Dear Editor,
There is this lady who, when I want feedback, I permit to read my letter to you before sending it out. She must have read Tuesday’s paper because she called me and told me that the Minister of Justice is tougher than me because I want to talk while the Minister declares zero tolerance and acute action against the reckless bikers.
I did not read the paper yet so she had to explain what she meant. I told her that I would get back to her after reading the paper. When I called her back I explained to her that I was not in competition with the Minister and that I applaud the Minister’s reaction because I believe that what the Minister did is in line with her responsibilities.
There are series of questions beginning with the words who, what, where, when, why, with what and how, which every law enforcement officer should utilize and the “why” is very vital in determining in which direction to proceed. To be able to get the answer to that “why”, dialogue is necessary.
Any psychologist would tell you there is always a reason for action. Let me make it clear I am not implying that the reason justifies the action, but it brings clarification. This clarification could be very useful for further dialogue and to be able to convince the perpetrator that even though his/her views of a situation may seem justified, this is not always the case. My way of saying it is “Not because something is not wrong, it is the right thing to do”. That is the reason why I suggested dialogue between members of government and a delegation of those reckless bikers.
The results of that meeting should be that the bikers leave that meeting convinced that their behavior on the public roads is not acceptable. They should understand that everybody is expected to abide by the law. So, whether there is zero tolerance or their behavior is unacceptable, this kind of reckless behavior has to stop.
Like I mentioned in my other letter, no one should be able to claim that no one spoke to them. In my line of work I have met a lot of stubborn people who regretted it after a while. Being ignorant and being stubborn does not pay. I do not believe that anyone wants to see any retaliation against the reckless behavior.
A question was asked to me by a cousin who I warned about the tint on the glass of his car. He wanted to know if he got a summons for “too dark tint” if he could say that the Ministers’ cars have dark tint too, as his defense. My question to him was, what would you prefer, to get a ticket and take your chance with that defense or avoid the ticket and put on an acceptable tint? I further told him that he could write a letter to the editor and ask his opinion, which could be the beginning of a weekly dialogue in the paper voicing one’s opinion in a positive way.
It could become healthy dialogue. There a lot of people who do not use the social media, but who need a push to write a letter to the editor of the newspaper. Sometimes all they need is a push.
I told him I have referred to people who write letters to editor asking not to publish their names as “cowards” but those are people who write not-so-nice things about others and want their name withheld.
He wanted to start with talking on the cell phone, but I told him that is a good topic to write about, as long as he does not single out anybody.
Russell A. Simmons
Dear Editor,
Regrettably there was no Carnival this year and rightfully so no funds could be given by Motorworld for promotion of this year’s Carnival. Judging by its willingness to support Carnival handsomely and sustainably every year, no one could hold it against Motorworld for not donating the money to the Carnival Foundation this year.
However, as the proverbial saying goes, when one door closes, another opens. St. Maarten roads suffer from rain-floods in various locations on the island. In the neighbourhood of Beacon Hill alone, no less than 3 soak-away wells are required. And so, in many other locations on the island. Maybe Motorworld can redirect this year’s funds allocated for Carnival towards drilling of soak-away wells. These soak-away wells can easily and in a short period be constructed and the rainwater will have a place to dissipate in veins under the earth.
The company that drills these wells is called “EXOFOR” and the telephone number is 011-590-590-52.83.22. This is meant only as a suggestion, a suggestion that would be highly appreciated by the entire road users’ community. Maybe the other vehicle sales companies on the Dutch side of the island can join in.
Ask not what your government can do for you. The answer up to now is nothing at all. Ask rather what you can do for the government and by extension for the country and its road users.
Louis Engel
Dear Editor,
It seems St. Maarten Carnival 2022 is being held to an apparent double standard.
It is truly commendable the excessive safety plan the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) has created enabling the launch of the 2022 calendar of events. Kudos to SCDF and the entire team of hardworking volunteers.
I am writing as a former President of SCDF, having led Carnival 2011 and 2012.
It would be remiss of me, like many of you, not to wonder if Government looks at social and entertainment events in silos. On a weekly basis, there are endless entertainment events happening throughout our island without the true enforcement of COVID-19 protocols by this Government as they promote.
It beckons me to ask if Government is holding the SCDF and Carnival 2022 to a double standard? Is there no viable option to allow SCDF to add Jouvert Morning to the calendar of events?
I hope this Government will embrace and promote Carnival 2022 as its economic benefit is desperately needed for our country as we continue to go through this pandemic.
Does Government have a vision for our largest cultural event and to support the SCDF? Will the Tourist Office support marketing efforts for Carnival 2022? Will consideration be given through the use of the marketing memorandum of understanding signed through the Ministry of TEATT to assist in minimizing cost?
The hosting and organizing of Carnival is a tedious task whereby the support of all stakeholders is required. SCDF and all Carnival patrons should be commended for their patience, understanding, and efforts over the past two years.
Stuart Johnson
Former Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT)
Dear Editor,
It is expected that politicians help those that helped them get elected to office. However, land in St. Maarten is scarce and government land even more so.
According to an article in the newspaper, the Vineyard Heights project consists of 52 lots. Rather than giving these lots to 25 or even 52 people, why does the government not consider developing this property. It can be zoned to accommodate housing, parking, play, and sports parks, and land for agricultural farming. Many agricultural products grow on hillsides.
The government must take into consideration that the population is growing and land for housing is depleting. Developing apartment complexes guarantees a roof over the heads of our children and their children. Moreover, land becomes available for other requirements such as mentioned further above.
This form of government is inclusive and beneficial to all concerned. Let wisdom prevail. Use our limited land for granting of sustainable housing, and community development projects.
Louis Engel
Dear Editor,
“Close to 1 billion people are living with a mental disorder, 3 million people die every year from the harmful use of alcohol and one person dies every 40 seconds by suicide. And now, billions of people around the world have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which is having a further impact on people’s mental health.”
On October 10, 2006, the Mental Health Foundation officially opened a clinic on the L.B. Scot Road. Prior to that date patients were referred to Curaçao for care.
The growing population and changing demographics on St. Maarten provided for evidence of the urgent need for this care locally.
A nurse Elena Reyes and Dr. Montoya who would visit biweekly enthusiastically set out to start the task of offering care. Nurse Elena would do intakes and made appointments in preparation of the psychiatrists’ visits, she also did home visits and assisted the police when necessary.
At the end of 2007 MHF had 70 patients and recruitment started for a permanent psychiatrist, administrator and nurses. In 2017 the foundation was also acknowledged by AVBZ [Social and Health Insurances – Ed.] and could start a Day Treatment Facility and Ambulant care.
In 2010 a building was bought and renovated by 2011; patients could be admitted and no longer needed to be sent to Curaçao for admission.
Today the foundation has 7 care products, 900 patients and 50 staff members.
The foundation came a long way and it was not an easy road but determination, endurance and above all a “Care Vison” is what quidded the foundation to where it is today.
Providing the best possible care to the St. Maarten population means constant adaptation to the needs of the people. The awareness that much still needs to happen to provide for the needs of the patients has been ongoing.
The result is that today the foundation has commenced with the NRPB [National Recovery Program Bureau] and the World Bank to improve the care the working group has commenced with; improving the capacity of the foundation for the provisioning of quality mental health care, expanding building, staffing and continuous education.
The foundation would like to thank all who support the efforts and sincerely hopes to continue to serve by enhancing the alliances with our Government, SZV [Social and Health Insurances] and private insurances and all other health care facilities and professionals.
Mental Health Foundation
