Articles

Please allow me to reiterate current president of the Chamber of Commerce Mr. Glen Carty's statement 1 year ago:

"Government's failure to "get its act together" in a year and to reverse any further increase in Turnover Tax (ToT) will result in "corporate disobedience," said Chamber of Commerce President Glen Carty". He told The Daily Herald on Monday that the chamber will be "filing permission" for a "protest march" on December 6, 2011.

http://184.168.184.130/islands/1-islands-news/11130-carty-corporate-disobedience-if-tot-not-reversed-in-one-year-.html

I am awaiting Mr. Glen Carty's announcement of the Protest March as Government clearly has not 'got its act together' and the 2012 budget is in all likelihood based on the continuation of the 5% Turnover Tax.

Furthermore, it is interesting to note the list of new candidates for the board of the CoC, of which many have a direct or indirect link to the largest ruling party, UP.

The only solution would be a Chamber of Commerce that is privately funded and managed without any government interference in order for the correct representation of the businesses to take place and would allow for the proper scrutiny.

Otherwise, the appearance of the institute as a rubber stamp for Government has become more than just the appearance.

James Durby

With respect,

Leopold JAMES

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia

Yours truly,

Miguel Arrindell

Sint Maarten, February 10th 2011

Honorable Minister Arrindell,

To our complete shock and dismay we were informed today of your letter, dated February 9th 2011, informing all school board members of an upcoming 2-day closure of all elementary schools.
You have granted permission to close all elementary schools on February 17th and 18th to accommodate the teachers to participate in the ASCD annual conference.

It is mindboggling to read your letter as we just lost four school days due to the industrial action of the teachers to secure their rightful cost of living payment. Your harsh "no work no pay" stance cannot rhyme with your subsequent letter of yesterday, closing down all elementary schools for two whole days.

Let us remind you that this school year alone, all civil servants (including all teachers) already received 3 extra and unscheduled days off, namely: October 11th, November 12th and January 3rd. On top of that there was no school for 5 days due to the passing of hurricane Earl. Add to that the four days of strike and your planned two days next week, and this results in a loss of classes of 14 full days (almost three whole weeks of classes).

As our minister of Education, the PTA of the Sister Magda Primary School sincerely believes that you are playing with the education and the future of our children. The students who are in the sixth grade (group 8) already have to do their secondary school entry exams one month earlier than last year. Taking away almost another month of class - and preparation time puts them in a severely disadvantaged position.

We certainly expect differently from you as minister and strongly urge you to reconsider your letter and planned school closure.

We are absolutely in favor of upgrading and training our teachers, but urge you to schedule these events outside school hours to prevent any further damage to an already very disrupted and disturbed school year.

Since our last letter, concerning another possible school closure to accommodate the Census 2011, went completely unacknowledged by your office, we have decided to send this letter to you and simultaneously to both newspapers on Sint Maarten, hoping to receive a swift reaction or response from you this time.

Wishing you wisdom in your decision-making, we remain,

Sincerely,

The Parent Teacher Association
Sister Magda Primary School
Sint Maarten.

Leopold JAMES,
The one proud to be native-indigenous St. martiners, without the slightest of any apologies - that one.

The EHPAD Bethany Home is a medico-social publicly-owned establishment (owned by the Collectivité of St-Martin), managed by a Board of directors (CA). By law it is this body that lays down the general policy of the establishment and that deliberates in particular on:

- the budget and modifying decisions

- additional appropriations and the tariffing of the services,

- decisions affecting the organization or the activity of the establishment,

- loans,

- the table of employment, .....

As a reminder, pertaining to the functioning of the Board of directors, the regulation clearly specifies that:

- the Board of Directors (CA) meets on convocation of its Chairman

- the agenda points for the Board (CA) meetings are is determined by the Chairman

- the number of meetings of the Board of Directors (CA) cannot be less than four per annum .

However, it has been now close to eleven months that the Board of directors of Bethany Home has not been invited or convened in meeting. In fact, the last meeting of this body dates back to May 6th, 2010 when the Board of Directors met to review and decide on the approval of the administrative final accounts for 2009.

Is it normal and or acceptable, for the Chairman of the board Mr. Louis JEFFRY (who is also 4^th vice-president of the Collectivité) to refuse and or deem it not necessary (for such a long time) to assume his mandate and carry out his responsibilities by organizing the meetings of the Board of directors?

Is it normal and or acceptable that on January 20^th last, the Territorial Council met to hear and discuss the budgetary orientations for 2011, and that no indications were given by Mr. JEFFRY on the plans, programs and financing of the EHPAD Bethany Home (our only Senior Citizen’s establishment in the Collectivité), which is financed annually by the budget of the COM (nearly 3,2 M € in 2009)?

How can anyone see any coherency and or truthfulness in the report presented by President GUMBS to the Territorial Council on the budgetary orientations, when in its proposed axis of priority it is indicated wanting to “impulse a new dynamics of covering and caring for our seniors within Bethany Home”, when the Board of directors in charge of this establishment (because of the failures of its President Mr. Louis JEFFRY) has been prevented from being able to discuss and of make proposals to be put forward to the Territorial Council?

Worse yet, the Board of directors, was not held informed during the entire year 2010, on the implementation of the budget, on the rate of consumption of the funds allocated, and by this was not able to decide on any need of requesting supplementary fundings to cover any pending deficits (through a supplementary budget) or even as it is often needed to decide on transferring credits from one chapter to another (through  Modifying Decisions), now it is too late because the legal deadline fixed for such procedures was January 21. In other words, it is too late to ask the COM for any budget extension and also to transfer funds from a chapter to the other.

Knowing, the budgetary and financial difficulties that this establishment has been experiencing over the years, it is inacceptable and incomprehensible that the Chairman of the board M. JEFFRY did not see it fit to carry out the due, useful and necessary diligences.

Taking into account the regulation as regards to absences to board meetings (compulsory resignation pronounced by the Chairman in the event of absence without valid reasons for 3 consecutive meetings), who must be considered as having resigned? The Chairman? The entire  Board of directors?

Is this the way that the ex-majority UP-UMP members take care of our senior citizens? Is this all the consideration that the Chairman of the Board (M. JEFFRY) has for the difficulties, the problems and the future of our seniors?

Is this another sign of the dysfunctional government that we have, or is this just another sign of the 4th Vice-president wanting all positions, doing much gesticulations yet not assuming and fulfilling the tasks?

In conclusion just few words of wisdom:

1- It is well to pile up responsibilities and titles, but it is still better to assume them.

2- It is commonly said in the French setting, that no one ought to be unaware of the law; we will add, especially those who are in charge of guaranteeing that it is being respected. (To the Wise, hello!)

It is urgent for the President de la COM (F. GUMBS) to make his vice-presidents and all other Council Members in charge of the various portfolios accountable and that he verifies that they carry out their duties with all due diligences.

For the RRR Group

Council woman

Ramona CONNOR

The details and the administration that has to be put in place is a very simple one because our foundation for St. Maarten European Affairs were fortunate to have been involved with the last European Union Election and was privy to see the execution of the way the voting process was handled.

Having said all of the above if you agree with all that I have written in this article I would appreciate and would be more than willing to have you on board of this very vital mission by contacting me on Cell 522-1574 or by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to start the discussions on realizing the above proposal which would give all St. Maarteners a say in their own country whether living here or abroad. I would like to at the same time wish all St. Martin citizens a happy, healthy and financially prosperous new year and hope that we would all come together to face the many challenges that lies ahead of us. I would also like to apologize to the many persons that meet me every day with their desire for me to get involved in the further building of this nation. Our foundation's contribution is not to tear down but to build up and to from here on come up with solutions to the many problems that this country is being challenged with. For us we must all work together with and pray for this Government or any Government of St. Maarten to right the many wrongs that we have e.g. in the area of the rising crime, the rising cost of living, the rising corruption, the rising unemployment, the rising social issues, the rising immorality, the rising taxes on our people and many other areas that have been rising which is not in the best interest for our country where we can experience true equality for all our people which is according to the laws in our Constitution. May God continue to bless us.

Jeffrey Richardson
President, SxM European Affairs Foundation

Yours truly,

Brother Richard Gumbs.

I am writing to you in reference to the Appeal Court ruling on Friday March 4th, 2011 to release Ms. Sandra Hall who was sentenced on January 27, 2011 for the murder of my brother, Radford Seaforth, and the unusual circumstances surrounding the release of Ms. Sandra Hall.

I am not versed in the legal system of St. Maarten. However, I am perplexed at the chain of events that led to her release after a verdict was rendered in a court of law and sentenced was imposed only a months ago. Is this the normal process for similar cases of this nature? If so, is it asking too much as a professional courtesy to contact the victim family prior to this action? I am curious what is the legal precedent of similar situations? Has there been a history of similar cases? What were the mitigating circumstances? How come additional witnesses were presented during this appeal process and not summoned in the original trail? Did the prosecutor have the opportunity to cross examine these additional witness? Can you the prosecutor identify at least ten cases in recent history in which a convicted murderer was given an opportunity to appeal their cases in less than 2 months following their original conviction.? How often does Appeal Judges render their verdict two days following an appeal hearing?

Historically, judicial practice of any country is based on legal precedents and if this miscarriage of justice is allowed to stand, it will create a very dangerous climate for all citizens and visitors who are in St. Maartin. "One can literally get away with murder". What impact will this action have on the tourist industry or on ordinary citizens if such unprecedented conduct is allowed to stand and people begin to lose faith in the legal system?

Finally, why the secrecy surrounding this "appeal process"? After all, during the original trial the press played a prominent role by providing updated information leading up the trail, during the trial and after the trail. However, from my understanding the press was only notified after Ms. Hall was acquitted following this recent appeal. In conclusion, we are posing the following question "Will the prosecutor office appeal this to the Supreme Court? If so, will they contact family this time?

Sincerely,

Kimelia Austin

Guns in the hands of law-abiding citizens who were never inclined or determined to commit a crime will never be a threat the law enforcement. It would only be a help to law enforcement. Here is another misconception, "Mothers with guns in the home put their children in danger." Again, total nonsense! Does a responsible mother leave poisonous liquids or medication where their children can get at it? No. Does a responsible mother leave her car keys in the car when she pulls aside on the road and gets out of her car for a few minutes to talk to here friend and leave her little kids in it? No, because they may start the car and run it into the oncoming Mack truck.

Should we stop giving drivers licenses to everyone because one may go crazy and drive his SUV full speed into a crowd of people during Carnival and kill several of them? Again, No. In our option, no irresponsible person should be given a drivers license or a gun permit. We don't believe it's the Justice Minister's intention to give gun permits to persons who are irresponsible and their only profession is smoking crack and robbing tourists on Front Street. Remember more guns will reduce crime. Only criminals would have to worry about the good guy or gal with a gun.
Cut this out of the paper and stick it on your fridge.

Peter Gunn

On, Wednesday, June 29, 2011, I received an email from you.
For this, I certainly thank and recommend you.
However, allow me to make our position also very clear as it relates to the identity of the St. Martiner.
It should be very clearly understood, that the St. Martin identity is not a (Dutch and/or French) nationality since there is no sovereign country St. Martin/St. Maarten.
For us, the St. Martin identity is about being part of the St. Martin heritage- or roots of you will.
It is not about Black or White either, nor about being a so-called 'born-here'.
Our grassroots organization has now long past the phase of defining the St. Martin identity.
Therefore, we are not willing to 'turn back the 'hands of the clock' simply because others were 'asleep at the wheel' for a long time, when it really mattered - when the so-called constitution was written.
In other words, we feel no need to debate that issue any longer, since for us, it is a passed station.
Not only have we long since moved on with promoting the cause of St. Martin people - a people whose very existence many officials denied.
On your coveted '10-10-10' , we officially launched our own St. Martin ID-card, which identifies its holders as (native, indigenous) St. Martiners based on their St. Martin heritage.
By doing such, we have now made it possible to create a constituency of the native St. Martiners, or of people of St. Martin heritage.
This is the group which you and most other politicians thusfar have refused to recognize, identity, preserve and protect.
The group that the political establishment on both sides of the island have cowardly betrayed, for political reasons.
What we are prepared to discuss with you or any other politicians, is how now to place this group in the constitution and how to make sure that under no conceivable circumstances they ever again will become victims of atrocities such as slavery and of (silent) genocide by substitution.
In other words Mr. MARLIN, how positive discrimination, affirmative action or whatever other preferential programs can be legislated to this end.
For your information, a very good example and legal precedence for positive discrimination is the so-called (over-abused) '10 year's Tax Holidays' for foreign investors.
In this regard, we recommend you contact the TODAY-newspaper of your very good friend, Mr. Richard GIBSON and read the editorial of Monday, April 14, 2003, 'A MARSHALL PLAN IS NEEDED' - line by line.
If still stand by your intention to invite us for a meeting, after having read and understood this editorial, we would certainly accept your invitation.
If not, no problem, you do what you have to do and rest assured we will certainly do what we have to do.

With respect,

drs. Leopold JAMES
President Grassroots St. Martin nation building movement and
Proud native, indigenous St. Martiner, without the least of apologies.
That one....

You bet it's me William,

Leopold JAMES,
Proud, native, indigenous St. Martiner - no apologies.
That one....

Yours truly,

Miguel Arrindell

Discussions have already taken place with government officials and the talks to date have been described as of an "exploratory" nature.

Medical tourism is a new trend in the healthcare industry and is gaining popularity especially in developed countries. The Medical tourism market has grown significantly and could reach US$100 billion by 2012. Persons seeking medical treatment abroad do so for various reasons. A May 2008 Mc Kinsey and Company report regarding medical tourism indicated that 40 per cent of medical travelers sought advanced technology, while 32 per cent sought better health care; another 15 per cent faster medical services and nine per cent for lower costs.

Most US citizens traveling abroad for medical services usually choose the following categories of medical tourism procedures: dental, cosmetic, orthopedic and cardiovascular. Americans go to Mexico, Costa Rica or Panama for dental or cosmetic surgeries due to their close proximity to the US while those for orthopedic and cardiovascular cases go to Southeast Asia and India.

Business organizations in the US are looking at offering offshore medical treatments for their employees because it would be a considerable savings for them. Insurance companies are also collaborating with global healthcare companies to provide overseas options to members.

The Caribbean overall and Sint Maarten in particular have much to benefit from the development of medical tourism, and those islands that already have a certain level of infrastructure, airlift etc., will be at the forefront of this new phenomenon. Our proximity to the US alone is a key asset.

Dr. Devi Shetty is an investor who will be constructing a 2000-bed hospital two billion Cayman dollar investment in the Cayman Islands in order to exploit medical tourism. Construction is expected to start in September or October with the first phase to open in early 2013. This part of the investment is valued at 100 million dollars. The Healthcare accreditation organization Joint Commission International has already accredited Dr. Shetty's heart hospital in Bangalore, Southern India.

The Cayman hospital will be called Narayana Cayman University Medical Centre, which would operate under Joint Commission International standards. The first phase involves the construction of a 150-bed hospital that will provide tertiary care currently not available in the Cayman Islands, including open-heart surgery, cancer treatments, bone marrow transplants and organ transplants.

A 1,500-unit assisted living section, a hospital, a medical education facility, a medical research unit and wellness, rejuvenation and recovery facility, will be housed in 10 buildings, to be constructed over the next 15-years. The assisted living would be built over the next 10-years.

The benefits for the Cayman Islands includes access for Cayman residents to more medical care on the Island, unlimited employment opportunities, spending from medical tourists and training and education opportunities at the medical centre's medical university. The hospital expects to cater to 120 patients per day in its first year of operation and eventually expand to 1,400 a day when fully operational. Patients would stay on the island for an average of nine and a half days.

The medical tourism market is a niche market. Approximately 1.3 million Americans are expected to seek medical care outside of the United States this year. This number is projected to increase annually by 35 per cent.

The spinoffs identified for the Cayman economy is the tourism sector, restaurants, hotels, taxi drivers and other hospitality service providers. The medical tourism sector could become just as important as the timeshare sector on the island.

Roddy Heyliger

Only the people of a country can make it successful. Government has its obligations and duties, but it is the individual citizens that control the success. Read the Constitution and educate yourself as to what government is expected and obligated to do and then look at how far we have strayed, from the original intent. StMaarten was, still is, and has always been country of hand out. The general electorate in StMaarten believes and thinks it is the government obligation to feed them and take care of them. This manner of thinking from a handout mentality creates poverty by choice and alleviates personal responsibility which should be practice by all citizens. Handout mentality foster a careless life style because people is of the opinion no matter how I fail in life it is the government responsibility to take care of me. That is totally wrong and immoral. In the previous constitution before it was amended, it was said that government was to provide housing to all citizens which is an entitlement. Entitlement is the fact of having a right to something. This is in reality not possible; the burden to have a house is the responsibility of the individual. In our new constriction it is amended as Article 21

“2. The provision of adequate residential accommodation shall be a matter of constant concern for the government.” I do not see where it is said an entitlement, this part of the constitution is revise better. In my opinion it is wrong to tell people that government is responsible for their life, and then they will never practice personal responsibility. This kind of mentality creates handout and devalue the meaning and worth and self value of life. Government is to provide opportunity to give a better chance of enhancing your quality of life. Education I agree should be an entitlement but not housing. We are and will continue to fool ourselves asking government to do something which we know is impossible to do and is wrong to spoil or baby sit people. It is the government task in trying to make people more self reliant. Unfortunately in StMaarten we make people more dependants when we buy their vote, give them free money when they are unemployed. Government instead should be giving them food and clothes coupons to attain these necessities from specific groceries and clothing stores. We must always keep the pressure on people to try to provide for themselves, a social benefit is to help but never a way of life. People and the electorate of StMaarten have to understand we get the government we deserve when we accept lies and false promises from politicians we know for a fact that they cannot accomplish. Governments continue to deceive people when those that know better does not challenge and expose deceitfulness of government in power. We put political interest before love of country and therefore we become weak as a country and that foster personal interest which in most case become destructive to the vital interest of the country. The problem in StMaarten is the people. People are quick to go and fight for freeness and handout, but never willing to stand and speak out for what is of importance for the country in general. Until we stop the handout mentality only then StMaarten can foster a chance of a self reliant country.

Kevin James

Now comes the clincher. The Today continues in its article: "Omar J., who fled the scene of Wednesday's shooting in Dutch Quarter, is still on the run. He managed to hit his brother's suspected killer in his leg. Afterwards, he fled in the direction of Oyster Pond where he set the car in which he made his escape alight."
From this passage, one must conclude that it has been conclusively proven beyond any shadow of doubt that Omar J. was the one who shot at the Kittitian in the drive-by incident and fled the scene to destroy the vehicle he used in the act. Were that not to be the case – and as far as we know, none of these "facts" have been legally established yet – then the only other conclusion would be that the writer was a material witness who saw Omar J. shoot at the Kittitian in the leg, flee the crime scene and finally set the vehicle on fire! This is jaundiced reporting at best. No crime reporter worth his salt would write a paragraph like that about a case that is still sub judice, and no newspaper worth the name would publish such blatantly contemptuous reporting. The Judge of Instruction had not even heard the "suspect" yet for crying out loud!
Today could have been forgiven for a totally biased, unprofessional reporting that does not even qualify to be called "yellow journalism" were it not for the apparently systematic, consistent and persistent manner in which it publishes this kind of tendentious report or opinion. The newspaper seems bent on creating the impression that its only raison d'etre is to seek the downfall of prominent St. Martiners, whether they be ministers, heads of government departments or nominees whose past it dredges to disqualify them from new appointments. In fact, it gloats about its success in bringing down a minister, and obviously relishes the chance to distort the policies of another with whom it disagrees. This cannot be the Today I edited for over two years!
Responsible journalism requires that facts are checked and cross-checked before they are published, but also that local knowledge and sensitivity guide the treatment stories, especially crime stories, receive. How sensitive is it to claim, just a couple of days after his brother was laid to rest, that Omar J. actually shot the Kittitian suspect in the leg, just because the latter said so?
And how can someone, who has not even been described neither by the Police nor the Chief Public Prosecutor as a suspect in the drive-by shooting in Dutch Quarter, be "on the run" without any public notice that he was wanted by the authorities? I am certain that IF the authorities wanted Omar J. they knew where to look for him at least. Where did they look and who did they ask about his whereabouts?
It is not the role of any media to be judge, jury and hangman all at once. I still believe, and I'm sure many others share this view, too, that one of the fundamental tenets of justice is that EVERYONE is innocent until proven guilty. In murder or attempted murder cases, that proof must be beyond any shadow of doubt.
It is also true that, as the saying goes, justice delayed, is justice denied. Understaffing cannot be any excuse for a person to wait four months and more, especially after being hounded out of office, for the Prosecutor's office to press charges against them.
In the same vein, being considered for a new post cannot be enough reason for the Prosecutor's office to suddenly place a pending investigation on the priority list, when the candidate in question has been discharging an equally sensitive and high-profile function on behalf of the island for months, while their name is constantly mentioned to create the impression that they have committed some awful crime against humanity!
Furthermore, from a strictly journalistic point of view, basing opinions expressed by the editor of the newspaper on anonymous online blogs smacks of rumor-mongering. Would the Today publish a story based on an anonymous letter to the editor vilifying any prominent Dutch official, past or present?
All of these combined make it very HAAR(D) for me to remain silent. In fact, I have decided to find better use for the 50 cents I spend daily (US$3 weekly) buying the Today. And that is heart-wrenching for me given my past association with the paper.

Fabian Badejo

Conrad Patterson

This is a follow up to our response of Monday, Jul 5, 2011 to your email of Wednesday, June 29, 2011 in which you promise to meet with us.
In preparation for such a possible meeting, we respectfully propose you consider the following steps.
First of all, our grassroots movement is in no rush whatsoever to meet with you, or with whomsoever on the cause of the native, indigenous St. Martiners.
As a matter of fact, if all parties involved are not yet in the right state of mind, such a meeting might be just a matter of wishful thinking, because we are not prepared to meet for meeting-sake with you or with any other elected officials.
The state of mind we hereby refer to, is the genuine willingness and commitment to eventually amend-, or rewrite the constitution to recognize the existence of native, indigenous St. Martin people, the sacrifices made by our ancestors and to include guarantees for our existence as native, indigenous St. Martiners and rights to be 'first' at home.
As we stated before, if you Mr. MARLIN and/or any other elected officials anywhere on this island, feel some 'sacred' and/or higher calling to bend backwards to help- and reward illegal residents and their children - by all means, follow your heart.
As a mater of fact, in that case we recommend you feel free to even bring immigrants from Timbukto, Manchuria, or from other galaxies to the 'Friendly island' and to take on their plight.
That is no problem to us, although making sense, is quite another tale of course.
Where we draw the line in the sand, is that after you have 'doubled up while bending backwards', you fail or refuse to take care of our legitimate concerns about being wiped off the map in the process of helping the 'universe'.
Believe me, Mr. MARLIN, that will be the day.
So, in ending let us not rush to have any meeting just for having a meeting.
Rather, we recommend you really ask yourself if you are still willing to meet with us considering the steps/objectives, outlined above.
If not, no problem- be happy.
Certainly then the chips will fall, where they may.
Have a great day, honorable MP, Mr. Marlin,

Leopold JAMES

Without a doubt, your portfolio as Minister of Justice of St. Maarten is one of the most challenging and complicated of all in Government.
That is simply the case because, you inherited an immigration situation, which is extremely complex and which touches every sector and aspect of our community.
We also are of the opinion, that based on your very frank and professional approach, you should be capable of appreciating creative and 'out of the box' solutions to our immigration nightmare.
Clearly, the immigration challenge is a consequence of 'globalization', a process in which the movement of people in search of employment, has become a world-wide phenomenon.
One of the biggest challenges of the immigration issue, is that it is constituted of 'forces', which are, in and of themselves opposing in nature.
On the one hand, there is the natural desire of the host- or native population to preserve itself and thus to resist any threats to its way of life and its existence.
Consequently, uncontrolled levels of immigration have the potential to eventually result in xenophobia and to very undesired social confrontations.
On the other side of the immigration-equation, immigrants have certain social and infra-structural needs, as well as the legitimate need to have their human-rights protected.
Together, these opposing forces present any Government and community with an extremely delicate socioeconomic equilibrium.
Walking this tight-rope requires constant fine-tuning/adjustments.
This equilibrium can only be maintained, if any (major-)adjustment is off-set or compensated on the other side of the equation.
Now, what have we seen on the 'Friendly island' over the years ?
The host-population's side of the equation has systematically been ignored, eroded.
Not only by the explosive numbers of immigrants, but also by the birth-rate of these immigrants versus that of the native population.
Already, in that sense the 'socioeconomic scale' has gone completely 'berserk'
To make matters even worse for the natives, the lawlessness of immigrants has been 'rewarded' in various ways and it never seems to end.
Look at the very unfair competition of the 'gypsy' transportation versus that of the legal one.
What about compulsory education forcing extra expenses on the people of the land and in fact serving as a 'revolving door' for more illegals to enter the island.
Now the latest, BTA-disaster or conundrum.
It is in fact, the umpteenth form of 'amnesty' for illegals and probably not the last one either !
From the media and by just listening to the not so 'coded' message in your public statements, it is very clear that you will not deport those who are still illegal on the island, after all these chances.
For the record, their stay on the island now, according to laws of the land, is simply illegal. meaning that they should be deported.
Now, imagine, that as in the past, you once again intend to 'bend backwards' to that extent, that all those people who broke our immigration and other laws, will be rewarded by being allowed to stay here on the island.
The consequences are clear.
Once allowed to stay here, their 'children producing machinery' will again go into high gear, producing so many more 'born-here' children, only to hold us hostage in the future - again.
With limited space in schools, in the workforce etc., that can only lead to a life in crime and it all again comes 'full-circle'.
The point I am making here, Mr. Minister, is that this time, the 'scale' will not only tip too much to the disadvantage of the native St. Martin people, it might well completely break the scale, rendering our demise completely irreversible.
I hope you get the 'picture' and realize that it is not an acceptable one for the people of this land.
Therefore, the time has now come, to start taking care of the concerns, rights of we the native, indigenous St. Martin people.
And please, do not use any lame excuse, because if Government can bend backwards and reward illegal immigrants by giving them the same rights as us, then there is absolutely no reason not to finally - finally take care of us.
The consequences of not being fair to the St. Martin people whose heritage is anchored right here on this island, will come at a very high price, sooner or later.
So, while, we do not fundamentally disagree with you 'regulating' the rights of illegal immigrants, we absolutely expect you to bring balance, by making sure that for the first time in modern history, 'Charity starts at home'. for St. Martiners.
Nothing less will 'cut it'.

Respect,

Drs. Leopold JAMES

No-one said that being Minister of Justice of 'Country St. Maarten' is an easy job - it is not - not even by any stretch of imagination.
After all, since 'thrash' has been 'fed into the box' for decades, indeed, the same or worse quality trash will logically be the output.

And alas, so it is with the 'Friendly island'.
For years, the authorities have turned a very blind eye to the biggest and most detrimental threat to the very existence of its native population - the uncontrolled, flood of immigrants and their high production of offspring.
That process started long before your 'watch' as minister.
However, you are now in charge of justice and immigration and it is therefore your responsibility to find a solution.
While, keeping a very close eye on your policies, we also are of the opinion, that with all due respect for your colleagues, you are ostensibly the most experienced, competent and decisive of all ministers and members of Parliament.
Therefore, as St. Martin's grassroots nation building and unification movement, perhaps based on wishful thinking, we still hold out some hope that you will be able to come up with a very creative, solution based.
One based on a 'win-win' approach as it relates to the immigration situation and its enormous impact on the rights of indigenous St. Martiners to be preserved in their own land, as well.
We are prepared to offer you our assistance is so desired towards this end.
However, regardless of what you decide, here is our position.
Under no circumstances, can or will we support granting yet another form of amnesty under the guise of some 'regulation' to immigrants who made it their business to be here, by breaking our immigration laws and other laws as well, without the corresponding legal compensation to indigenous St. Martiners.
It can not be accepted, that Government can be pressured or bribed to reward illegal activities of immigrants, giving them ultimately the same rights as St. Martiners, without also rewarding St. Martiners for having being put at a very dangerous disadvantage of becoming an extinct species !
On Sunday last, during your interview with Mr. Eddy WILLIAMS, you mentioned the idea of 'Affirmative action' as such a means of protection.
While, we totally agree with you and admire you for mentioning this, we are of the opinion, that it should be part of a larger picture - our concept of the MARSHALL PLAN.
Clearly, you are faced with dealing with the 'BTA nightmare' or 'conundrum', for which we wish you much strength and wisdom.
However, again we implore you to realize that any regulation of illegal immigrant must be offset with special benefits for the St. Martin residents.
Not doing so, is a recipe for total disaster.
After all, we all know that, injustice breeds violence and criminality and we are very fast becoming the world's champion in those areas already.
Hoping to have made a constructive contribution towards this very complex issue, which will determine the very existence of all native, indigenous St. Martin people.

Leopold JAMES

This is to commend you for your interview on radio-station GBBC, with Mr. Eddy Williams, this Sunday morning, September, 19, 2011.
Not only were you very frank and realistic as far as the issues are concerned, but you set a very high standard as a minister in presenting your ideas.
While, I have been very critical of you in the past for ignoring our input as a grassroots St. Martin movement, it is only fair also to commend you for the very professional way you shared information with the public.
It was indeed very educational and inspiring as well !
Hopefully, it can serve as an example for others in Government as well.
Pertaining to the BTA issue now.
Indeed, you still do not have the solution to this aspect of our immigration nightmare.
Fact of the matter is, that no matter what decision you take to still 'regulate' offenders of the law, Government can not get around the moral, if not legal obligation to compensate and reward the St. Martiners, for having been left behind compared to those who came here illegally.
It is simply not right !
In other words, constantly finding excuses to grant illegal immigrants whatever permits, MUST be 'offset' by granting SXM'ers special rights in order to survive.
In that regards, thanks for the courage of finally mentioning the need for 'affirmative' action, or 'positive' discrimination.
It is the only way to bring about balance where such is non-existent in the socio-economic development of any society.
Respect,

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia

Upon request of Daniella JEFFRY, it is my privilege to inform the public of St. Martin and all St. Martiners abroad as well of the following;

Once more our own, great cultural-icon, historian and exemplary indigenous, St. Martin lady, Daniella JEFFRY, will be launching yet another publication-a revised version of her popular book '1963, A Landmark Year in St. Martin'.
Needless, to emphasize the precious value of the work of Daniella as source of information and education as well as source for the restoration of pride and dignity of our St. Martin people in their history, roots, cultural-heritage and by extension in themselves as a people.
More than ever, it is essential that Daniella can continue the work of documenting our history for posterity.
To be able for her to illustrate the latest publication she is currently working on with pictures, I would like to recommend persons, who still have old time
pictures in their possession, to consider sharing these with Daniella.
In particular names and photographs of people who lived on the island during the 1960's or before, including the events and activities they were involved in, will be very appropriate for the book.
In addition, pictures of homes, views, landscapes etc.of those days, will be very welcome in order to create a complete picture as possible of the way of life back during the Traditional Period in St. Martin.
The names of all the people who contribute with illustrations and other information will be mentioned as well in the book.
By involving St. Martiners in the publication of her book, the product in fact will also be a collective legacy of St.Martiners, many of whom have remained unknown, therefore unrecognized thus far.
It is evident, that the children and other descendants of the persons to be mentioned in her book, will feel proud and empowered realizing that their fore-parents played a role in the development of this island.

Email address; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thanks for your co-operation,
Leopold JAMES

Thanks very much for having invited me for an interview with you on your radio-program, yesterday, Monday, August 22, 2011.
I am very grateful to you for the opportunity you gave me to get my points across without any unnecessary interruption by you.
Many people, who listened to the interview, shared with me how they were impressed by how well prepared you were by asking the right questions.
Having said that, I also feel that I now it to your listeners and public in general as well to give more detailed information about our St. Martin ID-card.
In particular, about its many potential applications for its holders.
To this end, should you be prepared to invite me again, to answer these and more detailed questions on this matter from the public, it certainly would be my privilege to comply.
In ending, I once more express my appreciation and admiration for your potentials as a young St. Martiner and encourage you to capitalize on your God given gifts .

Respect,

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia

StMaarten is only 37 square miles and shared with 150 nationalities. The reality is that the native StMaarten people deserve not only recognition as a people but should get the Nobel prize for the tolerance of sharing 37 square miles with people of many different nationalities and Heritage in their own tiny promise land in this world. You will think that all people living here and born here and naturalize here will say thank you native StMaarteners for your wonderful contribution of human rights at the expense of terminating yourself. And it is unbelievable and ungrateful how some people think that standing and defending native people rights to be recognized is wrong. We native StMaarten people were and still have always been loving people. But what I love about our StMaarten heritage is we are much stronger than we think. Why we are so special is because what we allow to happen cannot and will not happen in any other country. You will have had fight and ethnic cleansing. Our ancestors always try to take the high road. But what our ancestors do not know is that sometimes you have no choice to confront and fight for what is an undeniable right of our native people. This is what I never understand, why will people come from far to fight us for our 37 square miles of promise land. Why not go fix their problem where they came from. The problem is not having guest, the problem is when the guest thinks or believe he is the host or owner. And that is the main problem in StMaarten. What is laughable is when some people say they love StMaarten but they go against the native StMaarten people and defend illegal immigrants. That is the pinnacle of hypocrisy. I also feel for the legal immigrants who come here legally and follow the laws and still get cast away for the illegal immigrants. They too are also victim of neglect and that is why many of them support our cause. Mr. Editor we have many sheep in wolf clothing here in StMaarten. We have people say they are real StMaarteners but these people fights the most against the native StMaarten people of being recognize, so you know where they heart lies. These are the people that does not like people like Leopold James, Jeffrey Richardson and Miguel Arrindell. These people are envious; it is because we have the courage to do what most people are afraid to do. In time the haters will be exposed and they will destroy their self for betraying their very own. The lord say there is no greater love than when men give their life for others. That's what you call love of country and being a good patriot. You see men like us are men of honor. You do not have to like us, we can care less, but what you cannot refute is what we are doing without any pay, but we do it for our love country which should be respected as honor. All those who hate us for protecting our 37 square miles of promise land and native people, in time they will understand what love of country is. We are genuine because no government or any group pay us to do what we are doing and we are not looking for any medal or money. But when the process is finish as you can see the noose is tightening all we expect is a big thank you for doing what our government did not do for StMaarten. The petty attacks on us will be forgiven. Our haters we will forget and then we will continue to walk the high road of honor. As a patriot of this 37 square mile of promise land it is always my pleasure to serve you. Most people are afraid to defend you for victimization, but greatness of the Lord can defeat anything that is negative. Country StMaarten your wonderful and your native people will soon be recognized, keep hope alive. Victory is around the corner.

The patriot Miguel Arrindell

Let me be honest here, it was said trash (Roy Marlin) was on a local TV talk show explaining why he wants to seek Dutch funding for illegal immigrants children.

When I last check the people of StMaarten voted for a government to represent them, instead trash (Roy marlin) is in pursue of foreign interest. What Mr. Trash should be doing is to seek Dutch funding and ways and means to upgrade our police force and to seek funding for more schools not forgetting our hospital in StMaarten. People like Roy marlin are rejects from Aruba that come here where they can be some one important in life. Instead of praising the StMaarten people and promoting the recognition of native StMaarten people in our constitution. Mr. Trash first and for most priority is to seek funding for immigrants children. Mr. Trash let me teach you some good old StMaarten Values.

You cannot milk a cow if you do not feed it, and charity begins at home. It is people like you who make StMaarten look like fools. Real Arubans unlike you who is wanabee told me if you were in Aruba you will never try that, because you will know the end results. I keep asking my self why our Prime Minister keep trash like you in her party. Madam Prime minister Sarah Westcott don't you think you should stop associating yourself with people that have no love for us. That man is a wicked and malicious man with only bad intentions for native StMaarten people. Ooh I forget another Marlin on the loose. Danger, bird of same feather flocks together. Mr. Trash is traveling on StMaarten taxpayer's expense to represent illegal immigrant's children, but that nasty trash will not fight to recognize the native StMaarten people in our constitution. Madame Prime Minister don't you feel guilty for having some one like that belittling your own native people. I give you and Mr. Heliger credit for blocking the motion to fund illegal immigrants, but I urge you to get trash out of your party, he only can do you harm. Further associating your self with Mr. Trash will be to your down fall. As a lady of StMaarten Heritage you must show respect to your ancestors. The conclusion madam prime minister will be you will have to show us if you are on the native StMaarten people side or is it the wanabee trash from Aruba. I hope you choose wisely and get trash out of StMaarten government.

Yours truly,

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

Dear Editor,

For the past years many people heard of Miguel Arrindell and ask what is his purpose and who is he. Well my native StMaarten people of heritage and fellow Dutch citizens I am, still is and will always be a patriot of StMaarten. Let me define myself to you now. A patriot loves his country but loves its people more. A patriot believes in his country and will stand up against injustice against its people. A patriot thinks not of himself but of his people and is willing to put himself on the line for those ideals and to better society. Think of our forefathers, think of those who history has recorded to have put their lives on the line so that we might have this country today. A patriot is someone that believes strongly in his principles, culture, and most of all country. A patriot is a good citizen and one who cares for his country. One who says the pledge with pride and loves their country. A patriot is a person will defend country for the right cause protect its native people and stand against any person or government without fair. A pledge is a solemn promise or undertaking, in my case to protect and defend or fight for native StMaarten people interest and all other people that feel and love StMaarten whether they may born here or naturalize Dutch citizens that love StMaarten and to see that justice is done and rewarded to them. That is why I fear no man but Jesus Christ and no politician can break me. I attack problem from a spiritual point of view and will fight relentless with one goal in mind that is victory and failure is never an option. If you for any reason be it a political party or politician attacks me rest assure it will be an everlasting fight until I die. For me it will never be over until justice is done. I am for the long run, I am a man of my word and I believe in duty, honor and country. So now you know whenever you read or hear of me, know the signature of Miguel Arrindell is a patriot. And yes I do have political aspirations, but that will be up to you the people.

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

Questions often arise as to what is a liberal? What is a conservative? What does it mean to support the Left? Or the Right? What does a certain political party stand for? Although some positions change over time and it's never good to make generalizations about what a certain group thinks. I will clarify some of the basic ideological definitions. Politicians have a wide range of opinions; thus, any particular leader doesn't necessary fit neatly into these categories.The original definition of a liberal was someone who advocated change, new philosophies, and new ideas. A conservative was someone who avoided change, instead preferring to stick to the tried and true. In modern times, these definitions have expanded to include a wide set of political beliefs (which are defined below). To be Leftist or agree with the Left political point of view is synonymous with being liberal. To be Rightist or agree with the Right political point of view is synonymous with being conservative. The Left and Right terms were created because political ideology is viewed on a continuum. For example, if you agree more with liberal ideas, you're considered more Leftist in your thinking, and if you agree more with the conservative, you're considered more rightist in your thinking. The difference in political ideology: on abortion Liberals Pro choice, Conservative Prolife (Christian Values). On healthcare, Liberals believe make 100 percent government controlled. Conservative believes de-regulate and introduce free market reform. In business: Increase regulation, Conservative ease regulation and keep government out of business. On crime protect the rights of the accused first and foremost, Conservative provide maximum punishment and protect the rights of the victim first and foremost. On the issue Samesex marriage, Liberals believe Legalize, Conservative believe it must be ban (Christian Values). On Religion, Liberals maintain separation of church and state; prevent faith-based government initiatives. Conservatives maintain separation of church and state but introduce more religion in schools; allow faith-based government initiatives(Christian Values) .On Death penalty, Liberals believe it must be Ban, Conservative believe it should be maintain. On Gun control, Liberals believe in Ban, Conservative protect gun ownership, every man must have the right to protect himself because we are living in an imperfect world. On minimum wage, Liberals believe it should be increase. Conservative, do not believe in a minimum wage or maximum wage they believe in performance determine a man earnings. On social security (pension), Liberals increase age of beginning eligibility (e.g. 68 or 70); increase salary limits subject to tax. Conservative believes privatize; i.e. allow citizens control over their own money and allow stock investments. On taxes Liberals increase taxes, especially on the rich. Conservative cut taxes, especially on businesses that invest and hire because they create jobs and not government. On unions, workers should be unionized wherever possible, even if it means mandatory joining of a union to work at a place. Conservatives believe unionization should be limited, and workers should never be forced to join. Physician assisted suicide, Liberals believe it should be allow, Conservatives believe it must be prevented. Immigration, Liberals believe prevent the creation of a national ID card & database to track people in the country. Conservatives create a national ID card & database to track people in the country. On government size, increase the government and use more socialistic policies. Conservatives reduce the government and use more capitalistic, free-market policies. On personal Responsibility, Liberals believe government needs to protect people from themselves. Conservatives believe people should be responsible and be held accountable for their own actions. I hope you now have a better understanding of which side of the political spectrum you are. And now you may know if you are a conservative or a liberal. Conservatives are usually people of Christian values. And Liberals tends to be less in favor of Christian values. As human beings we all must respect each other's views even if we disagree. I leave it up to you to determine if DP, UPP or NA is liberal or conservative. Political ideology is not an American thing it exists in most countries of the world. I Miguel Arrindell am definitely a conservative. I believe only God our creator can do as he is please, and no man or government has the right to regulate sin and make it legal or make wrong right. For an example abortion and samesex marriage. However, I must continue to love all people. That is a commandment from God.

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia

It is with a sincere sense of appreciation and gratitude that I hereby publicly wish to thank you.
Reason being, that morally, I can not, and will not move on with the launching of our new website, without thanking you for allowing me to fill the 'gap', in which our own website was under (re-)construction.
You have been a real colleague in the very important sector of alternative journalism to me.
Every request to attend a certain function, to publish an article, a letter to the editor, pictures, you name it, you always graciously complied with, whenever you could.
Consequently, your site has made it possible for us to maintain a sufficient level of contact with our readers.
As administrator of our site, which will be soon launched, I thank you once more.
Over the years that I have got to know you, Bibi, I have learned to admire your drive to get at the bottom of issues, many rather no even broach.
As a woman, you have proven to have lots more 'fortitude' than your male counter-parts.
In return for helping us out Bibi, I promise to reciprocate any future request for assistance from you, as long as such does not conflict with our own mission statement and our interests in general.
Furthermore, I look forwards towards an even more professional and creative cooperation with you, while respecting each other's journalistic work.

In ending, we invite you and your readers to also read and interact with our website (www.stmartinnation.org <http://www.stmartinnation.org> ), expected to be launched around December 19 of December.

Thanks once more and with respect,

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia The grassroots St. Martin nation building- & unification movement.

Entire tracts of land have been seized in this fashion, and all attempts to correct the falsification of the records and the return of seized land to its rightful owners have failed, as the Cadastre Department appears to be above the law. Rumors about irregularities at the Cadastre have been circulating on this island for years and no one has seen fit to investigate this corrupt Government organization. There are hardworking, dedicated employees working there, but there also are and were, corrupt individuals in that organization.

Many people have reported losing their land based on records "not being found", or being advised to, "Be content with the little piece you have". Some have done this, based on the time consuming run around they get from the Cadastre Department, and also on the huge financial burden it would place on an already strained budget. Paying a lawyer a hundred dollars for a consultation when you have hungry mouths to feed is not a hard decision to make, you feed your children.

Land was bequeathed to the Bisdom Willemstad, Curacao many years ago. The location of the land in question is described down to the very last centimeter. The names of the property owners bordering the Bisdom property are clearly mentioned in the deed. There is no doubt where the land is. There is also no question as to the size of the parcel of land. Yet the Cadastre Department has moved this land at will (on paper), they have enlarged it when necessary, given out Meetbriefs to people of their choosing, all with apparent complete impunity.

Carpenters can glance at a length of wood and estimate its length within a centimeter. Mechanics can unerringly choose the right size socket or wrench for any nut or bolt. Yet, seasoned land surveyors can't look up a hillside and estimate its size? I doubt that seriously.

The head of the Cadastre Department has on several occasions tried to intimidate me by charging me exorbitant amounts of money for reports and time he claimed to have worked, but when I tried to pay him, there was no report to deliver. I was also threatened that I would be charged in advance, anytime I stepped into the Cadastre office, for whatever reason, but that also did not deter me from seeking the truth regarding my ancestor's property, until on my last visit he refused to see me regarding this matter. I can only draw one conclusion, somebody is hiding something. Somebody does not want the truth to be exposed as to what has been going on in the belly of the Cadastre Department. I am leaving it up to you, the Public Prosecutors to find out what they are hiding.

Cordially,

Francis D. Hodge

Just to make one quote from that open letter.

'Dear Cousin, I also told you, that politicians better become aware that the social 'environment' on the island, is changing, deteriorating...rapidly and that politicians should not 'take people for granted anymore'.
In ending, my dear cousin, you will now have to lie down in the bed you made up for yourself, just for the sake of serving two masters in order to make and extra 'buck'.
Those now, in office, who still live in the past, better realize that we are living in a completely different world and that change can 'explode' abrubtly, with profound consequences.
They better, with a sense of urgency, read and interpret the signs on the wall with precision.
Have a nice weekend.

Cousin Leopold
The 'crazy'-, but very independently thinking JAMES, who does not 'suck up' to 'Massah'.

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia

In my opinion it is our government who is the spine of our society. Yes, we determine who represent us and we determine who needs to get the hell out of Dodge, but the structure and representation lies in government's hands. Without saying that certain government officials are guilty of criminal acts, some severe accusations have been made and have to be dealt with. How can the public have faith in a government who is mixed up in all kinds of scandals like vote buying, illegal land schemes, abuse of power and self-enrichment on the backs of the people?

In order to have a strong government and strong leadership, the public must have faith in their leaders and senior civil servants. Chaos and anarchy will take place if there is no trust in the leaders of a country. This could also result in mass demonstrations, may they be peaceful or not, demanding of government to make way for a new breed of leaders.

Now is the time that the prosecutor's office sets its priority on clarifying all the rumors and accusations. Those who are guilty have to be (severely) punished and those who are innocent should be able to continue to function in the interest of the people. This is the only way to regain stability. If not, our so-called representatives might have something coming to them what they would not expect.

Have a great day,

Sjaoel "Shooz" Richardson

Signed,

B. Richardson

The continuous reporting about different crimes on this little island made me wonder how bad Sint Maarten is off. I therefore went on Internet and searched for statistics on crime from three major American cities: Los Angeles, Miami And New york.

I didn't expect, of course, that the crime situation on Sint Maarten would be anywhere close to these cities known in movies to be full of violence. For example: did you now that the murder rate in 2009 in Los Angeles was 7.1 killings per 100,000 residents, that New York had a murder rate of 5.1 killings per 100,000 residents and Miami having one of the highest murder rates in the US of 19.2 killings per 100,000 residents in 2009? Oh, by the way: the US itself had an average murder rate of 7 killings per 100,000 residents in 2009. Looking at these numbers I must say that I am glad that I live in Sint Maarten.

Oops!! Wrong conclusion!! Sint Maarten has about 45,000 registered residents and we had 10 killings so far for the year what would take the murder rate to 22.2 killings per 100,000 residents!! To make things even worse, we are only in the 8th month of the year. So if we would calculate the murder rate on Sint Maarten based on these eight months, we would have a murder rate of 33.3 killings per 100,000 residents!! This would mean to say that our murder rate is more than 1.5 times higher than Miami's murder rate, more than 4.5 times higher than Los Angeles' murder rate and even more than 6 times higher than New York's murder rate!!

Welcome to the friendly island where rape, robbery, theft, drug dealing, killing, molesting etc are obviously the most normal things to take place on a daily basis. Increase the penalties for crimes committed against tourist is of course the solution. Why do something about the statistics? As long the tourist is not involved it seems that it doesn't matter. Food for thought!!

Have a great day,

Sjaoel "Shooz" Richardson

I was quite shocked reading an article in The Daily Herald heading "Crime against tourists may attract stiffer penalties soon". I am definitely in favour of any measure what could result in a decrease in crime. Stiffer penalties and a three-time strike out are measures I support to the fullest.

But now here comes the joke:....."The Attorney General and Chief Prosecutor were instructed on Thursday to draft a "two-prong" policy that would increase the punishment meted out to perpetrators of crimes against tourists. The policy will use the definition of a "tourist" from the Law on Admittance and Expulsion".....Besides the fact that it seems to be possible to define a tourist and not a Sint Maartener (I leave this open door for others to kick in) I am really upset that it seems that you need to be from somewhere else to be protected. Basically you are telling a crook: "Crime is not good, but if you want to commit a crime......rob a Sint Maartener citizen!!". Are you out of your mind?!?

After asking the rhetorical question "Are you out of your mind?" I went on reading:....."The FCCA is "very adamant" on seeing an increase in punishment for crimes against tourists, Duncan said. It has made similar recommendations to other Caribbean countries, but no one is taking them seriously".....Duuuuh!! Which self-respecting country would protect others more than their own people?

All I have to say is this: DO NOT MAKE ME A SECOND CLASS CITIZEN IN SINT MAARTEN!!! Those who would vote in favour of such a ridiculous law have to face the consequences.

Dun wid it!!

Have a great day,

Sjaoel "Shooz" Richardson

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

With the help of her son, she has built a website, which really offers our people a platform through which they can freely choose any topic to express themselves with, without being 'interrupted' by a host and to solicit debate.
I therefore thank her and highly recommend her for offering this incredible service to the people of the island and outside of the island.
In addition, this would not have been possible however without the steadfast input of serious, controversial 'debate-material' by many of those who comment as well.
Whether those comments are complimentary or negative towards the various authors of articles and letters to the the site, using this 'platform' is clearly challenging 'talk' radio- and/or t.v., like never before
In that sense, we are witnessing a 'paradigm-shift' and the end is not in sight by any emans.
It goes without saying, that if 'talk'-radio and/or t.v. are to survive as relevant platforms, they might need a complete 'metamorphosis' to accomplish such.
If not, their route to the 'Museum of technological artifacts' might be very short.
In ending the grassroots St. Martin nation building hopes to continue contributing towards this process in a variety of ways.

Leopold JAMES

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia

Enough of this strategic voting because, it is a majority party decision. Also, don't let an opposition just oppose; all must contribute to strengthen the budget. We are too small of an island to have so many "Califes qui veulent etre Calife a la place du Calife".
I have relocated to Singapore for business and they have recently celebrated their 46th year as a country. Take a close look at what they accomplished in that time. Spare a thought of why they did it, and we can't. Like us they had no natural resource. Let's look outside of Saint-­‐Martin and find what works.
Immediate priorities -­‐ we need a strong fiscal agency, to strategize, enforce, and manage the backbone of our economy. Our income revenue system.
We need a diverse economy that strengthens and develops our riches (being our island's natural beauty, our culture, our people and mostly our children's.); one that listens to its local actors – The current local companies that believed in us and mostly makes it a welcoming island to potential investors and entrepreneurs. Saint-­‐Martin needs to offer the most to all, in a protective manner, so no Saint-­‐Martiner could be left behind.
We took the electoral route of responsibility by becoming a Collectivity; let us start to appreciate the real meaning of that word and aim to be one of the best Collectivities by balancing its expenses with its income.

Yours truly,

Jean-Marc Vermot de Boisrolin

Leopold JAMES
President grassroots St. Martin nation building and unification movement.

Giving those people firearms really is not a responsible action. Do I believe that most people should be allowed to be armed? Yes. However, I would not give legal access to firearms to the people I have just described. Therefore, we would need to implement a sensible licensing system as a temporary measure until these issues are resolved. If we are going to allow responsible citizens to be armed, we should also introduce severe penalties (such as the death penalty) on those who commit murder or other violent crimes, with or without firearms.

This will create two deterrents to criminals and violent gang members - the possibility of being killed by an armed victim, and severe punishment if they succeed in committing the crime but subsequently are arrested and convicted of the death penalty offence. It is not difficult to stop guns getting into the hands of criminals; it is impossible. This is something that people in St. Maarten should really start accepting as fact so that we can start to deal with the problem. Unfortunately, many people in this country are still desperately clinging on to the idea that if we make gun laws strict enough then criminals will eventually start obeying them. In an ideal world, this is what I would like to see, but the truth is it is never going to happen.

No matter how hard we try, we will never have a society where criminals do not have ready access to firearms. When weapons cannot be purchased legally, the bad guys arrange to have them smuggled into the country and then buy them illegally. They'll get them any way they can, so why not give the victims a chance as well? We've tried a total ban as a means of reducing armed crime, but that failed massively. Then we tried the approach of minimum sentences, which has proven to be equally ineffective. The biggest problem is that most of the people that support gun control seem blind to the fact that the laws they protect and the new laws they pass are always ignored by criminals. Tightening gun laws further will not solve the problem, as criminals really don't care if the government says they can't do something.

For this reason, we now need to try a different approach to this problem. One thing that firearms do effectively is to equalize those who are unequal. Take an elderly person, a pregnant mother or someone weak or disabled because of serious health problems. People made vulnerable by situations outside of their control are always victimized by cowardly rapists, burglars and street criminals due to the massive power advantage that the fit and able-bodied criminal has over his victim. Firearms remove this massive advantage and create a "level playing field". The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.

Peter Gunn

Honourable President,

By electronic mail dated September 25th with a heading that states « exchanges with the Presidency of the Republic », you have kindly copied to me (and also to other elected officials) your correspondence with the President of the Republic regarding the issues concerning the financial compensation of the COM for the new obligations and the present financial difficulties that our young Collectivité was confronting. Yet, as I was opening the attached files, I noticed that you inadvertently sent the same document twice, namely your letter dated July 20th, but failed to copy the reply that you have apparently received.
Recently, as I was surfing the net and more specifically a local news website, I noticed that the document that was missing was actually online there – the reply issued by M. Guillaume LAMBERT, the adviser to the President of the Republic.
The reply from the Presidency's offices, some 10 months after your urgent solicitation and some 2 months after your urgent reminder, leaves me wondering, alarmed and stunned.
Allow me a quick recap. Mister President, as we noticed the absence of consideration given by the conclusions of the Committee in charge of evaluating the new responsibilities of this Collectivité, amongst which were obligations for which the Commune collected allowances (allowances attributed by the legislator and funded by a tax – the Octroi de Mer – collected and paid, in Guadeloupe), in the name of my group, RRR, on January 9th, 2009, we have had a deliberation taken and voted which authorized you to take all necessary measures against the state and its services, and it also gave you mandate to call the state before the Court of justice to safeguard and defend the financial interest of this Collectivité. Since the voting of that deliberation, – whether during executive council meetings or during territorial council meetings – we have regularly reminded you and requested from you an update of the actions taken in that regard.
According to your letter (copied to me), it is only by November 12, 2010 that you have finally decided to file a formal complaint to the President of the Republic in which you requested his urgent intervention as referee in the various litigations that opposed the COM to the State.
Considering the silence, the indifference of the Presidency of the Republic to your request (the absence of acknowledgement of receipt of your formal request and worse yet, the absence of a reply), considering the fact that from a legal standpoint it had been more than three to four months that you had formed your request, according to your letter, it is then that you « decided to express your petitions by other ways, namely by way of a legal action".
Let us analyze your proceedings:
- Letter to the President of the Republic dated November 12, 2010 (final formal complaint),
- Then probably somewhere around July 4th, legal action before the Council of State,
- Then a reminder to the Presidency of the Republic by July 20 requesting His « kindest intervention... my Collectivité more than ever needs your assistance » (complaint with a supplication on bended knees),
Would your willingness to provide information on the reply you received, be a clearly indication that you had no idea of what was being concocted behind your back in matters regarding your exclusive competency as head of the executive and legitimate representative of the Territorial Council and Collectivité of Saint-Martin ?
I cite the reply you received from the President's offices « On this matter, I can assure you that the offices of the Presidency of the Republic have been, for several months now, diligently working on this matter in direct collaboration with M. Louis-Constant FLEMING, Senator of St-Martin (...). Furthermore, the Head of the State has requested from his advisor M. (...) that he meets with you on these matters. I therefore ask, if you so wish, that you contact his secretariat (...) ».
Mister President, I am alarmed, worried and stunned by the manner in which the authority that you are supposed to embody has been treated (or has agreed to be treated) and worse yet, I am appalled by the image that you provide of St-Martin and by the feeling that is derived from the manner in which this dossier has been treated.
How should one understand and admit that in their disregard for you, the offices of the Presidency of the Republic have dealt and worked with the Senator on dossiers that are of your exclusive competency when he had not been mandated by you and you have not even been informed?
I presume, Mister President, that had you mandated the Senator, you would have known that negotiations and discussions were ongoing for the past months and, Sir, you would not have risked being ridiculous by initiating a legal action and reminding the President of the Republic on a matter that had been receiving the highest attention for several months from the Palace of l'Elysée.
Mister President, please explain to the elected officials and to the population,
- In which capacity and according to which mandate Senator L-C FLEMING intervened exclusively (without your knowledge and backing) in this dossier?
- Following your visit in Paris this week, could you be so kind as to let us know what is the true progress that has been made in this matter, the strategy chosen, the arguments as well as the points of law used as the basis for your plea and to win this case in court?
Our Collectivité, Mister President, can no longer continue to excel in being ridiculous and the authority and the executive power which you embody can no longer be treated and considered as the last wheel of the carriage.
While await your prompt reply,

I remain yours respectfully,

St-Martin, September 28, 2011.
Alain RICHARDSON
Président du groupe RRR.

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

With respect,

Leopold JAMES

drs. Leopold JAMES
President of the grassroots St. Martin People's movement.

I would like to point out to you a unique situation on the Caribbean island called Sint Maarten/Saint Martin. It started out as a rumor, but the many sightings and confirmations are overwhelming. Without a doubt we can now state that there is a massive development of new species on the island, mainly rats. I will give you short list out of the many new breed of rats spotted on this island:

Concrete-Eating-Rats:
These species make a habit of eating whole neighborhoods (streets, houses, hotels, etc).

10%-Rats:
Unbelievable but true, rats who are able to consume 10% of all profits on the island.

25%-Rats:
Rats who will eat their own and protect other rats.

Jump-Ship-Rats:
These are big fat rats who hardly can jump, but still manage to maneuver their selves from one ship to another.

Windward-Road-Rats:
An MNO species what lives in the same habitat as the Concrete-Eating-Rats and providing the latter with enormous meals.

Parliamentarian-Rats:
Rats which are said to be invisible.

Speech-Rats:
Rats who are actually giving speeches to other rats. Human beings stay far away from these species.

Judas-Rats:
A very dangerous species, they pretend to be nice pets, but are in fact awful monsters.

There are many more rats, but I am inviting you to come see it for yourself. It is truly unbelievable and you will find this nowhere in the world.

Have a great day,

Sjaoel "Shooz" Richardson

More and more people know the feeling of being helpless. More and more people are becoming victims of crime. What if one could have defended his or her property with a gun? What if a robbery could have been avoided by gun carrying witnesses? Not to mention all kinds of other horrible crimes that law-abiding citizens carrying a gun possibly could have prevented.

One thing is for sure: there are a lot of pro's and con's when it comes to legalizing guns for law-abiding citizens. Unfortunately, too often we hear of a mad man or woman making amok with all kinds of weapons. Too often we see horrible pictures of innocent bystanders, sometimes children, with the most horrible gun shot wounds afflicted by stray bullets. Or what about all the accidents that happen with guns accidentally going off?

Looking at Washington D.C., for years murder capital of the United States and where they have strict gun control, you can see that shootings don't decrease by making guns illegal. Last week in New York more than three dozen people got shot in less than forty eight hours during the Labor Day festivities. Now they also want stricter gun control in New York.

On Sint Maarten we have an increase in crime, jail is full and our police force is understaffed. If we had a trustworthy government and a reliable justice system I think that I would feel safe and secure enough and might only have had a bat next to my bed "just in case". With the current crime situation, however, I sure would feel better with my friend Magnum around the house. If anything bad should happen, I don't have to face anybody with a potato cutter.

I don't want more guns on the streets, but I also want to secure myself, my family and friends and my belongings. To gun or not to gun...that's the question.

Have a great day,

Sjaoel "Shooz" Richardson

1. Late December 2010 Minister Heyliger stated that the airport is in a "very good financial position" and is mentioning making new investments for the high-end visitor.
2. Answering questions from MP Pantophlet early March 2011, Minister Shigemoto is stating that it would not be wise to sell shares of government owned companies to balance the 2011 budget. It would not be a structural solution.

At the same time, the employees at the airport haven't received any increase comparable with the increase of the indexation figures over the last couple of years (2006 & 2007 2,3% - 2008 4,6% - 2009 0,7% and 2010 3,2% and with the increase in ToT and gasoline prices and slow economic growth we can now expect a tremendous increase in the indexation figure for 2011). The CLA at the airport has expired as of December 31, 2010. Negotiations will soon take place for another CLA.

The dollar that the airport has, seems to be going into the direction of investments and pay-out of dividends to government. Is it justifiable to have a "wage freeze" for the workers at the airport? The civil servants and teachers have gotten their 3,3% (5,5% total) increase of their salaries based on the fact that the burden of balancing a budget should be carried by all and not a few. I know that our leaders sold us the idea that there would be money in abundance when it would not be sent to Curacao. I also understand that investments are needed to push for economic growth.

Based on the above mentioned I conclude that the employees at the airport deserve their increase in salaries in the new CLA and should government show their competence by looking for other ways to increase their revenues and cut their expenses.

I am referring in this article to the employees working at the airport, but has government taken notice of the many labor disputes in 2011? Are all laborers wrong? Are all employers wrong? Everybody is hurting "big time", but our "representatives" are flying all over the place and wasting our money while collecting fat salaries. In another article I will elaborate on the cost of living, but for now I say to our "representatives": when you come back from your un-deserved vacation, start working for your money!!!

Have a great day,

Sjaoel "Shooz" Richardson

Nation-building refers to the process of constructing or structuring a national identity (Native StMaarten identity or people of StMaarten heritage) using the power of the state. And that power of the state is recognition of the native people of that country. This process aims at the unification of the people within the state so that it remains politically stable and viable in the long run. Nation-building can involve the use of propaganda or major infrastructure development to foster social harmony and economic growth. Originally, nation-building referred to the efforts of newly-independent nations, notably the nations of Africa, to reshape colonial territories that had been carved out by colonial powers without regard to ethnic or other boundaries. These reformed states would then become viable and coherent national entities. The word ethnic means relating to or characteristic of a human group having racial, religious, linguistic, and certain other traits in common or in other words identity or Heritage. For example people of StMaarten Heritage and culture. First, it's better if the nation is united with a strong national identity. It hurts if the country is torn into factions (e.g., among ethnic groups). In order to that all groups can be proud of their heritage but must agree that the official identity must be of people of StMaarten Heritage and recognize officially in the constitution. All people that truly love StMaarten want a comfortable and happy life. In case of native and born here and naturalize people in StMaarten it is a sum of two things, personal happiness and better environment. Personal happiness can be obtained in a variety of ways. Basically one becomes happy when one is contented or at peace with oneself. We will talk about how to become happy and contented later on. Environmental improvement is what I call nation building. It is the enabling environment which makes you feels happy to live in, work in and just be a part of it. This environmental happiness also gives us a sense of belonging, makes us feel proud of our surroundings and gives us a sense of ownership. If we create a happy environment for our work and living then we will make this country a great place to live. Each one of us should therefore work towards improving our immediate environment so that it becomes nice and cheerful. Then we will be genuinely proud to be a part of it. And just like all who comes here want to fit in and be a part of even more so for the people of StMaarten heritage. That is why coming together only can happen when point of origin is acknowledge meaning recognizing which was there from the beginning. To understand the concept of nation-building, one needs to have some definition of what a nation is. Early conceptions of nation defined it as a group or race of people who shared history, traditions, and culture, sometimes religion, and usually language. The people of a nation generally share a common national identity and part of nation-building is the building of that common identity. Some distinguish between an ethnic nation, based in (the social construction of) race or ethnicity, and a civic nation, based in common identity and loyalty to a set of political ideas and institutions, and the linkage of citizenship to nationality. In conclusion the nation building in StMaarten must compliment and be beneficial to people of StMaarten Heritage while leaving room of inclusion as those who wants to be included understand where loyalty should be to and recognize originality of who is StMaarten. Only when a nation is build in the right and justify manner only then it can last. Failure not to recognize people of StMaarten Heritage in the constitution will lead to catastrophic social problems. It is simply once people of StMaarten are recognize we all move and live happily together. The question Mr. Editor is why some people will not want to recognize originality when it is a norm everywhere. If people who say they love StMaarten truly love StMaarten they will be more than glad to do that and let the country move on peacefully. For that is the whole purpose of Nation building. Remember we do not include to be excluded. I love this country until I die and it is worth fighting for it to do justice to our native StMaarten people of Heritage and all other who comes here.

Yours truly,

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

Aline CHOISY

Today for specialized care, individuals are sent to other Caribbean islands (Guadeloupe, Martinique), Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, South America (Venezuela, Colombia), the United States or Europe. The costs are very high especially in the US and Europe besides the psychological costs to the person who is in a foreign country. You don't have anybody to greet you; no family at your side or to visit; language may be an issue, and all this adds to the stress of recovery an wellness.

Having specialized care on the island takes that burden away where you remain amongst family and that helps towards a quick recovery.

Secondly, another aspect of not having specialized care on the island especially for young country Sint Maarten which now has its own health insurance system, is the overseas expense. When you send an individual abroad, you have the added costs of airfare, hospital and specialized treatment. If you have a family member traveling with you, that is an additional expense of airfare, a hotel, meals, transportation etc. These will costs millions on an annual basis while it would mean less if the person could be treated on the island and a savings for our health insurance system and sector.

Thirdly, people with life-threatening injuries and illnesses need critical care. Critical medical care after an accident or falling ill is key to whether you will recover fully or not. Having additional facilities on the island will be a tremendous step forward in this area.

Other plus benefits for the resident population and those seeking medical care from abroad are that there would be no waiting periods. For example, a hip replacement in Britain, can be up to a year or more while in medical tourism destinations such procedures can be done almost immediately and for the fraction of the costs.

Insurance is another factor in medical tourism when persons choose a foreign country for a medical procedure. Some orthopedic operations, especially knee and hip replacements, are often not covered by health insurance. As a result, orthopedic surgery has emerged as one of the main treatments performed overseas due to the low cost. The cost savings can be up to 90 per cent.

Another added benefit is adding some travel and adventure where your medical trip is also a relaxing vacation period following the medical procedure. Medical tourism destinations promote this aspect just as much as the quality and cost of their healthcare.

Sint Maarten has much to benefit from the development of medical tourism. The benefits for the island besides medical access for residents are employment opportunities, business for restaurants, hotels, taxi drivers and other hospitality service providers.

Roddy Heyliger

Like many people who live on one side of the island and keep bank accounts on both sides, I inquired at the Windward Island Bank why I was no longer receiving my Speedy Deposit receipts back in the mail, as was the case before. (these deposit envelopes you fill up and drop in a box to save time).

Imagine my surprise to hear that the bank destroys them because it has become too much work to mail back. So our bank is taking it upon themselves to destroy legally required receipts without our permission or knowledge. Who gave the bank permission to destroy my source legal proof of that transaction between me and the bank? I certainly didn't, nor would I.

So why isn't there an uproar about this? Could it be people don't know? Maybe in their line of business they don't want any records? Maybe people don't care.

Well in case you do want your receipts I was politely informed that we have a month to call in to pick them up otherwise they are torn up. I wonder how many users of Speedy Deposit know about this when they use the service? It sure is not published in any of the bank's promotional material. Did I miss out receiving notification of this change in policy on unclaimed receipts? Is this the case of the bank doing as it pleases?

Being that I live on the French side, I cannot be sure if this policy applies only to non-residents or Dutch side as well. Please add a comment to Bibi's wonderful web site, so we can all know.

Concerned WIB Customer

Yours truly,

Miguel Arrindell

Six months of collecting 50 percent of the current fuel clause would be a small price for GEBE to pay in order to make up for what it has been doing to the people of St.Maarten for years. That is, "overcharging its consumers to compensate for very poor management", not my words, but those of GEBE's own Supervisory Board.

Looking back in time, there was a big scandal involving a former GEBE engineer who was tampering with the clients' meters to lower their bills for a fee. The customers involved paid restitution to GEBE for, in local parlance, "theifing" electricity in order to avoid prosecution. Now that it has come to light that GEBE has been "theifing" from its customers by inflating the actual cost of the fuel it uses via the fuel clause mechanism, shouldn't they be required to make restitution to their victims, the people of St.Maarten?

All over the world restitution is a common requirement meted out in court decisions both civil and criminal. One legal definition describes restitution as "the equitable remedy of restoring to an aggrieved party that, which was obtained in unjust enrichment". Now I'm not a lawyer, but the manner in which GEBE has been allowed to profit from its fuel clause, certainly sounds like unjust enrichment to me. Whether the courts would agree, that remains to be seen.

Having already lost in court once with the case brought by The Westin Hotel over its application of the fuel clause, I would think GEBE would be seeking to avoid any future litigation. So yes, the opportunity to adopt the NA motion and thus temporarily placate its entire customer base was certainly a missed one indeed.

Andy Croxall

drs. Leopold JAMES
President St. Martin Grassroots Nation Building Movement.

Of course it is me again, who else ?
Leopold JAMES
The proud, non apologetic James.

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia

I here present proof of our sister Caribbean island of Anguilla, where they define who is an Anguillan. http://www.gov.ai/documents/Anguilla%20Constitution%20Draft%202009.pdf. Chapter 11 part 105. It goes as follow defining who is an Anguillan.

Belonger Status

105. (1) There shall be an Anguillan Belonger Status Commission (hereinafter

referred to as the Commission) the composition and function of which shall,

subject to the provision of this section be prescribed by law.

(2) For the purposes of this Constitution a person shall be regarded as

belonging to Anguilla if that person-

(a) is born in Anguilla and at the time of the birth his father or mother is or

was a British Overseas Territories Citizen (or a British Dependent

Territories Citizen, Citizen of The United Kingdom and Colonies or

British Subject) by virtue of birth, registration or naturalization in Anguilla

or by virtue of descent from a father or mother who was born in Anguilla;

(b) is born outside Anguilla of a father or mother who is a British Overseas

Territories Citizen (or a British Dependent Territories Citizen, Citizen of

The United Kingdom and Colonies or British Subject) by virtue of birth in

Anguilla or descent or who belongs to Anguilla by virtue of birth in

Anguilla or descent;

(c) is a person born in or outside of Anguilla with a grandparent

who was born in Anguilla and who belongs to Anguilla by birth or

descent or who, if deceased, would if alive, so belong to Anguilla; or

(d) is a child adopted in Anguilla by a person who belongs to Anguilla by

birth or descent;

20[ (e) is domicile in Anguilla, has been ordinarily resident in Anguilla for.

(e) is domicile in Anguilla, has been ordinarily resident in Anguilla for not

less than 15 years, and has been granted belonger status by the

Commission.; Such a person must apply to the Anguilla Belonger Status

Commission for a grant of Anguillian belonger status, which grant may

be withdrawn at any time on conviction of an indictable offence.

(f) is a person who is married to a belonger for a period of not less than 7 years. Such person must apply to the Anguilla Belonger Status

Commission for a grant of belonger status, which grant may be

withdrawn at any time on conviction of an indictable offence,]

(g) Was born outside Anguilla and has satisfied the Commission that his

father or mother was born in Anguilla and is regarded (or if deceased,

would if alive be regarded) as belonging to Anguilla by virtue of this

subsection;

20 To be discussed

(h) a person with a great-grandparent who was born in Anguilla and who is

regarded as being a belonger by virtue of this or any previous

Constitution, provided that person has been living (i.e. physically present)

in Anguilla for a continuous period of 5 years and his absences from

Anguilla do not exceed a total of ninety (90) days in each of those years,

save for good and sufficient cause. Such a person must apply to the

belonger Status Commission for a grant of belonger status, which grant

may be withdrawn at any time on conviction of an indictable offence.

(3) An application for belonger status under subsection (2) (e) (f) (g) and (h)

of this section may be refused in any case in which the Commission is

satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for refusing the application in the

interests of defence, public safety, public morality or public order.

(4) There shall be such provision as may be made by the Legislature for

depriving of his citizenship any person who is a citizen by virtue of registration

if such registration as a citizen was obtained by false representation or fraud

or willful concealment of material facts or if he is convicted in Anguilla of an

indictable offence.

Provided that any law enacted for the purposes of paragraph 4 of this

subsection shall include provisions under which the person concerned

shall have a right of appeal to a court of competent jurisdiction or other

independent authority and shall be permitted to have legal representation

of his own choice.

This is a government that loves and protects its people, and this country is a dependency of the United Kingdom. We must conclude that the United Kingdom is not practicing discrimination. How much more importance that the native StMaarten people who is on the verge of extinction be recognize in StMaarten constitution. People let your conscience be your guide.

Yours truly,

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

• Better streamlining of primary, secondary and tertiary care
• Financing of the healthcare system
• Prevention
• Education
• Compulsory health insurance
• Restructuring the tariff structure
• Restructuring administrative procedures
• Establishing who will administer the health insurance
• Establishing a basic coverage package
• Determine needs for care and facilitate for this need

Sjaoel "Shooz" Richardson

Maybe you yourself did not realize it.
But, trust me, many others including yours truly did hear it ourselves.
You finally and publicly agreeing with a 'message' we have been preaching for ages - St. Martiners must come first.
We are not in any illusion that you will admitted it, of course, but hey man, we still 'cool', you know.
But, the truth remains that in fact yesterday, during your radio talk-show, although very timidly and hesitantly, you made it clear that you finally 'got the message'.
Meaning, which is agreeing with what I have been 'preaching' over and under and for which I have been criticized, ridiculed and demonized for by certain persons and talk-show hosts.
Nevertheless, brother man, I must commend you for at least stating (I am paraphrasing here) that it is necessary that provisions are made to ensure that St. Martiners come first at home.
This remark was made in response to the verdict of the Judge in First Instance that the so-called American-Dutch Friendship Treaty is applicable on 'The Friendly Island' and that consequently Americans defacto have the same rights as Dutch nationals on St. Maarten.
This verdict adds to the growing consciousness and concern of native, indigenous St. Martiners, that 'everybody' on the island, seem to enjoy certain rights, with the exception of St. Martiners.
In other words, our prediction, that St. Martiners are facing a 'silent genocide' is rapidly becoming a 'mainstream' St. Martin concern.
However, since I might not be quoting you correctly, I suggest you replay that particular section of today's installment, so that everyone can hear and judge for him/herself.
It is very clear, that despite some 'panicky' reactions here and there on the blogs, there is a growing demand within the community, that St. Martiners need to be duly recognized in the constitution.
As the former island-Council lady at the time and now 'honorable' Prime-minister stated, back then (See the Daily Herald of Wednesday, February 13, 2011) there are still 'matters outstanding' in the constitution which shuld prevent native indigenous St. Martiners from becoming marginalized in their own land of heritage.
In our 'books', examples of such 'outstanding matters' are the defining of the native, indigenous St. Martiner, creation of legislation to protect and preserve them.
And yes, no apologies, provisions to make sure that they will never be replaced; call them affirmative action or preferential treatment or even positive discrimination or whatever.
The name matters not, the effect does.
In other words, the bottom line is that is 'Country St. Maarten' is supposed to mean something substantial for ST.MARTINERS.
It has to make sure St. Martiners are respected by 'newcomers', immigrants as well as so-called foreign investors and that St. Martiners come first, without necessarily excluding, or disrsepecting the basic human rights of others with an 'added value'
In ending, my dear friend Lloyd, my congratulations to you and I do look forward to the replay of today's installment and to future serious follow-ups and indepth discussions on the matter; it is overdue.

With respect,

Leopold JAMES

drs. Leopold JAMES

Have a great day,

Sjaoel "Shooz" Richardson

Finally an article which should interest Drs. Leopold "The Messenger" JAMES and Miguel "The Patriot" ARRINDELL. Amongst so many topics the deportation of illegal immigrants from Sint Maarten is a topic that lots of Sint Maarteners are talking about. "I am a foreigner in my own country" or "my people are a minority on their own island" are phrases often heard. These phrases are, without a doubt, facts. But why are Sint Maarteners so outspoken on this topic?

• Sint Maarteners feel that they are loosing grip with their own culture (foreign music, foreign bars, celebration of foreign holidays etc).
• Sint Maarteners are feeling that they are not respected in their own country.
• Sint Maarteners feel that jobs are "taken" away by foreigners.
• Sint Maarteners feel the cost of living going up, while there are a lot of foreigners not paying their fair share of taxes.

There are many more points, but let's elaborate on this last point. If Sint Maarten has to pick up a tab for health care costs totaling to some Ang 4.000.000,00 every year caused by illegal immigrants, if Sint Maarten has a problem with criminal illegal immigrants being a burden to our understaffed police force and prison staff, if Sint Maarten has a problem with balancing a budget and yet can not collect wage taxes or income taxes from illegal workers than we should debate out of a financial point of view if Sint Maarten would indeed be better of when the government starts to deport illegal immigrants from Sint Maarten in greater numbers.
I, for one, wish everybody from every walk of life the best of luck on Sint Maarten as long they play by the rules and regulations of this land. Being illegal is absolutely crossing the rules and regulations of this land.
The question is: How many illegal immigrants should Sint Maarten deport who are a burden to the use of our collective tax money and who are filling a lot of vacancies that for example our own youths could fill legally and therefore contribute to increase our collective tax money?

Sjaoel "Shooz" Richardson

Dear Editor,

For a long time I have sit back and read articles some I agree with and some I do not agree with. But lately things have taken a turn for the worst. I finally admit to myself that if we all sit back and do not get involved in the process that is taken place we are just as guiltier as those who institute wrong practices and immorality. My topic is not just about premarital sex or homosexuality or adultery or fornication, murder or crime in general. It is about the church, who I always believe should take the lead in preaching and teaching about morality. For all those people that write about morality I commend them for taking their time to teach people of what is wrong and right. My question is what is the purpose of the church and is it still credible or is it still relevant. And do the pastors of today's church first live and lead by example and do they have the back bone or stomach to preach truth. I believe most pastors try the best to live by example but surely definitely not all. But I believe most pastors just do not have the courage to preach conviction. And from going church I notice how often times they elude preaching hardcore facts for fear of members leaving the church. In my opinion the church is not only to help and assist those who need, but more importantly to in store hope for a better life by teaching people to live pleasing to Christ and to keep his commandments while thanking God for his most precious grace we do not deserve. We only have one life to live and we should live it to the fullest while being happy, but more important pleasing to Christ. We must teach people why God put laws for man to live by. To be tempted is not an excuse to sin. This is what God says 1 Corinthians 10:13, (No temptation has seized me except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear. But when I am tempted, he will also provide a way out so that I can stand up under it. ) God laws is also to create wealth if we work honest and put our money to good use ( not going casinos or adult clubs) we will see we all will be able to afford a decent home. The nature of man is to destroy himself that is why God make his laws to protect us from ourselves. If we continue living to please ourselves it is guaranteed it will lead to our destruction. It is all of us choice to live how we feel best, but when you continue to mess up then I believe you should suffer the consequences. And then keep your problems to yourself. Remember the wages of sin is death. If you choose to continue to sin then you choose death. It is simple as that. Even forgiveness has a limit. People should learn from their mistakes we must be forgiven and loving to each other but I re affirm there is a limit. The choice is yours choose wisely. I choose to please Christ above pleasing myself and so far I am happy and contented.

Joyce Williams

Peter Gunn

My observation is that socialist societies are all about corrupting the people so that they will need masters, and that is happening in StMaarten at an alarming rate. "We cannot expect the St.Maarten people to jump from Capitalism to Communism, but we can assist their elected leaders in giving them small doses of Socialism until they wake up one day to find they have Communism." —Nikita Khrushchev

Socialism is the social, economic, political, and spiritual system of Secular Humanism, and it was founded in the Garden of Eden. The founder, Satan, wrote their constitution when he said, For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof (of the forbidden fruit), then you eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." (Rev. 3:5)

Secular Humanists believe they are their own god's, and they have decided for themselves what is good and what is evil. As the Bible says, they call good evil and evil good.

In StMaarten these Socialists are the Liberals and the Far Left. On a scale of 5 to 10 (Liberals are an automatic 1 to 4 minimum) all Liberals are somewhat Socialistic to outright Socialist.

In short, Liberals are Socialists, and Socialists are Secular Humanists, and Secular Humanism is an antichrist system. Socialists are always for big government and higher taxes, and they are pro abortion, and pro euthanasia. Look at the majority of the European nations.

In France the Liberals are outlawing Evangelical Christianity but leaving Islam alone. Why? Because (in the simplest of terms) Evangelical Christians are opposed to Socialism (big government, high taxes, diminished liberty and free will agency) and Moslems are not, and France's Socialist revolution of 1789-1799 continues in France and most of Europe today. It is all about political power and corruption (the lust of the flesh, the love of money, and the power it brings).

Taken one step further, Socialism is by nature Anti-Christ. Therefore, we Christians must teach the truth about the enemy of the faith, and counter their lies.

Liberals will often sling mud at Rightwing and Evangelical Christians, comparing us to Hitler and the Nazi party. Yet, the truth is, Hitler and Mussolini and Stalin were all Socialists. Just as the French Revolution was a Socialist Revolution, so was the Russian Revolution. The word Nazi is an acronym for "National Socialist Party," and Fascist is an acronym for "Federal Socialist Party," and the USSR stood for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics." Talk about being mean spirited, it is the very nature of Socialist states to oppress the masses.

L. Jeffrey

Jeffrey Richardson
Concerned citizen and parent

Leopold JAMES
A very conscious and proud, native, indigenosu St. Martiner
Without apologies.

Russell A. SIMMONS

Leopold JAMES

More than ever, people are realizing, that without a St.Martin identity, there is no foundation for anything durable.
Not for any constitutional change, not for any sustainable development, not for safety and security, not for an 'anthem', not for nation building, inclusion, integration and certainly there will be no guarantee for the very survival of St.Martiners as a people ....
Therefore, anything set up, or created on this island, that does not recognize, preserve, protect and take the St. Martin identity to the next level, will not last.
In that sense, it is to be hoped that one day, Government of 'Country St.Maarten', will finally, amend the Constitution to take this into consideration.
Meanwhile, our cultural St.Martin ID-card is contributing towards a paradigm-shift.
So much so, that while its potential for the future has got the attention from many, certain St.Martiners have been conditioned by a particular t.v. talk show host, not to respect its importance.
Worse yet, this t.v.-host labeled the ID-card as 'crap'.
He will very soon want to forget ever having made that statement !
Meantime, the interest for the cultural St.Martin ID-card, is exploding among certain groups of non-native St.Martiners within our community.
Clearly, these people, not only recognize the importance of them also receiving such a card - they COVET this card.
This has a very interesting consequence.
Where as, in principle, the only criterion for St. Martiners to qualify for the ID-cards, thus far is, to prove their roots on this island, back to the Traditional Period (1848-1963), or before, others had to prove being of an 'added value' to this country.
Now, what is happening presently, is that there is a great demand from the different groups of non-native St. Martiners to qualify for our ID-card.
To back up these applications, these candidates, come with a 'load of added value', that impossibly can be denied !
Should this trend take hold, which is expected, such could impact the 'equation' completely.
This is simply because, they would have 'elevated' the entry conditions for others vying for a card.
Yes -even for St. Martiners.
In other words, expecting to automatically qualify for our card, simply and only because one is a St. Martiners of heritage, might be, believe it or not - 'a little, too late'.
For some people, this might sound harsh and arrogant.
It is simply logical and should serve as a 'wake up call', something like 'I told you so'.
High demand for service and goods, always results in higher requirements.
Now for the record again.
For now, those who can prove their St. Martin heritage to this island going back to 1963 or before, have an easier chance of getting their ID-cards, than non-native St. Martiners.
However, considering the very rapid, social dynamics presently playing out on the 'Friendly-island', St.Martiners better not take our cultural St.Martin ID-card for granted, they might sorely regret that one day, after they realize that others have been paying keen attention to its future potential.

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia

From the conceptualization of our cultural St.Martin ID-card, it has been the intention, was to attach a number of privileges/benefits to its card-holders.
In this context, it must be made very clear that this card definitely is not a 'popularity' -card, for the proverbial John's, Dick's and Harry's.
Our card is about St.Maarten/St.Martin and its people primarily.
In other words.
Our cultural St.Martin IC-card, is intended to build the St.Martin nation, by offering native, indigenous St. Martiners (St. Martiners of heritage) and St. Martiners-at-heart, where possible, special privileges/preferential services on the island.
While, we have already identified a number of areas, where this card eventually can be applied, we would also want to incorporate your ideas towards such a package of benefits for the cultural St.Martin ID-card holders.
To this end, we kindly request those of you who are interested, to add some of your own ideas to ours.
Clearly, such an ID card will give all card-bearing St. Martiners, the opportunity to enjoy the 'St.Martin dream' and to feel proud of being a St. Martiner.
Meanwhile, I hereby make a special appeal, for the record.
You St. Martiners, now holding all kinds of offices in Government, be it President, be it, Vice-president, Councilors, Ministers, Parliamentarians and others, let it be known, that having a cultural St.Martin ID-card of such magnitude will not only benefit your own family-members - it will eventually benefit yourself personally, once you do no longer hold public office, which will be a reality sooner or later.
In that regards, you are advised, not to join the group of former public office-holders, who now regret, not to have put policies and benefits in place for all St.Martiners, including themselves and their family-members.
Now, many of them, are walking around like 'has beens', without any sense of honor, vision and now painfully realize and feel what it means to be 'second-class' citizen in their own country.
It is up to you therefore, while in the prime of your life, to make your contribution towards the identification, preservation, and protection of your own St. Martin people by contributing towards the value of the cultural St.Martin ID-card.
In ending fellow St Martiners, we look forward to your creative ideas towards the empowering of the cultural St.Martin ID-card holders.

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia

Your opinion articles are funny and daring. While your artistic drawings are amusing and classical.

A tribute to you as we exchanged ideas before and kept any salsa out of the mix.

So, next time your Out 'N about let's find more drift wood to give "Karakter" a helping hand.

Continued success in your commentary as you entertain, enlighten, encourage and educate the masses.

Signed,

Stuart Johnson

For the past week I have read articles and opinions from various people in stMaarten about rights, Heritage or born here. So I went online and locate the constitution of Country StMaarten to see what is stated in it. Article 43 # 1 Dutch nationality is a prerequisite of eligibility for appointment as a minister, and candidates may not be excluded from the right to vote. Prerequisite means required or necessary as a prior condition. So in other words you must have Dutch nationality which can be obtain in many ways. It can be passed on from grandfather or grandmother and born in a Dutch territory, or you can born here and born with Dutch rights or you can born from foreign parents and then naturalize Dutch.

So it is a fact that those inherited Dutch rights and born here is important. Only someone with ulterior motives will tell you born here or inheritance is not important. China, Japan, India and most of those Arab nations only accept you as one of them when you are of the same ethnic background or race while born there. T o be a President of the United States you must be born a United States citizens. That's why Arnold schawnegger only could be governor and not president, he was born in Austria. So born here and even more important heritage is a big deal and important. Because our constitution demands that you must have Dutch nationality. I believe that it should be modify to state that Prime Minister, Governor and Parliamentarians in the future should not be only Dutch citizens but should be born in StMaarten. May be now it is not possible but in the next 10 years it should be required. Gravity of leading and being chief should be someone you can identify yourself with. Leader should be proud to say I born here and this is my country that I am willing to die protect my life with. Seeing your fellowman born here in the highest offices in land builds love of country and nationalistic pride. Any person tells you that born here is not important to get a job is usually people not born of the country and have no inheritance, they are wannabee. I respect foreign people that come here and defend StMaarten as their home, I welcome that. And I am sure they will agree what I am saying is important because one day they grand children will be of inheritance and the children will be born here. So they must agree with me or else they are hypocrites. And to be fear and earnest in my mind and heart, the people of StMaarten who can trace their roots back to their great grand father or mother must be recognize, it is simple they are the real deal. Without them we would not have a StMaarten. That's why George Washington and Abraham Lincoln are so important to American heritage, it signals original. The same we should we do with St.Maarten people who were here before most of us. I believe in honor where it is deserve. In closing Heritage and born here is important and a big deal. I am proud to born here and a StMaartener of inheritance, I believe it is disrespectful when parliamentarians use their office and power to insult the precious right of people who are of inheritance and born here. Those people should not be in power. I say again, heritage and born here is important.

Kevin James

Allow me to begin by saying good day to you and to the citizens of St. Maarten.

I am writing regarding to lots of the negative developments on our island that has been publicized in the media. The society tends to rely solely on
pointing fingers and playing the blame games. The most common target for finger pointing and blame games has been our Government. The elected governments of past / present/ future are only there to help represent us.
It is us who rules this country in this democracy. We, the society of St. Maarten, are also to blame. Many of us have become laid back and constantly depending on others to solve our problems for us. It is our duty, each and every single one of us, to contribute to our country and show to the world how truly devoted we the St. Maarteners are to our island.

We also need to know, remember and honor our history and culture. It is the backbone that makes us who we are and identify us to the rest of the region and to the world. By not knowing our past, we won't know who we truly are. As a result of this we will be walking blindly into our future. Our heritage is molded into all of us. Don't leave our heritage and history become extinct! We must ask ourselves: how many of us besides the senior citizens even know how to dance the different folklore dances that we have or at least even know their names? There are many other aspects of our heritage and culture many of us don't even know or remember.

Despite how modern the world has become, many countries hold strong to their cultural heritage as it identifies them to the world and also reminds
themselves of their ancestry. It is time we do likewise and not put our forefathers to shame.

It is sad to hear how violent and unsafe St. Maarten has become recently. And this image is what people, especially visitors, will remember more
easily about us. There was a time we used to proudly call our island; "The Friendly Island". It is time we gave this nickname true meaning again. We
shouldn't be leaving it all up to the police, the VKS, the court to solve this problem. St. Maarten is our home and each and every one of us should do our part to win back our island, make St. Maarten earn back its name as the Friendly Island. When we work together we are stronger. We shouldn't live in fear. Fear should live in those who want to provoke fear in us and our visitors. This is our island and I say enough is enough! We can achieve it without having to stoop down low to their level.

The younger generation will be nothing if we turn our backs to them, ignore them, and leave them deal with our mess we leave behind for them. Many of us claim that the younger generations no longer have respect, and are violent. It is not their fault, it is our fault, because many of the generation of now and before us got side tracked and lost sight of doing our part to guide the youth on the proper path. All of us suppose to be role models for the generation to come. What kinds of examples are we teaching when we cheat, lie, steal, disrespect our bodies, abuse and disrespect others?! How do we expect for us to be respected if we can't show respect?! "It takes a village to raise a child"; an old saying goes, therefore the way the society of St. Maarten functions affects the way each and every child is raised.

The youths, even us the adults as well, need role models to help get St. Maarten back on the right track. When we look back into our history many of our historical icons didn't do anything big or grand. Each of them simply with their own little parts and together contributed tremendously to our
island, because they loved and cared deeply for St Maarten and its citizens. In short each and every single one of those individuals made an impact for our island no matter how small it was. The impact to our island was greatly enhanced when more people joined in doing their own contribution. These historical icons should be role models to us on how we, the citizens of St. Maarten, should be. The same can happen still, today and in the future, if each of us does our little part/contribution in trying to save what is left of St. Maarten's History and Culture out of love/compassion/ before it crumbles to dust and be forever forgotten. For those of us who are skeptical about the Impact of one individual, look at other world's historical icons who did their small part that started spreading like fire: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Mother Teresa, Robert Baden-Powell and Mahatma Gandhi, just to name a few. These historic icons didn't do what they did to gain fame. They did what they did because they felt in their heart it was the right thing to do which caught the attention of others and eventually the world. Even a droplet of water can have an impact when it hits the surface of water, creating a ripple effect across the surface. That is the Impact of One.

This is our moment to shine and change our words into action. The future of St. Maarten lies with each and every one of us who is a citizen of this
island. It isn't the country that makes the people! It is its people who make a country! The future of St. Maarten begins with us now. Together we
can make a brighter future for St. Maarten if we are true patriots of our island! We have only one St. Maarten and she can never be replaced once she is gone! Semper Pro Grediens!

So let us the people, the inhabitants and visitors find ways in bettering and preserving our island and its culture!

Sincerely yours,

Georgino Barnes

Yours truly,

Miguel Arrindell

Miguel Arrindell

OUR COMMENTARY.
Coming from this particular gentleman, I certainly consider his association of what I stand for, with Geert WILDERS, quite a compliment.
Nevertheless, while I will defend his right to continue expressing whatever nonsense about me, he still never addressed his true motives for attacking the 'messenger', and not dealing with the 'message'.
In other words, his attacks on Leopold are 'wearing out', becoming obsolete and redundant, because by now 'everybody' knows how 'bad' James is, and interestingly enough more people are even starting to agree with 'crazy' James.
So, that is not the issue, if it ever was.
What is an issue, is that it is time that the self-proclaimed drift-wood artist, aka unpaid adviser etc, explains the St. Martin people why he thinks they are not worth of being recognized, protected as a people in their own country.
Time for Gerard to tell the growing number of angry young St. Martiners, why in his opinion, it is o.k. that they are disrespected, disregarded and marginalized in their own native country, while certain 'intruders' and their families live like 'Kings'.
Yeah, Gerard....
Explain to them why you do not want for them to have future in their own country and why you oppose them getting meaningful opportunities and justice in their own land.
And also, do not forget to explain them that you prefer making mockery of and prefer ridiculing the Leopold James, the 'messenger', rather than giving attention to the 'message' and finding solutions to help the native people of this land.
In other words, there is no more need to focus any longer on Leopold James, the 'messenger', we all know how much you envy and hate him.
The 'message' remains the same nevertheless.
There will never be any sustainable development, peace and tranquility on the 'Friendly island' as long as there is no justice for and recognition of the native St. Martin people and as long as charity does not start at home for St. Martiners.
Meanwhile, my dear friend Gerard, I fully understand you do not like St. Martiners having their own 'Geert WILDERS', but that you rather support our politicians who sell us out for 'politically correct' reasons so that other people can replace us and call themselves the St. Martiners.
Enjoy it while it lasts, brother man.
In ending, my dear friend, while you still have lots of time on hand, prepare yourself to, one day, face those angry, young St. Martiners, when they come soliciting your 'unpaid advice' - it better be not only free - but also contain the road-map indicating how to guarantee that 'Charity starts at home' for St. Martiners, while protecting all realistic, 'non-trumped' up human rights for others.

Even prouder than before,

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia

The most well known verse is John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." That is God prove he love us sinners. The big question is how can we return his love to him and gratitude for his loving grace? Deuteronomy 6:5

Yours truly,

Christian marriage was designed in heaven for the blessing and good of man, and to portray the proper picture, as we studied in the last chapter. Sinful men have despised God’s ideal for a man and a woman, and they have distorted and corrupted the picture. On what basis can we judge sexual behavior? How can we declare one type of behavior to be moral and another behavior to be immoral? By what yardstick can we measure such things? What authority do we have to label some activity as right or wrong? By what STANDARD can we say that a person is engaging in sinful conduct? One of the darkest days of Israelite history was the period of the judges. At that time "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). Depraved men were setting the standard and determining what was right. It may seem right in man's eyes, but the key question is this: Is it right in God's eyes? Men greatly err when it comes to recognizing and following a right course of action: "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof is the ways of death" (Proverbs 14:12). When man sets the standard then anything goes. Sinful men can justify anything as they reject and willfully ignore God's standards as clearly revealed in God's Word. Men and women of our day are busy doing what is right in their own eyes. They justify their position in the following ways: "We must not discriminate!" "People can't help being the way they are because it is genetic." "Who cares what a person does in private?" "What does it matter what two consenting adults do as long as it doesn't hurt anyone?" "Everyone is entitled to his or her own sexual preference." Etc. Suppose that what these people are saying is true. What if there were no real objective standard outside of man? What if there were no God and no Bible and no Ten Commandments? If this were the case, then we would have to agree that we would have absolutely no basis by which we could condemn certain sexual practices, apart from our own personal preferences (likes and dislikes). Under these conditions man would set the standards, doing that which seems right in his own eyes. Without any divine standard of morality, what would be wrong with homosexuality (sexual relations between two persons of the same sex)? Furthermore, what would be wrong with bestiality (sexual relations between a human being and an animal)? Could not the same arguments be used? "Am I not entitled to my own sexual preference?" "What is wrong with it as long as I am kind to the animal and we don't hurt anyone else?"  Indeed, with no divine rule to measure right and wrong, what would be objectionable with adults having sexual relations with animals or even with young children? You may personally have a strong aversion to such practices, but who are you to impose your own personal standards on other people? Indeed, apart from a divine standard of morality anything goes, including stealing and murder. Who is to say murder is wrong? It may be detestable to you, but the murderer is doing what seems right to him, is he not? What is wrong with ridding the world of some undesirable person? Apart from moral absolutes any kind of behavior or activity can be justified. But in the beginning it was not as the evolutionists depict! There was a personal Creator-God who created man male and female. God's purpose for man was that there should be two sexes, male and female. God is strongly opposed to this because it is contrary to the differences and distinctions which He made at the beginning: "The woman shall not wear that which pertained unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God" (Deuteronomy 22:5). In Genesis 2:22 we are told that God brought the woman (Eve) to the man (Adam). Notice carefully what God did not do: God did not bring an animal to Adam for a marriage partner. God did not bring a man to Adam for a marriage partner.  (It was Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve!) God did not bring two women to Adam. God did not bring ten women to Adam. God brought just one woman to Adam: One woman for one man; this is God's all-wise plan! Based on the above facts, we can arrive at some very simple and yet important conclusions: 1. The marriage partner must not be an animal but a person.2. The marriage partner must be the opposite sex.3. There should be ONE marriage partner, not more than one. Another conclusion, based on the fact that man should cleave to his wife (Genesis 2:24), is as follows: 4. The marriage union is to be permanent (compare Matthew 19:6), until broken by death (compare Romans 7:2-3).  These four simple rules are what God established at the beginning. Those who do not like these rules have a problem with the God who set them up. Serious problems develop whenever people deviate from what God established in the beginning. People my advice to you is to obey God commandments. Have a happy future in life.

Paul Rogers

People have a tendency to categorize sin, esteeming certain sins as being worse than others; but God doesn't see it that way. James 2:10, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." But God says, Deuteronomy 4:2, "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you." They are in big trouble with God for perverting the Scriptures! The NIV removes the name above every other name, "JESUS," in 38 places!!! It is sinful. The abortion crowd seeks to justify their evil saying, "I have done no wickedness." Oh, but yes they have! Exodus 20:13 tells us, "Thou shalt not kill." Abortion is murder!!! Just as the adulterous woman in Proverb 30:20 who wipes her mouth after committing a horrible sin against God, saying, "I have done no wickedness," so do abortionists attempt to justify their sins. They cannot be justified! St.Maarten society today is saturated with demonic influences, from drunkenness to gambling, from abortion to homosexuality, from feminism to divorce, from rebellion to immodestly dressed women, from pornography to the teachings of Evolution, from vile Rock 'N' Roll to filthy Country music, from the smut of MTV (Music Television) and to the witchcraft of Harry Potter, St.Maarten is in trouble with God for saying . . . "I have done no wickedness!" Oh, yes we have!!! So many people today are committing horrible sins, twisting the Scriptures in a sinful attempt to say, "I have done no wickedness." Revelation 20:12, "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." Notice the words, "and the books were opened." God is keeping tab on everything we say and do. The person that response to me pertaining to abortion is the kind of people StMaarten does not need, I will never call their name because I was taught not to promote the justification of sin. I am not perfect. But for sure I do not and will never justify sin. It takes a real man to admit his faults. What is surprising to me is how Christians does not get mad when filth as this man turn and tries to twist the word of the lord for popularity.

Yours truly,

Miguel Arrindell

Mr. Baetsen may understand how money is laundered or how candidates are secretly showered with gifts to get the casino favorable policy so they can continue to rape the local St. Maartener's economic possibilities, but central bank is about monetary regulation, policy development and responding to external economic factors affecting our local economy.

Casino bosses have nothing to say on matters of national monetary policy. There seem to be enough red flags with questionable election campaign funding in the last election, to scratch this candidate. Of course it all depends on who in government has been told to accept this candidate and to what degree they are owned by the casino industry. If a casino executive is the best we can find in St. Maarten, then we have slipped further than I feared.

We must not gamble with St. Maarten's economy on "Casino Capitalism" and lose the bet.

John Sharp

First of all, let me thank you for intervening by calling the notary office in Marigot with the instructions to hand over the document you told me Mr. Etienne Oger Fleming had signed. I appreciate that very much.

I was very astonished to find out that this document was signed by Oger in New York at the still tender age of 21 years, in which he questionably sold all his rights to all property then belonging to his father who disappeared sadly during a hurricane off Nevis in the 1920s along with one of his sons, to your father, former Mayor of Saint-Martin, Mr. Louis Constant Fleming Sr..

Please accept my sincere condolences for the lost of your grandfather and uncle.

Secondly, I hereby inform you that I will continue to intensely scrutinize this document because as it is, it leaves a lot to be clarified for its legality and authenticity.

I am sure that you will agree that no one, under normal circumstances, would sign such a damning document.

You will be hearing from a lawyer or me within short, if a settlement agreement is not presented to me as I have not had the honor of hearing from you to date concerning my very first letter.

Yours truly,

Norman C. Wathey

Yours truly,

Miguel Arrindell

Conrad Patterson

Yours truly,

Miguel Arrindell

Time has gone by so quickly, it seems like I only just sent you my letter of April, 2010 titled "So bright by beach and Strand", "St. Maarten's environmental challenges symptoms of larger problem" on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Earth day which coincided with St. Maarten Pride Foundation's 10th, anniversary.

Please allow me to revisit the topic of St. Maarten's environment, progress made during these past months and matters which continue to require urgent attention.

St. Maarten and Anguilla are only separated by a few short miles of ocean yet there seems to be an enormous difference in the islands' governments' visions for the future. Anguilla has obviously made its share of questionable choices with the manner of development of some tourism related facilities in recent years, yet during the past few months both Anguilla's Government and private sector but particularly the Angullian Department of Environment or DOE have launched a number of commendable Environmental initiatives.

The Department's website, which is definitely worth a look, presents their slogan "promoting progress through sustainable practices in Anguilla and the wider region" (http://gov.ai/doenvironment/).
Sustainable practices seek to integrate and balance environmental and ecological concerns with socio-economic ones with the purpose of ensuring sustainable development. Sustainable development is defined as "(Economic) development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". (Our Common future, The World Commission on Environment and Development; The Brundtland Commission)

On St. Maarten our Natural heritage tends to be bulldozed in the name of progress. The Angullian Department of Environment's slogan, in itself, thus presents a concept that we as St. Maarteners and our decision-makers in particular can learn from; progress through sustainable practices.

According to The Anguillian of April 8th, 2011 "the health Authority of Anguilla is expected to realize significant savings in electricity costs, thanks to the corporate citizenship assistance of ANGLEC (The Anguilla Electricity Company) which has contributed EC$60,000 to the institution towards a renewable energy project". Perhaps equally interesting is that ANGLEC's Chief Executive officer Mr. Thomas Hodge stated that "Integrating renewable energy with fossil fuels, to the eventual independence from fossil fuels, is the only sustainable solution... ...". Not necessarily something you would expect to hear from someone who manages an electricity company.

Recent reports also indicate that amongst a number of other impressive initiatives Anguilla is drafting a Climate Change Policy and (re-)implementing anti-littering legislation. It should also be noted that Anguilla has established a number of terrestrial and marine protected areas.

I do not pretend to have detailed knowledge of all the environmental issues our Northern Neighbors are faced with, I am merely pointing out that Anguilla is implementing legislation and carrying-out projects we on St. Maarten should make an effort to learn from. Perhaps Anguilla has learned from past mistakes and has taken note of the warnings issued by the National Geographic Traveler Magazine of December 2009 in which St. Maarten is categorized as an example of what to avoid in (tourism) development.

Thankfully it is not all doom and gloom where the environmental movement on St. Maarten is concerned. In December of last year the Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs Mr. Franklin Meyers approved the establishment of the Man of War Shoal Marine Park, St. Maarten's first officially protected area.

EPIC's partnership with the Tourist Bureau, the support of Minister Meyers and his predecessor former Commissioner Frans Richardson has allowed for the launching of the Blue Flag eco-label pilot phase at Divi Little Bay, with other locations not far behind.

Cross-sector and public support of EPIC's Simpson Bay Lagoon Sewage Pump-out boat and environmental education fundraising activities in recent months has raised a considerable amount of funds and other donations, setting a much welcomed precedent of partnerships towards sustainable development on the island.

There is, however, much left to be done where the proper management and protection of St. Maarten's environment or Natural Heritage is concerned. Government has yet to implement zoning-plans, update existing and introduce new environmental legislation, provide for proper sewage and solid waste management infrastructure and facilities, establish protected areas (such as the Emilio Wilson Estate) and the list goes on. In the meantime our neighbors in Anguilla, even closer to home, our brothers and sisters in French St. Martin are leaving us far behind when it comes to the protection of the environment and thereby taking measures to improve the "quality of life" for current and future generations.

St. Maarten's Government needs to address these matters. As I have said before there is no quick fix to the island's environmental challenges but there are relatively simple measures government can take which would have almost immediate benefits. One such measure would be to finally ban the Plastic Bag. June 5th is World Environment Day, call me optimistic but I'm hoping someone in parliament will wake up and surprise us all with a motion to implement relevant legislation before then.

Rueben J. Thompson

Independent Project Manager
Love the Lagoon
Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC)

Vice- President

St. Maarten Pride Foundation

Drs. Cassandra Janssen

Miguel Arrindell

Using the word embezzlement was slanting the story, the colleague muttered. Really? Fact 1: there IS an investigation underway. Fact 2: the focus of this investigation IS embezzlement. How slanted is that?
It's easier to open a microphone and let politicians say whatever they want to say. That way you never have to wonder whether they are telling you the truth or spinning a yarn for public consumption. That's not the kind of journalism I want to waste my time on.

Hilbert Haar,

Managing Editor @ Today.

Dear editor,

I am the managing editor of the Today Newspaper. On December 8 of last year, I published an article under the headline Minister Buncamper sold leased land on Pond Island for $3 million.

More than fifty articles about this self-enrichment scheme followed, including opinion pieces and editorials. As a result, Public Health Minister Maria Buncamper-Molanus was forced to resign on December 23.

On December 22, I wrote a piece for Today’s opinion page under the headline True confessions, as a pre-emptive strike against rumors that the minister and her husband were contemplating a campaign to discredit me.

In it, I confessed to wrecking a car at a very young age, smoking weed at an equally young age, living illegally in the United States, winning $10,000 in a poker game, and to my arrest in St. Maarten in May 2009 for hitting a former employee who refused to leave my office. There is not much more to discover about me: I don’t drink, I don’t do drugs, I don’t frequent brothels, and I don’t have a gambling addiction. I am not for sale either.

In January of this year, one Judith Roumou paid a surprise visit to my office. Afterwards, I often wondered whether the now former minister and her husband had sent her. As there was no proof about this, I decided to let it go. Roumou posted some crazy stuff about me on her blog including a ridiculous video on You Tube that says more about her state of mind than it does about me.

I can live with all that.

However, on Monday January 31 I received information from a highly reliable source that the Buncampers are out for revenge. That does not surprise me, given the fact that my articles put the minister out of a $132,500 job, and it would not have disturbed me that much either, had my source not added: “Well, you know how people on this island solve their problems.”

Stuff like that does not scare me, but my wife is getting concerned, and that pisses me off.

For the record, I want to clarify a couple of things:

- I am not accusing the Buncampers of anything; I am simply relating what I have been told.

- I will not flee the island, nor will I ask Justice Minister Duncan for a gun license.

- I will, I’ll admit that much, be careful when I cross the street, and I will be very aware of my environment. Other than that, I will do my job to the best of my abilities. Nevertheless, I have taken some preventive measures.

In case anything happens to me, my estate will publish information that documents who I consider responsible and why in painstaking details.

Hilbert Haar,

Managing Editor Today Newspaper.

In today's world, many things compete against God for our devotion. Idolatry is usually defined as worship of any cult image. These are some of the things that can become modern-day idolatry if we let them become too important to us: Excessive attention to material things such as houses, cars, clothes, jewelry, physical appearance, entertainment, etc. Pursuit of wealth, power, fame, pleasure or status. (Example legislators can have another job while serving country but the civil servant is not allowed too. How can we trust Pastor and Senator Jules James?) Excessive devotion to self, job, hobbies, country, ideologies, heroes, leaders, even family. Arrogant lips are unsuited to a fool-- how much worse lying lips to a ruler!

A leader should be humble an honest. (Our Prime Minister Sarah Wescott is a humble lady, but far from honest, she could not acknowledge that her colleague Maria Buncamper Molanus break the ethic rule of good governance.) From Humility or being humble is a quality of being courteously respectful of others. It is the opposite of aggressiveness, arrogance, boastfulness, and vanity. Acting with humility does not in any way deny our own self worth. Rather, it affirms the inherent worth of all persons. Humility is exactly what is needed to live in peace and harmony with all persons. It dissipates anger and heals old wounds. It allows us to see the dignity and worth of all God's people. Humility distinguishes the wise leader from the arrogant power-seeker. (Example, our former minister of health Maria Buncamper Molanus acting like she is a victim) If there was any one group of people that Jesus couldn't stand, it was hypocrites! (While William Marlin is accusing Maria Buncamper Molanus of conflict of interest he also awarded his son company the contract for the legislative hall of country StMaarten) The Pharisees of Jesus' times were a religious and political party that insisted on very strict observance of Biblical laws on tithing, ritual purity and other matters. At the same time, many of the Pharisees forgot the true spirit and intent of the law and became self-indulgent, self-righteous, snobbish, and greedy. That led Jesus to remarks such as; No one is perfect; we are all sinners in one way or another. If we treat people we consider to be "sinners" with scorn, or think we are better than they are, we are guilty of the sin of self-righteousness. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Those who desire life and desire to see good days, let them keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another. Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD

There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much.  If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? (Legislators and minister that are in government for self enrichment are Leroy De Weever, Patrick Illidge, Roy Marlin, and Theo Heyliger.) And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? The Golden Rule, spoken by Jesus, is possibly the best-known quote from the Bible and is the standard Jesus set for dealing with other people. If we wish to be loved, we must give love. If we wish to be respected, we must respect all persons, even those we dislike. If we wish to be forgiven, we must also forgive. If we wish others to speak kindly of us, we must speak kindly of them and avoid gossip. If we want happy marriages, we must be faithful, forgiving and kind to our spouses. If we wish to be fulfilled in our lives, we must share generously with others. To all legislators and leaders I hope you have read and understand well.

Yours truly,

Brother Richard Gumbs

Willie Leak SXM

Mr. Eldridge van Putten

Social & Political Activist

Dear Mrs. Lynch,

The SHTA, after consultation with the tax committee on the recent Turnover Tax amendments, is hereby relaying its concerns and demand for intervention with regard to this dramatic change to legislation.

The SHTA believes that while the increase was presented to the public as merely a change from 3 to 5% in the existing legislation, the now published legislation introduces drastic changes to the Turnover Tax, depicting a completely different picture.  The SHTA is surprised that the Council of Ministers and Parliament would ratify legislation that is so drastically different than a simple increase of 2% in the existing TOT.

In fact the adjustments made to article 5 in conjunction with the new article 11; taken from the distilled version published by PCW; states that:

Non-resident entrepreneurs that deliver (goods) and provide services to resident buyers are deemed to be domiciled (and thus subject to TOT) at the Inspectorate of Taxes.  In addition, if the buyer is an entrepreneur, the entrepreneur must account for these purchases and pay 5% tax on them.   For Deliveries of goods and provision of services to consumers the non-resident entrepreneur remains subject to tax.  The new ordinance does not include the possibility to offset the tax charged on purchases against the tax payable on sales revenues.

Thus meaning that imported goods and services are now subject to Turnover Tax by the company importing them, effectively establishing a  5% import duty for resident companies, resulting in an additional layer of taxation, which heretofore has been undisclosed.

The SHTA is of the opinion that the 5% tax levied on imported goods and services will be passed on in threefold to the consumers thus increasing the cost of living potentially by 15%. In short, this change to the Turnover Tax is not "just" an increase of 67% of the old rate; the total tax rate has more than doubled.

This is economically irresponsible, and the direct result of the rush to resolve a budget crisis without taking into consideration the full consequences of such a measure, nor taking the time required to include social partners in open dialogue about reasonable sustainable changes to tax and economic policy.  The SHTA is a proponent of simplifying the tax system and broadening the taxable base, thereby increasing compliance and revenue for government.  Merely, imposing a higher tax on the individuals currently complying will not solve the budgetary needs.  We strongly believe that by introducing this measure of over taxation, government will further erode its taxable base, its expense to enforce and reduce its projected income thereby still not meeting the needs of its budget. Further we predict it will lead to more resentment from the shrinking base and greater tax avoidance.

The SHTA feels that this policy is the a direct result of lack of true partnership with social peers and is worried about its effect on existing businesses and on, much needed, new investments required to sustain this economy.

This is just one of the articles that have not been properly thought out and we therefore believe that the proposed legislation should be revised in consultation with all social partners and adjusted to safeguard the residents and the economic future of St. Maarten.

We look forward to your swift response on this matter.

Sincerely,

Valya Pantophlet
Executive Director
St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association

This is to confirm what I told you last week when I made it my business to call you out of concern.

Because I love you as friend and family, again I urge you to take a very long and serious look at the situation you are now in as Parliamentarian and as Managing Director at Pelican Resort.

As I told you, I will not tell you what you should do, from what you should not do.

Neither, with all dues respect, am I interested in getting any account from you, because to me that is not the issue and therefore not relevant.

THE issue is, that you have to make sure you are clear with your own conscience as a person-, and even more as a religious leader.

As far as I, Leopold JAMES am concerned, I know that there are 'man-made' laws, and there are laws of much higher authority.

Consequently, the least convincing argument I can imagine is the one saying.

Since something is not (deemed )illegal, (which does not make it legal in any 'system'), there is nothing wrong with that.

That is going up a very 'slippery', and dangerous slope, my friend and men of God should be the very first to warn others about.

Dear Cousin, I also told you, that politicians better become aware that the social 'environment' on the island, is changing, deteriorating...rapidly and that politicians should not 'take' people for granted anymore.

Having said that Jules, you remain a cousin I love very much, but at the same time, my loyalty to my country and to higher principles, simply 'dwarfs' such.

In ending, please take the decision YOU Jules JAMES, can live with, regardless, what anyone else thinks, including cousin Leopold.

God bless you,

Drs. Leopold JAMES

I am wondering if our leaders in charge of this country are realizing that the hills in Concordia are being destroyed day by day! Being in Concordia on a daily basis, since 1988 , I am seeing the evolution of the deforestation on all hills surrounding the valley. The heavy rains that we had lately demonstrated clearly to us that something is happening ! I never saw so much water pouring down in all the roads in Concordia! The road in front of the Lycée was like a monstrous river ready to devastate everything on its way!

And yet , the buildings are popping up as wild mushrooms like no one seems to care! How much more are they intending to shack up in Concordia! I am convinced that soon , we won't be able to breed fresh air in that area!Thousands of people are now living in the area. Just check the traffic jam in the morning, in the rush hours and any blind man would see that this is a situation that is going to be hell to handle soon! But they had "A VISON"!!! I think they need to get their eyes checked! LOL

But what is more frustrating is the deforestation done by some individuals (non saint martiners) to the rest of the hills that is not destroyed by the bulldozers! Every day , as I look to the hills, I can see that trees are disappearing! The smoke keeps burning day and night! Yes, the koal keels are legion in the hills! I have brought this to the attention of the actual government through their services for Environmental Issues and yet our hills are burning away!!!

Are we going to become like Haïti???? Today, we can all see : THEY ARE PAYING THEIR DUES! A drop of rain becomes a flood ! Our country seems to be running on automatic pilot ! If I can notice what is going on, Why can't our leaders see it ? May it be those in majority or those in opposition!!! Is it because they just don't care about it????

I AM HEREBY ASKING THEM TO PLEASE PROTECT OUR HILLS AND LAND BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE ! STOP THE DEFORESTATION OF CONCORDIA HILLS May it be by the SEMSAMAR or whoever! Enough appartments, enough buildings ! These leaders were in opposition under Mayor Albert Fleming and as I can recall it was our "cheval de bataille" ( major fighting cause) !!! Short memories????? In my opinion, it has even become worse! Is it for the love of the money?????

I think we will have to from a group to kick up against this issue! I need your feedback on this, Peeps!

It is very clear, that Aline writes what most St. Martiners also are aware of, but for whatever reasons are afraid to publicly express.
Wherever I go, and whichever St. Martiner I speak to, they have one thing in common; 'Haitian immigrants fatigue'.
I have said it many times before and I have been 'crucified' for that in the past, although that is now changing significantly.
In recent times, I have tried to 'moderate' my 'tone' in particular towards the Haitian immigrants, in order not to project any animosity and hatred.
However, thus-far, no matter how hard I try, there is only one conclusion staring me straight in the face, whether I like it-, or not.
This group of immigrants, more than all the others combined are the biggest threat in every sense of the word to any normal, civilized, healthy, balanced development on the island- by any standard !
We can, continue to fool ourselves otherwise, until we realize that they have effectively and deliberately used their numbers as a weapon against us, and that indeed they would have created exactly what they ran way from...another 'hell-hole', called Haiti.
In the meantime, they are becoming a plague, a maladiction and a curse to the very existence of this country, and many people actually feel this 'vibe' and become sick.
It is a shame that collectively, Government, St. Martiners, the tourism-sector, churches etc. have simply allowed for what they have sacrificed to build up, they are also allowing for a set of wretched immigrants to systematically-, and completely destroy.
Every sector they 'penetrate', they dominate, create their own bush-laws-, no-one other than them can live by and consequently push out every other set of people out of that enterprise, or district.
What Aline writes about,- is just a tiny fraction of the truth and how this once beautiful island is fast degenerating into a grimy slum like many in Haiti.
Despite the fact, that they are destroying the island much the same way a virus destroys its host-cell, they still have the gall to always complain about how the entire world is taking 'advantage' of them.
They are upset for instance, that for instance tiny St. Martin (33 sq. miles) does not fast enough accommodate their 9 million or so subjects, while still 'breeding' more '24-7-365'.
These people still live in some 'backward' state of mind and must try hard to enter the 21 st century.
The visit of their vice -consul Jean Claude CELINE, some days ago, is testament to them never taken full responsibility for their own (illegal) actions, but always blaming others, while at the same time disrespecting and , undermining the people and laws of every country they enter.
In ending,those who don't like the 'message', can feel free to attack the messenger.
However, my message will still remain, even more convincing.
And just like their vice -consul found it fitting to come to my island to complain to my Government, I reserve the right to speak out on behalf of MY native St. Martin people to be preserved, protected and respected in their own land.
If that is wrong, save me the 'right' thing.
Let us take back our country please.

Leopold JAMES

Miguel Arrindell

We, the legally constituted TAPRC Board of Pelican Resort (aka the "Board"), are writing to you in your capacity as a leader of the newly installed Dutch St. Maarten Island government for the reasons that follows:
1. This Board represents approximately 12,000 Pelican timeshare interval owners whose investments have been fatally compromised by the "very bad and what this Board believes to be illegal acts" of the Resort's outside management company (Royal Resorts Group/Royal Resorts Caribbean) and its principals/officers Mr. Richard Sutton and Mr. Richard Corso who, we are sure, you are already very familiar with..
2. This Board is very troubled by the fact that the newly installed Island government had not chosen to officially involve itself in this "financial and legal debacle" earlier given the "on the ground" reality that a closed Pelican resort (a possible outcome), or a significantly reduced interval owner membership base (already becoming a reality!), will have a tremendously negative financial impact on the Island's economy (given that it is acknowledged fact that tourism is the island's economic engine).
3. This Board is even more troubled by the fact that the newly installed Island government has chosen to meet with Mr. Sutton, Mr. Corso, and the representatives of the Pelican Resort WIFOL union employees but has chosen not to include the TAPRC Board in these meetings. Let us be clear, this Board is the sole legal representative of the interval interests of approximately 12,000 Pelican Resort timeshare intervals.
4. This Board is very concerned for the future economic well being of the island and all of its residents, business owners, etc. This Board, speaking on behalf of its thousands of interval owners is proud of the fact that we, Pelican intervals owners, have had a wonderful relationship with the Island and its residents and its business owners these past twenty five plus years. Pending the outcome of the current events that relationship could be severely curtailed.
5. This Board will have no choice but to send a powerful message to our constituency (the approximate 12,000 Pelican timeshare interval owners) that the sad reality is that Dutch St. Maarten Island timeshare protective legislation, which we have been told and assured for years is an impediment to unscrupulous and fraudulent resort managers and developers, is in reality a paper tiger without legal teeth ...powerless to protect our timeshare interval ownership interests, and that the newly installed island government, despite numerous TAPRC Board requests to meet, has chosen to "sit on is official hands" and not respond to our urgent calls for government intervention and substantive assistance.

