Dear Editor,
Self-control is the key to seeing if you will master your own destiny. I am a firm believer in not talking about other people, but talk about and examine myself. Reason being you are responsible for your own actions. Self-control is a spiritual thing. It is the war of the soul. Let me explain.
Most or all of us do what we want to do, but we do not do what we ought to do. In my life, I see the mistakes I made in the past, that if I had controlled myself, I could have been a very rich and powerful person. But at the time I did not control myself. Responsibility, endurance and discipline are the keys that will determine how successful you can be. All 3 put together are part of self-control. Lying, stealing, and cheating are all part of not controlling yourself, which every individual is responsible for.
I have seen families fall apart because one of the partners lacks self-control. I see family business fail because one of the partners lacks self-control. I have seen rich people become poor because of lack of self-control. I have also seen negative turn into positive, because people learn to control themselves.
The flesh is weak; it has desires and if you do not control it, it will destroy you. It is said how powerful is any man or woman who cannot control his or her own emotions. Guns do not kill people; people kill people. Making more laws do not protect people, it is self-control and obedience to God’s laws that will keep you safe.
It is the drunk driver in a car who is dangerous, not the car. Alcohol is not dangerous; it is the person who cannot control his or herself from drinking too much who makes it dangerous.
Whatever you do in life, think it through well; examine yourself. Please base your decisions on facts, not on emotions. Sex is great, but if you do not control yourself, it will destroy you. The flesh loves sex, too much is never enough. Now I understand why Christ said, “Crucify the flesh”. Many great leaders of the past, like King David and the world strongest man Samson lost, the lack of self-control made them from all-powerful to nothing.
The devil does not make anybody do anything bad. Satan motivates your weakness by seducing your lack of self-control, but in the end, it is your decision. You are responsible. The conclusion of self-control is the war of the soul, it is either your will be done versus God’s will. I am not judging you, I am fighting that fight every day. But I am determined to win. Remember, practice self-control!
The patriot Miguel Arrindell
Dear Editor,
I must commend our parliamentarians for raising the budget debate in the Central Committee a notch higher this year. Compared to the debate on the 2016 Budget, Parliamentarians were better prepared to deal with details, to ask critical questions and to consequently carry out one of their very important functions, namely to control and monitor Government.
Parliamentarians were in their right to call out the NA-DP-USP-Lake Matser caretaker Government and Ministers on the 2016 expenditures of the country. However, I believe that Members of Parliament were too hard on our caretaker Government as far as the 2017 Budget is concerned. Actually, this debate should have taken place with the new government.
Following the Parliamentary elections on September 26th, a new parliament was sworn in on October 31st, but not a new Government. Initially, it appeared that Sint Maarten would have had an NA-UPP Government. However, for mysterious reasons the tide turned and Sint Maarten will now be getting a NA-USP-DP Government.
The mandate given to the current Government, which since October 31st became a caretaker Government, never included the preparation of the 2017 Budget. The mandate given by Governor Holiday in October 2015 to the NA-DP-USP-Lake Matser Government consisted of five major points, namely (1) commitment to promote the well-being of Sint Maarten; (2) give priority to the amendment of the 2015 budget and to the preparation of the 2016 budget in line with the recently adopted Kingdom decree; (3) prepare the planned elections; (4) take steps to introduce electoral reforms; and (5) be dedicated to jointly executing their governing responsibilities. Evaluating this Government, based on these five criteria, requires a separate article.
Note that the preparation and presentation of the 2017 Budget was never a part of the assignment of the current NA-DP-USP-Lake Matser caretaker Government. It is no wonder then that the 2017 Budget was not prepared based on vision, projections or policy plans. Therefore, I can certainly understand the frustration of our Members of Parliament as they tried to comprehend and question a budget that does not include a vision, policies, relief or even hope for the people of Sint Maarten.
I can also understand MP Christopher Emmanuel’s frustration when he told the Minister of Finance that he was not feeling him. Indeed, the Minister demonstrated less passion and even less preparation (no PowerPoint presentation) than when he presented his 2016 “Shot Gun” budget. I believe the Minister might have been feeling quite awkward knowing he was presenting a budget that fell outside the scope of the mandate given to him by the Governor.
