Dear Editor,

Seeing it from the perspective that the majority “rules” is the reason that those who need the majority on their side choose the logical thing to do, which is to get the majority. The word that really counts in this case is popular. One could be known but being popular helps. Celebrities are usually popular and their opinion is usually influential, so people follow their opinion. Information is always vital, but not all people give priority to the same things and if they do not have enough time, in this case they rely on the opinion of popular people.

My question is “What makes it that we know that certain people have proven themselves capable to do the work, but that they are still not given the opportunity to complete the job?” We need a lot more Lainas to ask questions in order to get a positive feedback.

Movie stars put in a lot of time into what they do.

We only see the end product.

Russell A. Simmons

Dear Editor,

As a parent and concerned member of the Saba community, I believe it is important to bring to light the growing concerns surrounding Saba Comprehensive School (SCS). For years, many have pointed fingers at the elementary school, diverting attention from the equally troubling issues at SCS. However, ignoring these problems has only worsened the educational environment for our children, and it is past time we address the challenges openly.

Since the school year began in August, students have yet to experience a fully functioning school environment. It is now November, and SCS is still operating below 100% capacity, with a persistent shortage of teachers that has led to an alarming number of free periods. The lack of adequate staffing not only disrupts students’ learning but also compromises their overall educational experience. Every missed class period represents lost time, and it is unfair to ask our students to sacrifice their futures because the system is failing them.

The school’s principal plays a significant role in this crisis. Instead of providing effective leadership, there is a troubling pattern of responsibilities being shifted onto her coworkers, which leaves critical tasks neglected. Furthermore, there are concerns about frequent work-related travel. While professional development is important, it seems disconnected from the pressing needs at SCS. With the school facing financial constraints, the allocation of funds for repeated travel leaves many parents questioning its priority over classroom resources and teacher recruitment.

Attempts to raise these issues have largely been dismissed. Parents who reach out to the administration with questions or concerns are met with a lack of responsiveness, or no response at all, as the principal appears unwilling to engage in constructive conversations with regard to current issues and meaningful changes. Our voices are ignored, our concerns trivialized, and our children’s education suffers as a result.

The community deserves answers, and our children deserve a functioning school. I urge the leadership at SCS, the school board (if there even is one), and relevant authorities on island and in the Netherlands to take immediate action. Addressing these issues transparently and directly will not only restore parents' trust but, more importantly, will improve the educational experience of every child attending SCS.

A very concerned parent

Dear Editor,

I am mystified why value could be placed on the opinions of movie stars, entertainers or other public figures in any country, in reference to voting for official offices, which are supposed to represent the opinions of the country’s people.

Are most people so ill-informed and non-caring that they will vote as certain celebrities do?

The exception might well and justly be the political, religious and moral views of the candidate, as it relates to their and other world powers and countries. This comes to mind with the upcoming US elections in November.

Most important is for all US citizens to VOTE. Mail-in ballots are available for those citizens out of the country.

Laina R. Macdonald

Dear Editor,

Why do our representatives find it so difficult to tell the truth? This has been a non-stop trend that keeps raising its ugly head, elections after elections. But, no matter how much they try to conceal it, the truth, in its purest form, always finds a way to reveal itself. Because politicians know that a huge part of the population is low-informed, they use this situation as a springboard, to pursue their goal of power and control.

This mentality brings me to examine the character of certain politicians, who are trying to convince the public that they have integrity, but still take the liberty to fool the people of this country. I will start with MP [Member of Parliament – Ed.] Sjamira Roseburg, who recently became Vice Chair of Parliament, and chair of the Justice and Integrity committees, respectively. All three are viewed as honourable positions, and should be treated as such.

MP Roseburg, to be the Vice Chair of Parliament demands the highest level of integrity. And, to seek the positions to be the chair of the above mentioned committees, they also require the same amount of reliability. Because, this consistency, which boils down to honesty, is the foundation for possessing this rare quality, that is called integrity.

Here is my dispute with you, MP Sjamira Roseburg. If I were an MP, you could have never gotten my vote to be chair of the Integrity committee. I could support you for the Justice committee, but only because of your educational background. You know why? On Monday, September 30, 2024, in your interview on air, you had every opportunity to come clean with the people, regarding the real reason why URSM does not have the Justice portfolio.

MP Roseburg, I will be the devil’s advocate, to test your level of integrity. Is it not a fact that you were offered the Justice ministry after the January 11, 2024, elections and you refused? And, for the August 19, 2024, elections, is it not the truth that you proposed your dad to be the next Justice Minister? In my article of August 26, 2024, when I brought this issue forward, I was not specific. I only said that you suggested a family member. Do these scenarios sound familiar?

Only after your supporters insisted (according to you) to take up the position, you think it over. The real upset came when the SAM party was awarded the ministry of justice. When you realize this, you wanted your party leader, Luc Mercelina to renegotiate the portfolio. Is this not factual, MP Roseburg? Now you wanted to take the position, because MP Frankie Myers had everybody in suspense, with regard to who will represent his ministry.

Just Friday last week, you were still lamenting that your followers are disappointed that you were not chosen for the post. Was it not on Monday September 30, 2024, you proudly announced that you will work with the incoming minister, Attorney Nathalie Tackling? MP Roseburg, why can’t you be contented with the reality that a colleague from your field, was offered the privilege to serve in that capacity?

MP Roseburg, I think that you are jealous of the recommended minister. Do the issue of votes and running on a list, still haunt you, like your colleague, MP Richniel Brug? A person with integrity, would have reassured her fans that the position is already taken, and that you have pledged to collaborate with her, to improve the standard of the ministry, in order to create a much better society.

MP Sjamira Roseburg (Madam 5 star representative), if you refer to yourself as being a leader (Vice Chair of Parliament, chair of the Justice and Integrity committees), your actions and your words must always be in sync with each other. Since you have pledged to be a collaborator, let your tenure reflect the characteristics of a renowned team builder.

Joslyn Morton