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 Editor,

From the time I know myself I have been eating sweet potatoes, yams, tanias, eddoes, avocados, plantains, bananas. you name it. And we had to eat them because it was "Good food". What I know

about Marijuana is that it was illegal and that millions of persons have been encarcerated for using and being in possession of it.

I am aware that anyone who is about to venture into a certain business does research first to find out if it is possible to do it easily or conveniently. So I assume this is the case with MP Peterson. I do not

know which is easier to produce, but I know that it takes plots of land to plant both sweet potatoes, etc. (provisions) as well as Marijuana. What part of the community is served with Marijuana, compared to what part of the community is served with provisions? Who will be profiting financially from the proceeds of Marijuana, both above and under the table. I have to ask that question because there

are still people voting for certain political parties because they are under the impression that certain politicians were instrumental in getting them their passport.

The government records will show that there are pensioners who are collecting the same pension today that they collected when they retired more than twenty years ago. I believe that more vigilance will be needed to avoid robbery of the Marijuana plants than the sweet potatoes or bananas, etc. How many people could a bunch of bananas serve compared to a Marijuana plant? Permit me to put some food for thought out there.

If we decide to plant potatoes,for instance, and we condemn convicts to community service by

working the ground, could that be a means of getting people to "work the ground". I am also thinking the same by "cleaning up" those drug and alchol-addicted persons. In my opinion Sint Maarten is not ready for the cultivation of Marijuana.

I have written this because several people wanted to know if MP Peterson knows what he is getting us into? I want to know, what about pension reform?

Russell A. Simmons

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

Dear Editor,

In these peculiar times, it’s evident that some individuals in power strive to avoid blame for unpopular actions while eagerly seeking credit for popular ones.

This results in a range of politicians who often remain inactive, deflecting the “negativity bias” and, in the process, neglecting their oversight responsibilities, leaving our country to grapple with its challenges.

This issue hits close to home when we witness the struggles faced by young homeowners in the Carbon project. They were initially lured in by impressive marketing tactics, enticing pricing, and financing offers that seemed too good to be true.

However, recent town hall meetings revealed disturbing instances of multiple sales of the same properties and possible embezzlement of funds.

Our laws dictate that no more than 10% down payment should be collected for mortgages, but here we see a blatant solicitation of 50% down payments. Furthermore, banks and regulatory departments failed to conduct due diligence, leading to the dire situation we face today.

The root of this problem lies in the fine line between negligence and incompetence, where various institutions and government oversight mechanisms have failed in their basic duties. Justice is imperative for the victims of this Ponzi scheme, not just because some are known or because the money was hard-earned, but because this level of fraud cannot occur without some form of institutional complicity.

Implementing punitive actions would not only bring justice but also send a powerful message. However, this depends on the existence of political will and a commitment to long-term policies. Politicians must be held accountable for their policy outcomes, especially in our short political cycles, where they often evade responsibility.

In the past, prior to 10-10-10 we could blame our problems on Curaçao, but today, we must own up to our issues. Strong punitive actions, driven by the best interests of our country, offer a path to tangible improvements in our society. It's time we take responsibility for our challenges and work towards a better future.

Vote correctly.

Viren V. Kotai