Dear Editor,
If this wasn’t so serious it would be funny. The Board of the National Alliance must admit that in most cases, we are somewhat biased towards the party we represent as a board. However, in the case of the Press release of the UPP leader and the rest of the opposition regarding current events, even the most unbiased person must admit that there is something wrong with the UPP leader’s account of the meeting.
First, the leader of the UPP was not invited to any meeting with the Honourable Prime Minister. He was invited by his opposition colleague. His attempt to make it look as if the PM contacted him, is another attempt at clouding the issue at best or flat out lying at worst.
When one listens to his three options, which we won’t repeat in detail here, one can only conclude that self-interest is his main objective. Imagine wanting control of all government-owned companies. Need we remind the public that it was an ‘error’ on the UPP leader’s part that cost the Harbour 10 Million United States Dollars, in order to settle a case. Is this what the UPP leader has in store for the other Government-owned companies?
While this government is negotiating a Waste to Energy plant, with no investment from Government or Government-owned companies, the UPP leader was negotiating an alleged 700 Million Guilder bond from GEBE to complete various projects including the WTE. The UP leader wants control, to tie GEBE to a large loan, while it was not necessary, to realize the project.
Minister Emil Lee is working in a transparent manner to build a modern hospital, while the UPP Leader goes on the air and claims none of his family members are involved while we all know that a close family member has been involved in medical tourism. Funny how the project supported by the UPP leader included a 30 Million US dollar medical tourism wing, with no aspects of how this would be paid back.
We as a Board have full confidence in the version of the meeting of the Prime Minister. Why would the Prime Minister lie about the UPP leader opting to leave out All independents including MP -Marlin- Romeo and MP De Weever? It seems just like the UPP leader to try to sweeten the deal by placing 4 persons in opposition instead of 1. The hastily called press briefing on Sunday by the UPP, only goes to confirm that this was indeed an option. When was the last time the UPP leader had a press briefing? The UPP leader hardly even participates in talk shows on the Southern side, running over to the Northern side on almost every occasion.
The Press release yesterday of the UPP Board was laughable if it wasn’t so sad. To claim that any one of the options presented by the UPP leader was in the interest of the country is an insult to the intelligence of the people of St. Maarten. The only thing that the three options show is the utter desperation of the UPP leader to be in control of Government.
Additionally, for the UPP to actually try to make the claim that somehow this NA led government is ‘holding the nation hostage’ makes us laugh out loud. Again with the lies and exaggerations to the people of St. Maarten. There is no government crisis, the Council of Ministers will continue to work in the interest of all the people of St. Maarten. If there is anyone that is holding the nation hostage, it’s the UPP members who are neglecting their duties and not signing in for meetings.
After sitting an entire year in office with nothing to show for it, we should not be surprised that the UPP is afraid that with a balanced budget (something that has been unachievable under UPP leadership), the first since 2014, people of St. Maarten are witnessing how a Government is supposed to work.
It is truly sad how the UPP and its leadership have again insulted the people of St. Maarten with untrue statements designed to de-stabilize this Government; going as far as throwing the independent members supporting the UPP under the bus. By putting St. Maarten first, those members should vote for this budget thereby doing what especially MP Marlin-Romeo says on the floor of Parliament on a daily basis, “Work in the interest of all the people of St. Maarten.”Team National Alliance
Dear Editor,
The Democratic Party (DP) stands solidly with the coalition in leaving no stone unturned to get the budget of the country passed in Parliament. Because, if we think the current situation is murky, imagine the following which is a very real possibility. The big difference being, that the wellbeing and livelihood of practically the entire community can be at stake in the following scenario.
The budget remains in limbo, because a 7-7 tie vote goes nowhere!
This means this budget goes nowhere and eventually the CFT will report to the Kingdom Government that St. Maarten has no approved budget.
No budget is reason for an instruction from the Kingdom government.
Other than was the case with the instructions to the Governor, H.E. Mr. E. Holiday, a financial instruction is very much in accordance with the Kingdom law on the CFT. We have no need or desire to paint all kinds of doom scenarios, but the contents and scope of such an instruction can be anything from a slap on the wrist to a stop on (certain) expenditures. So it is not only about getting loans to finance capital projects.
We need at least 8 votes in parliament to pass the budget legislation. Yes, the budget too is legislation.
As Democratic Party and coalition partner, we have taken note of the Opposition’s demands in order to support the budget.
