Dear Editor,
Pro Statia and Brighter Path Foundation, two grass-roots organizations on St. Eustatius, strongly condemn the desire of State Secretary Knops (Kingdom Relations) to intervene administratively on St. Eustatius as expressed in a letter to the Second Chamber today [Monday – Ed.].
The organizations view this move as undemocratic and not in accordance with international law on human rights, as the sitting Statia Government has been democratically elected by the people of St. Eustatius.
It is argued that the administrative move is a reaction to the report of the Committee of Wise Men who found negligence of duties in St. Eustatius. One can however ask, if such a move is in accordance with the UN declaration of Human Rights, article 21, which states, “Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country directly or through freely chosen representatives.” How can the Dutch Government therefore justify the move to postpone elections until further notice?
Additionally, the report of the so-called Wise Men has not been made public before today [Monday – Ed.]. This report is mentioned as the basis for this latest action of the Dutch government, while the people of St. Eustatius have not been made aware of the findings of this committee.
The NGOs are calling on the international community to condemn this undemocratic act and also call upon the United Nations, to mandate one of its bodies, to serve as a neutral third party in helping the local and Dutch government to resolve this governing crisis.
We will be keeping the community informed and provide guidance moving forward.
Brighter Path Foundation,
Xiomara Balentina
Pro Statia,
Glenn Schmidt
