Dear Editor,
I have been trying to be a little more reserved with my comments because it takes time to react to suggestions. I read two articles in the paper of March 22nd. and I thought “when are we going to do the right thing?” Which right thing?
Yes, that six months contract abuse that has been going on forever. Over the years I have spoken to several people who were close to the decision-takers and “You have a point,” “Great idea,” “That makes sense” is where it has remained. I did not even have the chance to see something done of which I can say they stole my idea.
It was always in the interest of the people so “what’s in it for me” did not apply.
Instead of forming a committee which has to occupy itself with dismissal rules, why not permanent employment with conditions adhering to the normal rules and regulations stipulated by law? It should be the other way around. The employee should be employed knowing that he/she can remain employed as long as he/she adheres to the rules and regulations and labor laws. There should not be a constant fear of “I wonder if they are going to keep me on or let me go after the six months.”
Government continues to proceed as if that six months contract system is humane. It is not and all of us know it. I am aware that both parties should have signed the agreement, but let us be fair. are not the reasons mostly why the employee agrees to the conditions, as it were signing under duress?
La Samanna employees are starting what I hope should become the rule of law. We need to attract reputable and established companies to the country and not these so-called businesses which change management and names faster than I can change my shirt, with the blessings of government (of which several members are directly involved in those companies).
Who is the victim here? The people, through government not collecting any taxes, permitting wrong salaries, six months contracts, you name it.
Some people want to know, why the turnout to vote was that much even Irma. My summation: No house, no job, no money, free stuffed johnny cake, free T-shirt and a few more empty promises is too much to pass up in desperate times. Very compassionate.
Now this. Some opposites of professionals are cobblers, bunglers, moonlighters and, as we would say here, “chance takers.” Many years ago I suggested that companies that have their employees deliver goods to homes or do repairs at homes should have their employees wear a company uniform or a recognized logo with the employee’s identification. This was in connection with loafers and robberies in homes in the hills and so on.
Since Irma everybody is an air-condition repairman, a mechanic a body-man, you name it, not to forget who has become a carpenter in two days. Mrs. Cannegieter was sooo right with her response to the K-9 situation, I do not even need to add anything else. There was also a previous article concerning those dogs. which also has to do with professionalism here on the island.
Let me start by saying if you continue to tell your native Sint Maarteners that they are overqualified then you are telling the world that you can get along with mediocracy, a system in which mediocrity is rewarded. Wow. I challenge any car dealer to show me a local Sint Maartner with a diploma as an automobile mechanic in their employ.
I will go on and challenge any store-owner selling fridges, stoves, washing machine and other household appliances to show me a Sint Maartener with diplomas or certificate to repair those appliances who are their employ. Show me the hairdressers with diplomas from Schools of cosmetology. Let us check by the Chamber of Commerce if all of those who are obliged to register their businesses, the level of education authorizing them to have whatever type of company they have registered. Who is controlling where?
When people continue to badmouth the Sint Maartener whose friendly and hospitable manner was the cause of the great migration to Sint Maarten, those same people have to know what they brought along with them. If it was friendliness, where they came from would have been known to be friendly and hospitable so that they would have been able to market that just like we did and are still doing.
Because of the risk of my letter being too long to publish I will finish my thought in another letter.
Russell A. Simmons
