GREAT BAY--President of the Association for Consumer Protection St. Maarten (ACP-SXM), Peggy-Ann Richardson, has firmly rejected any suggestion that she is seeking or has been approached to take up the vacant position of Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, VSA, following the departure of former Minister Richinel Brug.
Richardson said she has not been asked to take up the post and made clear that even if such an approach were made, she would not accept it. She said the public should not allow rumors about her political future to distract from the work of ACP-SXM or from the upcoming peaceful march scheduled for Monday, June 15.
“I have not been approached to take the former minister’s job,” Richardson said. “If I am approached, I do not want that job.”
Richardson said the current moment is not about personal ambition or political positioning. She said her focus is on the NV GEBE situation, consumer rights and helping to organize citizens around issues that affect their daily lives.
She said that when people are faced with a major public issue, side stories and rumors often emerge to pull attention away from the main cause. She warned supporters not to get caught in confusion, infighting, name-calling or distractions that weaken the broader consumer protection movement.
“Remain focused,” Richardson said. “Do not start fighting among ourselves.”
She stressed that ACP-SXM is not a political party and that the present movement should not be reduced to speculation about her personally.
“This focus is not on Peggy-Ann Richardson,” she said. “ACP-SXM is not a political party.”
Richardson said that if and when she ever decides to put herself forward politically, the public will hear it directly from her and not through rumors. For now, she said, that is not her path.
She said she has prayed and reflected on the matter and believes this is not the time for her to pursue such a role. Instead, she said, this is the time for her to concentrate on the work before ACP-SXM and the concerns surrounding NV GEBE.
“This is not my time,” Richardson said. “This is my time to focus on seeing how I could assist with the NV GEBE situation.”
Richardson also used her comments to address what she described as a deep culture of fear in St. Maarten. She said many people are afraid to speak out, afraid to come forward, afraid to march and afraid to challenge things they believe are wrong.
She said this fear did not develop suddenly, but is the result of years of people seeing consequences follow those who speak up.
“We live in a country that is filled with fear,” Richardson said. “People are fearful of speaking out. People are fearful of coming forward. People are fearful of marching.”
Richardson said there is a reason for that fear. She pointed specifically to the absence of whistleblower legislation in St. Maarten, saying the lack of such protection leaves people exposed when they raise concerns about wrongdoing or problems within organizations.
She said that without safeguards, the consequences for speaking out can be very real. People can face professional retaliation, pressure or even job loss simply for saying that something is not right.
“The repercussions for those people that speak out can be very real and direct,” she said.
Richardson said many residents understand this reality because St. Maarten has seen examples of people facing consequences after coming forward with concerns. She referred to the case of Michel Hyman, who she described as one of the best COOs the airport had, saying he spoke out, submitted documents to Parliament and later lost his job.
She said she did not want to go into all the details of that case, but used it as an example of why many people are hesitant to speak out publicly.
Richardson said this fear is part of why organized public action is important. She said citizens must recognize that silence allows issues to continue, while collective action gives people strength.
She described the NV GEBE matter as broad and said it will take a long-term, organized and united effort. She said everyone may choose to fight in a different way, but the key is to ensure that no one undermines the greater good.
“Everybody has to fight their fight in a certain way,” Richardson said. “But regardless of how you choose to do that fight, do it in a way that will not undermine the greater good.”
ACP-SXM is preparing for a peaceful march on Monday, June 15. Richardson said she will be on a radio tour next week to build momentum for the march and to provide more information to the public.
She said the radio interviews will explain why the march is being held on June 15, why it is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and what the public should understand before participating.
Richardson urged residents to tune in to those interviews, saying she intends to speak directly and clearly about the purpose of the action.
She said the march is an important opportunity for residents to show that they are serious about consumer rights and accountability. She called on citizens not to allow inconvenience to stop them from participating.
Richardson compared the sacrifice being asked of the public to the willingness of people to spend many hours outdoors for major cultural events such as Grand Parade. She said people often attend such events from morning until late afternoon or early evening without complaint, and that the same spirit of sacrifice should be shown when the issue is one that affects the rights and interests of consumers.
She said she recognizes that participation will require effort, but stressed that the march is being organized with purpose.
“Sacrifices have to be made,” Richardson said. “There is a reason why we are doing things. I am not doing things without purpose.”
Richardson said the June 15 march should not be treated as an isolated event, but as part of a broader push for consumer protection and accountability. She urged residents to understand the seriousness of the moment and to participate peacefully, responsibly and in unity.
She again warned against internal division, saying those opposed to consumer rights would benefit from confusion among citizens. She said the focus must remain on the issues and not on personal attacks or side arguments.
Richardson said ACP-SXM is moving forward with strength and organization. She encouraged residents to join the association, visit its website and follow its official Facebook page for updates.
She said the movement is growing and that ACP-SXM intends to remain active in defending consumer interests.
“We are coming, and we are coming strong,” Richardson said.
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