Dear Editor,
As I have said many times, Sint Maarten is a young country and entitled to make mistakes.
That, however, is not a license to make the same mistakes over and over again. Especially when it involves fair well policy and willful integrity breaches and actions that are in conflict with duties and obligations that are imposed on politicians. Whether it involves incorrect use of BTP monies or wrongful issuance of parcels in long lease, those violations must be condemned both during and outside election time. In order for Sint Maarten to make Sint Maarten more mature, the law must be upheld all the time.
When we look at the law, and the role in it for politicians, we read that all ministers have sworn the following (section 41 constitution of Sint Maarten): “I swear (promise) allegiance to the King and the Charter of the Kingdom, that I shall always help to uphold the Constitution of Sint Maarten and that I shall champion the interests of Sint Maarten to the best of my ability.” This oath, just like the ones that parliamentarians give (section 56 Constitution of Sint Maarten) includes championing the interest of Sint Maarten.
Championing the interests of related Sint Maarteners clearly does not mean upholding the constitution and neither championing the interests of Sint Maarten. Although some tend to sympathize with the lawbreakers probably because they either profit from the decisions or feel that others in the past have acted likewise, our country does not grow if the constitution and the laws of the land continue to be trampled upon.
I truly advocate and will demand insofar such will be within my scope, no matter which politician is involved and from which party, that from now on the following remedies will apply without exception:
* nullification of the wrongful acts and decisions;
* holding the persons involved personally liable and putting a lien on their political pension if damages are not repaid;
* filing a criminal complaint.
I also believe that one has to be banned from holding a ministerial office in the future if one was involved with a law-breaking farewell policy in the past, for it shows lack of integrity and disrespect for the laws of Sint Maarten.
In closing, also in our young country the rule of law prevails, as such distinguishes us from banana republics. Mistakes may be made, but willful gross violations must at all times be rectified and not to be made again. Thus, a harsh response by government and law enforcement is imperative.
Member of Parliament Perry Geerlings
