Dear Editor,
In my letter to you “Stop it”, I ended it by suggesting that Anna and Grisha should come together for the good of the country.
I was not addressing the President of Parliament and the Minister of Justice, I was offering fatherly advice to them. Even though I am very aware of my sense of decorum, I took them out of the government for that moment and brought them back together on the Friendly Island. I am writing this in response to the way in which the letter to you, “Hypocrisy in Immigration”, was written concerning the handling of blacks as opposed to whites.
Let me first say this: We can blame all kinds of things on our parents and our environment when we were growing up. But when we become adults and know better then we should accept to be responsible for our deeds. Let me also state this: On my mother’s side my grandfather was white and on my father’s my great-grandfather was a white. I know it’s maternal and paternal but in this case leh we stay here.
The name was withheld on request of the author so judging from the contents of the letter I will assume that this is a cowardly white person who is trying to stigmatise St. Maarten. “That coward” wrote, “Let’s make that clear Madame Justice Minister Anna, Hypocrisy, Racist. That’s what you are.” To that I say “It takes one to know one.” And if Minister Richardson is a racist by carrying out the law, then history would show that those laws were originally written and ratified by white people.
Those are very strong words from someone who, because of the claim one would think that that person would affirm it with a name. Instead that coward chose to throw stones and hide his/her hand. I believe that it takes one to know one.
Not me, it is worldwide known that Trump used social media to perpetrate lies. So, don’t even go there.
I would like to caution “that coward” that this is not North America and that our laws are not the same as in America. Immigration of this country is not in the hands of America and everyone who intends to come here either on vacation or for work is handled according to the provisions and conditions in the laws of Admission and Expulsion. Regardless of the color of your eyes, hair or skin or whatever “that coward” wants to apply color to.
By the way I believe that the history of black and white relationships in St. Maarten is very clear. I also know that all over the world it has been proven that white people are the racists, so that should not even be the point anymore. What should be the point is that the one with the better qualification (and that does not always pertain to higher education) should be given preference.
St. Maarten is still known to be The Friendly Island. Again not me, our guests constantly let us hear that, but this can run the risk of changing if we permit people like “that coward” to openly and clearly accuse our Minister of Justice who is merely enforcing and carrying out the laws which were, like I mentioned before, spearheaded and written by white people.
“That coward” singled out America and also accentuated that education is obviously lacking by individuals who consistently blame the white man for all the problems. (Could “that coward” mean like lynching a black man for jogging on the public road in America?)
.About the education, Does anybody know the statistics of who is the best one-on-one with equal education and age between the white man and the black man? That would be a little difficult to find out, but what about who officially invented the majority of everything that made life easier for everybody all over the world. That can be Googled, “coward”.
My intention is not to write a book, but I must write this. “That coward” is clearly making a distinction between how blacks and whites are treated here, so I do not think that it would be mischievous of me to write the following of a white traveller to St. Maarten.
I am sitting in my office at the airport on a Saturday afternoon observing the handling of the visitors by the Immigration officers. I had just finished trying to get something that was irritating my eye out, when one of the officers entered the office with a napkin in her hand. She obviously noticed my watery eyes. So, one can imagine the comical scenario. She with a napkin in her hand, seeing me with water in my eyes and asking me why I am crying. When I told her that I was not crying but that I will accept the napkin, she said to me, “Read it,” as she handed it to me.
Written on that napkin, which was from a restaurant at the airport in Puerto Rico, was the name, address and the rest of the personal information of that passenger signed by a notary who we were told was at the airport in San Juan. On speaking to that passenger, I gathered that that passenger had discovered at the airport in San Juan that drivers’ license and credit card were missing.
For the information of “that coward” I must add that in those days US citizens were permitted to travel to St. Maarten with a valid US ID and were not obliged to show any kind of money at the Immigration, as opposed to the people of the Caribbean who were obliged to have a passport and also were obliged to show that they were in possession of at least 600 US dollars on entering St. Maarten. I took the decision and sent back that passenger on the next AA flight to San Juan and Monday morning I was called to the boss’s office and told that I would be transferred from the Immigration at the airport to the Immigration in town.
That was only one episode. I can write a lot more, but unlike some people that I know, I believe in keeping the dirty wash inside.
“That coward” should not believe that because the name was withheld, everything is cool. I am a strong believer in Luke 12:2-3. That is why I always add my name to my letter and I always write the truth, because I cannot erase what is black on white. “That coward” should go and tell the Minister of Justice that she is a racist to her face so that “that coward” could experience what it is not to be a coward.
