Dear Editor,
The general public of St. Maarten has been complaining about the long delays that exist now at the office of land measurements and registration of mortgages. The Kadaster Office at one point was a department of the Central Government of the former Netherlands Antilles and became a foundation. The Kadaster became an operation that you could depend on as certificate of admeasurements and other services were flowing smoothly.
Over the last year, we are seeing the services of this prestigious foundation deteriorate to the point where the general public is suffering. The UP-led government ignored the deteriorating of this office as they didn’t lift a rock to correct the wrong that was happening. Today we are experiencing the same fate from the NA-led government.
Enough is enough. Either this government doesn’t care or they are not capable of correcting the situation. However, as a political party, the OSPP, we are responsible to bring it to the attention of this government and the parliament of St. Maarten. We have therefore forwarded a letter to the Minister of VROMI, Angel Meyers querying about the functioning of the Kadaster office. We have asked the minister of Vromi if persons have applied for the position of director of the Kadaster, based on the advertisement that was placed. How many applicants were there and if they have been interviewed? If yes, what was the outcome? And if no interviews took place why not?
We also want to know from the minister how many members are serving on the Supervisory Board and if the quantity constitutes a legal board. It is also important to inform the general public who are the present members of the supervisory board. These are some very pertinent questions as they all are related to the good functioning of the Kadaster. If a general director is not appointed, and if the supervisory board is not legal, then we will continue to receive this type of long delay in services from the Kadaster.
The OSPP is of the opinion that this organization is playing too much of an important role in the further development of our economy for this government to continue ignoring these appointments. We are therefore insisting that our Minister of VROMI Angel Meyers make the appointments of a general director and members to the supervisory board a top priority in his ministry.
We need more surveyors and promotions within are long overdue, but that can only happen if those appointments take place. We have to applaud the acting director and the staff for a job well done under these circumstances, but things can’t continue like this. A good functioning Kadaster office indirectly generates funds for the coffers of the government and creates many jobs in the construction industry and otherwise.
Let’s improve on the services of the Kadaster office, we don’t need anybody to come and tell us how to do it.
Lenny F. Priest
Leader, One St. Maarten People Party (OSPP)
Dear Editor,
Please allow me space in your paper to tell of the kind of medical care that we Sabans are getting here on Saba and the heartless doctors that we have to deal with.
My name is Beatrlx Zagers, I am not going to hide behind any false name, because what I am saying is the truth. I fell 16 weeks ago, I was in torture and the doctors knew it. Neither injections nor tablets helped my pain. I was X-rayed on Saba with a machine that doesn't work anymore; when an X-ray machine can't show a broken bone that means that it should be replaced with a new one. I asked both doctors if they could send me to do an MRI or a CT scan and both refused to do so.
I then decided to go at my own expense and find out what my problem was, but they must have heard about my plan and then it was decided to send me via the Health Care.
And guess what! I have fractures and pinched nerves. This is not the first time that I have been neglected by the doctors as six years ago I needed a thyroidectomy and all that I heard was, you have to wait. I then made my appointment with an endocrinologist in Puerto Rico, went and had my problem taken care of within one week, but of course it was at my own expense. I am a person who seldom ever visits the clinic on Saba, only when it is serious illness and that is the kind of care that I get. We the people of Saba are left to deal with one doctor most of the time, while our population has grown tremendously. We need at least three doctors in order for us to get the care we need. Lack of interest for sick people is so thick that you can cut it with a knife. All you hear is that you are old. I must say that I feel that what Geert Wilders said about the BES Islands many other Dutch people think the same, there is no respect for us. Before I end, I want to thank Nurse Naomi and those who transported me around in the car and wheelchair here on Saba and a thank you to the workers of Accessible Ventures in St. Maarten. Their kindness is greatly appreciated.
Beatrlx Zagers, Saba
Dear Editor,
Labour day, also known as International Workers Day, is a day to reflect on the social and economic struggles and achievements of workers and Labour Unions the world over.
To many, Labour Day is a day to stay at home and relax. Be that as it may, it is also a time to reflect, plan, discuss, educate, debate and to strengthen our commitment to the struggle for decent pay and decent working conditions on our island, the region and the world. It is a time to draw attention to the ongoing violation of both workers and trade union rights; to lobby and advocate for social justice and human rights with the sole objective of improving the quality of life for all.
