Dear Editor,
The first thing that comes to mind is that one cannot overstate the value and beauty of democracy. Democracy functioned; it prevailed on St. Maarten.
Many were convinced that the old government that successfully managed to stay in power for four (4) years, an admirable achievement on its own, would be reelected straight out.
Others started talking about the so-called silent opposition, especially in the last months leading up to the election. This, with the expected speculation about which party would be supported by the Silent Opposers.
All communities have their unique characteristics and so also our relatively small village called St. Maarten. If this election taught us anything, is that the St. Maarten people are not only resilient, as shown time and again after hurricanes/disasters, but also very perceptive. Often, silently perceptive and decisive.
The election showed that – the majority of – the St. Maarten voters value:
1. Decency, an attentive, down-to-earth, straightforward way of being of our political leaders, instead of arrogant, belittling and demeaning attitudes, often premised on a false perception of power;
2. The rulings by the St. Maarten Court. This, by not reelecting and/or supporting those convicted for corruption and/or withdrawing their support to their network;
3. The – semblance of – integrity, by also withdrawing support to those who in the court of the people’s opinion maybe insufficiently managed to concretely disprove or even contest accusations of improprieties, specifically of corruption.
The, for the time being, new coalition, is wise to consider and respect these core values of the St. Maarten people. If history teaches us anything, is that the St. Maarten people can namely today support you, and tomorrow not! Another attestation of the beauty and functionality of democracy within our society.
There are also hard-working and dedicated politicians, with tangible achievements, who will now be part of the opposition or maybe even no longer in the political field.
Be perseverant!
Also, don’t forget that the tides change fast on our beautiful island.
More importantly, that whilst criticizing on the sideline is relatively easy, governing, the ability to come up with, implement and realize constructive solutions/projects, isn’t.
Let’s all, finally, not forget that government functions are not ours. They belong to the people whom we can, if elected and under given circumstances, temporary serve!
Jairo Bloem
