Dear Editor,
In reference to the Jump Up Casino robbery that took place recently, I would like to share the following. Being a former security guard, as this security, who was shot and killed, I know the risk and dangers of this kind of work.
It’s time we come to realize, especially on this island of St. Maarten, observing the frequent robberies at casinos and other establishments, that nowadays we are not dealing with harmless kids on the block, or Sunday school pupils of good behaviour, but with real murderers, robbers, and thieves, who are above the law, and intend to go get what they want. This means even if innocent blood must be shed.
Times have changed, and so must our way of thinking, especially when it comes to securing one’s property, transactions of money or valuable possessions at the banks and casinos which will be targeted by robbers. I consider it as a duel between: “The have and the have not’s”
I have observed many of the security guards at these establishments, and I must say that security here in St. Maarten is a joke. Robbers are not coming empty handed to steal, so then how can you as a guard fend off the robber or command some kind of respect without any proper training, vigilance, or a weapon, but just a dog for protection? Many of us, I am sure, have travelled to other countries, and seen how security guards in other places are well armed from head to toe, just as police officers. It’s because of the danger and the risk they are facing in carrying out their work. The owners of these establishments, as well as the security companies should know this.
But who cares about the safety of these guards? They are foreigners who have no other choice, and desperately need a job, because not everyone can get a higher paid white collar or office job. The safety of the establishment you are guarding, as well as the safety of your life does matter! St. Maarten today is not like it used to be. Just like all other nations, we are now facing a new generation of young people of whom many among them have guns and are capable of committing such serious crimes. Their way of making money is selling drugs, stealing, or robbing. The majority of them are school drop-outs, unemployed, and come from single-parent homes, where they never had a father as a good role-model.
I can recall about a number of years ago, when I first came to this island to live, I used to work for a security company, which had a contract at Maho Beach Hotel. In the lobby of this hotel were some slot-machines and a cashier to attend the customers. At closing times late in the night, I would escort the cashier, with the profit of the day, over to the main casino on the other side of the road. The cashier walking up front with her cash pan, and bag with money, and I parading behind her, with the racks of slot-machine tokens.
Especially on the weekend that area outside the casino would be filled with spectators enjoying the live musical show at the then Sherrie’s Café. One night, a friend of mine, who also used to be in that hang-out area, came and warned me of the risk I was taking as an unarmed security. There were people there who were watching us, observing our moves, and who knows, maybe waiting for the right time and moment to plan a quick ambush. My friend’s concern was for my safety.
An unarmed, untrained security guard cannot properly secure or protect his own life, nor the life of others, nor the valuables of any business against armed bandits, nor engage in any cross-fire shooting against those who come to steal, rob or even kill. Perhaps if Mr. Yan was in possession of a gun, just like the off-duty police officer, who was able to fend off the robbers and even shoot one of them, he may have been alive today.
We can also recall just a few years ago, when some armed bandits tried to hold up and rob the money transport team at the Post Office here in Philipsburg. One of the security team members was able to shoot and kill two of the robbers in their attempt. The security of the money transport team was able to do this because he was armed, well trained and had as protection a bullet proof vest to protect him against the armed and dangerous thieves.
But I believe most people still think that, because St. Maarten is called the friendly island, crimes like these can’t happen. Yan Black is gone. But business continues as usual at the casino, where the slots continue to roll, and at the gaming tables, the decks of cards continue to shuffle. After all, there is money to be gained, as the players are hoping to “jump up” after striking it big, and there is profit to be made for the owners.
So, my question is, was it all worth risking one’s life? As a security guard, the safety of your life does matter. Will this incident make a difference in the way business hire or employ security guards to protect or guard their valuables? The evidence still needs to be seen.
Name withheld at author's request.
