Dear Editor,
Their desperation has become an addiction and dishonesty still remains the norm. But as the sayings imply: want all does lose all and the longest rope has an end! It is unfortunate that these crooked politicians have not learnt from their mistakes nor the missteps of others. So, without any remorse, they continue to play these dirty games by flaunting their glaring nature of saying one thing while doing another.
And, whenever these officials are caught lying or scared to be seen when making their muddy deals, they opt to arrange secret meetings overseas. Why is it not surprising to see the same set of politicians repeating these murky transactions? What is extremely sad is to watch the disguised leader of NA throw away 40 years of fighting corruption, to now wallow himself in the same mire, just to be popular.
This is an MP who spoke fervently of the need to have a stable government. Thursday, February 8th edition of The Daily Herald expressed just a sample of his plea to maintain stability; yet, without any semblance of guilt or the desire to apply his experiences as a model to emulate, he continues down that same slippery slope as the other desperadoes. Now it is more than clear that his appeal was just a ploy to garner sympathy votes.
The MP should be honest with the people and disclose the nature of his secret meetings with the other two stooges on and off island. Did the population take note of their absence from Parliament recently? People, this is their plan: they intend to form a block and then present a so-called motion to prevent the Dutch from “taking over” the country – the same politicians who had every opportunity to demonstrate integrity, but now find it convenient to blame the Dutch.
Imagine the Deputy Leader of UD is joining with the opposition to throw down his own government. If this is not treason, then the word should be stricken from the dictionary. Is it not that this same MP was tipped to be Prime Minister during the formation of UD? If all went well as he had expected, what kind of leadership would the population be witnessing today? Do the people see why these politicians are demanding the change to elect future Prime Ministers?
And, is it not obvious why these same politicians are so desperate to acquire independence? What is the difference between ship-jumping and making dubious deals to change the composition of government? The decision should come from Theo and not NA, USp and Frankie. But surely, Theo is reaping exactly what he sow. Pay attention to the MPs who avoid Parliament when certain issues are being debated; now monitor their rush to vote in favour of “blocking the Dutch.”
Now, these renegades plan to tell the Dutch to keep their money. Why was this not done the moment the Dutch gave the government liquidity support to pay their salaries? Did the people notice the manner in which the opposition behaved during the recently held debate with the Health Minister? Was it normal for them to appear completely subdued and sympathetic – the same MPs who summoned the minister to clarify a barrage of concerns from the population?
The opposition claimed that the inquires came from the people; yet, in the end, they complimented the Ministry for doing a good job. If this is true, then what was the point of the discussion and why would the people continue to express their grievances? If these MPs intend to refuse Dutch aid, guess which government entity will become the lending institute? Does the population see why the opposition couldn’t rock the boat and that their approval was vital?
Now that the cat is out of the bag, when will the details of their secret meetings be revealed completely? And would the specifics include the opposition seizing the opportunity to convince the younger member of UD to cross over, during their visit to Saba? After all, they have been courting him relentlessly, like male dogs chasing after the female that is in heat – the same opposition that has accused DP and UP of going after the youngest and weakest.
As is plain to see, desperation has become their obsession and dishonesty is the weapon they use to confuse and influence the nation. But they must always remember that, want all does lose all and the longest rope has an end!
Joslyn Morton
Fifteen years of COM ing
And No change
Fifteen years of changing
Still no change
We change statues
We change presidents
We change parties
Now the sem we
Want te rearrange
So we self we could
Arrange
And every thing
We painting ORANGE
Cauz we don't care who
We derrange
And we grabbing every thing
Within Range
President de com
President de sem
President CTOS
President de CROSS
And we in every sauce
Like onion
Regardless of others
Opinions
Fifteen years
And ah still in stears
Cauz de more things
Change
The more they are the same
We change president,
We change parties
We change team
And nothing change
Now we need a change
Of scene
For ah change
Raymond Helligar aka “Big Ray”
Dear Editor,
Please allow me to point out some important questions regarding the recent news that Scotiabank will be taken over by a new banking company.
It is really difficult to predict if this is a good thing for the island and its citizens or not. History has proven over and over again that our overly-lenient labour laws often cause the citizens of this country to receive the short end of the stick. Scotiabank had been planning to minimize its staff for some time now. The question is if the overseas company will also continue with these plans?
My concerns with regard to the employees are the following:
In cases like this, the operation departments are often managed from abroad. Will local employees make up the majority of the staff? Will the top positions be offered to foreign labourers? Will local employees be retrained for their current functions or trained for a higher function to meet the new company’s standard?
Will pension benefits of senior staffers, and other rights such as pension be respected? Will a pay-out option be presented to those who opt for that? Is job security being offered, or will employees be terminated and then expected to sign new contracts with the new owners?
Another point I would like to address is how customers’ assets will be dealt with. What happens if the new bank wants to come in and change previous agreements made with clients? Will clients be left in a difficult position?
I am really curious to know what agreements will be adhered to by the new owners in order to protect our local staff and the clients. The answers to the above questions will determine if there is a smooth transition ahead for a large number of employees and customers on the island!
It is very important that the points above be properly structured and thought through. We cannot allow another group of employees or clients of the bank to be left out in the cold, especially now in one of the most difficult times in the history of Sint Maarten.
I really hope for all stakeholders involved that this will not be another Pelican Saga or Cable TV situation. Hopefully the decision makers will place the best interest of the employees, customers and Sint Maarten at the forefront.
In addition, I hope the decision makers with the power to make or influence legislative changes to our out-dated labour laws do the right thing (Do your job!!!). It is evident over the years that there is an urgency to make these changes now due to the frequency that this is happening and the negative impact it is having on our labour force and their families.
Richinel Brug
Dear Editor,
Volunteers build resilient communities, and the volunteers of Sint Maarten continue to play a very important role in the rebuilding process of the country since the hurricanes of September 2017.
Sint Maarten has a number of very active volunteer clubs, social, and youth organizations. Each organization has a board and membership who play very important roles in the execution of community projects and membership training and education.
I would like to thank the Sint Maarten volunteer community, who every year contribute their free time to their communities. Volunteers do build resilient communities.
Their work is as important as other public and private sector professions. During this time of the year, the festive season, our volunteers are also busy carrying out different fundraising projects for the needy and less fortunate.
Our volunteers must be considered as our heroes. Even during times of natural disaster, our volunteer community stepped up to the plate and did what had to be done by working tirelessly to help members of our community.
I take the opportunity to congratulate all those who continue to do good in our community and contribute in a meaningful way. It enriches our socio-economic development as a nation.
I take this opportunity to call on others in our society to join Sint Maarten voluntary groups and also make your mark on our community, because we need every volunteer in order to build a resilient community.
Be part of the process of building back better. Let us all work together and transform Sint Maarten for a brighter and prosperous future in social and cultural development.
Stuart Johnson
Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs
Dear Editor,
With the airport in an improving, but much diminished state, with an often-crowded departure tent, mobile toilets, very basic dining and retail opportunities, those of us that live here know how much better it is now than a short few months ago.
That said and appreciated, there are many things that could be done that would improve the departure experience. I will only mention one: Give the departure tent free Wi-Fi.
This small gesture would go a long way and mean a lot to outbound travellers, forced to sit and wait for hours in less-than-ideal or welcoming surroundings. Most departing passengers do not have easy access, and this is so simple.
Additionally, an opt-in database of visitors could be harvested and utilized by our Tourist Office for future campaigns. This is so simple and so easy; my question to PJIA: Why is it not already done?
Disgruntled passenger
