As the ‘magical’ date of ‘10.10.10’ approaches for ‘Country St. Maarten’ to replace the Netherlands-Antilles, so too are the risks of a ‘still born country’ being delivered.
So, while Leader of Government is trying to sound as optimistic and confident as he possibly can, the more publicly many in the Dutch Parliament are expressing doubts that the ‘Friendly island’ would be ‘ready’ on the same date many of our 'pregnant' politicians expect to ‘deliver’ this constitutional 'child'.
While we have in the past on many occasions emphasized that a constitutional ‘Plan B’ should never be taken 'off the table', at present its probability is ominously looming larger and larger…...
Not withstanding those who are ‘screaming’ that achieving ‘Country status’ was the ‘wish’ of the people (many ‘moons’ ago by the way) and that the island has an in-alienable right to self-determination, such only makes sense if the choice of the people is to completely ‘exit’ the Dutch Kingdom, and become politically independent.
Obviously, that is why ‘Mr. Independista’, Joseph LAKE once more is doing his ‘political rounds’ at the various ‘talk-shows’.
As an astute political 'predator ’, he simply ‘smells blood’ of a very ‘ailing’ constitutional ‘prey’.
Reason being, that as long as the island remains part of the Dutch Kingdom, Mr. William MARLIN and all other politicians can 'scream' until they lose their voices, reality and not any so called ‘equality’ within the Kingdom dictates that ‘partner’ The Netherlands will always have the final say.
Therefore, the constitutional train is approaching a 'cross-roads’ or even a 'mine-field', and must now proceed with utmost caution.
So, what are the realistic interim options ?
Not too many prbably.
Here is one.
What about completely canceling the entire process of status change and allow for the islands to once more consider restructuring of the Antilles in a way that allows for the maximum local autonomy for each island while maintaining the federation for collective responsibilities ?
Many POLITICIANS might for their own good reasons ‘dread’ this interim-solution, but then consider another form of ‘Plan B’.
St. Maarten is placed under a BESS-structure thereby joining the other islands already slated for such destiny.
Or, St. Maarten might be placed under a special kind of Higher Supervision from The Hague.
Whether or not our politicians might ‘sputter and kick’ against the very notion of a ‘Plan B’, the wise thing to do might well be to hope, and even pray for the best, but nonetheless prepare for the worst case scenario.
Reality teaches that ‘hoping and wishing’ alone might come up very short of what will actually happens.
Our advice to the powers that be ?
Not that they will listen, they have never done that before.
Will give it anyhow.
Prepare your own ‘Plan B’, because believe it or not, the Dutch HAVE their Plans B's, C's, D's until the X's and more ready ‘to go’.
Involving your ‘own people’ in the process, might not be a very bad idea.
After all, it might be better to have them on your side, than allowing for them to freely operate as being an 'unofficial' and 'defacto' partner in constitutional matters with ‘others’ across the Atlantic.
Certainly time is not on your side.
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Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
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