Dear Editor,
I am reacting to an article that was published by St. Martin News Network titled “Democratic Party in Disarray Over Controversial Appointment of CBCS chairman.”
My first reaction is:
What is wrong with the leadership of the democratic party?
Why would there be any uproar with the appointment of Mr. Jairo Bloem for CBCS chairman? The first comment under the abovementioned article says it all.
Mr. Bloem has the knowledge, the experience, is highly capable and will stand firm against in the best interest of the monetary union and by extension for St. Maarten’s interest.
As I happen to know that the gentleman has held functions as legal adviser to the Board of NV GEBE, member of the Supervisory Board of TELEM, member of the Supervisory Board of Lawyers (Raad van Toezicht) and he was at one-point member of the same Supervisory Board of CBCS and did an excellent job.
- It is important to mention that when Michael Cleaver was appointed as CEO of PJIA, a Canadian with a criminal record for God’s sake, there was no uproar.
- When Mr. Thomas Roggendorf was appointed as temporary manager for NV GEBE, there was no uproar.
- When a son of the soil Mr. Kendall Dupersoy was removed from TELEM there was no uproar.
- When the Minister of TEATT created another competition for TELEM by bringing in Starlink and putting the nail through the coffin and to now wonder why TELEM is going through its struggles, there was no uproar.
- When a foreigner was appointed CEO of WINAIR above Mr. Buncamper with all his experience, there was no uproar within.
I refuse to believe that this could be because Mr. Bloem is seen as a Curacaolean, because we cannot go there self as Mr. Bijlani, former Chairman of Parliament, is an Indian.
Mr. Emil Lee, a former Minister of VSA, was born in New York out of Chinese immigrant parents.
Mr. Perry Geerlings, a former Minister of Finance, is a proud Surinamese.
Mr. Marcel Gumbs, a former Prime Minister, was born in Curacao.
Mr. Viren Kotai, a current Parliamentarian, was born here but his parents are from India.
So I can go on and on. All of them whom were/are our representatives at one point and did their utmost best for the country.
The mere fact that the Sint Maarten government has the opportunity to nominate the person to hold the position of chairman of the Supervisory Board of CBCS and that we have a capable candidate for the function, is to be applauded. Instead we choose to play petty politics. This is sickening to say the least.
It is time that we grow up and let go of ego, jealousy and envy to one another. Shame to you all.
Be proud of the Minister of Finance, Ms. Marinka J. Gumbs, who is doing an excellent job. Give the honorable Minister the opportunity to govern.
Concern Citizen
Name withheld on author request.
