Better days are ahead
Dear Editor,
As the United Democrats made their way through the makeshift tents at the Philipsburg market place 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 well-being of the people of St. Maarten.
It was very evident that the decision by both the Ministers of TEATT and VROMI 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 the 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 market place, 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 (6) 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 redeveloped properly if on February 26th, 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
