SXMElections.com

Dear Editor,

I have been writing articles to the opinion column of the local newspapers for over 16 years, including my latest on September 5, 2014, entitled “An undesirable city landmark,” in reference to pond mountain on Pond Island in the middle of the great salt pond.

However, very early on, I imposed a ban on myself from writing on political topics, which steered me clear off the Integrity and Instruction issues. But at 7am on Tuesday November 11, St. Martin’s Day, I was awaken by some flashing thoughts which I have decided to share with you, the people and elected leaders of St-Maarten, even at the cost of breaking my own self-imposed ban on political topics.

The last St-Maarten elections took place two and half months ago on August 29, 2014. Many of those who went to the polls on that day to choose a new government have gone to be with their ancestors without witnessing the installation of that new government. Many others who went to the polling stations by hitching a ride inside their mother’s womb have been born and are still living under the pre-election government.

Why? Because St. Maarten is experiencing a standoff with big sister Holland, which resulted in its inability to install a new council of ministers to oversee the affairs of this small but beautiful country.

Personally I think it is a shame that any democratic country, big or small, should wait so long before the installation of a new government after elections. However, that is my opinion and it does not really matter. What matters is that the international world is watching the St. Maarten situation and when the dust is eventually cleared, the local economy can be drastically affected.

Before sharing my flashing thoughts, I would like to ask the elected leaders a couple of simple questions. Number one, are you willing to keep on fighting among yourselves and with big sister Holland even at the risk of further hurting the economy? And number two: are you willing to compromise on your self-interest and seek a solution to the situation?

These two questions are the factors that prompted me to brake my self-imposed ban, to share my flashing thoughts with you, hoping it will help bring about a solution.

When we take a closer look at the political scenario, we realise that the same two political parties that was in power before the August 29 elections, are the same two political parties that are in power today. This can be translated to say that the pre-election government have been re-elected to serve another term in office, though that is not actually correct because it is a coalition and coalitions are formed after elections.

However, since the same two political parties have formed the new coalition, why not keep the same ministers in place? Of course for those who are willing to stay on. That way the ministers would most likely pass the vetting process with flying colors because they passed it before, and that will help nullify the instructions as laid down to the Governor by big sister.

Now, down to the heart of the situation. We all know that the biggest problem with big sister is the issue of prime ministership, especially in regards to the leader of the UPP who the people have elected overwhelmingly, but rejected by big sister. And may I add here, that Holland may be right or may be wrong in her actions towards little sister St. Maarten but the purpose for this article is not to criticise or judge between who is right and who is wrong. This article is strictly for the purpose of finding a solution to the situation.

Now back to the real reason for the St. Maarten stand-off: the prime ministership. Caretaker Prime Minister/President of Parliament, Sarah Wescott-Williams, has been Prime Minister three times before and is still occupying this position at the moment. This means she would have little problem passing the vetting process. Therefore, why not allow her to continue as Prime Minister for St. Maarten sake?

One might argue that she (Sarah) is not the only person on St. Maarten fit to be Prime Minister and I could not agree more. However, the present problem is not how many persons are fit for the job, but finding a quick solution to the situation, because as I mentioned earlier, the world is watching. And yes, I know that the formation talks included the leader of UPP as Prime Minister, and the incumbent Prime Minister as President of Parliament, to which she has already been installed. But for St. Maarten sake, these positions probably should be reversed, meaning the UPP leader be installed as President of Parliament and Sarah Wescott-Williams continuing as Prime Minister.

In that scenario, two birds will be taking down with one stone. Number one, the council of ministers will be installed and operational, and number two, big sister will not be able to prevent the UPP leader from taking up his position as President of Parliament because the people did elect him to parliament.

Although I do admire Sarah Wescott-Williams both as a person (woman) of great strength and a politician with great patience and endurance, always waiting for the right opportunity to make her political moves, this suggestion is not a campaign to simply have her installed as Prime Minister, since I do not even believe she wants to continue in that post. But I truly believe this is the quickest and probably the most stable solution to the present stand-off.

I also believe it is high time the local elected leaders put aside self-interests and do what is best for St-Maarten. This solution is a win-win proposition for the people of St-Maarten whom you have been elected to represent.

Once a working council of ministers has been installed, the government could then tackle the integrity and instruction issues. But first thing first, get the people’s government in motion. Remember, it is for St-Maarten’s sake and the future of our youth.

Murphy “DJ Murph” Charles

Youth Impact mission