Dear Editor,

Over the past five years, the public roads of St. Maarten (Dutch side) have been plagued by improperly managed and poorly visible road lines. This situation poses significant risks to road safety and demands immediate attention to prevent accidents and improve the overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

The importance of clearly painted road lines cannot be overstated. They are a fundamental aspect of road safety, guiding drivers and reducing the likelihood of accidents. As observed at the intersection of A.J.C. Brouwer Road and Welgelegen Road (hospital road), the lack of visible road markings leads to dangerous driving behaviors.

It’s the simple things that make people see that you have their safety in mind. Look at the intersection of A.J.C. Brouwer Road and Welgelegen Rd., for example. Many drivers enter Welgelegen Rd.. by cutting through the incoming turn lane on Welgelegen Rd. which increases the chances of a head-on collision at the intersection. Many do not know where the actual point of entry to the Welgelegen Rd. is. Properly painted roadways increase road safety for all.

The absence of well-defined road lines not only jeopardizes safety but also reflects poorly on the management of public infrastructure. Clear and properly maintained road markings are essential for directing traffic flow, delineating lanes, and indicating important information such as pedestrian crossings and stop lines. These simple measures can drastically reduce confusion and enhance the driving experience, thereby promoting safer roads.

Investing in road paint is a cost-effective solution with significant benefits. The cost of high-quality road paint ranges from $200 to $300 per mile, depending on the type and durability. This modest investment can lead to substantial improvements in road safety and driver satisfaction. Additionally, it is crucial for the government to demonstrate that tax revenues are being utilized effectively to enhance public amenities. When taxpayers see tangible improvements in their daily lives, such as safer and more navigable roads, they are more likely to comply with tax obligations.

In conclusion, the simple act of maintaining visible and properly painted road lines can make a significant difference in the safety and well-being of St. Maarten’s residents and visitors. It is an essential measure that reflects a commitment to public safety and responsible governance. By prioritizing this basic yet critical aspect of road management, St. Maarten can take a crucial step towards creating a safer and more orderly environment for all road users.

Marvio Cooks

Dear Editor,

The new government has been sworn in.

Dear Editor,

Good morning, good people of St. Maarten. My name is Steve A. Stewart. I am a construction worker. Several years ago I was severely injured on a job. My hand was crushed and I have lost all strength in it. At first, the representative of the company I was working for paid for the emergency medical treatment and also assured me that they would take care of the situation. After that the representative disappeared and I found myself having to retain a lawyer to represent me and seek some kind of compensation for the injury I sustained while working for the company.

After many years of being unemployed and unemployable due to my injury, the company made me an offer that I refused. I had been unemployed for many years due to the injury and the offer could not cover my legal fees and allow me to repay people who have been helping me financially.

Then out of the blue, the court decided that I was the guilty party and ordered me to pay all court fees for the defendant.

The company offered to pay, which to any reasonable person would be an admittance of guilt, yet the court turned around and squarely placed the blame on me. Here I have been unemployed due to their negligence, and I have to pay them.

I ask: Where is the justice for a poor man in this country?

To appeal my case I need another $500. How can a man who has not worked due to an injury caused by them find justice in this case? They can afford to hire high-powered lawyers, but who is there to represent the poor man? Where can I get justice?

Steve A. Stewart

Dear Editor,

As the digital landscape evolves, so do the threats that accompany it. In response to the escalating cyber risks, the Caribbean Cyber Security Agency (CCSA) orchestrated a pivotal cybersecurity conference last year, fostering collaboration among French Caribbean territories to fortify their defences against digital threats. Building on this momentum, the announcement of the Cyber Resilience Strategy (CRS) 2030 Project on March 5, 2024, by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) underscores the critical need for a unified approach to cybersecurity across CARICOM states.

The CRS 2030 Project adopts a multifaceted strategy, aiming to enhance cyber resilience at both individual and collective levels. By leveraging regional knowledge and resources, CARICOM states can bolster their defences while addressing infrastructure gaps and legislative deficiencies. At its core, the project safeguards CARICOM’s ability to cultivate a robust cyber workforce, a vital component in combatting modern cyber threats.

Led by a committee chaired by the CARICOM Secretariat, the CRS 2030 Project brings together a diverse array of stakeholders, including officials from the Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), governmental and technical personnel, and independent experts. Through comprehensive assessments of current infrastructure, regional preparedness enhancements, and targeted legislative reforms, the strategy aims to fortify regional regulatory frameworks and foster stronger legal and international relations.

However, amidst the regional focus, the spotlight turns to St. Maarten, a small island developing state (SIDS) grappling with the intersection of technological advancement and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The increasing demand for modern online services in St. Maarten outpaces the available infrastructure, presenting both opportunities for progress and challenges in safeguarding against digital threats.

As the Caribbean region contends with a surge in cybercrime since 2020, St. Maarten has not been immune to these challenges. The recent ransomware attack on the island's utility company in 2023 serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to bolster cybersecurity measures.

Recognizing the imperative to prepare for the digital age, St. Maarten must prioritize the integration of tech-related subjects into its school curriculums. By equipping the next generation with essential digital literacy skills, coding proficiencies, and cybersecurity awareness, St. Maarten can cultivate a workforce adept at navigating the complexities of the digital landscape.

Moreover, investing in educational initiatives aimed at promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines can further strengthen St. Maarten's cyber resilience. By nurturing a pipeline of skilled professionals in fields such as computer science, data analytics, and cybersecurity, St. Maarten can fortify its defences against emerging cyber threats while positioning itself for sustainable growth in the digital economy.

In essence, as St. Maarten navigates the challenges of the digital age, the integration of tech-related subjects into its educational framework emerges as a cornerstone in building a resilient and future-ready workforce capable of safeguarding against modern cyber threats. Through strategic investments in education and collaborative regional efforts, St. Maarten can forge a path towards cyber resilience, ensuring a secure and prosperous future for generations to come.

The chance to engage in collaborative endeavors with our regional counterparts is readily accessible. We must seize these opportunities to address knowledge deficiencies and forge connections that facilitate securing the necessary funding for sustainability. The recent cyber incidents involving our government and utility company serve as cautionary tales of the consequences of neglecting modern cybersecurity protocols. It’s imperative that we strive for improvement and proactively equip ourselves for the cybersecurity challenges the broader region is already gearing up to confront.

Marvio Cooks