Dear Editor,
St. Maarten’s political culture has been marred by vote buying for as long as I can remember.
Some may say it can’t ever change; it’s who we are. I disagree. I think it can change but the root causes of these issues, the reason why it is so prevalent needs to be tackled.
In my opinion, the Government, your elected officials, should look out for your best interest through a clear vision for the country, effective policy making and the enforcement of our country’s laws. Purchasing an AC unit or paying your GEBE bill for the month is the opposite of those things. Buying your vote is actually shutting you up, taking away your power, until the next election rolls around.
For years now the following phrases have been heard throughout our community: “I’m going to sell my vote because nothing will change anyway so at least I can get something out of it that I need” or “I’m not going to vote because I’m upset and tired and nothing will change anyway.”
Let’s look at the first perspective: “Nothing will change anyway so let me look out for me.” Looking out for yourself through selling your vote for an item or money is exactly what politicians do when they sell out this country to a developer. They pocket a fee, they allow concrete to be poured and they take no measures to ensure that you will have employment or that your wages will be fair. The persons who buy your vote are the same ones who create this unfair, unequal society that we currently live in. They are looking out for their pockets just like you are looking out for yours. And it’s not fair. You should not be a beggar in your own country. But they are in positions of power because of it, they live in nice houses while you are struggling to make ends meet. Life is becoming harder but that vote of yours is precious; don’t sell it!
Let’s look at the second perspective: “Nothing will change anyway so I’m not going to vote.” Election fatigue is real and understandable. It feels like you’re in the twilight zone and going insane because you keep doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. “Why should you have respect for our democracy when many politicians don’t have respect for you?” Not all politicians are the same. Some of us do respect you and want to work to truly improve your life! If you honor your right to choose, to make a decision and vote for a person that can represent you on the values and principles you live by, then you are standing up against corruption and ego. You are saying that you will continue to do that part of your job as a citizen of the country, for your children and their children even if you can’t see the change you think you should see now.
Don’t let those that cause instability win. Don’t let them break your spirit, because if you stay home, they will get back in. They’re buying votes to get back in. They’re desperate to get back in.
There was an article recently that stated that St. Maarten has the most cases of corruption within the Kingdom. When I read it, it reminded me of one of my favorite quotes by Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie that goes; “The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they aren’t true, but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story.”
Let’s change some of the stories on St. Maarten that make us angry and tired and ashamed. Together we can – by you voting not because someone gave you something, but because you have seen this person work in your community and have a feel for who they are; kind, honest, competent, educated and experienced enough to take this country into a more sustainable future.
Let’s change the stereotype that all politicians on St. Maarten are corrupt. That our people are easily bought. That our country will continue to be sold out by people looking out only for themselves.
August 19th is that opportunity to create a new story.
Solange Ludmila Duncan
Candidate 11
Party for Progress
