Mr. Editor:
I’ve read with amusement and concern the articles released by Mr. Richard Gibson Sr, through the propaganda machine of his new political party. It’s been … strange, because if I read these articles, it’s like they’re written by a different Gibson Sr. First, the State of Affairs breakdown, written by someone who seems to want back their former job as Finance Minister. However, the facts contradict much of what he has been saying, and I want to make it clear that I’m not trying to attack the gentleman; but, the facts are the facts.
On 21 July 2024, he commented on the ENNIA solution, condemning the Jacobs II Cabinet for signing off without Parliamentary approval. If I recall correctly, Jacobs II Cabinet signed subject to Parliamentary approval, a nuance an astute lawyer as Gibson Sr. would understand. He seems to be letting the cat out of the bag, because last time I checked, both his former party NA and his current party UP were part of that Cabinet. Is he saying by default that the United People’s Party had or has issues with the solution currently on the table? Decisions made in the Council of Ministers (CoM) are confidential, so the public, as well as Parliament, was under the impression that the fix for ENNIA was a unanimous CoM agreement. Cat out the bag, indeed.
Even more curious: his habit of calling ENNIA a “Curaçao company.” The same Curaçao company was acceptable for him when he served as Supervisory Director of ENNIA Group from 2006 to 2014. Remember: he resigned with the intention to become Minister of Finance in Gumbs Cabinet I, but ultimately was not able to be sworn in. He received a “See you later” gift of approximately ANG 2 million, which is highly unusual even in that world, which led to the Central Bank and ENNIA itself investigating it as possible bribery and corruption.
In May 2018, following the end of the second William Marlin Cabinet in January, Ansary attempted to install Gibson Sr. as Managing Director of ENNIA Group, which would have resulted in him having management responsibility as Managing Director of ENNIA Caribe Leven and all other ENNIA operating entities. This would have included responsibility for E.C. Investments B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of the ENNIA group which includes SunResorts. Ansary tried to throw a fast ball and bypass the approval of the CBCS, which by law precedes any such appointment. Just a couple months later, the house of cards that the ENNIA Group had become on Gibson Sr.’s watch came tumbling down with the intervention of the CBCS.
So which version of Gibson Sr is this, acting like working for or helping a “Curaçao company” is beneath him and not a thing he did for years before his stint in the country’s political arena?
What concerns me is the current delay in decisive action in parliament regarding ENNIA, with smoke and mirrors being conjured up by, amongst others, the same Gibson Sr. The fact is that St. Maarten has received over ANG 310 million in liquidity loans during the COVID pandemic. Currently, the interest is approximately 3.2% per year. This was the most preferential interest rate that could be achieved when refinancing the loans with the Netherlands. This rate was granted to St. Maarten because it met the pre-condition to agreeing to a (previous) ENNIA arrangement.
Because the approval for this arrangement was withdrawn by Curaçao, a new arrangement is now on the table. If, for political reasons parliamentary approval for this new arrangement is withheld, the preferential interest will disappear and be replaced with an interest that could run up as high as 8%. This would mean a wasted additional interest burden of ANG 15 million, which could be better spent doing the people’s business.
Make no mistake, as a sitting Member of Parliament, I am not happy about the fact that myself and other St. Maarten taxpayers are facing down a 50-year payment solution that could have been avoided if only persons who now put on their campaign poster “Time for Serious Governance” had practised that very thing in the two times (almost 10 years) they were working for ENNIA. As a legal mind, common sense and serious good governance alone should have guided Gibson Sr in the way he advised on the group’s dealings.
Gibson Sr moves onto GEBE, highlighting the fact that GEBE owes the people and the country. In his and his former party’s eagerness to boast about a balanced and timely budget, they plundered GEBE of ANG 30 million, leaving it cash-weak. I know the counterargument: “they were dividends owed to the country.” This is not a valid counterargument. Dividends are distributed by companies turning a profit. Good governance requires that profits made are to be allocated according to a sound dividend policy. Does GEBE have one?
Such a policy considers if reserves for (re)investment or risks must be maintained by allocating profit to these reserves. This good governance practice ensures financial stability and resilience. If more profit is made than considered required for (re)investment and risk, a dividend could be distributed. GEBE had not been profitable for quite some time. So, were dividends warranted? As a result of years of poor governance and even poorer oversight, when Hurricane Irma came knocking, GEBE was left exposed and has yet to bounce back. Once again, Gibson Sr. doesn’t seem to recall that part of his life.
He says that the country needs to regain control over the Mullet Bay property. Here is where I call “proverbial excrement of the bull.” To use a phrase former MP Raeyhon Peterson once used in Parliament: “the rat is minding the cheese.” The “shock” that Gibson Sr expresses over the fate of Mullet Bay, which was handed over to private hands all those years ago with no consideration of the impact on our economic ownership, has to be false, but for whose benefit? Cannot be to the benefit of the voting population; or is he banking on people not remembering he had a bird’s eye view of the Mullet Bay saga, from 2006 to 2014?
Let’s remember what the court in first instance ruled about Mullet Bay, about the opportunistic valuations of the property beefing up the financials to falsely create the circumstances for outrageous dividend payments which depleted the ENNIA reserves. Who was on the supervisory board of the ENNIA group between 2006 and 2014, a period during which the internal auditor and legal counsel of the ENNIA Group strongly advised against these dividends? The same Gibson Sr.
I wonder what plan Gibson Sr. has for Mullet Bay, with talks of buying it back. Where would the finances come from to allow the luxury to buy back while neglecting other urgent priorities? Would he maintain his “we hit the jackpot” enthusiasm for a new version of the much celebrated and suddenly silenced Pearl of China that he, as Minister of Finance in 2016, expressed? Back then, he shared specific details that a “company reflecting 50% ownership by the Chinese Government and 50% by Chinese companies had already been established in St. Maarten.”
At the time, Gibson Sr shared that $60 million had already been transferred into the company. Isn’t it strange for a sitting Minister to be so involved in a private sector entity’s financials? Where’d that $60 million go? Probably the same way as the Pearl of China: washed up.
The irony is that Gibson Sr now finds himself on a party with a #5 candidate in the form of Rolando Brison that spent a bulk of his time pointing fingers at other “elders” in the community that Gibson Sr. says we need, along with him, to help save us. I daresay that Brison should resurrect his infamous mantra and inform his new #2 to: Go Pay.
Because if we’re talking getting the country out of this “bad” ENNIA Solution, it really is as simple as Gibson Sr., Ansary and every person and foundation named in those court documents paying back what was withdrawn. But, as always, people’s righteousness dries up right when it means that they must be uncomfortable. And that?
Is not leadership.
MP Melissa D. Gumbs
Party for Progress Leader
Dear Editor,
When the Bachanal was in its prime, I told someone that in our days that person would be asked to come the station to have a talk with certain authorities in order for that person to understand that not everything which is not written in the law as forbidden will be tolerated. The safety of the people has priority.
I got my first driver’s license in 1965. What year was it stipulated that the use of cell phone while actively driving is forbidden? So one does not have to wait until something which does not seem to be kosher proves to be not kosher to act. But political pundits were not concerned about the public at large, because they had their personal agenda and they wanted to get in no matter what it takes.
Several people send things to me via whatsapp. I told them emphatically, “Do not give audience.”
The other thing was the police striking. I wrote to you and mentioned that “Police doesn't strike.” It diminishes their authority. I even told a few of them that personally. Instead they went further and the union representative joined a political party and campaigned against the Minister of Justice. The only person who could stand up for them.
And what is happening in the meantime. Political party leaders, citizens of this same country, are rubbing their hands. The same people who eventually will need the same police who they coerced into taking sides, are now telling the community, “Sorry we will like you vote for us but the authority of our police force is at a point where we cannot guarantee your safety if we hold public political meetings.” It is a shame and a slap in the face of the people.
So my question is: What are the promises they are going to make to the people? What happened to public safety? Must we assume that we are taking a risk by going to the supermarket? When you have a Minister of Justice walking around the town like Django with his gun in open carry and within two days making heads roll in the same police force of which he was a member, what should one expect?
Forming a government coalition at all cost usually turns out to be exactly that: “at all costs”. Any civic-minded leader would have strived to keep the Minister of Justice, who we all know that she was well on her way to get things done in the right way, in place. I do not believe then we would be reading that article on the front page of “The Daily Herald” of July 25th.
Russell A. Simmons
Dear Editor,
Judicial & Institutional Services (formerly known as SJIS/SJIB) proudly celebrates its 22nd anniversary, marking over two decades of dedicated service aimed at restoring and reconciling families and individuals within communities.
Since its inception, SJIS/SJIB has served as a beacon of hope and transformation, significantly aiding children under supervision and supporting individuals navigating legal challenges.
Throughout its history, SJIS/SJIB has remained steadfast in its mission to reunite families and rehabilitate community members. By fostering environments conducive to growth and resilience, the organization has touched countless lives, helping to build stronger, more resilient communities.
In honor of this significant milestone, SJIS/SJIB is excited to announce several new initiatives designed to expand its services and deepen its commitment to those it serves. Details of these upcoming projects will be shared in the coming weeks, inviting the community to join in this journey of growth and innovation.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated team, partners, and community members for their unwavering support over the years. It is through their collaboration and commitment that SJIS/SJIB continues to make a positive impact on many lives; and we invite the public to join us as we embark on the next chapter of our journey, dedicated to restoring hope and creating positive change in our communities.
To stay updated on the latest news and upcoming initiatives, Judicial & Institutional Services encourages the community to like and follow our Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/foundationjisxm.
Foundation Judicial and Institutional Services
By Andres Oppenheimer
Venezuela’s dictator Nicolás Maduro may find it harder than expected to steal the July 28 elections. Although he has done it before, new developments could mess up his plans to rig the vote.
In recent days, a surprise statement from Brazil’s leftist leader Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva, and the Brazilian president’s decision to send a high-level delegation to observe the voting, has put new pressure on Maduro to respect the election results. Lula, who has in the past abstained from criticizing the Venezuelan dictatorship, said Monday that Maduro “needs to respect the democratic process.” He added that, “when you lose, you go home and get ready to run in another election.”
Brazil and several other Latin American countries are worried that a new wave of civil unrest in Venezuela could drive millions more of Venezuelans to seek refuge in neighboring countries. Nearly 8 million Venezuelans have left the country in recent years.
Dear Editor,
What would happen if an entire tourism destination was dedicated to expressing tourism legacy in a new way? Wanting to explore the potential for developing a bolder and more distinctive concept for tourism destination services and products. Conceived as model to explore future directions with innovative features and enhanced by promotion language that reflects the destination’s unique products and professional services. The new concept may be a radical demonstration of the power of an avant-garde brand that will appear as the tourism destination of tomorrow.
Does it sound like a politician’s biddle-boo diddley squat? It doesn’t mean to be disrespectful or contesting any existing shortcomings in a heavy-duty script.
Ever heard of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs? Academic courses in marketing teach Maslow's hierarchy as one of the first theories as a basis for understanding consumers' motives for action. Marketers have historically looked towards consumers' needs to define their actions in the market. If producers design products meeting consumer needs, consumers will more often choose those products over those of competitors, thus increasing sales.
It is an art to remain down-to-earth, yet achieving something that is almost heavenly for many. It may not be the concept that is referred to, but the following may provide some food for thought.
He dropped out of high school at age 15, he bought an uninhabited Caribbean island at age 28. He developed it to serve as a family private retreat. It was not supposed to be a tourist destination. Yet now, years later, it can be booked anytime of the year for exclusive use from US $105,000 per night. During selected weeks of the year, the island opens up “hotel style”, allowing guests to book individual rooms US $5,150 per night.
“Don't bother doing something unless you're radically different from the competition,” according to Sir Richard Branson, the man behind this example and described as a man with an innovative spirit, deeply committed to sustainability and environment, as well as wildlife preservation, with an outlandish lifestyle, and who turns his visions into reality.
The point is not about telling anyone what to do or suggesting to go to extremes. It is not about how much is invested. It is about a philosophy or vision that offers an exclusive escape, where guests can escape the pressure of everyday life and immerse themselves in the tranquility and beauty of Caribbean’s natural beauty and feel totally and truly at ease. Branson’s personal philosophy is embracing new experiences, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible that will be encapsulated in unique experiences. How about that for creating a new tourism destination concept?
It brings us back to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs which is used to study how humans intrinsically partake in behavioral motivation. Maslow used the terms “physiological”, “safety”, “belonging and love”, “social needs” or “esteem”, “self-actualization” and “transcendence” to describe the pattern through which human needs and motivations generally move. So, if one wants to invite guests to come to a destination, one has to understand their behavior, lifestyle and culture first. The characteristics and demographics of every tourism source market differ. Don’t expect to get them all. Specialization and exclusivity will create uniqueness.
Why shouldn't a destination be homey; a kind place that has the feeling of a cozy and comfortable home? Why not go “Shabby Chic” which is in essence a feminine design style that reflects a casual and relaxed lifestyle and homelike warmth. Yet, feminine design relates to beautification. Not cosmetics, but the true natural beauty from within of a destination that should reflect the warmth of hospitality and of guesticology which is the study of the people for whom services are provided. It recognizes that there is a vital link between customer satisfaction and brand reputation. The only regret from a stay at a destination would be that the visitor couldn’t stay longer!
A new exciting tourism destination concept harnesses the power of creativity and crosswise thinking to make a unique statement in a hi-class and hi-performance tourism concept model. One must not feel restricted by previous traditional concepts but instead explore new ways of expressing what a tourist destination stands for. It should represent the brand’s destination roots in an intelligent way, without using showy gimmicks. Mind that quality goes in before the brand goes on. Yet, some believe that guests can be induced to swallow anything, provided it is sufficiently seasoned with praise, and they promote it with ample braggadocio.
In character and performance, a new tourism destination concept should be the most advanced focused model yet to come to the industry and be uncontaminated by the world around it. The concept shares the core values of the brand: progressiveness, comfort, warmth, quality and functionality and combined with authenticity, creative culture and innovative thinking. That may be an exhausting lot to think about.
Create a different atmosphere than is found elsewhere. It’s no good to copy others, but it does make sense to be inspired by others to come up with new ideas. In a region where the ocean hugs the shore, a destination can be an experience offering an extensive range of features that go above and beyond expectations.
“Nothing is so common as the wish to be remarkable,” according to William Shakespeare, who also said: “Be great in act, as you have been in thought.”
So, let’s run it up the flagpole and see if anyone salutes it.
Colonel Bud Slabbaert
