Sint Maarten needs leaders of integrity in parliament and in government.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The election is over and the people have spoken with their votes. Three of the four parties elected have decided to form a coalition government. During the campaigning and on election day the Christian community prayed that God's will be done. Hence, we believe that the results of the election conform to the will of the Almighty. The Bible tells us in the Book of Romans 13:1 that it is God who puts rulers in places of power. The voters have elected 15 parliamentarians. Whether they take their seats in parliament or choose to be part of the government has not yet been decided. This will happen during the formation negotiations between the coalition parties. Therefore, it is still very important that we continue to pray that the coalition leaders will be led and directed by God to select and appoint people to government and to other leadership positions who are qualified, capable, God fearing and morally stable to govern this country and its people. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 29:2 that "when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan". Being a nation founded on Christian principles Sint Maarten deserves a parliament and a government that will govern with honesty, integrity and transparency where the people come first and self-enrichment is denied.
The Saint Martin United Ministerial Foundation, calls on all citizens to continue petitioning God for mercy, guidance and direction during the formation of this coalition government so that the right people be selected and appointed. In this incoming government there should be no place for corruption, ship-jumping, greed or supremacy. Improving the quality of life of all people in Sintt Maarten should be the bench mark of government as well as opposition. According to the Bible "righteousness exalted a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people".
Before the political campaign began the aforementioned Christian organizations and the political parties signed a code of ethics whereby parties agreed to conduct a clean campaign with no slander, mudslinging etc. We believe that without that code of ethics the level of campaigning would have been even lower. We want to thank those parties who endeavored to adhere to the code of ethics.
Having reviewed the Manifestos of all the political parties that contested the elections on August 29th, the Christian Community came to the sad conclusion that none of the parties made reference to God or to Christian values. We understand the concern that parties may have regarding the separation of church and state. However, we believe that they should never separate God from state but rather acknowledge Him as the source of our human rights in this country. The Bible declares in Psalm 32 and verse 12: "blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord". It was noted that all of the six manifestos made mention of collaborating with social organizations. However, only one made reference to working with the churches in Sint Maarten. Nonetheless, this serious omission in the Manifestos of Christian values, Church and God can be corrected when the coalition government drafts the governing program for the next four years for country Sint Maarten.
The Christian organizations kindly request all God fearing citizens to continue to pray for God's guidance during the formation of our Government. Let us also resolve to support and work along with the MP's and ministers. Let us as a people unite for the common good of Sint Maarten.
SMUMF Press Release
