Dear Editor,

I am sure that every St. Maartener older than 40 years has heard his or her grandmother tell them to “huttongue” (hush tongue). I was surprised to read that MP Meyers openly dispelled the misinformation concerning a possible coalition crisis.

Come on, what is new in St. Maarten? Is MP Meyers not aware that the members of St. Maarten government have more sleepless nights because of the fear of waking up and hearing that the government fell than the fear of hearing another politician got arrested? It has become a way of life for the people in government.

I am still confused, because I am very very sure the advice given to him by his deceased mentor would have been, let that die a natural death.

Now that he has dispelled those rumors, if the government really falls (which if it falls with or without the doings of MPs Meyers and Marlin, would not be a surprise anyway), what kind of a tangible explanation would MP Meyers be able to give the people?

This is not a question of members of opposing parties sitting and talking about what matters most, it is what the politicians in government have created. Seven governments in eight years has become as it were a part of St. Maarten’s culture. It is time enough for the politicians in St. Maarten to realize that the level of understanding has risen and that the people are no longer swallowing things that easily.

The walk to Emmaus was the greatest event ever. Completely contrary to that notorious ride to Pointe Blanche some years ago. Not to forget who had to do the explaining at that time. Did not MP Marlin tell MP Meyers that going independent is already brewing in the NA? All that the people are looking out for now is who is going to be the next to throw down the government.

So, unless MP Meyers wants to go down in history as one who also toppled the government he should “huttongue”. Of the unspoken word you are the master, of the spoken word you are the slave.

Russell A. Simmons

Does Curaçao adhere

to human rights?

Dear Editor,

Last week Thursday and Friday, six Venezuelans have been arrested by the police. The press and other stakeholders were kept far away. There is great uncertainty about the fate of these people, including a sergeant of the Venezuelan army and various civil servants.

The military has been able to report via a local journalist that there are more refugees and confirms they have been brutally arrested and have no chance to make their rights known. The police are threatening to send them to the Venezuelan consulate. They are now behind bars in the barracks at the Curaçao prison.

Curaçao is withholding their right to tell their flight story in order to determine whether these people are at risk if they are deported. That would be a violation of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which forbids countries to return people if their lives are at risk.

The big question is whether Curaçao wants to be a rogue state or whether it wants to uphold human rights in line with the civilized world.

Dick Drayer

Dear Editor,
Foreign Investment is of paramount importance for the future of St. Maarten. Not only does it involve money, jobs and development but for local communities it means stability, growth and an overall better standard of living and working conditions ... or so we are led to believe!
Ultimately, every new investor is free to create their own environment. They flash their money, are simply accepted and conveniently ignored by all Government departments to do exactly whatever they choose, with no moral obligations whatsoever. Labour laws, relationships with unions and employment standards should be observed and adhered to but who enforces this? Where is the Government? Who is investigating? Where’s the protection?
Over 35 years ago Rouge et Noir Casino became one of the most popular venues on the Island. Throughout the years it built up a fantastic reputation and was known and loved by locals and tourists alike. However, time and competition took their toll, and the casino became dated and neglected. In March 2017 the original owners (Funtime N.V.) sold the casino and although the new Chinese owners had no experience in the casino industry, the new injection of foreign money was very much welcomed and needed.
By August 2018, only 17 months later, there will be numerous court cases lined up against Funtime N.V. Valuable experienced staff have been demoted, mistreated and even unfairly targeted. Biased untruths and embittered accusations have led to fabricated warnings, cautions and even illegal dismissals.
Management and staff with 20-35 years of service are either ignored, unpaid or go unheard and unnoticed; Discrimination is now abundant especially concerning ageism as age limits (18-38) are now advertised on the casinos search for replacements; pensioners are being denied their legal rights to a pay-out and forced into continuing their labour agreements; allegedly, 10-20 illegal Asian workers have continually worked within the casino or office walls, before departing St. Marten with an “overstay” stamp in their passports and thousands of dollars in their accounts. We ask the questions: Where is the Government? Who is investigating? Where’s the protection?
Staff morale and motivation is now at an all-time low and communication between owners and staff is simply non-existent. The staff feel they are being purposefully pushed out by the deteriorating working conditions which are enforced by the new fake Managing Directors: an 8-hour shift comprises only 2 drinks being allowed and “must” be signed for; continual walking around on aging and aching legs, without breaks, are setting record levels of absenteeism through sicknesses and stress; vacations have been reduced from 26 days to 15; and daily working hours are up from 7 to 8, 6 days a week.
The continuation of an unhealthy atmosphere is cemented by “The Boss,” who, alongside his straggle of followers, perches himself outside the casino where he can analyse, criticize and condemn anyone who dares to disobey his orders. In short, the loyal and local staff feel intimidated as their pride and their self-esteem disappear.
So where is the employees help? Who do they turn to? Staff are getting demoted, move into new positions, fake warnings and even fired. The bullying tactics border on abuse with intimidating conditions employed by the new owners and their “helpers.” The Labour Department when informed simply asks the staff to seek legal advice. Immigration is nowhere, FIU is nowhere, alongside all other Government agencies which are currently showing zero interest and turning blind eyes.
Therefore, with the new owners showing complete disrespect for St Maarten and her laws, “lives and families” are being ruined and maybe Rouge et Noir Casino is simply a bad example of foreign investment but the questions remain: Where is the Government? Who is investigating? Where’s the protection?

Name withheld at author's request

Dear Editor,
I had the pleasure to be in church on Sunday last and for the first time was made to understand the importance of the "dash" between the dates of birth and death (20/8/50 - 20/8/2018). The emphasis should be put on the dash (-) between the dates, because that dash represents our lifetime, the time between those two dates. The sermon was about what did you do and intend to do about that dash?
I believe we are a contentious people and that there are good people who occasionally do bad things. Therefore, with the focus on the future of our youth, my question is what do we intend to do about that "dash"? If there is validity to the proverb "Constant dropping breaks a stone", can I conclude that, if one is using the cell phone and looking at TV endlessly, the line between reality and fiction becomes blurry and that the distinction between crime on the TV and crime in reality will diminish?
Will not the result of this kind of behaviour manifest itself all over the world? We say prayers for our youth asking for them to grow in grace, for help to develop their skills for the honour and glory of God. We ask to give them a zeal for learning, for them to follow wise counsel and good leadership. We ask for them keep inspiring company so that they may take up their place in life and be a blessing to the communities in which they live.
But yes, a big but, faith without works people, yes, faith without works will get us nowhere. So, we have to make sure they adhere to their tasks and responsibilities. Instil accountability in them. It all goes back to Proverbs 22:6. And what is very important is our language. Our language must also play a role. Avoid curse words while correcting or chastising. Curse words distort what you want to say (flies, honey, vinegar).
Being stern does not necessarily mean one has to be mad. Explain the reason for the punishment. Never remain mad and try to avoid being repetitious. All of this can be a positive contribution to that "dash". Take a peek at Luke 2:41-51. I was about to send this letter when something told me check to see what's in today's paper first. I read Joslyn Morton's letter to you and I am obliged to urge everyone, and especially parents to go to the opinion page of The Daily Herald of Monday, August 20, and do like I will do.
Clip it out and laminate it. It reminds me of what was impressed upon me to combat following other children (what has become peer pressure): "It is not a problem to be different."

Russell A. Simmons