Dear Editor,
By now I believe that your readers are aware that even though “I love my mother to death”, my father was very instrumental in forming me so that I have become the man I am today. “Look me in the eye when speaking to me.” “Never lie, only cowards lie.” “Respect your mother, your sisters and respect women on the whole.” “Avoid being biased.” “If you are speaking about others, avoid hearsay.” “Don’t mix up he and she.” And I can go on and on with the advice he gave me. Because he was a seaman and was not at home everyday, he gave me a copybook and a pencil and told me to write down what I thought was important in that copybook. so that we could discuss it another day.
In several letters I have stated to you that because of the job I did, I accepted to be fair game. So would it also be if anyone responded to my writing in a mature responsible way.
I do not speak with water in my mouth and am therefore careful not to intentionally offend anyone. I do not oblige anyone to do so, but if the shoe fits anyone that person should wear it. I have been following the saga between the police and the present honorable minister of justice and wanted to know the real reason behind this back and forth.
Because I firmly believe that you should not bite the hand that feeds you, and because I know that it is not realistic for the police to strike against their minister of justice, I used a sprat to catch the whale. It took some patience, but I believe that gradually my suspicions are being confirmed. I always wanted to know why was it necessary for the members of the NAPB to chose a lawyer, when they themselves could form a delegation to have meetings with the minister of justice to discuss their grievances and also have suggestions how to to cope with the changes that life on St. Maarten brings along.
Then on the front page of the paper of the Tuesday, November 7, edition, there was an article about the NAPB. During a live broadcast on Lady Grace’s talk show, members of the NAPB openly and categorically distanced themselves from that article by the lawyer of the NAPB, Cor Merx, which by the way was the only sane thing I heard coming from the police in that interview. Must I assume that the police are telling the public that frisk-and-search is something strange to them? What do they do when family members bring clothes or other belongings to the station for the detainees?
But in putting two and two together, I got a strange but understandable four. Is the former prosecutor, who is of that nation whose motto is “I will get you one day”, using the NAPB to get back at those who fired him?
I worked for 41 years as a police officer and one of the things that my father made sure he did was to consistently call me and ask me to take time out to ask myself who I really was, He always reminded me that if I was enjoying the job I was doing, then I did not have to work. Once I answered him that he should be here for Carnival. He would say to me, “I know that you are not afraid, but make sure do not be naive.”
In those 41 years I have learnt that the minister of justice and the police brass usually consult with each other before going outside. It is not today that there is a problem with personnel shortage at the prison. I do not have any inside information concerning that and I also know that some things are easier said than done, but logic would tell me that because of the shortage in both police and prison personnel, a decision should have been made to recruit 10 to 15 people, specifically to deal with the detainees at the police stations.
I do not know what is what, but what I know is that a solution has to be found because the community of St. Maarten is not being served. I hope that they are not at loggerheads. I still prefer honey to vinegar when it comes to catching flies.
Russell A. Simmons
Dear Editor,
Militants are not and are never the natives’ army on behalf of government worldwide.
So, Israel should not stop attacking Hamas and other militants groups.
We, the white and black people, will stand in supporting and protecting the holy land Israel.
Until Hamas gives up the people they have hostage, Israel, please keep attacking Hamas to the max with full force.
We are in favour of the son of Abraham and his wife Sarah, who are Christ’s ancestors, not the son of Abraham with the Arab maid, The world of modernised Arabs must learn to sit around the table towards democracy.
And Arabs should respect international laws at all times. Black nations in Africa will always help protect Israel, the holy land.
Why are so many Arab nations against one Israel territory and the Israelite people, the Jews, in the holy land?
Cuthbert Bannis
Dear Editor,
When politicians erase God from their lives, they become so off-centered that they openly manipulate the fundamental principles that they once respected. This depraved behaviour is now rooted in their character, as displayed by their unwillingness to listen to the views of the people, which has ultimately led to the erosion of true democracy.
Never in the history of this country have the people witnessed such neglect from this Council of Ministers, who prior to taking office, pledged to be different, and work in the best interest of the people. Nothing substantial has materialised from this four-year nightmare but gross incompetence, scandals, lies, court cases, self-interest, disregard for the High Councils of State, and a total disrespect for the people.
