Philipsburg (DCOMM):--- At the University of St. Maarten, the 2-day conference on the National Development Plan organized by the National Development Team from the Department of Interior & Kingdom Affairs (BAK) came to an end.
The first day consisted of two lectures, while the 2nd day was mainly discussions about what the issues were in reference to the NDP.
The goal of the NDP, a multi-annual development plan, is to guide the strategic development of St. Maarten—a vision of the people—with all sectors from St Maarten stakeholders (i.e. NGOs, grass root organizations, private organizations, foundations, social groups, academia, and others) involved and engaged via participatory dialogue.
This conference consisted of lecturers giving presentations relating to the National Development Plan, meant to increase awareness of the topic and to stimulate the participatory process with stakeholders,
The first presenter was Jens-Ulrich Poppen, Program Manager of Democratic Governance (UNDP), whose presentation was on the UN experiences in engaging the Community on Nation Building Projects.
Poppen spoke about how "Nation building must be understood as an ongoing and continuous effort particularly in countries in which state-building (institutions) took place before nation-building (identity, norms, values)" and the reasons for its importance, which ranged from the "building of an integrated national community is important in the building of a state and its institutions, social and economic development is a pre-requisite for the building of such an integrated national community" to the "socio- economic development through local(ized) leadership."
He went on to emphasize the importance of the bottom-up approach to nation building by emphasizing local knowledge. Poppen said, "empower[ing] and active[ing] citizenship is a critical part of social capital and is an end in itself besides being essential for inclusive growth and national ownership."
The second speaker was Daniella Jeffry, historian and writer, who provided insight into the cultural history of St. Maarten.
Jeffry spoke about the Treaty of Concordia, its importance, the impact of the 1848/1863 Abolition of Slavery, Culture and Identity, the Frontier monument, St. Maarten/St Martin Day, Effects of the political separation of the island, and reunification of the people.
Jeffry said that the Treaty of Concordia can be summed up in three words, namely: "UNITY – LIBERTY – FRIENDSHIP" and that the "1648 Treaty established the rules for a peaceful and friendly cohabitation of two nations sharing the ownership of the land. What is unique about this cohabitation is that the people who settled on the island were not necessarily Dutch on one side or French on the other side. Therefore, the terms of the 1648 Treaty initiated a special and unique cohabitation."
Jeffry added that the "native St. Martiners must regain their unified way of life for the preservation of their heritage and the fulfillment of their common destiny: that is the foundation we have to thrive to consolidate. It is the 'sine qua non' condition in which to engage in the process of integration and inclusion. This natural human process has given substance to our St. Martin culture throughout the years."
On the second day, there were 6 short presentations by stakeholders, dealing with the issues of how their organization can contribute to the national development plan. There were advocates or representatives from the indigenous group, the USM president, Sunfed (funding agency), the marine sector, and Secretary Generals of the Government of St. Maarten.
Several important issues were brought forward about the St. Maarten society from these stakeholders, contributions that sparked agreements and or disagreements.
In the near future, more events will be held to get the input from the community.
