St. Martin News Network

Bravo.
Is is about time.

What are those children born to a mixture of sxmers and foreignors? Will they also get an ID?

It is about anyone who can trace their roots via their biological father and/or mother to the Traditional Period of St. Martin (1848-1963) or before.
Or simply put, anyone born or the island or not, who can trace the presence of their ancestors to the island before 1963.
Also read for information the book of Daniella JEFFRY; '1963 A Landmark year in ST. Martin'.
With respect,

Leopold JAMES

Like it or not Mr. James, if someone holds the same pa*sport as you, they are an equal citizen with equal rights. Your proposals are about creating 1st and 2nd cla*s citizens. And you call yourself a uniter?

And this manner of referring to yourself in the 2nd and 3rd person, I'm sure there's a psycological term for it, it's bizarre and very odd though. lol

Hady

Dear Whacko Hady,

How are you ?
Still living in the shade of anonimity, out of fear for the 'heat' ?
Never mind, matters not.
Thanks for even taking time to read my blog and to respond even if YOU consider it all that bad and bizarre.
But know what Hsady hady aka Whacko ?
More and more St. Martiners are backing us up and are saying; it is about time that we identify ourselves in our own country
Why are you so afraid of that ????.
Anyhow, Shady Hady, feel free to continue ranting and raving about St. Martiners finally waking up and 'smelling the coffee',
If that is what you do best, by all means keep up the ranting, raving and now the whacking.
it just inspires us even more.
So look out for more of our blogs and what have you and please stay in the shade to hide your countenance.
Makes no difference Whacko,

Leopold JAMES
And still,
Proud native-indigenous St. Martiner, without apologies

Yes, Hady, this is A.M. "A Minority" in my own country.

And I support 100% what this movement is saying. Just imagine, we as native St. Maarteners have to accept a foreign born, naturalized Dutch person insult us by stating that they are DUTCH and therefore don't have to do this or that while WE, native SXM'RS have to abide by the Laws of this Island even when we are born here.

Yes, I am speaking out of personal experience. We are being trampled by those who come here and pay to get the nationality we were blessed to be born with and you expect us to sit back and accept it?

I have nothing against someone having the Dutch nationality but I WILL NOT tolerate them trying to make me feel lesser Dutch than they are or ridicule the pride I have in my heritage. This is my native home since my forefathers were brought over on those cla*sy sailboats and I should feel free to behave as the SXM'er that I am and not have to lose my identity to "fit in" with all those Dutch nationals. The native SXM’er has ambition, pride and dignity. We are now being down casted by many who have obtained their rights to be here but have no clue as to the legacy our forefathers left for us. So if this is the way to let our young, native, indigenous SXM’ers learn to have pride in their heritage then so be it.

We really don't need you or anyone else trying to deprive us of doing what we want for ourselves. And if that makes you feel like a second cla*s citizen then it is about time. Why should WE always feel like second cla*s citizens? This would not have happened if we were respected for who we are. So there is obviously a reason that people like this idea. So please rest your case. There is no hatred for naturalized Dutch nationals and they should not feel offended if we, as native SXM'ers, feel like doing our own thing.

According to dictionary.com the meaning of Indigenous is "Originating in and characteristic of a particular region or country; native (often fol. by to): the plants indigenous to Canada; the indigenous peoples of southern Africa. " According to Wikipedia "Indigenous peoples are any ethnic group who inhabit a geographic region with which they have the earliest known historical connection."
My point is Mr. Leopold James proudly calls himself a "NATIVE, INDIGENOUS St. Maartener." Although both words(native and indigenous) mean the same thing and the sentence is there for redundant. He has to remember that just because you plant a tree that is indigenous to Canada in SXM it does not become indigenous to SXM. The black people on SXM where brought here years ago from Africa. Black people are indigenous to Africa that's where the term "African - American" comes from, Mr. James needs to remember that when his forefathers were brought here they were FOREIGNERS. He needs to remember that his earliest known historical connection is Africa not SXM. St. Maarten is made up of mainly people who naturalized. A lot of them are hardworking citizens and we all need to work together if we want the island to move forward. And Mr. James educate yourself by reading a dictionary before you put letters in newspapers and online and make yourself look foolish.

O.k. ..... That’s it. .... You just spoiled it for everyone. ...... It is time for everyone to go home. ..... Party over. LOL. Europe (Holland, France, Italy, etc. etc.), India, China, Middle East, South America and Africa. (Notice I did not use Australia, N. America & Canada, since I do not believe that we have Aborigines or Amerindians here).

If we can't have it then no one else getting it. Let’s become childish and tell us, the black populace, we Africans and should go back to Africa. Remember????? ..... Our forefathers were the only ones in all of this who did not ask to be removed from their continent, neither did they have a choice to choose a nationality by means of naturalization or other, it was handed to them. Let's not open old wounds.

Anyhow, this is not about race or directed towards hate for anyone. The indigenous (or native) SXM'er also consists of f.i. (and just to name a few) the Williams, Petersons, Halleys and Flemmings. (An indigenous SXM'er will know what I mean) If they qualify for an Indigenous SXM i.d they too will receive one as anyone with ancestors dated before 1963.

