~Your beliefs don’t make you a better person, your behaviour does ~ Unknown
Dear Editor,
Permit me the opportunity to provide a response to the commissioner’s statement and her characterization of me. While it is true that empty vessels make the most noise, that noise is loud enough to resonate far and wide to be heard by my people, and respond to the call for help from our beloved Statia. It is those same empty vessels that remain so, because they would like to be filled with information coming from government. The queries that have now arisen were irrelevant during the governing period, because the finances were critical and higher supervision was not in place.
With my present involvement in government, the United People’s Coalition Party (UPC) is requesting on behalf of the people of the island territory of St. Eustatius for this government to stop finding excuses, pointing fingers, playing hide and seek with the business of the people, and explain the actual situation of the government’s current situation. The Commissioner promptly responded with quite an extensive article, yet throughout that article, the commissioner somehow eluded every question that was asked and failed to provide any information whatsoever.
During the governing period as previously mentioned, the purchase of the AFAS was already in progress and supported by the independent member of this coalition, who was also a member of two previous governments that commenced the process of purchasing this program. Thus the question is asked; if the independent member supported the process then, what has changed now? Please be advised that my involvement in the island council representing the aforementioned, and my connection with UPC resulted in questions raised pertaining to the abovementioned.
The questions that are now being asked are attributed to the promises made to the people during the election campaigns, which to a certain degree, entailed rectifying certain situations in government that proved to be problematic, that would ultimately lead to the peoples’ devotion by means of votes, and resulting not favourably for the financial status of the island. Furthermore, in the governing period of 2013-2015 no higher supervision was placed. The UPC cannot answer any questions, as they are no longer in government, which is why the questions are being asked to those who are in the position to fill the empty vessels of the people.
I have never been the type of individual to bite my tongue, or favour the game “Simon Says” for the simple fact that I refuse to blindly follow instructions without applying critical analysis to the situation, and forming hypothesis that will ultimately lead me to conclude if my actions will be in the best interest of the people. The public is well apprised of my stance and opinions of the current government, even with my own party’s partial formation of the aforementioned.
I reiterate, requesting the truth isn’t for me but for the people of this island. While they choose to remain silent, the pertinent matter at hand is the filling of their vessels with the much-needed information.
While the UPC would hope for a working relationship where assistance can be given, how are we expected to offer any assistance when the communicative avenues were consistently blocked? In such a case, the UPC would then have made strategic decisions that resulted in the sole benefit of the community; which leads to another mass of questions, such as:
1. What has become of the bi-weekly press conference, which proved to be an effective medium to keep the public informed? My observance has made me realize the decline is this method since the sitting of the newly-appointed commissioner.
2. UPC would like the government to explain that if the constant cry to the people is that their hands are tied behind their backs (blaming the Netherlands), how was it possible to orchestrate convenient hiring and payment?
3. There will again be a town hall meeting on Thursday, October 27, where information will be shared with the public as to the financial situation on the island, again without this information first going through the proper procedures, such as discussed in the executive council, technical debate in the central committee and sanctioned in the island council. Is this another stunt of throwing sand in the eyes of the people?
4. Despite the vague reaction of the commissioner of telecommunication, the UPC would still like the community to be explained why the entire Eutel board was asked to resign, and how does that contribute towards continuation?
5. Deadline for submitting the 2017 budget is scheduled for November 15, however, two weeks prior to submission it should be made available for viewing by the general public. If this isn’t the case, a budget will be drafted by Committee for Financial Supervision (CFT) and sent to the Ministry of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations (BZK) for approval of its contents, which includes the basic needs for the island, such as salaries. UPC would like the public to be explained the state of readiness with regard to the 2015 financial reports, the 2016 quarterly reports, budget amendments which all have effect on the realistic drafting of the 2017 budget.
6. We would like the people to be explained why the luggage screening machine has been out of operation for such a long time, and what is being done to remedy the situation in terms of repair or replacement.
7. We would like the public the be explained what was the role of Mr. Blackman as part of the delegation that recently travelled to the Netherlands for talks with KPN while the commissioner in charge travelled with his advisor, subsequently who paid for his cost?
8. UPC would like the people to be explained when the airport bar will be re-opened to travellers and in extension the general public.
9. UPC would like the people to be explained why the commissioner of tourism was absent at the recent tourism/business expo that took place in Fort Lauderdale, where he was registered and was expected to give a presentation?
10. UPC would like the people to be explained how they are prioritizing the flexibility given by the Netherlands in making appointments with the sole goal to contribute positively towards the progress of the process, which is executing the action plan towards improving both financial and administrative situation of the island government.
As much as the coalition government is criticizing the Netherlands, they still appear to get away with murder. UPC is of the opinion that BZK should have erected a higher degree of penalties against the coalition government for misusing the flexibility given to them, rather than a mere slap on the wrists in the form of a flimsy warning letter. It is clear that this isn’t the first time, and thus, the UPC is requesting Plasterk to explain to the public how long they will be tolerating this type of behaviour.
The genie hen brings genie cock stories can and should no longer be accepted by the people. I’m again pleading to the people to let your voices be heard; this level of governing is unacceptable. It is your God-given right to demand proper, honest and quality accountability.
There are so many important issues to be decided on, but this coalition government seems to be hand picking to reach the campaign promises made. This isn’t proper governing. UPC is requesting the present government to come clean with the general public. We are willing to help/assist as long as the government is willing to listen and take advice. We are open, because Statia belongs to us all, and we all are responsible for the well-being of our people.
United we stand, divided we fall.
Elvin Henriquez
