Dear Editor,
In the Dutch/European system of politics that incentivizes large number of political parties, it is common and maybe even inevitable that governments have to be formed by coalitions.
For the coalitions to be effective it is best that each party have a clear platform so that when the coalition is formed then the coalition members can bargain with other parties, on the basis of the number of seats achieved, how much they have to compromise on their platform in order to participate in a coalition.
Without a clear platform, coalitions are likely to be totally driven by the advantages to the party for holding power. Without a clear platform the chances of candidates being unclear on what they are standing for is high and there is no reason not to jump ship if non-political factors might encourage that.
The nominations now made for our February elections once again show that the candidates are not divided by political vision; they are divided into parties on the basis of very different criteria. For elaboration on what those criteria are I refer you to the current discussion in every bar on Sint Maarten.
Every election one hopes for an improvement in the quality of the party platforms. The spread of similar views across many parties and the likely differences within each party suggest that the quality of the platform definition is not likely to improve much on previous elections. It means that the creation of clear party platforms with goals that can be accounted for is unlikely. It means that the well-informed voter is more hoping that a set of individuals follow a particular policy and political methodology rather than being able to depend on any particular measurable program being carried out.
For country Sint Maarten it means the risk of continued instability. We all know that political instability is a major factor in every aspect of life on Sint Maarten and is the central theme of the history of Sint Maarten since 2010.
Robbie Ferron
Dear Editor,
At the start of this new year, Monday, January 8, will be one of the most important steps taken by the people of Sint Maarten in deciding what direction our beautiful island will head into short, mid and long term. Never in our recent social-economic history have so many people from all walks of life been subjected to such hardship, including losing their jobs in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. To date some of our citizens are still dislocated placed in the “Carnival Village.”
This is a new year. A new year of hope. A year of strong determination to do away with the old manner of conducting business in Sint Maarten. We can and must demand better from our elected and appointed representatives. We are positive that we shall and will overcome our challenges and become smarter, more resilient more appreciative of our strengths and the diversity of our People. We can never allow negative minds or idle representatives in Parliament to blunt our dreams and aspirations. Don’t let anyone who does not have your interest at heart squeeze you out of your dreams. Never under any circumstances!
Endorsing the P.PA. slate of capable and committed candidates means having representatives in Parliament who will sign in to work and represent you to the best of their ability. Beyond the call of duty.
Restoring trust will by no means be an easy task, after all our citizens have been through. We hope to earn back your trust and support with our actions, given the opportunity.
Our people are hurting and it seems that no one cares. For almost two years, elected and appointed officials have mainly neglected to execute their responsibilities, with the result that when confronted with the aftermath of a devastating hurricane last year, it forced our nation into a chaotic situation. For example, it took too long, much too long for both Parliament and Government to act in the interest of our people when reconstruction aid was offered by the Netherlands. The much-touted senior citizens roof repair program remains elusive.
The doors of our island’s only tertiary educational institution, the University of St. Maarten threatened to close its doors, leaving our young people out in the cold, while millions of guilders was secured for the establishment of a law degree program, supported by government
PPA represented in Parliament will mean bringing forth legislation or supporting government plans on short term that will include but not limited to;
* Securing funds from the reconstruction towards those who became unemployed after Hurricane Irma.
* Re-establishing an active Consumers protection agency.
* Clear and shorter building permit review and approval process.
* Speed up of the promised and still not delivered senior citizens home repair program.
* Appointing a strong Minister Plenipotentiary in the Hague, with one of the main tasks to lobby for Sint Maarten, while maintaining an open dialogue with government and encourage businesses beneficial to our island.
* Secure a long term funding plan for the University of St. Maarten.
In short, endorsing the PPA slate means setting a new optimistic and strong tone inside and outside the house of Parliament. Our strive is for our people to be back at work again soonest. Having a home again, families being able to put food on the table and send their kids off to school in a clean and safe environment. Facilitating business to open shop. Providing better service to the general public, open and clear dialogue with our partners inside and outside of the Dutch Kingdom.
