Recently, the public of the island was informed, by Mr. Leopold JAMES, of his intention to cease the broadcast of the program NATIONtalk, via the radio-station 98.1 Pearl F.M.
The main reason for this intention, was the fact that the management of the radio-station 98.1 Pearl F.M. supposedly had been frequently warned, by ‘unnamed sources' that the program NATIONtalk was 'inciting violence'.
Consequently, management felt that, due to these accusations, its operational- license was at risk.
Although, at no time, the accusations could be proven, out of respect for the livelihood of the family of the radio-station's management, executive-producer, Mr. Leopold JAMES decided to cease its broadcasting come the New Year 2008, via 98.1 Pearl F.M.
However, this decision has not been well received at all by most, if not all St. Martiners, and most other residents, for a variety of reasons.
Clearly, the most important objection being that, it is totally unacceptable that a program, that as no other, has turned out to be the 'Voice of the native-indigenous St. Martin People', whose very existence is at stake, because they are overrun and dominated by people from all over the world right here on their own island, should be forced off the air.
Also, especially coming from very important sources in the Netherlands and the USA, is the fear that by muting the voice of the native people, especially in a time of crisis and of critical constitutional changes, there might be a very serious 'backlash' effecting the entire island.
Therefore, based on the growing calls and pressure to maintain the program, Mr. JAMES is prepared to make use of the last installment on Wednesday, December 24, 2008 after his State of the Nation address, to allow for the public to call in and to have its say in the matter.
Should the request to maintain NATIONtalk be convincing enough, Mr. JAMES would be willing to reconsider his decision, after making the necessary adjustments to the program.
However, shouldn't there be enough support from the public to continue the program, then the installment of December 24 will be the last one at this station.
