Public office is supposed to be a sacred trust—a commitment to serve with humility, respect, and honesty. But in St. Maarten, it has become a playground for the arrogant, the greedy, and the self-serving. The very people elected to represent the public have turned their backs on their constituents, trading integrity for luxury and service for self-interest.
Over the years, we’ve seen a parade of politicians who enter office with one goal: to enrich themselves. Their selfishness and greed are so blatant that many of them eventually end up behind bars. But not before they’ve drained the public coffers, leaving the people to suffer the consequences of their corruption.
Elected to Serve, But Serving Themselves
The arrogance of these so-called leaders is staggering. During election season, they’re everywhere—knocking on doors, shaking hands, and making empty promises. But once they’re elected, they disappear. Constituents are ignored, their needs dismissed, and their voices silenced. These politicians only remember the people when it’s time to beg oh buy votes again.
Recently, we’ve seen Ministers who openly flaunt their disdain for the very taxpayers who fund their extravagant lifestyles. These are the same taxpayers who pay for their $10,000 monthly salaries, $400 daily travel allowances, and hefty pensions. Yet, these politicians have the audacity to tell their constituents they have “nothing to say” to them because, hey, it’s not election time. This level of arrogance is not just insulting—it’s a slap in the face to every hardworking citizen.
15 Years of Failure
Since St. Maarten became a country within the Kingdom on October 10, 2010, what have the people gained? Absolutely nothing. In nearly 15 years, we’ve had six elections and 11 cabinets. The political merry-go-round has done nothing but enrich a select few while the rest of the country suffers. Many of these so-called leaders wouldn’t recognize their own names if they saw them on a sidewalk, yet they somehow end up in office. How? By exploiting a broken system where political slates are filled with names backed by business donations and vote-buying schemes.
Once in office, these politicians enjoy lavish perks while their friends and family members are handed high-paying positions they are completely unqualified for. Meanwhile, teachers and civil servants are left to scrape by on the crumbs that fall from the politicians’ tables. It’s a disgrace.
Government-Owned Companies: A Feeding Frenzy
The greed doesn’t stop at government offices. Almost every government-owned company is on the brink of bankruptcy, thanks to politicians who treat these entities as their personal piggy banks. They raid the coffers under the guise of “dividends,” leaving these companies saddled with massive loans and unable to function.
Take SZV, for example. The rush to appoint a politically connected director—someone who will do the bidding of Ministers—has left the organization in chaos. The OZR funds are empty, and bankruptcy is looming. When the inevitable collapse happens, the excuses will come pouring in: “Government didn’t pay its dues,” or “The NHI wasn’t implemented.” But the real reason is clear: constant political interference and cronyism.
The arrogance and greed of these politicians are an insult to every citizen of St. Maarten. They have forgotten that public office is a privilege, not a right. It’s time for the people to demand better. Demand leaders who are humble, respectful, and honest. Demand accountability for the corruption and mismanagement that have plagued our government for far too long.
The people of St. Maarten deserve leaders who serve, not exploit. Until we hold these arrogant politicians accountable, the cycle of greed and neglect will continue, and the people will continue to pay the price.
