Dear Editor,
After carefully weighing the decision by members of the 2nd chamber in support of Minister of Interior Affairs and Kingdom relations Mr. Ronald Plasterk to replace the Acting Governor Mr. Julian Woodley I would like to react as follows:
I am in total disagreement with the general statement made that St. Eustatius does not possess sufficient capable individuals to occupy the position of interim Governor to ensure the correct governance of the island. I am intrigued by the thought process that led the minister and his supporters to this conclusion.
According to the press release, the leading factor in this decision is mainly attributed to the consistent unacceptable behaviour of the PLP leader and his supporters. It must be clear to the minister that the behaviour of the current Government should [not – Ed.] be the determining factor in his decisions, but rather remain objective and be diligent in identifying the capability of the cross section majority of this community.
The anticipation of this decision was foreseen due to the reckless behaviour of the current Government. On several occasions the Government was warned and strongly advised against this style of governing and approach. If those in the coalition fail the people by misgoverning, they should do the right thing and relieve themselves of duty and allow others to govern in a manner that is in the best interest of the people.
As a politician I’m not against the Dutch, however, as an ambassador for St. Eustatius it cannot be expected that I will stand and accept the humiliation of the Dutch Government due to the inability of the current local Government to properly manage the island.
We often hear that rules are meant to be broken, however, the people of St. Eustatius have witnessed first-hand the consequences of not adhering to the rules. I am requesting the minister to reconsider the decision made. There are sufficient local, capable, serious and committed individuals that held positions in the executive and island council. The appointment of a Dutch Acting Governor, does not, by no means, guarantee communicative improvement between the local and Dutch Governments.
I acknowledge the absence of the law that mandates any island council member to be removed from office, for that reason I feel if these persons really place country above self, they will renounce their positions and allow a much needed and welcome change to commence the rebuilding of our beloved Statia.
The minister has stated the appointment will last 1 to 2 years; however, I am intrigued to know what the process of appointing a permanent Government will entail. The island’s future should not be gauged by one individual who no longer is able to bear the tolerance of the Dutch Government which resulted in such drastic action by the Dutch Government.
Our Golden Rock deserves better than this; Mr. Plasterk, would the situation’s dynamics be mirrored if the tables were turned? To the Coalition PLP/Merkman we are at a serious crossroads, what is it going to be? new council members? Or a Dutch Acting Governor? The country is watching you, the time is now. You have failed the purpose. Step aside, let’s move on. Accept the fact that the promises made to your supporters as I have mentioned before can’t be kept and can’t come at the cost of misgoverning the territory.
Mr. Plasterk as deputy leader of the United People’s Coalition I’m pleading to you to reconsider your drastic decision. While at the same time, I continue to plead to the ruling coalition to throw in the white flag because you have failed. The end of the year is swiftly approaching and no budget for 2017 has been mentioned. The plethora of court cases that await us isn’t making any significance towards our already tense situations. It is time for the coalition to pull its conclusion and save the island from further suffering and embarrassment. Two months prior, payment of salaries were an issue, debtors not being paid and because of that are refusing to give anymore products to Government which makes the working environment very unpleasant for the civil servants.
This drastic decision is not to be overlooked and should be taken very seriously. We as a people should not just sit back and observe, we must be a proactive community in an effort to safeguard the well-being of our island and its people.
As a representative of UPC I care and as a party we are willing to talk and negotiate as an unseated opposition to find a solution for this problem.
Elvin Henriquez
Deputy Leader United People’s Coalition
