Dear Editor,
I do not usually comment on anything without doing research, but I rely on this source and decide to write to you about it. I was told that a prominent figure in the community reacted in a conversation by saying “Russell is going to have a field day with the news of those debating students.” I had mixed feelings when I heard that because there was a sense of satisfaction to know that I was right but still sad to know that certain people think that way.
The satisfaction came because it proved what was my opinion of certain people in the community, but sad because you expect those same people to be above that. Should I be surprised of the integrity problem?
Now this: I do not think in no way anyone should think that I am waiting for something to happen to give me an opportunity to write about it. For that matter I would be able to write a book about the things that happen, which are not so kosher. And I can openly state that I am respected for being the way I am. Maybe not well-liked by those who know who they are, but respected.
When the health control team made its findings at Maho, before the Minister of Health could be informed two other Ministers found themselves obliged to intervene because the inspection team had gotten out of hand. No, not because the place was pest infested, but because of the action of the inspection team, which was reported to be on camera (we have not seen it yet) and would be embarrassing to St. Maarten.
Ironically a large quantity of students got sick by that same Maho and only after that we are hearing that there were similar cases at other venues on the island. So which is more embarrassing now, the irresponsible action of the health inspection team or to find out in this way what is really happening, with all the ensuing consequences? Nothing is hidden nowadays anymore. Everybody has a camera and everybody has Internet, Facebook, and Twitter along with WhatsApp. There is breaking news all hours of the day.
The tourists prefer frankness than secrecy, especially when it has to do with their health. And contrary to what some of us want to portray, the majority of the tourists welcome controls. They feel more secure. I have seen the transition from not wanting controls to looking forward and expecting controls. So who are we harming most by claiming that it is not the unsanitary conditions at Maho? Say it like it is, take responsibility, clean it up and let’s move on. Have not we learned yet that damage control causes more damage to the original damage. If we had taken the bull by the horns from the onset the situation could have been limited to Maho. Now we find ourselves obliged to blame it on Noro-virus.
Where are those two Ministers on this now? Are they ready to say anything to Dr. Best and his team? This should happen, because it was the team’s behaviour that could cause embarrassment to the country, not the conditions at Maho. Again we have permitted self-interests to supply the Dutch with ammunition to attack our integrity. When I read “It’s unfortunate that these hard-working students fell ill during their stay in St. Maarten (he did not say at my hotel). We wish them a speedy recovery. “I got sick. Not ill, sick.
Russell A. Simmons
