Richards, Lacroix call for
strengthened cooperation
PHILIPSBURG--“We have the will and the capability to work on efficient and reinforced cooperation – Let’s do it.” This was the challenge issued Sunday by French side Prefet Delegue Dominique Lacroix in his St. Maarten Day speech.
His call for strengthening cooperation was also mirrored by Lt Governor Franklyn Richards.
Also delivering his address to the island’s people in front of the Government Administration Building on Clem Labega Square, Richards said, “We cannot ignore suggestions for an improved structuring of cooperative structures with the French side, when it comes to matters of, for example, law enforcement.”
Using the “unfortunate incident” that occurred last month involving the Dutch side Police and the French side Gendarmes, he added that this served to shed light on the need to further strengthen forms of cooperation in order to be able to address challenges, which have not been encountered before.
Reiterating statements after the incident, Richards said, “There are times when we need to take time and revisit original intentions and have these clearly stipulated in mutual agreements. There are times, when we need to take a step back and critically assess areas of cooperation, with an eye on improving the situation. No one gains when we allow ourselves to be impassive to changing dynamics in our relationship.”
He went on to say, “In keeping with those changing dynamics, we, sometimes need to pay more attention to the mutual agreements covering our modes of cooperation.
Only taking into consideration the kinds of experiences we have in dealing with one another, continued cooperation should never be a point of contention.”
Lacroix is committed to continued action to improve cooperation, a task he has undertaken from the beginning of his tenure here. The proposals for common work and cooperation of the police and the gendarmes are being studied by the French Government and a quick response is expected on the way forward, he said.
Commenting on the French side’s new status, Lacroix said it simplified and clarified the competences of the territory and indisputability paved the way for togetherness and a renewed cooperation as a means of harmonious economic development for the entire island.
Also listening to the message of Lacroix and Richards were acting Netherlands Antilles Governor Adele v.d. Pluim-Vrede, President of the Territorial Council of St. Martin Louis-Constant Fleming, Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams and other local and visiting dignitaries seated on the balcony of the administration building.
