First of all, please allow me to wish you a very good morning.
Marinka, for a while now, I have not contacted you- nor spoken to you.
The reason for such was that I simply did not to create any impression of wanting to have any undue influence on your thinking- and opinion, considering the reality, that we are once more in the 'campaign season'.
However-, and I hope you will understand me-, as I sincerely and solely mean it.
After having read your OPEN LETTER to Mr. Theo HEYLIGER, in the Daily Herald this Thursday morning, August 26, 2010, I once more was really touched by the fact that you-, as has become your 'style', clearly signed that article with your name.
Marinka, people can say what they want about me, but I will always respect- and defend the rights people-, like yourself,, who stand up for what they believe- and accept full responsibility for such, by putting their 'John Henry' (signature and/or name under their letters.
Therefore Marinka, allow me to once more express my deepest appreciation- and admiration for you in this regards.
Whether I agree with everything you write or not, is complete besides the point.
In my estimation, people like you Marinka, are members of the generation of new leaders of this island, and that gives me hope.
However, Marinka, I must also express my regret that young- and intelligent ST. Martiners like yourself-, did not take a similar stance, when the party you are part of-, as well as all the others presently in the Island-council-, failed to stand up for your own ST. MARTIN people, when it REALLY mattered.
That was, when they all refused to recognize your own St. Martin people, to preserve- and protect them as a people.
That was a far more fundamental issue, that 'attacking' Mr. Theo HEYLIGER I sincerely believe that ALL parties should have made- and signed a COVENANT with the St.Martin people, committing themselves to what matters most to the people of any country...SELF-PRESERVATION.
Please Marinka, do not take this letter as any offense to you, because I wrote it with a 'heavy' heart-, but felt that it had to be said, in an effort to challenge-, and inspire young people, to have the courage to stand up in defense of their people.
Even if this means, speaking out against your own party-leaders.
If not-, ALL young people on ALL parties will simply be put on the list for politically convenience-sake, but in the end-, completely taken for granted-, which is a tremendous loss for the future of any self-respecting country..
That was one of the reason, I always admired my students, who had the courage, to stand up to me- and to question if what I was teaching during my biology-, and chemistry classes-, was really correct.
I never took that personally, but as a challenge to use more logic to prove my point-, or not.
If I was unable to prove my point, I simply acknowledged, because I too can be wrong, or even dead-wrong.
Many of my former students today-, are doctors, specialists, surgeons, lawyers etc, which certainly fills me with pride.
My message to you Marinka- and all other young people is to never allow anyone-, including me, Leopold JAMES to ever take your independent mind- and/or intelligence for granted.
That should be your sacred gift from the Almighty, who bestowed everyone with that specific- and unique ability for a reason-, a purpose-, and a mission during one's life on earth.
In ending, Marinka, trust me-, as always, my doors-, my heart- and soul remain open to contribute whatever ideas-, advice I have for the future of this island, its natives- residents and visitors.
Meanwhile, Marinka, Just like Mr. Jeffrey RICHARDSON of the CPA has done (see attachment), I look forward to see you- and all other proud- and conscious young St. Martin politicians stepping up to the plate and sign the covenant pledging your commitment to the preservation of the St. Martin people.
All other issues are simply comparatively speaking irrelevant to the St. Martin people.
The reason is simple.
How much good is a perfect environment-, great educational system-, fantastic jobs aboard cruise-lines, health care system-, pension-schemes-, tax system-, homes-, roundabouts-, hotels-, jobs- etc for St. Martiners............... if they are allowed to be wiped out as a people ?
God bless you and keep doing your part, it is very needed.
Love & respect
drs. Leopold JAMES
One proud, native indigenous St. Martiner without apologies.
