That our grassroots St. Martin movement is not the only one which very concerned about the future of St. Maarten-, and by extension of St. Martin as well-, is evidenced by 'others' expressing similar views.
Mr. Jeffrey RICHARDSON leader of the CPA-, for instance expressed this in an interview with Lloyd RICHARDSON, on Wednesday, September 22, 2010.
Unfortunately-, and as usual St. Maarten's 'most popular' talk-show host-, lacks either the intellectual ability to really understand the the depth of the appeal Jeffrey was making to all the leaders of the country-, or most probably-, he lacks the willingness to depart from his deliberately-, simplistic tactic to 'dilute'- and 'erode' messages he does not like.
Whatever the case may be-, it will be up to the management of radio-stations to decide whether or not-, they are going to demand a higher quality- and standard from their hosts in order to contribute to educating the citizens on island in understanding- and dealing with the most serious of issues in its recent history.
Fortunately-, there are others who have expressed concern and need for a 'concerted' effort in order to move this island forward.
(See attachments of Kingdom Intervention by the Daily Herald, Julian ROLLOCKS, DP Secretary general and Duncan VAN HEYNINGEN)
We too, agree that while the election is over, the real challenges have just begun....
In our opinion-, there is only one logical premise to start dealing with these challenges-, and to avert the reality of external intervention.
It is based on understanding the real significance of most fundamental reality- and specificity of this island.
; 'St. Martin- One island- One People- One Destiny.
In other words, regardless of 'frontiers'-, and of one 'side' being 'Dutch'- and the other being 'French'- , its native people share one- and the same past-, presence- and future-, and that whatever effects one 'side' of the island-, will also effect the other 'side'.
And while we agree with the slogan that we need 'all hands on deck', we better do such in a structured manner.
Looking at both 'sides' of the island-, there are no other citizens or nationals-, that bind-, connect-, and unite the island's past, presence and future like its native-, indigenous St. Martin people.
These people are linked by blood-, shared property-, norms- and values and are ancestrally rooted in the history-, and in the emancipatory development of this country like no others.
Consequently-, even far more than the colonial authorities-, they have been the 'most constant human factor' to date on the island.
This is not said to divide the residents as some always try to make belief.
Rather-, it is intended to point out to St. Martiners, that they have a more special role- and responsibility than any other citizens to take the initiative to appeal to all political leaders to urgently come together in an emergency session of sorts, because the country is at a very dangerous cross-roads that will affect all on 'both sides' of the island and its people, who have nowhere else to go.
As the grassroots representative of all St. Martiners on the island as well as abroad-, we therefore hereby make ourselves available along with others-, recommend all the political leaders to set a date- and venue for such a meeting.
As far as we are concerned the main objective should be very clear.
It will be to formulate the 'St. Maarten/ St. Martin- agenda', which will be a preparatory phase towards the ultimate unification of the island, into one sovereign entity.
This is the only logical status for the island that will comply with us being bound by one common destiny as one People.
Since time is of the essence-, we look forward for this contact to be made before November 11, 2010 'St. Maarten/St. Martin-Day'
Should you politicians fail to take your responsibility to the next level, do not be surprised to see others willing to intervene and taking us seriously into consideration as the people's stakeholder.
The choice is yours.
Until 11-11-2010 that is.
drs. Leopold JAMES
President grassroots St.Martin nation building- and unification movement.
And yes, that one...
Proud-, native indigenous St. Martiners, no apologies to make there.
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