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Published On: Sat, Nov 25th, 2017

When Tension Rules

Tension means “ the state of being stretched tight”. It connotes unrest and depicts uncertainty.

Recent events on St. Maarten has exposed the urgent need for the government to work together without aggravating the already tensed situation created.

On the 17th of  September, 2010, elections were conducted to usher in a new government. We had three major political parties “the red, white and green”.  The white  party won with  7 seats, green party 6 seats, the red party  only 2 seats. A coalition was formed by both the red and the green party and that led to the appointment of the first Prime Minister Sarah A. Wescot-Williams.

On the 29th of August, 2014, we had elections. The green party won 7 seats, the white party 4 seats, red party 2 seats and blue party 2 seats. The Gumbs cabinet was formed on the 19th of December, 2014 but it fell by the 30th of September, 2015. On the 14th of December, 2015 the cabinet was officially dissolved.

On the 26th of September 2016, elections were held. Green won 7 seats, white won 4, red won 2 and blue won 2. A coalition was formed by the red, white and blue and a new government was formed. The Prime Minister was William Marlin.

The government of St. Maarten fell again after the hurricane and elections have now been slated for the 26th of February, 2018. Parliament will be dissolved on Easter Monday next year. That could either be an early birthday present for the King whose birthday is on the 27th of April 2018, or, it could be the beginning or another unending political uncertainty.

I enumerated these dates to emphasize the fact that we have been under a lot a pressure before the hurricane. We are being tossed around like salad in a bowl by the winds of  the hurricane called “politics” because personal interest supersedes everything.

Promises are made and agendas are presented for 4 years before elections. In the twinkle of an eye, governments are dissolved. Why can’t the politicians  realize that we are going through a crisis and for the sake of the people resolve issues amicably?

I am highly disappointed that new elections would not mean change .We may  end up with the same result and same situation as always.

We already have all the colors of St. Maarten represented in our political parties. The problem is not the formation of more parties but the selection of individuals who would help the country grow.

For those who would be campaigning in a little while, please realize that a lot of people have no homes, no jobs and no food. There is tension everywhere. The monies set aside for campaigns could be useful in the lives of many families.

Stability is all we need now because with that comes growth and development. Otherwise, we will continue to shamelessly conduct elections every other year at this rate.

Let us get it right and work togther!

Shola Blessing