What does the acronym SNBF stand for?
St. Martin Nation Building Foundation
When was the SNBF established?
September 16th , 2003 the articles were incorporated at Notary Office GIJSBERTHA, LL.M.
Who were the founders?
Drs. Leopold JAMES (Micro Biologist) and Drs. Errol LARMONIE (Labor Psychologist)
What does ‘The Spirit of Concordia’ stand for?
The ‘twin-organization’ of the SNBF, established on the Northern (French) side of the island.
Official name ‘ Association L’ Esprit de Concordia’ or ‘Spirit of Concordia’
When was it established?
Officially incorporated in the JOURNAL OFFICIEL De La Republique Francaise on November 14th 2005
What is the relationship between the Spirit of Concordia and the SNBF ?
Both organizations function as ONE body--, representing the indivisible oneness of the native-indigenous St. Martin people, although the island is administered through tow different colonial powers- the Dutch- and the French. Both organizations also aim to set the example for the eventual unification of the island at governmental level. The organizations are presided over by the same board-members, holding the same positions.
What is the relationship between NATION/talk/-, SNBF and the Spirit of Concordia?
NATION/talk /is a radio-program, produced by an independent foundation-, which has got the approval from the SNBF to promote the importance of St. Martin nation building- and unification process- as well as to solicit input from the general public on these matters of importance.
Do the hosts of NATION/talk /represent the official position of SNBF-, and the ‘Spirit of Concordia’?
No. The hosts- and guests of NATION/talk/ do NOT speak on behalf of the SNBF/L’Esprit. They are allowed-, based on the objective to promote a broad social-input, to give their own independent opinion on what is in the best interest of the St. martin nation (building- and unification) process. Even if these opinions are in conflict with the official opinion of the SNBF/ L’Esprit de Concordia-, such in put is encouraged-, because it is the intelligent debate that counts.
What is the ultimate goal of the 'SNBF' and the ‘Spirit of Concordia’?
To ‘capitalize’ on the historic- social- cultural- ancestral and ‘blood’- relationship and therefore on the absolutely INDIVISIBILITY of the native-indigenous St. Martiners as the main- and moral foundation for nation building- and unification of the island.
In the end what is envisioned is-, a very harmonious unified St. Martin nation- and country-, whose existence will be characterized by the ancestral-cultural heritage of the native-indigenous St. Martiners- in a harmonious and dynamic balance with all other ethnic groups of the island.
Hopefully-, this new St. Martin nation will become the beacon of unity- dynamism- tolerance and balance between preservation of self ( native identity etc) while embracing desired quality of new-comers.
Are the ‘SNBF’ and the ‘Spirit of Concordia’ open to everyone?
Yes. Once persons can respect- our principles- it is completely irrelevant where they are born- and or where their ‘roots’ lie.
There are many openings either as volunteers-, committee-members or even ‘associated’ relationships are possible.
How can I get more information about the SNBF and the ‘*Spirit of Concordia’?
From any of the members (go to members).
How can I become a sponsor of NATION/talk/?
Go to BECOMING A SPONSOR
Do you have plans for a television program as well?
Yes. Absolutely. Very soon.
Can I make donations to SNBF and/or the ‘Spirit of Concordia’?
Only AFTER you genuinely been convinced that our objectives- and intentions are genuine- and in the best interest of a bright future for ALL citizens of this island.
In that case-, considering the magnitude of our work in progress, by all means;
St. Martin Nation Building Foundation
WINDWARD-ISLAND BANK Acc.# 21686304
Who is a Native-indigenous St. Martiner?
Our description is based on the book '1963 A Landmark Year in St. Martin'-, of our own St. Martin historian Daniella JEFFRY.
A critical quote in that book (Page 1, OLD ST. MARTIN); /'The nation's old or Traditional Period, between 1848 and 1963, was characterized by the development of an egalitarian culture that gave rise to a common set of social, political and economic values and activities shared by a network of villages'/
Based on this book- and on other considerations-, we define the native-indigenous St. Martiners as those- regardless of place of birth, can trace their paternal- and/or maternal ancestral-roots to the traditional period between 1848 and 1963.
For us-, 1848 marks the beginning of the FIRST free society on the island-, AFTER the original indigenous people had in fact been wiped out as such through colonial intervention.
1963 marks the end of that period-, because the close-knit society with its common set of norms and values-, had begun to experience 'massive outside' interference- (through un-controlled immigration) and recently DOMINATION in the name of 'development'.
Is having been 'born here' a true indication of being a 'St. Martiner'?
Absolutely NOT necessarily so.
St. Martiner-identity is one of ANCESTRY- or ROOTS and NOT of nationality-, or just happen to have been born on the island.
What do you mean with 'indigenization'?
In fact we use that term synonymously with 'St. Martinization'- meaning the following.
All collective intentions-, means-, programs-, policies- etc geared towars the eventual official recogniztion of our definition of 'native-indigenous St. Martiner by the UN.
Are you using these terms to 'divide' people and to create divisiness?
ABSOLUTELY NOT.
For us it is an ABSOLUTE requirement in the process of nation building-, of which any CONSTITUTIONAL reform is part.
Without knowing-, AND defining the ANCESTRAL identity of a nation-, there can NEVER be a people and a 'country-status'.
A nation's ANCESTRAL identity serves as point of historiocal 'REFERENCE' on which to build- and to INCLUDE.
INCLUSION on NOTHING as is the case right now........ is an ILLUSION.
The sooner we all realize that-, the sooner the healing-process of integration and inclusion can start.
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