Dear Editor,
While outwardly the so-called 'razor-thin' CPA support is not affecting the leadership of the NA, DP and UP camp and their corporate masters, reality certainly shows quite a different scenario and that is unsettling symptoms of barely contained panic.
Suppose..., imagine...what if the CPA, the CPA, the CPA.....
For the very first time in the history of St. Maarten, using blood-money to pay people for their votes, or decorating the entire the island with bill boards, posters and flags, might not result in the usual return on the invested millions.
Of course people are taking whatever they are given, like Blackberries, envelopes and what have you, but there is an 'eerie' feeling- and premonition that this time around, many politicians might be in for a real surprise at the polls.
Who knows?
This thought is particularly embarrassing, if not outright shocking, since the CPA of Jeffrey Richardson, which has refused, is still getting more attention and sympathy than all the other parties together to accept one dime for its campaign, despite their loaded 'war-chests' allowing them to afford the largest billboards, posters, flags, expensive airtime to make political propaganda etc..
CPA's secret?
For one, the CPA has taken a very bold- and clear stance based on a very simple-strong and compelling message or principle. It is time now that charity starts at home for St. Maarteners. In other words, it is time that native St. Maarteners come first on the island, in order to protect and preserve them as a native people. In addition, providing for a very healthy and strong foundation for socio-economic development and inclusion of other citizens with an added value as well.
Making Jeffrey Richardson's campaign so very successful, unique and powerful, is that increasingly non-St. Maarten residents and voters are understanding and subscribing to this universal principle, which they also apply in their countries of origin as well.
This growing partnership between the CPA and the non-St. Maarten electorate proves that those who really love this island and want to become part of the nation, realise that politicians of the DP, NA and UP have in fact been very dishonest to them and are simply suing them, because they feel it is politically correct to betray their own St. Maarten people, in the hope of winning over their support.
Unfortunately for the NA, DP and UP, this 'kite no longer is prepared to fly.'
Native St. Maarteners and non-St. Maarteners alike, realise that their future is intimately associated and that without a strong foundation, which is the heritage of the native St. Maarteners there will be no future.
That awareness is what might result in a real election 'upset' for the NA, DP and UP parties.
Meanwhile, there ain't no stopping us.

Leopold James