PHILIPSBURG – The Independence for St. Martin Foundation (ISMF) has expressed solidarity with the people and government of St. Eustatius in the ongoing conflict with the government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Speaking on behalf of ISMF during the latter’s presentation to the Central Committee of Parliament on Wednesday, May 18, 2017, secretary of the foundation Dr. Rhoda Arrindell said, “We of the ISMF have taken note of the increasing tension between the government of St. Eustatius and the kingdom government.”
“We consider this rather unfortunate as it points once more to a relationship, which is not based on equality and mutual respect,” said Dr. Arrindell.
“That is why we of the ISMF express our solidarity with the government and people of St. Eustatius,” she continued.
“We urge all parties to the conflict to seek a speedy resolution through dialogue and respect for international covenants, especially the relevant provisions of the United Nations Charter which supersede other national or kingdom laws,” Dr. Arrindell stated.
“It is not inconceivable to see that what happens to St. Eustatius could also happen to us here in St. Maarten as the recent wrangling over the Integrity Chamber demonstrates,” Dr. Arrindell concluded.