In fact, many brave, energetic and community-minded individuals in our society dedicated their entire lives to champion the cause of the workers of St. Martin; the benefits of which we enjoy today! We often give moving speeches about our venerable labour leaders of the past but we must, in good conscience, continue their work. Today, the working class on St. Martin is confronted by a myriad of challenges and grim prospects namely: low-wage jobs that force low-income households to purchase debts; the high costs of living; diminishing job security, the growing informal economy, the lack of decent jobs and the blatant violation of workers’ rights.
Besides that, companies are outsourcing and finding “…economic pressures and in-sufficient savings reinforces concerns, anxieties and fears that the next generation of blue- collar workers of this blessed nation will retire in poverty!”
In our struggle unity is paramount and companies find creative ways to reduce its labour costs. Lifelong employment that was once secure and guaranteed is now “flexible” and “seasonal” with little to no guarantee of becoming a permanent worker within the organisation. Despite the rapid advances in technology and innovation, workers are required to work longer thereby negatively affecting their “work-life balance.”
Furthermore, overtime once considered a good way of earning a little more is quickly eaten up either in taxes or to cover one’s basic needs. The informal economy on St. Martin is not only growing and diverting millions of dollars into the neighbouring islands, but is also stifling the economic growth of the island. The working poor, once hidden in plain sight, is now a common feature among many civil servants and private sector workers alike.
For instance, today many civil servants find themselves “stuck” in the same or incorrect salary scales for years with little to no real opportunity for growth or training in order to expand their knowledge. Worse yet, another group of civil servants, despite receiving excellent evaluations have yet to enjoy the much-anticipated bonus because “Government does not have money,” or the documents simply cannot be located, so forth and so on.
On the other hand, in the private sector we witness the unfair dismissals, unsafe working conditions, illegal immigration, the continued abuse of the six-month contract, outsourcing of local jobs to foreign countries, and age discrimination where persons as young as 40 years of age are sent home because they are “too old”.
In truth, it is not surprising to learn of the many cases where persons have been on a “short term” contract for roughly 10 years and counting. Besides that, young professionals are faced with a totally different and competitive labour market with higher barriers of entry, and large student debts that will certainly slow down their dream of purchasing a home or investing in a small business. While a substantial amount of funds are allocated for public education, many former high school students enter the labour market with insufficient skills and experience leaving them with little hope of gaining even menial employment at times.
Fellow workers of St. Martin, it is tough to remain optimistic on Labour Day when countless families are just one pay-check away from hunger and poverty, and the labour of workers are treated as a mere commodity, a liability or a “mere factor of production” whose worth and value is to be exclusively determined by the “free market” and/or by the workers’ ability to generate. In the final analysis, it is the workers who will ultimately drive and propel the economy and development of this island’s maximum returns on investment for shareholders.
Additionally, who can ignore the fact that wages have not kept up with the high cost of living and the principle of equal pay for equal work, particularly between males and females, is not consistently applied across the board on St. Maarten.
Comrades, the recent increase of the retirement age from 60 to 62 might not necessarily lead to an increase in retirement benefits for pensioners. Consider for a moment if you will that the economic pressures and insufficient savings reinforces concerns, anxieties and fears that the next generation of blue-collar workers of this blessed nation, will retire in poverty.
Moreover, the issue of decent work and the rights of workers, be they full time or temporary workers, is protected and placed extremely high on the evolving policy of agenda Government, the private sector and trade unions.
Beloved reader, it is no exaggeration to say that the perceived shortage of decent jobs and the failure to protect their rights has caused many workers to descend into the informal economy just to make “ends meet.” It is generally recognised by laudable institutions such as the International Labour Organisation, that decent work is vital for economic growth and sustainable development of any county/nation state. It cannot be said enough that as is well documented, the impact of climate change stands to drastically alter if not eliminate communities and employment in the region.
From a shortage of provisions in Dominica, low rice production in Guyana, rising acidity in the Caribbean sea threatens the coral reefs and marine life, to the worst droughts in Puerto Rico and St. Lucia affecting everything from human lives, agriculture i.e. food security, water reserves and livestock. If the reader will only recall that in 2015 a portion of the Great Salt Pond in Great Bay was dried up, unlike anything we’ve seen in years! All of this means that St. Martin, as a one-pillar economy is required is to change, evolve and transition towards a low-carbon and green economy.
Consequently, there is an urgent need for targeted investments in creating green jobs, recycling programmes and environmental reforms in order to reverse, where possible, the undesirable effects of climate change on St. Martin.
