Dear Editor,
It is no more a secret that I have written a great many of letters to you voicing my opinion concerning what I do not agree with or what I think should be done to improve the standard of living for the people of Sint Maarten. I usually write taking the man on the bus going to and from his job and/or also the person taking a coffee or lunch break who does not have a dictionary handy, into consideration, should you decide to print it. I also try as much as possible to refrain from disputing the opinion of others, because everybody has a right to his/her opinion and I respect that.
I read a letter to you written by Robby Ferron and thought I have written that so often in several different ways. Yes, I have suggested that the subject “civics” become an “examen vak.” I have also written that I find it absurd that anyone no matter what level of education can be elected to Parliament. Why absurd? Simple, because there is compulsory education. I am obliged to go to school ’til a certain age, but I do not need any kind of education to be able to run the country. I know some of your readers are laughing, but it is sad. It does not take rocket science to realize that that is not consequent.
Since we are on the topic of being consequent, the attempt to commit suicide is not punishable by law, but the driver of a vehicle and the passengers are obliged to wear a seat belt, and there are no seat belts in buses.
Back to the topic at hand. I have also stated that Ministers of government holding a certain portfolio should have some degree of learning pertaining to the contents of his/her portfolio. Many years ago I wrote to the Guardian concerning a certain level of education for political candidates. At that time I singled out the MEP party on Aruba as an example, which consisted primarily of engineers, school teachers both of the trade school and MULO school, lawyers, people with degrees in business administration. etc. There are people here on Sint Maarten who can attest to that.
Over the years I have also mentioned that Sint Maarten’s government is creating a brain drain by constantly refusing and rejecting our graduated professionals by using the lame excuse that they are overqualified, whereas it was a case of feeling threatened. (The constitution permits dummies to be elected).
So yes, I agree with Robby Ferron’s point of view, and hope that not only Robby Ferron but that more of us who know this to be the case also let this be known.
But I maintain that things cannot get any worse. Status Quo is not good, so with a whole new crew on board we might be heading in the right direction and reach the marina safely.
I know that a whole lot of businesses that finance campaigns will have to do new recruiting, but as I have mentioned in the past, the young ones will have to be aware that if they mess up already they will not last long. Their names will be blemished, which is not wise and certainly not for beginners.
A wolf cannot teach you how to behave like a fish. So the young politicians do not need mentors, they need advisers. Thus, yes, out with the old and in with the new.
Russell A. Simmons
