Dear Editor,
What percentage of gossip is true? I heard a young person telling another one, “You can stick on tint on your car because the boss of the police does tell them not to worry about that.” My police instincts told me to listen further, but I believe that one of the persons in the area pinched him that I was there.
I do not have any details, but I believe where there is smoke there is fire. What I know is that when the police permit wrongdoing it becomes contagious and, as we can see, we do not only have tint, we also have green, blue, yellow and even red lights anywhere on the cars and nobody does a thing about it. Because of the proximity of almost everything on St. Maarten I am indeed inclined to believe that the boss of the police also have noticed that.
But then again, what happened to higher supervision? Should not the prosecutors and/or the Minister of Justice pull up the head of the police sox? Hallo mensen does not the Algemene Politie Verordening (General police ordinance) exist anymore?
Many years ago when my parents migrated back to St. Maarten, my father, who was always interested in my work, told me that there are only but so many roads on St. Maarten With three shifts per day, the police should be able to have patrolled the whole of St. Maarten at least once every two days. When I asked him what was on his mind he said to me, “Not only people who drive should get fines, what about those who keep around their homes dirty? They too should be held accountable for, for instance, dirtying the environment, etc.”
I have heard that the Minister of Justice has plans for surveillance. I applaud that. I will also reiterate, our recruits should go to school on Aruba or Curaçao. After graduation they should work there for about three years and then accordingly return to St. Maarten. It works better that way.
Russell A. Simmons
Dear Editor,
In 2019 I was diagnosed with glaucoma. I visited the ophthalmologist regularly and received regular updates. During my visits my main complaint was that I could feel my vision deteriorating. I asked for a more comprehensive study of my eyes and was just told to stick to the prescribed eye drops.
On April 15th, 2024, I woke up with a pounding headache and loss of vision in my right eye. Both my mother and I tried contacting the eye care center, explaining that this is an emergency. We both met with comments like; You need a referral letter, and everyone has an emergency. After reaching out to my doctor and getting a referral letter, my appointment was then set for June, two months later.
During this time, I took it upon myself and went abroad where I arrived, and got my appointment the next day and was tended to first thing in the morning. I was given a comprehensive diagnosis of my situation and a prescription. My doctor’s visit only cost me $85 including the prescription. I was told that I have a very aggressive form of glaucoma that could have been managed better had I gone to visit them sooner. The drops alone were not sufficient to effectively manage the situation.
Another issue that arose and is still present today is my sensitivity to light. Due to me now
only having one functioning eye, if it is overly stimulated by light (PCs, Phones, TVs, etc.) I
get headaches like the one I woke up to when I lost vision in my eye. I have done all that I can to deal with the situation. However, it does not feel like I am receiving the help I need to address this matter head on.
I have had to wait for appointments for longer than seven months while the referral letter is only valid for six. When I showed up with my new referral letter I was told that this is not the same letter and so the appointment will have to be rescheduled. After a bit of back and forth, I did not have to reschedule. I visited the neurologist who basically played a game of “head shoulders knees and toes” with me then told me my nerves are OK and sent me on my way.
My most recent experience was going to the ophthalmologist and having my session cut short due to the fumes from paint as the interior of the building was being repainted. That was May 23rd, 2025. I was told that the appointment would be rescheduled. After following up, I was informed that management has not given the go-ahead for them to reschedule anyone. Only was hearing it would most likely be the first or second week in August but on a Saturday.
There is no sense of urgency, they refuse to send me away, the medical industry in St. Maarten is very transactional. They do not provide care – it is a business. What is the point of being insured when access to medical professionals and services is limited and once received, mediocre at best?
Very upset and disgusted patient.
Name withheld at author’s request.
Dear Editor,
As this school year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to speak directly to every student across St. Martin. Whether you just completed exams, are moving to a new school, or reached a personal milestone, this message is for you.
To those who passed their exams: Felicitations! You’ve worked hard and achieved something important. Your dedication, long nights and focus have paid off. Enjoy this moment; you’ve earned it!
To those who have to do a retake: Don’t give up. You’ve got this. A retake doesn’t mean failure. It means you get one more chance to show your strength. Believe in yourself, keep your head up, and push forward. You are more than capable.
To those who didn’t pass this year: This is not the end. We understand the disappointment, but please know: this one moment does not define you. Some of the greatest successes are born from setbacks. Learn from it, grow from it, and come back stronger next year. We believe in you.
To those entering high school: Welcome to a new chapter. This is a big step, and we’re proud of you. High school will be a time of learning, discovery and growth. Stay curious, stay focused, and enjoy the ride.
To those graduating from vocational programs or non-traditional paths: We salute you. Your discipline and achievements deserve just as much recognition. You’ve shown commitment and passion, and that will carry you far in life.
To all students of St. Martin: We see your efforts, your courage, your dreams. Whatever your result, whatever your path, your future is bright. Your island is proud of you.
Keep rising. Keep dreaming, believing and achieving! The best is yet to come.
Member of Parliament Sjamira Roseburg
Dear Editor,
Our community was once again shaken by the heartbreaking news regarding the passing of a dedicated security officer who for unknown reasons took his own life.
I would like to take this time and extend my deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, other loved ones and all those affected by this loss. No words can ease the pain, but please know that you are in my heart during this incredibly difficult time.
Mental health is not a weakness, it is a reality that so many silently struggle with every day. As a society, we must do better in acknowledging, supporting, and addressing the mental and emotional burdens that individuals carry daily.
To anyone going through hardship, please know you are not alone. There is help, there is hope, and there are people who care. Suicidal thoughts are a sign of deep suffering, not failure, and I urge anyone facing overwhelming difficulties to reach out, speak up, and allow others to support you.
Let this moment remind us of the importance of compassion, understanding, and mental health awareness. Together, we must create an environment where seeking help is not only accepted but encouraged.
May the soul of the fallen officer rest in peace, and may we, as a nation, rise to ensure that no one else suffers in silence.
Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis
Dear Editor,
Believe it or not, I was strongly reprimanded but had to agree that cars don’t drive themselves, it is people who drive them. I was told to look around the Caribbean and compare the ratio of inhabitants per square mile on St. Maarten to several of the other islands. I had to agree that several of the islands are bigger than St. Maarten and less populated. Definitely no malice intended, but if I reacted with, it is time for the immigration to start tightening up, would that be considered offensive or would that be making sure that the natives of St. Maarten are given priority?
I must add that I am not ready to hear that St. Maarten people don’t like to work. Let me add this. During the elections in 2024, I approached a member of Parliament who was on a political list and asked him where are those men who are working cleaning the roads from? I was told that the majority of them are from St. Maarten. Then I suggested to that MP to get together with the Minister of Education, and offer to help those men (financially) get a GED diploma. They will not be able to say they don't have money because they are working.
I was congratulated for that idea but as far as I know nothing like that was even suggested.
So I decided to write to you hoping that government will realize that there are more people than myself who would like for government to adjust their priorities to accommodate the citizens of the county.
Tourism always, overpopulation controlled.
Russell A. Simmons
