Dear Editor,
There is no sensible explanation that the National Alliance can offer its loyal supporters, regarding the decision to join with the UP Party. NA has thrown the people to the wolves and gave the country away to gangsters and cult leaders.
I am extremely disappointed in the Leader William Marlin and the Deputy Silveria Jacobs. They have absolutely nothing to say to this public concerning the matter of integrity. This foolish move has confirmed their weak leadership and cemented the fact that the people have become nothing more than just a vote.
Now it is very clear why these parties have no ideology. They don’t believe in anything else but to garner votes to keep them in power. Looking back, the press conference that took place between the two parties had no substance at all. It was also obvious that the Leader and Deputy were not honest with the people on the real issues.
Up to this moment, the sentiments of the people have not been addressed nor did they have the courtesy to acknowledge the request of one of their coalition partners. All they are concerned about is to stay in office under the disguise of advocating stability. The lingering question is: stability for whom?
This is why integrity remains a major issue in this country; but more surprisingly, by those who are voted-in to lead. What they failed to comprehend is that having a Government with 10 seats does not guarantee stability.
The steadiness of any Government is rooted in the heart of every politician. So if the heart is not in sync with the vision to govern, instability will always continue. Furthermore, stability of the country goes much deeper than putting mechanisms in place to prevent ship-jumping. Real stability of any nation is about improving the lives of the people, first and foremost.
Getting down to basics: Is it not the same Leader of the NA who was so adamant about giving utility relief to the people? What was the real purpose for reversing several decisions that were taken by the UP Government? And, is it not he who complained bitterly about the bridge to nowhere, which has led to the sharp increase in consumer goods?
Likewise, on Election Day, the Deputy expressed her dissatisfaction on radio, when UP supporters failed to adhere to the rules. And, she was highly offended when the UP board pointed out a number of shortcomings within her Ministry. How is it that out of the blue nothing seems to matter anymore?
MP Christophe Emmanuel claimed that he was offered millions of dollars to cross over. Who was the donor, or was it just a practical joke? What about the issue of the new utility meters and the exorbitant food prices that he hotly debated and condemned? Don’t talk about the dump! Have these concerns become acceptable all of a sudden Chris, when the people are being tortured, due to this soaring cost of living? Or, is it because he is scheduled to be the next Minister of VROMI why he is not vocal anymore?
What is scary but more dangerous, is to mesh the opposing principles of both parties. Besides this oil and water relationship, everything that NA campaigned against; they have surrendered these portfolios to the UP – portfolios with the kickbacks and to a party with the reputation to tighten the chokehold on the most vulnerable. So, what ideology did NA really campaign on? Was it truly based on putting the people first or was it about themselves and their families?
People, this behaviour by NA has indicated that the present coalition is nothing more than just a façade. If the NA doesn’t have the guts to inform the people of the real situation, then the DP should take the lead and clear its name.
If the leader of the US Party is indeed a pain in the side of the current coalition, why punish the DP? Do the efforts of Minister Emil Lee and Chairlady Wescot-Williams simply go to naught? Wow! Now it is safe to conclude that this present coalition is just a sham. If all is well as the NA and US want the people to believe, why would the NA be this desperate to fix a relationship that is not broken?
This is why I admire MP Hyacinth Richardson. He is the only one who did not sign on to this incoming coalition. When the test of honesty and loyalty to his people, came knocking, he remained true to his conscience. He campaigned on the basis of looking out for his people and he stuck to that belief in spite of the unexpected turn of events and feelings of his colleagues. The stance that he took proves that he is a man of his word and an MP of principles. This is the kind of integrity that is lacking in the political arena!
The good book says, “Don’t promise a gift and don’t give it. That is like a cloud blowing over a desert without dropping any rain.” And, “When there is moral rot within a nation, its Government falls easily. But with honest, sensible leaders there is strength.”
Joslyn Morton
Dear Editor,
I have a suggestion for all banks on Dutch side St. Maarten. As I was standing in the bank line for over an hour with just seven people in front of me and listening to the disgruntled customers, I am writing this as a suggestion to have deposits made possible again via the ATM machines, since the speedy deposit services have been cancelled.
A very good example would be the BNP Bank whereby the machine counts the money and makes sure the correct amount is being deposited with no discrepancies. That way the long lines can be avoided and customers won’t be late for work.
