Memorandum signing heralds
a new era of joint cooperation
MARIGOT--The long awaited signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by Mayor Albert Fleming and Leader of Government Sarah Wescot-Williams finally took place Saturday at the Belvedere border monument Saturday.
The signing added a new fixture to official ceremonies commemorating the last St. Martin/St. Maarten Day under the island’s present constitutional structures.
Wescot-Williams described the document as a framework for formalising cooperation between Dutch and French St. Martin allowing continuation of existing cooperation and opening up possibilities for cooperation in new areas.
“Even now the wording might not be an accurate reflection of the deep-rooted desires of our nation, but there’s no doubt about the spirit of the MOU and the trust and desire to make things right for our people,” she said in her address at the French Quarter Cultural Centre. “But the document will not be worth the paper it is printed on if the representatives of the people do not act accordingly. We need to move in tandem to address problems on both sides.”
This November, she continued, has been the most eventful and significant November month ever with the ratification of the much debated Franco-Dutch Treaty by parliament and the “irreversible steps” taken by both sides of the island to effect constitutional change next year, a major “turning point”; events that were capped by the pomp and splendour of Princess Juliana Airport’s inauguration on Friday.
“The Franco-Dutch treaty could be an instrument to address issues that we have long fussed over and blamed others for,” she said. “Immigration, for example, is not so much about who comes in, but more about the status of their stay on the island once their legally allowed time has passed.”
On the imminent constitutional changes, she said more autonomy meant “the habit of living in a comfort zone and criticising the system or powers that be” has now come to an end.
Earlier at the border, elected representatives of both sides of the island attended a delayed wreath-laying ceremony, together with a large delegation of overseas dignitaries.
Governor of Anguilla Andrew George headed the largest delegation of seven members from his island, while other attendees included Attorney General of St. Kitts Dennis Merchant and Chief Secretary Joseph Edmeade, president of the Regional Council of Guadeloupe Victorin Lurel, senator and president of the General Council of Guadeloupe Jacques Gillot, and Netherlands Antilles Members of Parliament.
Governor of Bermuda Sir John Vereker and Ambassador Colin Murdoch from Antigua were also present, with representatives of St. Barths, Saba, and the US and British Virgin Islands.
It was a poignant day for Mayor Albert Fleming, giving his last St. Martin Day address in the official capacity of Mayor. Fleming has given 30 years of service to St. Martiners, six years as Deputy Mayor and 24 years as Mayor.
On the new status, he said; “The support of the population is vital. The population, not just the politicians, must prepare itself mentally for this change and take charge. Mentality has to be changed for this new system of governing to work. For the first term we will need all hands on board. It will not be easy. But whoever the new leaders will be, I believe in them and their sense of duty and devotion.”
Other speakers included General Councillor Louis-Constant Fleming, Interim Préfet Yvan Alain, President of the Regional Council Victorin Lurel, president of the General Council Jacques Gillot, Dutch side Commissioner Louie Laveist and French side Commissioner Noreen Brooks.
Most speakers reflected their thoughts and aspirations on the constitutional changes.
Prior to the speeches and lunch, various troupes from Dutch and French sides paraded past the Cultural Centre. Miss French Quarter Senior Queen 2006 Natalie Richinsin and Miss French Quarter Teen Queen 2006 Valencia Hercules added a touch of glamour to the march past.
The afternoon was taken up with several games and activities for children, and a cycle race. A ball was held for the visiting delegations at Hotel Mercure, Baie Nettle, in the evening.
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