St. Martin News Network

Member of Parliament George Pantophlet says that most of us remember or have heard the phrase Attitude determines your altitude. In this case he is referring to the words by Professor Jaime Saleh during his speech at the Westin Hotel organized by the High Councils of State. I think the professor also mentioned the word mindset. This word is also a key proponent according to the Member of Parliament if St. Maarten is to move forward in a consistent constructive and concise manner. The member of Parliament said that when Queen Beatrix was here last she asked him what he thought about the transition from Island Territory to Country, His response was "that the old mindset is still there." He understands that we are a country for only 2 years but there must be forward movement and fresh thinking. It is up to us as government and people to transition in our minds from old to new. More authority means more responsibility. The words we hear the most or the actions we see the most are the ones that mold our character be it in a negative or positive manner. How we respond to situations or experiences depends on us. The world is still in a financial quagmire. Economist financial experts are trying to find a solution. Formulas are being tested in the hope to restore an ailing global economy and St. Maarten is not excluded. But how do we deal with it? What kind of attitude do we display? Will it be the same old politics or critical innovative thinking? I am still proposing that government, public sector, the church, unions and non- governmental organizations get together to find a solution or common ground to deal with the present and impending situation. There is a solution to every problem, there is a positive to every negative but there must be a willingness to work together to get the job done. As Professor Jaime Saleh said and let me quote the headlines of one of our daily newspapers: "The problem is not the law but your attitude" end of quote. What a loaded statement. I would like to say for specificity "my attitude". All of us have a responsibility towards each other regardless of political affiliation, color (note I did not mention race because there is only the human race), religion or culture. Hurricane "Sandy" has dealt a devastating blow to the East Coast of the United States of America. We will be affected. Notice I did not say whether positive or negative because it is up to us. What is our attitude? The responsibility does not rest solely on the shoulders of government but on every individual who lives on this island and calls it their home.

MP George Pantophlet