Dear Editor,
Those of us who try our utmost to adhere to the laws of this land are becoming weary of seeing other people blatantly disobey the rules. Strangely, this action does not seem to be a bother to those responsible for ensuring that these regulations are being upheld. So, what sense does it make for us to abide by the laws? And, how do the authorities expect the bikers to respect the traffic rules and that the youngsters quit committing these robberies?
St. Maarten has become the Wild, Wild West. It’s either the police force has no control of the streets or they really do not care. Earlier this week I went into Philipsburg, and it was alarming to see the amount of huge trailer trucks and monster trucks transporting sand, dirt and big boulders in the middle of the day. What was also disturbing is that almost every one of these vehicles did not have a license plate.
Besides, not one monster truck had a cover over the materials that they were transporting. How these wrongdoings are allowed to take place, when the traffic regulations are very clear? Yet, the authorities are demanding that the bikers quit popping their bikes in the middle of the streets and at the same time, they expect the youngsters to stop the robberies. Again, what sense does it make for us to follow the law?
This is why the police force is having a very difficult time recruiting youngsters to join the organization. As much as the youth seemed to have lost their way, there are still quite a few who would have liked to serve in this capacity, if the image was different. First of all, the uniform does not command respect. Before 10-10-10, I used to admire the police and immigration officers, because the uniform was appealing. Now, the attire resembles that of security guards.
Apart from that, wherever you turn, day and night, the sidewalks are blocked with vehicles. Pedestrians forever being frustrated with stepping on and off the pavement. There is no consideration for someone with a cane, a wheelchair or even an injured leg. Then, what is the use of the footpaths, if pedestrians cannot utilize them without obstructions? So, maybe government needs to dig up all of them and let us walk in the middle of the streets.
Everywhere on St. Maarten there are cameras. What good are they, if the information is not being compiled and levied against those who have committed these infractions? On another note: Why are so many drivers and a few bikers, drive without headlights; whether it’s early in the morning, early evening or when it is raining? Is this the kind of behaviour that the community will embrace for it to become the norm?
This conduct is very dangerous, because if a pedestrian or driver is not cognizant of their surroundings, these lawbreakers will crash into them or vice versa. Sometimes the engine is so soft that it’s difficult to hear until the vehicle or bike is very close by. So, is it that the police force is not aware of this gradual and dangerous behaviour or they have better things to do? Yet, they want the youth to stop popping the bikes in the streets and quit with the robberies.
Why is the law applicable for some and not for others? Isn’t there a law against heavily tinted vehicles? How come this is still a matter of concern? But again, this conduct started in government, yet they want the public to adhere to the rules. Until they set the example, the public will remain defiant. So, what sense does it make for us to follow the law?
Another thing: over and over, people are whispering about nationals of a particular country, survive on smuggling people oversees. Busloads of people assemble and leave Cay Hill and Cole Bay, at all hours of the night, to board a boat in Simpson Bay. Is this not the residence of the coastguard – one of the institutes that is tasked to protect the integrity of this country? If the people are aware of this activity, why wouldn’t the police, customs and the coastguard, have the same knowledge?
In a previous article, I mentioned that apart from these crooked politicians, these 3 organizations have helped to create this lawless community, because they have failed to protect the integrity of this country.
Joslyn Morton
