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

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,

I do not understand what I am currently experiencing. I do not understand what my party the National Alliance just did. Somebody please explain it to me because it makes no sense. How under God's sky does the NA who spent an entire campaign telling its supporters that Theo and Frankie only want to secure their family and their cronies turn now and form a government with them.

How do you tell us on the campaign trail that Theo only seeks to cut deals when he can or build a bridge that sent food prices high or was just in court for vote buying, then turn and form a government with him. The amount of things you told us he has done wrong and why we should never trust him and his party was astounding.

How can you insult the NA supporters by telling us it was the "campaign" talking and now it's different? Do you know what you just did? You just called us stupid. You just told us it's just an act to get us to vote and now we have to understand and accept that we have been played. How can you do that to supporters who have spent years trying on your behalf to get Theo and his cronies out of the way for good? We have made enemies and burnt bridges on things you have said because we trusted you.

What you have essentially done is give a very weak Theo new life. The man lost 2,000 votes and did nothing during his most recent time in government. The only thing he did was giving away Emilio Wilson Park and had a Prime Minister who told the people of St. Maarten to go hang themselves.

You saved the political life of the very same person who screwed you in the past and will do so again. What you have done is given new life to a monster that Silveria will have to deal with when you exit stage left or a monster that will consume Silveria and the entire National Alliance party.

One by one Theo will pick off your members. Because we all know the weakness of the Alliance has always been that some of its most prominent members want to be Theo or close to Theo and his ilk. Is that why you keep running back to him over and over again? Because you still bear an inferiority complex and feel the need to be next to the Watheys? You have missed an opportunity to put them away for good.

Now they will do what they always do when they have the reins of power. They will secure their own business deals and consolidate their power to protect their elitist self-entitled ways over the people of St. Maarten. Congratulations William. You finally created another DP of the 80's. Oh, you might not see it now. But it is coming.

Your supporters have been loyal. You could almost count on a loyal base of 4,000 people. But what are we supporting now? We are supporting a party and a leader who doesn't mean what he says and doesn't say what he means. A leader who boldly tells us that it was all an act and now play along and take governing seriously. I mean, seriously?

Mr. Marlin, the only thing you have done is sped up the demise of the NA. You will see a departure of your own people towards the UP or another party. You already lost votes this past election, expect to lose more when Theo sees the opportune time to buy your members, convince them to go independent, go into a coalition with someone else and properly castrate the Alliance. If this government holds, this will happen somewhere around a year and a half before the next election, maybe two. Wait for it.

I feel cheated. I feel disgusted that the UPNA are now one party with one leader and that's Theo Heyliger. Never did I think this would happen and I wonder how the other Alliance members feel. People will remember that "it was a campaign" line come next election. We will know that you and maybe even Silveria is just play acting. Not to be trusted. Good luck getting two seats next time.

A now former Alliance voter

Name withheld at author's request.