With all that’s been going on, Saturday’s report on the presentation of English versions of the country’s 38 organic laws should not go unnoticed. Most legislation is similar throughout the Kingdom of the Netherlands and therefore written in Dutch, but the reality is that a lot of persons in St. Maarten hardly speak that language.
The latter also goes for various Members of Parliament (MPs), prompting an earlier suggestion in this column for them to take a course that was not entirely appreciated.
Having at least the Constitution and basic laws translated into the country’s mother tongue is certainly a big help, although it still pays to master Dutch for many other pieces of legislation, court documents and the like.
The only possible drawback is that the set of books costs money despite US $55 funding for the project provided by ENNIA Insurances. While that’s understandable in light of expenses incurred, it does not really promote widespread dissemination of the information.
Some may argue that one should be willing to make a small sacrifice to gain pertinent knowledge, but perhaps the content can also be made available online free of charge in the near future. In any case UP fraction member Claret Conner is seen in today’s paper setting a good example by giving copies to both Philipsburg Jubilee Library and the Pointe Blanche prison.
In practice citizens anywhere in the world often aren’t fully cognisant of existing regulations. It must be kept in mind, however, that this can never be an excuse, because people are expected to know the laws of the land and will pay the price when they break these, regardless.
Examples in daily life include driving cars without a seatbelt on, while calling or texting on a handheld phone, etc., but also riding a scooter without the necessary requirements, as several bikers on the French side were unpleasantly reminded during recent controls. It’s undoubtedly important to be aware of the rules, but even more-so to respect and obey them.