How convenient! Elections, at the whims of the Opposition can be held immediately or put off until 2018. Forget about “what is good for the goose, is good for the gander.”
However, if the Opposition of Seven is sincere about their so called options or alternatives, we would like to know and we would like the people to know, what does the Opposition have in mind?
They should know that already, we hope. What is this so called vision which they want to see reflected in the budget? Where were these “bright” ideas during the first round of deliberations on the budget?
Because remember, the budget in its simplest form is if you add to the expenses, you have to add to the income, and if you decrease income, you have to decrease expenses, at least if you want to comply with the balanced budget norm.
So again, what are these proposals by the opposition? And please don’t give us: “You tell me first that you will hold immediate elections thereafter, and then I will tell you what I want out of the budget or what I want amended. Don’t the people deserve to know?
Any change to the budget at this stage is a delay! Pure and simple. Is this the Opposition’s objective?
Of course they know, that changes will take time. The more drastic, the longer it takes.
Let’s see what their choice is going to be. But regardless, let the people know what the collective Opposition thinks is the way out.
S.A. Wescot-Williams, DP
Dear Editor,
Prime Minister William Marlin is showing his weakness when he allowed MP Lloyd Richardson to lead him to Pointe Blanche to have a simple conversation. Immediately, he should have anticipated that someone else was about to join the party. When the minister got to the designated spot he should have never invited the UP leader into his vehicle and entertained such comical discussion. Instead, the prime minister should have suspended the meeting and drop the MP off. On the other hand though, probably the move was necessary to further expose the devious minds of those who were elected to serve.
Why is this widespread anxiety? The process for the eventual passing of the budget is very clear, and so there was no need for an MP to ask the assistance of anyone from the opposition. Likewise, Prime Minister William Marlin is also familiar with the procedure, and so to engage in useless conversation is a waste of time. Why stoop to a level that is incompatible to the usual conduct of a prime minister’s office. If the “Super Seven” wants to flex their muscles just let them. The people will be the judge, and it is just a matter of time before they are rewarded accordingly for their performance.
For the opposition to continuously take the stance on signing in only if all members of the ruling coalition have done so is such an immature view on the running of Parliament. This is such utter nonsense because it is the responsibility of every MP to sign in, coalition and opposition! How do they expect Parliament to function properly if they continue to block the process of enhancing this entity? And, how could they feel comfortable stating that, “St. Maarten is a new country that is in the developing stage,” when they are the ones who are refusing to support this developmental process?
MP Leona Marlin-Romeo consistently speaks about the importance of voting her conscience. As a matter of fact, when Julio Romney launched his book at the University of St. Martin last year, she took him to task over this same notion of voting one’s conscience. On several occasions she has also echoed similar sentiments in Parliament and has vowed to do the right thing whenever necessary. Now is the time for the MP to put her money where her mouth is, but instead she continues to show the public that she is just a good storyteller and her word is not her bond.
MP Tamara, the queen of drama, really needs to sit out the rest of term at home until election comes around. Her presence in Parliament serves no purpose at all. Whenever she feels like attending meetings she consistently begs for assistance because she claims that she does not understand anything, but the MP lives on Facebook, instead of focusing her attention on understanding the laws that govern the various branches of government.
Definitely, this lack of understanding is a challenge for anyone who cannot differentiate when it is appropriate to apply personal beliefs. It is such an act of mockery to hear MP Tamara Leonard start off her presentations with this annoying line, “To God be the glory.” When one uses a quote or a slogan, it is because it means a lot to the individual and the person’s actions will be aligned accordingly. What has been displayed over the months is just fallacy and the MP needs to quit the charade.
It is also because of her deficiency in understanding the significance of the budget is why she does not find it important enough to support it. Yet, the MP expects the population to support her come this election when she blatantly announced that she will not endorse the budget prior to it coming to Parliament. The saying is really true: “When ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise.”
It would be interesting to see if these two MPs will have the nerve to congratulate women on “Women’s Day,” when they are stifling the progress of women in this country. Women think differently from men; they generally make decisions that are in the best interest of their children and the country. Why hijack the entire population for self-interests – the same population that is feeding them, to the point where MP Tamara Leonard could admit openly that she cringed when she got her first pay check as a parliamentarian. How shameful it is to be ungrateful to this public!
