A Return Shaped by Growth and Purpose
Raeyhon Peterson exudes a quiet determination shaped by life’s trials and a commitment to growth. As he reflects on his return to the public sphere, Peterson speaks not of titles or accolades but of lessons learned and values forged through challenges. His words carry a sense of balance—between resilience and humility, self-awareness and accountability. With a steady focus on integrity and service, he embodies the principle that leadership is not about standing above others but walking alongside them, striving for progress with a clear purpose.
His return to Parliament marks a pivotal moment in his journey as a public servant. Having faced a year of political turbulence—from navigating the scrutiny of ministerial screening to reclaiming a seat in the legislature—Peterson emerges with a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility. Now part of a coalition government, he views this term as an opportunity to prioritize country above self, focusing on stability, accountability, and bridging divides within the political landscape of St. Maarten. His vision is rooted in collaboration, integrity, and a commitment to elevating the standard of governance.
Does it feel different coming back to Parliament this time around? If so, in what ways?
It does feel different. This year has been hectic politically, and from being screened as a Minister to land back in the MP seat, I must say it has been a rollercoaster. I feel like this time the responsibility is a lot more, as I am now also part of a coalition. Putting country above self will play a key role in the years to come.
How do you think you’ve grown since your previous term, both personally and professionally?
I think by going through the trials and tribulations that this last year brought me, especially in the political field, I do feel that I have grown and matured compared to how I felt a year ago. In this new coalition for example, I’ve chosen to put my personal battle with the Governor concerning my screening and ability to become a Minister on hold, even though I was legally justified to continue it. Stability for the country is something that we all as politicians need personally to chip in for, and it starts with self.
What would you say are the most important lessons you took from your past experiences in Parliament? How will those influence your decisions now?
I’ve learned that Parliament is managed by article 44 of our Constitution. And that the idea behind it is key if you want to function as an MP. And that article simply states that all 15 MPs, represent the entire country. So not only your voters and supporters, but everyone, including those who supported the opposing parties. It takes a team and we were chosen by the people to become that team, where discussions and communication are how we should move forward, not by fighting each other as per the usual. I plan on taking this approach across the board and see if the distinction of coalition and opposition can eventually become something of the past, as per the law’s intention.
Are there specific legislative priorities that are top of mind for you as you step back into this role? What issues do you feel require immediate attention?
Yes. I have a couple of laws I plan to work on. The first one will be the screening law. I believe this law is necessary after what I personally went through, to prevent that any other citizen in the future who might want to become a Minister gets his or her constitutional right to become a Minister violated, with zero reasoning or justification coming from the Governor as to why. This void in our legal system gave the Governor the possibility to not only not adhere to the Kingdom Regulation that regulates what his own task is, but to also suffice with simply refusing to sign my LB without having to give any type of justification or reasoning. This cannot be the intention of our democracy, and I plan to give the people the clarity they need on this topic once and for all. There should be no gray areas when it comes to good governance, regardless if it’s coming from a Kingdom body or a St. Maarten body.
Has your perspective on governance or on certain issues shifted since you were last in office?
Not really. Accountability, integrity, and good governance. Those remain the main three areas which we focus on when we make decisions, and that should not change.
How do you view cooperation with opposition MPs? Do you have any strategies for building constructive dialogue across party lines?
As a former opposition MP myself I worked alongside then coalition members when it came to important issues for the country. I have voted for a budget twice, and voted for multiple of their motions and proposals. However when it came to actual accountability, the same courtesy was not given back. So now that I am on the side of government, my approach won’t change. I will still involve opposition MPs in decisions that concern the country because that is also part of their role, keeping not only government but themselves accountable as well.
What are some challenges you foresee in the current governing coalition, and how do you plan to address them?
Maybe communication. That could always be better. Transparency and communication is key when it comes to keeping the public updated on the plans for the country, something that you should definitely go as a government.
Given the current political climate, how do you plan to build or restore public trust in Parliament and its members?
I plan on upping the standards in Parliament. When it comes to empty motions, empty proposals where political gimmicks take a front seat while the actual work is put in the back seat, that is where I will sound the alarm. We are here to legislate and I won’t let the level of representation that the people deserve get dragged down by the usual political games. We’re going to have to step it up a notch.
What do you hope to accomplish in this term that will define your legacy as an MP?
I don’t think I have an actual specific plan to define a legacy, for me being an MP is being a public servant. And you should do that to your best ability. How you treat the public defines your legacy by itself, because the people will choose you back or not. As long as you stay true to the principles that got you into politics, your legacy should speak for itself when your career reaches its end. The people in the end, are the ones who decide.
If there was one piece of advice you could give to new MPs entering Parliament, what would it be?
I would advise the new MP’s to think for yourself and not blindly vote alongside party lines. The Constitution is clear, and you are here to represent the whole island, not only your political party.
Do you consider yourself a leader in this community? How do you define your leadership and how will you measure your success as a leader and public servant?
I don’t personally consider myself a leader although there may be some that might, but I feel that we are all leaders. It is always better to have your people in battle alongside you rather than having them behind you. We are all leaders that all offer our own type of leadership in society. I believe the success will be measured by the outcome. There will never be a time to pinpoint if you were successful or not, but if the result of your actions deliver some permanent change for the greater good, then I think you’ve done your part. And selflessly continuing to do that will set you apart from the rest.
Source: The Peoples Tribune https://www.thepeoplestribunesxm.com
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