Dear Editor,
Whenever I hear people of St. Maarten heritage say they are local I see weakness and people that have no sense of identity.
I notice all if not most people in our government cannot say they are from St. Maarten or a St. Maartener. That shows they have an inferiority complex.
Patriotism is very important. The feeling must especially be born in the youth of the country so they act as responsible citizens.
Youth is the future of the nation and for the bright future of the country, it is important for them to protect and preserve the nation and act in its best interest to make it outshine.
Nationalism is an ideology and movement that promotes the interests of a particular nation (as in a group of people) especially with the aim of gaining and maintaining the nation's sovereignty (self-governance) over its homeland. It also encourages pride in national achievements and is closely linked to patriotism.
Local is any person living in St. Maarten a long time but that person is not a St. Maartener.
The manner individuals carry or portray themselves is how people define you. If you say you are a local then you accept yourself as a third-class citizen.
Last week I read in the paper a member of the government say the businesses must hire more locals.
I agree 100 percent with the businesses that what they are doing is hiring locals. If our government is too stupid or afraid to make certain that they hire St. Maarteners then they have the free will to do as they please. The weakness of leaders in government invites outsiders or foreign interference to oppress you in your own country because you cannot define who you are and who should have first preference.
As long as every St. Maartener and government leaders that are in the executive branch or legislative branch are too stupid and weak to define who they are, businesses have all right to take advantage of you.
The conclusion, people of St. Maarten heritage, are you a local or a St. Maartener?
Choices have consequences, choose wisely and choose now. I am of St. Maarten heritage, not local. (I from here.)
The patriot Miguel Arrindell
