It requires absolutely no debate to recognize, that one of the most important stakeholders in this process are our young people, since it is them, more than anyone else, who will actually have to live according to laws as formulated in the Constitution.
Therefore we agree with a very powerful statement made by Senator, drs. Rodolph Samuel, during the radio call-in program of Lloyd Richardson on Sunday May 23, 2010.
According to the Senator the Constitution is established only once in a lifetime, but will govern the lives of our young people for a number of generations to come.
Considering all the above-mentioned and other relevant arguments, we appeal to you to allow the NEW ERA foundation, which represents young people with its objectives to promote their general wellbeing, to assist with involving them in the final drafting of this most important legal document, especially with laws that will directly or indirectly affect them. The New Era foundation have already started with a program, amongst other programs, to mold and shape the lives of young people on St. Martin and will be pleased to establish a public-private partnership to ensure that Young People understand that they too should be a part of the
constitutional process.
Allowing for such would send out a most convincing message to our young people that their role in this historical process is not only appreciated, but is an absolute condition as well.
In addition, such would also offer our young people a most constructive and needed alternative to the many temptations within our society resulting in criminal behavior which in turn is having a most devastating impact on our society.
A constitution, which is not co-authored by young people and which does not clearly address their issues will never get their support, in spite of all good intentions of adult professionals, is most definitely doomed to failure, making it a waste of time.
We appeal to you to allow for our input. In addition we believe that you should not to be pressured to finalize this most important document.
Getting it right for our people for generations to come, is far more important than meeting and succumbing to the political dead-lines of others.
In conclusion we express our hope that you will give our young people not only residing on St. Martin but also those that reside abroad, since they are our country's greatest resource and the future of this country, the opportunity together with a delegation of our foundation to meet with your Government on this vital issue.
C. Jeffrey Richardson
P.R.O. New Era Foundation
