Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Opposition parties National Alliance and Democratic Party met recently to discuss the governing program presented to parliament by the current United People's Party-led coalition.
The first impressions of this program leave a lot to be desired and much more was expected, not only after the long wait, but especially after the many promises that were made by the United People's Party, leading up to and during the 2014 electoral campaign.
However, more disturbing than that is the fact that the program as presented provides no basis for a constructive discussion in Parliament about government's plans, its priorities, available and needed resources.
The people of St. Maarten are no wiser about government's plans than before the "Ready" program. Worse, government's actions continue to contradict its stated objectives and intentions. And there seem to be no synchronization between ministers.
Examples of such are:1. The continued refusal by government to reach a solution with PJIA and jump start the much needed investments at the airport.2. The disregard for the issues facing the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation and the tenants of Belvedere.3. The lack of attention for the island's main industry, tourism.4. The lack of urgency in dealing with integrity in general and an integrity chamber in particular.5. The lack of actual dialogue with stakeholders, parliament included.6. The ongoing developments at the government-owned companies, GEBE and the Harbor Group of Companies.
In addition, there are no clear objectives for the improvement of education, none for decreasing the cost of living, no actions to curb the many social ills, or a plan of action to decrease violent crime and crimes against women and children.
Therefore, in the view of the NA and DP, debating this document in Parliament would inevitably lead to much rhetoric, but little substance.
Rather than present to Parliament what the government received from the coalition members, the government would have shown maturity and a semblance of independence, as well as recognition of the levels of responsibility in our constitutional state, by reworking the document into an executable and accountable program.
We know it's a long shot, but we still call on government to do the right thing and present to Parliament a document that gives the people of our country some perspective and hope.
