Marigot:--- The Phenomenal Women in St. Martin Political Debate that was held at the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday night showed that most of the female politicians that are contesting the upcoming territorial election need to sharpen their public speaking skills. While this is the first time a political debate was held on the French side featuring female candidates, it was clear that the prospective female leaders of this island would need to apprise themselves of the current issues facing St. Martin if they are to enhance their career and fully represent the people of St. Martin.
Based on the answers the candidates provided to the questions they were asked it is clear that the candidates have no knowledge on how the French system works. Some of the questions asked by the two hosts, Josianne Fleming and Jacqueline Louis left some of the candidates baffled. One of the candidates said to SMN News that the questions surrounding the Social epidemic, Education, Security, Women's affairs and Youth Delinquency were too challenging for them.
While it took courage for those women to put their name on a slate for the March 18th election it is apparent that they are not yet prepared for the challenges that lay ahead of them. Territorial Councilors are expected to make policies and take decisions that would impact the lives of the people living on St. Martin. Political leaders are also expected to confront the State and demand what is rightfully due to St. Martin and to do that those that are elected to office needs to be up to par with what is taking place around them, they would also need to know the laws that they are guided by and as such political leaders on this side of the island would need to upgrade themselves intellectually.
Two members from each of the six political parties that are contesting the March 18, 2012 Territorial Council Election participated in Wednesday night's debate.