Dear Editor,
I recently was asked, “How come you are the Patriot and you were not seen in the march for St. Maarten?”
That march was more a hatred against the Dutch than it was out of love for St. Maarten. It was a need that got an ego to feed.
Well, now I will let the people know why I distance myself from that march. For the previous 20 years up until now, we had Drs. Leopold James and educator Ms. Daniella Jeffrey and then later down we had the St. Maarten grassroot foundation which I am a part of. We spoke about St.Maarten unity of both sides and for the St. Maarten Parliament (Dutch side) to recognize people of St. Maarten Heritage in our constitution. Where was the march? The politicians get up in parliament and oppose that recommendation vehemently in parliament.
I was asking myself, “Who are these people representing?” Many instances Drs. Leopold James and Ms. Daniella Jeffrey and the Patriot warn them the day will come when you as leaders of St. Maarten will be threatened by the superior political system. That time has arrived now.
My question to all those political leaders is the same question you asked me then, “Who is a St. Maartener?”
The political leaders had the power to help protect the people of St. Maarten Heritage and themselves, they refused to do it, and now their chickens are coming home to roost.
I have nothing personally against any person, but of a man that seeks truth the truth must be told and politicians and political leaders must be reminded that the choices they made have consequences.
The St. Maarten grassroots foundation and Ms. Daniella Jeffrey for the past years and presently continue to educate and advocate for the protection of the people of St. Maarten Heritage and to be provided with special privileges. Where was the march for all those years? In fact, we were ridiculed, mocked, and labeled haters because we love St. Maarten genuinely.
We had no political attachments, we even put up our own money to promote events and ask people to attend. Very few attended. Where were the St. Maarteners? We had Patrick Illidge and Frans Richardson challenges with the same superior system. Where was the march?
My point is not to uphold any wrongdoing and law-breaking of anybody. Everybody is innocent until proven guilty. The Patriot is telling the people of St. Maarten to let the justice system do its work. Now is the perfect time for parliament to portray now who is a St. Maartener and recognize them in our constitution. And if our parliament cannot do that, then they are agreeing with the higher political system that is now threatening their behavior and their survival.
Let the truth be revealed. Feel free to hate me, curse me or disagree with me, my point is for you to understand me and to see if I am telling the truth. Can you handle the truth?
The conclusion, that march was simply the need that got an ego to feed.
The Patriot Miguel Arrindell
