Dear Editor,
I’ve been meaning to write for some time. However, the months of May and June are the busiest months for educators and people in education. We do more work in 2 months than Government does in 1 year, but I’m getting ahead of myself.
Now that we’re on hiatus, and I’ve finished putting in all the grades and attending all the meetings I possibly can, here I am … ready to ruffle some feathers … and maybe ignite some brain cells?
First, my disclaimer: Yes, this will be a long letter, so if you don’t like to read, move on. I maintain that persons in our community must master this, before showing their lack of this skill in any of their communications.
Second, I may or may not use colourful language. Those of you who are easily offended (part of the group who don’t read), scroll on past. Buh bye …
Third, if you feel a need to respond in any way, shape or form, note that I don’t engage with responses that are poorly written, where you don’t even know what you’re saying because you didn’t read everything, and simply assume you know what I said. Trust me. You don’t!
Now that’s out of the way, let’s get to it!
Next year, I will be an educator in St. Maarten for 30 years! I’d like to voice my observation of how education in SXM has progressed (or regressed) in these past 30 years.
Some would call this an achievement (I don’t get extra pay for this, I’d still have to work 5 more years), others would ask how I did it (I don’t even know myself) and still others can’t fathom what it means to be in a system where so-called change is meant to make our jobs as educators better (hah!). On the contrary, let me tell you what I’ve experienced over my 30-year career.
1. I still remember when we used to get Christmas bonuses. It was only NAf. 300, which was still taxed, (it was a joke amongst us, because why give us a bonus then take back almost half of it?) But it was something.
2. I remember when FBE [foundation-based education – Ed.] came into existence, and I remember asking “why?” In my opinion, there was nothing wrong with our education system. Didn’t all the Ministers and MPs come from that system? Why did we have to adopt something that others didn’t want?
3. I remember when we had Commissioners of Education, and an Executive Council. Interestingly enough, persons back then are still part of our government today. What have they achieved? A nice pension, as I understand it.
4. I remember when we had austerity measures leveled on us where we didn’t receive vacation pay for years. One year, I remember receiving a payslip telling me my vacation pay was 0.002%. My reaction? Why waste ink and paper to tell me this? In addition, why call it “vacation allowance” now? I feel like a child waiting on my “allowance.”
5. I remember when higher supervision was imposed on SXM, and most important to note, that was the only time I ever received a tax refund so quickly. Now I wait months to receive it, but if I were the one owing, I’d have 2 weeks to pay or make “payment arrangements.”
6. I remember when the new salary scales came into effect. The old scales had your salary freezing at age 38, now it’s age 40. Do the math. It’s true.
7. I remember you could go on early retirement at age 55, now it seems that I’ll never retire, because the retirement age keeps going up.
8. I remember the roads always painted nicely before school started, now – can someone tell me when last we had decent lines on our roads? At least paint the pedestrian crossings or something. Oh, wait. You need money to do that. That’s always the issue isn’t it?
9. I remember when there was no Carnival vacation. Just Labour Day and Queens Day. Now Carnival vacation is 2 weeks long. And takes place during the exam period for exam students.
10. I remember when summer vacation was 6 weeks long, now it’s 4 weeks for the students and 3 weeks for the teachers since you have to be “available” the week before. My reaction. Whatever. … My availability is subject to change.
11. I remember, you could get a “scholarship” and once you came home to work, after 3 years your debt was considered paid. Now, it’s “study financing.”
12. I remember when I got my 1st email address. Now I have too many.
13. I remember making less, but having more. Now I make more, but have less.
14. I remember working 35 hours, and being able to get home before 3:00pm. Now the working hours have been reduced to 32 hours and my work is never ending.
15. I remember when I got the sense that those in charge of my country at least cared a little about us. Now, I feel nothing. Absolutely no love of country from those who are tasked and being handsomely paid to take care of the country’s business.
And this is the biggest thing for me. That lack of caring by our representatives is what I want to focus on. I don’t give a s**t, what anyone says, I’ve said this before and I’ll keep saying it until I see and feel different: You do not care about your country and its people!
Someone who cares would not allow a casino to open and operate up the a** of a school and library.
Someone who cares would not have teachers and students working in a classroom filled with mold.
Someone who cares would do all in their power to rebuild (as soon as possible) the island’s only library (which promotes reading and literacy), as well as fixing all schools.
Someone who cares would never allow just some persons to receive vacation pay, while holding the school boards hostage because they’d previously paid their employees because there was no law saying they couldn’t.
Now, we’re in a so-called “better financial position” school boards are awaiting word from you – the Government – because they want to pay their employees but cannot because they’ve been operating on outdated budgets for years, and don’t want that jeopardised. Yet, other islands are actively working on phasing out the 12.5%.
Someone who is for the country would do their d**ndest to stop or slow down rising prices, so our country’s poorest can eke out a living.
Do you know that probably 90% of us (myself included) have 2nd and 3rd jobs? We have to because that’s the only way we can survive here.
Someone who loves their country would set an example, by having their salaries and benefits cut and not f**king bitch about it. They would set the example. If we must constantly sacrifice to help you pay your bills, then your a** needs to be grateful, and show that gratitude by doing your d**ndest for your people to at least feel like they’re supported, and we’re weathering this crisis together.
We are always, always, called on to sacrifice. We have to keep doing the usual or more with less. When will you actually do your job and work?
Someone who cares would review a statement before going in front of your peers and showing you didn’t care enough to do just that.
Frankly, I’m so sick and tired of the posturing, blaming, name-calling, ship-jumping, and general hypocritical laissez-faire attitude, that sometimes I feel like throwing my arms up and giving you all the finger (on both hands) while simultaneously cussing you out. It would make me feel great, but what would I have accomplished? Same like you. Nothing!
But, you see, I feel something you don’t. No matter what, St. Maarten is my home, and I love her, even if she doesn’t love me back. St. Maarten isn’t all bad.
In fact, we have several advantages other island nations don’t. State-of-the-art harbour; state-of-the-art airport (it’s coming … after 5 years … maybe); state-of-the-art hospital (that’s coming too). We just need state-of-the-art schools now, or a state-of-the-art education system. Don’t forget that to run all these state-of-the-art facilities, we need state-of-the-art people.
I have mad love for St. Maarten, because she’s my home, and it’s my duty and responsibility to educate her children, so that they may someday steer this tiny island in the right direction. It’s sad to see the young ones in politics bowing out because the old heads make it difficult.
But remember this: Nothing lasts forever. And if you want your name remembered, and want to leave a lasting positive legacy, show some real love for our island. Too many come here, take what they can, then leave. Who remains? Us. The loyal St. Maarteners who love SXM too much to abandon her, and still try every day to make her better, in spite of strong opposition from our own.
This attitude of “that’s the way it is” or “who you think you be?” has to stop. Ever hear of working together? Ever hear of teamwork? Put me to speak in front of your Ministers and MPs and I’ll show you. And unlike some of you, I do put my money where my mouth is.
To those who are still with me at this point, I thank you. I didn’t use much profanity. I tried to keep it clean … for the children … or those who act like children. I’ve addressed many issues here, and I could go on with more.
However, what I’m saying is this: Change is inevitable and sometimes painful. You will not be in power forever, you will not be collecting NAf. 20,000 forever. What have you tangibly done to help your island? What legacy do you want to leave behind when you become just dust in the wind? I mean … You can’t even pass final legislation to ban plastic bags …
As a 30-year veteran (although I don’t look it!) I encourage you to look inward. Why are you in politics? Why are you part of government? Do you truly recognize the work we put into making you look good? Acknowledge this. We’re not interested in any more worthless plaques and certificates.
A nice start to show you care would be to make sure everybody receives their full vacation pay. I’m not going to be cute about this anymore. We all have to eat, we all have to pay our bills, and a certificate thanking me for my service isn’t going to put food on the table.
Anyway, I will now continue to enjoy my shortened vacation, in Balconia (my balcony, since that’s the only place I can afford to travel to) while continuing to work on becoming a better me, who loves her country way too much, and doesn’t give a rat’s a** what you think of her.
Carry on St. Maarten …

