PHILIPSBURG--Independence for St. Martin Foundation (ISMF) has expressed solidarity with the people and government of St. Eustatius in the ongoing conflict with the Dutch Government. Foundation Secretary Dr. Rhoda Arrindell said in the Central Committee meeting of Parliament on Friday, “We of the ISMF have taken note of the increasing tension between the government of St. Eustatius and the kingdom government.
“We consider this rather unfortunate as it points once more to a relationship which is not based on equality and mutual respect. That is why we of the ISMF express our solidarity with the government and people of St. Eustatius,” she said.
“We urge all parties to the conflict to seek a speedy resolution through dialogue and respect for international covenants, especially the relevant provisions of the United Nations Charter, which supersede other national or kingdom laws,” Dr. Arrindell said.
“It is not inconceivable to see that what happens to St. Eustatius could also happen to us here in St. Martin, as the recent wrangling over the Integrity Chamber demonstrates,” Dr. Arrindell said.
