Dear Editor,

As a previous writer to this newspaper in the past, I ask this question, to all those in government positions of country Sint Maarten, and those having anything to do with government business: What are you waiting for concerning the dump?

Although I am a resident in SXM, I am basically an outsider. This is your country, not mine, although I love the Island and all the people, and feel in my heart that it is my home. I am an American citizen.

The little that I know about government, and their financial assistance to come from Holland in the future, I would like to prod all government officials to immediately concern themselves with implementing a permanent solution for the dump. The dump currently is a dangerous threatening thing to all living inhabitants, particularly those in the normal air flow patterns of the Island.

Imagine having to live in close proximity enduring the smoke, fumes, and emitted tiny particles in the air from the current dump. The people deserve better than this.

Besides being a retired professional health care worker, I have first-hand knowledge of modern technology and machinery, although very expensive, that would solve this most important problem permanently.

Thank you all for giving this attention.

Laina R. Macdonald

Dear Editor,

The widely circulated video - via social media - of the approximately 10-man-strong Dutch delegation, including Government Commissioner Mike Franco, Dutch State Secretary for the Interior and Kingdom Relations Raymond Knops and Minister of Justice and Security Ferd Grapperhaus, purchasing groceries at Duggins Supermarket on Statia in early May, was curious to say the least.

Firstly, the caption was, perhaps unintentionally, misleading. It erroneously read: ‘Dutch delegation shopping at Duggins Supermarket for a hundred dollars’ worth of groceries’, while the customer monitor clearly displayed the actual amount spent, a grand total of $57.86. A difference of $42.14!

Secondly, the video concluded with Mr. Franco, Mr. Knops and Mr. Grapperhaus posing for a photo displaying the three plastic bags of purchased goods. After reading an article in The Daily Herald newspaper of Friday, May 18, (‘CDA, D66 make call for higher social allowances’), the reason behind this PR stunt is now evident.

During a recent meeting of the Permanent Committee for Kingdom relations of the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament it was reported that Knops stated the following: ‘He had gone into a supermarket in St. Eustatius a few weeks ago to do some shopping, together with Minister of Justice and Security Ferd Grapperhaus, and he was shocked by the high prices’. How could this be? After all, the Commissie Spies concluded in their 2015 report that: ‘in socio-economic terms the situation on the islands has clearly deteriorated since the end of 2010’.

Furthermore, the more recent report entitled: ‘Onderzoek naar de prijzen in Caribisch Nederland’ (Research of prices of food products in the Caribbean Netherlands), which was commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, and sent to the Second Chamber in September of last year, concluded inter alia that:

–The price level on the islands is relatively high. This applies to Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius. One of the explanations for this is the fact that virtually all products consumed on the islands must be imported. This means extra costs due to the necessary transport and other extra actions required to get the products on the islands. Additionally, because of the limited population size, market demand is also modest in size, making it difficult to manage economies of scale (in purchasing). The islands are also heavily dependent on existing transport routes and providers;

– Prices on the islands rose sharply between 2010 and 2014. The price developments on the islands are periodically mapped out by the Central Bureau for Statistics (CBS) in the Netherlands. The numbers show that prices have risen sharply since 2010.

The comprehensive report provides conclusions, intervention possibilities to influence the prices and recommendations, which includes: the implementation of a voluntary system of maximum prices, tax exemptions on (some) necessities, subsidizing of energy cost for businesses, investment in local agriculture, joint purchasing, the publication of the different supermarkets’ prices and the increasing of awareness through budget planning. The report also concludes that supermarkets do not have exceptionally high margins and their net profit is about three percent.

Therefore, with this valuable empirical evidence in hand, how can he, to use his own words, in all fairness be shocked at this juncture? More importantly, the question needs to be asked; what is the State Secretary doing about it?

As a local manager, I felt prompted to defend my company against the biased characterization. Equally important, however, is that I am a proud Statian and stand ready, willing and able to assist in the development of a more prosperous Statia for all, regardless of who is in charge.

I respectfully call upon the government to start implementing the recommendations in the many reports that have been commissioned to mitigate the high cost of living on the island. This includes the publication of the results of the research into the so-called ‘social minimum’ report Caribbean Netherlands that has been going on for far too long and has once again been delayed.

There can be no more excuses. As the Dutch would say: “geen woorden, maar daden” (It is better to do well than to say well).

L. Gumbs-Duggins

Dear Editor,

Life is short and that is why we must know the meaning of life to live it to the best of our ability. We have to know our purpose in life to place the value on it. This is our purpose in life. Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. In other words, our purpose in life is to know God. It is not to seek riches or become a lover of pleasure.

This past week quite a few distinguished people died in St. Maarten. And our sympathy goes out to their families. People give their sympathy and state may they rest in peace. But the question we should ask ourselves is: Did we as human beings give them love while they were alive, and if we loved them did we ask them to seek God? Because God is love.

Come to think of it, I am guilty of that also. We know people, we eat and drink with them and hold many discussions, but do we ever ask them to seek and get to know God first? Did we tell them how much we love them? The family is the nucleus of a country; when the family disintegrates, the country disintegrates.

Parents, husbands and wives, love your children, sacrifice yourselves for your children and not the other way around. Love like you were never hurt! If you made mistakes, correct them if you can. Never be afraid to ask for forgiveness. God and Jesus forgive as much as possible because our purpose in life is to serve Him. Do not bring people flowers when they die but give them love and as many flowers while they are alive.

The conclusion is, our purpose in life is to seek and know Jesus Christ first and serve Him and then to love one another. If we did not do that, we have wasted our lives. To qualify for everlasting life which only Christ can give is to repent of our sins so that we will be found righteous in His sight. For that is the only way we can overcome death. Then we do not need to say rest in peace. But we will be able to tell our loved ones who die, “See you until Christ returns so we can live forevermore in joy in eternity.

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

 Dear Editor,

As a concerned citizen of this blessed little Island, I find it’s very unfortunate that no one can find a solution to the dump fire.

My daughter was admitted to the hospital for asthmatic treatment on May 17. Her treatment was improving but was dispatched on May 19, due to the heavy smoke from the dump traveling through that area, which is not good for an asthmatic patient.

Her doctor was very much upset because of the unhealthy situation at the hospital.

The nurses had to protect themselves by using hygienic masks just to continue taking care of the few patients that were there.

I have to commend the nurses of St. Maarten Medical Centre for working under those unhealthy and stressful moments. It’s not healthy for them, it’s not healthy for us and surely not healthy for anyone.

I don’t believe we as citizens of this Island should have to suffer under these conditions.

Word of advice to this nation, please take care of yourselves because no one will do it for you.

To the elected officials, please find a solution for the dump fire and do it fast, for time is against every one of us.

Lemuel Fleming.