Dear Editor,

Soon or later in the near future, Curaçao, Aruba and St. Maarten (CAS islands) will be independent some day. The UN (United Nations) did expect many nations to go independent by the year 2000.

So, if the Dutch are calling on the CAS islands to go independent and the Dutch appoint me for two to three months as the state secretary for the Dutch Caribbean, l will see to it that there will be no referendum or no two thirds of any of the three islands’ parliamentarians’ vote needed to get their independence.

I would rather give the three islands a mandate to declare their independence by 2029; and one of St. Maarteners’ priorities is to have their own central bank and to uplift their justice system here in St. Maarten.

Cuthbert Bannis

Dear Editor,

There is a saying “look before you leap” which over the years has come to mind often when reading what was written about politicians and people in government. Even though I like to share my experience, I believe that silence is golden. It enables one to hear what is being said.

Sadly to say, what I have grown accustomed to is that the majority of our elected officials are not or very poorly versed in the Constitution and laws concerning how the country is run. I use the newspaper for information because it is printed black on white and when mistakes are made or discovered, these are corrected.

People in government play the blame game. I know that some people will say that I should be aware that new laws are published in the “National Gazette” and to that I say, “Hey, people, wake up.” Why? Because I believe that it is time for us to be aware of the term “To photo shop”. I am referring to this because it is expected of those who live here officially to make sure that they are aware of the laws of the land. Who is responsible for explaining this to those who are given residency for St. Maarten?

Are we taking “photo shopping” into consideration when new laws are publicized? Since 10-10-’10 we have had umpteen governments and then, hoorah, the Silveria Jacobs government lasted its full term. New elections were held. And then, lo and behold, within three weeks after forming the new government, the electorate were again confronted with the fall of the government.

The Silveria Jacobs government helped us to regain some dignity. 0ne would think that those vying for a seat in government would appreciate the so-needed continuity of government. Wrong, that is not what those who have proven themselves not to be worthy to be called representative of the people were about. Within a year here we are again getting ready to inaugurate a second government.

And then in the paper of November 13 I read that Ministry of Justice introduces appeal process for civil servants placements. And I thought, are we reinventing the wheel? I stand corrected, but even though it is 18 years later, the process for civil servants to appeal against placements and promotions has always existed.

One of my qualms for years has been the reason for those salaries of members of Parliament. I never agreed with it for the simple reason that the SGs are expected to have a certain education, whereas it is not even required for members of Parliament and by extension a Minister of government to have any kind of education. But again, if CIVICS is not taught in school from an early age, in the land of the blind the one-eyed man becomes king.

By now anyone should know that I am very aware that nobody is perfect, but what I do not understand is when one is caught red-handed, why fight it all the way to the Supreme Court. Have they not learned yet that in St. Maarten for a long time now the term “under the table” has been “on the table”?

And on Tuesday last when I hollered out to a driver who stopped his vehicle in the middle of the intersection to talk to a pedestrian to “Do the right thing” the pedestrian said to me, “In Sint Maarten it’s not ‘do the right thing’ it is ‘do the money thing’.”

Again I am expecting all kinds of reaction, but since we are into making laws, what about a study to make DNA testing by birth a law in order to be able to establish who the father of the newborn baby is.? Hopefully this will become a deterrent in their behavior. I believe that the lack of both parents of any child plays a factor in the growth process of that child. Our census office should be able to provide statistics whether a child is acknowledged by the father or not and compare the behavior of non-acknowledged children as opposed to acknowledged children (father at home). We need all hands on deck.

And while they are busy with that, check to see what that gypsy gang on Cannegieter Street is all about. From Afoo to Sucker Garden (The Keys) is US $5.

Russell A. Simmons

Dear Editor,

I want to echo words of encouragement and appreciation to outgoing Minister of VSA [Public Health, Social Development, and Labor – Ed.] Veronica Jansen-Webster, who will be taking up her seat in parliament very shortly. Minister, I know that you are hurt and disappointed with this unfair transition – an alteration that was forced upon you because of greed, malice and a lack of connection with their spiritual selves.

