Marigot:--- "All I want to do is contribute to my country, this is my home, my roots are here, all I have achieved came from St. Martin and I truly believe I owe the island", are the words of Alex Richards one of the most senior civil servants on the French side who still suffers because of political victimization.
Richards made his statements yesterday when speaking to this reporter concerning the status of St. Martin. "We are in bad shape, things are really bad and we have a very tainted image in the outer world. Our politicians have failed us miserably and they need to step up to save the face of this nation." Richards said because of his concerns and the state of affairs locally he is driven to go on and to do the best he can for the island. "I would remain optimistic because I know better can be done for my homeland. I am not interested in pointing fingers and accusing anyone. My intention is to make contribution is to make things better." If those at the head cannot do the job then they need to hire people with the education and knowledge to do that work for them. They should not be hiring their friends and family. Richards said the general interest should be about getting the job done and not about ones pocket.
Richards who are presently working at the Social Economic Council said he was brought on the job at the request of the president George Gumbs who insisted that he be hired. Even though this is not what he had anticipated to be the next step in his life he said he is giving it his best shot to help shape the country St. Martin.
Richards said he applied for several jobs at the Collectivity but each time he was turned down. He said he is a grade "A" Civil Servant yet he is victimized by the present administration who still cannot understand that the political campaign is over.
The former cabinet director for Mayor Albert Fleming said he felt in July 2007 all the local politicians would have gathered around the same table with one common goal which was to work in the best interest of St. Martin. He said while people may consider him to be an idealist he felt the only solution to shape the island in its new setting was to have everyone working together.
Richards also sanctioned some of the statements that were made by former Mayor Albert Fleming who said on several occasions that the island was not ready for a change and that the local politicians have crab mentality. He said the politicians have proven Fleming to be right even though they criticized him.
He said even though the politicians were not ready they could have made themselves ready to handle the people's affair. Richards said sometimes he would wonder why these people is doing the things they are doing and what really motivates them.
He said with the present trend we are telling the world especially France that we were not ready and most of all we are not good at what we are doing. Something that is very unfortunate for St. Martin since those in office has all that they need to be successful. However, if they continue to make choices based on party politics then we are bound to fail.
Richards said even though somewhat late, the politicians can still come together and put in place a government who would better shape the island. "It is time to put aside party politics and deal with the interest of the people of this lovely island." Richards admitted he is desperately concern about the future generation. He said he is not seeing anything done for the island's youths who have great potential and real worth compared to what other children from other places. He said he does not know what would happen if the island youths would not get a chance to contribute to their island.