To Netherlands or Not

We are sort of Dutch and sort of not. Most of the transitions on this island happened violently, but not this one. As I walk past the fort, I glance regularly at the flag poles to check where I'm living. Right now there are three flags there, but likely in the near future, there will be only two. I'm sure there will be great fanfare and some sadness, but at some point the flag of the Netherlands Antilles (we are one of the "stars" now) will likely come down leaving only the flag of Statia, and that of the Netherlands.

You can see and feel subtle signs of the transition coming. It likely is going to be a slow, drawn out, "island-time" process; well at least until the Dutch get really involved. After the discussion of Obama settles, locals are split on what might happen at that point. There is fear that the island will be too full of rules and regulations and lose it's outlaw mystique. Some welcome the infusion of European money, and possible development (including a possible resort). Some fear rapid rises in the cost of living (more than now??) and inflation. But one thing everyone can agree on, it will be different.

School is undergoing it's national (Dutch) accreditation site visit soon and the topic of value invariably comes up in conversation. I think the consensus there is, who knows. One thing most sure is it may open a gateway to European community rotations, residencies and employment. For some that is a real concern and issue. We shall see.

P.S. Word from a senior (year 4) Statia student about ready to graduate and get the coveted MD...he passed USMLE part II. It is now in my cross-hairs.