The manner in which Prime Minister Luc Mercelina and MP Richniel Brug treated you is unethical, unfair and dirty to the core. But don’t you worry, Minister Veronica Jansen-Webster. Karma is a very good friend to all those who traverse on her path, without an invitation.

Neither Prime Minister Luc Mercelina nor Richniel Brug could address this community, with regard to integrity. The population should have never accepted this underhand precedent that is bound to cause problems in the future. They should have demanded the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Luc Mecerlina, for his negligence and unprincipled behaviour.

In addition, how could Prime Minister Luc Mercelina allow MP Richniel Brug’s incoming Chief of Staff to sit in Minister Veronica Jansen-Webster’s cabinet as if she is in charge, while Minister Veronica Jansen-Webster has her own Chief of Staff? If this is the path that the Prime Minister and the MP have taken, how could the population trust either one of them? This is trouble brewing down the line.

This reminds me of a situation where a politician asked a Department Head to train her immediate family member. Shortly after that, she fired the individual, so that her family member could take over the position. But, as the saying goes, life is a circle. Nothing that starts wrong, will end up right.

So, Minister Veronica Jansen-Webster, use this obstruction as an inspiration for spiritual growth. As you transition to your new position, approach your task with the same spirit of devotion, knowing that you have done your best to maintain the integrity of your ministry. Here’s a little poem that I came across, just for you.

Keep Going

When the path is tough and steep

And it’s hard for you to keep

Remember God is by your side

To lead, to help, to be your guide.

Like Noah, strong in every way

He trusted God day by day.

So when you feel you’ve had enough

Just keep going, stay strong and tough!

Joslyn Morton

Every so often, a crisis emerges that compels politicians to mobilize, promising to address pressing issues, such as, for examples, integrity, civic participation, and government transparency, just to mention a few. Yet, despite the urgency of these issues, they often seem to be mere echoes of promises unfulfilled – like “balls that have been dropped” or “cans being kicked down the road.” In this cycle, the credibility of politics and politicians has plummeted to an all-time low, leaving citizens disillusioned and disengaged.

The reality is stark: the systemic problems we face in governance are not new, and with some exceptions are only getting bigger and more complicated. They are the result of neglect, inertia, and a failure to prioritize the very principles that underpin a healthy democracy. When integrity bureaus are considered in response to scandals, when civic participation programs are launched without genuine commitment, and when government openness is touted but not practiced, we witness a pattern of behavior that erodes public trust.

This pervasive cynicism is dangerous. It breeds apathy in society and among its various constituents, who feel their voices do not matter. It creates an environment where the most vulnerable are further marginalized, as the political elite continue to operate in silos detached from the realities faced by everyday citizens. The gap between politicians and the populace widens, fostering a culture where accountability is an afterthought rather than a foundational principle.

To disrupt this cycle, we (all pillars of society) must demand more than just rhetoric. Actions speak louder than words, and it is through meaningful, sustained efforts that we can begin to restore faith in our political institutions. Politicians need to prioritize transparency – not as a checkbox on a campaign platform, but as a core value guiding every decision. This means establishing genuine channels for public input, listening to constituents, and acting on their concerns.

Moreover, integrity cannot be an optional trait for politicians; it must be non-negotiable. This requires robust mechanisms for accountability that extend beyond the occasional investigation or public statement. We need systems in place that hold leaders accountable for their actions and decisions, fostering a culture where integrity is expected and rewarded.

Civic participation should be more than a buzzword. It ought to be a fundamental aspect of governance where citizens are not merely passive observers but active participants. This can be achieved through educational initiatives that empower individuals to engage with their local governance and through policies that facilitate direct involvement in decision-making processes.

Ultimately, the restoration of credibility in politics is possible, but it will require a collective effort. Citizens must demand transparency and accountability, while politicians must commit to genuine engagement and integrity. This is not just about addressing the issues of the moment; it’s about building a political landscape where trust can flourish, and where every citizen feels their voice matters.

The time for action is now. If we are to break free from the cycle of disillusionment, we must hold ourselves accountable to a higher standard – one where politics serves the people, not the other way around. The future of our democracy depends on it.

Michael F. Willem, MBA

Ex-Minister/Commissioner & Governance advocate

Curaçao