Are we, native SXM'ers allowed nothing anymore?

You make some strong points. However the indigenous people of America are the "Native Americans" the group is very small because they were killed by the first European settlers. There are may people from China and Guyana who have lived here for over 5 generations. Everybody still sees them as foreigners. The definition for indigenous people was "Indigenous peoples are any ethnic group who inhabit a geographic region with which they have the earliest known historical connection." Mr. James earliest know historical connection is in AFRICA, not SXM. I am not saying that FOREIGNERS have more RIGHTS that people who were BORN here I am saying he is not a native because the natives were the Amerindians. They were all killed off.......a few migrated to South America and other Caribbean islands. By the way Native and Indigenous mean the same thing but I guess you were playing the fool when you placed your name here. I understand Mr. James s being patriotic but we need to work together so that SXM can move forward.

To Unite the People,

Why does your type of reasoning always seem to be directed AGAINST the natives of this island ?
Why don't people like you go anywhere else in the regions and come up with the same nonsense and see what happens ?. As long as we the native SXM'ers are not looking after our own interest all is well for people like you. But as soon as we the people are waking up to us wanting to preserve our own culture, way of life and our own rights, all of a sudden you type of people start screaming about the need to unite, or call us names.
If we natives are so bad, why fight us in our own country ?
Why not go back to the paradises you came from ?
Don't you have a pride in your own country ?
Anguilla did not choose Mr. Hughes as their new chief-minister for nothing.
Anguilans finally woke up and smelled the coffee and realized he was the best man to take care of their needs.
The same is happening on this island, where mr. james and his group have been doing ave very difficult job for years.
Finally even me is starting to catch on, but doing that fast now.
So, mr. james, i am ready to sign up for my native St. Martin ID-card and I know you will not have enough cards to print, because the wind of change is also blowing here thank God.
End of discussion on we we are and on with printing our ID-cards.

In my comment there are facts and definitions to back up my claims and yet in all the responses to my comment people say their opinion without any facts.
To the person above mine.....SXM is being run by St. Maarteners for how long now, all the key government officials have been St. Maarteners. But you don't realize when you need funding for stuff or when hurricane Luis trampled SXM we turned to MACSOOD a Guyanese for help. You need foreigners. Everybody blames foreigners for crimes but all the corrupt government officials are St. Maarteners who steal from their own people to enrich themselves. LOL if this strikes a nerve it's because it is the TRUTH....

@ Unite the people.
You seem to be quite intelligent ... you caught on to my name, LOL. Striking a nerve? I don't know for the others but it surely did not strike any of mine. I do understand your frustration since you seem to just date back to 1995 when Hurricane Luis and MCSOOD hit SXM by storm. (There was a SXM before that you know).
You see …, I am a proud "indigenous" SXM'er … and I know the history of my ancestry and have claimed it with much pride. I love my African heritage and have built myself to a standard that I, THANKFULLY, have NEVER had to beg or even ask MACSOOD for ANYTHING. That is what WE are all about.

I do not support those you speak of who have turned to MACSOOD, I support the proud indigenous SXM leaders who might have stolen from me but gave me a fair opportunity to claim it back by my hard earned labor and though I might not be as financially stable as MACSOOD, I am spiritually, mentally and "indigenously" by far his superior. I do not have to constantly buy myself into a heritage.

As I said before, the indigenous SXM ancestors had pride and dignity and never begged, steal or borrowed. They built this Island when there were no cranes and modern equipments or computers or even calculators, just picks, shovels and 10 fingers to count on. They were a strong, proud people. That is what I have claimed and inherited and no one besides THE ALMIGHTY can take that away from me as long as I live. There were no MCSOODS here for us way back when.
If any SXM born, with ancestry dated back before 1963, who have not adopted our "original" mentality and up to now considers themselves to be a Guyanese or other native then they do not deserve to have our native i.d. "You are who you know you are, not what others proclaim you are".

So once again, an indigenous SXM'er, be they black, white, brown or yellow, a Catholic, Methodist, Muslim or other, a DP, NA, PPA or other, man, woman, child or other, speaking English, Dutch, French or other, who wants to claim their native i.d. are free and welcome to do so. All others can suck on the sourest of limes if they are unhappy about it.
So you see ... we ARE uniting the peope.

Mr. James, when and where can I collect my "indigenous" I.D.

Well, I understand that there was an SXM before MCSOOD came along. However there was an SXM long before the Europeans brought the African slaves(our ancestors) here. Way back then the Amerindians where here and they are the TRUE natives. Even though they are almost extinct. History always repeats itself. The Europeans came and killed most of them and took their homeland and FOREIGNERS are coming here to do the same now. My point about MCSOOD is the he came here to make a living and on a weekly basis he gives back to the community in many donations and stuff.
You are a "Gra*sroot" citizen of SXM in that your forefathers lived here for years and built this country and I can't argue with that. You deserve the ID and to be singled out for your heritage. However I hate when people use words in the incorrect context and have the whole world repeating same sh*t.

