Time and again, St. Maarten voting population has been deliberately misled deceived and betrayed by self-serving political agendas. This time constitutional change in addition to an inherent high cost also brought an obligation to competently manage the economy. History on St. Maarten has thought us that popularity has always overshadowed the importance of proper economic planning and sound political management. Ideally, to appropriately address the financial situation, these deceitful politicians have to cut their own salaries to the level of minimum wage, seize their house, property and businesses before starting any taxing on the public. For government to simply assume that increasing taxes on the working class without considering their personal political responsibility is unacceptable. An additional tax devoid of a calculated honest explanation about the consequences of such is to add insult to injury. Conservatively, Government needs a forty percent annual revenue increase to secure a sustainable future for the country. There just isn't enough room in any part of our economy to reasonably absorb a twenty percent cost of living adjustment. Therefore, I submit that the political leaders be held personally liable for the poor irresponsible experiment with the future of St. Maarten people. The people trusted their livelihood, the quality of their very existence in reckless political guidance. We need realize that running a country is not a roulette game to speculate with. Gambling with the life of a nation is a very serious and dangerous crime. Inevitably such a crime must be punishable with the highest price possible. Deliberately leading a country into an economic disaster is not to be taken lightly. Ironically, the perpetrators of this economic holocaust have given themselves a raise with no shame of being over paid. Perhaps, none of the political leaders are able to make the same type of salary for the same level of detrimental service in any part of the private sector. For Parliament to be selfish and careless about people's quality of life even to the point of burdening future generations is to set a regrettable precedent and precarious mistake. The government must make it vividly clear what exactly is the mysterious plan to balance the 2011 budget now long before December 15th, 2010. And tell us the consequences for not meeting the constitutional agreements with Dutch government. Uncertainty about the future does not promote economic confidence and stability. One suggestion that could spark some hope in public trust is a joint economic summit with all socio-economic partners of both sides of island. Since both sides of St. Maarten are showing signs of very poor political leadership. Joint economic planning is a must! One thing is for sure, there is no option for none accountability. Certainly the price of shortsightedness or the lack of bold vision is becoming very high.
Mr. Eldridge van Putten Social & Political Activist
