Dear Editor,
Hoping the department in charge looks in this regularly and does something about people getting cheated all the time.
My vehicle shows how many more kilometres my vehicle will run with remaining gasoline in my tank. I have tried different gas stations and pumps. Just to give you an example, I put 22 litres of gas, and my vehicle shows an increase of 220 km. Next time I went to the same establishment but another pump, and put the same 22 litres and this time my increase went up to 242 km (higher this time)
Please note it’s the same vehicle, and all gas was put in during morning hours (6.30 AM to 7 A.M).
This is to let the public know how some stations provide more gas for the value, versus some stations where it’s less.
Merry Christmas!
Thawani
Newlite Electronics
Dear Editor,
On the 21st of December, 2024, Thomas Sankara would have celebrated his 75th birthday had he been alive and other things being equal. But as fate would have it Sankara – who oversaw the renaming of the then French west African republic of Upper Volta to Burkina Faso – was assassinated in a military coup on the 13th of October, 1987. Sankara’s rapid ascension to the pinnacle of political power in Burkina Faso (land of the upright people) was enabled by his Marxist-leaning revolutionary ideas and overwhelming popular support – a result of his anti-imperialist stance and his impassioned determination and commitment to see his people become self-reliant.
Thomas Sankara’s early revolutionary fervour and political consciousness had its genesis in him being exposed to progressive ideas and Marxist narratives while he was attending military academy in Madagascar. An astute and well read military officer, Sankara rose to the rank of Captain, subsequently deposing Jean-Baptiste Ouedraogo to become President of Burkina Faso at age 34. A man of the Burkinabe people, Thomas Sankara became increasingly incensed at what he considered was the pilfering and looting of his country’s relatively limited resources. He witnessed the exploitation of his people by imperialist forces who were in collusion with corrupt public officials and Burkina’s Faso ruling class.
Domestically, radical ecological, social and economic reforms during his presidency were initiated and sincerely intended to reverse the misuse of his country’s nominal natural resources and people. Sankara’s deep resolve and devotion to develop the capacities of his people in pursuit of their self-reliance was influenced by leftist political ideologies and Pan-Africanism. He became a beacon of hope for the disillusioned, poverty-stricken, politically unconscious and exploited masses at home and in the diaspora.
Like Che Guevara, Sankara’s people-oriented visions, his integrity, sincerity and authentic nature were reassuring and trustworthy to the multitudes in Burkina Faso, many of whom sought from him daily motivation to inspire their sense of dread and hopelessness. For the people of Burkina Faso, Sankara became an exemplar of hope, freedom from imperial domination, economic liberation and a stubborn but nevertheless admirable determination to independently chart the course of Burkina Faso.
Assumingly though, Thomas Sankara must have been succinctly if not partially aware that this deep-seated conviction he held of wanting to dismantle the existing spiritually bankrupt political status quo in his homeland would be fiercely and violently resisted. Undoubtedly, Sankara’s revolutionary struggles and eventual assassination have to be understood in the context of the Cold War – the violent ideological battle fought between the communist East and the expansionist, capitalist West for satellite states. His anti-imperialist posture and embrace of Marxist progressive ideas weren’t just angering forces opposed to him at home but he was also ruffling and tinkering with powerful opponents in France and all the way to the corridors of power in Washington.
Thomas Sankara became an unbearable thorn in the sides of his ideological enemies and was eventually marked for death. Assassinated on the 13th of October, 1987, in a military coup, Sankara’s death occurred under the very circumstances – a military coup – which facilitated and catapulted him to the presidency four years earlier on the 4th of August, 1983. Now, 37 years after his death, there has been a resurgence of Thomas Sankara’s revolutionary spirit and anti-imperialist rhetoric in the likes of Captain Ibrahim Traore, and also the wider popular imagination and collective consciousness of the nation of Burkina Faso.
For the people of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore embodies the spirit and vision of Thomas Sankara. A representation of hope for the realization of the ideals of Thomas Sankara, Traore lives in the popular consciousness of the people of Burkina Faso as a reincarnation of Thomas Sankara – a man whose visionary exploits sincerely won the hearts and minds of an entire nation.
Orlando Patterson
Dear Editor,
The article in The Daily Herald of St. Maarten of December 4, 2024: “PJIAH asserts Government has no role to play in CEO selection for PJIAE” prompts one to check what are the rights of the shareholder and if Good Corporate Governance is being upheld.
Dear Editor,
Remember l told the world I dreamed Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer were reasoning about peace and a democratic government for the Russians, North Koreans, Iran and Syria? God has heard the prayers of Emmanuel Macron.
Americans elected Donald Trump and the United Kingdom elected Keir Starmer. They all three are the best to fix the world, especially the Russia and Ukraine war.
Seeing these three great nations had election the same year 2024 means a lot to us in the world.
Cuthbert Bannis
Dear Editor,
In celebration of International Leo Day, observed globally on December 5, the Sint Maarten Lions Club proudly recognises the Sint Maarten Leo Club and the Sint Maarten South Leo Club for their unwavering dedication to youth empowerment and community service. These dynamic organizations have consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering future leaders and making a lasting impact on the community.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to both Leo Clubs for their invaluable contributions. Establishing and supporting Leo Clubs is a profound privilege for us. We wholeheartedly believe in shaping the leaders of today, and the Sint Maarten Leo Clubs exemplify that vision.
Over the years, the Sint Maarten Lions Club has witnessed the tremendous impact these Leo Clubs have made within the community. Through initiatives such as back-to-school projects, feeding programmes and the ongoing ’Tis the Season Food Drive, these young leaders have significantly improved the lives of many. The ’Tis the Season Food Drive aims to bring joy and relief to those in need during the holiday season, reflecting the true spirit of giving and service.
Beyond their local contributions, members of the Leo Clubs have risen to prominence within the Lions organization, with some even serving at the international level. This remarkable achievement underscores the importance of fostering youth engagement and leadership development.
The Sint Maarten Lions Club is committed to nurturing the growth and potential of the Leos, providing guidance and opportunities to support their leadership journey. The Leos’ dedication to service, leadership and growth is inspiring. Their initiatives not only uplift our community but also exemplify the core values of the Lions organisation.
On this International Leo Day, the Sint Maarten Lions Club extends its congratulations and deepest appreciation to the Sint Maarten Leo Club and the Sint Maarten South Leo Club. Their tireless efforts in leadership development and community service have been instrumental in shaping a brighter future for Sint Maarten.
As these young leaders continue to make strides in their service and growth, the Sint Maarten Lions Club reaffirms its commitment to supporting and guiding them every step of the way. Together, we can ensure a legacy of leadership, compassion, and meaningful impact for generations to come.
Lion La-Teen Clark,
President of the Sint Maarten Lions Club
