Dear Editor,
St. Maarten Nature Foundation released the results from a survey concerning the dump fires and the effects of the smoke. As expected the results show that up to 73 per cent suffered from burning eyes, noses and or throats and up to 50 per cent experienced problems breathing and uncontrolled coughing. I was a part of the fifty per cent. This came from approximately 500 people who responded to the survey.
Now, while I continued pressing the Honorable Minister of Health, Mr. Emil Lee on social media, to take the initiative and do something like finding a temporary solution so we do not have to go through this unhealthy predicament, the Treasurer of the Democratic Party pretty much lashed out and stated what Emil Lee said in previous comments concerning the Running & Stagnant Waste in public streets and private yards, and that all of this and the Landfill do not fall under portfolio of the Minister of Health.
However, with clear results as this, that the smoke indeed is affecting people’s health, the question is, how can anyone continue with the tone that this does not fall under the portfolio of the Minister of Health? Sure, Landfill is under the Ministry of VROMI, however, there are times that a specific issue can crossover to another minister’s portfolio.
I’ve been saying this since February concerning the waste water. True, the Minister of Health admitted this has crossed over to his portfolio, but on that same day DP’s Treasurer’s “Nonsense” comment was posted in a response to my Facebook post. You have to wonder just how much “teamwork” there is within the Democratic Party.
Let us focus on the People of St. Maarten and the unhealthy situations we have to live through that could turn into an unfortunate epidemic, due to lack of interest and enthusiasm to work on a solution to benefit the people. Not at election time when they’ll come to you and say “If you elect me I’ll do it for you,” no, we want it fixed right now. You are in Government. Unfortunately, right now, the Kimsha Parking Lot seems to be so much more important to this “hap-hazard crisis management” type of Government.
Now, I am being challenged by DP Board Member Mr. Q. Marlin “to put my money where my mouth is” by bringing solutions to the table and working together with the government for a better community. I’ve decided not to wait any longer, but take Mr. Marlin’s challenge head on. Matter of fact, I’ll go further and invite the Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. Emil Lee to join me and let’s take a walk into several districts that are affected not just by the smoke from the Landfill fires, but also the constant running waste, that becomes stagnant in some yards.
I’ve done this on several occasions, whether it’s a quick walk-through or visiting homes and speaking directly to those who have already suffered for too long. I do hope the Minister will take time out of his schedule to join me, let’s get the Minister a real life look at what’s taking place in the various communities.
With that said, it is important for you to know that with or without the Democratic Party’s Minister, I’ll continue to visit these districts, I’ll continue to listen to the people, like I’ve been doing since September 2015.
I am ready to Lift UP St. Maarten together.
Armand Meda
