Dear Editor,
I remember sitting during break time in St. Maarten Academy, and arguing with my best friend Luvanny about the latest political developments. Our families supported rival parties at the time and at 13 years old there was no way we could possibly understand the intricacies of St. Maarten politics. We did, however, with much gusto, exude a passion and love for this idea that, every four years, a group of people set out to make our country better, for us and our future. At least, in theory, that was what we believed was happening.
I wake up now as an adult every morning thinking about the continuous political turmoil that this country can’t seem to get itself out of. Like everyone you speak to these days, I am also tired. But more than any fatigue I might feel, is a feeling of greater purpose, determination and urgency.
I made the decision to officially enter the political arena in 2017. I had just returned from the Netherlands after a year of fighting alongside my one-year old daughter Emma who, after multiple heart surgeries, passed away before being able to receive a heart transplant. I buried her here in May. In September Hurricane Irma devastated St. Maarten and in December the election wheels started to turn. With a speech from another friend, who reminded me of what was at stake, I threw my hat into the ring.
If I could withstand all of that, what is another election now? What is another chance to convince my people that if they put their trust in me and other like-minded, intelligent, passionate St. Maarteners of integrity, our country can still turn around? Every year we get the chance to reverse the way in which politics stain our land, our minds and our hearts and every year we come short. But not this time.
This election will be even harder than the last. But isn’t life a battle already? Old vs. new. New vs. new. There are those of us who love St. Maarten and are truly running to serve our people, and those of us who are in it for self-enrichment; to continue the old ways. There are those whose egos are the decision-takers and those who will truly put country first. There are those of us who will work and execute and those who will continue to talk and talk and talk.
I am tired just like you. I am angry just like you. But I am not a quitter. I am not a coward. I know that the future of St. Maarten and my daughter’s and every other child’s rightful place in this country is in jeopardy. I’ll be showing up again. I’ll be in the arena. I love this country too much not to be.
How about you?
Ludmila Duncan
