Dear Editor,
Too often, whenever a professional is being recruited to execute a specific task, he or she is confronted with a barrage of negative feedback that does not validate these protestors’ perspective. Case in point: Attorney Nathalie Tackling, the proposed successor to Justice Minister Lyndon Lewis, is being criticized unfairly. What do bias remarks such as, “not from here” and “skin colour” have to do with her ability to do the job?
This is the type of juvenile commentaries that have deterred highly qualified persons from entering politics, and contribute significantly, to the development and prosperity of the country. Although many persons do not fall in this category, this mentality reflects a very naive and a low-informed population.
It would have been a more equitable approach if these objectors had taken the time to analyze and understand the reasoning behind the choice, rather than to have an impulsive reaction towards the nomination. In the absence of diagnostic viewpoint, in all areas of life, the end result is to continuously reproduce this cycle of stagnation.
So, my message to Attorney Nathalie Tackling is, do not ignore the negative remarks. Evaluate them, because this will give you a wider perspective of how the population looks at certain situations. When you understand your population, you will act accordingly, because in essence, they are expressing their true feelings.
Remember that this job is being offered to you as an opportunity to serve the public on a broader scope, and in a way that would enhance their lives. So, use your educational background as the compass to guide your decisions, and supplement your vision with a team of experts, who will propel you towards achieving that mission.
You don’t have to agree with any of my suggestions. But, everyone knows (I have written about it several times) that Attorney Roland Duncan is my all-time favorite Minister of Justice. To understand the dynamics of the justice chain, I highly recommend that you sit with him to get a comprehensive view of the ministry. He can take you back to the days of the Antilles, and fast-forward to his experience as the first Minister of Justice in our new constitutional status.
He will share with you unsparingly the challenges that you will face in reference to the different divisions within the ministry. What would be a topic of interest to delve into is the Justice Academy that he initiated during his tenure. If you can revive this vital initiative that has been dormant for years, this would be a step in the right direction, because it involved not just the police, but the VKS as well, who play an important role at the prison and at different events.
Conversely, watch out for those who extend their hand, but have ill-intent. A person who feels that he is entitled to this position, based on the amount of votes that he received, cannot give you good advice. First of all, who says that the votes are legitimate? Second, he sees you as his competition and definitely, this change does not sit well with him. So, if he does not have the dignity to let go peacefully, this is a sign that has already defined his character – a trait of resentment and entitlement.
Moreover, he is an extremely spiteful and a very cocky individual. Pay attention to the way he handles certain situations. A person who gets a kick out of firing his subordinates because he has the power to do so, cannot give you valuable advice. A person who brags about helping others cannot give you useful advice either.
When something is done from the heart, there are no strings attached. In fact, the recipients are usually the ones who advertise the act, and not the donor. This is why in a recent article I mentioned that people who say that they have integrity are the ones without this vital quality. Attorney Nathalie Tackling, there is so much that I can say to you, but this is not the medium to disclose that kind of information.
However, as you proceed in your preparation to become the next Justice Minister, I trust that you will keep the topic of this article in mind, and be the best version of a patriot – one who was chosen to serve her community and is committed to do so, openly and selflessly.
Joslyn Morton
Dear Editor,
Grass roots – small hoteliers are feeling the strain more than ever on the current effects on power outages these past days. The hospitality industry, particularly smaller establishments, is grappling with the harsh realities of the current inconsistent power supply which can diminish guest experiences and threaten business sustainability.
Power outages not only affect essential services such as air conditioning, Internet, lights, telephone and security systems but also significantly impact the overall perception of hotels by their guests. Visitors seeking relaxation and enjoyment are often discouraged by the prospect of being “stuck in the dark” during their holidays.
The small hotel experience should be a comforting escape, but constant disruptions create uncertainty for our guests. The ambiance, comfort, and safety are compromised, leading visitors to reconsider their choice of accommodation.
Our hotels are our backbone, and without reliable power, we face the crippling challenge of not only losing income but also damaging our SMSPA member’s reputation. In addition to the immediate discomfort for guests, these outages lead to additional operational costs. While backup generators may provide temporary relief, the mounting utility bills add further strain on already limited resources, pushing small hoteliers to the brink of financial distress in the future.
The ripple effects of this crisis are felt throughout the public and private sectors, as the hospitality sector plays a crucial role in local economies. Tourists deterred by fears of power interruptions may opt for destinations with more reliable infrastructures, leaving small hotels struggling to attract visitors and maintain their core services.
Immediate action is required from policymakers and our utility provider to address the national power supply crisis. We urge stakeholders to prioritize solutions that will enhance the stability of our power grid, ensuring that small hoteliers and businesses can thrive and continue to provide exceptional experiences for visitors.
As the situation evolves, the Small Properties Association SMSPA remains committed to supporting its members, guests and stakeholders while actively seeking innovative ways to maintain service excellence.
Paulina Lake
President, Small Properties Association SMSPA
Dear President Mussington,
The parents of the Soualiga College children find deplorable the inhuman decision pertaining to the public transportation for the Soualiga College on behalf of French Quarter.
Some children are getting ready for exams shortly after spending three to four school years in Soualiga College.
No wonder our children are failing. Our government is always self-centred, never showing proper interest in what is taking place among the population.
Unprofessionally after two-and-a-half months of preparing for back to school, on the opening of the new school year 2024-2025, M. Medhi Boucard, director of the education service, accompanied by Mme. Dominique Louisy, the Vice President in charge of education and their incompetent board of commission, annulled the bus line Soualiga/French Quarter.
But, because they are in a proper place to abuse their power in a segregative manner, decided that the bus line Soualiga/French Quarter starts at Orient Bay.
That same bus is owned by a French Quarter resident who passes all the children of French Quarter in order to get to the children residing in Orient Bay.
What is the Collectivité saying to the children of French Quarter inscribed at the Soualiga College after all these years?
I thought segregation ended a long time ago but unfortunately, according to the Collectivité, segregation has been put back in place on September 2.
I am hereby informing the President of the Collectivité of Saint-Martin of the effects his cabinet team is causing: Demoralisation, Destabilisation and Increase in poverty.
M. President it’s imperative that you reinstate M. Jean Cocks in order for French Quarter to survive.
Claudine Brooks and Felix Diane
Parents association Union Libre
Dear Editor,
Sexual assault on minors is the ultimate evil that any human being can commit. Unfortunately, our children are forever being hunted down by these brutal pedophiles (male and female), who continue to veil their conduct, simply because the community does not pay keen attention to what they say and do. Hence, in order to reduce this vicious attack on the innocent, this society must go back to the place where we were once the protector of all children.
It is quite alarming that the children of this country are almost left on their own to protect themselves. Why? Simply because the mechanisms to keep them safe are either too fragmented or basically non-existent. So, as a people, we would have to hold the Justice Ministry accountable, for this continuous lapse in prolonging the suffering of our children.
I know that this is not an easy nor a pleasant subject to address, but we as adults are responsible for the welfare of all children. It is a fact that the denial of the act always overshadows the reality, but we would have to garner the strength and become more vigilant, if we expect the future of this country to be governed by healthy minds. So, I am hoping that the community will commit to this sincere plea.
Women seem to be more sensitive to the issues that affect the lives of children. Therefore, I am kindly requesting that the incoming Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling take a comprehensive view of the effects of child molestation, and incorporate this analysis within her 100 days of orientation. Chairlady, I’m letting you know from now, that this would be my area of concern and my contention with you, if this issue is being ignored.
Just to give you a little background on this topic. In 2013, I visited a friend of mine. Due to my extremely curious and perceptive nature, I detected a very peculiar interaction between an adult and his 3-year-old stepdaughter, when he came to pick her up. Disturbed by my suspicion, which turned out to be accurate, I decided to do something about this very unfortunate situation.
At first, I had no idea what to say or how to bring across my message. All I knew is that I had to help the child. So, I did a bit of research on the subject. Then, I began writing about this horrible situation, with the hope that the community would be more aware of this plague that is destroying the lives of our children, and their families. For months, I submitted an article every week, pertaining to this specific subject.
The first article generated so many reviews. Then, friends of mine started sharing lots of incidents about their family members. I was surprised! But they encouraged me to write, because the information was like therapy for them and they also gained a lot of knowledge. Even now, I’ve been asked, why I am not writing about this topic anymore.
I believe that the manner in which this matter is being dealt with is not doing justice to all of the victims, who are affected directly. I am not completely aware of the intricacies of the laws that surround sexual abuse of minors, and so there are times when I became furious after a verdict was being rendered, because it appeared that no justice was done to these wounded individuals.
Not to labour the content of this article, my earnest desire is for your ministry to take the lead in bringing more awareness to the public, with regard to the laws. In addition, to establish a serious collaboration with all sectors that fall directly under your ministry.
I’m not asking for you to micromanage any of the divisions. But if you can establish a system that would keep your supporting team in the loop all the time, it will keep you abreast of current situations that may warrant your immediate attention.
Not only that, this constant flow of information would be the catalyst to amend some outdated laws or even to introduce new regulations, that would create a more equitable outcome for the injured.
Joslyn Morton
Dear Editor,
Reading that the governor, in the article about “appointed formateur” in “The Daily Herald”, emphasized the importance of strict observance of the regulatory requirements with regard to, amongst others, the screening criteria applicable for candidate ministers, again made me realize how important it is to lead by example.
With all due respect to the governor’s plead, fact is that when he decided not to sign the national decrees to appoint two candidate-ministers earlier this year, he himself didn’t adhere to the Rules of Procedure for the Governor of St. Maarten (a kingdom law). According to this Regulation he was obligated to send the national decrees that he refused to sign, immediately to the King (article 21 of the Regulation). He never did.
According to article 25, sub 1c, of this Regulation, not complying with any of the stipulations laid down in this Regulation is a punishable act/a crime. People who think that because of the fact that the government fell, that the governor in this case didn’t have to comply with this Regulation anymore, are obviously mistaken. Nobody is above the law.
The fact that nobody has held him responsible for not complying with this Regulation, is something else. The Council of Advice has called the current screening process unclear and outdated. The Council of Advice has also stressed on the importance of the privacy of candidate-ministers in the context of the screening. In the case of the two candidate ministers, this was also not taken into account. They were not informed beforehand by the governor of his reasons and had to find out on social media outlets, that they wouldn’t be appointed as ministers.
Sadly, until this day no apology for this very improper handling of their privacy was received from the governor or his cabinet. I can only conclude that, evidently, it is very difficult to lead by example.
Name withheld at author’s request.
