POND ISLAND–“Let’s go into 2018 with optimism, hope and the desire for improvement. That is the only way we will fully recover from the disaster we suffered in 2017,” caretaker Prime Minister Rafael Boasman urged the community in his New Year’s message.
Boasman called on everyone to not to look back at 2017 and see only negative. “Let’s not linger on the obstacles and the downside of life. Let us start by being thankful for life. … Let us hold on to the positive and use that as our tool to move forward into 2018. We should, however, remain critical and demand transparency and good governance.”
The challenges with which the country will be faced in 2018 are many, he said. “Our economy will shrink. Many will be jobless. Things will not be easy and we should not expect such to be the case. Many social issues such as crime, mental health and domestic violence must also be addressed. All of this whilst we prepare for the next hurricane season. That is our reality.
“However, together we will overcome these challenges facing us. We are known to be resilient people. In 2018 let us find the courage to face difficulties. Let us seek strength to overcome our weaknesses. Let us show loyalty in friendship and be faithful in executing our duties,
“I wish all of you and your loved ones a prosperous and healthy 2018. Let us not lose faith and give up on our dreams. Let us stand together and rebuild our beautiful island.”
Boasman added that the country’s recovery depends on each and every resident. “2017 was no normal year for St. Maarten. We were faced with some unusual challenges, which many of us have not yet fully recovered from. We suffered material damage. Homes, vehicles, jobs and even lives were lost. There was political upheaval, social unrest, looting, and the list of negativity can go on and on,” he said.
Under normal circumstances if asked to recall the most memorable day of the year, Boasman said you would hear responses like: “‘my birthday,’ ‘the day I started my new job,’ ‘Christmas,’ ‘the birth of my child,’ those types of responses. All positive.
“I am sure that if that same question is asked about 2017 the unanimous response will be: ‘Hurricane Irma on September 6.’”
Of the 365 days in 2017, September 6 “will undoubtedly be the most memorable for all of us. Yes, that was the day that changed St. Maarten people’s lives, their hopes and their dreams. That day will long be remembered by all of us. In fact, I dare say that St. Maarten’s history will be written as ‘the days before Hurricane Irma and the days after Hurricane Irma,’” he said.
In his push for positivity, Boasman also reiterated his call made at Christmas for special thoughts and care for the less fortunate.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/72332-boasman-calls-country-to-face-2018-with-positivity
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