After all, these types of bodies, are very powerful, well-established and well-respected in most industrial countries, as a so called social-partner, along with Government and labor-unions.
Generally speaking, since The Chamber of Commerce is an institution that represents the private sector/capital, it tends to be rather very careful and conservative in its approach and positions vis a vis the social aspects of society.
As a consequence, Chambers of Commerce do not just casually make public statements about social issues and in the rare event it does occur, certainly it makes headlines.
That is exactly what the article (Citizens have to become whistleblowers) which appeared in the daily newspaper today, Wednesday, August 24, 2011 did and why it deserves special attention from all.
(See attached document).
Not only has it received our attention, but admiration - and support as well.
Without going into detail, we would like to quote a number of statements made, by Mr. Glen CARTY, President of the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce, which sounded very familiar in our ears.
"Citizens have to become whistleblowers,"
We need to find common ground for all stakeholders."
We need a real working relationship with the French side,"
a campaign is needed to establish pride in country St. Maarten.
The records will show, that our grassroots movement has in essence, for many years, promoted exactly those requirements and more !
Certainly, we have been ''Whistleblowers', exposing many wrongdoings of Government.
For instance, the exclusion of the St. Martin people from the Constitution and hence their betrayal....
In addition, we have formulated the only 'win-win' concept for all stakeholders on the island, in the form of our 'MARSHALL PLAN'.....
We have more that promoted the working relationship between 'French' and 'Dutch' SXM; we have supported and presented the draft St. Martin pact to the U.N. and have issued the only St. Martin ID-card as expression of the indivisible oneness of the St. Martin people, which can serve as the most fundamental foundation for any cooperation on Governmental level......
Our St. Martin nation building movement is the only such organisation set up with as sole objective to promote our SXM-heritage as such and as foundation for inclusion as part of the SXM nation building process...
Therefore, in fact, it is not so much our movement which now supports the call of the Chamber, but the other way around.....
The Chamber has finally, at least publicly signed on to our big picture of SXM nation building.
And this is what we highly commend the chamber for.
Not only that.
But, considering the very unique situation of this island, with two different administrations, we also would like to add a 'new member' to the 'tri-partite' concept.
A member that represents a group of people, who are one and the same on both sides of the island; the only constant (human-resource) factor on both sides of the island !
Yes, what about the only grassroots, St. martin nation building - and unification movement ?
Too much to digest now ?
Perhaps.
But, who knows that in the not too distant future, we will have 'quatre-partite' consultations ?
In ending, even in order to achieve, the objectives mentioned by Mr. CARTY, a platform would be necessary to bring about a change and mentality, through information, education, discussions on a very consistent basis.
Our movement in fact has embarked on such a platform look forward to the support of the Chamber and others as well to achieve the goals as expressed through its president, Mr. CARTY.
Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia