Dear Editor,
Two years ago or longer we had a big “Donkey issue” where many donkeys died of starvation that were fenced-in without food or water. It was all over the Dutch and even global news. Persons came from Bonaire to help with the issue and did continue to assist.
Last year, we had another food problem, due to the dry weather. Sorry, but I have a big problem with the discrimination that‘s going on between two sets of donkeys. One set of donkeys is being sponsored and also by Bonaire. That one set of donkeys are getting all the needed care and it’s being said that, “the fencing was cut this time”.
Last year, I did my part as a citizen, by giving mangos along with other persons to help feed these donkeys, due to the very dry weather. But at that time they were fenced-in. My big question is: Why do we have two different sets of donkeys? Why can’t all the donkeys be together? We are not speaking of hundreds of donkeys. For many have already died of hunger and thirst. Bonaire is being funded by the Dutch government for their donkeys. Why can’t all the Statia donkeys be funded like Bonaire, as both islands have donkeys?
My people, let’s get serious! All these donkeys are Statia donkeys; they are part of Statia’s pride and history. Their ancestors have served as the cars and trucks that carried all your cargo and people once upon a time. These donkeys are intelligent creatures. They even carried blind persons to their plantations and back to their homes. Even Jesus rode on a donkey when he was on earth.
My suggestions are: Why not put all the donkeys in one habitant like Bonaire, where tourists and children can visit and pay a fee to ride on a donkey, and persons can even get married on a donkey cart? Make it a great tourist attraction and at the same time a good project.
Having them roam the streets is not an option. We have enough problems with the roaming cattle that are tagged and have owners, who don’t live up to their responsibilities of taking care of their life-stock or other animals.
It been asked: “What is our local government doing to solve this problem”? To answer that question: it’s no big secret that our local government can’t even order water without the approval of the Dutch government (BZK). Maybe our Kingdom Representative can use his powers to help our “dying” donkeys that are in great need of food, water and a home like Bonaire. Our donkeys need help today; tomorrow may be too late! Please save our donkeys!
“Even when these donkeys were abused, they helped plough the land for planting. They carried the heavy loads on their backs. They were the eyes for the blind and feet for the lame. They are also one of God’s creation, just like you and me”!
Brenda van Putten
Concerned citizen
