The result of Wednesday’s St. Eustatius Island Council elections was the talk of the town not just in Oranjestad but also The Hague. Second Chamber of Parliament member Ronald van Raak (see related story) even called for a referendum.
His argument is that the same Progressive Labour Party (PLP) which was in power when the Dutch government took over in February 2010 citing neglect, intimidation, corruption and mismanagement received majority support and three of the five seats. The Socialist Party (SP) politician even suggested that the people voted against the Netherlands despite all the investments made.
Although one can understand such thinking and the underlying feeling of disappointment, his reaction seems a bit premature and out of place, to say the least. The population has exercised its democratic right and spoken out loud and clear, but that does not automatically mean they necessarily want undone all that has been achieved in the past 2½ years.
Furthermore, PLP has a different leader in Rechelline Leerdam and while her predecessor Clyde van Putten and the number four candidate Rueben Merkman – who were both part of the coalition sent home in 2018 – got more votes, she can be expected to play a big role within the party’s faction going forward. Leerdam’s main stated goal of developing a “sustainable Statia for all” is something few will argue with.
The authority of the new elected council will also be limited certainly during the first phase of the transition period. For one thing, it cannot decide on financial matters, obviously a key component when governing any territory.
So, there is no reason to expect drastic action from PLP’s three now elected representatives anytime soon. They too will realise that turning back the clock is neither possible nor desirable especially under the current “new normal” coronavirus-related circumstances.
Initiatives for another referendum on the island’s constitutional status should in principle come from within the local community rather than The Hague. Holding one was also not a specific central issue in the campaign and to suggest that is in fact what people voted for would be jumping to conclusions.