Due to this “don’t care” attitude towards the population, they speak to us how they want, when they want, and in a manner that questions their actual level of education. Their style of dialogue is so shocking that it is difficult to believe that this Council of Minsters has acquired academic degrees. But, in today’s world, everything is up for sale, and so anything is possible.
The Council of Ministers is the unit, but the one minister with whom I’m deeply disappointed is Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs. This discontent occupies my mind constantly, which leads me to this nagging question every single time: Is she the teacher that I thought I knew, or is she a photocopy that got altered during the process?
St. Maarten has been thrust into a very dark period of its history. As I watch and analyse the political situation of the country, I’m forced to recollect my thoughts and revisit my notes of Dr. Myles Munroe, when he visited the island some years ago. He was invited to speak to the leaders at the time. Curious to hear his message, I attended the services every night, in Cole Bay.
I’m not sure who invited him but night after night I took notes (mostly mental, but some written) because his message resonated with me then, and will always be, as it gave me the blueprint as what to look for in leaders of any country. I’m going to paraphrase, but the continuation of this article will represent the core thoughts of Dr. Myles Munroe, based on my recollection and brief notes.
I can recall when he mentioned that true leadership is about self-manifestation. What does this mean? It means that true leadership is about exhibiting one’s true self. The question is: What characteristics of themselves are leaders displaying? He went on to say that leadership is not to maintain followers, but to produce leaders to take their place.
My attention was amplified when he said, “Leadership is not a pursuit of power, position, title or authority. It is a result of self-discovery.” As he continued with his message, he indicated that God loves an honest heart and that leaders do not seek followers. Instead, followers are attracted to true leaders. They are not necessarily attracted to them, but to the gift that is being exhibited.
In essence, “Leadership is an attraction. Attraction is inspiration, produced by leaders’ passion to serve their gift.” So, true leaders do not force their people to follow them. Instead, they take pleasure in serving their gift and the people will follow, because they are not particularly interested in the leaders, but rather in the gift.
When leaders find their passion, they pursue it with perseverance and serve the world with it, and this keeps them humble. “True leaders stay in tune with themselves because their ability to lead depends on their attitude that is derived from their self-image, their self-worth and their self-esteem.”
Real leaders imposed self-discipline; which signifies that they are always improving themselves. Whatever they do in the dark, they can do it in the light. So, when leaders fall in morality, it’s because they have no self-discipline. Once leaders lose that self-discipline, they have no right to discipline anybody else, and they have lost the right to lead.
Therefore, leadership is not a right that leaders demand. It is a privilege that the followers have given them. So, the only device that leaders have to work with is trust. Hence, when politicians violate the trust that the people have bestowed upon them, then their services become null and void.
Joslyn Morton
Dear Editor,
The war that momentarily draws all the world’s attention is the one between Israel and Palestine, in the Middle East.
Israel and Palestine for decades have a discussion among each other and are now accusing each other of colonialism.
Their history of division is very deep. What Hamas brings up is that a lot of innocent children are killed by Israel in this war. On the other hand, Israel is talking about defending their territory against the attacks by Palestine.
In 2023, we must stand tall for peace, a reconciliation.
“Fundashon Korsou Kaminda pa Libertat” does not want us to look away from the fact that there are six Islands in the Caribbean that are in the process of decolonization, which is recognized by the U.N. as a real and true fact.
It is not a process that goes on in peace and tranquillity. Especially not when the Netherlands are talking about charging Curaçao a fine for the delay in paying back the loans related to the COVID crisis.
The time is here for our Parliament to give their attention to the reality of the situation in Curaçao, just like it is done in Aruba and SXM, by referring to the Carta Magna Chapter 11 article 73.
The Parliaments of the six Caribbean Islands should unite in an historic act in favour of the Liberty of our people.
“Fundashon Korsou na Kaminda pa Libertat” hopes that this union soon will be a reality.
Dear people, mind that we have to encourage our Parliaments to come together, unite, and focus our attention on our reality and the way we have to walk to reach our goals.
Hubert Cristina, Chairman
“Fundashon Korsou Kaminda pa Libertat”
Dear Editor,
The Board of the United People’s (UP) party strongly condemns the malicious rhetoric and disingenuous statements peddled by individuals willing to deceive the people of St. Maarten for their gain. It is crucial to address these actions that serve as a distraction from the real issues facing our nation.
