The Union is gravely concerned with crisis that erupted on Thursday December 12, 2019 on the North side of the island. There are no shortage of reports, images and videos depicting the level material damage inflicted on private & public property, intense confrontations between demonstrators and the police and several allegations concerning the excessive use of force by the gendarmes.
Worse yet, it is alleged that there are those who use this time of crisis as an opportunity to wreak havoc and participate in purely criminal activities. The Union categorically condemns such malicious and wanton acts, which is a clear departure from and undermines the noble aspirations and the pursuit of justice. Further, we fully support the right of our courageous brothers and sisters on the Northern side to protest any decision, act or policy that threatens their existence and quality of life.
The “PPRN” has been at the center of public debate and met with collective resistance for months. The people maintained a defensive posture for a long time and exhausted all options to engage in meaningful dialogue with the authorities. Despite several district meetings and manifestations, many felt the Collectivite and by extension, the State was unsympathetic to their concerns and rights. Many might agree that what happened a few weeks ago was inevitable.
As an interested observer and in accordance with our guiding principles, we are hoping for a swift and peaceful resolution to end the current impasse regarding the PPRN. To be truly meaningful, the interests and aspirations of the people must be anchored in the final PPRN document. The people need to rebuild their homes and move on!
The Honorable Prime Minister of St. Maarten, with the support of the Council of Ministers, made the right decision to deny a commercial ship, allegedly carrying military supplies and additional gendarmes, to dock at the Port of St. Maarten and the transportation of military trucks to be off loaded and travel from Oyster pond border to Bellevue. The presence and influx of additional police/military forces in such a volatile atmosphere, while considered a relief to some, might lead to a rise in confrontations, between the gendarmes and demonstrators, and placed the cherished unity, between the North and South in jeopardy.
Bravo Madame Prime Minister! Comrades, the widespread protests in the North should serve as a wake-up call to the entire island that unity & solidarity is paramount. To remain divided is irresponsible and suicidal! We applaud and fully endorse the initiative to convene a meeting among vice presidents, elected officials, district councils and representatives of major institutions on the Northern side. We hope that this initiative will lead to a broad united front to force the State act in the interests of the St. Martin people. Forward Ever, Backward Never! Unity & Solidarity is Forever.
Riegnald
“Bakari” Arrindell
General Secretary
WICSU/PSU Union
