It is already half a dozen years ago that St. Maarten became a so-called autonomous country within the Dutch Kingdom on 10-10-10. Adapting to this new status hasn’t always been easy and some still long for the “good old days” of being an Island Territory of the – since dismantled –
Netherlands Antilles.
The latter is no big surprise, considering recent developments especially in the political arena. A sixth Council of Ministers in as many years will soon take office, so governmental stability hasn’t exactly been a characteristic of the young country.
However, one has to be careful not to over-idealise the past in comparison with the present either. Many will also remember decades of struggling with the Central Government in Willemstad to get things done locally, so the saying “the grass is always greener on the other side” comes to mind.
In truth there is no way back, should that even be desirable. The people and particularly their elected representative simply have little choice but to try to come to grips with the current circumstances, including a dualistic system of government and its consequences.
There are indications that progress has been made in that sense, be it ever so slowly. An increased level of maturity among politicians is clearly required and that’s exactly what those involved ought to be thinking about this long weekend.
Happy Constitution Day!
