Never mind that there are those - who in vain try to plagiarize the name – they can only fool themselves.
The following is an update of recent developments on the island dealing with nation building in general.
With the ‘brand-name’ the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement becoming one of increased importance and attraction – let its profile and reputation be made very clear – just for the record.
Back in 2003 and 2005 two organizations were officially established – the St. Martin Nation Building Foundation, in Philipsburg and the Association L’Esprit de Concordia in Marigot (Paris)
Quite a lot of thought went into the reason for the establishing of these organizations as well as in their main objective.
Because, both organizations were intended to address and serve the best interest of ALL St. Martiners on BOTH sides of the island, as well as those in the diaspora – both were administered by the same board-members.
In addition, both organizations championed the same cause.
All of this was done in order to define, recognize, protect and preserve the native-indigenous St. Martiners to come first at home and along with their cultural-heritage to form the foundation for inclusion of others in a process called the St. Martin nation building process.
Consequently, both movements de fact functioned as one ‘body’ – which we later officially added as name to indicate such – the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement.
Because, as founders we realized the importance of this process, as well as the many challenges and hurdles before us, we formulated a number of very clear provisions in our articles of incorporation.
One being that its members, should not be politically associated with any political party.
In addition, when WE speak of St. Martiners – we do NOT refer to race, color, creed, or religion.
Therefore - our organization is against any form of racial discrimination.
Also – from day one - as is formulated in our constitution and in all our documents – for us the nation building process has two main components.
First of all the protection, preservation of the St. Martin people and making sure they come first at home.
At the same time – we proudly - and without any reservations and/or apologies have always stated and continue to state that our movement as part of the nation building process emphatically is in favor of INCLUSION of residents of ALL ethnicities (races) who are of an added value to the process.
Whoever feels that this position is one of ‘selling out’ the St. Martin people – they might soon wind up in the ‘foot-in-mouth’ position if a mirror is held before their own faces.
For us - we realize that the nation building process as we set out to promote is not an easy one, it is very delicate, fraught with complications and can easily be distrusted by people, who might – legitimately so - feel that it is yet another political movement.
We have - from day –one vigorously maintained our political independence and neutrality and therefore under no circumstances can we allow our hard work to that end be compromised.
So, while we welcome the increased interest in joining the movement, certain position in our movement can only be occupied by people who understand this critical criterion and would be willing to pledge to uphold it.
In the best interest of peace, tranquility, harmony, sustainable socio-economic growth, safety and security – we are convinced of the importance for our movement NOT exclude people based on race, or ethnicity – but to reach out, far and wide but to set clear rules, conditions such as reciprocity.
Those, who want to build the St. Martin nation solely on their ‘Souliaga -blood-line’ basis and on exclusion of others – bon voyage.
Leopold James
President St. Martin Grassroots People Movement