The Board has taken note of the various levels of slander, gossip, and dishonesty perpetuated by individuals, some of whom have thankfully severed ties with the United People’s party. The UP party is a party of inclusion and firmly believes in giving life to truth. We must guide our new and seasoned candidates in their political decision-making. Still, we also respect their ability to make the final decisions, which is a vital aspect of our democratic belief.
As one of the most significant political parties contesting the upcoming election and a party likely to secure the majority of seats in Parliament, we have had to carefully weigh the offers from opportunists and individuals with a genuine desire to work hard to improve the lives of the people of Sint Maarten. Our history shows that we have had former candidates who have served in one of our Cabinets, and we believe in providing opportunities for those who genuinely wish to serve.
During this election cycle, we have witnessed attacks on various individuals, including those holding public office. It is essential to underline that, despite our policy differences, their offices represent the people of St. Maarten and should always be respected. The United People’s party supports any individual or group that engages in issues that impact the people of Sint Maarten and provides a platform for the voices of the people to be heard. This principle is at the core of the UP party's foundation.
We cannot, however, condone the blatant attacks on individuals and their families supported by some of our candidates. Unfortunately, some individuals, given the opportunity to serve, have let the allure of power and the offer of 30 pieces of silver cloud their judgment. They have used their positions for personal gain and need to remember their promises to serve the people of Sint Maarten.
The party takes these matters seriously. Other concerns include allegations that one candidate was caught on camera forging the signature of a Chinese national who had been requesting a vending license. When it was alleged that he was feeding information to a particular individual in the community who was slandering government officials and citizens, we confronted him. When the truth surfaced, and we learnt he had signed a contract with a promise to have the individual as an advisor within a cabinet, we helped him get out of the contract.
Only after an attempt to collect money from this individual who wanted to endorse him, when he learnt there was no money, did the candidate try to reverse his position. We said to change your position, you have to make a public statement via radio, and he was unwilling to come clean with the truth and decided to go elsewhere.
Similarly, another candidate who held a political appointment first within VSA lacked commitment to their responsibilities and was asked to leave. We gave him a second opportunity, yet this individual repeatedly failed to report to work for extended periods, citing various reasons, such as sickness and other engagements.
On multiple occasions, they called the office to say they were sick while attending Court of First Instance sessions to defend clients, engaging in two jobs simultaneously. He took a vacation and did not return to work and had to be contacted by the office, at which point he asked to be excused for a short period. Four months have passed with him being paid in full without the Minister knowing if or when he will return.
It was only after four months of waiting and noticing his unwillingness to be truthful about his plans that the minister reluctantly decided to move on from him.
The people who have chosen to resign from the party have done so because the United Peoples party did not capitulate to their unreasonable demands. As a Board, we have given the individuals in question opportunities to correct themselves, and we have, in one particular candidate’s case, made it clear that as a political party, we are not in support of the slander and attacks against other individuals within our community or government.
We are proud to introduce a new generation of leaders and candidates, full of youth and energy. We are committed to promoting honesty and truth as the most essential principles for our candidates. We will no longer permit individuals to join our party solely because it is easier to secure a parliamentary seat only to abandon the people’s trust in favor of personal interests.
Our Leader and Deputy Leader have dedicated the past four years to rectifying a decade of inactivity. With the support of the people, we intend to continue on this path, taking St. Maarten back to the level it deserves – one where everyone prospers and grows.
To the naysayers, we assert that the United People’s party is here to stay, and those who have had deals for months and have been peddling information to “loud mouths” in hopes of money and power are gone. We will not allow anyone to undermine our mission. Running the party is the responsibility of the people who support it. If individuals decide to leave, it will be because they do not align with our party’s principles.
Our goal is clear – to have electable, hard-working candidates contest the election, capable of delivering on the promise of a better way of life, an improved tourism economy, and enhanced healthcare, education, and social development programs that the people of St. Maarten can be proud of. We are determined to return Mullet Bay to the people, redevelop our airport into the flagship of the Caribbean, and revamp our harbor, thus reducing our dependence on external forces.
St. Maarten deserves better, and the United People’s party is committed to delivering that better future. We stand with the people, united in our mission to bring prosperity and independence to our beloved nation.
It is time for progress, and we cannot be independent if we cannot be independent as one nation under God, so we must move forward together under the uniting banner of the United People’s party.
Board of the United People’s party