Don’t bring that to St. Maarten. Do not openly call anyone in St. Maarten a racist. That is not who we are.
Russell A. Simmons
Dear Editor,
My name is Jenny Martis, the founder of Still Balling Racing (SBR) we organize drag racing, drifting with cars, and stunts with motorbikes.
My organization was approached in the first quarter of the year 2021 by Mr. Aartwichgt Bell, Mr. Charles Benders, and Ms. Marina Serrant from the Auto Motive Federation to assist their federation organize a Caribbean Motor Sport Summerfest Sint Maarten 2021.
The event consisted of drag racing, car drifting, motorbike stunting, and jet ski sea master, and the event was in the month of July 2021 and was for three weeks long.
My organization was requested to arrange drivers from Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire for all the events they would have in the month of July 2021.
Parties discussed the participation of the three islands in length and agreed that the Auto Motive Federation would advance the cost of getting the drivers and their vehicles from the three islands to St. Maarten going and coming.
At one point when it was time to ship the vehicles to St. Maarten to get the show going the Federation requested SBR to advance the payment for the shipment and the federation would reimburse SBR whatever money was paid for the shipment of the vehicles to St. Maarten.
On June 28, 2021, SBR made the advance to the company Don Andres Charter Shipment to get all the vehicles from the three islands to St. Maarten in time for the event of July 2021.
Part of the advance payment made by SBR was paid back by the federation.
After the event was over that the vehicles had to go back to their respective islands is where the confusion started with the three individuals leading the federation.
The federation informed SBR that there is no money to get the vehicles back to their respective islands, and requested SBR to advance the payment for the shipment company again. SBR, which stood responsible from the beginning to get the drivers, and riders to St. Maarten, was put between a rock and a hard place and had no other choice than to make the advance payment for the vehicles to leave St. Maarten. This took place now at the beginning of August, 2021 after the show.
SBR is running behind Mr. Bell, Mr. Benders, and Ms. Serrant since September 2021 when average 60 per cent of the total bill was paid and average 40 per cent of the bill is balance for the federation to pay off.
The three individuals are no longer answering the calls and WhatsApp of SBR. On Sunday, February 20, 2022, SBR called Mr. Benders from an unknown local number and Mr. Benders answer the call and finally SBR spoke to a member of the federation. SBR was told that the federation is waiting for a payment from the minister in order to make the final payment to SBR. SBR requested Mr. Benders to give something in writing proving that indeed the final payment will be forthcoming as the payment from the minister comes through, but he failed to comply with a simple request.
SBR wants to make the situation that’s ongoing public. Perhaps there are more companies/individuals that are going through the same with the Auto Motive Federation.
Jenny Martis
SBR
Dear Editor,
This article was written since April of last year but has been augmented to suit the current state of affairs. Nevertheless, this piece reflects a bittersweet and worrying situation that should never repeat itself. Not only does this vindictive course of action demonstrate a gross lack of integrity within the political sphere, it also destroys the ambitions of aspiring and reputable politicians.
Thrusted into this unfortunate position is our former Minister of TEATT, Ludmila de Weever, whose tenure was short-lived, simply because she refused to be a victim of this recycled political exhibition. Despite the setbacks, it was such an exciting period to see how this independent-minded ex-minister cherished the opportunity to serve, when she took a formidable stance to work in the best interest of her country.
As a result of her persistence and determination to make a difference, she proudly escorted the population on her journey, highlighting her vision and accomplishments. Though internally she may have felt disappointed for being sabotaged by her own party, this young and energetic past minister did not expressed regrets. Instead, she articulated being grateful for the position and preparation to become a parliamentarian.
The fact that she disclosed being indebted for the groundwork expresses honesty, and this appreciation was displayed with great confidence. During her tenure, her thoughts were clear, and as a result, she knew where to focus her energy and which ministries she needed to rely on to do her job effectively. And, it was evident that she operated from a quiet place, internally.
For this reason, the former minister gave thought to her explanations before expressing them. I liked the fact that she explained the steps towards accomplishing a specific goal, which ultimately led to a compilation of each segment of her journey, whether it was smooth or somewhat frustrating. Part of this frustration was experienced in 2020, during the puzzling stage of COVID-19.
