Your letter to the editor, must have really scared the living daylight out of many people.
However, it is not that I disagree with your observations in general in that letter.
Quite to the contrary.
But Mr. HASSELL, experience has thought me many things in life.
One being, to always remain firmly 'grounded' with both feet on the ground, and to avoid of living in 'Fantasia'.
Also-, that there have been many very competent- and qualified St. Martiners in the past, who have been totally rejected-, by our government-, and who have consequently left their island to further their career elsewhere.
That type of 'treatment' is still prevalent today towards outspoken St. Martin professionals.
In addition-, I am very comfortable doing what I am doing presently as president of the grass roots St. Martin nation building movement.
As such-, it is clear that our movement, regardless of what government does-, or does not, will become an even more independent- and influential 'stakeholder' on the island-, and abroad for St. Martiners in the 'diaspora'.
Honestly, there is no incentive whatsoever for me to 'trade' this position- and betray my principles, just to be possibly 'neutralized' with a big salary- and other 'perks', like how the present Island-council members betrayed the St. Martin people..
In ending Mr. HASSELL, I too am of the firm opinion, that even more important than any of the other issues confronting the island, the relationship between the natives of this island- and other residents will remain the most critical, and under-estimated force-, driving and determining the relevance of all the others, inlcuding education-health-care-, environment etc.
The longer the 'power that be' continue to live in denial of this hard reality, the more such will 'fuel' anger- and so called radicalism and threaten security-, safety- and stability and sustainable development on the 'Friendly Island'.
In ending, I humbly thank you for the recommendation, but the answer-, for now is; 'Thanks-, but no thanks'.
Leopold JAMES
Proud, native -indigenous St. Martiners..no apologies,...no compromise that St. Martiners should come first on the 'Friendly Island'.
