SXMElections.com

Dear Editor,

I have taken note on the press release by the Board of the UPP, pertaining to the indecisiveness of MP Wescot-Williams.

While my political position was made clear last October, this certainly does not stop me from pointing the lack of readiness with this present government with UPP as the majority.

Today, elections have come and gone, oaths taken and still no governing program detailing government's plan of action for the specific term. No full representation of ministers within the PM Marcel Gumbs' cabinet. Where at least two ministers are currently multitasking and being caretakers of additional ministries, yet we expect optimal functioning.

The opinion of the UPP board suggests many things, namely:

1. MP Wescot-Williams with her 1 seat is too visible. Is there a reason she should be silent?

2. It is very contradicting as this is still a democracy and each elected official has the right to question the ongoing within government whether they spanned 3 cabinets over four years or not. Fact is the need for her over those years was duly noted and whether the UPP board question what her role was then, one thing is for sure, she is still referred to as PM Wescot-Williams.

Were there decisions made that were questionable? Yes, they all have, both popular and unpopular! But the chips fell where they did and as the old adage goes: 'When one door closes, windows of opportunity are left wide open.'

So today, while MP Wescot-Williams is assuming a different role, sitting in a different seat, looking through a different set of glasses, just perhaps the 'Sarah' that we know would continue the position in defending the defenceless.

I concur that more action is needed instead of the excessive bickering by our elected representatives; however, this is expected when one's own agenda supersedes that of voting by conscience but by party.

Because of the players involved, Parliament reflects that of a teacher giving lessons to students, who are still not ready to take the exam. It's as though the lights are on, but no one's at home, and yet the many ills in our society are still plaguing us, 6-.month contracts, GEBE, cost of living, education, health and the list goes on.

3. Ironically the article states the challenges we face won't be solved in six months, a year or a governing term. Is this because the shoe is now on the other foot? Did the rules of the game suddenly change?

It's with the above that I ask that we rise above old party politics, let us really elevate and no longer look at who would have, could have or should have, but who is, can and should!

The benefit of a successful St. Maarten is not to praise or credit one individual. Success can only be achieved when we band together for the best interest of all by presenting legislation as the 15 representatives of Parliament should and only then can we say they are working in the best interest of St. Maarten.

But sad enough, it's evident that in this day and age the members of the UPP board are still trying to cast a blind eye and keep the populous in the dark. What should be noted however, when birds are of a different feather, the flight is usually lopsided.

Marinka Gumbs