Dear Editor,
Again a feeling of betrayal came up in me while reading the article in which a consensus document was signed on how to address the abuse of short-term labour contracts. As always has been the case, this is an election year, and all of these so-called pleasant promises are emerging. I used the term 'betrayal' because when you make a deal with people and they trust you to comply, and instead you back down on your promise, and you cater to their opponents that is a form of betrayal.
The past has proven over and over that politicians choose specific words to address the public. In this case, ironically, it is address. Meaning we are going to talk about the short-term contract (six-month contract, as it is popularly known). No promise was made to solve the problem, or better yet, to eradicate this ever ongoing abuse of humans. If this problem is addressed and not solved, 'We tried' is nothing new.
Yes, it is new; it will be new to those who replaced those who were not taken back. I have repeatedly mentioned that laws can be changed with a transition period attached, when necessary. So am I impressed with that news? Definitely not. Another case of our own people are being used to slap our own people in the face. I would save that newspaper clipping to prove to all those in the picture that they are frauds, when after years this problem is still not solved. And I will not be ready to apologize, because this could have been solved many years ago.
Every time I hear people, who come up with this kind of talk, it reminds me of ostriches after the fact. Names like William, Richard, Sarah, Theo, etc. have all been mentioned in the past addressing this issue and they are still there, so why does anyone expect me to fall for another scheme.
I used the word scheme because of the history behind this issue. Because of the number of parties, there are a whole lot of candidates, and there are certainly a whole lot more that 15 newcomers, who are also capable of doing a good job in government. Frankly speaking, I am not going to vote for any of the older politicians, who have been in government, and I would firmly advise everyone to do the same. I will not impose on anyone whom they should vote for, but if it depended on me, none of those politicians who are presently in government could get my vote. Not one of them care about the people who voted for them.
I would dare anyone to let the public know what they have done in favour of the community at large. Why is it that a civil servant, who started to work for Fls. 240,00 a month, and forty-odd years later, built himself up to a lifestyle of five to six thousand Guilders a month, not entitled to the same salary two years after he is retired to also ease himself back into the lifestyle according to his pension? Those older politicians got so accustomed to living off the people, that they are taking it for granted that this is how it should continue.
Do not put them back in! They have made too much money without doing one thing to protect the people. Very high house rent; supermarket prices going up every day, yes every day; games are being played with the gas- and gasoline prices, and more and more cars on the road. People walking over Pondfill Road reaching town before those driving because of slow traffic. I do not know who is profiting from this problem with the slow traffic, but one thing is sure, the gasoline stations are not complaining and neither is (are ) their supplier(s).
I know people will say that Sint Maarten ain't worse than anywhere else, and I would say, if I am accustomed to living at a level 8 and it falls to a level 6, for me it is worse than you who are used to living at a level 6, and it remains at a level 6. We know who have been in there for years, and we also know that it has not gotten any better. Court case after court case, fraud, embezzlement, vote buying, ship jumping, throwing down governments one after the other, shuffling of the members of government-owned companies, and the list goes on.
But none of this in favour of the people, who put them there, election after election. "Out wid dem". Things cannot get worse than they are now. So, I would suggest no votes for those who are already in government. We also know who the ship jumpers are, and what they stand for. You either do it my way, or I am jumping ship. Do not only address the short-term labour contract; eradicate it. Yes get rid of it and make use of the transition period if necessary.
Russell A. Simmons
(from Amigoe.com)
For several weeks, the “Mesa de la Unidad Democrática” of Venezuela has been calling for an event named “Toma de Caracas” or Taking Caracas. This event is nothing but a march to demand the “Consejo Nacional Electoral” (CNE) or Venezuelan electoral body, to respect the terms established in the regulations implemented by themselves in 2007, in order for the Recall Referendum (RR) against President Nicolás Maduro to be held this year. To show support for this event, many cities around the world where there is significant presence of Venezuelan citizens have decided to join in on the protest in different ways.