Consider these two observations concerning the 2017 Budget. In the first place, it seems to me that the budget was not drafted with the people in mind, but rather to appease CFT (Committee Financial Supervision). Before the budget even gets to Parliament it is unofficially sent to CFT. After Parliament passes the budget, it is then sent officially to CFT for their approval. This causes us to question the role of our Parliament as the highest legislative body in the country as far as finances are concerned, because CFT undoubtedly has the last say.
In the second place, there is a clear disconnect between the governing program, presented by Governor Holiday at the opening of the 2016-2017 parliamentary year on September 12th, and the 2017 Budget. One would expect that the 2017 budget would have reflected and supported the plans, policies and programs taken up in the governing program. Apparently, things do not work that way in Sint Maarten. Imagine that the Governor opens a new parliamentary year, thirteen days before a parliamentary election, knowing full well that thirteen days later there would be a change in the composition of parliament and consequently in government.
Of course the date is regulated in the Constitution, so there was not much that the Governor could have done about it at that time. However, when the Governor agreed to postponing the snap elections by nine months, this is something that he should have taken into consideration.
Notice the absurdity of the situation. Thirteen days before an election, when the political landscape and the parliamentary coalition are expected to shift and change, we have the Governor presenting the policy plans of government for the coming year! In other words, the sitting government is setting the policy for an incoming government which is to be appointed in a couple of weeks. To me, this is a good example of bad governance and I wonder what went through the Governor’s mind as he read the governing program.
Given the current status of our Government, I believe that Parliament cannot demand that the current NA-DP-USP-Lake Matser caretaker Government presents a vision, policy plans and projections for the 2017 budgetary year, because these matters lie outside the scope of their mandate.
Therefore, honourable Members of Parliament, you will need to hold off with your in-depth, policy and vision-related questions until the new NA-USP-DP Government is in place.
Wycliffe Smith
Leader of the Sint Maarten Christian Party
Dear Editor,
St. Maarten needs change. This week Parliament has been debating the budget and going back and forth on the same issues previous Parliaments and governments did not solve. The financial situation is dire and requires a conservative budget. However, without a plan for economic growth, falling national income will soon reach a tipping point. This means further deterioration of basic public services, the loss of our earnings potential and eventually our fiscal autonomy. While we still have a fighting chance to improve our economy, Parliament should take control immediately.
“How much do we make in profit tax?” was one of the questions raised in Parliament. The answer is so little that we should be asking “How much do we lose because of our profit tax?” To collect a meagre NAf. 24 million we get top marks in rankings of undesirable investment destinations. Our rate of 34.5% is one of the highest in the world and makes us the biggest fool in our Kingdom. The rate in the Netherlands and Aruba is 25%, in Curacao 22% and for the BES-islands a cool 0%. In Gibraltar, which is comparable in size and constitutional make up, a 10% profit tax rate has propelled economic growth (12%) per year!
In other words, our profit tax is damaging our existing businesses and preventing foreign companies and investors from setting up shop here. Our profit tax is so high that most local business owners admit they do not want to make profit in St. Maarten. Next to that our firm has seen numerous potential investors backing away from St. Maarten because of the tax rate. Noting that Tortola is open for business and levying no profit tax at all. This means that no new jobs were created, no new opportunities were given and no new tax revenues were generated. To be blunt ... it means that we are the least savvy of the lot.
The global consensus is that a low profit tax is good for business, for growth and tax revenues. Our rate is 245% higher than Gibraltar’s.
Lowering the profit tax to 10% will increase the revenue to NAf. 45 million due an incentive to run a profit and even more if new investments are made. This would change St. Maarten’s international appeal overnight. However, if our politicians can’t stomach a big bet, the rate should be lowered to the level of Curacao (22%). We expect this to be budget neutral while still beneficial to our investment climate.
