Dear Editor,
I read the letter to you from Alfred Harley of March 14, 2023, concerning the consumer report and thought “Eureka”. Mr. Harley writes about overcoming fear, I believe it is a cry of desperation.
This gentleman took his good time to outline the abuses that have been taking place for years in St. Maarten and of which every last government is guilty. I can freely use the term “guilty of” because, and I stand to be proven wrong, “Government is responsible for everything that happens in the country, whether good or bad”.
If the people in government are ready to accept praise and an overinflated salary for doing the right thing, they should also be ready to accept negative criticism when they do not do well and in my opinion, the latter is outdoing the former. I will continue to state this in no matter what form. The lack of education in civics contributes towards people in government getting away with murder.
Not in defense of but in earnest, I am willing to leave this last government off the hook because of the history since 10-10-’10, but there are a lot of the same people who have been in all of the governments since 10-10-’10 including Commissioners of Education and educators, so they all have in some form or fashion neglected the youth, and by extension the people of Sint Maarten, the supply of a basis to stand on. A basis to know where they come from and what is the foundation of their country.
Via you I must say “Thank you, Alfred Harley.”
I cannot put everyone in government in the same basket, but those who deserve to be ridiculed know who they are. And as I have promised I will repeat: Those who desire to live honestly, who want their lives to display faithfulness and authenticity, make choices based on what is true rather than what is expedient. The integrity of the upright guides them.
Russell A. Simmons
Dear Editor,
Animals are badly treated on St. Maarten. Many have no homes or their owners do not care for them. I often see animals starving, they look very thin and sometimes even dead or passed out on the side of roads. Many animals are treated badly or abused by their owners for doing things that any animal would do. Animals do not think like humans but are punished for not thinking like humans. Some animals resort to running from their homes which is one of the many reasons why we have so many strays on the island.
Female strays become pregnant, but when they give birth, their puppies have to fend for themselves when they grow older, or they are taken from their mothers at a young age while the mothers are left on the streets. I thank Animal Defenders for the job they do every day. They rescue animals, and so they rely on donations, and if the donations are not sufficient, the dogs are sent to temporary homes or put to sleep.
I have a rescued dog named Honey, and I am currently fostering another dog named Boiky. Honey was left in the bushes as a puppy. She was very scared and she is always in defense mode when people try to touch her, but on the other hand, she also likes the attention. Boiky was abandoned on my street. Animal Defenders asked my family to foster him until he finds a home. He is now with us over six months.
These animals do not deserve what they are currently going through. For too long many of us have turned a blind eye to the situation, but if we do not take matters into our hands, the problem will escalate and many dogs will continue to suffer on St. Maarten.
Femi Hodge
Civics Class
Dear Editor,
Several people have several different opinions about the arrest of the MP. There are a few people who like to pick my brains who called me and told me that it seems as if I want to leave the MP off the hook. Let me again mention that I do not condone wrongdoing. I also do not agree with the way Parliamentary immunity is interpreted here. In my opinion that is part of the cause and beginning of corruption: “I can do what I want”.
When I mention corruption in this case I do not mean dishonest or fraudulent behavior by those in power. I am referring to the process by which a word or expression is changed from the original state to one regarded as erroneous . In no form or fashion would I condone wrongdoing and if that MP burns his butt he will have to sit on the blisters.
In our days we used to use Tralala sweet oil. I continually hint that our people in government are people who lay and wait, hoping for the others to make a mistake and then criticise negatively. Instead of helping the same government they represent they are sparing the rod and are contributing towards messing up what is left of the good name of St. Maarten.
I am aware that that MP got away with a little too much, but whose fault is it? Is it not what I have constantly stated about the nature of our people in government – “I will cover up for you if you cover up for me”? So, I am not surprised .
That is why I stated that it is not a laughing matter. A child becomes what it sees, not what it is told not to do. I wonder who is going to cover up for who now, because it is said that the MP alone had more material than the calypsonians on elimination night.
Russell A. Simmons
Dear citizens of St. Maarten,
I come before you today to address a pressing social issue that has been plaguing our beautiful island: the issue of inequality.
Dear Editor,
I am writing this letter hoping that the minister with the required portfolio will listen to what I have to say and hopefully assist us!
My husband and I made a substantial investment in purchasing a condo at Sonesta Great Bay in 2010. Many people do not realize that there was a condo building (Miramar) attached to the hotel. These were bought privately and in our case for our retirement. We would use the unit for 2-3 months during the winter months and rent it through the hotel when we were not using it to supplement our pensions.
Since Irma, Sunwing has developed other properties on other islands not prioritizing the St. Maarten property. I do not feel that Sunwing has been completely transparent as to the delays. We have been fed excuse after excuse, some legitimate and others just delay tactics.
The development of this property should be a priority for the government and Sunwing, as its prime location would potentially increase tourism to the Philipsburg area and the island and create many much-needed jobs for the island.
I cannot understand how Sunwing can continually renege on their responsibility to the owners to rebuild, thus not allowing us the use of our homes.
Sincerely,
Karen Edwards Filacouridis
