This is a response to the article in the website www.smn-news.com entitled; 'Activist Group calling for new elections---Petition and Signature drive underway'
That the so-called new 'Country St. Maarten' is in a 'crisis', is foregone conclusion and perhaps even an under-statement for people of 'all walks of life' on the island.
The island is suffering under a leadership, 'specialized' in giving long winded-, empty, rhetorical speeches aimed at creating confusion-, and focused on attending ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
Since '10-10-10', the honorable Prime-minister has not been able to resolve one of the many problems effecting native St. Martin people and other residents on the island.
However, this leadership is trying very hard to 'measure up' with other foreign leaders-, by among others constantly posing with foreign diplomats-, while her home is in total dis-array.
It is over-evident, that the honorable Prime-minister has no clue as to what it really means to lead.
In other words that a real leader realizes-, and accepts that the 'buck stops' with her in this case.
The rest of the 'honorables', although real nice persons-, and friends of mine, sorry, but they are not even worth any debate.
So my friend Eldrige, your idea of doing something to express an 'indictment' and a motion of no confidence in this government is very understandable-, logical and I would even daresay that there is a large popular support for some form of action/expression to channel the pent-up frustration.
What type action is quite another story.
You apparently have taken the initiative for a petition to have new elections.
With due respect, I will at this time not debate the merits of such an initiative.
But, I would like to give my input in the hope that it can be of some value to any action, expression by the public.
The main motive for my being prepared to give an input is the following.
It is a fact that under the leadership for former Leader of Government, William MARLIN the un-democratic decision was taken to DENY the people of St. Maarten the final decision to ratify the results of the negotiations pertaining to 'Country St. Maarten status'
That right was respected pertaining to the people of Curacao-, and so they were given the opportunity by their leaders to ratify those negotiations.
A LEGAL consequence of that was-, that indeed the people of Curacao-, and their politicians were placed in the 'same boat'.
Meaning-, that they now had a shared LEGAL AND MORAL responsibility for any-, and all consequences of their 'Country status'.
Therefore, any time, there are problems or complaints from the public, the politicians have a right to tell the people...we told you so-, and you signed off on it as well !
Not so for the 'Friendly-island'.
William is recorded having said; 'Country Status, at all cost', implying whether you like it or not.
Now that the 'dung' hit the fan and there is a tremendous budget deficit- Oops-, all of a sudden we 'paardners' in some 'same boat'- wattating.
Here are the facts.
LEGALLY and certainly MORALLY, William and his 'gang' by simply excluding the people from the process-, have assumed full-, and sole responsibility for any-, and all consequences of their coveted status.
Therefore, legally and certainly morally, we are no 'same boat' at all.
This means that they can be indicted and persecuted if found guilty in any court of law.
Taking this into account, the leaders of this island have absolutely no basis, to now 'push down our throats' all kinds of financial pressure on the people, just like that- no way !
To make matters even worse.
While they have lied to the people, deceived and betrayed the people etc. they have the 'bloody gall' to give themselves salaries and perks 'out of this world', while protecting their behinds against all kinds of litigation.
All of this is more than enough legal-, and certainly moral justification for having them arrested, or for a popular uprising of the people, because everyone is financially-, and socially very harshly affected.
And despite all of this, I am still prepared to give them yet another chance to escape the wrath of the people.
In addition-, to be willing to make my financial sacrifices to plug the deficit, which they lied about.
My willingness to spare them having to face angry mobs, is based on a very strong principle.
That those (politicians) who consciously, and deliberately led the people in this total chaos-, and now want the people's solidarity-, must themselves at least set a very strong example.
Meaning, if making sacrifices is good for the working class people, it must be even better for those politicians whose brilliant idea it was from the 'get go'.
In other words.
I would like for you, Mr. VAN PUTTEN to insert one way or the other if possible, the following conditions in the text of your petition.
All parliamentarians-, ministers-, members of the last Island-council, must make available to the coffers of country St. Maarten, all their assets-, including shares in companies etc. etc.
In addition, the salaries of the ministers and parliamentarians should be reduced to the average of all civil-servants.
If our leaders refuse to really make sure that we are all in the 'same boat', then the 'hatchet' should come down 'full force'.
In the interim, the Dutch Government should stop 'dilly-dallying' and assume its responsibility for proper governance of this 'Country-Gone-Banana-Republic-St. Maarten'.
Under no circumstances should those who deliberately created this mess-, be allowed to go 'scot-free'. That would be a 'miscarriage of justice'-, and a total 'non-starter' for any stable-, peaceful and sustainable future for this beautiful island.
In addition-, it would be a 'curse'- and 'malediction' on the future of our young people, if justice is not served.
So my dear friend Eldrige, this is my 'food for thought' for your petition.
In ending however, the choice is up to the people, - always.
If they 'like it so', I like it 'betterer'.
Respect,
Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia