Writer from Saint Martin: 'France's use of our people as pawns is unacceptable'

In a statement to Report, Rhoda Arrindell, a human rights activist, educator, and writer from Sint Maarten, who has long suffered from French colonialism, said that France's use of their people as pawns is unacceptable.

Arrindell stated that all decisions concerning Saint Martin are made in Europe, and their chance of independence has been taken away.

"Saint Martin is a tropical island located in the northeastern Caribbean, divided between the Netherlands and France. As a defender of my people's independence, I have been active for many years. We have gathered as a collective and are trying to defend our country's rights abroad. The people living on the island are somewhat assimilated because they are under strong pressure from the French government," she explained.

Despite the island's diversified economy, Arrindell emphasized that as a Caribbean people, they live under the yoke of Europeans.

"All decisions about us are made in Paris and Amsterdam. The education system, the quality and content of our education, the judicial system, the healthcare system, the military, and other areas are governed by Europeans' decisions," she added.

The human rights activist sought help from Azerbaijan for her people's independence. "Colonialism is injustice. The fact is that Sint Maarten is a colony. The fake colonial rule established in both parts of the island is not in the interest of the people of Saint Martin, regardless of what politicians say. The use of our people as pawns is unacceptable," she stressed.

"If we want to protect our freedom and our island for future generations, we must be ready to raise our voice today, now. We know that independence is the way to save Saint Martin, and we will continue our struggle for it. We hope and believe that the Baku Initiative Group and Azerbaijan can support us," Arrindell concluded.