Dear Editor,
This morning I woke thanking the Lord for life and for giving me another day for Him to use me to build His Kingdom on earth. While going through my daily devotions I got a call from someone who told me the new number plates will have the words 50 years of Carnival written above the plate, which did not feel right in my spirit because of my belief as a Christian. For years we have been using the words “The Friendly Island” above our plates. I would truly like to know the following:
Which Minister is responsible for the words written on our license plates and why the words written were changed to “50 years of Carnival” knowing full well that as a Christian we do not support Carnival because of its origin and the reckless behaviour of some of our people during that period.
I am very disturbed that the entity or entities that changed the wording on our plates did not even have the decency to discuss this change in a parliament meeting with the people we voted for back in 2018, so we can hear their opinion or even have a discussion with the Council of Churches, St. Maarten United Ministerial Foundation or Seven Day Adventist Foundation, seeing that these churches do not support Carnival because of their Christian belief. It is sad to see that Christians are now forced to drive around with a number plate that in a way promotes Carnival.
Let us say, for example, if someone who supports the Lion's Club or someone of a political party is celebrating the 50-year anniversary of their organisation, would it be right to force all citizens who own a vehicle on St. Maarten to drive around for one full year with the words : “50 years of Lion's Club” or even “50 years of the Democratic Party”?
I would like to have some answers pertaining to this very disturbing decision to alter the words above our license plates. As a citizen, I would like to know and if need be, I am prepared to submit a letter to Government and Parliament to start a discussion on this very touchy subject. This is my opinion as a born-again Christian and believer in Jesus Christ. I would like to have the feedback from anyone whether for or against this subject matter. Do have a blessed day. I love you St. Maarten.
Jeffrey Richardson
Citizen of St. Maarten
