It’s hard not to feel a bit sorry for the cleaning lady at Princes Juliana International Airport SXM sentenced for stealing US $1,300 from visiting Aruban singer Claudio Philips (see related story). After all, the woman lost her job as a result and at the age of 55 probably won’t easily find another one.
Then again, it’s not an example where one could use the “finders-keepers” argument. The money was inside a wallet that disappeared from a laptop bag left in the restroom where she worked.
Perhaps most surprising is her decision to hand the bag to security, be it without the wallet. This may indicate she at least wanted to give the computer back.
It ended up costing her dearly, however, as did throwing the wallet in a garbage bin on the premises and later admitting to police she took US $400. Confronted with the victim she ultimately repaid the entire amount.
So not only was the culprit detained for seven days, but she received two years’ probation with 20 hours of community service. Moreover, the woman suddenly became unemployed.
The lesson to be learned from the incident is clear: Honesty remains the best policy and in this case might even have led to a reward. Now there is only grief and regret