Corinne Lejuez-VanPutten
A St. Maarten woman who loves her country

Dear Editor,
Again and again you hear that we should be diversifying the St. Maarten economy. Never do you hear that this is a bad idea and we should stick to cruise and stayover tourism.
One of the most realistic diversifications is the yachting industry which already has achieved a significant percentage of contribution to the economy.
This diversification option meets all the criteria that can be realistically expected from any diversification. It supports the core economy, produces high-paying jobs in a wide range of specializations and our geography has some attributes that enhance the chances of success.
All options for diversification come with limitations and require effort to achieve. There simply are no industries that will provide employment for an overpopulated island that has no agricultural land and no extractive industry potential without requiring some investment or legislative and strategic effort to achieve success in a chosen industry. Many planning reports mandated by the St. Maarten government have identified the yachting industry’s potential and suitability, without their recommendations being followed up.
The very minimal requirement for making any form of progress is for there to be knowledgeable persons in government who have a deep understanding of the yachting industry. Whilst the yachting industry has great potential it is complicated because there are so many components to it. As far as government establishing a knowledge center with clearly mandated staff who can be counted on to be able to effectively evaluate this activity, we have made no progress.
For the past 40 years I have met regularly with the executive parties in government on the subject of the marine industry. No matter their intentions it is never possible for such decision-makers (ministers in the current structure) to have a grasp of what makes the marine industry function well or poorly. A new minister of TEATT [Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication – Ed.], for instance, will be able to see the number of boats that arrive and depart but the many details of what drives them to visit, to spend money with us and to leave with a positive experience is what is needed to make policy. The customer satisfaction of yachting visitors depends on different factors to those staying in hotels and resorts.
Diversification of the economy takes focused effort. Simply hoping it will happen without the effort is unlikely to be successful.

