By Alex Rosaria
A tall and slender lady clothed in all white captivated the attention of many as she elegantly entered the voting center in Curaçao to cast her vote in the Venezuelan opposition’s presidential primary elections to choose a unity candidate for the presidential elections next year. As she dropped the ballot in the assigned box, she conspicuously made the sign of the cross, looked up as if waiting for a celestial sign, and walked away, visibly absorbed in thought.
In stark contrast, many who had already voted but decided to hang around outside the voting center were merrily sharing the early results available on social media, due to time difference, in Australia, Spain and France where hordes of voters turned up to vote for Mrs. María Corina Machado, one of the more than 10 opposition candidates.
Others were slamming President Maduro who they said shamefully boycotted the primaries in Venezuela by arbitrarily shutting down voting centers based on technicalities, cutting off electricity and prohibiting public transportation to and from certain voting areas. “This is how you kill democracies,” an older man opined.
At the end of the day Mrs. Machado tallied, according to results that are not yet official, 96 percent of all the votes in Curaçao.
Mrs. Machado is a politician from the most radical wing of the right and one of the most critical voices against Chavismo and the Miraflores Palace. Despite the fact that she received a commanding 90+ percent share of the vote according to the Associated Press, and seems to have united the opposition, it’s not certain that Mrs. Machado will be able to challenge Mr. Maduro, the incumbent, who is widely believed to seek another term at elections expected to be held in the second half of 2024. After all, on June 30 2023, Venezuela’s comptroller general announced Mrs. Machado would be banned from seeking public office due to her support of international sanction against Mr. Maduro’s government.
It is unclear what will happen if Mrs. Machado is barred from running in 2024. Will the U.S. and allies jump into action even though the Biden Administration has so far been wavering at best when dealing with Latin America and the Caribbean?
Will the opposition, including Mrs. Machado, be willing to rally behind an alternate candidate should one be chosen? Will the opposition continue to challenge Mr. Maduro with elections, or will it again turn to protests and violence even though these have shown not to have had an effect in the past?
Will the people be going back to the street and embolden the opposition? Or, will this cause fresh fissures among the many political actors and set this rare opposition unity adrift, which would play nicely into the hand of Mr. Maduro?
Even if Mrs. Machado is able to run, and win the presidential elections, the question remains if Venezuela is better off having an authoritarian at the helm with views defended by the unrestrained expressions of the national right, the so-called “MAGAzuelans”. Many consider her to be the only salvation for their country, but will she be able to fulfill her promises of change whilst Venezuelan institutions are indoctrinated by Chavismo and stuffed with Chavistas?
Let’s not forget how Nicaraguan Mrs. Violeta de Barrios Chamorro was unable to do much during her presidency (1990-1997) because the most important institutions (Police, Army, Justice, and Courts, among others) were still in the hands of the defeated Sandinismo of Mr. Daniel Ortega Saavedra. The Venezuelan opposition is advised to curb its enthusiasm and realize that durable change is possible, but takes time and should be an inclusive process.
Who knows, maybe these questions were also playing in the head of the slim lady in white who left the voting center consumed with doubts. Justifiably so, I would say.
~ Alex Rosaria served as accredited observer to the primary elections in Willemstad, Curaçao, on October, 22, 2023. ~
Over the past few weeks, we are confronted almost daily with the shameful ENNIA issues, in which the CBCS (Central Bank) is equally to blame as the regulator. A commissioner who raked in a lot of money, actually many commissioners who raked in money and show no responsibility.
One Prime Minister who apparently finds it too difficult to speak in Parliament, a former Prime Minister with an “I didn’t know” attitude, another former Prime Minister who has never done anything about poverty, with the CMC disaster/failure on her record.
As the icing on the cake, we have tax exemptions for C-Post, ABC Bus Company, Landsloterij (Lottery), government-owned companies with well-paid executives, and we keep going from one disaster to another.
Why don’t our leaders take a look in the mirror, doesn’t life consist of just making money at the expense of the population and facilitating Friends and Family by constantly giving each other jobs? Permanent Secretaries who have been in the same positions for decades. How crazy are we here? Everywhere we find the same figures on Boards of Directors.
Apart from Curaçao, quo vadis, now Netherlands, why didn’t you pay better attention too, with all due respect to Ms. Van Huffelen, but she is actually a complete disgrace.
To be continued then.
J. Martina, Curaçao
Dear Fellow Citizens of St. Maarten,
We are all aware of the recent changes in healthcare premiums announced by our government. These changes, particularly the increase in premiums for employers, have raised concerns among our community. It’s essential that we come together to address these issues and consider their potential impacts.
