Marigot: ---- Three members of the RRR party namely the party leader Alain Richardson, Noreen Brooks, and Ramona Conner expressed their disgust at the statements that are made on all airwaves by ousted president Frantz Gumbs. The sentiments were expressed during a press conference called by the RRR. "Can you imagine the ousted president is saying he did nothing wrong for the State Council to sanction him, for me the president is insulting the intelligence of the population as well as the legal system. The least he can do is accept responsibility. Even more disturbing Gumbs is the first magistrate of the island and he need to lead by example" says the members of the RRR.
Territorial Councilor Ramona Conner said she simply cannot understand how could the State Council sanction someone who did not commit any wrong?, moreover the decision that was handed down by the council was foreseeable since the RRR had openly objected to the procedures on August 7th 2008 prior to filing the complaint with the State Council. "Gumbs is the first magistrate of this island and he needs to take up his responsibility." While fourth vice president Louis Jeffry has been saying the reason they used the pre-printed ballots is because the UPP party is organized." Conner said. Also expressing discuss at the former president is territorial councilor Noreen Brooks. Brooks said with these types of statements the population should reflect on their choice. She said while the sanction is legitimate it is only when someone takes others for fools that they would tell them foolish things by finding ways and means of justifying their actions as well as the sanction. Brooks said its time for the people to demand respect from their elected officials. The territorial councilor said times have changed and there are lots of intelligent people on the island that needs to be respected.
Brooks also clarified statements made by Daniella Jeffry and Aline Choisy who said the RRR voted for the UPP program when they all voted for L. C Fleming in 2007. She said at the time St. Martin was entering a new setting and they the RRR stretched forth their hands to meet the majority half way. "It's not about voting for their program it was about trying to work in the best interest of the island". Brooks also called on the UPP councilors to do some soul searching and ask themselves if they are doing justice to the island. She said there are lots in the organic law that can work in the interest of St. Martin and it has not yet been touched while there are a number of things in the law that needs to be changed. She said while it is important for the changes to be made she questioned if making those changes would make any difference since the majority is not doing anything otherwise and what is available. She felt it is time for the population to rise up and stop those that are manipulating the councilors.
"The youths on St. Martin are now saying politicians are living in a state of lawlessness, since the former President of the COM was sanction by the State Council for not respecting the electoral laws and he immediately got promotion when he was elected senator. Now Gumbs is sanctioned and instead of showing remorse and acknowledging what was wrong he already announced his candidacy." Party leader Alain Richardson said.
Richardson said that while the present trend the island is undergoing is "the talk of the town with added shame." The island people need to call those elected to order.
Richardson further explained that even though the decision was openly handed out they are yet to receive the official notification from the State Council, for this reason the RRR has not announced their plans for the upcoming election. He said they managed to obtain copies of the decision which needs to be analyzed. The RRR leader intends to convene another press conference in the future to outline the party's plans.
Addressing the ruling of the State Council Richardson said they confirmed that the freedom and the secrecy were indeed violated. He said while pre-printed ballots is legal in a general election where the names of all candidates is listed under the party they represent it is illegal to use such ballots as means of controlling ones vote as was the case of the August 7th election. He said the UPP the party pressured the councilors to vote for Gumbs instead of allowing the councilors to vote for whom they wish secretly. Richardson read out the extracts of the process verbal that was presented to the State Council which resulted in the cancelation.
Asked if he is disappointed in the ruling Richardson said that they gave all the necessary clues to indicate there is manipulation involved. However, they are respectful of the decision that is rendered by the Council. Asked if he felt the sanction would bring about any changes since the UPP majority would be voting for Gumbs again. Richardson said the sanction is to show that there are laws in place that has to be respected. He said already people are asking if the UPP councilors don't know how to write and if that was the reason they chose to use pre-printed ballots. He said if they were to stay quiet what type of example are they giving to the youths on St. Martin. "Already Louis Constant Fleming was condemned but he received a promotion instead of a punishment and today its Gumbs who are saying boldly he is intends to postulate again." He said even though the UPP used pre-printed ballots for the election of Fleming they did not see the need to contest it since there was not any other candidate. He said even though the RRR did not win the general election they never lost the love their country. Richardson at that time they recognized that the UPP had the majority and the president would have come from their camp so they showed good will by voting for him expecting that they would have been able to work together for the interest of the island.
He said the most honorable thing for the UPP should do is to give back the people their mandate. He said the island has lost its image with the two sanctions against the presidents namely Fleming and Gumbs. "When St. Martin and St. Barths voted for the new status and obtained it those in the other islands felt the two smaller islands had balls to go for what they wanted but today the island (St. Martin ) is the laughing stock of the region. Based on this the UPP should face the nation and admit they are not capable and that they have failed to prove themselves thus far in carrying the image and respect the island deserves. "Let the people decide if these mistakes are technical or if it's truly incompetence and manipulation." Richardson said.
Richardson said it would be nice to see the people of St. Martin rise up and demand respect from the UPP who has dragged the image of the island in the mud. "The people need to send a message to these people." Richardson said it impossible to see the territorial council sitting down without offering any contribution even though they have legislative powers. He concluded by saying that it is time for the people to come together and demand or question them on their actions. He said democracy still does exist even though there is manipulation. He said it is proven in the overseas departments that the people can achieve more than politicians if they work together. Richardson said he believe this would ring home very soon.
What is Right Despite Politics-Brooks.
Opposition councilor Noreen Brooks admitted she is disappointed with the performance of Frantz Gumbs who was a former opposition member. Brooks said that she is disappointed with the entire UPP team from the very inception since they have not shown any love and interest for their country.
She said while many persons would say she has always been acting like an opposition while she was part of the mayor's ruling party. She said during the days of the commune when she saw something was not going to benefit the people she would speak out and vote against it. "When you have love for your people and their interest at heart then you do what is right" Brooks said elected officials are accountable for their action and felt that she does not believe the UPP understands their duty towards their country. She said while the UPP are speaking of transparency and good governance which to her is pure hypocrisy.
Brooks said when the council voted for the EPIC it was not the right choice for the island since the EPIC caters to the European market instead of the Americans that is sustaining St. Martin. All of this she said shows they (UPP) are not looking out for what is best for St. Martin and its people.
Brooks said she believes money is involved in the corruption on the French side, even though not naming names she said this matter would surely work out itself. She said she cannot understand why the young and vibrant councilors under the UPP umbrella would remain silent on key issues. The only answer to that she said has to be monies or deals being passed under the table. "I would have resigned if my voices could not be heard. I believe they should leave instead of facing further embarrassment." Brooks concluded.