Another suggestion is to have fill-in tellers or part-time tellers, whereby they can be replaced during the lunch hours and at month end when the lines get really long. Perhaps the board for these banks can see it as an idea for investment (upgrading the ATM).
I hope to see this service provided as soon as possible and have your customers have smiles on their faces again.
Vanessa M.
Bank Customer
Dear Editor,
As of January 2016, Statia has gone from a “verplichtingstop” to a “voorafgaandtoezicht”. The UPC would like very much for government to explain to the general public in Statia English exactly what that means, because they deserve the right to know. UPC would like government to explain the outcome of the evaluation of the “voorafgaandtoezicht” that resulted in it being over the entire 2016 budget, when up until May it was only partial.
According to the report, the submitting of execution reports are constantly late and way below quality. Based on what has been submitted, it very unclear to obtain a clear picture of the government finances and administration for both 2015 and 2016. According to the report, the abovementioned is mainly because of lack of qualified manpower in the Finance Department.
UPC is very interested in hearing from government what the state of affairs of the Finance Department is since an interim unit manager has been hired in June as to the providing of up-to-par reports. UPC would like to know when the process will start with regard to hiring a permanent unit manager for the Finance Department.
UPC is asking government to explain to the general public what is being done to upgrade the Finance Department and the supporting department staff. Meaning the departments that are responsible for supplying accurate information to the Finance Department.
UPC would like the general public to understand exactly what provisions have been made in the plan of action report in terms of the abovementioned upgrade. UPC would like the public to be explained why the action plan towards the administrative and financial improvement has not been made public, so that the people could have an idea of the contents.
UPC would like the public to be explained in detail why the financial year report due in July of every year will be late according to CFT’s report. UPC has taken note that government has requested an extension until November 2016. Will it be ready by then?
UPC would like government to explain to the public the consequences for the late submittal as to the management of the remaining 2016 budget and the drafting of the 2017 budget, since the one is tied in to the other.
We are now in October. Can the public get an update on the financial and administrative situation of Statia in terms of the quarterly reporting and the yearly financial report? We would like government to explain to the public what percentage has the Plan of Approach been executed, are there evaluation periods for the plan. And if so, what is the progress outcome?
Due to the lack of proper financial administration, no proper formulation can be given to the financial contents of reports. In the opinion of the UPC, the deplorable financial situation of the administration has led to the fact that the budget will no longer to be able to be balanced as is required by law. An inflated quarterly didn’t see the need to draft a budget amendment.
There is a huge concern in terms of financial management. For that an improvement plan for financial management 2015-2016 now forms part of the upgraded plan of approach for financial management. With all the measures taken very little progress has been seen. UPC is of the opinion that this integral report should be made public as well. UPC strongly requests that the public be explained the meaning of changed management, and how government is planning to execute this.
UPC remains with the opinion that the public is being kept in the dark for lack of information as to what is taking place on our island. Open governance has made it possible for government to publish information for the people to read, learn and be made wise.
This report basically shows no improvement with all the measures taken. The people deserve the right to know why that is, and what is being done to solve the problem. Government should strategize being a step ahead. When according to the coalition government, the Dutch move the goal post, the ball should already be there.
Elvin Henriquez,
Deputy Leader UPC
Dear Editor,
St. Eustatius, how odd is it to see the UPC/Elvin Henriquez asking all these questions now. My question would be why weren’t these questions asked during the governing period of the UPC from July 2013-March 2015, when the portfolio of Finance was in their hands?
If these pertinent questions were asked at the time we most likely would have been a lot further in our financial improvement of the administration than now is the case. Because of the lack of financial insight and lack of communication with the Department of Finance and lack of basic financial knowledge of the entire apparatus, the UPC commissioner was given six for nines continuously without even realizing it. No questions were asked and decisions were taken without realizing the dire consequences this would have on the apparatus.
One good example is the decision to acquire a very expensive system AFAS that lacked transparency, lacked input from those who would be using it, lacked relevant training of staff. This was one example of “if the system isn't broken why fix it”. The government was using Centric at the time without many bottlenecks. Saba and Bonaire are still using Centric and getting the job done. Government has been paying through their nose for a system that was hardly used, paying over US $90,000 per year for 300 users, when at a given moment only two persons were using it. Noises have been spent carelessly to all these consultants and providers without a second thought. Why weren't questions asked then?