One aspect of these changes is the increase in premiums for employers. While this may seem like a logical way to fund our healthcare system, we must remember that this could result in unintended consequences. Employers may feel compelled to pass these additional costs onto consumers in the form of higher prices for goods and services.
Ultimately, it’s the citizens of St. Maarten who could bear the brunt of these changes. An increase in the cost of living can place a considerable burden on our households, affecting our daily lives and financial well-being.
As concerned citizens, it is our duty to seek transparency and accountability in government decisions. We should strive for a healthcare system that is not only sustainable but also fair and affordable for all.
Let us engage in open dialogue with our leaders to understand the reasoning behind these premium changes and to ensure that they have been thoroughly considered.
While it is crucial to provide the necessary funding for our healthcare system, we must advocate for a balanced approach that does not disproportionately affect any segment of our society. It’s a delicate balance, and we must find a solution that works for the benefit of all St. Maarten’s citizens.
We encourage everyone to stay informed about these changes, participate in discussions, and let your voices be heard. Together, we can work towards a healthcare system that is both sustainable and just.
Quincy Rochester
Dear Fellow Citizens of St. Maarten,
Recent news about an increase in the minimum wage led many to believe that positive changes were on the horizon. However, a closer look reveals that this may not be the straightforward solution it initially seemed. We must address the rising prices in supermarkets that are affecting the cost of living. It is vital that we, as a community, are aware of these developments.
Minimum wage increase
We commend the initiative to raise the minimum wage. It can improve the lives of many hardworking individuals and families in St. Maarten. Yet, we must also acknowledge that this change alone may not be the comprehensive solution we hoped for.
Rising supermarket prices
Unfortunately, the impact of a minimum wage increase can be negated if the cost of living continues to rise unchecked. The recent spike in supermarket prices is a concerning development. This escalation affects all of us, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
The call for price control
We need to emphasize the importance of establishing price controls and monitoring mechanisms. This step is crucial to ensure that the benefits of a higher minimum wage reach the people it’s intended to help. We must advocate for fair and affordable pricing for essential goods and services.
A collective effort
Addressing these issues is not solely the responsibility of one individual or one political party. It’s a collective effort. As citizens, we have a voice, and together, we can demand transparency and accountability from our leaders.
Let’s hold our government accountable for ensuring that economic policies are beneficial for all, especially those who need it most. Let’s demand an open dialogue, and let our voices be heard.
Remember, it’s not only about the minimum wage but also about the overall cost of living. We should all be able to live decently in our beloved St. Maarten.
Quincy Rochester
Dear Citizens of St. Maarten,
I share your concerns about Ottley’s National Healthcare Insurance (NHI) and the questions surrounding its financial implications and the sudden introduction of this policy. It is vital that we seek transparency, accountability, and thorough answers to these pressing questions.
Key questions about Ottley NHI:
1. The NHI Document: To make informed decisions, it is essential that the government provides the NHI document for public review. Transparency in the policymaking process is crucial.
2. Financial Relief: It's essential that the government outlines precisely how NHI will provide financial relief to the citizens of St. Maarten. Will these costs indeed be reduced, and if so, how?
3. Government's Financial Capacity: The financial stability of this program is paramount. The government must demonstrate its ability to manage the costs and commitments associated with NHI.
4. Funding and Taxes: How will NHI be funded? Will it result in additional taxes on the citizens? Transparency on the funding structure is essential to understanding the economic impact.
5. Comparison of Premiums: A comparative analysis of NHI premiums versus current premiums must be presented. Citizens deserve clear information about how this change will affect their finances.
6. Coverage and Transition: How will NHI cover existing obligations, such as Fund for Sickness and Accident Costs (FZOG)? A detailed transition plan should be provided.
7. Accountability: We demand accountability from our government representatives. If there are promises that have not been upheld, the government should address these issues promptly.
The concerns expressed by the citizens of St. Maarten are valid, and it is your right to seek answers and transparency. The government’s role is to provide clear, fact-based information on policies that have a significant impact on our lives.
Omar Ottley and Rolando Brison have a responsibility to address these concerns and provide clear, honest answers to the people they serve. It is through open dialogue and transparency that we can collectively work towards solutions that benefit everyone.
Let’s hold our leaders accountable and ensure that our voices are heard in the decisions that shape our future. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier St. Maarten.
Quincy Rochester
