Dear Editor,

With great surprise the DP learned from a front page article in The Daily Herald of September 2, 2014, that Minister Ted Richardson has announced the lifting of the Car Rental Permits moratorium. Is this because the island really needs more car rental companies (which is definitely not the case) or is this to benefit a selected few irrespective of the consequences these additional permits may have on the already existing and seriously struggling other 88+car rental companies on Dutch St. Maarten alone!

Some months ago, Minister of TEATT Ted Richardson, against the established policy on beach activities, also lifted the moratorium on Vending Permits and allegedly promptly issued a permit to operate motorized water sports vehicles from the Mullet Bay Beach‎; this notwithstanding the loud objections from local residents, long-time visitors to the island and the owners of the property that encloses the Mullet Bay Beach.

Are these decisions in the interest of‎ our tourism product or in the interest of a selected few with no regard whatsoever for what is right and how the general interest of our country's economy will negatively be impacted?

Michael J. Ferrier

Dear Editor,

I would like to get some answers to this question. Under the Brooks Tower Accord, there are people who have received a number, in addition to paying the fee of NAf. 900. However, they have not heard back from the Immigration Department. What will become of these persons if they are approached during a raid?

After sending in the required documentation and submitting the NAf. 900, it was made known that these persons will be contacted to pick up their Temporary Residency Permits. But to date, there are numerous people in the community without the said permits.

Can someone please inform these people if their request has been approved? And if not, please refund their NAf. 900 so that they can use this money to return to their respective countries.

Waiting patiently and beginning to think this is just a big rip-off!

BTA applicant

Dear Editor,

With great surprise the DP learned from a front page article in The Daily Herald of September 2, 2014, that Minister Ted Richardson has announced the lifting of the Car Rental Permits moratorium. Is this because the island really needs more car rental companies (which is definitely not the case) or is this to benefit a selected few irrespective of the consequences these additional permits may have on the already existing and seriously struggling other 88+car rental companies on Dutch St. Maarten alone!

Some months ago, Minister of TEATT Ted Richardson, against the established policy on beach activities, also lifted the moratorium on Vending Permits and allegedly promptly issued a permit to operate motorized water sports vehicles from the Mullet Bay Beach‎; this notwithstanding the loud objections from local residents, long-time visitors to the island and the owners of the property that encloses the Mullet Bay Beach.

Are these decisions in the interest of‎ our tourism product or in the interest of a selected few with no regard whatsoever for what is right and how the general interest of our country's economy will negatively be impacted?

Michael J. Ferrier

Dear Editor,

I start with a question. Why did it take so long for the implementation of a Self-Access Centre (SAC) on St. Maarten? A self-access centre is vital for the social, cultural and educational development of teachers, students, parents, and for others with new skills in mind. Many of the problems facing our youth, with regard to acquiring new skills, result from the absence of such a centre - they are unable to do so. With SAC, students will be able to access information and materials they need.

As it pertains to lesson development, homework assignments, audio-visual technologies, careers and language skills, an SAC can help students to build a good relationship with teachers, counsellors, governors, and other professionals. In the area where a student lacks the discipline with studies, SAC will be able to provide assistance. The centre can assist with homework assignments, career development, research projects, self-discipline, and productive skills. The centre could also help to keep students off the street.

The centre must be user-friendly. With the introduction of new teaching strategies in the classroom, SAC will be able to guide students through the process of Suggestopedia, an approach to the development of learning.

Planning and organising study time:

1. Referral on an individual basis by their teachers.

2. Group access on a regular timetabled basis during course hours.

3. An individual sign up basis during course hours at the discretion of class teachers.

4. Outside course hours by individual student.

5. Other students on a paid-ticket basis.

Organisation of materials:

(l) Identification (b) exploration (c) behavioural objectives (d) contextual realisation (e) pedagogical realisation (f) physical production (g) usage and (h) evaluation.

In concluding, a SAC is needed to provide assistance to students, teachers, parents, and dropouts with the skills and help needed to become more efficient in the community.

Joseph Harvey