Those of us who constitute the Venex Curaçao Foundation, as always, concerned with maintaining the best relations between our citizens and the local community, of which we are part, have chosen not to make any mobilization. However, we believe that the best solution for the Venezuelan conflict is the return to democratic normality. For this reason, we once again ask for the local leaders to accompany us with their voice – not in any particular political trend – as an appeal for the unconditional respect for democratic values and human rights in our country.
According to the current Venezuelan constitution, any official elected by popular vote – including the president – may be revoked from office after half the term has elapsed by holding a Recall Referendum. In practice, the RR is a constitutional exit door for lengthy Venezuelan presidential terms – usually consisting of six years without a set limit for re-election.
What is there to know about the Venezuelan Recall Referendum? The Recall Referendum is a right that Venezuelan citizens have and was established in the Constitution of 1999. Its promotion can neither be considered, in any respect, as an act of political destabilization nor a favour granted to the people by their rulers.
A RR can be summoned by collecting a particular amount of signatures of not less than 20 per cent of the number of voters – this is the only requirement in the Constitution of 1999. If it is requested, and the option to revoke the president exceeds the number of votes obtained by the same at the time of his/her election, he/she must immediately cease his/her functions.
If the president leaves office before his/her fourth year in office, then new elections must be called; otherwise, according to article 233 of the “Constitución de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela,” the Vice President would be responsible for completing the period.
What stage is the process of activating the Recall Referendum in Venezuela currently in? In 2007, the CNE drafted a provisional regulation to control the referenda processes that included a list of additional requirements to hinder activation thereof. Among these new requirements are: the initial collection of 2,500 signatures – which has already been surpassed; a second collection of one per cent of voters, also surpassed, and its subsequent review by the electoral body.
It is important to note that each of the added steps in the regulation of 2007 has a time limit, both for the organisers and for the electoral body. However, while the proponents of the Recall Referendum have been forced to strictly comply with the time limits imposed, the CNE has consistently failed to meet lapses established by its own rules. There is no doubt that the Venezuelan National Electoral Council CNE, itself, has been delaying the Recall Referendum to guarantee the permanence in office of the ruling party until 2019.
What other steps need to be taken in order to activate the Presidential Recall Referendum? Given that all the requirements noted above have already been fulfilled, the CNE must announce the date on which voters will be called to (finally) give their signatures for the activation of the referendum. The number of voters should be not less than 20 per cent of the total – nearly four million signatures. Once this is done, then CNE would be forced to convoke the referendum act.
Can the Recall Referendum take place this year? Any study of the phases and periods described in the regulations of 2007 reveals that the recall process can be performed in the month of November this year. Proof of this is, that at a press conference of the Rector Lucena nationally broadcast weeks ago, the CNE was given the task of undertaking a list of additional assignments – not covered by regulations – that, in her opinion, greatly hinders the realization of the event this year.
That detailed explanation by the highest electoral authority makes it clear to the public that the regular phases of the regulation would allow the referendum to take place this year, but activities “unregulated” could prevent this. The lapses established in the regulations are authored by the CNE in them the rules of the process for both parties are described. Respect for the established standards can neither be optional for the organizers nor for the electoral body.
What exactly is “Toma de Caracas’” or Taking Caracas? Given the evident intention of the Venezuelan electoral body to delay the recall referendum, the Venezuelan opposition has made a call to attend a demonstration on the first day of September in the city of Caracas. The aim of the march is simply to demand respect for the electoral law, which gives the citizens a right to decide, according to the current constitution, if they wish to follow Nicolás Maduro at the helm of the presidency or not.
Why is the situation in Venezuela of so much importance for the neighbouring countries? The rapid deterioration of the living conditions of the Venezuelan people has recently come to levels of a humanitarian crisis. Compatriots leaving the country today have ceased to be traditional migrants to become survivors. This is important to understand, because people often tend to judge migrants without understanding that – in most cases – these are victims of governments that many outside Venezuela are sympathetic with.
Peaceful change in the political leadership of Venezuela would slow the exodus of Venezuelans outward. In fact, we are convinced that in the short term it could start a process of repatriation of many of the families who have been forced to leave their households due to the circumstances of the country.
