ONESXM is calling for stronger cooperation between St. Martin, Africa and the wider Caribbean, arguing that independence is also an economic question.
The organization welcomed Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama’s call for Africa and the Caribbean to transform their historic relationship into economic prosperity.
ONESXM says the message is particularly relevant to St. Martin—an island governed by the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the South and the Republic of France in the North—and to the remaining Dutch and French colonies in the Caribbean.
According to the organization, political dependence restricts the ability of St. Martin’s people to negotiate directly with major markets, access international funding, attract investment and build partnerships reflecting their own priorities.
ONESXM says stronger relations with Africa could create jobs and investment in tourism, housing and infrastructure.
It also sees opportunities for scholarships, university partnerships, heritage tourism and new markets for Caribbean music, film, media and other creative products.
Cooperation could also strengthen food security, renewable energy and climate resilience.
The organization says reparations must form part of that process. It argues that reparatory justice must extend beyond apologies and ceremonies to include economic repair, capital, land, education, technology and access to international markets.
ONESXM is proposing a St. Martin–Africa strategy based on mutual ownership, fair trade, reparations and shared prosperity.
It says the initiative should form part of a wider national discussion about independence and St. Martin’s authority to engage with the world in its own interests.