Dear Editor,
Lately we have been witnessing an increase in legal actions undertaken by the Netherlands-driven Prosecutors against several politicians from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands with the intention to indict them for suspected criminal activities, most of which are yet to be proven.
We just experienced such legal action taken by the judicial authorities against Mr. Theodore Heyliger, the political leader of the former United People’s Party, now United Democrats Party, and formateur of Sint Maarten’s current government. He has been accused of certain wrongdoings dating back at least five years. He was initially held at the police detention cell in Philipsburg, condemned by the European Court of Human Rights as “inhuman” but has after 10 days been transferred to the Detention Center in Bonaire.
It goes without saying that this article by no means should be seen as an intent to justify any wrongdoings of anyone in our community and in any community for that matter, and especially not of our politicians chosen by the people to serve their community to the best of their knowledge and ability and in a most transparent way and with integrity.
Of course, corrupt politicians exist everywhere and should be prosecuted, but then they should be prosecuted in the entire Kingdom of the Netherlands as a whole and not only in the Caribbean section!
What is happening now, however, creates the strong impression of the Prosecutor acting in an arbitrary or one-sided manner. In other words, the impression among many is that the Prosecutor is acting in a rather selective manner and therefore following a “political” agenda. If true, that would be unacceptable.
In this context, I would like to refer to publications in the Netherlands such as www.foute-politici.nl, among many others available online on this subject.
This particular publication mentions situations of politicians in the Netherlands who have been involved in and/or accused of criminal activities such as corruption, fraud, embezzlement, blackmail, tax-fraud, money laundering, accepting bribes, threatening others, stalking, financial conflict of interest, child molestation, possession of pornographic literature, theft, etc.
Mention is made of at least 105 politicians, members of 9 different political parties, 44 of which are members or former members of the political parties forming the current coalition government in the Netherlands, in other words, no less than 42 per cent.
The question is, however, not the number of politicians involved in criminal activities in recent years in the Netherlands, but rather the BIG question is: How many of them have been eventually indicted and/or actually served any prison time? A further study of this matter undoubtedly reveals that apparently, for whatever “unexplainable” or perhaps “explainable” reason, the percentage of said politicians that served jail time – if any at all – is negligible.
Judge for yourself, therefore, and conclude whether or not there exists an equitable practice in the judicial system within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
I will be providing regular updates and facts about what is happening within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Knowledge is Empowering!
Josianne Fleming-Artsen
Dear Editor,
Sometimes when a teachable moment appears one has to make use of it, especially in these politically charged days.
Yesterday a young man asked me if I knew the meaning of the word symbolism. I did not recognize that word, so I asked him where did he read it. He said it had something to do with Donald Trump and Manafort. After wracking my brain (my phone was in my car) I told him not to quote me, but I believe the word he wanted to know about was “symbiosis”. I gave him UD as an example: Two different people living close with each other for the advantage of both.
When I got back in the car I looked up the word and the definition given is “a mutually beneficial relationship between different people or groups.”
I hope that that gentleman reads this and compares it to what I explained to him.
Russell A. Simmons
Dear Editor,
I would like to respond to the question posed by the honorable Minister in the opinion page of Thursday, March 7, in which he asked, “Where do you stand? “
The answer is simple: “On the side of Justice, Decency, Truth and Goodness.” Our children can expect no less.
I also take this opportunity to give a big thumbs up to the Ministers willing to take a cut in pay for the benefit of the island. This has not gone unnoticed. It seems to me, the Ministers have been at least trying to put the country back on track.
But a big thumbs down to the MPs who really are the ones whose pay should be cut for achieving nothing but negativity and idle talk. In particular those who tried to topple the government once again, with their votes of no confidence.
Name withheld at author's request.
Today March 8th is celebrated as International Women's Day, and fittingly the theme is “Balance for Better” with emphasis on creating a balanced world to build a “better world.” For generations, equality in general, and specifical equality for women has been elusive. While many battles on this front are still being fought with some already won, the gap between the equal acceptance of women and men in the workplace remains wide.
Today, the struggle continues to ensure that the women of the world receive things such as equal pay for equal work and fair opportunities for career advancement on a level playing field. I stand for equality, and I salute each woman who today fights unwaveringly to ensure that there is gender equality.
I support every effort to ensure that women rise to the top of the corporate ladders as CEOs and Chairpersons. I am equally supportive of all efforts to celebrate our great female leaders and their accomplishments rather than berate them and make snide remarks in suggesting that their hard work was not the reason they were rewarded with a promotion or a pay raise. No amount of effort in this regard is too much, but the time it has taken to reach an acceptable level of equality is far too long. I salute every woman today, and my heart goes out to those who have been treated less than because of their gender.
On behalf of my Cabinet and the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication (TEATT) I wish you all a wonderful and enjoyable Women's Day and I join you in looking towards a future in which there is equality for all.
Stuart Johnson
Minister of TEATT
Dear Editor,
I believe that the time has come for us as residents of St. Maarten to ask ourselves, “Where do I stand?” I say this because as we continue to write the next chapter in the St. Maarten story, we will each be confronted with two choices – either to be part of the solution or part of the hindrance to progress. That day may be years away, but when your child or children, grandchildren ask, “Where were you when it all happened?” or “Where did you stand back then?” can you look them in the eyes and comfortably say, “I stood for St. Maarten!”
In a democracy, there are times when we may individually disagree, but opportunities such as these are the ones that should strengthen our bond.
And when the history books are written, I pray it shows a United St. Maarten with its people boasting proudly, “I stood for St. Maarten.”
We must show the strength and character that allows us to uphold human decency and the fundamental rights of our people. Doing this includes protecting them against whatever we see going wrong, or goes too far. Why do we continue to wait until it affects us personally? Remember, it could happen in your family.
Today, I again extend my sincerest wishes of strength to the family and friends of MP Theo Heyliger. Over the past days the sadness has increased over the detention of one of our country’s greatest leaders. And though it may seem dark now, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as we look towards a brighter day.
Minister Stuart Johnson
