Dear Editor,
The United People’s Coalition (UPC) refuses to stand idly aside and watch how this distorted constitutional vision of the ruling coalition unfolds. Therefore, UPC takes its responsibility seriously and critiques the way the PLP/Merkman coalition dealt with the constitutional process so far. The one constant, however, when reviewing this disservice is the bravado with which the so-called leader of the PLP defends this dangerous delusional and unrealistic constitutional direction.
The above-mentioned remark is substantiated by the following:
1. The purposely wrong interpretation of the invalid referendum result of the referendum of December 2015 as being the majority choice of the people for more autonomy.
2. The unilateral decision that more autonomy is Autonomous Autonomy (AA), country status, within the Kingdom, as to be the overwhelming choice of the people.
3. The blatant dismissing of the public’s input with regard to the final constitutional proposal to The Hague for starting of negotiation with The Hague.
4. The pushing of the envelope based upon conveniently wrong interpretation of UN resolution article 73, and adopting a motion in support of putting aside the WolBES and FinBES when dealing with daily running of the people’s business.
5. Last but not the least, the failure to present the public with an economic plan in which some indication is given how to generate the necessary funds when the financial support of The Hague for education, healthcare, safety and free allowance are stopped, when this country status is attained.
It is the right of every group of people to seek more autonomy, but there are two constants that are part of that process, namely, responsible governance and the guarantee of the finances needed to provide the basic needs to your people. It is irresponsible of this coalition to shower the public with the many UN resolutions just to warrant their cause, but what the UN in our humble opinion does not underscore is the fact that all these resolutions are only relevant to fight for if there is enough foresight on the finances to make this happen.
Since this coalition was not able to prove to the people of this island that they mastered the art of responsible governance, to operate the coffers in a mature and capable manner, and be less self-centred, one can only draw one conclusion which is that this dream is the dream of all of us, but these stewards are surely not the ones to make it come through.
In closing, the UPC wonders if the announcement of the so-called leader of the PLP shortly after the election of March 2015 on Facebook, that he is the Premier of Statia is at the root of this delusion for fighting for country status because he so eagerly wants to be the first Prime Minister of Statia. May God help us all.
Reginald C. Zaandam
Leader of the United People’s Coalition
