Marigot: --- Former first vice president Marthe Ogoundele Tessi has few words for elected officials on St. Martin which is that they must respect and recognize the values and contribution of women in politics. Even though not disclosing her intentions for the May 5th elections Ogoundele Tessi said she is willing to work with a group of people who are willing to work in the best interest of the island. Of course that group can only come from within the 23 elected territorial council members since the May 5th election is internal. Ogoundele Tessi a member of the Union pour le Progres, one of the two persons who filed a complaint against the August 7th 2008 elections with the State Council which was officially cancelled on April 10th 2009. Due to the verdict issued by the State Council the Territorial Council of St. Martin must re-elect its president. So far the only candidate that postulated for the vacant seat is ousted president Frantz Gumbs. It is still not clear if anyone from the RRR party would postulate on May 5th or if Ogoundele Tessi would do so on the day of the election.
This is the second time in two years that St. Martin is going through this procedure since attaining its new status. The first president that was elected in the new setting was Louis Constant Fleming who was sanctioned one year later for not following election procedures; he was replaced by Frantz Gumbs who was elected by pre-printed ballots which was cancelled, since it breached the secrecy of the voters.
At a press conference on April 25th Ogoundele Tessi confirmed that she received the official notification from the State Council. In reference to the verdict she said she has dedicated her victory from the courts to the youths of St. Martin. "People should believe in dignity, integrity, and transparency as well as the Republican values such as equality, freedom and fraternity."
The former first vice president said elected officials can no longer allow leaders to do as they wish which would eventually jeopardize the island and the entire system. She said any government structure would only function properly if the foundation is laid correctly.
Ogoundele Tessi said she wants to make known that anything that is done incorrectly will be sanctioned. She said while many is saying that there is no law on St. Martin her victory in the State Council shows that there is law since this is the second time a court decision is rendered against the present elected body.
She called on the people to demand more and request more rigorous actions as well as transparency in managing the affairs of the Collectivity.
She felt this is only way for checks and balances which will create a more objective approach in the functioning of the COM.
Ogoundele Tessi a teacher by profession felt elected officials must do more to change the tainted image of St. Martin since the island is under current stigmatization with the changes underway.