Robbie Ferron

Thank you for your letter with a request regarding the right to self-determination and ius cogens. Below you will find an answer to the questions, listed in your letter of April 28.

Question 1:
Can the State Secretary confirm that because the right to self-determination is also a “jus cogens/peremptory” norm that it prevails over the Rijkswet COHO and that there is no lawful way to circumvent or, derogate from, a “jus cogens/ peremptory” norm?
Answer:
As the Kingdom of the Netherlands has stated in its written statement of 17 April 2009 in the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion procedure “Accordance with international law of the unilateral declaration of independence in respect of Kosovo” (para. 3.2) and in its written statement of 27 February 2018 in the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion procedure “Legal Consequences of the Separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965” (para. 2.5), the right of self-determination of peoples is a permanent, continuing, universal and inalienable right with a peremptory character.
In case of a conflict between a rule of international law with a peremptory character and national legislation, international law takes precedence over such national legislation (see more generally
https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/kst-29861-19.html).
The Kingdom of the Netherlands, however, considers that the Rijkswet COHO is in accordance with the right of self-determination of peoples. Therefore, the issue of precedence does not arise.

Question 2:
Can the State Secretary confirm that the right to self-determination also prevails over the Kingdom Charter or “Het Statuut”?
Answer:
See the answer to the first question. Also in this regard the Kingdom of the Netherlands considers that the Charter (het Statuut) of the Kingdom is in accordance with the right of self-determination of peoples.

I trust that this answers your questions. On request of the committee of Kingdom Relations of the Dutch Parliament, I will send them a copy of this letter. I will also send a copy to the Prime Minister of St. Maarten.

Alexandra C. van Huffelen
State Secretary for Kingdom Relations and Digitisation

By Alex Rosaria

If you are still in doubt, hate, racism and discrimination really exist in Curaçao. After the last outcry of a radio person and father of the Minister Plenipotentiary (GevMin) that Nazis should have killed more Dutch people because a European Dutch journalist had criticized his son, I thought: should I laugh at this nonsense? But after the umpteenth hate speech against foreigners, the LGBTQ+, Asians, Jews, to name a few, my laughter has long since died.
How would my father have liked it if that journalist had suggested that the crew on one of the slave ships from Africa to our island should have overturned the ancestors of the GevMin in the Atlantic Ocean? Probably fewer people would have shrugged. Then it would have been a white attack on blacks. Because what strikes me here is that some assume that racism is a one-way street. That is not the case. Hate speech is not limited to one race, gender, or religious institution.
For years we have kept ourselves sweet with the belief that there is no hate virus here because “dozens of different nationalities live side by side”. So, we are tolerant, is the conclusion. Error. Being anti-racist and anti-hate-monger does not mean tolerating each other but fighting in deed and word so that everyone, regardless of race, colour, gender, religion, sexual preference, or mother tongue, have the same rights and obligations to be themselves.
Many institutionalized discriminations no longer exist. One of the last battles brave men and women have waged is against legal discrimination against women. Institutional discrimination against the LGBTQ+, on the other hand, persists as some groups, especially Christian organizations, continue to insist that equal rights do not apply to people of a certain sexual orientation. We need courageous men and women again, regardless of their sexual preferences, to fight against this discrimination.
The hate virus is mainly maintained through our contemporary language (use). How often have we heard: “She is black but beautiful (or intelligent or delicate)”? Names for groups such as kuli, bedji, sabachi, house negro are still used. How many times have we read in the papers that the 45 million Yoruba population in Africa is a tribe, but that word is never used for Iceland which has only 350,000 souls? Or that Amharic, a language dating back 2,000 years, with its own alphabet and spoken by 65 million people, is a dialect?
Our language is decisive. Few people say openly: I’m racist or hate speech. But that doesn’t mean it’s right. The hate virus can be compared to the coronavirus: not visible to the naked eye, but extremely contagious and subject to mutations. Like the case of the coronavirus, we need to work on the antidote. Pay close attention to our language use and that of our environment. If it discriminates or hurts a group, we need to stop it. We can’t stay in the middle, hoping this will blow over, or shove it under the rug. Sooner or later a bomb will explode.
~ Alex David Rosaria (53) is a freelance consultant active in Asia and the Pacific. He is a former Member of Parliament, Minister of Economic Affairs, State Secretary of Finance and UN Implementation Officer in Africa and Central America. He is from Curaçao and has an MBA from University of Iowa (USA). ~