Dear Editor,
I have taken note of the response to my article in the media regarding the telecommunications situation in Statia by Gerald Berkel of GEM Enterprises. It is very unfortunate that the impression is given that it is meant as an attack on this local company and his agency for UTS/Chippy.
After re-reading it, I have come to the conclusion that I could have chosen my words more carefully. I hereby sincerely apologize for this. It should be known that I have always held Berkel in high esteem, and have supported him as governor until the very end. I do applaud his entrepreneurial spirit and his courage to start his own enterprise.
The aim of my article was to address the manner in which our government, in my opinion, is dealing with the interest of the people of Statia, and that of our local telephone company EUTEL. I believe that as an island council member, it is my duty to do so. The way government is handling the matter is depriving our people and our businesses from better quality Internet, mobile and cable services, and the possibility of paying less for these services.
It is also depriving our island from new opportunities for economic development that are so much needed. And at the same time, it has resulted in a decline of revenue for our local telephone company, which may even endanger its existence. Berkel rightfully points out the 7 jobs he has created with his initiative, and he stands to protect these jobs. The same, however, also counts for EUTEL, where there are also 7 jobs at stake.
As an island council member, it is my duty to stand up for those jobs as well. Berkel rightfully stands up for the interest of GEM Enterprises. As an island council member, it is my duty to stand up for local initiative, but also for our local government-owned company EUTEL.
Koos Sneek
