Dear Editor,
I have been asking myself two questions. Should I vote on January 9? If I vote who should I vote for? Before I vote for a candidate, the first thing I look for is a copy of each political parties manifesto. Sadly, only one political party released its manifesto in a timely manner. Even the Electoral Council urged political parties to release their manifestos in time.
When I read manifestoes, I examine if some or most of the promises made in the manifestoes by political parties are kept. What I have been looking for from political parties for nearly two decades are plans detailing how the economy of St. Maarten can be diversified to stop St. Maarten’s reliance on the tourist industry.
This election cycle I have not heard how the problem of subsidy cuts will be addressed by a new government. I have not heard any party making a commitment to stop GEBE from charging schools commercial rates for electricity and water. Schools are not businesses.
Where I live on Zebra Drive Cay Hill a pothole has emerged in the road and for four months the government of St. Maarten has forgotten to trim the overgrown grass on both sides of the road. There are many roads that have potholes and overgrown grass throughout this nation. Many streets still experience sewage water seeping onto many roads. I have not heard a comprehensive plan how these problems can be tackled and eliminated.
Many of my friends and I have not seen a political candidate at our doorsteps trying to convince us to vote for him or her. If I vote, I am not going to do so because a candidate is my family or friend. Instead, if a candidate attempts to ask me to vote for him or her, I will look at the person’s educational background.
Furthermore, I will ask questions like how he or she plans to address St. Maarten’s various problems in extensive detail. I want to know the what, when why and how. If any candidate wants to convince me and others who are still undecided, he or she can contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. I willing be listen and question. In my opinion a vote is something candidates should work really hard for with their ideas and plans.
Kenneth Cook
