Maybe you yourself did not realize it.
But, trust me, many others including yours truly did hear it ourselves.
You finally and publicly agreeing with a 'message' we have been preaching for ages - St. Martiners must come first.
We are not in any illusion that you will admitted it, of course, but hey man, we still 'cool', you know.
But, the truth remains that in fact yesterday, during your radio talk-show, although very timidly and hesitantly, you made it clear that you finally 'got the message'.
Meaning, which is agreeing with what I have been 'preaching' over and under and for which I have been criticized, ridiculed and demonized for by certain persons and talk-show hosts.
Nevertheless, brother man, I must commend you for at least stating (I am paraphrasing here) that it is necessary that provisions are made to ensure that St. Martiners come first at home.
This remark was made in response to the verdict of the Judge in First Instance that the so-called American-Dutch Friendship Treaty is applicable on 'The Friendly Island' and that consequently Americans defacto have the same rights as Dutch nationals on St. Maarten.
This verdict adds to the growing consciousness and concern of native, indigenous St. Martiners, that 'everybody' on the island, seem to enjoy certain rights, with the exception of St. Martiners.
In other words, our prediction, that St. Martiners are facing a 'silent genocide' is rapidly becoming a 'mainstream' St. Martin concern.
However, since I might not be quoting you correctly, I suggest you replay that particular section of today's installment, so that everyone can hear and judge for him/herself.
It is very clear, that despite some 'panicky' reactions here and there on the blogs, there is a growing demand within the community, that St. Martiners need to be duly recognized in the constitution.
As the former island-Council lady at the time and now 'honorable' Prime-minister stated, back then (See the Daily Herald of Wednesday, February 13, 2011) there are still 'matters outstanding' in the constitution which shuld prevent native indigenous St. Martiners from becoming marginalized in their own land of heritage.
In our 'books', examples of such 'outstanding matters' are the defining of the native, indigenous St. Martiner, creation of legislation to protect and preserve them.
And yes, no apologies, provisions to make sure that they will never be replaced; call them affirmative action or preferential treatment or even positive discrimination or whatever.
The name matters not, the effect does.
In other words, the bottom line is that is 'Country St. Maarten' is supposed to mean something substantial for ST.MARTINERS.
It has to make sure St. Martiners are respected by 'newcomers', immigrants as well as so-called foreign investors and that St. Martiners come first, without necessarily excluding, or disrsepecting the basic human rights of others with an 'added value'
In ending, my dear friend Lloyd, my congratulations to you and I do look forward to the replay of today's installment and to future serious follow-ups and indepth discussions on the matter; it is overdue.
With respect,
Leopold JAMES
