Recess Reflections by MP Gumbs: On respectable Politics and Their Impact on St. Maarten

On respectable Politics and Their Impact on St. Maarten

By MP Melissa Gumbs as published on LinkedIn on July 21, 2022.

Author's Note: Recess Reflections is going to be a weekly series (postings on Thursdays) throughout the 2022 Parliamentary recess, which is six weeks long. It will cover a variety of topics regarding the political, financial, socio-economic and geopolitical situations on St. Maarten. It is also a challenge to myself, to write my thoughts in long-form more often. With this latest in the series, I hope you're enjoying the journey so far!

Being one of the "new kids on the block" in Sint Maarten politics, you tend to hear criticisms about yourself that you wouldn't hear as a regular civilian. A recent mention, and the motivation behind this week's reflection, is that my online posts regarding my experience, views and outlook on the direction of Sint Maarten (whether on Facebook or Twitter) have been "bullying," especially towards the government. I find this statement interesting, as my tone on how I've criticized the workings of the country has been the same both in person and across social media, prior to and since being elected. I'm pretty straightforward and express my insights to the best of my ability so that all persons are able to comprehend. Sometimes, this can come across in a very sarcastic “well, duh” manner, and I’m fully cognizant of this. I’ve never debased myself to personal attacks, like many in our Parliament and Government apparatus. I prefer to focus on someone’s professional performance, and their actions within that capacity. Somehow, but not unsurprisingly, that is bothersome to many. Then it dawned on me.