Dear Editor,
Those who waive their principles to disguise the true purpose of an event leave room to question their motive, timing and benefits. With this being said, what was the real reason for organizing the march that took place on Wednesday, August 29? Was it purely to give persons the opportunity to express their grievances, or was it catapulted by an underlying intent, to suit the organizers’ agenda?
At first, they gave the impression that the march is to express their dissatisfaction with the Prosecutor’s Office towards the handling of MP Theo Heyliger’s court case. When the people confronted their motive, they changed their minds and added other issues, just to pacify the population. If the group can be this dishonest about a simple matter as standing up for the UD leader, whom they believed is targeted by the Dutch, then how can they guide us into independence?
People who believe in a cause do not backpedal; instead, they stand their ground and convince the public to join them. But this can only happen when the population trust them, because trust is the thread that unites them and the people. This is simple math! “With trust, even silence is understood. Without trust every word is misunderstood.”
This is why the late Nelson Mandela and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will forever remain in the hearts of many. These men of character and stamina stood up and fought, to bring about significant and immeasurable changes to modern society. How did these honourable men gain international recognition for their contribution? They did not ride on emotions, but rather on their conviction of a just cause; the kind that has allowed them to display behaviours of honesty and enormous humility.
Speaking of humility, not even an ounce of this noble quality was exhibited during the interview that was live on Laser 101 the day preceding the march. In fact, the organizers had no interest in the host’s input. All they cared about was to get their point across; a continued attitude that has damaged their reputation in getting the traction that they need to mobilize the population.
Isn’t baffling to whom the statement “Let our leaders lead” is directed? Haven’t they been leading for the past 60 plus years without much interference? When did Holland impose higher supervision and lifted it because the same leaders pledged to reduce the financial debt that they themselves have incurred? Was it not that these leaders destroyed the Nederland Antillen in exchange for 10-10-10, the status that gave them the opportunity to better manage these outstanding invoices?
What did they do? The majority enriched themselves and turn their backs on the people, which has led to this frenzy phenomenon called vote buying. So who have reduced the government and others to beggars, after years of riding on sustained prosperity, to a totally bankrupted country? “Let our leaders lead” should be directed to those gluttonous MPs, who throw down the government every time “their” minister refuses to obey their commands.
In reference to the issues of incompetence and not giving young people a chance to govern, which politician bypassed her young intellectuals and recruited a retiree from Holland to work in her cabinet – one who had left St. Maarten for good? Isn’t this contrary to the message that is thrown out to the public now? How much did it cost taxpayers for such an undertaking? So, who gives the Dutch the impression that the St. Maarten people are incompetent?
With regard to corruption, this is self-explanatory, as it comes in several forms, but many want to turn a blind eye to the reality. Since the organization disapproves of the workings of the Prosecutor’s Office, why don’t they demand an investigation into where drug addicts acquire the substance that is used to embalm dead bodies, for them to combine it with marijuana to smoke? Then, mobilize the population to march against this very dangerous addiction that is crippling the nation!
Joslyn Morton
