Dear Editor,
Those who have orchestrated the reset of August Monday for the past few years now have brought the event ahead by several decades. From an ordinary event geared towards the indigenous people of the island, as an emancipation celebration, combined with the national sport of boat-racing, the scope of the August Monday activity on Sandy Ground beach has transcended the interest and consciousness of our people, and have rippled throughout the region as a monumental celebration of ethnicity and collaboration of all people from all walks of life; descending on Anguilla for one major national event, perhaps the largest of its kind in the region.
It demonstrates how all people, working together, can make an enormous difference in the evolution of human consciousness and advancement. People of one kind, from one place looking out for one’s self are not calculated to broaden the perimeters of human effort. By working together with good will and determination towards goals that encompass and appreciate human effort, it actually broadens the scope of humanity which we all benefit in so many different ways. Assisting in commendable efforts to stretch the burden, where we all make sacrifice, we all benefit more.
August Monday has become the natural phenomenon of our times on Anguilla.
Growing up as a boy, I never missed an opportunity to go to Sandy Ground beach on an August Monday. Many of our forebears have not lived to see what this event has become. Whether or not they would approve of its evolution, one must admit that this event has accomplished an important goal – it has brought Caribbean people of all kinds in one place, on one day, for one major national, regional, and international event on one of the most acclaimed destination in the world, to celebrate that all important legacy, and the history of a people, people of our region. The emancipation of a people, Caribbean people demonstrating a strong will to endeavour and break down those barriers that seem will forever keep us apart.
Those who have put innovative organization in place to stimulate, and maximize the interest in our people, and those of the region, must be commended. St Maarten / St. Martin are the Gold star winners here. They dominate this event on this day on Anguilla.
When we watch the continuous expanding range of beach front being totally and fully occupied by the pleasure boats and Yachts from SXM only, staying put until the last bit of activity has been exhausted, then pull up anchor and head back South, our wonderful, neighbour makes us proud each and every year for decades. This is extraordinary and extremely commendable; we simply cannot ask for more from a neighbouring community.
Speak truth to power that this friendship could be exemplified with the addition of an official meet on the eve of August Monday, where the governments in representation of our people, Anguilla / SXM meet in an official commemoration of the natural coexistence and friendship between we, the people, of all three territories. We must be aware that a significant portion of the population of SXM is of natural born ancestry of Anguilla, making that significant portion, naturally Anguillian. Thanks to the people of SXM and Anguilla for such a peaceful coexistence for all our lives.
Without doubt, government has come up short on its general planning and advancement of this great event for the island. There is actually nothing we can point to as positive contribution towards its great transformation for the island. We know that government is actually the major contributor in funding, but as we know, in the evolution of mainstream society much more than dollars and cents are required to make that dynamic impact.
Where is the master-plan for a community like Sandy Ground? Which will undoubtedly, overwhelm us all, including government in the next few years with its new construction and developments on the way, literally changing that community before our very eyes. It appears that there is no plan or provisions in consideration for the ever expansion and growth of the August Monday event. No plans for improved parking access or traffic management. I got trapped in traffic backed up as far as George Hill. There appears to be no planning for better accommodation or organization of this massive occasion, other than the natural assembling on the beach front.
Not everyone attending the event wants to walk on the beach or bath in the crystal clear water of Sandy Ground and not everyone is there to be entertained by the massive set up for performing artists and consistent wave of international music.
We have boat race enthusiasts, those who are jamming all day, all night, and some are just there to enjoy the dynamic atmosphere created on Sandy Ground Beach for that one day. A massive display of food and drinks, as large as they come, it seems to be not enough to accommodate the people, and not enough food to serve them all. More can be done to capitalize on this overall development.
It is perhaps time for government to put in place a master-plan that would guide the continued evolution of this major event on the island, and be engaged in creating and improved the surrounding environment, contributing to the overall Sandy Ground community.
What about a modern, well-engineered plan for modern containment of the salt pond, while creating better parking zones and recreational possibilities? In fact, there is a world of improvement that can be imagined for this area that can work sufficiently for modern development, and also planning toward this massive August Monday event consolidated, and creating a master piece for the community in environmental upgrades and general community improvements.
Elliot J. Harrigan
Dear Editor,
Now Emsley Tromp has been benched pending a criminal investigation - and although nothing has been proven yet, where there is smoke there is fire! It is time to contemplate whether the people of Sint Maarten should not break with the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. Let that bank just be the Central Bank of Curaçao.
