Elections on Sint Maarten delayed as hurricane crisis continues

Political elections in Sint Maarten will be held in February instead of on January 6, island's government announced. The polling date was shifted as authorities fear election preparations will take more time than expected due to the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma this past September.

Governor Eugene Holiday announced that the elections for the new parliament will be held on February 26, according to news wire ANP. He said that in order to prepare for "orderly and careful elections", more time was needed.

The call for parliamentary elections is related to financial issues. The cabinet of Prime Minister William Marlin collapsed amid debate about a financial relief package offered by The Netherlands. Marlin did not agree with the terms that came attached to the aid money from the Dutch Government. One of the terms was the creation of an "integrity committee" that would control the proper use of the investment.

Netherlands granted 500 millions euro for the reconstruction of the island.

If there won't be any further complication, Sint Maarten's new parliament will officially come into power on April 2.