Dear Editor,
It takes a professional to know when to pause and evaluate the critical issues of her domain, in order to determine how to move forward from a point of reference – a set of criteria that values inclusion and appreciation – a system that further facilitates the needs of not just the personnel within her ministry, but the entire community.
The elucidation by Justice Minster Nathalie Tackling on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, parliamentary meeting cemented this momentous change to the landscape of government. Her vision and efficient coordination allowed her to navigate the ministry into a centralized system – a template that demands clarity, accountability, efficiency, consistency and impartiality.
Repeatedly, the population has seen government officials in positions of leadership, and all they care about is their salary and a glamourous lifestyle – a practice that hardly, or does not include the wellbeing of the people. Finally, the community has witnessed a shift in governance, where a new course has been determined to reinstitute trust and dependability, as a means to empower the society.
Minister Tackling, because you have a genuine commitment to the issues that matter, there wasn’t any need for you to calibrate the truth. It is a fact that whatever is rooted inside of a person will emerge eventually. It’s just a matter of situation and time before this innate quality comes out. Just as accurate is that “Discipline isn’t about what’s convenient. It’s about what’s right, even when it’s not easy.”
As challenging as the situation may be, “Every disappointment is a blessing in disguise.” Case in point: When you mentioned that the primary employee who was responsible for handling the National Decrees left, there was a void that stagnated the ministry for a while; but her departure has allowed you to examine the complexity of the system, to bring it into alignment, for effective management.
I applaud the idea to make the process of the National Decrees inclusive, to lessen the mistakes. However, 30 days seem quite a long time to raise an objection, because if the entire consignment or a great portion of it needs to be revisited, then the process crawls again, and depending on the severity of the objections, it will create severe discontent. Perhaps I0 days is a more reasonable time to oppose the findings of the decrees.
It also takes a professional to understand the limitations within one’s ministry and at the same time, be humble enough to seek an alternative that would remedy the situation, in a very efficient way. So, I support the initiative to include the accounting body in government to speed up the process. It further demonstrates humility and your commitment to finalize this long awaited commission.
During this assessment and reconstruction process, the blessing in disguise gave you the opportunity to discover that there are four different payrolls, which is often confusing to several justice personnel, because their personal information are scattered over the various payrolls. With the professional assistance of the accounting body, this centralized payroll system will come to fruition and be utilized as a point of reference.
It was such a proud moment to see how you were able to speak from a place of knowledge, instead of shuffling through lots of papers and eyes glued to the computer. Even when additional questions were posed or requests for clarification, you responded with simplicity and wisdom, while you maintained that elevated level of communication.
Minister Tackling, you have gradually lifted the veil of several practices that have stagnated the growth of the Justice Ministry. However, it is imperative that you stay disciplined, no matter how difficult the journey ahead may appear to be. Therefore, continue to guard the dignity of your legacy, as you proceed to reinforce trust within your ministry and the community.
Joslyn Morton
I stand before you today as a voice for those who are always left behind. I am James Finies – I come from Bonaire, an island in the southern Caribbean, ‘nos ta papia papiamento’– we speak Papiamento together with Haitian, the only two official native languages in the Caribbean that survived colonization – an island still colonized to this day. In the 21st century, my people are denied representation, erased from the global narrative, and excluded from decision-making about our own future.
As we meet to discuss culture and digital transformation in the context of sustainable development, we must confront a critical question: Can sustainable development truly exist in colonized territories where international human rights instruments are absent or denied? On Bonaire, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples are not realities – we live outside their protection.
Digital transformation, driven by AI and algorithms, is built on historical data. But our stories were never recorded. Our histories were never written. And now, in the digital age, we risk being erased once more – this time by design. If we don’t act now, we will be permanently excluded from the future being built around us.
Culture is not a side note – it is central to development. Without cultural rights, there is no dignity, no justice, and no sustainable future. The digital world must reflect all cultures, not just those already in power.
This requires action in three key areas: 1 - Equity and access. Digital technologies must be available to all communities, especially those historically excluded. 2 - Ethics and governance. AI must be aligned with human rights and transparency. It must serve humanity – not deepen inequality. 3 - Diversity and innovation. Every culture deserves to be seen, valued, and preserved. Innovation thrives when all voices are heard.
Meanwhile, on Bonaire, our native language Papiamento is disappearing from schools. Our flag replaced. Our online presence rewritten. New settlers flood our island, while native voices are silenced. Our native population has shrunk from 80% in 2010 to just 30% today. We are losing our land, our rights, our culture, our identity, we are facing ethnic and cultural erasure.
I am here as the last hope of our people – Our culture still breathes. Our language still lives. Our spirit endures. We are resilient, we have the faith not to be erased. Our future must be decided by us. Decolonize AI, decolonize Bonaire
So I call on the United Nations and the world: Include us. Protect us. Stand with us. Let us build a future where no one – truly no one – is left behind.
James Finies
Chairman Bonaire Human Resources Organisation (BHRO)
Speech given at the United Nations High-Level Interactive Dialogue on Culture and Sustainable Development, on May 29, 2025.
Dear Editor,
I just read the letter submitted to an on-line media outlet by a “Concerned Citizen” regarding former MP Theo Heyliger’s depicted use of a cell phone in the Point Blanche prison. While the letter raises important questions about prison security, the integrity of the justice system, and the potential misuse of political influence, I must take issue with the author’s choice to remain anonymous.
If the concerns raised in the letter are truly driven by civic duty and a desire for transparency, it is only fair that the author stands behind his/her words. Anonymity, especially in matters so politically charged, undermines the integrity of the claims and invites suspicion about the true intent behind them. If you (the author) have nothing to hide, why withhold your identity?
For collective “us” to contribute positively to the maturing of our community, we deserve open and honest discourse, not veiled attacks that aim to embarrass individuals without full accountability. If there is genuine concern about wrongdoing, let the investigation proceed without the added distraction of shadowed motives. I urge those who feel strongly about these issues to step forward, whether as individuals or through proper legal channels, so that real progress can be made in holding those responsible accountable.
The need for a transparent investigation into things like cell phones in prison is one thing. A second thing, however, is that the public’s trust is best built on clarity and openness, both from the authorities and from those who claim to speak for the people.
Michael J. Ferrier
Dear Editor,
I recently read an open letter regarding former MP Mr. Theo Heyliger and his alleged access to phones while incarcerated. The Prison Director was even mentioned as possibly facilitating these privileges due to political ties with Mr. Heyliger and his wife.
Dear Editor,
The controversial reinstatement of Hensley Plantijn to a top government position in St. Maarten has amplified public concerns over the erosion of integrity, transparency, and sound governance within the civil service. Plantijn, previously dismissed by the former government under Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs for non-performance, appealed his dismissal not through an independent or impartial channel, but under a new administration in which he now serves as a legal advisor.
This dual role as both a beneficiary of the appeal and a legal advisor to the very government deciding on his case represents a blatant conflict of interest. By failing to recuse himself, Plantijn compromised the ethical standards expected of public officials and cast doubt on the fairness of the reinstatement process.
The fallout extends beyond Plantijn himself. Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina’s administration is under fire for its growing reputation of opacity, preferential treatment, and failure to uphold the procedures that should govern the public service. His silence on this case, and others like it, has severely damaged his credibility. Instead of defending democratic principles, the government has chosen to shield one of its own – a move that suggests political loyalty is being prioritized over public accountability.
Alarming allegations also point to Plantijn using his current position to marginalize Emilia Thomas-Connor, effectively preventing her from executing her role as Secretary General. Faced with mounting internal pressure, Thomas-Connor ultimately stepped down and moved into the private sector. Such tactics not only undermine professional integrity but also send a chilling message to other civil servants.
This case also highlights a deeper, systemic issue: the performance of many Secretary Generals (SGs) who are critical to the day-to-day functioning of government is not being adequately monitored or evaluated. Several SGs have remained in their posts for years without any formal performance assessment, leading to a stagnation in public sector efficiency and accountability. Without proper evaluation mechanisms, poor performance is allowed to persist, further eroding the quality of governance.
Given the serious implications of these developments, many are now calling for the Kingdom Government of the Netherlands to intervene and assess the situation. Reinstating individuals under ethically compromised circumstances, particularly those who misuse their influence for personal or political gain, is not only inappropriate; it is not integral. Without integrity, the machinery of government ceases to serve the people and begins serving only itself. The current trajectory threatens to compromise everything St. Maarten’s democracy stands for.
Name withheld
