PHILIPSBURG: --- "The overall governing of the country and our constitutional future and relationships remain a major concern and should be continuous topics for the Parliament of St.Maarten," stated the United Democratic Party (UD).
For the past weeks, we have seen leaders, members, and candidates of the political parties represented in this coalition government express views on a variety of issues that are in direct conflict with the modus operandi of the governing body and the parties themselves.
Under normal circumstances, this would be reason enough for the coalition parties to declare at best a lack of confidence in the ability of the St. Maarten government to handle the affairs of the country.
Worse yet, the call for no confidence in this government is gaining momentum, due to the government’s inability to lead at this critical time.
All we see presently is a tit for tat and a government ready to throw anyone under the bus to save its own political hide. The government companies are the latest fall guys in this toxic political environment, created by no one else than the very government to whom everyone looks for direction and leadership.
"If Members of Parliament (MPs) were to internalize amongst themselves and seek the true wellbeing of our country without personal agendas, a new and clear direction would be forthcoming for this Government."
This exercise in our view would lead to one conclusion: “the government of St.Maarten is not up to the task and by default is leading this nation into an abyss of unprecedented proportions.”
The UD queries, "How can the coalition partners wiggle themselves out of this quagmire? Would it bring political instability? Another snap-election? More accountability by the Council of Ministers?"
"One thing is for certain and that is that a course correction of this Government is desperately needed, with the main premise being, to look out for the people of this country, as priority number one."
Governing without a (governing) program, no cohesion between the government ministers and their coalition MPs, and the lack of experience during these trying times, unfortunately, contribute to the label St. Maarten is getting of a rudderless country and one that has no clue of where we are heading.
This is truly unfortunate for us as a country that prides ourselves as resilient, strong, determined, and united people.