Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
Not to comment on the content of a trial in progress, but the argument that Member of Parliament Patrick Illidge "used influence to get things done" (see Friday's and today's stories) is an interesting one from a historical perspective. You see, "getting things done" was very much part of St. Maarten's political culture, over the years leading to campaign slogans such as "Man of Action."
This is not all that surprising, considering the very rapid development of its tourism economy the Dutch side experienced in the latter part of the previous century while the public administration – to a large extent directed from Willemstad – was simply not able to handle the increased workload.
Whether it regarded employment and residence papers, building permits or business licences, to a certain extent demand simply exceeded supply. Rather than turn business away, local leaders at the time occasionally chose to "get things done."
The problem is, of course, that bending the rules is not only wrong based on the principle of the rule of law, but undermines the moral authority of government and easily can lead to favouritism, patronage and, yes, corruption. Moreover, accepting large sums of money to do so would be totally unacceptable under any circumstances, but the fact remains that the perception that politicians should make things happen did not fall from the sky.
To be sure, this has nothing to with the Bada Bing case, but it is often said that if, for example, the harbour had not upgraded Philipsburg and had left such to government, even with the necessary funding, it might never have happened. Are voters to be blamed for thinking that, if they see a new Administration Building sitting empty for so long?
The bottom line is that the people's business must be done strictly by the books and it's high time as well, especially in this day and age. But, for example, locking everybody up who ever "got things done" is impossible, if for no other reason, because many of them are no longer with us.
The integrity broom is sweeping through the young country and it will be all for the better in the end, but let's not close our eyes to the realities of the recent past. To know where you are going and how best to get there, you must also understand where you've been.
