Nation-building refers to the process of constructing or structuring a national identity (Native StMaarten identity or people of StMaarten heritage) using the power of the state. And that power of the state is recognition of the native people of that country. This process aims at the unification of the people within the state so that it remains politically stable and viable in the long run. Nation-building can involve the use of propaganda or major infrastructure development to foster social harmony and economic growth. Originally, nation-building referred to the efforts of newly-independent nations, notably the nations of Africa, to reshape colonial territories that had been carved out by colonial powers without regard to ethnic or other boundaries. These reformed states would then become viable and coherent national entities. The word ethnic means relating to or characteristic of a human group having racial, religious, linguistic, and certain other traits in common or in other words identity or Heritage. For example people of StMaarten Heritage and culture. First, it's better if the nation is united with a strong national identity. It hurts if the country is torn into factions (e.g., among ethnic groups). In order to that all groups can be proud of their heritage but must agree that the official identity must be of people of StMaarten Heritage and recognize officially in the constitution. All people that truly love StMaarten want a comfortable and happy life. In case of native and born here and naturalize people in StMaarten it is a sum of two things, personal happiness and better environment. Personal happiness can be obtained in a variety of ways. Basically one becomes happy when one is contented or at peace with oneself. We will talk about how to become happy and contented later on. Environmental improvement is what I call nation building. It is the enabling environment which makes you feels happy to live in, work in and just be a part of it. This environmental happiness also gives us a sense of belonging, makes us feel proud of our surroundings and gives us a sense of ownership. If we create a happy environment for our work and living then we will make this country a great place to live. Each one of us should therefore work towards improving our immediate environment so that it becomes nice and cheerful. Then we will be genuinely proud to be a part of it. And just like all who comes here want to fit in and be a part of even more so for the people of StMaarten heritage. That is why coming together only can happen when point of origin is acknowledge meaning recognizing which was there from the beginning. To understand the concept of nation-building, one needs to have some definition of what a nation is. Early conceptions of nation defined it as a group or race of people who shared history, traditions, and culture, sometimes religion, and usually language. The people of a nation generally share a common national identity and part of nation-building is the building of that common identity. Some distinguish between an ethnic nation, based in (the social construction of) race or ethnicity, and a civic nation, based in common identity and loyalty to a set of political ideas and institutions, and the linkage of citizenship to nationality. In conclusion the nation building in StMaarten must compliment and be beneficial to people of StMaarten Heritage while leaving room of inclusion as those who wants to be included understand where loyalty should be to and recognize originality of who is StMaarten. Only when a nation is build in the right and justify manner only then it can last. Failure not to recognize people of StMaarten Heritage in the constitution will lead to catastrophic social problems. It is simply once people of StMaarten are recognize we all move and live happily together. The question Mr. Editor is why some people will not want to recognize originality when it is a norm everywhere. If people who say they love StMaarten truly love StMaarten they will be more than glad to do that and let the country move on peacefully. For that is the whole purpose of Nation building. Remember we do not include to be excluded. I love this country until I die and it is worth fighting for it to do justice to our native StMaarten people of Heritage and all other who comes here.
Yours truly,
The Patriot Miguel Arrindell