Electing a new Parliament with Leadership that is able and capable of leading our island in good and hard times. Serving our Nation with vision and compassion. Making big and decisive decisions, while having a keen eye for details. Strong, stable and secure. Not for the next elections, for the next generation and after.
Thank you for your support and signature to endorse the PPA slate on Monday, January 8, 2018, from 9:00am to 4:00pm at the former Census Office on Pond island.
We will uphold the chance you give us to serve our nation honorably.
Gracita Arrindell
Dear Editor,
As the United Democrats made their way through the makeshift tents at the Philipsburg marketplace on Nomination Day on Friday last, it was a stark reminder of the current Government’s missteps after the passing of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The missteps discovered were outlined in the ruling of the Court of First Instance last week, in which Government is instructed to remove the kiosks that were placed on the beach, and in particular from in the front of the Pasanggrahan boutique hotel. This is again a clear indication that hasty decisions and indecision by the current Government have been hampering the wellbeing of the people of St. Maarten.
It was very evident that the decision by both the Ministers of TEATT [Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication – Ed.] and VROMI [Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure – Ed.] to have the kiosks removed trampled on the constitutional right of the vendors. It was also clear that Government showed no cohesion with regard to its decision, which has also impeded on the livelihood of these citizens.
If the Minister was serious about getting the country ready to receive visitors from the cruise ships, it would have served the vendors, taxis, tour services and the overall marketplace’s image better if all damaged kiosks were removed (including those leading up to the vicinity of the RBTT Bank) and restored to an acceptable level of use. The ad hoc and irresponsible decision by Minister of TEATT Melissa Arrindell-Doncher has now rendered the area of marketplace as an eyesore as the vendors are now forced to set up makeshift stalls to be able to display and sell their products.
On Friday last, during the procession alongside the marketplace, the UD received shouts of praises and applauses from the vendors. The show of support reaffirmed that while the majority of the citizens do not embrace having snap election at this time, vendors and spectators alike expressed semblance of hope that the UD is the party they wholeheartedly believe can bring this country back from its destruction and turmoil.
Any Government must understand that governing means possessing a strong sense of emotional stance towards the well-being of all of its citizens, especially after the destruction St. Maarten endured last year. This type of reassurance has been grossly lacking from the present Government.
In the next six weeks the airwaves and byways will be inundated with every possible reason as to why the voting population should be voting for one particular political party over the other. No matter how effective the self-serving and pompous rhetoric will be, in the end St. Maarten will only be able to rebuild and redevelop properly if on February 26, 2018, voters choose individuals who can get the job done.
I am also convinced that our people will be more engaged in this democratic process when they are provided with concise and specific plans on how we will rebuild our Sweet St. Maarten Land.
Citizens of St. Maarten, I implore you to remain steadfast and encouraged; better days are ahead!
Member of Parliament
Claret M.M. Connor
Dear Editor,
The electorate of St. Maarten is more confused than ever as we are now moving in to elections.
Knowledge is power, my task is to give the people much information so they can make the best possible decision on election day.
The truth is election for some is of a different purpose than for others. For example, election for a true Christian is of a different purpose than a person who only needs or wants a job or for a person who has business interest or to make money. So a politician’s job is to be all things to all people which is not possible. And this is where political ideology is of great importance.
Presently on the issue of finance most people are in need of a job and want more money in the pockets. This is issue number 1 for all or most people. From a Christian point of view issue number 1 is important, but for Christians it is just as important on how you go about it. They will ask should we promote prostitution and more gambling because that is the fastest way to make money?
For the people that believe in protecting the people of St. Maarten heritage issue number 1 is very important but their prime concern is to create or give jobs to people of St. Maarten heritage first and to have strong border control and solve our immigration challenges.
To the business people they are more concern of establishing laws or removing laws that make it difficult for a businessman to make profit.
In a nutshell this is what politicians have to equate to see how best they can convince you to vote for them. And this is how political science is used to convince you to vote for them.
Question to ask every political party first is what is their political ideology because the answer they give you sheds light on their belief or ideology on all issues mention above. This is the reason why this question is important.
Most of us want the same things in life. We want freedom; we want the chance for prosperity; we want as few people suffering as possible; we want healthy children; we want to have crime-free streets. The argument or discussion is which political ideology is best to attain that goal.