However, the lull in economic activity gave her time to examine and process the situation, in order to move forward. Therefore, it was evident that she knew what was necessary to jump-start the tourism industry. As she monitored the situation and took each stride with caution, this understanding manifested itself through the implication of effective marketing, communication and negotiation.
The partnership with the private sector was nurtured, as she took their advices and expertise and integrated them into her ministry. Not only that, she prepared her then ministry for her task in parliament – a true politician, who has the country at heart. It was a privileged moment to have had a TEATT Minister with such level of competence, dedication and humility.
Despite these positive achievements, they were eclipsed with the usual dirty politics that has stagnated the island for decades. So, when this ambitious ex-minster did not adhere to her party’s demands or their impulsive drive to control her ministry, she was forced into parliament, a position that does not match her mindset at all. This is quite evident in the parliamentary meetings, where her voice has become almost mute and that vigor and commitment have disappeared.
This is such a contrast from being a vocal, self-assured visionary, who intended the best for the country. The only way to redeem herself from the evil clutches of the UP party is to become an independent member of parliament. It is no secret that the Prime Minister’s pet is the one who controls the parliament and the government. Believe it or not, the chairlady is just the deputy.
To continue with this subdued performance for another two years is nothing but political madness, a situation that is steadily eroding her previous success. Integrity is a lifestyle. So, it is time that this promising ex-minister liberate herself and rekindle the passion like when she first began!
The honorable Martin Luther King, Jr. put it best when he said, “The time is always right to do what is right.” And, the admirable Mahatma Gandhi sealed the principles of integrity well when he said, “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
Joslyn Morton
Dear Editor,
A salute to Mr. Camille Baly, better known as Meneer Baly, my 5th and 6th grade teacher. I am Agnes Aventurin a former primary student of Lionel Connor School. Permit me to share some wonderful memories about my favorite teacher Camille Baly during this Black History Month 2022, a man who was blessed with insight, knowledge and wisdom.
Meneer Baly lived right next door to the Cole Bay Methodist Church with his immediate and extended family. He was the principal for many years at Lionel Connor School on Union Road, Cole Bay (presently located in Cay Bay).
He was one of the first black school teachers I knew of on the Dutch side of our island. I say this because most of my other teachers were Europeans and Surinamers. I am not certain if there were any other teachers of the black race teaching on our island before him.
Meneer Baly had a great stature, with full eyes. He spoke with authority and walked with confidence and people listened to him. As a matter of fact, even the elderly listened to him. I think the Cole Bay people were very proud that they had a man of the soil who went abroad studied and returned to his native island to educate our people. He gained much respect from the people of St. Maarten and especially in the village of Cole Bay.
I can remember him teaching 2 classes, the 5th and 6th grades, in one room, and we all did very well. Meneer Baly was a teacher who knew the ability of each of his individual scholars. He always encouraged me in particular to write and he nurtured other talents he discovered in me, which I had no clue of.
He was a father figure to many of us. My brother Carl was very intelligent, but he had many challenges so he skylarked a lot. Meneer Baly got on his case and did everything in his power to assist him and he eventually made it to 7th or 8th grade (which was then MULO) and then dropped out of school. There were many others he showed interest in; some listened and some did not.
I have finally been doing lots of writing of which one in particular is about Cole Bay and its people, one of which will soon be on the stands in bookstores for purchase.
A team of persons, in particular youths and young adults, and I are presently doing oral dramatization of daily Bible readings and circulating them on social media. While doing one of the recordings a few weeks ago it crossed my mind that I did something like this with my school teacher Meneer Baly. He had Eddy Lloyd and myself record the play “Ebenezer Scrooge”. We met at Lionel Connor School certain afternoons for recordings and he would have them aired on PJD2 radio around Christmas time. At the time the radio station used to be on Little Bay Hill. Here I am now doing the same thing with young people from our community of Cole Bay just as he did with me when I was a little girl.
He encouraged us to read, read and read. He could not emphasize enough on that. In those days we were taught in the Dutch language and English was a subject. He got the children to subscribe to Okkie, Taptoe, Kuifje (Dutch books). This was to help us improve in the Dutch language. I still possess one of those books in my home today.
He encouraged the class to write journals at least 3 times weekly. Mine never had an ending. I believe he saw my writing skills through my writing in class. When I got older I realized how important it is to write journals. As children we never asked questions. We did what was told to us.
Meneer Baly believed in educating his black people and exposed us to many things so we would be knowledgeable not only academically, but in different aspects of our surroundings.
He did a project in our school and brought in the police authorities to show us the different types of drugs/narcotics that were popular in those days and to also explain the danger of using them.
He loved nature. He took our class to Billy Folly Hill into the caves where the Caribs inhabited. I did not attend, and I was upset with myself after my classmates returned and shared their experience.
We visited many of the beaches on the island. He believed in beach picnics. He educated us even while we were on the beaches. It is because of him we know many beaches, their names and the little history of what he knew about the areas we visited.
Meneer Baly was very interested in herbs. So, he had an extra class whereby people could join him on Saturdays in the hills to learn about the different trees and their remedies.
He was such a marvelous storyteller and could recite poetry. He made us feel like we were actually in the story. There too, I see his influence on me, as I have followed storytelling workshops so that I could properly present and engage my listeners.
Zwarte Piet!
There weren't many outings during my school days. Hence, we looked forward to the few excursions. One of the trips we looked forward to was “Sinterklaas dag”. This event took place once yearly on December 5th, Sinterklaas dag. A bus took us to Cyrus Wathey Square in Philipsburg and we would sing our hearts out when the boat was nearing the pier. We sang “Zie ginds komt de stoomboot uit Spanje weer aan, Hij brengt ons Sint Nicolaas ik zie hem al staan, Hoe huppelt zijn paardje het dek op en neer” and “Sinterklaas kapoentje, gooi wat in mijn schoentje gooi wat in mijn laarsje, dank U Sinterklaasje”. As they were about to leave we sang “Dag Sinterklaasje, dag, dag, dag, dag … .”
We used to enjoy that event because when Sinterklaas came off the boat he brought sweets for those who behaved good. There were 2 or 3 persons whose faces were painted black with him. They carried a whip with them and also carried the bags of sweets and a few little toys over their shoulders. Chances were if we behaved good all year through we will be treated candies and if we misbehaved Zwarte Piet would punish those children. When they started coming towards the children they would make space for Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet to pass. Santa Claus and his helpers threw the sweets into the air or in between the school children and the children scrambled to pick them up from the streets. Sinterklaas and his companions would get into an open-top car and drive through the town throwing candies to the onlookers on the side of the streets.
One day this event suddenly came to a halt. What happened? The Cole Bay school children are not going to attend that event anymore. Why? It was not a positive event, and although the children looked forward to it we could not attend. Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet demonstrated a negative message. Zwarte Piet was the one punishing the children who were bad that year and Sinterklaas was always white with a long beard – he represented a God. He treated the children who were “good” with candies.
Who stopped it? Meneer Baly. I never knew his decision had such a big effect on the entire Dutch side of the island until I met some other scholars who went to school in Philipsburg and while discussing this issue they too mentioned how unhappy they were that Camille Baly had managed to stop all the schools going to that event. I expressed how unhappy I was too. Only when I grew up did I truly grasp what he meant.
As an adult I had many encounters with Meneer Baly and we discussed so many things about life. He used those opportunities to continue encouraging me to write. I am fulfilling this gift through this short story with a walk through memory lane.
I am happy to have been taught by a man of his character and felt like sharing some of my memories of him.
I cannot and will not compare him with God. I, however, must mention that there are so many more things that I admired Meneer Baly for, but then my story will fill up this entire newspaper or other medium; which brings me to think on the Gospel writer John who remarked that there were so many other things that Jesus did; and if every one of them were written down, he supposed that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written on Him.
Camille Baly was an educator and cultural legend and a true powerful black man who believed in the advancement of his people, which I believe was formed under the flamboyant tree at the entrance of his gate in Cole Bay.
In memory of my school teacher and mentor Mr. Camille Baly, affectionately known as Meneer Baly: Happy Black History Month everyone!
Agnes Aventurin
Dear Editor,
The world is against Putin and it’s time the whole of Europe becomes democratic.
Putin must give the Ukrainian people their freedom, at all times, to choose what is best for their people’s future.
If there is a war and NATO is only focusing on liberating Ukraine and not focused on getting Putin out of power, this will be a big mistake; because leaving him in power, he will always want to keep going after the Ukraine government and the people.
Soon after World War Two Russia occupied these territories. Now the entire world is struggling from COVID-19, Putin is creating a problem with Ukraine. It will be good if there’s a war. NATO, Great Britain, France, America and other nations will have a great chance to help the Russians put an end to Communism and seek democracy.
Cuthbert Bannis