It is for this reason that we insist that neighbouring countries should be the first to show interest for the unhindered continuation of the electoral output, and for the right of the Venezuelan people to decide on the continuation of the current government and its clearly wrong policies to be respected.
What are we asking for? We are asking the leaders of political parties and discourse of Curaçao to be very attentive to what happens in Venezuela, not only because the current government has been systematically violating international standards of human rights, but also because we are convinced that peaceful change in our country is the best solution to the migration problems of the region. We understand that in the international arena countries should mutually respect the internal affairs of other countries. However, just as we believe that the economy, education and family hygiene are private matters, but domestic violence requires the complaint to protect innocent victims.
Likewise, respect for human rights and democratic values are not necessarily just the internal affairs of countries. As in the case of domestic violence or police brutality, to remain silent out of respect for self-determination, for neutrality or for political expediency is complicity.
The situation in Venezuela must be resolved by the citizens of Venezuela. No one in the government or in opposition want any foreign government to solve our problems. However, we are convinced that without international pressure it is unlikely that current Venezuelan leaders respect the democratic game.
Democracy, like human rights, cannot be an internal matter for each country. They are the common rules of the countries and are meant to protect all citizens alike. The responsibility for monitoring compliance lies on everyone.
Fundacion Venex Curaçao
Curaçao
A letter printed in the opinion section of this newspaper was erroneously attributed to Roddy Heyliger. The email he sent clearly stated that it was a press release from Member of Parliament (MP) Cornelius de Weever. Mr. Heyliger had no part in writing the release and was only asked to circulate it to the media by a third party. The Daily Herald sincerely apologizes for this unfortunate error and any inconvenience it may have cause those involved.
Dear Editor,
I will once again be championing two particular issues pertaining to youth that may not be “flashy” but are nonetheless more essential than many realise.
I am a family man of faith, who believes that children should be protected, nurtured and taught our core values at home, in the community and in the house of the Lord. These values should then be reinforced in schools.
Our youth is our future, as they are the ones to grow up, leave our island to further their studies and return to occupy key positions in our community and lead our country forward. However, this can only be done, if and when we start to recognise their role in our society.
I truly believe that focus should be placed on a number of specific matters, which is the reason I introduced/championed the following:
I believe we need to ensure that every morning our youth attend school on a full stomach. It is for this reason I initiated the breakfast programme together with the management of Princess Juliana International Airport and Goddard Catering as Member of Parliament in 2014. It is my vision that our Public schools continue to benefit from this great initiative and also broaden this project to ensure students from the subsidised schools have the same opportunity to attend school on a full stomach.
Every student with a tertiary education degree is a student with increased chances of getting a steady job, allowing them to be in a better position to help themselves and their family members. It is for this reason that I, in 2013 and 2014 initiated and personally took up the lead role in getting MOU’s signed with Newark, New Jersey and the Commonwealth of Dominica ensuring free scholarship opportunities in the fields of Art, Medicine and Agriculture.
I worked tirelessly for two years to get this accomplished for the youth of St. Maarten. While these MOU’s have been signed by our Counterparts, the Council of Ministers has yet to ratify these MOU’s. I am asking you for the opportunity to ensure that this time around they will be ratified and the proper procedures and policies will be put in place as soon as possible. Enough is enough, it is also time for us to create job opportunities for them, coach them and then step aside for them to take control of their future.
Romain Laville
Candidate #7 on the United St. Maarten Party (US Party) list
Dear Editor,
I would like to use this space to address the situation in Beacon Hill with the rain water that collects on the road in front of Alegria and Sunset Beach Bar.
There is nowhere for the water to run off, as the powers that be at the airport filled in the ditch that ran along the inside of the fence that was used for runoff. This water becomes stagnant with the residue from the garbage shed at the road in front of the resort making it unhealthy and it smells.
Why wasn’t the airport responsible for making an alternate water runoff?
This water sits for weeks at a time if the rain is persistent and it creates such a bad traffic situation and potholes that could seriously damage cars and people.
It would be nice if the Government, Public Works or maybe VROMI looked into this mess. I’m sure my neighbours and visitors of the island would appreciate it too.
Mary Lou Nipper
Beacon Hill resident
