Responsibility
“We hope that the other parties and factions can quickly act where needed, so that the well-being of our people and our island comes first. MPB is certainly ready to assume responsibility as soon as possible to address the urgent issues facing our island as part of a new coalition. Even if there is not yet a new coalition, MPB is open to supporting serious proposals that prioritize the interests of Bonaire,” said Hennyson Thielman.