PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of People Progressive Party Gracita states; “before we delve into the issue of how best to solve our traffic woes, please allow me to comment briefly on our current alleged deadlock in Parliament.
To be clear I will not comment or revere publicly nor privately on the personal circumstances surrounding the current leader of the UD party other than wishing him and his family well.”
“The current political situation seriously threatens to affect the governing of our young Nation, if prolonged due to lack of proactive and carefully considered options. Let us keep in mind that we are still at a critical stage of our new constitutional status which became effective on 101010. Article 50 outlines clearly what happens when an MP is officially suspended from Parliament. A continued deadlock or tie in votes in Parliament will relegate the daily management of our affairs to the backburner until a forcible solution is found. This is clearly not an option. In the meantime, we humbly suggest several ways to break this impasse for the sake of the general interest of the People of our island.”
Arrindell states: “The first proposal is a moral and gutsy one. It takes an MP with a clear conscience and the will to uphold the oath he or she took when sworn in.
It takes an MP from both sides of the isle in the House of Parliament to cross that isle and give the vote necessary to break that impasse.
Secondly, Parliament can enact via a speedy procedure, a law derived from article 50, to clear the path for an acting MP to be sworn in.
Thirdly, but not lastly, the Prime Minister can give the mandate back to the People and call for new elections in case of a prolonged deadlock which technically renders our island govern-less. A last resort, which no one wants this at this time.
Fact remains we live in a governmental system, based on the rule of law and decisions will have to be taken based on the system of checks and balances with separation of powers, embedded within our constitution. Kicking the can down the road and not taking a clear and unambiguous decision (s) will make us no better than the proverbial ‘banana republic. We are at a cross-road, which direction will we take.”
Arrindell said: “ our traffic situation requires a similar proactive approach as the political one described above. Deadlocks, daily traffic jams requires clear decision making.
The laid back- lassez faire approach simply cannot work any longer. The patience of our residents and visitors alike are severely tested. Too many cars, insufficient infrastructural (well-paved ) roads, few real bus-stops, unregulated public transportation system, drivers texting, ( I’m guilty of this sometimes as well) unruly heavy equipment drivers, to mention a few. Everything goes while we remain stuck and just complain everyday. That ‘ we can’t do anything ‘attitude and suffer fools gladly, will no longer work. Throwing our hand up in the air and wait for something to happen will not solve the many problems we face. Solvable issues which affects the quality of the lives of our citizens.
There is a combination of solutions. It requires someone in authority to stand up, step forward and take appropriate action”.
Gracita continues: We hope that the relevant government authorities, including civil servants, together with the private sector ( SHTA and the CoC ) get together and bring forward a solution soonest. In the meantime, we propose the following points to consider in the decision-making process.
• Amend the budget to include the purchase of land where buss-stops are to be located, and make it mandatory. Bus stops should become real bus stops for vehicles to pull aside instead of being mere advertising huts, and fined if drivers do not comply.
• Parking meters are a must.
• The Simpsonbay- Cole-bay area should considered to be one large round-about.
• The junction of Orange grove road/ Union road facing Tackling gas-station has been suggested by other concerned citizens where the Harley Davidson business was located could be a roundabout.
• Use new technology to alert drivers whenever there is obstruction on the road.
• Last but not least seriously consider car-pooling.
In other words, we must act for the future mobility of our island.
Arrindell concludes: “it is time to understand and demand good governance and executing best practices as elected and appointed officials. For solving our current dilemma in Parliament as well as the daily jams in traffic. There’s just no other way.
When you are once again held up in traffic for thirty minutes and longer, u have time to think about the above train of thought.
I firmly believe that for every problem there are more than one solution, or a combination of solutions to solve an issue and move forward. Whether it is in Parliament or sitting still in traffic each requires demonstrable political will to move our beautiful island forward.
The power lies in the hands of the People”
