Funerals, by their very nature, are meant to be moments of reflection, dignity, and collective respect. They are among the few spaces left in public life where society pauses, where noise softens, egos recede, and decorum takes precedence over display. That is why recent footage circulating on social media showing a police-led funeral procession moving from Fort Willem Road onto Bush Road gives a moment for pause, reflections and is deserving of public scrutiny.

What unfolded was not simply a procession of mourners paying their last respects. Instead, it resembled a chaotic spectacle. Dozens of scooter riders and drivers used the funeral convoy as an opportunity to perform wheelies, burn tires, ignore basic traffic laws, and ride without helmets. This was not an isolated incident, but part of a developing culture in which funerals particularly of young men and women associated with scooters are transformed into high-risk displays of bravado.

A disturbing element, however, was not the behavior of the riders alone, but the visible presence of a police outrider at the head of the procession. The police, by leading the convoy, inadvertently legitimized conduct that was not only unlawful but dangerous to the riders themselves, to bystanders lining the streets, and to other road users. One is left to ask: should this be allowed, and under whose authority?

We often hear that obstructing a funeral procession is an offense, and rightly so. Funerals should be afforded space and respect. But what happens when the obstruction and danger come from within the procession itself? When traffic laws are flouted, safety equipment ignored, and reckless stunts performed under the banner of mourning, does the solemnity of a funeral grant immunity from the law?

This raises a broader and uncomfortable question for a small society like St. Maarten. Are we allowing certain behaviors to go unchallenged because we are reluctant to confront one another? Do we look away because “everyone knows everyone,” or because challenging dangerous conduct may be socially inconvenient? In doing so, are we quietly eroding our own standards of decency?

There is also a painful irony that cannot be ignored. In some cases, the very behaviors being displayed – reckless riding, speeding, disregard for safety – are similar to the actions that led to the death being mourned. How does one reconcile honoring a life lost with reenacting the circumstances that may have ended it? And what must the grieving family think as their moment of farewell becomes a public safety hazard?

Funerals are not private affairs when they spill onto public roads under police escort. They become communal events, subject to communal rules. This is where policy matters. Does St. Maarten have a clear funeral procession policy? If so, is it being enforced consistently? If not, it is time to develop one transparently. Such a policy should define acceptable conduct, outline the role and limits of police escorts, and make it clear that mourning does not suspend the rule of law.

Decorum is not an abstract or old-fashioned concept. It is the glue that allows a diverse, close-knit society to coexist with mutual respect. A funeral procession should never become a platform for intimidation, lawlessness, or spectacle. It should be a final act of respect for the deceased and a gesture of care toward the living.

In a small society, silence is often mistaken for tolerance. But silence in the face of danger is not kindness, it is complicity. We owe it to grieving families, to the wider public, and to ourselves to ask difficult questions and to insist that even in mourning, especially in mourning, our standards of decency remain intact.

Name withheld at author’s request.

The Peridot Foundation expresses deep sorrow at the sudden passing of Ms Mary Eileen Healy, a past honoree of the Foundation and tireless advocate for mental health awareness in Sint Maarten.

“We are truly saddened by the recent news of the passing of Ms. Mary Eileen Healy. Sint Maarten has lost not only a committed citizen, but also a formidable woman who dedicated most of her life to mental health awareness and advocacy,” said Jaqueline Holiday, current President of the Peridot Foundation.

Founder and past president, and current Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Gracita R. Arrindell, also shared her reflections: “Eileen was a passionate fighter and a visionary whose contributions to advancing mental health care should never go unnoticed. I firmly believe in the saying, ‘Give flowers to those who dedicate themselves to empowering others while they are alive.’

“We are grateful that we were able to do just that by honouring Ms Healy along with other remarkable women, during International Women’s Day in March 2024. As stated during the ceremony, her story remains a compelling call to address mental health care needs with compassion and comprehensive support.”

The Peridot Foundation once again extends its heartfelt condolences to Ms. Healy’s family, friends and former colleagues. “We wish them strength, comfort and God’s speed in the days ahead,” concluded Ms. Jaqueline Holiday on behalf of Peridot Foundation.

