Dear Editor,
I bought the paper this Wednesday and the first thing I saw is that the Prosecutor wants to lock up some more people. That took me back to my father when I was becoming a teenager and started joining friends. He would tell me, “If you were not there your name could not be called.” But I do not think that with this on their minds the families could have a good Christmas, and I definitely would not like for them to be bringing in the new year in this way.
Fortunately, though there is some good news for the people of St. Martin, because I also read that Minister Girardin announces “Suspension” of PPRN process”. I thought prayer really helps.
I had already made notes the day before, so this prompted me to react to the letter to you from Steven Johnson “Responsibility failed” in particular in the way in which he negatively criticized our government for, on behalf of our people “St Martin people”, risking reciprocation by deciding not to permit the French authorities to make use of our port. It was as if he, or whoever put him up to it (possibly irresponsible, campaign tactics) was contented because of this decision taken by our government, so that whoever could capitalize on it.
But it backfired because the situation is on hold ’til after three months leading up to May 2020. By then we would have had a new government and I do not believe we would have already toppled the new government by then. It took guts to take that decision, but I believe that compassion -and I, being a believer, have to add prayers- helped and won.
By reacting this way does not mean that I have forgotten the way that original airport proposal was handled. This is a perfect example that where there is a will there is a way. I do not believe that the French were reasonable when taking that decision. No matter whether the president of Saint Martin went along with or not, in my view anyone could anticipate that reaction because of the way in which the news of the decision would be delivered.
I must mention that I do not think that Steven Johnson or like I mentioned before whoever put him up to it showed any compassion. Would he really be OK with the consequences of a confrontation? The last I heard it is the people who put government in place to manage the affairs of the people. And the police are there to protect and serve. Laws are not people; laws do not feel, people feel. Laws do not make children, people do. So, whether Steven’s letter to you was politically motivated or not, there are times when I decide to put down my pen because like my deceased friend always used to remind me, “Of the unspoken word you are the master, of the spoken word you are the slave”.
May God bless this situation, so that it ends up a win-win.
Russell A. Simmons
