But even more than that I also understand the deep concerns and fears of marginalization of the native St. Martiners so passionately and consistently expressed by Mr. Leopold James.
While to certain people he might come across as being anti-foreigners, I have never understood his positions and defense of his people as being offensive to me.
As a matter of fact, in my opinion he is doing what the leaders of this island have miserably failed to do in the first place.
On September 17, 2010, the island will once more have elections.
This time for an expanded Island-council which will on 10-10-10 automatically be transformed into the Parliament for country St. Maarten.
This Parliament will then have to elect ministers to run the daily affairs of the new country.
It is very clear that the Netherlands will not make it easy for country St. Maarten and therefore, the level of competency of the ministers must be of a very high level.
More than ever, it might be necessary to appoint proven professionals, with a very independent mind in office who can deal on an equal basis with the Dutch.
Even-though many have labeled him a radical, I am convinced that he should seriously be considered for a ministerial post in any cabinet.
The reason is simple.
All the issues related to the St. Martin identity and the role of the St. Maarten people will not go away any time soon.
As a matter of fact, systematic denial of the importance of these issues will sooner or later result in social implications with far-reaching consequences.
Similarly, ignoring the important role Mr. James can play in Government will only feed more radical elements in our society.
We have already seen a new generation of more impatient, if you will more extreme voices like Mr. Miguel Arrindell.
By reading many of the publications of Leopold James over the years, I have come to one conclusion.
Like him or not.
There is no-one who has impressed me more by his deep passion and understanding for the many social issues on the island.
The man has published more positions papers with solutions than anyone in government that I know of.
Because in my opinion it will be imperative for country St. Maarten to have a ministry dedicated to social- and cultural integration, I believe there is no one with a more impressive and proven track-record of concerns and involvement than Leopold James.
Considering the very deep cultural divisions within our community and their growing mutual resentment, addressing this will be of paramount importance to prevent the new country form falling into an abyss of violence.
While I cannot speak for Mr. James, I do hope that all political parties realize that they better find a way to make use of this man's endless energy and not think that he will not be a stakeholder, however you turn or twist it.
Time to get real now for country St. Maarten.
G.Hassell