The main two political ideologies are Conservative (right wing) or Liberal (left wing). Liberals believe in government action to achieve equal opportunity and equality for all. It is the duty of the government to alleviate social ills and to protect civil liberties and individual and human rights. Believe the role of the government should be to guarantee that no one is in need. Liberal policies generally emphasize the need for the government to solve problems.
Conservatives believe in personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, individual liberty, in St. Maarten’s case traditional St. Maarten values and a strong national defense, in St. Maarten case border control. Conservatives are very Patriotic and believe the role of government should be to provide people the freedom necessary to pursue their own goals. Conservative policies generally emphasize empowerment of the individual to solve problems.
For now I will give you both ideological views on economy and in my next letter we will discuss other issues.
A Liberal (social democrat) believes in a market system in which government regulates the economy is best. Government must protect citizens from the greed of big business. Unlike the private sector, the government is motivated by public interest. Government regulation in all areas of the economy is needed to level the playing field.
A Conservative (Believe in Patriotism) believes in the free market system, competitive capitalism, and private enterprise create the greatest opportunity and the highest standard of living for all. Free markets produce more economic growth, more jobs and higher standards of living than those systems burdened by excessive government regulation.
Stay tuned next time as I inform you on other vital issues of your concern.
The Patriot Miguel Arrindell
Dear Editor,
I am Maurice Lake. In the general interest of the people I am going back to basics and moving forward. This is a continuous fight for change.
The past has taught me valuable lessons and has opened my eyes and ears to where the real issues are that affect our country. Today because of the many experiences gained, the lessons learned and a better knowledge of good practices, God has given me the opportunity to work with most of our political leaders, and based on my experiences and working relationships, I have come to realize that leadership needs vision, leadership needs a people’s person and leadership needs a progressive approach.
Therefore, the only way forward is to unite, unite the people in order for Sint Maarten people to smile again and create hope. That is why I have decided to work once again with political leaders Theo Heyliger and Sarah Wescot-Williams as well as other candidates on the UD list to help create better opportunities for our country SXM.
Why UD? It is clear we need a forward-thinking leadership to advance this country. UD with Theo Heyliger as leader will get things done for Sint Maarten.
For the past year and after Hurricane Irma, I have seen people all around me jobless/homeless/facing uncertain times. People are hurting and in desperate need for help. I felt a call to take action but I was not in a position to make the kind of difference needed. I see the vital need to create jobs, improvement in education, recognition for the University of St Martin, and better support for our seniors. Our people must be placed at the center again. They must be the focus for our country’s rebirth after the hurricanes. We need people in office who consult first and take the greater good into consideration. We must be more in touch and remain in touch with the people and for that, communication is key.
With the United Democrats party we can work to achieve better for the communities and the overall of the country.
The passing of Irma brought out the good, the bad and the ugly in our leaders, politicians and some of our people. However, this is the time for unity, togetherness and putting aside differences and truly working in the firm interest of our people. This is not the time to clutch onto grudges, to slander and sow the seeds of division among our people, but a time to build bridges.
I have learnt my lesson and humbly thank the leadership of UD and its candidates for having placed their confidence in me to be part of the recovery of our beloved country Sint Maarten under the leadership of the UD.
This is the time to learn from my mistakes, learn from them and start again to better serve our people. Time to come together and execute joint development projects for the benefit all our people – north and south, Sint Maarten/St. Martin. However you view it, we are one! People of Sint Maarten, we must confront our future with a unified front. This is the only way to truly move our Sweet Sint Maarten forward again.
I look forward to your support of me as candidate #23 on the UD slate at the bottom of the list which represents the foundation of the party. I am encouraging everyone to go out and vote for my person or any other UD candidate on the list. We are (U)ndaunted in our (D)etermination to see our country (P)rogress! Every beginning starts with a strong and solid foundation.
Sint Maarten needs a strong foundation to rebuild upon after Hurricanes Irma and Maria, and the UD represents this foundation. Vote Lake #23 for a strong foundation going forward. Rebuilding Sint Maarten.
Maurice Lake
