Statia, a small island in the Caribbean Sea, first claimed by many: The Dutch, the Spanish, the English. But finally became the prized possession of the Dutch state. Yes, a true colony, characterized by the mass exploitation of a group of people, all in the benefit of the Dutch!
Then came the Kingdom Charter, with promises of a brighter future. Finally, six autonomous islands in the Caribbean Sea, initially not “created equally”, for only after many battles fought, Statia managed to obtain its own seat within the then-Netherlands Antillean Parliament.
Islands, due to the dictates of history, merged in an artificial union, that led to semi- brotherhood, threatened by continuous discord over goods. A climate of increasing distrust set the stage for the islands, except for Statia, to opt for the dissolution of the now defunct Netherlands Antilles.
But Statia, they said, could not remain an Antilles of one. Statia, they said, needed to fall in line. So, despite Statia's protest, the island was forced to become a Dutch Municipality. Followed by the anchoring of an unwanted status within the Dutch Constitution. The return to a physical state of colonization? Or simply the manifestation of that which always was?
The anchorage within the Dutch Constitution paved the way for the dissolution of a democratically elected government, for “disobeying the Dutch order of things”. They used the Dutch constitution to legitimize this brutal and undemocratic act! But you see, when a country has the power to make all kinds of decrees, there is no such thing as “illegality”!
Statia is now a modern type of colony, with handpicked Kingdom Commissioners whose mandate are to build roads and improve finances, while robbing a people of their democratic right to elect their own Island Commissioners.
Now there is one final act ready to be executed, during this time of the Corona Crisis: the ratification of a law within the Dutch Second Chamber that would postpone Statia’s democracy for another 3 years. Until 2024, they said! This final act, which no doubt will be embraced by all members of the Second Chamber, will in their minds lead to the “total re-education” of the Statian people.
One final word to my people! Where is the outrage? Where is our pride? Will we continue to allow ourselves to be blinded by Dutch generosity? Or do we believe that we are too small to make a difference? Do we believe that no one will listen to us?
Others will only listen when we take ourselves seriously. Yes, I know we are all fighting for survival during this Corona Crisis. But my people, despite the current human tragedy, Dutch politicians are still pushing to ratify this undemocratic decree. So, don’t get mad at me for highlighting this reality. Yes, let us continue to show gratitude for each new day, but please, let us also fight for the restoration of our local democracy, for in the Netherlands, the Dutch politicians are doing business as “usual” as they too fight for their own survival.
Xiomara Balentina
A daughter of the Statian soil
I have recently learned of a tourist who came to Anguilla and has now tested positive for COVID-19. I was sorry to hear that this virus has spread to the island. I was recently visiting the island and had to abruptly leave as a result of the port closure announcements. I was forced to spend a huge amount of money to leave the island and avoid being stranded as a visitor in a foreign country.
I am writing you because someone needs to urge that government to let stranded tourists leave and go home where they feel safe and can tend to their loved ones. I was lucky to get out just before the air and seaports closed.
There could potentially be many tourists still on the island (who could be infected with the virus) and they won’t let them leave and go home. This is a very bad situation for citizens of Anguilla and visitors alike.
I will closely be monitoring the decisions made by the government of Anguilla and if they won’t let people leave, then I along with anyone that I know will likely never visit Anguilla again in fear of another situation like this.
Ryan Gentemann
As a citizen of St. Maarten, I would like to use this public forum to thank the Honorable Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs and the Government of St. Maarten for their outstanding job to date in keeping St. Maarteners safe.
On March 16 I decided not to join my husband and youngest daughter on their flight to the U.S., but rather to remain in St. Maarten with my eldest daughter, parents and employees, who preferred staying on island or did not have the option to leave.
Now I know it is likely to be weeks or months before I can reunite with my loved ones. Not only am I separated from my family, but my life, safety and economic future rely on the decisions and actions of Prime Minister Jacobs and the Government of St. Maarten.
Like every citizen, my only option is to stay indoors and follow the coronavirus guidelines to ensure my own safety and that of our community. I know that governments worldwide are working tirelessly, making hard decisions and taking necessary measures to protect all citizens. As a citizen of St. Maarten, I hope and pray our elected leaders can work in unity, with strength, knowledge and compassion, to make the right choices to overcome COVID-19.
Since my life is now largely in others’ hands, I am communicating my concerns publicly, hoping that Prime Minister Jacobs will see my letter and take time to address them.
My major questions concern the specific steps being taken by St. Maarten Medical Center in the face of the coronavirus pandemic:
- SMMC has six beds for COVID-19 patients, and there now are now three patients admitted at SMMC. What preparations, if any, are being made for more beds?
- How many ventilators are available at SMMC? If we expect to receive more, how many and when?
- What medication is approved for administration by SMMC to fight the coronavirus? What level of supply is available?
- I understand that a person who has tested positive should isolate at home. At what point does SMMC accept a COVID-19 patient?
- Prime Minister Jacobs has invited retired medical staff and local medical students to assist at SMMC. How many staff doctors and nurses are available to care for COVID-19 patients, and what steps are being taken to hire more medical professionals?
- How is the safety of first responders being protected (with masks, gloves and other protective gear)? What levels of supplies are available on island?
- Patients are usually flown off-island for medical care. Is this an option for St. Maarten citizens infected with the coronavirus? If so, which countries or islands would patients be allowed to fly to? At what point will SMMC authorize patients to seek medical care elsewhere?
I have questions related to security:
- Prime Minister Jacobs has stated that government requested military support. Has this been authorized, and when do we expect support to arrive on St. Maarten? Will the military provide medical support?
My other questions relate to the economy:
- I believe all commercial businesses will suffer greatly and in some cases landlords will be unable to support their tenants; this may trickle down to businesses being unable to pay staff. Can government intervene and insist that all banks relieve businesses of loan payments for at least three months? This would avoid extra stress and conflicts within our business community. Banks can send the confirmation of the moratorium directly to commercial loan customers.
Government of St. Maarten has done an amazing job communicating with the public, but I feel that there is a need for a platform where citizens can list their concerns and questions. I look forward to a press release addressing my concerns, which are also the concerns of the entire community of St. Maarten.
I hope our community will learn from others suffering around the world. As Prime Minister Jacobs mentioned many times, isolation is the only way to slow the spread of COVID-19. It will make a big difference if everyone would stay home to safeguard their families. It is our duty as citizens to protect and respect each other during our battle with the coronavirus.
Madame Prime Minister, I’ve known you my entire life growing up on St. Maarten, and I know you have the people of St. Maarten at heart. I wish you much strength in the coming weeks and months while you work to assure the wellbeing of St. Maarteners. I’m proud to have you as our leader, and may God bless you and your family during this time.
Huguette Halley
Concerned Citizen of St. Maarten
March month COVID-19 madness is almost behind us. Ahead, however, await many uncertainties as we continue to work in an effort to mitigate the negative effects on our economy and on our way of life, since this apparent “man-made” virus hit the world.
It is only a matter of time before we will know the exact and undisputable facts that led to this pandemic costing both innocent lives and economies to crumble or paralyzed in worse cases.
Payrolls are due for most companies, excluding the public sector which includes government-owned companies. A stimulus package is being worked on locally, according to news reports. This proposed package is aimed at the unemployed, those who lost or at risk of losing their jobs. The objective is to alleviate the expected strain on our economy due to the government-mandated closures.
A closer look within the Kingdom of the Netherlands tells us what steps governments have taken for their respective constituents.
An emergency relief package has already been debated and agreed upon in the Netherlands for Holland, Bonaire, Saba, Statia. Note Holland as well as other countries outside of the Kingdom choose the SZV system to administer the relief on companies’ payrolls.
Curaçao approved a “solidarity” package for its citizens.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Minister for Kingdom Relations Knops recently publicly disclosed that the larger islands Curaçao, Aruba and St. Maarten will not be left out and be considered to receive a financial relief package.
It is of essence that our governments, Council of Ministers and Parliament approach Aruba and Curaçao in order to submit post-haste a joint or unified request for support unrelated to the Trust-Fund relief St. Maarten received post-Hurricane Irma. The joint stimulus package would be similar to what the BES islands are about to receive from the Netherlands.
Our local government presented a proposal which includes food vouchers. The proposals are yet to be debated and approved by Parliament. In the midst of this all, current interim ministers are leaving office as newly-appointed members enter the public arena. We wish them much wisdom and fortitude to act expeditiously on the stimulus package for businesses.
These are not easy times and all hands are needed on deck to overcome the challenges we face together.
Constructive criticism is healthy for everyone involved.
It is important to note that the approach of our government (Minister of Finance) should be intense on its relief purposes towards energizing (businesses) to be pro-active.
Keeping most people employed should be a collective (public and private sector) main objective. Those who are or have been un-employed prior to the COVID-19 virus pandemic would rightfully be eligible for the voucher program.
Food vouchers do not fall under the category of stimulus. Food vouchers are part of our safety net, especially geared towards sustaining the most vulnerable among us, including elderly, pensioners, homeless.
Employers should not be (un-intentionally) motivated by government to lay off staff. Hopefully, our government will apply the meaning of the word “stimulus” literally when it decides on the final financial package of measures to be taken. This decision is not a minute too soon.
St. Maarten is a small beautiful island. We can manage our issues when they arrive. When we plan ahead and consult in a timely fashion our stakeholders, we can overcome our challenges. Once again, our social security structure (SZV) is in place to handle the disbursement of the financial stimulus package on short notice. Time is of the essence.
Gracita Arrindell
Leader, People’s Progressive Alliance (PPA)
Dear Editor,
I am concerned for all our collective health. In addition I am very concerned for the people that were already hurting after [Hurricane – Ed.] Irma and for how many people will lose their jobs or see their pay reduced.
I am concerned for the businesses that will not survive this crisis and will have to shut down their doors if this time around no aid is received. Remember not one cent after Irma was assigned to economic support for businesses big or small.
I sincerely hope that government and its leaders are doing some of the following:
1) Negotiating receiving financial support. We all know the government cannot afford to provide support from their own funds. They don’t have it.
2) An assessment of the amounts needed is being done that includes components of payroll and businesses financial subsidies.
3) Mechanisms for a quick and efficient distributions of whatever funds are received are put in place. Businesses can handle disbursements to existing workers via their normal payroll systems. No need to reinvent the wheel, they are ready to go. All they need are the rules mandated. Other not registered employees and businesses can be handled by other government entities.
4) As already said by the NL, sacrifices need to be shown. Reduce government expenditures, reduce government salaries including the MPs’. Show that you are taking the same blows as the rest of the citizens.
All of the above should be happening concurrently by multiple teams. These teams should provide daily progress reports to a designated “crisis Zar”; maybe the new Minister of TEATT [Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication] can take that role?
I sincerely hope my comments are redundant and all of the above is taking place, we just don‘t know about it.
A very concerned citizen and his family.
Ricardo Perez
