Dear Editor,
Someone once said, “The longer I live, the more I realise the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me is more important than facts, it is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company…a church…a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day…We are in charge of our attitudes.”
The author of this partial quote could not have said it better. He was able to pinpoint the one thing that has a great impact our lives, whether it is negative or positive. While growing up as a child, my grandma and I would have several discussions and I can recall her saying, “…but if you have manners, it will take you all around the world.”
Much of this has vanished today but certainly, the population expects better from our parliamentarians, who are the representatives of the people. The situation in parliament regarding having respect towards the chair, is beyond disgrace and pity, for some members of the former coalition.
The only one who has truly demonstrated respect is Member of Parliament (MP) Johan “Janchie” Leonard and to a lesser degree, MP Theo Heyliger. This is why there is absolutely no merit in attaching the word “Honourable” to their names. It is undeserved and outright meaningless!
Some members of parliament feel that their so-called degrees and club affiliations make them superior to the chair. But as the author rightfully said, life is all about attitude. So, I like the attitude of the chairlady Sarah Wescot-Willams, when she remarked that certain members of parliament are underestimating her. In fact, she further recommended that these members read two books in particular, that were written by real scholars, who are adept with politics.
Little do these rebellious parliamentarians know that the chairlady has studied and evaluated their behaviours and so nothing will come as a surprise to her. Like the author, she too has come to the realisation that attitude is everything and so she has refused to let herself be lowered to their level.
I am sure that chairlady smiles inside every time she is reminded that being a toastmaster, one can deliver his or her message in a short and concise way. When one does not know, it is such a pity to hear him or her speak from an egoistic position, rather than from a source of knowledge.
Those who are aware also pity this kind of attitude because the fact is the chairlady, myself and many others including the proposed Justice Minister, are the original toastmasters. We became charter members since 1994 and credit is due to Jack and Asha Stevens for introducing this organisation to the St. Maarten community.
I am sure that many would remember the aircraft carriers that used to come here and welcome the people on board. We all had our assigned tasks and we were like a family. Does anyone of us brag about our accomplishments? There is absolutely no need to because it was all about self-elevation; impressing others was never an option.
And so I am humbled by the courage, patience and authority that the chairlady has demonstrated when she is confronted by members who are overpowered by mere arrogance. Their animosity towards the chair (oh what a difference it makes when the table turns) and their desires to derail the proper functioning of parliament, have exposed them completely.
They have shamed themselves and the people, and ultimately, destroyed their political career. What is disturbing is that these renegade parliamentarians were in charge of certain departments before. Then I cannot help to conclude that this is exactly how they have treated their staff and their behaviour is just a mirror of their personal life.
As previously stated, I admire the strength of the chairlady Sarah Wescot-Williams and the way she exercises wisdom to maintain some semblance of calm within the House of Parliament. This kind of performance to persevere, with a mission in mind, not only takes patience and loyalty, but most of all, a positive attitude.
Joslyn Morton
