Dear Editor,
In solidarity with the shooting incident that occurred in Philipsburg this week, our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Benjamin, his family and friends, the Police Force and the People of St. Maarten.
The management and staff of SEL Maduro and Sons would like to express our grave concern both for our community and our tourism product moving forward. The urgency to take action is now, in the form of functioning outreach programmes, educating our youth, endorsing and assisting our local Police authorities and finally, proactively coming together as a people on eliminating crime on our island.
It is vital that those executing these crimes understand that their actions have consequences. Whether through close family or friends, the majority of our households are directly dependent on our tourism product St. Maarten! We must learn from prior examples of our neighbouring islands – Bahamas and Jamaica, which have endured steep tourism declines, resulting in financial losses and economic instability, due to increased crime rates; ultimately, yielding flight and cruise call cancelations.
For our youth – we urge you to reflect upon your future in every decision and action. For those in need, reach out to our community and social programmes before jeopardizing your (our) entire future.
To parents – active parenting involves quality time and paying attention. Encourage, motivate and invest in your children from early as this is our island to raise!
As a result of this incident, the management and staff of SEL Maduro and Sons, congratulate and supports the local Police Force in their efforts to keeping the island and all its residents safe. We wish to reiterate the need for a plan of action moving forward and call upon those in power to do all that is within their capacity to protect our citizens and island. We encourage the business community and social foundations/organizations to also step forward, as pillars within our society, to safe guard the future of our Friendly Island St. Maarten.
Raquel Wathey,
General Manager
S.E.L. Maduro and Sons (W.W.I.) Inc.
