Dear Editor,

  After being on this island for more than 44 years, and doing the work I did, I think I have an idea of who were here then, who came and went, who came and remained for whichever reason, who left and were not encouraged to return, but most of all I know how this country should be run and how it was and actually is run.

  In the paper of September 24, 2019, I read that the meeting with Knops was cancelled, and I will add because again we cannot get our act together, or even more realistically, because of personal gain and blatant disregard of the sentiments of the taxpayers and the rest of the people of St. Maarten.

  What should actually have been more necessary? Was it to have a meeting with with Knops, see the results and then see what positive would come out of that meeting, and if they were not satisfied, they could make up their mind whether to split up or not. Not even in this computer age vital decisions are taken in two days, much less the forming of a government.

  You have the timeline of the events before as well as leading up to the declaring of independence by MPs Meyers and later Mercelina and Brownbill, so anyone, no matter who, could see that that was coming. I do not recall reading or hearing that those who intended to form a new government had made known that they did not have the intention of welcoming Knops.

  Even though they are all politicians among each other, those who caused this cancelling of that meeting are from St. Maarten, and when things do not get done for St. Maarten it is the people of St. Maarten who are going to feel the brunt of the backlash. The more the reason for the people to analyze and sanction the actions of MPs Mercelina and Brownbill along with their accomplices.

  I read the comment made by MP Meyers. From experience I have learned to use a measuring-stick when dealing with what is promised by politicians, but in this case I agree with a great deal of what he stated.

  Our elected Members of Parliament continue to show their intentions and so far as I see it is for personal gain. If this is not so then let me ask why are they still reluctant to give back part of their salary?

  When in a discussion it was mentioned that the members of Parliament go about their business as if they are enemies of each other instead of fellow Parliament members who should lobby with each to get things done, some one answered, “That is not what they went in there for.” I will not write what else was said, because those were not my personal observations, even though in my opinion it was not farfetched.

  I am disappointed, because it is the same 15 people. No matter who forms the government it would have remained those same 15 people attending that meeting. Or perhaps they were not ready to hear facts. Something worthwhile could have resulted from that meeting.

  There is a time and place for everything and this latest action has demonstrated to me that those involved are not mature enough to know where and when not to behave how. Shame on them.

  I wrote this before and I will repeat it. My father told me when I was 20 years old and just a couple of months on the road, “If you cannot represent what that uniform stands for, take it off.” I believe that something similar should be said to our elected officials.

  This to me is more proof why I suggested that the oath of office should not be taken from Members of Parliament.

  Do they really believe that the people are that naive? They are making it tougher on those of us who include our members of government in our prayers as a conviction.

Russell A. Simmons

Dear Editor,

  In our beautiful world today no one knows about the words “our apologies for indecent behaviors”. It’s obvious that jealousy and envy, lies and deceit take the place of integrity. They destroy everything that cares.

  On Thursday September 12, 2019, while in transit on Curaçao airport to St. Maarten, something strange happened at the security checkpoint. This happened to me in the security line, this is my story. Be aware.

  To the ladies traveling with open handbags to and from Bonaire, Aruba and Holland via Curaçao airport, be warned to stay by your handbags while going through security checkpoints, because an eyewear case ended up in my handbag without me putting it there.

  Save yourselves the humiliation of being falsely accused because others like to play games with innocent travelers.  Please do not be fooled by their treatment, when you are in your rights stand your ground even when disrespected. Inform others not to make the same mistakes because they are a perfect team when they are wrong or have wronged others (travelers).

  “Common sense do not work here, so do not try”. Keep in mind you’re not the first and not the last this happened to. They are violating our rights and it’s allowed.

  The airport is full of cameras but yet it did not pick up on that, as I entered the hall before visiting the ladies room I gave my handbag to my husband and from there to security checkpoint there was only walls and stairs until we entered the security checkpoint. Yes, ladies, the security checkpoint. From our entering to the checkpoint area until going through the scanner it happened.

  The cameras did not pick up the security lady taking out my shoes from the bin and changing my handbag position. Yes, I saw it but it did not matter and it was not good enough for them all they wanted to do is pin the eyewear case on me no matter the cost. Some do not understand the words it doesn’t belong to me. So, I was the target and that’s it.

  They try to treat me like a criminal while they talk about me and make it seem like I am stupid because they are security officers and I am an innocent traveler. But that did not stop them, it was not even important to ask a question, no answer was given on why my handbag was checked 3 times. Wow.

  If it’s been about the all-of-sudden-appeared eyewear case, I would understand because it was placed in the bin with my wallet and my reading glasses case. But first they checked and took the case out. Which my bag had a belt around it. You loosen the belt. Second, you placed all the things in the bin including the suddenly-appeared eyeglasses case. Third, you scanned a handbag with papers, a sunglasses and medication bag again. After that I told him the eyewear case does not belong to me. He insisted. I did not accept so that did not go well.

  It’s obvious that they did not pay attention to anything I was checked before and did not take into consideration before they played this game, they did not realize that my husband had his sunglasses on him. Also they were not aware that the gentleman next to me is my husband. The reason I said “husband”, because when they opened the case it was a man’s glasses. I was judged before the facts. Now they think I am stupid and they can do what they like, which they did in my case.  Congratulations.

  It did not end there. After that they tried to make me take the eyewear case that did not belong to me. I wear ladies’ sunglasses, not men’s, for the record.

  They were very persistent. Do not take anything that does not belong to you. Please pay attention, because they take my bag and I can no longer see what they are adding and what they are taking out because I was already on the other side of the scanner. Take this warning seriously, ladies. Lies and deceit are taking over our world and everybody lives in it. If you’re in, everything goes. Be careful. Cameras are not for our safety anymore. So always stay aware of your surroundings.

  In today’s world many feel because they wear a uniform they are superior to others, so it’s allowed to mistreat travellers. For the security guards it’s just a job. This gives your loving island a beautiful name. Thank you all.

  Lies don’t last forever, September 12, 2019, was my day to open my eyes to you. On many occasions traveling transit I decided to ignore the treatment, because I said we are all imperfect humans. I have been often experiencing this challenge with my transit flights with KLM on this airport. At first I said, “They only doing their jobs.”

  The luck that we have traveling transit Curaçao is that we have to be properly checked at Schiphol Airport, which seems not to be a problem traveling from St. Maarten. Now I know why and understand better our traveling procedures when people cannot be helped due to attitude towards others. Thank you for making the stories real to me as a traveler.

  We as travelers have rights and the security are not supposed to tamper with our luggage. Not even take our handbags out of sight without explanation. Maybe if we were taught how to do our jobs properly there would be more respect. We are not allowed to use false accusations on others, neither should others use them on us. When Customs officers search our luggage they will place a sticker making us aware you’ve been inspected.

  Remember not everyone that wears a uniform are our friends, be careful ladies. Some of us have no self-respect or respect for others much less their jobs. We cannot change their ways towards us as travelers but we can alert our friends and family and chat groups of our travel experiences, so they can prevent these situations.

  So I leave you with this: From my followers they said to take pictures from in the plane of the inside of your bags, trolley any carry-on and also list your items so you can check them off after checkpoint. If this happens to you send the photos to family and friends so when you’re accused you will have a backup that they cannot delete because they wear a uniform.

  They ask that the ladies please share your experiences so others can learn, don’t keep silent. Don’t let criticism or opinions of ours stop you from sharing. There are big girls and there are small. Mistreated and discrimination and false accusation can destroy your image as a God-serving citizen.

  These intentions are real.

  The Bible warned us against these days that are here. This island is blessed. I want you all to pray while traveling in and out of it. I pray that Jesus Christ our Lord put an end to the persons involved in this act towards the innocent that they might be saved. Amen.

  Thanks to you all for your support. No one listens to you, so please think about yourself during this process. I will keep updating my group on my travel experiences.

  Please search youtube.com for all your information on these activities.

  Bit.ly, tsa.gov, and ABC news Sept. 24.214 and more. Keep updated on your surroundings while traveling.