Peridot Foundation – Sint Maarten

Dear Editor,

Permit me to engage in a brief dialogue with Minister of Health, Social Development and Labor VSA Richinel Brug. Minister, my message to you may come as a surprise, but there is no need to be astonished. I have forgiven you, shortly after you took office in November of last year, so now I can communicate to you on a level that is mature and fair-minded.

Nevertheless, I still do not agree with the manner in which you negotiated your way into the position as a minister, but that is water under the bridge. Having expressed my thoughts from then to present, there are two major reasons for this discourse, which I hope that you would take my (and many others’) concerns into consideration for continuous deliberations and eventual solutions.

First, I want to commend you on your consistent effort and determination to improve your ministry, so that the people can have a better way of life, as you envisioned the challenges that are plaguing this community. Top of the list was the announcement for SZV to reopen its doors for seniors. That was a brilliant move! Just the other day, a senior asked me to do something so simple on her phone, and I was very surprised that it was a challenge for her.

Second, I wished to highlight some issues that would demand your immediate attention for future prevention: It has been a constant discussion in private that the Colgate that is being imported is destroying the customers’ teeth. I’m amazed that so many persons are disgruntled about the same thing. Are you familiar with this complaint, Minister Brug? If you are not aware, how do you plan on tackling this growing concern?

Is this an indication of counterfeit products, or are harmful ingredients being added to this specific item? As a health minister, are you engaged in checking on the authenticity of food and beauty/care products? Does it concern you that a large percentage of these items comes out of China, a country that is labelled for producing fake items? And why is there only one brand of toothpaste in so many of these supermarkets? Where are the other types that we accustomed to?

Third, since the pandemic, there has been a rapid increase in heart attacks. Have you looked into the real causes of these incidents? And very surprisingly, strokes have become an epidemic. What is causing this issue that is now common place in our society, Minister Brug?

As the Minister of Health, do you take time to ensure that the quality of air that we breathe is up to standard? Even though emissions from the sanitary landfill are not visible, does that impact our health in a way that warrants attention?

Another health issue that has become very prevalent is the fact that so many persons are blind or getting blind. Maybe 15 to 20 years ago, I knew of 1 or 2 persons who are blind. Now, it is a regular occurrence. What is causing this rapid and unusual shift in our community, minister?

At one time, I recalled a contractor describing a particular chemical that is added to the concrete, I believe. Does this have an effect on our health? And, would this trigger your interest to investigate this type of chemical that is used in modern construction and its impact on humans, if any?

There are so many unusual health complications that have multiplied over the past few years, and with no valid explanations. Families are just left to accept whatever is being told to them. Is this fair to the community, Minister Brug? Just to reiterate, maybe 3 to 4 years ago, a friend of mine called to tell me that her ex-coworker is blind. When I asked how come, she said that he did an eye operation at the hospital and he went blind.

The sad thing is that the family just has to accept it. How is this possible? What consequence did this eye specialist face and what preventative measures are put in place so that this gross negligence does not repeat itself? One can hear so many different stories of a similar nature and the families are just left to suffer.

Have you paid attention to how some of the elderly are being abused by a young family member, who collects their pension, but keeps it for themselves? Even their food they have to hide, otherwise they will stay hungry all day. Minister Brug, you need to have a campaign on this matter, and find a way to visit persons who you feel could be victims of such injustice. It is more rampant than you think.

I can say more, but I’ll keep it there for now. Minister Brug, continue to assess and address the challenges within your ministry, in order to improve the standard of living for the people of this country.

Joslyn Morton

Dear Editor,

With satisfaction I read the articles concerning the police controls. As we would say here, all I have to say is that they should make sure to control the lights on all motor vehicles on the road, both during the day and during the night.

In the traffic ordinance there is a chapter on lights. Beside as traffic signals, there is no other place in the traffic ordinance where the use of green lights is mentioned, and beside the official public transportation there is no place in the traffic ordinance where the use of blue lights is mentioned.

I am not aware if there are changes in the traffic ordinance where lights on motorvehicles is concerned, but I know from experience that the owners of motorvehicles are encouraged to have bright headlights, which is contrary to what's in the traffic ordinance.

I hope the police would really look into the. lighting of motorvehicles used on the roads of St. Maarten. It has become a free-for-all. Our streets are not wider and when during rainfall one is confronted with bright lights it is not so pleasant. The controls are necessary.

By the way, we need to get rid of that ridiculous black tint.

Russell A. Simmons