Philipsburg. On Tuesday afternoon, September 15, 2009 a very interesting power-point-presentation was made on a proposed Joint public private partnership between the Island Government, the Collectivity and the grass root nation building movement, the SNBF/Association L’Esprit de Concordia.
Due to the fact that a number of officials were off-island and otherwise unable to attend, the organizers are now preparing to make a joint presentation to representatives of the Island Government and the Collectivity.
Efforts are therefore now being made to come to a consensus on a date and location for this event.
It is very clear to those who attended the event, that those in Government would do very wisely to welcome this attempt by a grass root St. Martin movement, to contribute to a situation, in which St. Martiners once more feel at ease in their own home-land.
In addition, this very unique initiative can allow them to contribute enormously to effectively dealing with many issues which affect the entire island, and which can not be tackled effectively by only the Collectivity of Saint Martin or by the Island Government of St. Maarten.
Fighting crime is one such issue that knows no border.
Given the serious socio-economic crisis the entire island finds itself in and particularly considering the escalating juvenile delinquency, refusing to accept this partnership by the authorities would send a totally wrong message to the youth.
In addition, such refusal might very well fact be interpreted by the population and young people in particular as proof of government not being interested at all in preventing social confrontations.
Needless to state that this negative signal, especial on the eve of St. Martin Day, November 11, 2009 could only aggravate an already crisis, even some in law-enforcement admit now already is beyond their control.
The public will be kept updated on the response by the authorities to meet and come to a an understanding of how to establish this vital form of partnership, which can signal a sign of hope under the current tense social situation on the island.
Transcript of the presentation can be heard on www.stmartinnation.org. Download media September 15, 2009.
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Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
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