Dear Editor,
I write to you today to answer the burning question some of my supporters, and those still on the fence about supporting me, have had over the past few weeks since I announced that I will be contesting the upcoming St. Maarten Parliamentary Elections as a candidate for the United St. Maarten Party.
The question is why the USP and not another party. The answer to that question is simply this. Today, we see many of the seasoned politicians in parties that have been around for years do nothing but line their pockets with the people’s money, taking projects and making them their personal bank and giving only their close friends and families the opportunity to advance themselves. Like many of you I am a victim of this type of greedy politics that has left us and our children without much hope for a future for this country.
Our educational system seems to give no real answer as to a way forward, and we still have issues with language of instruction for children who grow up confused about the choice of words to use; and, the standard of our education still falls below that of the rest of our Caribbean partners.
You witnessed the game being played, now it’s time to actually build a decent Medical Centre and you ask yourself why. Many of our politicians have either been dragged to court or are suspected of some form of corruption.
So, I looked around and I recognized that Frans Richardson has fought from a simple upbringing to become a voice for the people. He has also gained experience working within the system and he understands what is needed in order to get the Country moving forward. He, unlike many of the others, has had less of an opportunity to do something for our people, and those who have had their chance took that opportunity for self-enrichment. Growing up in Simpson Bay, individual and having to take care of two children on my own with a family who did their best to keep a roof over our heads, I understand just like Frans does, the cry of the poor people of this Country; and, while it could have been another party, we have seen clearly how they spend their time making the rich richer.
So, yes I have chosen the USP because it has the most down-to-earth leader in Mr. Frans Richardson, and it is being joined by grassroots people who understand the fundamentals of going back to the basics like MP Maurice Lake.
We are going to be a force to be reckoned with because we are incorruptible, and we have all chosen to walk away from being corrupted or being part of any group whose sole goal is to suck this country dry and leave its people in the squalor. So, look at what we are about to do and not just at what party we are on. Look at the background of the people on the USP and you will see that finally St. Maarten has a party of people that look like its people, feels the pain of its people, understands the peoples’ cry and knows the difference between promises and action.
Jelen Coulanges
