Dear Editor,
Or is it not? Many say it is! The very essence of leadership is having a vision. Do you know of any of the self-proclaimed or elected leaders in the region who has a vision in the broader sense of the word? It means creating a vision, articulating the vision, passionately promoting the vision, and relentlessly driving it to completion. Especially the latter is crucial. Vision is the secret to leadership success. Beware of those who tell fairytales as a surrogate for a vision or take a short-cut version saying that all will be better than before and enhance it with the trendy word “resilience” to add some magic. It appears that some leaders who claim to have the desired foresight may need to go an eye doctor to get prescription eyeglasses with photochromic progressive no-line bifocals to be able to see the distinction between fiction and nonfiction.
Let’s skip the common leadership definitions. Everyone has their own view on it anyway. For one it’s the singer in the group who stands in front and does the yodeling while the others behind him are humming the chorus, for others it’s the guy who beats the drum for the rowers on a galley. Some leaders believe it’s being the protector of the industry shrine, or just being voted in office. Leadership should lead to…? The vision! And what is the vision in the region? Let’s just bluntly state that there is little to no leadership in the region due to a lack of vision. Absence of vision may cause dissatisfaction and discouragement. Not a good thing, especially when commoners keep asking for change! In some instances, by absence of leadership, one might wish for a savior instead as the ultimate solution.
One of the reasons for the lack of strong vision statements is the fear of failure or public ridicule. It takes courage to make a blunt statement of vision. There are very few who are willing to take that risk and are rather more worried to either sound absurd, to not be able get the show on the road, or to lose friends. And so, most prefer to diddle-daddle about what was achieved in the past and what the mission could be if the sun keeps shining. And then there are those who speak up and are able to say nothing like no one else, and turn the vision into a mystery like the big rock candy mountain where there are lemonade springs and the bluebird sings.
A scientific explanation for lacking vision is how the human brain works. The brain tries to maximize its efficiency by taking shortcuts in processing information. That's why, the more often we do a certain task, the easier it becomes. For the same reason, we get comfortable in our own surroundings and lose the ability to think beyond it, or thinking outside the box. It’s no joke that the brain’s neural circuits of a visionary are more active.
Tremendous research has been done in Neuroscience and Neuroeconomics. The brain's need for energy efficiency works against imagination, since imagination involves stronger neural connections and more focused attention to create deeply imprinted and detailed visualizations. One of the important attributes for better perception is having a broader view on various developments inside and outside the political or industrial environment and seeing in ways most people cannot; a panoramic or even a three-dimensional view. So, having a vision is not quite what one would popularly call a “No-Brainer.”
Who are the visionaries in the Caribbean? One who has the courage to air a vision and having created a sizeable process or operation that is prove of making a lot happening. One who doesn’t let a stone unturned to come up with novelties and innovation in leadership in the region that leads to progress and prosperity. Where is the leader who actually has proven to make unemployment rates go down, especially youth unemployment? Talking about youth, where is the leader who is willing to separate from “old-boys-networks” that care about a comfortable retirement, and rather empower members of the new generation who care about the future for their own young children? If there is such a leader, let’s start collecting some money to erect a statue.
Let the leader stand up who has the capacity to translate vision into reality by mobilizing all resources, be it existing or newly found ones. What segment of the society that leader comes from is not nearly as important as to where the community will be guided. It is better to have just one leader of thought on board, who has ideas and sees opportunities long before they become obvious in a boardroom or a parliament, than three individuals who carry the title of CEO or Minister. However, just having a visionary on board of a vessel may determine the course but it still doesn’t make the engine run. That’s where the additional talent of a mover comes into action.
Having a leader of thought on board may already be useful. Here is how Antoine de Saint Exupéry, a French author, journalist and pioneering aviator described what vision is all about: "If you want to build a ship, don’t herd people together to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." A sure thing is that without a vision, one just keeps doing what everyone else does and what has been done before.
Commander Bud Slabbaert
Dear Editor,
It’s a myth to even think that these politicians have learnt their lessons after the constant break-up of governments. Not even the presence of the Dutch nor the economic uncertainty of the country has discouraged their dirty habits. Influenced by the flavour of power, the majority will do anything under sun, just to get in the game. Then, the strangest thing always occurs; they all want to be in control of the game.
During this past election, politicians stressed that it is a parliamentary election, rightfully so. Then why do most MPs-elect fight to get in the executive branch of the next government and demanding this or that ministry, just to be in charge of the people’s money? Furthermore, some politicians are also dictating who they will work with; whether the claim refers to individuals or a particular party.
More outrageous is that former candidates and newly-elected MPs are commanding their so-called leaders to demand an unfair portion of the ministries. What does this situation imply and would the trajectory in politics be different than the norm? The state of affairs has revealed two striking factors: the electorate is nothing more than just a vote and the dynamics in politics will remain, because these rabble-rousers are driven by their hidden character – the character that is influenced by the flavour of power.
Does this behaviour come as a surprise to many? Not if the population was really paying attention. The world-renowned evangelist T.D. Jakes declared, “If you want to know about someone’s character, watch how they treat people who they don’t need.” Does this statement sound familiar and when is it most prevalent? On the flipside of T.D. Jakes’ statement, it is safe to say that one’s character is also defined by what he or she will never do.
When one’s intellect is severely impaired, it is difficult to manoeuvre with wittiness, when he or she is up against a scholar. Everyone knows his or her strengths and weaknesses; therefore, MP Theo Heyliger has made a grave mistake to handle the process of formateur by himself or with others who are of equal caliber. The MP had to realise that the way of doing politics in the past has become obsolete, and for that reason, he had to utilize the expertise within his team.
This means that MP Theo Heyliger had to tell the so-called Christian Party that UD will offer them one ministry; they either take it or leave it. To be indecisive and linger over the process creates the vacuum for this supposed Christian Party to present a new proposal, which includes the Ministries of General Affairs and Education. Does the population recall the numerous letters from this professed leader of the party to The Daily Herald, regarding lack of integrity?
Has he lived up to these principles that he fiercely defended?
And to think of it, is the MP the only one in parliament who has butter on his head? At the moment, luck has been the guardian angel for several others. So what would happen then, if one of UD’s MPs-elect gets condemned by the court? Would the leader of the Christian Party withdraw his support? The situation is ironic because all this undesirable behaviour was blatantly displayed, so why get into the mix and tricks of politics?
Then there is this brewing scenario where a young and newly elected MP along with a supporter of another party are courting the MP who is accused of being a ship-jumper. They are enticing him to leave the UD. This is scary because these are the same people who spoke relentlessly on radio against the issue of ship-jumping, and their desire to work towards maintaining a stable government.
The political erosion is like a treacherous slope. It is signaling that the end of local politics is imminent. One slip-up and the fiesta is over!
Joslyn Morton
Dear Editor,
As promised the continuation of my thought about professionalism. In my former letter I challenged whomever is involved in hiring professionals, to produce their diplomas or certificate for the type of job that they are doing.
Long before Irma this was going on, now it is worse. In 2002, because of that over-qualified melee, I was in a meeting, I brought it up and offered to personally control diplomas and certificates to establish how many qualified workers are in the right employ. Numbers talk louder than hearsay. I was told that we would have to rearrange the employees sheets by the Labor Department and whatnot. That died a natural death as with everything that will protect the local man.
I always think of the Bushiri Hotel in Aruba, which schooled so many native Arubans who have been employed in the tourism sector in Aruba. Everyone from everywhere is some kind of a repairman. None can give you a receipt describing their work and you constantly have to call them back because of faulty or incomplete work done.
Car dealers have sent mechanics to courses in order to be able to upgrade themselves or familiarize themselves with the changes in certain models. Not long after his return that mechanic goes out on his own and becomes a so-called great mechanic under some tree or to the side of the road and that issue is never addressed.
As supervisior of the control unit I was asked to be lenient in some cases (friends of the elite) as long as they did not overdo it. Pond Island began the same way. Not for the same reason, but in the same way. We are not going to overdo it. Now we have to add another landmark to the map of Sint Maarten: Pond island Hill. We should be reminded that soon we will need to put up a red beacon for the planes.
Everyone knows the dilemma with the dump. Elections and the forming of a new government has put that on the back burner right now, but I say this is the time to put that in the governing accord. People in town and in Cole Bay will be still suffering as long as that hill is there for there will always be fires.
A new government. A new minister with another deal and the dilemma continues. Demand diplomas or certificates from those who claim to be repairmen. No work without immigration papers. Register in the correct way at the Chamber of Commerce. Hold the employer accountable for sending repairmen without diplomas and certificates to repair house and other appliances. Do the right thing. No more quick fixes and, as I mentioned, the store owners should be the first people from whom we demand that they have professional repairmen for the products that they are selling.
And then the irony of the K-9 matter is that First Response is causing the confusion. I have always been against the names First Response and Sheriff for security companies. Those names should not be permitted here on Sint Maarten, because of the easy manner in which visitors could be misled.
Worldwide people know who are the first responders. First responders are not security and a Sheriff is not a security. Again I have had conversations about this with people who could look into it and have the names changed. Again, just like I am constantly told that it is difficult to regulate public transportation, I am told that it is difficult to oblige a private company to change their name. Have not businesses been making it a practice to change name and managers faster than I can change a piece of clothing? And do not these requests go around to the concerned departments for advice before being okayed and permits issued?
We are again in a rebuilding period and we even have more supervision from Holland directly involved in a whole lot more stuff. Would I be right in thinking that it should be much better organized and probably supervised now because the same people who investigate us and lock us up are as it were on top of things now? Which reminds me of the tune “Who’s to blame?”
Mediocracy: a system in which mediocrity is rewarded.
Russell A. Simmons
Dear Editor,
The dump is still burning, the old one and especially the new one across from it. This toxic smoke has affected many people on the island with many going to the Emergency Room for breathing problems. What long-term effect does this have on our children? Cancer, asthma, etc.? Does anyone realise what is burning? Pressure-treated wood – older pressure-treated wood is treated with arsenic. Tires when burnt emit too many toxins to list, plastics, paint. The long-term medical cost of this will be astronomical.The smoke was so bad one night that people were choking and had to leave a restaurant I was at. I too had to leave. At my residence I cannot sit out on many nights because of the smell and effect on my sinuses.
This must be really good for tourism. Would you as a tourist come back to an island of burning trash that makes you sick?
Many campaign speakers spoke of the problem; to date I have seen little done. It seems like everything gets put off to the distant future. We need action now to save our children, our tourism and our island.
Some solutions are: recycle and separate glass, plastic, tires, metal and wood. This is easier than you think. It only requires people caring and making an effort to do so. Glass can be ground by a special machine to make beach sand or used to cover the landfill. Plastic has many ways to be recycled to make useful products such as trash cans, flower pots, etc. Tires can be ground to reduce volume; metal is recyclable; wood pallets, tree branches, stumps can be made into mulch by purchasing a tub grinder with magnet that even removes nails. This mulch is great for landscaping. Grass clippings, leaves, etc. can be composted to make rich soil. Put a refundable deposit on all bottles and cans. This would help keep them out of the trash and off roadsides.
There is much to be done, so let’s do it.
How much could it possibly cost to have recycling bins like the French side? Much cheaper than paying someone to separate it elsewhere and much healthier than burning it.
Name withheld at author’s request.
Dear Editor,
I have been trying to be a little more reserved with my comments because it takes time to react to suggestions. I read two articles in the paper of March 22nd. and I thought “when are we going to do the right thing?” Which right thing?
Yes, that six months contract abuse that has been going on forever. Over the years I have spoken to several people who were close to the decision-takers and “You have a point,” “Great idea,” “That makes sense” is where it has remained. I did not even have the chance to see something done of which I can say they stole my idea.
It was always in the interest of the people so “what’s in it for me” did not apply.
Instead of forming a committee which has to occupy itself with dismissal rules, why not permanent employment with conditions adhering to the normal rules and regulations stipulated by law? It should be the other way around. The employee should be employed knowing that he/she can remain employed as long as he/she adheres to the rules and regulations and labor laws. There should not be a constant fear of “I wonder if they are going to keep me on or let me go after the six months.”
Government continues to proceed as if that six months contract system is humane. It is not and all of us know it. I am aware that both parties should have signed the agreement, but let us be fair. are not the reasons mostly why the employee agrees to the conditions, as it were signing under duress?
La Samanna employees are starting what I hope should become the rule of law. We need to attract reputable and established companies to the country and not these so-called businesses which change management and names faster than I can change my shirt, with the blessings of government (of which several members are directly involved in those companies).
Who is the victim here? The people, through government not collecting any taxes, permitting wrong salaries, six months contracts, you name it.
Some people want to know, why the turnout to vote was that much even Irma. My summation: No house, no job, no money, free stuffed johnny cake, free T-shirt and a few more empty promises is too much to pass up in desperate times. Very compassionate.
Now this. Some opposites of professionals are cobblers, bunglers, moonlighters and, as we would say here, “chance takers.” Many years ago I suggested that companies that have their employees deliver goods to homes or do repairs at homes should have their employees wear a company uniform or a recognized logo with the employee’s identification. This was in connection with loafers and robberies in homes in the hills and so on.
Since Irma everybody is an air-condition repairman, a mechanic a body-man, you name it, not to forget who has become a carpenter in two days. Mrs. Cannegieter was sooo right with her response to the K-9 situation, I do not even need to add anything else. There was also a previous article concerning those dogs. which also has to do with professionalism here on the island.
Let me start by saying if you continue to tell your native Sint Maarteners that they are overqualified then you are telling the world that you can get along with mediocracy, a system in which mediocrity is rewarded. Wow. I challenge any car dealer to show me a local Sint Maartner with a diploma as an automobile mechanic in their employ.
I will go on and challenge any store-owner selling fridges, stoves, washing machine and other household appliances to show me a Sint Maartener with diplomas or certificate to repair those appliances who are their employ. Show me the hairdressers with diplomas from Schools of cosmetology. Let us check by the Chamber of Commerce if all of those who are obliged to register their businesses, the level of education authorizing them to have whatever type of company they have registered. Who is controlling where?
When people continue to badmouth the Sint Maartener whose friendly and hospitable manner was the cause of the great migration to Sint Maarten, those same people have to know what they brought along with them. If it was friendliness, where they came from would have been known to be friendly and hospitable so that they would have been able to market that just like we did and are still doing.
Because of the risk of my letter being too long to publish I will finish my thought in another letter.
Russell A. Simmons
