We have said it repeatedly before and here we go again.While St. Martiners on the island are officially identified by their French and/or Dutch nationality, they should also recognize that they also have another form of identity - their St. Martin identity.
This identity relates to our cultural heritage and defines us at our very core as a people with a shared history, shared family-ties, a shared set of norms and values.
And while our nationality can be changed, or even revoked by those in charge, our St. Martin identity can never be taken away.
Therefore, we St. Martiners, should also be very mindful of the fact, that our French nationality is not ours and is completely determined and controlled by Paris, France.
Likewise, our Dutch nationality is completely determined and controlled by the Hague, in the Netherlands.
Those of us, who pride ourselves solely and exclusively, as 'French'- and/or as 'Dutch' St. Martiners, better also take note that changes pertaining to these nationalities, rest exclusively in the hands of those European colonial powers and they have the liberty to, at any time, to make whatever amendments to the criteria in obtaining or even maintaining their nationalities in their own best interest.
These interests, might not always be in the favor of those people who are not necessarily 'French French' and/or 'Dutch' Dutch.
Case in point.
The Dutch Government, recently made decisions, which will effect 'Maroccan'- and 'Turk' Dutch living in the Netherlands, as well as people applying for the Dutch nationality. (See attachment)
Clearly, if the French and/or the Dutch nationality is the only identity we as St. Martiners have, we might be in for serious surprises, all beyond our control.
God knows, changes could be made in which we do not recognize ourselves.
Hence the question then becomes.
How do we then identify ourselves ?
Believe it or not, ridicule it or not, but having, next to one's proud Dutch and/or French nationality, an own cultural St. Martin ID-card could make all the difference between being a 'second-hand'- or 'wannabe' national, or being your own original you.
After all, even without a nationality, a people with an identity could make a case at the UN or any other relevant identity.
All other St. Martiners, are therefore identity 'hitch-hikers' depending on a ride by 'Massa' to be somebody, anybody...
Food for thought.
Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia
The grassroots St. Martin nation building- & unification movement.