Most will doubt that it is pure coincidence that former Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labor Mrs. Maria Buncamper-Molanus, affectionately known as Marietje, would out of nowhere show up on a local talk show just a couple of days after Minister of VROMI William Marlin, clearly communicated to parliament that the sale of economic rights is NOT illegal. Yes, the same William Marlin who from his usual opposition seat demanded that she resigned when accused of the exact same thing, yes he admitted in Parliament last week was it is not illegal. Putting the absence of political hindsight aside, it was nice to hear what she was up to.
What was most intriguing was to hear that Marietje, an already active Rotarian, will be the president of the local Rotary Club Foundation in 2013. We may all know about the wonderful social charity work the Rotary Club does in St. Maarten. A quick internet search would show the following events since last July; handing out 700 dictionaries in schools, the appreciation ceremony for 75 health care workers, significant contributions to the white and yellow cross, special education and youth golf, USD 12,000.00 for equipment in SMMC, financial commitments to the Mental Health Foundation and the handing out of 160 food hampers. Marietje said on air that she realized that while giving out those baskets of food to the needy that the need for help has increased on Sint Maarten and that all of us should be more involved in assisting our neighbor.
We are of the opinion that a great example is being shown here and we would further like to say to our parliamentarians, that instead of going overboard worrying about which board member sits on what board, maybe parliamentarians should follow Marietje and get on board of being directly involved with helping the people of St. Maarten through social events and charity (they are earning whopping salaries for doing what?). We have many great foundations that are doing great work in our society. Marietje, after giving season greetings made sure to spread a message of charity and helping our neighbors which is one of the things that the Soualiga Social Movement stands for.
So, to all politicians past and present, get on board and join activities to help the general situation in St. Maarten. Get your hands dirty (in a good way) by working to help out however you can in society. Society cannot always wait on parliament to get things done. Get on BOARD and help the people or the same people may get BORED with you. Actions speak louder than words. #sxmmovement
Happy Holidays from the Soualiga Social Movement
