In the process these critics, for their own agenda, never focused on the MESSAGE and the potential solutions systematically presented on every possible forum by Mr. JAMES.
However, slowly but surely, the 'chickens are coming home to roost'.
Increasingly, and further impacted by the slowing economical crisis, the local native-indigenous St. Martin people are realizing that the island has become over-developed, over- populated, uncontrollable, lawless and that their very existence is at stake.
Even the Island-Government, under the necessary pressure, has formulated a new Labor Policy, to be implemented on January 12, 2009.
Finally, many merchants and others are realizing that, even if they might have some legitimate reason to protest the new law, there is not much, if any sympathy at all for them among the native population.
However, we must commend Mr. Elco Rosario, who is spearheading the protest for making what we consider, the most logical and compelling argument, that can make the difference and foster a breakthrough.
The interview in which this statement is made,is published in the TODAY-newspaper of Saturday, January 3, 2008, in the last alinea, of which a copy of hereby attached.
Although he did not say it with so many words, or might not even realize it, what he mentioned is in fact, what we have been proposing for many years now; 'A MARSHALL PLAN'.
In this plan, the SNBF/Association L' Esprit has formulated a concept, in which the socio-economic interests of the main stakeholders are addressed and resolved, based on a 'win-win' approach.
Now, the SNBF/Association L' Esprit de Concordia seems to be the most coveted 'peacemaker' in this very complex and socially explosive situation.
Consequently, many who once 'demonized' the organization now realize that they might be better off involving the SNBF/Association L'Esprit de Concordiait, as opposed to having to deal with a very irrational native-indigenous population, who simply are responding based on the sentiment 'enough is enough' and a Government, that is caught between a 'rock and a hard place'.It is now left to be seen, when finally the role of the SNBF/Association L'Esprit will be acknowledged in the overall development of the island.
In the meantime, the longer that takes, the more the situation will escalate and more 'knee-jerk' new policies restricting 'foreigners' will be implemented.
Source: The TODAY-newspaper, Saturday, Juanuary 3, 2008
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Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia