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
Dear Editor,
It has been one week since the beginning of the new academic year, and a beautiful opportunity for you, the students, to fulfill your dreams and leave your footprints on this society. Be aware that these tender years of your life are the most precious of all. And, as you journey on this path of discovery, it is my hope that you will view your school as a laboratory, not just to do research, but as a workroom to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses.
When you know yourself, you are capable of making positive choices that will impact your life now and in the future. Be cognizant of the fact that life is filled with challenges and this institution of learning will present you with all kinds; but it is your duty to overcome them, based on the knowledge you have acquired, your natural abilities and the support you get from your team. These challenges will help you to measure your inner strengths – the skills that you will need to stand up against anyone who wants to take advantage of you.
To reinforce my thoughts, occasionally I will inject some posts that I’ve read and I will do so by inserting them with quotation marks. One of the characteristics that you must develop and nurture in order to combat these challenges, is to be yourself, no matter how excessive the pressures may be. To underpin my belief, “Never change your originality for the sake of others. Because no one can play your role better than you. So be yourself. You are the best.”
When you have garnered the confidence to remain unique, you will have the courage and flexibility to “Be soft and cool like water. So, you can adjust anywhere in life. Be hard and attractive like a diamond. So, no one can play with your emotions.” As you assess your progress in school, you would realize that, “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”
All of the above are important attributes to possess and are highlighted by a supporting team that values your educational journey. Therefore, realize that, “The care and attention that you get from others is a gift of your own character.” So let your personality shine because soon you will understand that, “Caring is a gift that no one can buy. It’s made up of love that roots in our hearts and creates memories not just for a while but for a lifetime.”
With all the love that has been shared, you can only acknowledge that, “Love is beautiful because it is controlled by the heart. And friendship is very very beautiful because it is a feeling that takes care of another heart.” So, be yourself. Garner the motivation to be a lover of education and choose a circle of friends that is a spotter for each other!
Joslyn Morton
Dear Editor,
A few years ago I suggested that the Council of Churches approach the government to have at least three meetings a year to speak about the things that are prevalent in the country.
Dear Editor,
I would hereby like to call on the current Dutch puppet regime on Sint Eustatius to give full disclosure about the recent out-of-court settlement between the Sint Eustatius Housing Foundation (SEHF) and Democratic Party member, Island Council Member, businessman, and former Commissioner Koos Sneek’s company Norako N.V.
On February 2, 2012, Mr. Sneek assumed office as Commissioner in the Executive Council of Sint Eustatius. Eighteen days later, on February 20, 2012, Commissioner Sneek, in his capacity of director and owner of Norako N.V. signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) agreement with the SEHF. The LoI covered the sale to the SEHF of a building complex owned by Mr. Sneek and his company in the Golden Rock area. It included a penalty clause of 5 per cent in the case that the SEHF cancelled the letter of intent unless the reason was the inability of the SEHF to acquire funding for the purchase of the building complex.
Despite having submitted proof to Mr. Sneek of being unable to secure financing, Mr. Sneek still invoked the 5 per cent penalty clause in the contract. He even went as far as taking the SEHF to court to seek payment of the US $65,000 penalty, which would eventually be paid by the taxpayers of Sint Eustatius.
He also put a lien on the SEHF’s assets, putting great financial pressure on the SEHF, and forcing the Government of Sint Eustatius to come to its financial rescue at times.
The signing of the agreement by Mr. Sneek seems to have been a blatant conflict of interest, unethical, illegal, and reeks of corruption for a number of reasons.
First of all, Mr. Sneek, being the Commissioner of Finance, knew very well at the time of signing of the contract that the SEHF was not in the position to obtain a loan of $1.3 million for purchasing the building from him and his company. Secondly, as Commissioner, Mr. Sneek knew very well that he basically signed an agreement with himself, seeing that the SEHF is owned by the Island Government which he represented.
Recently the Court ruled against another former Commissioner, confirming accusations that she attempted to hire a family member to carry out work for Government during her tenure. The Court considered that said hiring constituted a conflict of interest, and was illegal.
I am therefore asking the Dutch Government to take an official position on the settlement between Mr. Sneek and his company and the SEHF and explain to the people and taxpayers of Sint Eustatius why the actions of Mr. Sneek were not illegal, did not constitute a conflict of interest, were not a waste of taxpayers’ money, and possibly meriting a criminal investigation.
Seeing that the SEHF is owned by the Government and therefore the people of Sint Eustatius, I demand that full disclosure of all relevant documents regarding this case should be given to the general public, including the conditions of the settlement.
For the past few years, this case has been in court, and the fact that the Court declined to honor Mr. Sneek’s claims is proof that he had no legitimate case to begin with. Mr. Sneek reportedly sought to reach a settlement for a while, which is further proof that his case was a weak and questionable one.
The Dutch Government should also give full disclosure about who authorized the Director of the SEHF to sign the settlement agreement with Mr. Sneek and his company. During the past three years, the sale of homes in the Golden Rock area has been stalled, due to the fact that the former Colonial Representative in Bonaire refused to approve different candidate SEHF board members nominated by the Government of Sint Eustatius without a valid reason.
Therefore, the Dutch Government needs to explain if SEHF board members have been installed in the meantime, and if not, how it is possible for the Director to sign the settlement with Mr. Sneek and his company.
Since the legitimately and democratically elected Government of Sint Eustatius took office in March 2015, both Mr. Sneek’s Democratic Party and the Dutch Government have been criticizing it of nepotism, unethical and illegal actions, and bad governance. These accusations have never been substantiated.
They do, however, clearly seem to fit the actions of Mr. Sneek and the settlement between him and his company and the SEHF. I, therefore, call on Mr. Franco to publicly give full account to the people and taxpayers of Sint Eustatius about this matter. I also call on the Dutch Parliament and, in particular, the self-proclaimed corruption fighter Mr. Ronald van Raak to publicly question State Secretary Knops on it as well.
Clyde I. van Putten
Leader, Progressive Labour Party, St. Eustatius
Dear Editor,
An old-timer friend of mine, who liked the articles on the “Old Sandy Ground” I sent you a while back, has requested that I share some more “remembering” with him and other readers of The Daily Herald; that’s the impetus behind this effort.
