Nevertheless, a 'snap-shot' poll presently being conducted by the online version of the Dutch daily newspaper the TELEGRAAF (www.telegraaf.nl) on Thursday, February 18, 2010 is very interesting to say the least.
Certainly, it could be a very ominous sign for St. Maarten's most coveted '10-10-10 country status'
In the poll among some 41.158 (almost forty two thousand voters) 84 % said not to have any more confidence in the present Dutch cabinet-coalition, led by Mr J.P. BALKENENDE.
Only some 18 % expressed to still have confidence in his Government.
In fact, this poll clearly reflects a very negative expectation that this Cabinet may well fall within days over the role of the Dutch military in Afghanistan.
A possible cabinet crisis in the Dutch Government would signify a most unwelcome obstacle in the process of constitutional change in the Antilles, including the euphoric expectation of the local St. Maarten politicians for their coveted '10-10-10 Country St. Maarten status'.
And with the PVV of Geert WILDERS only growing in size in the Netherlands, the possible fall of the BALKENENDE-cabinet could mean that the constitutional talks would have hit a serious 'snag'.
Even if WILDERS is not directly elected in any new Dutch Cabinet, by no means can any new cabinet ignore his message in their governing accord.
With all of this looming at the horizon, it should be clear that St. Maarten needs every bit of support on the island in order to be able to negotiate any new status with a new Dutch Government.
Consequently, any social- or political division on St. Maarten's home front will be effectively exploited by the lieutenants of WILDERS, such Hero BRINKMAN
So, 'Country status St. Maarten 10-10-10' might be a real challenge, if not a head-ache to say the least.
We have always said and repeat that if any constitutional changes do not take in the first place the interest of the native St. Martiners into account, its future seems bleak to say the least and the politicians will be made to give an account for the mess..
--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
