Van Putten said the numbers will be in the thousands when the signature drive is completed. Already there are a group of young people who are interested in holding a Boardwalk Bonfire to gather signatures Van Putten said. The activist said he is busy gathering the necessary permits so that this event can be held where people would come out and sign the petition he has put together requesting that the current government steps down and that a new election be called on St. Maarten.
Elridge Van Putten said one of the messages he got on Tuesday is that several persons within the community are angry at the Prime Minister whom they feel is running away from her responsibilities as Prime Minister and Minister of Labour. Van Putten said the people believe the Prime Minister should act more sternly with the owners of Pelican and if it means revoking the work and residency permit of Royal Resorts CEO Richard Curso then that must be done.
"The people believe that Pelican would end up like Mullet Bay and something has to be done with the people who have shown no respect for the laws of this island and the judicial system."
Van Putten said he is amazed at the courage that is shown by the average people who are willing to speak out openly and show their disdain for the present government.