One of the reasons Sint Maarten wanted to be independent was to be freed from institutions in Curaçao, but somehow that central bank remained in place and Sint Maarten kept the Nederlands Antilliaanse Florin or Antilliaanse Gulden (ANG). Some say that was for sentimental reasons, well nonsense, dump those sentimental reasons in a sinkhole.
Sentiments have nothing to do with it. It is about money.
Civil servants get paid in ANG. and banks make lots of money exchanging that into dollars in a country, where a lot of shops have dollar accounts, so you have no choice. The official rate of the ANG. to the dollar is 1,77. So for one dollar, one pays ANG.1,77. However, most banks make you pay ANG.1,82. This is not entirely the bank’s fault, because on every exchange 1% from ANG. to dollar 1% goes to the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten to keep the ANG. in place, and so Tromp can make sure his girlfriend gets 3 million dollars. The rest goes to the bank, so they make tons of money.
I say done with it. Done with being cheated at the gas station, when the ANG. is on the display and you pay too much in dollars. Done with an expensive Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten and an unnecessary reconstruction of its office in Phillipsburg. Done with the corruption. Done upholding an obsolete institution and currency. Done with no less than three currencies on a small – but beautiful – island.
Put the ANGXIT) on the agenda! ANGXIT is the way to go! Political parties, the elections are coming. Follow Saba and Statia and let us have the dollar as the official currency. Follow the advice from the SER.
Simpson Soualiga
Alias used at author’s request.
Dear Editor,
I read an article in The Daily Herald of Wednesday, August 10, entitled, "No more accomplishments, please" signed by someone, who didn't dare to put his or her name to the article, and so it was signed: "Name withheld at author's request."
The unnamed author wrote about some of the ills plaguing our country for years, and blames the current government for these ills. So, unnamed author, let me elucidate the facts to you.
1) The 15% decrease in tourist arrivals did not occur after November 2015, when the current coalition took office. It stems years and years back when the former government was in office.
2 and 3) The 30% loss of Island spending and the loss of Disney and NCL cruise lines did not occur during the current coalition's term either. This happened while the previous government was in office. Check your facts.
4 and 5) the unprecedented number of fires on the landfill. Please, don't tell me that you are not aware that fires on the landfill go back many years. Years that the previous government was in office. I hope you don't believe that these fires started only after November 2015. I recalled being called to the homes of several disgusted residents of Walter Nisbeth Road to see what damage the smoke from the Landfill has been causing them. That was certainly not under the watch of the current coalition.
6) A waste of taxpayers' money for a parking lot on Kimsha Beach. First of all, unnamed author, the name of the beach is Simpson Bay. There is no beach on St. Maarten or St. Martin called Kimsha Beach. But, despite that, I know what you mean. You may consider the parking lot to be an extension of the Causeway Bridge: a true waste of taxpayers' money.
7) Finalizing the government building is a task that the previous government was unable to accomplish in their many, many years in office. How incompetent!
8) Increasing taxes via fuel tax and electricity consumption (Is this a joke, or what?) Citizens of this island have been complaining about the high fuel clause attached to their electricity bill for years. The same years that the previous government was in charge. And, unnamed author, I wonder if you were aware of some of the measures that the previous government was about to apply before leaving office, but were annulled by this coalition. Measures such as 18% increase on road tax and to taking away the civil servants' (including school teachers) vacation allowance, etc.
9) Management of GEBE in total disarray. I somewhat agree with that statement, but it was the former government that had GEBE's management in disarray. This government is responsible for the recent appointment of the new COO and the new CFO of GEBE. Is that the disarray you are referring too?
10) Total lack of vision for our one-pillar economy. Who are you praising for having our economy as a "one-pillar" economy for 40 years and more? Certainly not the current coalition. Lack of vision? Please, unnamed author, go back to your drawing board and check your facts. The lack of vision comes from the former government's years and years of governing with no plan of action.
When you criticize, be truthful with it. By the way, I know why you didn't put your name to your letter. I wouldn't had put my name to such a ridiculous letter either.
Fernando R. Clark
Dear Editor,
It is that time again, where early morning risings become a part of our daily routine, and the roaring noises of the school buses fill the air. This message is not to scare you back to school, but an opportunity for all of us to take a good look around us. It is an opportunity to observe what’s happening around us and analyse the situations so we can take the lead in making a change.
