Dear Editor,
St. Maarten North and South stand at a defining moment. We have faced real challenges, learned from our mistakes, and made decisions that shape the lives of our young people, families, and generations to come. Now we must move forward with one purpose and a vision that reaches beyond government into our homes, schools, communities, healthcare, infrastructure, environment, and constitutional life.
None of us can stand outside of this responsibility. Every citizen has a role and responsibility to play. Real transformation begins when we each look within, accept that change starts with us, and step up personally. From that foundation it takes root, grows, and becomes a strong, fruitful tree that we all belong to and benefit from.
This responsibility also extends outward. As a Partner of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, we stand alongside the Netherlands, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, Saba, Curaçao, Aruba, St. Maarten, and French St. Martin. Our focus must include our neighbours in Anguilla, St. Barthélemy, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, even further down South in Countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, Brazil, the wider Caribbean, as well as the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, and the rest of the world.
St. Maarten is not just a small island. We are part of a global economy shaped by developments at home and abroad that can have both negative and positive effects on our local economy and way of life. If we act together now with unity and shared responsibility, cooperating in all areas to the benefit of all, we can secure a future where no one is left behind and opportunity reaches every part of our society.
Achken Roberto Richardson
