We stand at the threshold of another year; another moment in time. A moment however that is used since the days of old to close off a period of 12 calendar months and open a new time series. And true to custom, we reflect on the past year, and either pounder on the foreseeable challenges of the new one or use this defined moment in time to make our resolutions for the coming period of time.In looking back, 2008 for Sint Maarten has been an eventful one, one not without its setbacks, but surely not without achievements in many areas. Some will dwell on the first and others on the latter.
This is life, whether for societies as a whole or for individuals. Life is a bumpy road. How we deal with the bumps and the pits individually or collectively, sets the tone for the period ahead of us. It would always seem, again individually or collectively, that some get more than their share of life's challenges and setbacks.
As an island in the Caribbean region, we can thankfully look back on a good year overall, although challenges stand out especially in the area of crime and violence. Yes, I too fume when having to wait in traffic, but traffic is a result of a busy and vibrant island. Some would argue too busy. Our airport and harbor and thus our streets are crammed, again a sign of heightened economic activity.
As we face very uncertain economic times ahead, we should treasure what together we have been able to achieve and sustain for many years. Maybe unconsciously, but the working together of the different forces in our community has paid off in this respect. In 2009, this working together must be a conscious effort if we are to survive the expected difficult times ahead.
We boast of the composition of this island-nation as one of many nationalities and cultures, yet how we harness this collectivity of differences must become a critical part of our survival kit.
The "we vs they" must make room for St. Maarten first, and the "me, me, me" must make way for the "we, we, we". We, the island Sint Maarten!
Government is committed to continue the dialogue with all stake holders, but for this dialogue to have any effect, the change of attitude described above must be realized.
If there is one word to aptly describe today's global society, it is one of connectedness. This connectedness goes beyond the clichés of world travel and superb technology at the tip of our fingers. It has to do with an overall global interdependency. That reality is what we faced as during the year 2008, the global financial and economic picture kept getting starker, until -what we hope was- the climax in the latter part of 2008.
Is this financial-economic crisis bottoming out? It is difficult and still too volatile to predict. Financial strategists predict a financial roller coaster in 2009 with highs and lows. No where across the globe can nations or countries go their own way or leave things up to chance. And for small island nations like ours, flexibility to move and adjust as things develop around us, is going to be key.
In all of this, change has become a constant. Obviously, leaving matters to take care of themselves will not work. It might have worked in the past, but not in today's environment.
A conscious effort must be made to address the ills facing our society and we need to do it together. To be part of this collective effort we need to acquaint ourselves with what is happening on our island, not only from our confined individual or specific group's perspective, but also from the larger perspective of a nation in formation.
Government bureaucracy by its very nature is slow, yet our government is big enough to recognize when and if its policies are not having the desired effect. But do something we must! The wheels of government turn slowly and sometimes cause us to run behind the facts, but the overall improvements in government operations, in our educational system, in the health care system, in our infrastructure should not be underrated.
2009 will be characterized as a year of major transitions. In the constitutional area, a start will be made with transfer of central authority to the islands. The preparatory work done in this area over a number of years resulted in 2008 in definite agreements and completion of agreed upon issues. St. Maarten is not lagging behind in this respect, to the contrary.
I feel compelled at the end of 2008 to again thank the persons who have contributed to the process in an immense way. I not only think of our team of advisors, but also of the members of our community at large who have deliberated with us over and over again on matters of constitutional change. And I continue to extend an invitation to the general public and I mean general, to get involved in this process.
Don't let us spend too much of our time analyzing and theorizing, but rather let us narrow down what is happening around us globally to our own households, our workplace, our community and our island.
What might work for others, might not necessarily work for us or the other way around. Let's use our energy and the often used word of resiliency to work on the things we can, while keeping a watchful eye on the things we cannot influence, but which surely influence us.
Summarizing, 2008 was marked by resiliency, confidence and cooperation.
These traits we need in abundance for 2009. My wish for Sint Maarten is that we succeed at that and more. And that above all, we keep the faith.
Only by sticking together, holding the bigger picture in front of us, and realizing that we are in this together will our efforts bear fruit. A blessed, healthy, prosperous and productive 2009 is wished to every citizen and resident of our island nation. May God continue to bless us abundantly.