Dear Editor,
I want to very clearly state that I am neither an astrologist, nor an obeah man, nor a seer. The fact is I am a realist. Some people, even though they see things unfurling before their naked eyes, pretend to be blind and not observant.
For the past weeks I have been following the political debates on TV and listening to the various district meetings held by the different political parties on the island. Remarkable enough to say, since the poll was released by Today newspaper showing the UP in a strong lead, other parties have lost their balance and are now trying with all the might they have to reduce the estimated lead of the UP.
In their frustration they are making very frantic moves and jumps, and by so doing prove themselves incapable of stopping the UP party. In 1986 we saw that when the MEP party of the late, honourable Mr. Gilberta (Betico) Croes spearheaded and introduced the fundamentals of Status Aparte in Aruba, the people chose to let the AVP of Aruba take them into their status apart, and the MEP party that had championed status apart from beginning to the end was not permitted by the people of Aruba to take them into their new status.
This is on the verge of happening right here in St. Maarten, come 10-10-10. The Democratic Party began this process for St. Maarten of country status; it was and is the privilege of the NA to continue this process. However, with the passing of time and political grandstanding by the both traditional parties of St. Maarten, much time has been lost in this matter.
Political upheavals in government and the rise and fall of various executive councils caused some young energetic people with a bright vision for the future of St. Maarten to arise, and now they are also shining. To the great dismay of the traditional parties, they must now stand and behold this new team of young St. Maarteners, capable of taking their island into country status, grow by leaps and bounds.
Even more frustrating is the fact that this new party is completely different in its style of campaigning, and its every move is strategic. It points out in a permanent way that it is well organised and its candidates know where they are going.
They are prepared to wrestle with the unknown but imminent difficulties that await St. Maarten and its people, as Country St. Maarten.
A devastating blow to the traditional parties is the fact that the UP party has been rooted and grounded in the people of St. Maarten and has placed the people first and foremost, whilst the traditionalists on both sides have used the people to put their best friends and family members in high and untouchable positions with big salaries so they cannot feel the pain and suffering of the high gasoline prices and high GEBE bills, tax oppression on the poor, and the list goes on and on.
Government had and still has no eyes for the needs of the population of this island. When government commissioners are most needed here, they are spending our money flying up and down all over the globe and leaving us the people to survive however we can, without one incentive from government to help us on.
On September 17, these same traditionalists who have forsaken us throughout the whole year are now clamouring for our votes. But if we did not know the art of survival, our bones would have been white now, whilst they would have, and we would not even get the crumbs, whilst they feast in abundance.
It is high time that the traditionalists take a political rest and let the younger and more dedicated citizens of this island take governing this new country into their care. It is a fact that the DP and the NA did what they could do for country status for St. Maarten, but I am predicting here and now that it will be the dynamic and energetic team of the UP party that will take St. Maarten into country status. You can put this in your pipes and smoke it.
History is about to repeat itself in St. Maarten as it did in Aruba some years ago.
And to be very truthful, I as a former politician feel myself more secure facing the future with the UP party and its team members under the capable, able and dynamic leadership of Mr. Theo Heyliger. A strong wind of change is blowing over St. Maarten. A fresh breeze is welcoming these strong young men and women on the UP party slate to move forward with trust and confidence.
On September 17, God willing, it will be a great and grand victory for us the people of St. Maarten. We are prepared to brace ourselves for the future with the United People's party that will be very victorious at the polls. Veni, vidi, vici. UP party is the party with a vision and a passion for the people of St. Maarten for our time. Let the traditionalists meet their Waterloo on September 17 and let the victory be for us the people and our great UP party.
Name withheld on request.