For every decision there is a consequence; therefore, it is amazing how the UP leader could keep these parliamentarians under constant hypnosis. This is the effect and the reward for those who love to bask in play dough. So, line them up Theo; who gave them permission to venture onto your patio?
Joslyn Morton
Dear Editor,
The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) would like to congratulate the organising team of the 36th annual St. Maarten Regatta. The annual sailing competition consisted of great sailing, exemplary sportsmanship, smashed records and epic after parties. SHTA also thanks participating hotels and hospitality establishments for their continued support.
For 36 years, the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta has showcased the top boats and sailing – and has become equally famous for its world-class slate of parties and musical entertainment – in the Caribbean. Now recognized by sailors around the planet as one of the sailing world’s best regattas, each year the event lives up to its worthy motto: Serious Fun. We are extremely proud of the opportunity to contribute toward this fantastic regatta and all the fun it brings to St. Maarten.
As advocates of hospitality and tourism, we view the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta as one of the premier events to showcase our island and our hospitality. Year over year, the Heineken Regatta puts St. Maarten in the spotlight by bringing sailors and revellers from around the globe to partake.
This year’s regatta drew record-breaking crowds to the shores of St. Maarten. Sailing enthusiasts and partygoer’s alike had no shortage of Serious Fun. All competitors enjoyed spectacular conditions on the leeward coast of St. Maarten. With no discard, every sailing class was hanging in the balance and Super Sunday produced some of the closest racing in the long history of the regatta. Congratulations to all of the Class Winners in the 36th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta.
We are dedicated to bringing quality to all aspects of life on St. Maarten by promoting sustainable economic development for its members in cooperation with the social partners and the creation of a fair marketplace. For more information please contact our offices at 542-0108 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website at www.shta.com.
St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA)
Dear Editor,
We took note of Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority’s (SLAC) two-page ad in The Daily Herald newspaper on Tuesday, March 1st. To be clear, SLAC itself is not the problem; the manner in which the executive team of the Port St. Maarten Group of Companies (Port) manages SLAC is what concerns us. The actions taken by the Port’s executive team, who controls not only the Port, but also all of its subsidiaries including SLAC, should be of major concern to the Government of St. Maarten and all of our Country’s citizens; after all the Port and its subsidiaries collectively represent some of St. Maarten’s most valuable assets.
In SLAC’s response to us, they (SLAC – read: Port) used their normal strategy of providing a lot of information that may on the surface seem reasonable, but in reality has little to do with the issue at hand and in most cases is misleading, or plain wrong. The representatives of the Port also like to use buzz words like “truth, transparency and integrity” while in practice they uphold none of the virtues of what these words actually represent.
We have always maintained that the Port should not be allowed to directly compete against the private sector as long as they control SLAC, the entity that has been tasked to oversee Simpson Bay and Simpson Bay Lagoon in the broadest sense of the word. The Port tries to discredit our position by stating in its response that “SLAC does not operate a marina in Simpson Bay Lagoon.” This indeed is a fact. SLAC does not currently operate a marina in Simpson Bay Lagoon, but its parent company, the Port, does in fact operate mega yacht slips in Great Bay that directly compete against marinas in the lagoon; some of which the Port has recently tried to purchase.
The fact that Management of the Port does not consider this as a direct conflict of interest is exactly the problem. In our opinion, the Port’s executive team is systematically trying to control the St. Maarten marine sector by leveraging any influence they may have, including collaborating with key government officials to support their agenda.
There are many issues that have been misrepresented by the Port in SLAC’s ad in The Daily Herald on March 1st. We will address SLAC’s statements in multiple press releases going forward, as the concerns raised are complex and somewhat difficult to understand and relate to without a bit of history and knowledge of the St. Maarten marine industry. Each statement by SLAC will be analysed and commented on, so that the general public has the opportunity to better understand what is really going on with the Port and those who control it. This is no longer an issue that just affects the marine industry. In our opinion, what is happening at the Port is a prime example of how corruption is allowed to breed and flourish within our community.
The executive team of the Port has been allowed to control and operate one of St. Maarten’s most valuable assets with utter immunity during a period of ever-mounting evidence of the Port’s questionable dealings. As the representative body of the largest group of St. Maarten marine industry stakeholders, we have therefore officially requested the Council of Ministers to thoroughly investigate the Port and its executive team and to have the results of such an investigation made public in the interest of real transparency.
St. Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA)
