Emmanuel: “Minister Brug can 'spin', but our people will not tolerate division”

GREAT BAY--Leader of the Nation Opportunity Wealth (NOW) party, Christopher Emmanuel, has issued a sharp rebuke over the airport controversy, declaring that Minister of VSA Richinel Brug must take full responsibility for the fallout. Emmanuel stressed that as Minister, Brug is ultimately accountable for the actions of his Ministry and the information provided to entities such as Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE).

Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. (PJIAE) has walked back its September 1 letter announcing that French St. Martin–born nationals without Dutch-side work permits or residency would no longer be issued airport access cards. The reversal comes after significant public outcry and urgent intervention by the Government of Sint Maarten.

""We all know that the government gave PJIAE the instruction to withdraw the letter, but the fact that it could even be written raises alot of questions and insults the people of this country. The Minister and his entire Ministry as well as the airport should have known better. You live here, do you not understand what such a decision would do," Emmanuel asked?

“It is inconceivable that such indications could be given by VSA to PJIAE and decisions taken against our French brothers and sisters without considering the reality of how we live, our shared history, and our heritage,” Emmanuel stated. “The buck stops with the Minister. He cannot hide behind his Ministry. He is responsible, and he must answer and he must be very careful with that answer."

Emmanuel further warned of the dangers of having a foreign national at the helm of PJIAE, noting that such individuals may not fully appreciate or anticipate the consequences of these decisions. “There are things in this country that our people will never tolerate. We marched to the border as one during COVID, and we can march again – and do more – against any wedge, perceived or otherwise, that seeks to divide our people.”

Highlighting the absurdity of the situation, Emmanuel pointed out: “Air France does not land on French St. Martin, neither does KLM. Yet our airport wants to shut out workers who were born here? It is beyond comprehension.”

The NOW leader dismissed the “fluff” released by PJIAE to walk back its September 1 letter, and preempted what he called the inevitable “spin” that Minister Brug will try to put on the issue. “This is simple: either you enforce the law or you don’t. And with PJIA we have been lenient, and we should continue to be that way. After all, property tax is also the law, and we don’t dare enforce that either. Why now take a stand against our own people?”

Emmanuel demanded clarity on PJIAE’s stated intention to “continue working with VSA.” “On what exactly?” he asked. “Any attempt to prohibit or limit the hiring of our people – French St. Martiners born here – will meet stiff opposition.”

He concluded with a stern warning: “Let me be clear. These are our people, born here. If Minister Brug wants to remain in office and if the CEO of PJIAE wants to keep his job, they must leave this issue alone. Enough has already been taken from our people. Attempting to strip away our unity and our stance as one people will not be tolerated. It will be opposed by any means necessary. Let us not allow any more division in our country, among our people.”

The former MP also took a hsot at the sitting opposition members of Parliament. He said a government is only as strong as its opposition and, currently, "the government has shown to be as weak as the current opposition members of Parliament who has not uttered a word in defense of the people and their heritage."

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