Dear Editor,

  Governments that are elected by the people took an oath to take care of their citizens. All of us will never be in agreement with all the decisions they make, that is a given. But what is expected of a Government is to take care of the welfare of its citizens in every aspect, they need to make call on how move forward.

  On our Island the debate is ongoing to accept or not to accept the COVID-19 vaccination. So far Government has not passed a law stating that is mandatory, I pray that will remain the case.

  As stated, Government has a responsibility to take care of its citizens, and there is a thin line on my civil rights and the wellbeing of the nation.

  On the other hand, what is the churches’ responsibility in all of this, do we have an opinion, it is just an emotional reaction, how are we informing and educating the people the Lord has entrusted into our care?

  The churches’ responsibility is to pray for those in authority. 1 Timothy 2:2, that’s the instruction we have in the word of God, they are mere men and women and in their human wisdom they will make decisions that are not what we like or even according to Godly principles. But do we stand behind our pulpits and call them out and beat them down with the word of God?

  Jesus told Peter, “Put up your sword, there is a time to fight” that was not then. Jesus came for a purpose, that was to die on the cross for the sins of the world, and Peter trying to defend was not the plan of God.

  Could it be that we as the church have loss our witness and influence in the nation, could it be that our light has gone out and we have lost our saltiness? Maybe if our light was burning the way it should, government would be consulting with the church on all critical decisions that would affect the people of the country.

  Let me with clarion call remind the Body of Christ on this 37-square-mile rock of 2 Chron 7:14 … and begins with a condition for the healing of the nation: If My people who are called by my Name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land! That’s the word of God, cannot talk that down or explain it away.

  Body of Christ, let all from the pulpit to the pew fall on our faces in repentance and returning to the plan of God for His church. The challenge I have with the 21^st century church is every man/woman is busy building a name for themselves, But hear the words of the Founder of the Church, “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” We mere servants, let’s begin to walk like servants.

  Oh yes, with clear voice and humility the church is to make clear to any Government what God’s word states, not compromise on that, but we do it in love and humility!

  So, yes, there needs to be an understanding if a person feels that he or she should be vaccinated then that must be respected, but the unvaccinated also must be responsible that take others into consideration and follow the protocols led out by the government.

  In closing, the vaccine is not the Mark of the Beast! This COVID-19 is deadly, but to those of you have placed faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, the worst is yet ahead, there are some pending judgements that this world will face, COVID-19 will look like child’s play, that statement you can take to the bank, it is more sure than America’s gold at Fort Knox.

  But I have good news, you can accept the gift God has made available through the Lord Jesus Christ and escape the wrath that is going to come.

  Government, it is your responsibility to protect every citizen and educate them with proper information, you cannot force your citizens into anything they are not comfortable with. If there is an alternative treatment then this should be discussed and people be allowed to use what they are comfortable with.

  Church, let us arise and pray for the healing of our nation, and for wisdom for our government.

Harold Richardson

Dear Editor,

  I would like to bring this matter to the attention of my fellow St. Maarteners and fellow homeowners.

  Due to my economical situation which has affected both my social and emotional wellbeing I decided to split my home and rent it. Apparently there is no law here on St. Maarten which up until now prevents you from doing that.

  In 2017 there was a couple that was looking for a place. This was brought to my attention and I discussed going into a rental agreement with them. What I did not know was that if I wanted to end the rental agreement and get my same amount of living space back that it could cost me thousands.

  I could follow the procedures put in place by Government stated in a “Huur Verordening 2014” and be ordered to pay thousands to the tenants if the tenants refuse to leave and although I got permission from the Rent Tribunal which according to the judge was voided and my request to end the rental agreement was denied because the tenants have a limited amount of income and are not able to find another affordable apartment.

  There are apartments advertised in the newspaper regularly for the rent that they are paying. They might not be able to find a large two bedrooms, two bathrooms apartment with a tub for less than $600 but that is not my fault.

  My problem is, why should I have to be confined with my family or guest in a two bedrooms one bathroom section of my house when I have more space than I need and want? As the judge mentioned in her ruling which I will put exactly as stated, “het probleem van die krapte een kwestie is die – hoe nobel ook – verhuurster zelf in het level heeft geroepen.”

  I honestly think that it is against my human rights to tell me how much of my own space that I can or should use! I never told anyone that I was renting them my place forever. I have read this law “Huurveroredening 2014” over and over and have concluded on multiple occasions that it needs to be amended!