Cowards and company,
We are not making headway due to the fact one must realize there is a price to pay for progress, sadly we arenot prepared to do so. Blogging is easy, it's powerfull but cheap, St Martiners are not willing to pay the price for their beliefs if any, pure talk and grandstanding. I am a St Martiner also so watch your critic. Mr. James good message wrong messenger.

Look I am sure that many Indigenous or native or gra*sroots SXM'ers might not want this disputed I.D or even find it ridiculous. Why not leave it up to the people to decide, if and when the time comes.

I AM getting fed up with everyone telling each other what is right and what is wrong. Only God knows the truth. So please, once again, let the SXM people decide what they want for themselves.

Hi 'Why this dispute',

Could not agree more with you.
Therefore WE are not starting any argument nor dispute with anyone about OUR right to define who we are and to organize ourselves as a people.
Such right is non-negociable for us !
Everyone is free to find it 'ridiculous'; that is totally irrelevant as far as we are concerned.
Those who do find that we also have that right, ridiculous, should then also find all those various cultural a*sociations on the island, who are only for their specific ethnic group, to be ridiculous as well.
At least if one is applying the same standards !
Nevertheless, there is no stopping us now and those who do not want our ID-card, praise the Lord.
Who cares ?
Don't be surprised that we might run out of material to print enough cards, for all those conscious and proud native St. Martiners, who are saying praise the Lord, finally recognition and protection.

Do have a wonderful day.

Leopold JAMES
and still,...
Proud native-indigenous St. Martinesr without apologies.

To Unite the People........Will you please stop allowing the facts to detract from Mr James" cause!

This is so stupid. We carry a Dutch pa*sport and the Dutch don't even like us. The Dutch don't even consider us equal. Now we are here doing the same to others?!?!?!!! This is really a shameful thing.

Everyone talking about roots and ancestors and history and crap. Get really...no one really cares!!!!! Some might agree with this blog but that's all...no one cares!!!!!! Everyone just want to live their life and get through the day.

If you want to talk about roots and ancestors...then tell the people to go back to Africa and help their sisters and brothers there because that is where we came from.

Do u think we would be where we are today without the Dutch?? No we wouldn't!! Yes they own us and what they do to us is what u people are trying to do to others. Shame on you!!!!

Stop talking about St. Maarten like u own it! We people are Africans. A lot of us do not like to hear it but that's how it is. You want to write blogs?? Write blogs about the history of St. Maarten and now how people got on the island and how we because Dutch in the Cribbean!!!! Educate the people on that and stop fulling people head with hatred against outsiders.

We are all brothers and sisters. No one owns the Earth but the almighty!!! This is why so much natural disasters are happening now!!! Man think they own the world!!!!

My dear 'Shame !!'

Why do you 'hurt up your head' about what we are doing ?
Who asked you ' to approve of it anyhow ?
Do your own thing.
We St. Martiners are going our thing anyhow, whether you like it or not, matters absolutely not.
So why waste your time and energy ?
A shame indeed.

Well said Mr. James.

No one, other than those who are upset with this issue, is spreading any hatred. Yes, hatred towards the gra*s roots SXM'er for claiming their ancestry.

My ancestors were brought here from Africa, against their will, and were forced to make SXM their home. Now others want to come and tell me that I CANNOT i.d. what my forefathers have contributed to this tiny piece of earth? THAT IS SXM HISTORY. What SXM people, black, white, brown or yellow have done over the years is OUR history.

My off springs are proud that they could have traced their roots right back to their first freed slave matriarch. A slave who was granted her freedom and became Dutch but lived on the French side from where the family grew and spread to both Dutch and French SXM. I also believe that because of that pride my kids were able to know that they belong and made themselves successful in THEIR own country, brought to them by their "father's hands".
I love my black heritage, I love my African brothers and sisters but just like the American Italians, Dutch, Germans etc., I am now a gra*s root SXM'er or WHATEVER anyone want to call it. I have no further history with Africa, other than that is where black people originated from. I DO HAVE A HISTORY WITH SXM.

So say what you want, it is time for SXM'rs of all colors, religion, political beliefs, etc. to attend to their own affairs, without any one feeling the need to bash them. It is also time for people to stop preaching hate whenever a SXM'er talk about their roots. We are proud of it and WE WILL NOT BE MOVED.

Dear 'That's right'.

You said it even better that I did, for which I certainly thank you.
Obviously, there are 'those' who have valid reasons to fear the day that the 'sleeping giant St. Martin' is awakened from his induced comatose state.
However, I am also sure that there are also many of those, who respect our ancestral rights and are not afraid that we come out of our 'slumber'.
Those persons are an added value to our country and certainly they have nothing to fear, because they know we will be great hosts and treat all our guests with all due respect while subscribing to the universal principle that 'charity starts at home'
And oh yes, also for the native St. Martin people living in their own ancestral home.
If that is wrong, when WE say so, then by no means do I want to enjoy the 'privilege' of being right by allowing for our own people to be the first from the bottom.

Leopold JAMES