All the points in the financial statements that caused Statia to receive a “disclaimer of opinion” from the accountant on a yearly basis, what was done to address these points and to see to it that the financial management of Statia was brought up to par? Did you ask those questions then? The public would like to know.
The public would also like to know what exactly was the cause of higher supervision being placed on the island. By now they should have a pretty good idea, but I believe that the UPC should be the one answering questions and not asking the questions at this point in time.
To wipe your mouth and jump on the bandwagon now, to beat up on the governing coalition on the way they are handling the mess left behind by you is a new low in my opinion. If I was part of the UPC, I would offer help to get the job done, but then again you were there and did nothing.
This government will continue to bring the information to the public, to let the public know what has happened to bring Statia to where it is, and what is being done to help get us out of this situation. We are making headway in cleaning our administration and we promise to keep the public abreast of our progress. I, therefore, advise the general public including UPC to stay tuned. We make sure our vessels are filled before we sound them.
Commissioner of Finance Astrid McKenzie-Tatem
Dear Editor,
Teaching is by far the noblest profession in the entire universe! It is the occupation that carves the features of every nation. Unfortunately, not everyone who is in this field has received that invitation. However, the teacher who is summoned to serve his or her students, parents and community, is never satisfied and is forever driven by an irrepressible passion to fulfil that calling. This means that it takes an exceptional individual to immerse him- or herself, into this dignified vocation.
With this view, being a teacher is not what the individual does or possesses in terms of diplomas; more importantly, it is who the person is. Therefore, this special person is a teacher long before he or she became that educator. From this premise, there is absolutely no doubt, that the heart is what controls the classroom. It is the compass that guides the teacher’s decisions; the loyalty that keeps him or her anchored; and the passion is the engine that propels the vision to achieve continued excellence.
A teacher who is called to the profession is like a shepherd. He or she is always alert and ready to protect the flock from imminent danger. This educator of the nation uses observation as the barometer to measure the strengths and weaknesses of every single student. Here is where pertinent information is gathered, analysed carefully, and stored as a reference guide.
To maintain an even-handed environment, the teacher integrates the familiar quote by Maya Angelou, as a core value within the classroom. It simply states, “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” In addition, the popular saying, “People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care,” is also applied as a reinforcement of this principle. Hence, every time the teacher walks into the classroom, the feelings of the students become the primary focus and teaching remains secondary.
The teacher who is called upon to share knowledge is also conscious of the various levels of developments and learning styles within the classroom. He or she never rushes a lesson just to follow the curriculum.
Instead, the teacher focusses on how to help each child internalise that curriculum. So, no matter how successful the previous lesson may have been, the teacher who possesses the qualities to serve always begins the next lesson with a review. Here is where the educator highlights the intricacies of the subject matter and then invites the students to ask questions.
This method expands the possibility for the teacher to assess where the children are. It also opens the avenue for the educator to adjust the lesson plan to match the developmental levels of all the children.
Patience is an element that promotes security within the classroom and so the teacher, whose purpose is to serve, exercises a great amount of patience as an instrument to allow each child to unfold naturally. He or she further applies this vital component as a technique, to maintain a peaceful environment. When all of the above principles are implemented with the aim to counteract mediocrity, children will better understand the importance of education and develop a greater interest to participate.
Likewise, when the teacher acknowledges that parents are equal partners in this quest to excellence, he or she opens the door to dialogue. It does not matter how obnoxious a parent may be, the recognition of the union and keeping the line of communication open is the key to preserve the relationship. The teacher who is called always finds the time to assist the parents where necessary. When parents feel valued, they will eat out of the teacher’s hand and protect him or her in the same manner as a defence attorney.
The educator with the qualities to serve is committed to his or her community, knowing that he or she has the obligation to cultivate and deliver well-rounded students – intellectual minds, who are ready to take up the mantle to lead in every facet of this country. Consequently, no amount of certificates can substitute for the teacher who is summoned to serve. It takes the heart of an exceptional individual to be a bona-fide teacher – a heart that is filled with genuine love for self, the profession, all children, parents and the community in general.
To all the educational enthusiasts: your dedication is the mirror into your heart and a deed that is unequalled to any financial compensation. Continue to be that source of inspiration for the children; reach out to their parents and make them a priority to build a superb society!
Joslyn Morton
