Dear Editor,
The debate on independence seems to be split between those who decry ongoing attachment to the colonial power and the remaining controls exercised by that power. The other side of the debate are those who appreciate the stability of remaining colonial attachment and the usability of the passport.
Permit me to suggest that the debate misses future considerations which I believe to be the important ones.
We can easily agree that exploitation by colonial powers has been the major part of Caribbean history. Currently there are many independent countries and much greater autonomy in others. But we can clearly see that in the future, new exploitative and imperialist structures are beginning to form that are different to earlier colonialism. Powerful countries are in control and other powerful countries want to have more control. Small and weak territories like Greenland, Panama and St. Maarten will likely be the victims of future imperialism. New forms of colonialism driven by different forms of power are likely in the future.
In the future, given that likely confrontations of the major sovereign powers (mixed in with private mega corporations that have significant control), it might be more favorable for St. Maarten to be attached to a power block that will provide some protection and guidance.
Robbie Ferron
Dear Minister of Finance,
If the budget is passed or approved and it is for the year 2025, and money to pay the justice workers and to paint the roads is not included in the budget, that’s not so good.
And concerning the CKC credit union and the clients’ money, when can you give us some information about when the clients will get the money?
Cuthbert Bannis
Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my concern about the upcoming road closure announced by VROMI [Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure – Ed.] at the intersection at Bishop Hill Road and Hulda Richardson Road. According to the announcement, “Oyster Pond residents will have one-lane access until asphalt pouring is complete. Afterward, access will be via the Marriott Hotel and French Oyster Pond.”
For those who are unaware, the road near the Marriott Hotel, from Dawn Beach Estates to the Marriott, is virtually impassable. It is filled with potholes (craters might be a more accurate term). At night, it is particularly hazardous because there is little, if any, lighting and the road obstacles are hard to see. It is largely deserted, especially at night, making it the perfect spot for criminals to prey on drivers who must use that road.
Similarly, the road through French Oyster Pond can only be accessed from the Dutch side by going from the Belvedere Roundabout, through French Quarter, turning right on Rue de Coralita, proceeding past Baie Lucas, into French Oyster Pond. Again, the road is often deserted, poorly lit, and would not be a route I would suggest for tourists, particularly those visiting for the first time.
VROMI’s plan would essentially hold the residents and guests staying at Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Princess Heights, the Marriott and the countless private villas in the area hostage. Should an emergency arise, and an ambulance or fire truck is needed in the area, better access would be absolutely critical.
Having lived in St. Maarten off and on for 25 years, I know that the state of our roads is unsatisfactory. I applaud VROMI for the work they are doing to see that the roads are improved. I would ask VROMI to reconsider whether this work could be completed after season and whether some access to the intersection could be maintained. If these are not viable options, I would suggest that some form of temporary lighting be installed on the road leading to the Marriott to facilitate traffic through that route.
Dina L. Abby
Dear Editor,
I strongly believe that no member of Parliament should in any form or fashion assume the position of a defending lawyer against anyone who is trying their endeavor to curb and combat crime in a country. In this day and age of drastic rise of crime in which several people were gunned down, members of Parliament should, like I wrote in the past, should grow up, demonstrate maturity and unite with whoever is responsible for making sure that law and order is upheld and maintained in the country.
When I read Irion’s and Doran’s questions to the Minister of Justice, I asked myself on whose side are they? Whether they were on the side of law enforcement or the “gotcha” side?
One of the reasons that I am reacting to this is because it was during the time that I supervised the Control Unit that the then-Commissioner, Michael Ferrier, introduced the law governing tinted glass of motor vehicles. I must say that it was very well controlled.
I am not aware why the Control Unit is not functioning, but it goes without saying that they are needed out there.
During the last budget meetings MP [Member of Parliament – Ed.] Irion again did not think if it was the opportune time to react to the Minister of Justice. A few days before that he took a few shots at the VROMI [Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure] Minister to which I reacted hypothetically: If you tell me that you do not agree, to use the colour yellow. But I know that in the past your friend used yellow. And now you turn around and tell me that I should have used the colour that your friend used, is that not contradicting yourself?
My father used to tell us to try to pick sense out of nonsense, that is what I always try to do because everybody have their way of looking at things. But when you choose to be a representative of the people that is what you are expected to be and to do and not to go in there and take shots at one another. In this case, questioning or challenging the Minister of Justice concerning the tinted glass, knowing fully well that their intention was to score points, completely disregarding the safety of the people.
Here again another Minister of government is, rightfully so, advocatong to enforce the law and MPs Irion and Doran are trying a thing and in the process, especially during these last months, making themselves look small.
A simple question. Would it be easier to find a suspect in a car with black tinted glass or normal tinted glass? Do we know what all does be taking place in cars with black tinted glass?
Precisely in a time when combating crime should have priority, members of Parliament are being petty. Who are they representing, themselves or the people who elected them to do so?
This is not the time to take trick to make luck. This is the time to join forces to combat crime and bring it back to a minimum.
I appreciated the energy of Miss Richardson, but as long as Minister of Justice Tackling is showing the will to combat crime I am one hundred percent behind her. I believe that if one is in a position where country comes before self, then that is what it should be.
Russell A. Simmons
Good day, Honourable Premier,
I write again as in the previous two times.
At the onset of this New Year I send this communication requesting some information of Anguillian national significance.
Can you please share in detail why an NDA was signed concerning the .ai Domain Name contract with Identity Digital? Especially given that your party promised full transparency to the citizens and that no agreement was needed with our local, Vince Cate?
How can the Anguillian general public truthfully and rightly hold leaders accountable to an ID five year projected figure and help account against theft, mis-use and/or abuse of it, if they don’t know what that figure is?
How can the Anguillian general public correctly make their individual and collective appraisals of the financial wisdom of government’s decision without the requisite contractual information?
I am cognizant that your time is in high demand, but many other citizens are concerned about the responses to the above questions. Thank you for your response.
Avenella Griffith
Resident Anguillian
