Philipsburg: --- Chairman of the island council of St. Maarten and Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards had some strong words of caution for members of the island council on Thursday. The Chairman after opening the island council meeting on Thursday cautioned the members of the island council on their rule of conduct. The caution came after the display and use of strong language from leader of Government William Marlin during Monday’s Island Council meeting. Richards said Monday’s display could be considered as a total disregard for the highest body of the island territory of St. Maarten.
The governor also sent a letter to each island council member reminding them of the rules of order which he said must be respected. Richards said for clarity sake, he is addressing all factions represented in the island council thus each individual member of the council, duly elected by the people of this island is to represent their general interest.
He said he felt called upon to do so, in view of what may have been construed as improper during the last island council meeting.
Richards said as chairman, of the island council, it is his duty, occasionally, to share with members of the island council some of his concerns, with an eye on contributing to the best possible functioning of the highest body of the island territory of St. Maarten.
He said it is his belief that as they continue en route to country status, they must, indeed, begin to act and behave in a manner reflecting having matured to a higher level.
It cannot be so that intolerance of opposing views is condoned and that image of lack of political maturity is left behind in the minds of the public, whenever they choose to listen to their elected officials during public meetings.
Aspects of etiquette, adherence to the island regulation Netherlands Antilles, ERNA, respectability should never be too far from their minds, whenever they choose to enter into public debate of topics at hand.
No one faction, no one group of individuals are above suspicion in this regard and they must, collectively, seek to address the shortcomings that they are too often accused of.
The Island Council ought to lead by example, thereby inspiring younger generations of people’s representatives to want to become legislators in a new St. Maarten, Richards said.
St. Maarten have no choice but to strive to attain that level of understanding of political maturity a level of understanding embodied in strict application of rules of order, in even the most trying moments.
He said with all good intentions, submit the argument that the kind of posturing to which they are too often subjected to in this council, can also be construed as a blatant disregard for proper governance or even worse, an apparent rejection of good governance.
As such, that it is in the best interest of the people of this island that they take some time and reflect on how they want to proceed, by the time they are ready to become senators and ministers of the country St. Maarten. The chairman said he sincerely believes that it would benefit good governance, transparency in government and an organized continuation of the daily running of government affairs, if they again, collectively, decide on how they are to conduct themselves.
A well-construed debate is something to be encouraged, not ridiculed; a healthy debate is nowadays a common practice within the framework of good governance.
In order to understand “Good Governance” one has to know the meaning of Governance.
Governance he said means the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented).
Richards said that he has, on at least one occasion noted that good governance has eight major characteristics. It is participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive and follows the rule of law. It assures that the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society.
Participation by all concerned is a key cornerstone of good governance. Participation could be either direct or through legitimate intermediate institutions or representatives such as yourselves.
He also pointed out that participation needs to be informed and organized. This means freedom of expression on the one hand and an organized debate on the other hand.
With so much that has come their way in past years, transparency means that decisions taken and their enforcement are done in a manner that follows rules and regulations. It also means that information is freely available within the limits of the law.
Comprising this island council are 11 representatives of the people; so, in theory there could be as many as 11 viewpoints that can be shared, debated and questioned during public gatherings of this dignified body. “I say ‘dignified’ since I am of the opinion that ever since the establishment of the ‘statuut’, it is the island council which has served as that place where local government on all island territories could play a decisive role in the development of these islands, in a manner which required that respect be shown for its decisions.” Richards said.
The island council remains accountable to the public and to the community stakeholders.
‘Good governance’ entails that the government of St. Maarten carries out policies in a democratic, just and systematic manner, delivering results that are in the general interest of the people.
He said they can speak of a just policy and just governance when government takes into consideration legally prescribed regulations and guidelines pertaining to good governance, such as the principles of good governance, principles of equality and principles of integrity.
The citizen has a right to hear all sides of a debate in a manner becoming elected representatives of the people, even if he or she is in disagreement with government.
He appealed to all of members of the island council, that they take responsibilities seriously; think before you speak and contemplate before acting.
Opposing views ought not to be a reason for deficiencies in ‘politesse’, no matter what the circumstance.