June 23, 2004 will mark the fourth anniversary of the 2000 Referendum. As I reflect on the past years, I firstly wish to congratulate the people of St. Maarten for their overwhelming support for a constitutional status which I am convinced will place us on a path of self-reliance, a yearning harbored by our fore parents throughout the centuries.

The institutionalization of the Netherlands Antilles in 1948 did not diminish this drive, but did serve to develop the social-political bonds with the other islands of the Netherlands Antilles.

Socio-economic relations between these two groups of islands scattered in the Caribbean region were more durable than the political constellation, a fact supported by Aruba's departure from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986.

After varying predictions of success, it gives me satisfaction to note that most persons have remained committed to our goal. The work group and subgroup members sacrificed much of their time as they debated and prepared papers and reports for political negotiations and decision-making.

Also heartening are the offers by others in our community to give of their talent and expertise to the cause of the Country Saint Martin.

The road ahead will be even rockier, as we brace ourselves for the intense negotiations ahead. But we must remain firm in our convictions and resolve. Our past is filled with experiences of giving up when the end was in sight. Imagine when our children can aspire to be their country's Prime Minister, their country's ambassadors, and when they will sit at the table amongst other
leaders and defend Saint Martin. Achievement of this vision is up to us.

Someone once remarked that: "There is light at the end of the tunnel, but the light itself is not moving. We have to go towards it". This is appropriate analogy.

In the words of a famous singer:

"We can make it if we really want,
But we must try, try and try.
We'll succeed at last".

By Sarah A. Wescott-Williams
Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs