Dear Editor,
In the past I have mentioned that I try to maintain my letters to you on a level of which the man on the bus could read it, should you decide to print it, without needing a dictionary. But more so that they do not misinterpret what is written and be misled.
I read a letter written to you by Ms. Sarah Wescot-Williams as Member of Parliament. She wrote, “I do not believe this is as sacrosanct as some hold it to be. What needs to be addressed is whether we will promote a party political system or a personal system where the emphasis will be on the individual running for or holding office.”
While reading that “self-descriptive” came to mind. And then I asked myself: why did two prominent political parties (UP-DP) [United Democrats-Democratic Party – Ed.] find themselves obliged to come together? Or even more deep, what was the real reason for causing the fall of government, and why would I join with a party of which I know from beforehand that several members will not be able to pass certain screenings? Who am I serving?
So as long as those politicians who have been in government for years are still there we will continue to have the toppling of government in St. Maarten, and I will continue to ask: why do those who are involved (Kingdom government) continue only to interfere when it is in their interest? What about the interest of the people? Does the aftermath of Irma, which the world knows of how so many people have become homeless within a few hours, not say anything to those who are mandated to take care of the people? Or is their political interest so sacrosanct?
I will reiterate: CIVICS has to become a subject in school, which should be completed with an exam. The people of St. Maarten need to be grounded in the material of “How our country is governed (run).”
I understand that as long as the people express themselves, the politicians are going to take advantage of this, but taking advantage is not the reason that they give or even going as far as risking their freedom, to want to be elected. They beg to serve the people. So if they renege (fail to carry out promise or commitment) which should not be because they are paid handsomely, it is on them and they make themselves the target of negative criticism with the ensuing consequences. So when we present ourselves as representative of the people we should spare ourselves the rhetoric and let the truth set us free.
It works, because I know. When I joined the force my father sat me down and pressed upon me not to do anything that will cause embarrassment to myself and also to our family. And he used terms like “accepting bribes,” “conspiracy” and “conniving” which at that time was a little puzzling but as I grew older and got more experience in life I realized that this kind of behaviour follows one. Conspiring to do something illegal or immoral or to cooperate secretly with wrongdoing can become habit-forming but also diminishes the humane side of those individuals.
It is time enough for the people of St. Maarten to be able to rely on a stable government. The results of the last-held election, however, make me pessimistic because it is the same bunch running the show and the same bunch who are being used among each other, and as I have been explained even by outsiders, to topple all our governments. Putin style.
Even though the results call for strong commitment I would say since the DP pulled out of the last government, they should be left out.
Russell A. Simmons