The theme of this year’s International Youth Day is, ‘Youth Leading Sustainability.’ What is sustainability? According to dictionary.com it is ‘the ability to be sustained, supported, upheld or confirmed.’ We must each ask ourselves how we can contribute to the sustainability of our country.
Each citizen, regardless of age or gender, has an essential role to play in nation building. If we are to build a strong, viable country, our people must be skilled and knowledgeable to take up key positions in leadership. Our young people must therefore be prepared and equipped to lead. This preparation extends beyond the classroom to the community, and begins with a personal commitment to excellence.
To be able to lead sustainability, I encourage you to do these three things this school year. 1. Stay focused. There are many things that can distract you from achieving your goals. Try your best to pay attention in class, so you can learn, develop and execute properly.
2. Always be yourself. All leaders are not the same. Good leaders are authentic; true to themselves. The world thrives on differences, and so will our country. Use your unique abilities and gifts to lead. A leader worth following brings something of value to the table.
3. Choose wisely. It is election time again (yay). It is time for us as young people to decide on our future sustainability. Do your research. Ask pertinent questions. Analyse the past and current situations. Do not vote for/support a particular party or candidate because your mother, uncle, sister or boyfriend is running. Make your choice on what is right for you and our country Sint Maarten.
In conclusion, we all have a purpose. We were not put on this earth to be couch potatoes. Take the initiative as young people of Sint Maarten to make appositive changes for our future, and other generations to come.
Happy International Youth Day and have a safe, successful school year 2016/2017.
Kamilah Gumbs
President, Sint Maarten Youth Parliament
Dear Editor,
On Thursday, chairman of the Island Council Julian Woodley, made his sixth attempt to call an island council meeting requested by the DP faction. Just like what happened in the previous five meetings, the sole agenda point the financial household of government and the recently introduced stop on the undertaking of new financial obligations (verplichtingenstop) by the minister was therefore again not debated. This time, however, also Councilman Merkman of the UPC was present at the meeting, thus avoiding the customary tie with the votes whereby the point was stricken off the agenda without the need for a second meeting.
I do not want to waste much time on the yelling, name calling and foot-stamping, which the PLP faction members resorted to in order to convince the chairman on how he should chair his meeting. It was more interesting to learn what the reasoning was of the ruling coalition to avoid the debate on such an important topic. According to Councilman Van Putten, the debate could not yet take place since, according to him, an investigation at the finance department is ongoing.
According to him, this investigation is a direct result of the initiative of the commissioner to travel to The Hague, where she convinced the ministry that it is time for action. The Commissioner of Finance needs her time to bring to light, with the assistance of a handful of external accountants, what exactly the problem with her finance department is.
Therefore, according to Van Putten, it is premature to have a meeting at this point in time and this meeting should take place only when the coalition parties decide that it should take place. This does not sound very democratic either.
To start with the last part, in our democratic system also a minority has the right to have a meeting called when they feel it is the right time. This right is clearly being trampled on by the coalition parties. Furthermore, contrary to what Van Putten wants us to believe, there is no investigation going on at all. The accountants are instructed by the minister to clear up the mess of the budget 2016, whereby it has become impossible to establish what the status is.
In other words, the commissioner lost complete track of what she spent and what is still in her wallet. In its letter of July 19, the ministry clearly stated that there is no longer confidence in the financial reporting, since the information is untrustworthy. Halfway the year budget items may already be depleted, while others appear soon to be depleted. The assistance by the accountant was also already put in place since at least June 27 (see a letter of the Kingdom Representative of that date).
The visit of the commissioner to The Hague might have sped up the process a little. The fact that now the good Councilman Van Putten comments the commissioner with her visit to The Hague, is in stark contrast with the instruction he gave her and then colleague Zaandam more than a year ago to abort a visit to The Hague for the same purpose. If he had allowed the assistance of the ministry at that time, a lot of the problems we are now facing could have been avoided.
The accountants have until the end of August to have a clear picture of where we stand with the 2016 budget. After this, a budget amendment will be required in order to get it back in line, the way it is stipulated in the FINBES. How this exactly will look like I am unwilling to predict.
Koos Sneek
Democratic Party (DP) Statia