In June, after a presentation to Parliament we (BERMAN Consultancy Legal & Trust) noticed broad support for a lower profit tax; in Parliament and the community. However, the government didn’t address the issue in the budget. Parliament has the legislative power to amend the budget to include a lower profit tax rate. No further legislation is needed; it could be fixed before the end of the year. It’s time for Parliament to take control and budget for growth.
Lucas G.J. Berman
BERMAN Consultancy Legal & Trust
Dear Editor,
I have taken note of the response to my article in the media regarding the telecommunications situation in Statia by Gerald Berkel of GEM Enterprises. It is very unfortunate that the impression is given that it is meant as an attack on this local company and his agency for UTS/Chippy.
After re-reading it, I have come to the conclusion that I could have chosen my words more carefully. I hereby sincerely apologize for this. It should be known that I have always held Berkel in high esteem, and have supported him as governor until the very end. I do applaud his entrepreneurial spirit and his courage to start his own enterprise.
The aim of my article was to address the manner in which our government, in my opinion, is dealing with the interest of the people of Statia, and that of our local telephone company EUTEL. I believe that as an island council member, it is my duty to do so. The way government is handling the matter is depriving our people and our businesses from better quality Internet, mobile and cable services, and the possibility of paying less for these services.
It is also depriving our island from new opportunities for economic development that are so much needed. And at the same time, it has resulted in a decline of revenue for our local telephone company, which may even endanger its existence. Berkel rightfully points out the 7 jobs he has created with his initiative, and he stands to protect these jobs. The same, however, also counts for EUTEL, where there are also 7 jobs at stake.
As an island council member, it is my duty to stand up for those jobs as well. Berkel rightfully stands up for the interest of GEM Enterprises. As an island council member, it is my duty to stand up for local initiative, but also for our local government-owned company EUTEL.
Koos Sneek
Dear Editor,
Do allow me the space to respond to the article of Mr. Sneek published in The Daily Herald, dated December 5, 2016. To begin with, Mr. Sneek, I must acknowledge that you developed the game of “pointing finger” into an art, forgetting that the other three fingers are pointing squarely back at you.
When I took office in July 2013, in your archive you left behind, I found the final proposal between the then administration and KPN, spearheaded by you as the Commissioner of Telecommunication. It is the same document I dealt with since governing is continuation.
I rejected the proposal in the meeting with KPN for the following reasons, namely:
1. KPN would take over Eutel NV without any interference and input of the local authority, and
2. The right to go over to downsizing personnel to reduce the personnel costs. These conditions were unacceptable to me and I am proud to say that on behalf of the people of Statia, I rejected those conditions.
Mr. Sneek, this was your proposal and it was ready for signing at least three months before you were voted out of office. Seeing that the document was finalized, why did you not encourage the Executive Council to sign off on it? On the other hand, without any hesitation, you insinuated that there was self-interest on the part of the then governor on this matter. One would wonder to what extent your self-interest as a businessman played in delaying the signing of the document.
Seeing the fire with which you are trying to convince the people of Statia whose fault it is that UTS is in Statia, tell the people why you did not finalize this agreement with KPN. By the way, 4G streaming was not part of the package, but understandably you needed to balance out your frivolous argument.
Mr. Sneek, since you are coming out of a culture that developed over the centuries from grabbing and milking others through overpowering, hence the attitude of KPN, I must assume that you never had the privilege to develop the sense of self worthiness. l can fully understand that words as patrimony, self-respect and cultural heritage are meaningless concepts in your mind. We on the other hand, brought up by the village, were exposed time and time again to these fabrics of community/society togetherness and for that I am thankful for the ability of perception to value my fellow man over the years.
KPN, not a dominant telecommunication company in Europe, was only interested in dealing with Statia for their bigger plan, namely, getting a foot in the door to the Caribbean for expansion. This policy development was in line with the just landed and finalized fibre optic cable, the gateway to the Caribbean. So if KPN really wanted to provide our people with all the goodies as you so eloquently put forward, why the need for full control?
Mr. Sneek, I rather do with less than have more and be at the will of a third party, and that is what I meant with “I will never sell Statia’s patrimony,” something that you will never come to understand in this life time.
Reginald C. Zaandam
