SXMElections.com

Preparations were still in full swing to turn Mike van Putten Youth Centre into a polling station on Tuesday afternoon.

ST. EUSTATIUS--Eligible voters in St. Eustatius will be casting their votes today, Wednesday, in the consultative referendum on the island’s constitutional future. The polling station in Mike van Putten Youth Centre will be open from 7:30am to 9:00pm. The results will not be made public until Friday, 10:00pm.

In the referendum, voters will have the opportunity to choose between four different options: 1. St. Eustatius to stay a Public Entity; 2. St. Eustatius becoming an independent country; 3. St. Eustatius becoming an autonomous territory within the Dutch Kingdom; and 4. St. Eustatius becoming an integrated part of the Netherlands. These four options were established by the Executive and Island Councils.

All parties in the Island Council have expressed their support for option-3. Only the Democratic Party ((DP)) is in favour of maintaining the current status (option-1).

In the information booklet that was issued by the Island Government, Governor Gerald Berkel said the referendum provides the Statia community with the opportunity to express its desired wish with regard to the constitutional future of their island.

“The right of self-determination of a people is a fundamental principle in international law. It is embodied in the Charter of the United Nations and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights…The future of our island is the collective responsibility of all of its citizens. Let us take this opportunity to have our voices heard in determining the course of our collective future by our active participation,” the Governor said.

Governor of Constitutional Affairs Reginald Zaandam called the referendum the opportunity of a lifetime. “Permit me to point out to you that the biggest factor in your decision-making process is the risk that you can be influenced to vote for a constitutional status that looked too great when it comes to the matter of autonomy, but says little about the economy, education, health care, jobs and prices. Always keep in mind that before you make your decision it is advisable to seek undisputed facts about the pros and cons on the options. The impact of your choice may be felt for generations to come,” he said.

The result of the referendum is not binding. The threshold for the validity of the outcome of the constitutional referendum was set at 60 per cent of the electorate. The result of the referendum is to be used in the evaluation of the island’s current status, which is slated for 2015.

Adult residents of 18 years and older with Dutch nationality and foreign residents who have lived legally in Statia for five years or longer are eligible to vote. Voting cards were distributed among voters early December. Only persons carrying their voting cards and identification will be allowed to vote. Voting by proxy is also possible.

Many persons complained that they had not received their voting cards. This was explained by the fact that Post Office workers were not familiar with the addresses mentioned on the voting cards, which were then returned to the Civil Registry. Persons were able to pick up their voting cards at the Civil Registry until Tuesday afternoon.

Proponents of the various options campaigned heavily for the option of their choice in the past months. Not only political parties made their voices known, pressure groups such as Pro Statia held information evenings with panel discussions to inform the public about the referendum and the various options.

Up until Tuesday evening various groups and organisations under the leadership of Pro Statia and Island council members explained the options on the ballots live on CTC TV.

On Tuesday afternoon, members of the Voting Bureau were still busy putting the final touches in place under the direction of Millicent Romney-Lijfrock and Merlene Hudson- Elliott and Carin Sikking of the Civil Registry.

“The public is encouraged to come out and express their democratic rights. This is not a political party you are voting for,” said UPC Island Councilman Elvin Henriquez, “It is for the future of the island of Statia and its children.”

In the last referendum, which was held in 2005, Statia opted as the only island to remain in the then Netherlands Antilles. As this did not work out many Statians feel that the current status as public entity was forced down their throats without any consultation. The introduction of too many new rules and regulations, and higher prices and taxation are generally felt as negative consequences of the island’s current status.

Political analysts predict a 50/50 vote between more autonomy and the status quo. Many persons, however, seem still to be undecided about which option to vote for. Therefore, also on Tuesday afternoon politicians were still seen urging persons to cast their vote.