I was born and raised on St. Maarten, travelled to The Netherlands and successfully obtained my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, and I have returned home to positively contribute to the island of St. Maarten.
However, for the last few months, my living conditions have only been deteriorating.
The Westin septic tank, placed by The Westin far away from The Westin, but next to the residential area of Dawn Beach Estates, has been (and is) making life unbearable.
This septic tank is approximately 50 metres (160 feet) away from my home – thus practically in my backyard.
Apart from the fact that it smells really bad and that the design is something I would have expected from a three-year-old, the noise levels produced are simply off the charts.
I have my windows and doors permanently shut, and the hurricane shutters rolled down at all times. Yet regardless of these measures, I constantly hear the noise in my home. I am even woken up at least three nights a week in the middle of the night.
Spending time outside in the yard is out of the question, because the terrible noise will instantly induce a migraine attack.
I don't do any barbeques or landscaping around the house anymore.
Simply put, I cannot even find peace in and around my own home. I am growing wearier and wearier by the day, which in turn negatively impacts my ability to positively contribute to the island.
Presently, I am seriously wondering if I have made the right choice by coming back to the island. How can I possibly recommend St. Maarten to any of my friends, who are still living abroad and thinking of returning as well, when such a basic need as normal living conditions cannot be guaranteed?
How much longer will I be forced to live like a caged animal before justice is served?
What is more important to the business community and Government? Having The Westin on the island, which, after promising to hire locals, has given all the good jobs to its own people? Having The Westin run by a management team with a clear "We don't care about St. Maarten" mentality? Or having St. Maarten youth with internationally-recognised top diplomas return to the island for a lifetime of dependable work?
Just remember: at the end of the day, The Westin can easily be replaced by, for example, a Hilton, but the passion and love of local youth for the island cannot be replaced.
It's about time we start putting our own people first as well.
Dawn Beach Resident
