Insanity in high places!
Dear Editor,
Our island seems to be under a genuine curse. First we were hit by a devastating storm that left lots and lots of destruction behind and a heap of people still in shock. Followed by despicable looters that stained our reputation internationally.
This was followed by a more intense power struggle between St. Maarten and the Netherlands; now followed by an internal power struggle between our local politicians. The unstable state we have been in since 10/10/10 brings to mind the wise words of former US President Reagan, “The government is not the solution, the government is the problem.”
A few days ago we all exhaled a big sigh of relief, thinking the political incompetence we have been subjected to especially for the past eight weeks had finally come to an end. A handful of politicians have finally mustered up enough courage to take a stand and speak out against what they perceived as incompetence, intolerable failures and ill-will of one or more of their fellow politicians.
Unfortunately, we sighed too soon, because the political situation has only gone from bad to worse. Despite the hopelessness, grave uncertainties and dark gloom that are hanging over our island, some politicians – one in particular – actually want to prolong the people’s suffering. Why do some individuals insist on remaining in power, even when they are no longer trusted by the majority of their colleagues?
I think I can answer that question. Once you have had a taste of all the goodies that go along with being an honourable politician – riches, power, widespread recognition, and being able to travel the globe at taxpayers’ expense – it is almost impossible to suddenly and unexpectedly give up all that glory. Is it any wonder then that many people are under the impression that they are only there to serve their own best interests, and if their interests collide with the interests of the people, guess whose interests will prevail?
Though dissolving Parliament and calling for snap elections while our people are still in shock is nothing less than the essence of insanity, I’m actually not surprised. It’s a personal thing. Human pride, arrogance and egoism will prevail until the Lord returns. Saving one’s face and repairing the damage done to one’s inflated ego are much more important than serving the calamitous needs of a hurricane-stricken population.
Our government has admitted they have no money to help those in desperate need. They also should know that it will take years before their coffers will be healthy again, yet they are willing to spend an extra couple of million guilders, which we don’t have, on elections in an attempt to save face and regain power. I can’t imagine that a prime minister would stoop this low to regain power and status. An insatiable need for money, power and recognition will always be an insuperable obstacle to good and decent governance.
By the way, ever noticed that whenever there is a confrontation between politicians, bits of information are revealed that would otherwise never come to light? By listening carefully we heard the insinuation by an MP that the reason two barges that came all the way from the Bahamas to salvage some extremely expensive yachts were prevented from operating here was because “There’s nothing in it for me; and as long as I don’t get my share, (nothing good is going to happen).” And yet, how dare the Netherlands falsely accuse us of corruption?
Even a Haitian gardener has jumped on the current bandwagon. He always charged the lady of the house $60 for a day’s work. He now charges $70. Asked why he’s now charging more, his reply was, “because of the hurricane.” Not only Haitians, supermarkets and hardware stores are taking full advantage of the disaster, some “honourable” politicians are also seeking opportunities to enrich themselves even more.
Unless the majority of voters open their eyes and ears to what’s going on in politics and vote accordingly, St. Maarten will never ever move forward.
May God deliver us from devious politicians and unstable governments.
Clive Hodge