Brothers and sisters, in an age of globalisation and free-market liberalism, the need to deepen the unity and creative cooperation within and across the Labour Union movement, in order to strengthen our collective determination is imperative. It is only by joining forces can we effectively organize against very powerful interests, be it within the State apparatus or the private sector.
The future of St. Martin is in the hands of the workers and trade union movement! Be not fooled, the trade union movement is a Government in its own right and as such is best able to advance the interests of workers. Through unity, a common vision and with absolute commitment can the trade union movement on St. Martin bring about social justice for all.
More than that, it is essential that workers play their part by enhancing their participation within the trade union movement on every level whenever the opportunity presents itself.
In light of the aforementioned observations, the unions encourages workers to take advantage of every opportunity to continuously expand one’s knowledge and develop the necessary skills in order to increase one’s productivity and earning potential, and strategically position oneself for career advancement. More importantly, it is critical that workers develop stronger leadership skills and constantly educate themselves about their rights and responsibilities as requirements for good citizenship and the proper functioning of Government and the private sector.
The call for leadership can be heard loud and clear, so let us not play deaf or blind to the grievances or loud whispers of the people that we made an oath to represent according to the highest professional and moral standards. The masses are looking towards the trade union movement and its leadership for direction and action!
In closing, it bears repeating that the future of St. Martin is in the hands of the workers! The WICSU/PSU Union extends its warmest wishes to all the working men and woman of this of this lovely island, St. Martin. Long live the workers of St. Martin! Together we struggle, together we achieve! Unity and solidarity is forever!
W.I.C.S.U./P.S.U. Union Board
Dear Editor,
Government and parliamentarians should do what it takes to have buses running through middle region, it is time. Government put laws in place and legalised gypsies on the Island let there be a gypsies’ association. So that gypsies will have to pay fifty to a hundred dollars to Government per month with all gypsie vehicles painted the same colour. There are too many gypsies on the island, and they never have correct change to give back to their passengers.
Government, please wake up from your slumber and put asphalt on Middle Region Road; the road settled already at least. Put asphalt on the road from the West coming from the tamarind tree to Romeo Drive, so that the buses will start coming Middle Region.
When a project is going on in Dutch Quarter, or the road blocked, Mount William Hill by accident causes the road to be blocked; Dutch and French Buses will not be able to pass through Middle Region; we will block all buses.
It's time buses run only one district and get some of these gypsies out off the road; help us put asphalt on the road from the tamarind tree to Romeo Drive before election, before the new road buses were running Middle Region level the road from the tamarind tree to Romeo Drive.
For us Middle Region people, l feel something election coming. Hon Samuel and Leona, we need your support to fix Middle Region Road very soon. Both of you, put pressure on the government to fix the road.
Cuthbert Bannis
Dear Editor,
I visited Anguilla for the first time on May 6. I boarded the last ferry out about 7:10pm. I went across with a friend who is a deejay. He plays there every weekend.
All I was carrying with me was my passport and ID in a small side bag along with a shirt. My friend had his deejay equipment to carry, which was 2 cases, plus his laptop in a haversack. His both hands were occupied so he asked me to hold on to a plastic bag with one pair of used shoes which he would wear for the night.
Upon arrival in Anguilla we both cleared Immigration and next on to Customs. There were two officers on duty doing the checks. I went to the female officer who then asked me what I have to declare. I said to her I had nothing to declare. She then asked me what I was carrying in the plastic bag; I told her a pair of shoes which did not belong to me. I was just helping my friend by holding it for him. She then asked me for the receipt for the shoes, which I told her they were not mine. My friend came across and told her that they belonged to him, which she understood.
I was thinking it was all set for me to leave. She then asked me for the receipt for the shoes I was wearing, which I told her I do not have because I had those shoes for over two years. She had no remorse and wrote me up for an amount of $60, which she said I have to pay immediately for government tax. I said to her I am not paying for what is mine, those are my shoes and it’s totally impossible.
After about an hour and a half still standing at Customs and not giving in she gave me an option – either I leave my shoes at Customs and walk out bare feet or pay up and walk out with them. After a long deliberation some calls were made by her to her superiors and the conclusion was that I could leave, but make sure that when I’m leaving the next morning I present myself at Customs with the same pair of shoes on my feet. They were a pair of black Polo shoes.
A terrible first time experience. I hope it does not happen to anyone else.
Dave Pierre
