Dear Citizens and Friends of Sint Maarten,
Happy New Year 2010!
As we start a new decade for the 21st Century, I am happy and great full to be able to welcome a new year by the Grace of God. What a 'testing' year 2009 has been. Whatever this new year, this new decade, has in store for us as individuals or collectively as citizens of Sint Maarten, will depend a great deal on your own resolve, your own healthy ambition, your own passion, your own commitment to see these goals become reality.
Personally, whenever I'm asked to write my thoughts and share these with you, I count my Blessings that I am able and willing to do so. I looked back at my message of last year and compared that to what we as a people and visitors experienced over the past 12 months. I realized that our faith and trust has indeed been severely tested including as I stated last December; 'our faith and trust in the institutions that are supposed to protect our citizens and their hard earned savings.'
I care deeply and believe firmly in the ability of this beautiful island Sint Maarten. But we must not take it for granted. The constitutional changes that will affect our lives in the next few years, including the outcome of the parliamentary elections of January 22nd must be carried out with resolve, openness, honesty and in frank dialogue with our people. It is a fact that this new year, our resolve will be tested more than ever, with limited human and financial resources and increased responsibilities. Good governance, accountability and transparency in decision making will no longer be just words. We will have to walk, the talk.
Ladies, and gentlemen, Do you want to give up on having a better quality of life, a better and safe neighborhood, a great educational system, less crime, cleaner environment, a traffic system that works, better regulated building codes and yes, more help for our people?
I don't think so. We can never give up and never give in. All of us including yourself, can make Sint Maarten a greater state. This year, my desire is to do more than just write and hope for the best.
This year I want to help bring much needed 'Enthusiasm' back into our lives. I ask you to join me in making this resolution a reality for 2010.
As Abraham Lincoln once said; "People are just about as happy as they make up their minds to be."
I thank you for this opportunity to address you. Have a safe, healthy and Happy New Year.
God bless and protect Sint Maarten and its people.
Obo the Peoples Progressive Alliance,
Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell.