Dear Editor,

Believe it or not, I was strongly reprimanded but had to agree that cars don’t drive themselves, it is people who drive them. I was told to look around the Caribbean and compare the ratio of inhabitants per square mile on St. Maarten to several of the other islands. I had to agree that several of the islands are bigger than St. Maarten and less populated. Definitely no malice intended, but if I reacted with, it is time for the immigration to start tightening up, would that be considered offensive or would that be making sure that the natives of St. Maarten are given priority?

I must add that I am not ready to hear that St. Maarten people don’t like to work. Let me add this. During the elections in 2024, I approached a member of Parliament who was on a political list and asked him where are those men who are working cleaning the roads from? I was told that the majority of them are from St. Maarten. Then I suggested to that MP to get together with the Minister of Education, and offer to help those men (financially) get a GED diploma. They will not be able to say they don't have money because they are working.

I was congratulated for that idea but as far as I know nothing like that was even suggested.

So I decided to write to you hoping that government will realize that there are more people than myself who would like for government to adjust their priorities to accommodate the citizens of the county.

Tourism always, overpopulation controlled.

Russell A. Simmons

Dear Editor,

In the world of mass tourism, destinations too often become transactional, designed to serve quick impressions and even quicker departures. But we believe a place like Philipsburg deserves more. And so do the people who call it home.

With deep roots planted in the mindful hospitality of Loterie Farm, we believe in bringing a new kind of experience to our south side coastline – one that balances vibrancy with soul, accessibility with authenticity, and commerce with contribution.

This is not just a “rehab”, it’s a reimagining – not just of space, but of spirit.

Because even amid the high pace of cruise ship comings and goings, there is space, and need – for stillness, beauty, and intentional design.

Because cruise guests deserve something more soulful. And because stay-over visitors deserve to discover a Philipsburg that reflects the island’s true character: creative, original and quietly luxurious.

We’re not here to replicate any other destinations within our ecosystem. We’re simply reinterpreting an ethos compatible with a different setting – where the experience still uplifts, still roots you, and still stays with you long after you’ve left.

We’re building more than a space. We’re building belonging.

* For locals: Jobs, pride, platforms for expression, and a conscientious urban escape that feeds the senses and the soul

* For cruise guests: A moment of pause and depth in the middle of an often hurried day

* For stay-over guests: A reason to explore beyond the resort and rediscover Philipsburg as a living, breathing destination.

Philipsburg is not just a cruise port. It’s a canvas. It’s where heritage meets horizon. Where local stories will unfold in food, music, art, and design.

We’re creating spaces that invite you into that story through sensory experience, conscious hospitality, and an atmosphere that feels more like community than commercialism.

Whether you’re staying in Terres Basses, Orient Bay, or Grand Case, Philipsburg is worth the trip, not just for shopping, but for something that surprises you – a lush, curated moment you didn’t see coming, an experience that redefines what you thought this town was.

We believe tourism should enrich the place it touches; that guests of all kinds, cruise or stay-over, deserve more than a loud spectacle of mediocrity.

They deserve truth, beauty, care, and the kind of experience that honors the land, the people, and the possibility of connection.

To our fellow stakeholders, neighbors, and community stewards: Let’s reshape the narrative of Philipsburg together.

Let’s offer guests something unforgettable, not because it’s loud, but because it’s alive.

Let’s give our town the spotlight it deserves, because when we do that, everyone wins.

William BJ Welch

The LF Group

Dear Editor,

“When is government going to do something about these motorbikes?" A question which is continually asked to me, believe it or not, by old as well as young.

Because of their reckless behaviour on the road I am under the impression that they believe that they are in the right and that the other traffic has to cooperate with them. This is totally not the case. These bikers are continually breaking the traffic laws – zigging and zagging between other motor vehicles, again disregarding the traffic laws for motor vehicles of that category. It is a tough question to ask but I would like to know, in the last three months how many people have died in motorbike accidents.

Russell A. Simmons

Dear Editor,

I googled "team player" and the explanation is an individual who actively involves him/herself in a group to realize its goal. It does not say "actively and blindly". This concerns the Council of Ministers.

So, my question is what was the reason and objective for forming this team (picking these players)? Did not these players take an oath? Was it to serve the players of the team only and not include those persons who were instrumental in making it possible for them to be able to become members of that team? So why should we be surprised when there are consistently investigations going on around and about those teams.

This brings me back to many years ago, when I started to openly voice my opinion in the paper. I was approached by a member of one of the then existing political parties to become a member of the party. When I told him that that was not my ambition, he told me that he would still bring my name forward in their meetings. When I ran into him some time later, I asked him about his suggestion. He said to me, "Boy I didn't know that's the way things does go. When I talk to them about you they tell me no, not you. You too straight. You 'n a team player."

So I was never really surprised with all that happened politically since10-10-'10. I believe that even kindergarteners know what happens when one puts the mouse to mind the cheese.

I will try to open some minds and eyes by stating the following. I started as what was then called an alter boy when I was seven years old. I have served for a whole lot of funeral services. I have also attended many, many funerals in different churches. Up now I have not seen any money in a casket. An observation I have consistently made is: if leaders of government are convinced that they need plenty money to live adequately, should not they also think the same is necessary for the people who made it possible for them to get where they are?

A retired colleague of mine who lives on one of the other islands mentioned that the Dutch are copying from Sint Maarten. I told him for me that is not a laughing matter. That might become an excuse for them not to comply. I am not an insider, but I know what happens when confusion starts to straighten out.

Russell A. Simmons