The newest ten-, indicates that we will then be 10 days away from '10-10-10' (October 10, 2010).
While magical date of '10-10-10' was projected to mean entering some 'Walhalla- status' of sorts-, or some 'Brave New World' according to St. Martin's 'award-winning' and popular talk show-host-, for other people-, it is becoming more like a very scary 'dooms-day'-scenario.
Just days after the 'green-machine' of 'T.O'. has taken control of the 'new' DP-UP coalition (= the 'United DP'-party), finding suitable candidates for the various ministerial positions seem less simple that formulating the DP-UP coalition accord !
It appears that running a Government-, which is closely monitored by 'Ulanda', is quite different from running a political campaign and/or ruling over a 'plantocracy' of subservient-, 'plantation dwellers'.
Meanwhile the 'Constitutional clock' is ticking non-stop.
On Friday, October 1, 2010, the clock will read '10-10-10-10' and then there will be no more Netherlands-Antilles (RIP).
While that was the explicit desire-, and intent of many politicians-, they still have to figure out quite a number of challenges facing the people of 'Country' St. Maarten come '10-10-10'.
Like what you wonder ?
Well-, what about the travel procedures between the islands, which up till such time were part of one- and the same country, the Netherlands-Antilles ?
What about having an emergency needing specialized medical care in Curacao ?
What also about having properly screened,- and put in place of the new Commissioners-, who will become Ministers come '10-10-10-' and have to run the island under very-, very difficult circumstances ?
Meanwhile-, according to the 'school-children', the NA seems to be suffering from serious 'internal hemorrhage', with various members 'jumping ship' and 'King' William-I's 'scepter' being 'under siege'.
Again-, all of this and more with just 10 days to go............
While-, against that backdrop of total confusion and 'unreadiness'-, the Dutch Government knows exactly what deal they have got on a 'silver-platter' with the BES-islands.
They have already in place an ID-card, which will be used to screen exactly who is welcome on their BES-islands and who not.
Consequently-, we should not become victims of any 'optional delusion', thinking that because we can see Statia -, and Saba from Jack's place, that we can simply take a trip there.
Forget that quick, quick.....
That WAS the case in the past.(pre-'10-10-10')
Come '10-10-10' those islands will simply represent the highest parts of the Netherlands-, which itself lies on the European continent.
Nostalgia already setting in ?
Wipe your tears, because the clock has now begun to 'tick' .
Friday it will tell us how late it is; '10-10-10-10'.......
And oh yes,
Who was the one again, boasting- and claiming 'victory' for having brought home the 'beef' ?.....
William-, or Sarah-, or the drs.-, or Duncan ?
Who ?
Fair is fair.
Those responsible for 'delivering us the goods', certainly deserve 'due recognition' !
Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia