Dear Editor,

I always appreciate the feedback from Russell A. Simmons whenever he feels the need to comment on any of my articles that I’ve submitted in the opinion section of The Daily Herald. In this particular instance, his reaction on Thursday, February 27, 2025, stemmed from my article that was printed the day before. His viewpoint has prompted me to extend my thoughts; some of which will align fully with his inspections, while a few may differ, just slightly.

From the onset, he stated that persons who criticized the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication for not providing a race track for the bikers must arrange a meeting with the police and other stakeholders in order to discuss the consequences of their behaviour. I’m sorry that I missed his article with the recommendations that pertain to this pressing matter.

I’m in total agreement with his elucidations regarding the proper upbringing of children. Yes, children model what they see, although some adults deny this fact. It is quite alarming to see how so many households are being managed by one parent, whether the situation occurred because of death or complete negligence of sperm donors, who continue to get away because government has accepted their behaviour.

It is shameful and darn right appalling to know that government rather compensates the mothers with a monthly stipend, while fathers get away scot-free. This is the major breakdown of the family and the collapse of society. When a government refuses to hold fathers responsible for their role in the upbringing of children, then how does it expect to nurture and produce a dynamic and progressive society where its children can only aspire to achieve excellence?

It’s time that government devises a system to hold fathers responsible for the raising of their children, not just financially, but socially and emotionally as well. Here is where the Ministries of Finance, Justice, Education and Social Affairs need to collaborate, to change the direction of the society. Mothers should not be relying solely on government for child support, while the fathers are healthy and working.

Having said that, I am in partial agreement with his view that the behaviour of our youth stems from the lack of biblical knowledge. Yes, Proverbs 1:7 states that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…” Psalm 110:10 and a few other books echo the same sentiment, with relation to establishing the foundation for acquiring wisdom.

I do not object to biblical teachings in schools. I just don’t believe that its absence has led to the irresponsible behaviour of our youth. I truly believe that the foundation of any behaviour is engraved in the home environment. Case in point: Who are the very first teachers? The parents, of course. I see children and adults use profanity directly at or in the presence of their parents, and for the life of me, it is frightening.

I would rather run away before I be disrespectful to my parents. Where did I learn that behaviour? At home, of course, because respect for people and property was demonstrated to me and my siblings. I first learned about the bible at home, so it’s not necessarily true that the absence of the bible in school causes the unacceptable behaviour of the youth. My understanding is that schools or any other organization are there to build on the foundation that was established at home.

Yes, as you rightfully said, spare the rod and spoil the child would lead to some of the unwanted behaviours of our youngsters. This sparing of the rod boils down to the proper discipline not being instilled, as stated from the very beginning, which does not have to include spanking. I was chastised, yes; but licks was never a part of my upbringing at home.

To wrap up, he touched on the importance of going to church and Sunday school. Yes, Sunday school is vital. It is the place where children learn a great deal about the bible. But for me, the church has lost its significance in society, simply because most preachers are not teaching God’s word anymore. Instead, they are accommodating the desires of their congregation.

To be continued, as space won’t allow me to elaborate.

Joslyn Morton

Dear Editor,

Recent developments have once again highlighted the shortcomings of St. Maarten’s Hillside Policy, reinforcing the urgent need for legally binding legislation to protect our natural landscapes. As has been reported in the media, ongoing hillside developments such as the Concord Residence in Pelican Key and extensive excavation on Cole Bay Hill have sparked public outcry, with concerns over deforestation, erosion, and the long-term consequences of unchecked construction. While the VROMI [Public Housing, Urban Planning, Environment and Infrastructure – Ed.] Ministry has defended the policy, it is clear that its guidelines alone are not enough to prevent the degradation of our hillsides. The same can be said for the Beach Policy, which similarly lacks the legal weight to prevent over-development and encroachment on the very coastlines that define our island’s identity.

The Hillside Policy, implemented in 1998, was intended to regulate development in elevated areas, ensuring that construction does not compromise the island’s green spaces, biodiversity, and natural defenses against flooding and landslides. However, without legal enforcement, the policy remains largely advisory, allowing developers to proceed with projects that undermine its very purpose. The policy’s restrictions on high-density construction and its call for environmental consideration are routinely bypassed, as demonstrated by the continued clearing of vegetation and the alteration of slopes for commercial and residential expansion. Without clear penalties or a legal framework mandating compliance, these activities persist, threatening not only the island’s natural beauty but also its resilience to extreme weather events.

Similarly, the Beach Policy fails to provide sufficient protection against the privatization and exploitation of our shores. Beach access for residents continues to be reduced, with new developments pushing further into what should be public coastal spaces. The encroachment on dunes and beach vegetation contributes to erosion, making the coastline more vulnerable to hurricanes and sea-level rise. Yet, without a law to enforce setbacks and ensure sustainable coastal management, our beaches remain at the mercy of unchecked development.

The lack of legally enforceable hillside and beach protections has far-reaching consequences. Deforestation on slopes exacerbates runoff and soil erosion, leading to increased flooding in lower-lying areas. Unregulated coastal development not only depletes marine biodiversity but also limits public access to what should be a shared national resource. These developments often proceed without comprehensive environmental impact assessments, leaving communities vulnerable to disasters and reducing the natural defenses that help buffer St. Maarten against the impacts of climate change.

If St. Maarten is to truly embrace sustainability, it must move beyond non-binding policies and implement laws that prioritize long-term environmental security over short-term economic gain. It is time for parliament to take decisive action and introduce both a Hillside Protection Ordinance and a Beach Protection Ordinance that ensure development does not come at the cost of our island’s natural defenses. Failure to act now will not only result in further environmental degradation but will also undermine the resilience of our communities in the face of climate change. Protecting our hillsides and beaches is not just an environmental issue – it is an urgent necessity for the future of St. Maarten.

Tadzio Bervoets

By Stanley Bodok

Recent developments surrounding the availability of ophthalmic care, issues with the new hospital, and the ongoing flu outbreak have heightened public awareness of health and healthcare concerns. I have frequently heard complaints from my acquaintances about the accessibility of general practitioners and the quality of care. Some of these complaints are deeply concerning, even alarming.

A strong, independent inspection body is crucial for both citizens and healthcare providers. Healthcare professionals and institutions value providing ethical and high-quality care to others. They benefit from having misconduct by other providers, which harms patients and erodes trust in healthcare, being exposed.

The website of the Health Inspection lists the many laws relevant to citizens’ health. Given the complexity of the matter, it is essential for citizens to rely on a website from the Inspectorate that provides answers to their numerous questions and doubts. The website should inform the public about the effectiveness of the inspection, the promotion of responsible healthcare, and the handling of complaints.

The latest updates on the Curaçao Health Inspection website date back to 2019, six years ago. None of the previously mentioned issues are addressed, nor is there any indication of how these matters are being tackled. The website only sporadically reports on cases handled by the disciplinary board.

I used the email address listed on the website to pose questions. My repeated requests, including phone calls, for even an acknowledgment of receipt, have gone unanswered. This unavailability and lack of transparency from the Inspectorate align with the complaints I have received.

The Inspector-General for Health holds a strong and independent position. Given the state of the website, it appears that the Inspectorate is failing the public precisely when its support is most needed. If the Health Inspection does not properly carry out its duties, this could have serious consequences for the health and well-being of the population.

On February 20, 2025, a local newspaper published an article about the suspension of a Curaçao surgeon. The timeline of the process indicates that it concerns a relatively old case. The patient’s original complaint dates back to 2014, and the decision from the Medical Disciplinary Board was made on May 14, 2020.

I hope the affected patient has been able to experience the recent appeal verdict. The appellate decision may suggest that many cases remain uncovered. It is important for citizens to continue voicing their concerns and apply pressure on the authorities to improve the situation.

Citizens can, among other things, request an update to the website and encourage an open dialogue between the Inspectorate and the public on matters that urgently require effective oversight. They can also express their opinions through the press and social media. It is a social and moral duty to contribute to the maintenance of our vital institutions.

~ Stanley Bodok is a Curaçao citizen, graduate of the British College of Journalism, and freelance writer and journalist with a special focus on governance and healthcare. After completing his studies in business administration and healthcare management, he worked for over 30 years in the government and healthcare sectors of Curaçao. He has also supported various Curaçao civil organizations as a volunteer. ~

Dear Editor,

For a prolonged period of time, the island has been saturated with discussions regarding the thoughtless behaviour of youngsters on motorbikes and scooters, who zoom in and out of the traffic whenever they feel the urge to do so.

The unfortunate result of this heedless conduct is that this excitement has caused several untimely deaths; which have left so many grieving families to deal with the burden of raising their children, without any or very little financial or psychological support.

Some critics say that the youngsters do not care; they feel that the road belongs to them and other motorists have to clear the way for them to display their stunts. These are valid conclusions, but are they accurate? Until we know the root cause of their behaviour, these explanations are just speculations.

What is really bothersome is that some people have asked for the authorities to just gun them down. This is outrageous! Would they harm their children in that manner? No! So, why is it okay to treat other people’s children that way? Yes, the bikers appear to be annoying and inconsiderate, but again, what is the root cause for their behaviour? Until the origin of their conduct is identified, the problem will continue.

Case in point: Do these youngsters behave any differently from some adults? No! How is it that some grown-ups can obey the traffic rules, while others don’t? Likewise, is it all young people who exhibit this type of behaviour, or just a few? So, the common element between adults and youngsters who disobey the traffic laws is this lack of respect for authority. Isn’t it?

Here’s the burning question: What has constituted or cultivated this defiance attitude against authority? Believe it or not, this behaviour originated elsewhere. This conduct is just a manifestation of a deeper or more serious situation that needs some attention. Is it not that our very first encounter with regard to respecting or disrespecting authority originated from the home?

This growing trend is being nurtured by their peers. So, how do the relevant authorities resolve this matter? Practically everything goes back to the home, but not entirely. Several other factors could be the cause of this tenacity. Issues like: How do they feel about this society that they live in? Are they working? Is their level of education comparable to their goals and aspirations? What are the opportunities for their success in the country that they call home?

As trivial as this may sound, maybe some of these riders are acting this way because it gives them comfort. It’s their narrow way of thinking on how to fill a void – an emptiness for not having a father figure to guide and nurture their thoughts and actions as they transition into teenage life and manhood. For some, not having a father figure in the home can create this vacuum that keeps pushing them to discover this resolution.

To get a more accurate picture of these riders’ behaviour, it would be prudent if Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling collaborates with the Traffic Department and invite the riders for a closed-door discussion, with security in place. No press. No recordings. Give them the freedom to speak, because only these riders can detail the real reasons for their behaviour. For some people, all that they desire is a listening ear.

This is a collaborated effort, so take this opportunity to foster this partnership. Hence, after the team has listened and make the necessary notes to move ahead, toss the ball back into their court and allow them to come up with solutions to curb their behaviour. To me, all of this disrespect for authority boils down to one major viewpoint, which is the lack of personal development.

Minister Tackling, if you could appoint a competent life coach to organize some educational workshops for these youngsters on self-improvement, this endeavor would change the landscape of our youth forever.

Joslyn Morton