Dear Editor,
A question that for me was never answered honestly was why ABN was sold. As we know for years now there have been cries for political independence for Sint Maarten. So, we are selling banks and we want independence. I never saw the logic, with tourism being the pillar of our economy and nothing belonging to the country.
I will never even want anyone to know what is going on in banking, but I know that over the years the working population on Sint Maarten was either directly or indirectly obliged to collect their salaries via banks. What I also know is that the banks on Sint Maarten are branches of world-known banks and that too often clients have to wait for approval from overseas banks when there are discrepancies . I know of people who had to wait up to three months for rectification and restitution because of faulty ATM machines. This week I read that Scotia Bank is being sold and there are also rumours that there are ongoing negotiations to sell UTS. Which industry is safe on Sint Maarten?
It seems as if the strategy is to time the announcements of upcoming court cases of the prominent citizens of Sint Maarten and the list never seems to end. We also continue to read that the Dutch are constantly voting against issues concerning Sint Maarten's self-determination. So, I would like to know when are we going to get it?
I would also like to know if there is anyone in there without butter on his or her head who can let the people know in general terms what is really going on. Do the Michael Cohen. If you are going to be incarcerated come clean. Whether wrong or right, let the truth set you free so that you can face the nation relieved of all that burden.
I do not believe that everyone who was condemned is innocent and are doing this on behalf of the community. So, when I sum this all up why should I be willing to seek political independence? Are we asking ourselves “Why am I doing this” before doing what we do? Do we pray about it?
Russell A. Simmons
