SXMElections.com

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten — The United People’s party has issued a call on the community to “let democracy reign in our country” following the stoning of the candidates on the St. Maarten Christian Party SMCP in Belvedere, Wednesday night.

Leader of the UP Party and Member of Parliament Theodore Heyliger said he and the rest of the UP Board and candidates were utterly shocked and disappointed to learn that such malevolent behaviour could be mated out by people on the “friendly island.”

The UP party issued a press release on Thursday in which Heyliger was quoted saying, “Since the time of my grandfather the late Dr Claude Wathey, our country has had a proud and healthy political campaign. During all our years, political disagreements were celebrated as a key part of our democracy.”

He said this is what has made St. Maarten such an attraction in the Caribbean and internationally, because we as a people have enjoyed and defended the rights and freedoms of each individual to express their opinion about the political direction in which they think Country St. Maarten should go.

He said the fact that individuals saw it fit to disrupt the SMCP alone was unfortunate, but to have hurled projectiles at the candidates is not just disrespectful but criminal.

He has called on the local authorities to be vigilant during the final meetings and on Election Day, and to do its utmost to ensure that those who threaten the democratic liberties we have come to love and expect, are held accountable.

The UP Party believes that a truly democratic St. Maarten is one in which as many political parties or individuals can express themselves and their political beliefs without fear of violent reprisal.

The fact that our people can postulate themselves as candidates on any party slate is a celebration of the gift of our founding fathers who sought fervently to leave for us this right to self-determination. “We encourage the people of this country to allow freedom to reign, and to do their part by settling their grievances with political parties through the ballot,” the release stated.

It further stated that there should be no malice for or against anyone because of their political choice, because that is a fundamental right that we all have.

The party has also taken the opportunity to thank its thousands of supporters who have followed the UP Party train on its public meetings and is inviting the general public out to its final public meeting slated for Saturday September 24th on the Ring Road in Philipsburg.

There will be live entertainment, food and drinks and all 23 candidates will make their pitch to the UP supporters and those undecideds, on the way forward with UP for Country St. Maarten.