A little bit of recent history is warranted at this point......

On November 30, 2010, the Tenants' Association Pelican Resort Club (TAPRC) held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Pelican Resort. As the Chairman of the Board at that time, Ms. Christine Schlunz, contacted the Prime Minister to see if she would be willing to meet with the Board to discuss the likely impact on and ramifications to the island and local employees if the foreclosure of the Resort was allowed to go forward. The Board had invited Mr. Franklin Meyers to attend the Resort's AGM and the Prime Minister assured Ms. Schlunz that would be the best person to meet with. Unfortunately the Board received notice through Mr. James' office the morning of the AGM that Mr. Meyers would be delayed, and could not attend the AGM but would meet with the Board later that day. Mr. James had specific instructions from Ms. Schlunz to bring Mr. Meyers to our meeting room whenever he arrived but the Board never saw him nor heard from him or his office as to why he missed the meeting.

A few days prior to the November 30th meeting, Ms. Schlunz and the Board's attorney Mr. Gerrit Van Giffen met with Mr. Theo Thompson, the WIFOL union leader, WIFOL's attorney, and several union stewards from Pelican Resort. Ms. Schlunz spent two hours telling them the history behind this foreclosure attempt and assured them that Mr. Sutton intended to file a structured bankruptcy soon after his foreclosure in order to break all the labor contracts. Mr. Sutton informed the Board in December, 2009 of these intentions. In July, 2010, Mr. Sutton told Ms. Schlunz that if she didn't get the Board to give him complete control of the Resort and its operations, he would take the Resort in a foreclosure. Ms. Schlunz categorically assured Mr. Sutton that the Board did not intend to miss a payment to the lender (Mr. Suttons' company, QIT) who held the lien as the Board had explicitly instructed Mr. Corso, CEO of the management company in writing, to make every payment on time before any other payments were made so a default was unlikely. Mr. Sutton said he would make sure the Resort was in default in August and that he would own the Resort before the end of the year and that's exactly what Mr. Sutton did. Mr. Corso had complete control of the Resort's bank accounts and money and made all the decisions on who got paid and who didn't (this is one of the issues we asked the island court judge for relief from). Mr. Corso is an employee of Mr. Sutton's, and as we've all seen and in spite of hundreds of Board legal directives to the contrary, made sure Mr. Sutton's threat of default and subsequent foreclosure came to pass.

The TAPRC Board of Directors represents the more than 12,000 timeshare owners at Pelican Resort Club who have just lost the ownership of the Resort in an impossibly bad judicial decision. Hundreds have written the Board asking why the island allowed this travesty to happen and many are walking away from their timeshares and will no longer be spending their money on the island of St. Maarten. They're baffled as to how a judge could rule that this was a valid default given the magnitude of evidence provided by the Resort's attorneys, independent accountants, etc. and the clear and material conflicts of interest between the parties who caused the default. The TAPRC Board was asking the judge for a delay on the auction date so that the Board could get rightful control of its bank accounts and cure the Sutton-Corso orchestrated default. The evidence to support the fraudulent default action was overwhelming.

There is another group of owners numbering approximately 150 who have collectively invested over $3.2 million dollars in Pelican Resort through a program called Pelican Capital Improvement Program (PCIP) implemented by Mr. Sutton. These investors, a number who have individually invested $100 thousand or more, will now lose their investments due to Mr. Sutton's orchestrated Resort foreclosure action. Mr. Sutton and Mr. Corso have stated they have no intention of honoring these debts which will have a dramatic negative financial impact on many of these long time Pelican owners (some who are retirees). The Board directed Mr. Corso to begin repaying these investors last year but their directive was ignored and since he had complete control of our bank accounts and funds, he decided it was not in the best interest of the Resort to repay these investors. We have come to learn that he was acting in the best interests of Mr. Sutton and his pre-planned foreclosure plan.

The Board is still pursuing justice in this issue and has filed appeals on both court actions and has a criminal court case pending in Florida against Mr. Corso and Mr. Sutton personally. The Board expects numerous additional court actions to be filed against Mr. Sutton, Mr. Corso, and their related business entities as new evidence has been uncovered recently concerning many aspects of the foreclosure, the subsequent auction, and the irregularities concerning the rushed issuance of "new licenses" to operate the Resort.

The Board believes that it is may not be too late to reverse this "financial/legal debacle" for the benefit of all aggrieved parties. The Board respectfully requests an opportunity to discuss the events/details of what has transpired at the Resort with the newly installed government of Dutch St. Maarten. The Board respectfully requests that you and other key Ministers in the government agree to convene a meeting with representatives of the TAPRC Board as soon as possible.

This Board anxiously awaits your response. A response can be sent to the Board at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Respectfully,

TAPRC Board of Directors, Pelican Resort

I would like to give my opinion on hiring youngsters out of school as civil servants. What I wonder is this: Why recruit each and every youngster with a little education for a job in government? Are there really so many civil servants needed? What about outsourcing of certain government tasks (primarily administrative tasks)? What is being done to make it more attractive for businesses to hire locals (unskilled and skilled laborers)? Why is there not more diversity in education for our youngsters? Why is there not a "master plan" for the socio-economic landscaping of Sint Maarten in the (near) future?
It is sad to see that there is so much recruiting going on by government to have vacancies filled by our educated youngsters. In our opinion it is more desirable that our youngsters find jobs in the private sector and that government focuses on efficiency with limited resources. Do you want everybody with, for example, an accounting degree working for government? Which local with an accounting degree is then going to work in the private sector? I also believe that certain government duties can be outsourced. This is not being done to the fullest right now. In case it does happen, the project/duties most likely will go to a "consultancy bureau" from someone who has close ties with those in power.
It is also sad to see that there are so many laborers from abroad who can be hired, because they mastered a trade and our youngsters did not. We should create more diversity in our educational system and stimulate our youngsters to learn something else than "hospitality and trade" and "business administration". We hardly have local doctors, pharmacists, craftsman (shoe repair, goldsmith, butcher, tailor, etc). Maybe we should have limited scholarships for certain studies to create a diverse group of professionals and introduce more laws on hiring local people. Here comes possitive discrimination into play.
The question is: Who will be working in what sector 25 years from now in Sint Maarten?

Have a great day,

Sjaoel "Shooz" Richardson

Yours sincerely,

Richard Fleming

Yours truly,

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

• To promote balanced and sustainable economic growth;
• To promote full employment;
• To promote a fair income distribution.

The SER has nine members. It consists of three sections, which each have three members in the council. These sections are trade unions, employers' organizations and government appointed members.

With great relief I absorbed the news that the SER finally has been established on Sint Maarten and I will closely follow the subjects discussed within, and the advices coming from the SER. I am eager to see how serious government is going to take this council.

Three most urgent topics to be discussed according to me:

1. Cost of living
2. Tax reform
3. Investment climate

What do you think should be the priority for the SER right now?

Have a great day,

Sjaoel "Shooz" Richardson

Please allow me some space to vent my frustration. I recently received my G.E.B.E. bill with the new tariff. I decided to recalculate my bill according to the old tariff and came to the conclusion that I have saved the tremendous amount of USD 8.00!!!!

We had an increase in the turnover tax which caused a price hike on many items, the gas prices went up and the people got frustrated with the ridiculous electricity prices. Icing on the cake were the many power outages causing damages to household equipment and the news that this milking cow that we call G.E.B.E. made a profit of 20 million guilders while having huge energy and water losses.

At that point in time the National Alliance had tabled a motion to have the G.E.B.E. bills cut in half for a certain period of time. Of course, the sheep in the other parties voted against. Reason for voting against was that "they were working on a proposal their selves". The only alternative what I know of are the letters to G.E.B.E. demanding to adjust the fuel clause. For the rest: Nothing!!! Again!!! No delivery!!! Neither did the NA made a next effort to make something happen for the people.

At the moment I have a fridge which I put on the porch, because it isn't functioning anymore. After one of the outages the fridge didn't came back to life. Can I proof that it is because of the outages? No. Will repairs be paid by anyone else than me? No. My washing machine as well as my dryer needed fixing twice thanks to the outages of G.E.B.E. Could I proof that the damages occurred by the power outages? No. Did anybody else pay for the repairs than me? No.

So, now I have extra costs because of a malfunctioning electricity company who is also thieving my money on a monthly basis, I have to deal with increased prices all over the place because of the increase of the ToT, gas prices gone through the roof and I took notice of the intended increase of government price controlled bread by Ang 0,50 and my relief over the month is USD 8.00? Are you serious? Should I be grateful? Hell no!! I am glad that I have a decent paid job, but why do I have the feeling that I am only working hard and I am paying for other people's incompetence? What about my fellow citizens who might no be as fortunate as me?

I just want to express my disgust for the non-representation of those clowns who call their selves parliamentarians whose sole purpose of living seem to be to gather as much money from hard working people and not do a d*@n thing their selves!!!

I am just saying: Dun Wid It!!

Have a great day,

Sjaoel "Shooz" Richardson

Our organization is the only body which has been established with one purpose in mind.
In short, it is to represents indigenous St. Martin people on grassroots level.
Reason for this is the fact that our indigenous St. Martin people, who are administered by two different (France and The Netherlands) colonial powers, are otherwise were never before represented, let alone protected as a distinct group.
In having decided to protect and preserve our indigenous St. Martin people, our objective is part of a 'bigger picture'.
That of the St. Martin nation building & unification process.
Also, integral part of that 'bigger picture' is the integration of other ethnic groups with an 'added value' to the St. Martin cultural-heritage and traditional way of life.
At present however, the native, indigenous St. Martin people are confronted with a large number of adversities, including 'external threats' to their very existence a a people in their own land of heritage - St. Martin.
Our own local author and historian, Daniella JEFFRY, in her latest book (SAINT-MARTIN Destabilization of the French Caribbean) has termed this existential threat as a 'silent genocide' (page 29)
Although both sides of the island have undergone constitutional reform, both governments have thus-far not yet manged to recognize the native, indigenous St. Martin People in their respective constitutions.
In order to prevent a total genocide by substitution of the St. Martin People, our grassroots St. Martin movement has embarked on an effort to promote amending the Constitution of Country St. Maarten to give it meaningful content for the indigenous St. Martin People.
As by 'Divine intervention', we have come across a document written around 1992, referred to by its authors as the 'Saint-Martin PACT', which we consider to be the precursor of the indigenous St. Martin People's constitution.
This document although formulated some 20 odd years ago, is consider by us to be extremely visionary in nature and the most fundamental 'founding document' for the indigenous St. Martin People.
It is therefore that we wish to inform you, that we hereby fully endorse this document as the precursor of the first Constitution of a sovereign, unified Saint Martin, with strong ties to Europe and the Caribbean.
In addition, after having amended its content, we will present it to the Governments of both sides of the island for ratification and for integration in all legal documents of the Governments of both sides of the island.

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia

Lately there have been many articles about immigration and the functioning of our government. I would like to focus on us this time. What are we doing to make things better other than complain, complain and complain some more?

What is wrong with our youngsters that the majority of them are not willing to clean the roads or sweeping homes, but rather be on the block? Hearing my father and others, the average Sint Maartener left school and started to work immediately. Some went abroad to study, but the majority took all kind of odd jobs to make some money. Then we have my generation either born here or abroad: not having to grow up with the hardships our parents went through, but being raised with basic principles. When you went wrong you suffer the consequences and when you did right it was the most normal thing to do. Also you learnt about sharing and helping others.

What can we possibly put in our constitution or make it law to prevent us from going astray from our own unwritten principles? That we keep our local music alive? What about our local dishes? Our language? And last but not least: our norms and values, which gave us the name "Friendly Island"? Nothing. But that is my opinion. Government is responsible for the legal framework and we need to keep their feet to the fire to make it happen that such a framework will not only be there, but also maintained. Yes, hiring workers illegally needs to be attacked. Yes, illegal immigration needs to be dealt with. But what are we doing besides putting all the weight of responsibility on our incompetent government and blaming illegal residents? I guess you have the answer.........

In closing I can only state that we can fight for all kinds of things to be made law, but that we are responsible for our own lives and raising our children, and those in our community, according to our norms and values. When we are able to that then we have all the right to criticize our government (who are also children of the soil and put there by us) on not implementing certain laws pertaining the Sint Maartener of heritage. In the mean time I will continue to focus on not only the immigration issue, but also on all issues affecting our daily lives.

Have a great day,

Sjaoel "Shooz" Richardson

We must come up with an economic plan to stimulate our economy. I believe that tax cuts really do provide a stimulus. The real reason is that they provide flexibility: people who want to consume more can use their tax cut for that purpose; people who want to save more can use theirs to buy or reinvest in a business or use that tax cut to buy shares in a business or start a new business which in turns create jobs. Tax cut is the perfect scenario during a recession, when prior over-investment has resulted in bloated inventory levels and poor private investment opportunities. Tax cuts are really a sneaky way to increase consumers' credit lines. I believe the government should allow local investors to buy shares in the airport, harbor and GEBE and also Telem. This will not only make these companies stronger but they must live up to transparency and financial scrutiny or accountability. At the same time we will be creating StMaarten ownership which is real Nation-building. If we really want to stimulate our economy, we should put money in the hands of the people most likely to spend it, which creates good business and lots of cash flow. Economic growth means an increase in the amount of wealth that exists in a country--and all wealth must be produced. Production does not need stimulation from the government; it needs liberation from the government. What a productive, dynamic economy requires of a government is that it restricts itself to protecting property rights from force and fraud, and refrain from interfering in free production and trade. It is important for our banks to continue to lend money especially for houses, cars and personal business; this is the key for StMaarten, because we are a consuming and service base economy. It is better when people build their own homes than when government build homes for people, the main reason private property and private investment force people to be more responsible and ownership of home via a mortgage or car loan produces insurance business. Insurance is the backbone as security to any investment. I endorse giving all native StMaarten people and Dutch citizens of StMaarten a 3 years tax break for any new business they open. This is how you stimulate an economy and create ownership. That tax break can earn greater profits when you have to rent, those funds can use to buy more products that you can sell. I am not afraid to say we should make a flat tax across the board when it comes to income tax, which is allowing all people to pay no more than 20% of what they earn to government. This will make people qualify for a mortgage loan or a car loan much faster and make the demand to lend money greater. Reducing the income tax will create more spending which in first will make government loose revenues but the reward will l make the government revenues quadruple after because of the amount of jobs and profit that is being made. That is stimulating the economy and not government while at the same time building a prosperous nation with ownership for our StMaarten people. For my reader I will be soon on vacation you will not hear from me for a while. Let the government know if you empty my pockets you're not my friend. And charity begins at home. Tax break should not only be for hotel owners, it should also be for the small business people from StMaarten Heritage and all StMaarten people. Keep hope alive; always condition your mind for the long term.

Yours truly,

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

I think that the parties should be more transparent about their political vision. This would also expose the ridiculous moves of politicians from one party to the other or become "independent" without proper explanation to the electorate. What do these individuals stand for politically? They can not be "hit" with facts, because there are none.

I am also of the opinion that it is important that the people of Sint Maarten get a good understanding of the functioning of the governmental system and the different political streams. My political "colors" in a nut shell: I am a Conservative Democrat/Christian Democrat, Center-Right. Right wing issues for example: (Tough Love) harsher punishments on criminal offences, strict control on immigration policies, limited meddling of government in businesses and personal lives. Left wing issues for example: easy accessibility to education and health care for everybody (an educated and healthy nation has a low crime rate, produces sufficient and has a high quality of life in general), protecting rights of laborers. So tell me, my peepz, where do you stand?

Have a great day,

Sjaoel "Shooz" Richardson

Leopold JAMES

• 1 Queen
• 12 Ministers (of which 1 is Prime Minister)
• 8 Secretaries of State
• 150 Members of the Second Chamber
• 75 Members of the First Chamber
• 1 President of the Second Chamber
• 2 Griffiers (no governing power)
• 40.000 signatures from voters needed to have a subject put on the agenda in the Second Chamber
• Advisory councils without decision making authority

• 7 Ministers (of which 1 is Prime Minister)
• 15 Members of Parliament
• 1 President of Parliament
• 1 Griffier
• 1 Governor (no governing power)
• Advisory councils without any decision making authority

Question is: How can we have "dualism" with just a handful politicians who don't even communicate with their membership or the electorate in general?

Sjaoel "Shooz" Richardson

Yours truly,

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

First, please permit me to introduce myself to you as I am seeking your intervention of my Brother being seriously burnt to a life threatening condition.

My name is Collin Aaron, a FIFA accredited Referee Instructor, Assessor and Sports Administrator. I reside in the United State of America.

I received a phone called on June 16th from a friend of my brother's notifying me that my elder brother Mr. Carsdale Aaron age 55 was burnt on June 15, 2011 during an explosion while working at St. Maarten Concrete located in  Sucker Garden inside a Gasoline Tank that was set ablaze. He was taken to the St. Maarten Medical Center, where he was admitted and left unattended by his work place/boss, since he has no relatives on the Island to take care of his welfare.

My brother was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit, after sustaining extended burn wounds to his entire body and to date no one other than the hospital is caring for him.
Since I was not getting any results, I traveled to St Maarten on Friday June 24, 2011. After seeing his condition and to know that nobody is taking responsibility or showing any remorse for what had happened.

While at the hospital I called Mr. Franklyn, the General manager of St. Maarten Concrete and my brother's boss, I spoke to him seeking to know who will stand responsible for my brother's condition, his response was "I am paying him 80% of his salary until he recovers and discharged from the Medical Center", I further told Mr. Franklyn that I am seeking to have my brother move to America to have better treatment, since there is no burn specialist on the Island and what roll would he play, once again he repeated his only roll is 80% salary to him, but will see what else he could do if we get the transfer , which required a U.S. visa.

It is my knowledge that my brother Mr. Aaron has only received half of his salary for the month of May and had not yet been given any other monies for his services to the said company and to date no one from the company has spoken to Mr. Aaron about any monies owed to him or compensation for his life threatening ordeal.

Based on the above, I also spoke to the person that was responsible for the explosion that led to my brother's life threatening condition ,after getting no results from the General Manager of the company, I was left with no other option than to take the matter to the Police Station where I made a report of the incident to Detective Mr. Dirk Roos, who a few days later visited my brother at the hospital for a statement and reported the matter to the Safety Department who is now investigating the matter as it is now brought to their attention.

To my observation and assessment the Owners/ General Manager and other superiors are trying to cover up this entire incident and do not want to compensate my brother for his life threatening ordeal that he suffered during his employment at the said company. Mr. Aaron's body is so badly burnt that he will never be the same again or may never be able to work again. Mr. Aaron has three children and a wife that are dependent on him.

It is my belief that my brother would not be treated fairly by his boss and others, once he is discharged from the Medical Center. I am therefore seeking the support of the general public to help me in my quest to bring to justice those responsible and seek the necessary compensation.

In conclusion to my letter I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. F Holiday and the staff of the St Maarten's Medical Center.

Please feel free to visit my brother at the St. Maarten Medical Center to obtain first hand information and a true statement beyond what I have explained. I will soon return to the Island to pursue my brother's welfare.

For Justice.