  There is nothing mentioned about the emotional needs of the landlords so respect is left up to the tenants if they feel the need to show or have that. There have been multiple occasions of emotional abuse and disrespect but no judge finds that enough to end the rental agreement.

  My question is what is the real objective behind the “Huurverordening 2014”? I really would like an answer to this question and many others about this law which leaves much to be desired.

  I asked the tenants for a copy of a valid ID and came to find out that one is undocumented here and not even registered at the Census Office but has more rights to live in my house than me or my family, has a serious heart condition yet drives back and forth on and off of my property and on the public road yet refuses to show me proof of a valid driver’s license or insurance.

  I need my place and I am not going to throw my belongings away or put my children or guest on the floor because anybody states that these people cannot find an affordable place anywhere else.

  According to my understanding of the verdict, an elderly couple shouldn’t have to downsize and move out of my apartment so in other words me and my family of multiple people should make do with a 2 bedrooms 1 bathroom back part of my house and sleep on the floor if necessary and dispose of all furniture both here and abroad which would cost me so much economically.

  I consider this confinement! I oppose to this!

  When these verdicts are given, no one cares where the money is coming from but because I would like to end a rental agreement and go to court, first I am ordered to pay the tenants’ legal fees within 14 days because I didn’t follow the right procedure which is going to the Rent Tribunal and when I go to the Rent Tribunal and I get a decision allowing me to end a rental agreement, because the tenants disagree with the decision of the Rent Tribunal and take that decision to court and the judge decides to void the Rent Tribunal’s decision and deny my request to end a rental agreement with an elderly couple which includes a person who is living here unregistered and, according to her, cannot find an affordable apartment elsewhere, I am again ordered to pay the tenant’s legal fees which are thousands.

  Although this is definitely not all that I have to say about this, I will save the rest for later!

  Here I cry shame!

  What is the objective of the “Huurverorderning 2014”?

Name withheld

As this marks the first week of school for most students, we as a community can agree that education is essential for the betterment of our society and a better life for our children. The government of St. Maarten is committed to this reality. It is indeed important that our children get the opportunity as is their right, to education in a safe and nurturing environment.

  We are starting a school year in challenging times amidst the pandemic which may seem to have no end in sight, especially when we see numbers continue to rise rapidly. St. Maarten has been here before and we know what it takes to bring down our numbers. As such, opening schools for the continuation of our students’ education remains a priority. As long as we can continue to offer education to our students in a safe environment, we will do so. We must all continue to practice the behavior that will ensure that the rapid spread of COVID-19 is contained and lessened. If not for ourselves, do so for your children and their future. Our children’s education is everyone’s concern; our children’s future is in all our hands.

  To our students, all we can ask of you is to give your best each day. Continue to strive for excellence, exhibit good behavior and demonstrate the good values and morals that you’ve been taught at home, and are being reinforced at school. I want to remind all students that while you have a right to education, it is a privilege to attend school in these trying times. Take your education seriously, attend class every day, on time, and pay attention to all that is put before you. You have a responsibility for your achievement; set your goals, determine your actions, take responsibility for achieving them and have fun on this journey.

  To our parents and guardians, you have a responsibility to support your children in their endeavors to do the best they can each day. I’d like to take time to encourage parents, to boost them up as I know many face challenges beyond what was expected. Do not give up hope, stay focused on making the best out of what we have, as with life there is hope. Management staff and teachers, you are a valued part of our society as front liners in educating our nation, you are awesome!

  In short, we all need to pull together to make these successful and rewarding experiences for all, teachers, parents, students, the stakeholders in education and the community. I pray that with the necessary provisions in place by your respective school board and with strict adherence to protocols for safety during this pandemic, that you are able to do what you love, which is absolutely necessary and makes a difference. Never lose sight of the influence you have on a child’s day, life, and future.

  I pray that all our students will have as normal a year as possible, which will ensure their success on their journey. I encourage all to be safe at all times, protect yourself and your family by maintaining strong hygiene practices at home, on the street, at school and work. We will get through this together!

  On behalf of the government of St. Maarten, I wish all a successful 2021-2022 school year. May God bless you all.

Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs

We took this opportunity to write this open letter to government.

  We were pleased with the two past garbage companies we had in the past.

  This garbage company you all now gave to Middle Region, the trucks are too noisy for the early morning hours.

  And we want government to please notify the garbage company of this situation and to replace another garbage container at the same time.

  They pick up the filled garbage container to carry to the dump. Leaving the area without a garbage container until the noisy truck comes from the dump is not acceptable.

Cuthbert Bannis