MARIGOT:--- While some of us are celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of their presence in Saint-Martin, others are lamenting the disquieting signs of a progressive, though real breakdown of relations between the collectivity, law enforcement bodies, in principle under the authority of the representative of State, and the native population of the French side of Saint-Martin. If the respectful Chief of the Gendarmerie of the 1950s and if the beloved Judge Bernard Brangé, who arrived at the same time, had to rise from their grave or their ashes to see what Saint Martin has become, they would not believe it. Saint-Martin French side has regressed. Saint-Martin French side rather looks like one of these countries today where segregation and apartheid are rampant.
We, the natives of this “Friendly Island” we cannot -and must not- accept such breakdown of human relations. It must be stopped by all means and by all the progress-minded, justice-loving, friendly, good people who came from Europe and the Caribbean more than thirty years ago now, in order to share with us the peaceful friendliness, the healthy freedom, and the contagious fondness that characterize our culture. That is why we will not deny our identity. We are proud of it and we shall die for it, if necessary.
“A form of protest arose, inviting the rejection of the laws of the French Republic (and European regulations).
It was conveyed by a few individualities, not representative of the social and economic fabric of Saint-Martin, who were able to muster the support of a portion of the audience, expressed in loud rounds of applause.”
This text can be found in the report introducing Deliberation n° 4 which has been voted by the territorial council on 25. 06. 2015.
Incredible but true! Who are these people? Individualities (more abstract that individuals) who contest by rejecting the laws of the republic and European regulations, not representative of the economic and social fabric of Saint-Martin and an audience expressing their support with loud applause. Where did they come from? by boat? by plane ? Are they “boat people”?
An executive addressing citizens, furthermore landowners, with such scorn! What an excess of rhetoric!!! I was a member of the last municipal council from 2001 to 2007, representing actively and respectfully the minority faction and I have never read this kind of rhetoric in any deliberation, although there were very heated debates during the town hall meetings concerning the change of status, when elected officials and socio professionals could not answer the questions posed.
There is no respect anymore, even for the person with a different opinion - how fortunately so! – or for the person contesting a measure. Where is democracy? What about participative democracy, advocated by the party in power? Is it a sign of executive powerlessness, to avoid ruffling the pressing ambitions of those who, in their eyes, constitute the economic and social fabric, and to denigrate the natives who are defending their landed interests?
I am afraid that such rhetoric verges on inciting to hatred. How dangerous!!!
Daniella JEFFRY