  * Take pictures of your stuff placed in your bags.

  * Make a list if you forget easily.

  * Compartmentalize your stuff if necessary.

  * Place your stuff in zip-locks or transparent bags so you can see.

  * New: lock your handbags and they have to ask you to open it.

  God said treat others the way you want to be treated. May God bless you all until we see again. This is my story.

Ilsa Baker

Transit passenger

Dear Editor,

  I remember sitting during break time in St. Maarten Academy, and arguing with my best friend Luvanny about the latest political developments. Our families supported rival parties at the time and at 13 years old there was no way we could possibly understand the intricacies of St. Maarten politics. We did, however, with much gusto, exude a passion and love for this idea that, every four years, a group of people set out to make our country better, for us and our future. At least, in theory, that was what we believed was happening.

  I wake up now as an adult every morning thinking about the continuous political turmoil that this country can’t seem to get itself out of. Like everyone you speak to these days, I am also tired. But more than any fatigue I might feel, is a feeling of greater purpose, determination and urgency.

  I made the decision to officially enter the political arena in 2017. I had just returned from the Netherlands after a year of fighting alongside my one-year old daughter Emma who, after multiple heart surgeries, passed away before being able to receive a heart transplant. I buried her here in May. In September Hurricane Irma devastated St. Maarten and in December the election wheels started to turn. With a speech from another friend, who reminded me of what was at stake, I threw my hat into the ring.

  If I could withstand all of that, what is another election now? What is another chance to convince my people that if they put their trust in me and other like-minded, intelligent, passionate St. Maarteners of integrity, our country can still turn around? Every year we get the chance to reverse the way in which politics stain our land, our minds and our hearts and every year we come short. But not this time.

  This election will be even harder than the last. But isn’t life a battle already? Old vs. new. New vs. new. There are those of us who love St. Maarten and are truly running to serve our people, and those of us who are in it for self-enrichment; to continue the old ways. There are those whose egos are the decision-takers and those who will truly put country first. There are those of us who will work and execute and those who will continue to talk and talk and talk.

  I am tired just like you. I am angry just like you. But I am not a quitter. I am not a coward. I know that the future of St. Maarten and my daughter’s and every other child’s rightful place in this country is in jeopardy. I’ll be showing up again. I’ll be in the arena. I love this country too much not to be.

  How about you?

Ludmila Duncan

Dear Editor,

  On Monday, September 23, a town hall meeting with Mr. Knops was held. The event was streamed live on Facebook. Many appreciated the fact that Mr. Knops took the time out to address the people of Statia directly.

  Mr. Knops informed the people of Statia that some progress has been made in regard to governance and the execution of projects on the island. However, he argued that there is still much work to be done. Against this backdrop, Knops proclaimed that there will be a gradual return to democracy on the island. In other words, he expressed his wish to organize Island Elections in October, 2020. By doing so, the people will be able to elect their own island Council representatives, he said.

  But in the same breath, he stated that the Netherlands will maintain the responsibility for the Executive Council and the Governor until full democracy is restored. Full democracy will be restored once there is sufficient guarantee that the changes made are sustainable.

  Persons in the audience expressed their concerns about the slow pace at which projects are executed, the lack of transparency, the absence of local participation in the decision-making process and the prolonged absence of democracy. However, Knops was not moved by anything expressed.

  The manner in which Knops interacted with the audience certainly sheds light on the current Dutch political worldview as it relates to Statia. A worldview that states, “It is our duty and obligation to insert ourselves into the lives of Statians, in order to fix the chronic problems. Even though some citizens are against our practices, we come with good intentions. We are actually here to make the lives of Statians better. In the end, Statians will thank us for it.”

  As long as this worldview guides the actions of the Dutch political establishment, persons such as Knops will not be sympathetic towards the alternative worldview that emerged during the town hall meeting namely, “While we appreciate Dutch help, our democracy must be fully restored, as we empower ourselves and each other to take ownership of our community and our own lives.”

Xiomara Balentina