Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
St. Martin and Sint Maarten are once again celebrating another St. Martin Day together, a day that symbolises the union of our people, our culture, our heritage and our fate.
With an eye on history, culture and the future, St. Martiners claimed the right to decide their fate. Love of country and the will to be actively involved in the decisions connected to the future of the island are as vital as the desire for peace and harmony within our community.
This is the way both sides of the island undertook major constitutional changes that correspond better to the reality of our respective territories and the aspiration of the population.
Since the statutory evolution in 2007, the Collectivité now assumes all of the responsibilities granted to us. It is a complex task that requires effective organization and strong political will to make the statutory work wished by the population and organized by the elected officials to become a reality.
Of course, this implementation by its complexity does not come without obstacles and we are conscious that there is more work to be carried out for it to be achieved. But I trust the determination of the elected representatives to work for the general interest and we can count on their intention to realize greater things for the people St. Martin.
The Dutch side also took major measures to change its status to correspond better to the specificities of Sint Maarten and wishes of its citizens. This popular decision demonstrates again the will of people to control their future. The natural evolution of the people is the freedom to assume completely their future and responsibilities.
These evolutions join a long institutional procedure that aims, in the long term to achieve political harmony and unity of our people. We are here to reflect together on our horizons. Ralph Waldo Emerson said: "Life is a journey, not a destination". It is this journey, always with heartfelt respect for each other that we share today and which is the basis of our respective evolutions.
Collectivité President Aline Hanson
