Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
Dear Editor,
Staying connected to the people is an art and by extension, a bond that is fastened by true love, planted deep within the fibre of a human being. This is the principle that governs the conduct of a real politician, a standard that cannot be fabricated because he is dedicated to and is educated in knowing the needs of his constituents.
How many politicians can relate to this criterion personally, and are privileged to maintain it, regardless of criticism or political upheavals? Not many! It takes a politician who is genuine, one who is humble, an elected official, who is spontaneous in serving and a politician, who avoids the demands of public accolades. These are the qualities that set the real McCoy miles apart from a counterfeit. Undoubtedly, this has long been the track record of MP Hyacinth Richardson, a politician and an ordinary man, one who was chosen repeatedly by his people.
It is rather unfortunate that he is constantly thrown under the bus just because he does not display the behaviour of an extrovert nor exhibit plastic intelligence, to impress his audience. To hear remarks that he says absolutely nothing in Parliament is far from the truth. If the comments are directed to the length of his presentations, then the discussion would have some merit.
This leads to a pertinent question. What have the other members of parliament and so-called intellectuals accomplished to enhance the social and educational development of this country? Absolutely nothing! Let us face the reality of the situation. It is obvious that a small fraction of them mean well, but the majority was either busy obeying their masters, with the full knowledge that their decisions would be detrimental to the country or, were in competition to prove who could outfox the other.
MP Sylvia Meyers-Olivacci, who is so well-mannered, speaks very little on the floor of Parliament. How come she is not treated the same way as MP Hyacinth Richardson? The late Dr. Claude Wathey too was a man of few words, who spoke in the Island Council meetings only when he needed to but his strength was in staying connected to his people.
This down to earth attitude and a natural love for the people is what distinguishes MP Hyacinth Richardson from many of the parliamentarians. Certainly, he isn't a politician who was recruited by bait, but one who was called to serve and service includes having character that is honourable. The base character of too many parliamentarians is the reason why we are in this dilemma that will hurt this country for many years to come.
Humanity is a gift that cannot be taken away because of the integrity that is embedded in the soul of an ordinary man and parliamentarian, The Honorable Hyacinth Richardson.
Joslyn Morton
