Clash of cultures

The Nadika Stephen case will drag on for another two months well into January of next year. That is a pity because it leaves the judgment up in the air.

On the other hand, it is with some amazement that we notice how much time the court in Marigot is prepared to devote to this matter.

The case is sensitive, controversial and interesting – all at the same time. That is because it is no longer about the perceived insults of Stephen towards law enforcement officers, but about the identity of St. Maarteners.

Stephen has a French passport but she is in no way Française. I am a St. Maartener, she told the court and many in the audience murmured their agreement, while the judges struggled with the fact that Stephen preferred to speak English.

This interesting clash of cultures should get the attention of the powers in Paris, but it also sends a message to the Dutch side, where similar sentiments run deep.