Collin Aaron
Brother

drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF & Ass. L'Esprit de Concordia
Tel. 54 43512 / 05 90 272401 / 5204325 / 5875207

According to the three-element-definition, a state is constituted by a people within a specific territory ruled by a sovereign power. The constitution always defines the necessary instruments of that power and most often contains some reference to the people and to territorial integrity.

National identity (Native People) is the person's identity and sense of belonging to one state or to one nation, a feeling one shares with a group of people, regardless of one's citizenship status.

Identity, also called sameness, is whatever makes an entity definable and recognizable.

National identity is not an inborn trait. Various studies have shown that a person's national identity is a direct result of the presence of elements from the "common points" in people's daily lives: national symbols, language, national colors, the nation's history, national consciousness, blood ties, culture, music, cuisine, radio, television.

A constitution is a set of rules that dictate how citizens live together, including defense of its sovereignty, the role of its government etc. Without a constitution it would be the Wild West again. Every aspect and institution of human civilization requires some form of government to prevent injustice and maintain order. People need boundaries. The healthiest, happiest children are those with clear boundaries. Citizens are subject to the laws of the land in which they reside. Property is secured with boundaries. Armies and business organizations are subject to internal and external rules of order and discipline.

A Harvard professor said this: "A nation without a heritage is easily persuaded." Any genuine solution must involve helping the people rediscover who they are and what set them apart as a people and as a nation.

The national identity of most citizens of one country or one nation tends to strengthen when the country or the nation is threatened. In StMaarten case, native people of StMaarten are becoming extinct. The sense of belonging to the nation is essential as an external threat becomes clearer.

Yours truly,

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

With respect,

For more information contact;
drs. Leopold JAMES
President St. Martin grassroots nation building movement.

Yours truly,

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

Rueben J. Thompson
Vice-President
St. Maarten Pride Foundation

Honorable Minister,

First of all, let me once more express my pride in you as a former student of mine, having bypassed any position/office ever held by me.
I truly believe, that when the next generation of St. Martiners overtakes any achievements of their elders, that such is a legitimate reason for any country to have a sense of pride and hope.
Although the people of this island are facing challenges to their very existence as a people, you are a very powerful example, not only of hope-, but more-so of expectation.
From the media, we have learned of your efforts to have July 1, officially become a national holiday for 'Country St. Maarten'.
On behalf of the grassroots St. Martin nation building- and unification movement, I highly recommend you for working towards this end.
However, I do hope you will have an open mind, in terms of taking the following into consideration as well.
It all has to do, with our conviction that anything we do, labeled 'St. Maarten' and/or 'St. Martin', such should, at its very core, relate to the PEOPLE of this land.
To be very specific, there must be a very clear correlation with those who people inherited this land, through the blood, sweat and tears shed by our ancestors.
People, we refer to as native, indigenous St. Martin people and others refer to as 'St. Martiners of Heritage'.
For us, this is a 'sacred' obligation to our ancestors memory and for their sacrifices made for us to be better off, such as you achieving your PhD.
In addition, by nurturing, preserving and protecting the St. Martin People and their cultural-heritage, a strong basis/foundation will be established for inclusion of others, as integral part of the St. Martin nation building - and unification process.
This is a most critical function we as St. Martin people can play to create a genuine and sustainable overall development of this country and it should be the foremost priority of every elected official on both sides of the island.
Failing to make use of this opportunity, will not only prolong unnecessary concerns, mutual resentments between the various groups of people, but will result in further escalation.
From the feedback, we constantly receive from naturalized citizens and from conscious immigrants, that they too agree that unless 'charity starts' at home for St. Martiners, eventually their own 'born-here' children will face the same results, upon arrival of other 'new-comers'.
Therefore, we are of the opinion, that celebrating 'Emancipation Day' for St. Maarten, without recognizing the St. Martiners, without protecting and preserving them in the Constitution of Country 'St. Maarten' will not be complete, or worse yet, will ring hollow-, and hypocritical.
We certainly would like to believe, that this is definitely not your intention, since you are too intelligent and conscious a St. Martiner yourself.
Now, that we have almost a year, before a possibly St. Maarten Emancipation-Day, becomes a national holiday, we recommend you try to convince your fellow Ministers and members of Parliament to make sure that the Constitution is duly amended to contain the historical importance of Emancipation-Day, as well as the recognition, protection and preservation of the St. Martin people.
Clearly, Emancipation day for St. Maarten, can not historically, morally and meaningfully be separated from these other issues - they are inseparable as are the native, indigenous St. Martin People carrying different nationailties.
We thank you or your kind attention and look forward to your response.
Meanwhile, as we have always done, we as a grassroots St. martin nation building - and unification movement will continue championing the rights of the St. Martin people, with or without cooperation from our elected officials.
Eventually, even those elected officials will benefit from our work, once they are no longer in office.
So, from that point of view, securing the rights of St. Martiners in the Constitution in, and of itself, is a future investment for security and survival of those St. Martiners now holding public office as Ministers, Members of Parliament, the President and Councilors of the Collectivite Saint Martin !

Drs. Leopold JAMES,
President grassroots St. Martin nation building- and unification movement and
Proud native, indigenous St. Martiner, without apologies.

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia

You said you would do it, and you did it.
You put together a 'Breakfast with De Dje Robert special' installment on PJD2, this Sunday morning, July 24, 2011, in anticipation of my birthday, Monday, July 25, 2011.
I must admit that you did a 'wickedly' good job which really touched me very deeply.
Be assured my friend, that I am very grateful to you, for having at least, on several occasions, given me the opportunity to get our message of the St. Martin nation building- and unification process across, as well as the crucial role therein of the native, indigenous St. Martin People.
In addition, I have the greatest admiration and respect for your understanding of this process.
You told me on various occasions that you never felt that our cause was intended to exclude any group.
Rather, you clearly understood that it was meant to create the proper set of circumstances for a sustainable development and nation building.
In ending.
Thanks again 'Uncle' de Robert, on behalf of the grassroots St, Martin People, for not being biased against our natural and legitimate desire as St. Martin People, to also enjoy the privileges of the universla principle, that 'Charity should always start at home'

May God bless you,

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia

Sjaoel "Shooz" Richardson

Before even responding to your proposal for raising toll at the borders between SXM South- and North, to 'generate income' for the Governments of the island, I have the following rhetorical questions for you.
Did you really for a second, think that everyone forgot, that you were part of 'Team St. Maarten' which brought home the '10-10-10-bacon' ?
The 'team', which has betrayed and deceived the SXM people, under the guise of doing 'we own ting', once we break away from that 'awful' Central Government ?
Do you real think everybody forgot, that led by your much admired leader, Mr. William Marlin, we the people were denied the opportunity to have a 'last check' of the facts (= ratification) before jumping into your oh so coveted Country St. Maarten 'train' ?
Do you also think, that everybody forgot the lies told to the people, that once we were on our own, all the money would now stay on St. Maarten and that we would have millions in surplus for ourselves ?
Well, honorable Sir, not everybody, if anybody at all forgot those deceptions, betrayals and lies.
So, please, instead of now coming up with really brilliant ideas to find income for 'Country St. Maarten', do us a favor and lead by example by first 'digging into your own pockets'.
After all, since you the politicians, were so convinced of the benefits of us going separate status on '10-10-10', without granting us the, people the respect of a last check, it is only fair- and logical, that all elected officials be the first to make financial sacrifices.
How you ask ?
Simply for instance by tabling a motion in parliament, that all members of parliament and all ministers must reduce their salaries and other perks to the level of the average salary of all civil-servants, before taxing any other groups and certainly before taxing St. Martiners.
In addition, that motion should also require them to put all their assets in an escrow-account.
Only then, would you, elected officials have any moral authority to pressure others to pay for the deception you and your fellow politicians have brought upon the people of this island.
Once you do that, I am sure that others would not mind making their contribution to resolving the financial disaster caused by you politicians.
Now, as far as your brilliant proposal is concerned to taxing vehicles crossing the borders with a toll, be advised as follows.
As St. Martin's grassroots nation building and unification movement, rest assured, that the day any impediment on the free movement, in whatever form and/or shape, would be placed on native, indigenous St. Martiner people, 'Crappo will smoke he pipe'.
Since, you are always seem more concerned about the rights of immigrants, and since you like your leader, also do not know what a St. Martiner is, let the following just remind you somewhat.
First of all, the native, indigenous St. Martin people are one, indivisible people, with a common history, family bonds, heritage, succession-land, past and future etc.
Yes, they live on an island, divided and administered by two distinctly different administrations, but they have always lived in the spirit of the Treaty of Concordia as one people.
More than that, the native, indigenous St. Martin people are the very embodiment of the spirit of that Treaty.
In addition, not only is that Treaty applicable (like the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty), but we have lived it for over 300 odd years, making our typically Traditional way of life, in fact an example of 'unwritten law '( 'gewoonte recht') , which is just as legal as any other form of 'written law'.
Therefore, honorable MP, if you ever want to apply that toll on St. Martiners, forget it very fast, if you know what is good for you and if you do not want all St. Martiners up in arms against you.
If you want, you can feel free to place it on your immigrant friends.
After all, they have only received 'papers/documents' for one side of the island and thus in strict legal terms, are (illegal)foreigners in the other part.

Leopold JAMES,
President of the grassroots St. Martin nation building- and unification movement and a proud native, indigenous St. Martiner – without apologies.

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia

Date: Thursday, September 1, 2011
Time: from 1:00 pm

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia

Is this not a cause for concern in which we should ask ourselves if our leaders made a wrong calculation with their analysis. We all make mistakes at times. However I believe that when we make mistakes we should be big enough to apologize to the persons that will suffer from these mistakes which in this case is the people of St. Maarten. The population continues to complain and to appeal to our Government for some kind of relief and for solutions in areas such as the following.

The rise of crime, unemployment, high cost of living e.g., high electricity bills, high gasoline prices, high food prices, high medical expenses, the high cooking gas prices, high school fees, deteriorating roads which causes damaged vehicles, unaffordable and decent rental of apartments. These amongst other areas are some of the problems that St. Maarten is faced with on a daily basis. I know that for the people of St. Maarten the Federal Government has come to them instead of being in Curacao as was the case in the Netherlands Antilles constellation. However this status is not new for most leaders of this Government because we have persons like the Honorable Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and a number of the parliamentarians who where in the Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles which is now the Parliament of St. Maarten. And even better yet which now have 15 members of Parliament all from St. Maarten oppose to the three we had when we were in the parliament of the Netherlands Antilles. My question to all of the above is what is so new about this status. The Council of Ministers and the Parliament has their role to play in ensuring that the people receive proper representation that must be in their best interest.
One year after do we the people of St. Maarten continue to allow Government make excuses by saying that the constellation is new and that they need time before they would be able to function properly. I believe that we should demand that whoever is in Government whether representing the Government or not should play their role by knowing that St. Maarten people should be taken care of and not constantly putting their head in the sand like an ostrich by continually informing the St. Maarten People that their demands are difficult to be met but have no problem bending over backward to ensure that others are well taken care of by finding ways to solve their problems because of Human Rights. Are the St. Maarten people not humans as well.

I would like St. Maarten to live on and function to its full potential but we can only do this if our own people are given the opportunity to build this nation and to be the foundation in this process. One year has come and soon will be gone. What is your vision for St. Maarten and its people. Our entities are faced with problems that have our people insecure about their future. I spoke about the many problems that St. Maarten are faced with but I want to make a suggestion to our Government and our parliament which I believe will be in the best interest at least for our people. That is to make a decision to be real leaders so that others will follow by rolling back the salaries of all Ministers and Parliamentarians. Our elected and appointed officials should start the process by being an example seeing that we are faced with an economic recession and it would be in the best interest that they cut their salaries to a reasonable amount so that Government would have more money in their coffers. I challenge this Government to take this first step which I believe others will be willing to take if it starts with our elected officials. The people have to always be the first to make sacrifices. I believe that we should now reverse this and have our politicians set the stage by being an example. This would be a way of telling the people that we miscalculated our income after 10-10-10 and for this we will also share in paying the price for our mistakes which is a normal procedure.

Jeffrey Richardson

We need a change of government. We do not need new elections. All we need is for 8 of our Members of Parliament to show that they really love our Country and our people.

In my opinion, we do not want the same old tired politicians that only know how to bicker and complaint.
I suggest that the following Members of Parliament get together and form a government.
They are; George Pantophlet, Lloyd Richardson, Hyacinth Richarson, Leroy De Weever, Ruth Meyers, Ruth Douglas, Romaine Laville and Janchie Leonard.

I don't want any of them to be a minister. They must appoint professional ministers.
These 8 Members of Parliament must put a program together with a budget to carry it out. The appointed Ministers must work within the governing program.

If they have any doubt about whether or not they can do it, then I respectfully ask them to step aside and let a newer breed of politicians take their places.

As far as I remember, They all asked us to vote for them because they wanted to govern. Now that they have been elected, it's their time to govern.

It won't be a Coup d'Etat. They will be Saving We Country.

Clifton R. Wilson

When it comes to: financial relieve, immigration, crime, education, environment, youth programs, prison, pensions, elderly care, health care reform, functioning of parliament, labor issues, tax system (reform), communication/information, construction, monies spent, national anthem, national holiday, standing up for your citizens etc etc etc etc etc. Our government failed us miserably.

Why is it that it seems that our government does not care about us? In my humble opinion it has to do with what I experienced as a child and am still experiencing: when you play with fire, you'll get burned...when you walk bare footed in glass, you'll get cut...when you don't listen, you'll feel. Apparently, our so-called representatives never experienced these things on a political level.

As a born Dutch native with roots going deep in history on this island I can only say, that whatever happens, I am proud of Soualiga. This is MY island. I refuse to roll over and play dead when a bunch of no good, crooked, self-enriching people are on a mission to destroy MY island for a quick buck for their self and their own.

The time has come that we channel our voices and say enough is enough.

Have a great day,

Sjaoel "Shooz" Richardson

"Man must cease attributing his problems to his environment, and learn again to exercise his will – his personal responsibility." Albert Einstein. "It is a painful thing to look at your own trouble and know that you yourself and no one else has made it." Sophocles. "A sign of wisdom and maturity is when you come to terms with the realization that your decisions cause your rewards and consequences. You are responsible for your life, and your ultimate success depends on the choices you make." Denis Waitley.

What is one of the most boring and tiresome words ever? Like discipline, responsibility is one of those words you have probably heard so many times from authority figures that you've developed a bit of an allergy to it. Still, it's one of the most important things to grow and to feel good about your life. Without it as a foundation nothing else here or in any personal development book really works.

So today I'd like to explore personal responsibility with the help from some timeless thoughts on the topic : 1. There is always a price to pay.

"Freedom is the will to be responsible to ourselves" Friedrich Nietzsche. "Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it." George Bernard Shaw

"When you blame others, you give up your power to change." Not taking responsibility may be less demanding, less painful and mean less time spent in the unknown. It's more comfortable. You can just take it easy and blame problems in your life on someone else. But there is always a price to pay. When you don't take responsibility for your life you give away your personal power. Plus more!

2. Build your self-esteem. "Disciplining yourself to do what you know is right and important, although difficult, is the high road to pride, self-esteem and personal satisfaction." Brian Tracy. The willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life is the source from which self-respect springs." Joan Didion.

Why do people often have self-esteem problems? I'd say that one of the big reasons is that they don't take responsibility for their lives. Instead someone else is blamed for the bad things that happen and a victim mentality is created and empowered. This damages many vital parts in your life. Stuff like relationships, ambitions and achievements. That hurt will not stop until you wise up and take responsibility for your life. There is really no way around it. And the difference is really remarkable. Just try it out. You feel so much better about yourself even if you only take personal responsibility for your own life for day.

This is also a way to stop relying on external validation, like praise from other people to feel good about yourself. Instead you start building a stability within and a sort of inner spring that fuels your life with positive emotions, no matter what other people say or do around you. This brings us to the next reason to take personal responsibility.

3. Give yourself the permission to live the life you want. "When we have begun to take charge of our lives, to own ourselves, there is no longer any need to ask permission of someone." George O'Neil. By taking responsibility for our lives we not only gain control of what happens. It also becomes natural to feel like you deserve more in life as your self-esteem builds, and as you do the right thing more consistently. You feel better about yourself. This is critically important, because it's most often you that are standing in your own way and in the way of your success.

It's you that start to self-sabotage or hold yourself back in subtle or not so subtle ways once you are on your way to the success you dream of. To remove that inner resistance you must feel and think that you actually deserve what you want. You may be able to do a little about that by affirmations and other positive techniques. But, the biggest impact by far comes from taking responsibility for yourself and your life, by doing the right thing.

4. Taking action becomes natural. "Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility." Dietrich Bonhoeffer "The willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life is the source from which self-respect springs." Joan Didion.

We conclude it is wise to use personal responsibility and freewill.

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

1. Outdated and insufficient text books for student.
2. Lack of teaching materials.
3. Non- functioning computer lab and necessary software for more than one year.
4. No photocopy machine.
5. Dilapidated infrastructure and classrooms.
6. Hanging ceiling tiles.
7. Improper and inadequate safety measures.
8. Rooms with exposed electrical wires.
9. 62 teachers that aren't registered with the APNA pension fund.
10. No curriculum for some subjects.
11. Insufficient classroom space.
12. Threats of losing their jobs or renewing their papers and conflict of interest.
13. Inadequate and unfair disciplinary measures taken against some students.
14. Inappropriate gestures to students by teachers.
15. Insufficient bathrooms for teachers.

Text Books

Parents are required to pay a school fee of Naf 780, - per child but yet their children aren't given any text books for years. How do the teachers teach without text books? Why do parents pay a school fee if their child cannot have a text book? When they do use books from school they are outdated.

Graduation

The graduation was cancelled last year after a years' worth of preparation by teachers and students. In order to make their graduation feel special they rented out the WESTIN conference room to the school. Graduation gowns were purchased and invitation went out to parents and then the school board broke the morale of everyone by cancelling the graduation. The school board was under no obligation to finance this event because it was already paid for by the students.
The point of the matter is, if the school board is subsidized by government and paid by the parents in the form of school fees in order to maintain a safe and healthy environment, what happened? The teachers have been over-worked and taken for granted for many years and government is allowing the school board to violate their constitutional rights.
What's next? This has been going on for a long time and no one has tried to better the situation. Teachers are tired, but committed to their students and their jobs. They should not have to decide whether they want to keep their job over an issue such as this, which borders on violating rights to privacy stipulated in our constitution.
So tell me, who would want to remain in this dangerous environment, and can the finger printing machine solve this problem?

Click here to view more photos of St. Maarten Academy P.S.V.E.

Micheal Thomas

In StMaarten it is normal that many of the men are patsy for the government or yes man.

A patsy is a person who is easily cheated, victimized, etc. Or is use as a scapegoat.

Let me explain myself. A yes man is a person, team, etc., that is easily taken advantage of or defeated. It is also someone who allows them self to be easily used and do dirty work for another person. A yes man is also a push over. A yes man is also a person who allows oneself to be used for another's profit or advantage; a puppet. A yes man is also a loyal follower who does not think for himself but carry information for his so call leader (oppressor). If you go at the various bars where politicians hang out they are like whores waiting for their pimp to greet them, hoping to get a contract so they can act and feel important. Many of these people are in different committees and boards in order to serve their master in government. In reality they are also what you call a fall guy. A fall guy a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of. The UP party has a lot of yes men. Yes my friend the real prime minister your honorable prime minister I give you a lot of respect you have a lot of yes men that you use. Guest what I agree with you, if a jackass allow himself to be ride, then ride him. I like how you break the National Alliance and you keep those yes men in order. You are a master chess player and I mean this I give you respect for that. My honorable prime minister teach me how to keep the sheep's in the herd. For those that does not know what is a herd, a herd refers to a social grouping of certain animals of the same species, either wild or domestic, and also to the form of collective animal behavior associated with this to its control by another species such as humans or dogs. This system is what has StMaarten in the way it is. And you need a person or people with great character to break this slave mentality of bowing or letting themselves be use because for the love of money. That's why StMaarten people in general are passives they were broken for the last 60 years and were taught to be good yes men and women. Never challenge government even when they are wrong, be a good yes man or woman for UP or DP or National Alliance. That is why the native StMaarten people sit back and let so many wanabees influence them to hate or resist anything that portrays and promote native people of StMaarten heritage. We become cowards and fools by staying quiet, believing things will change for the better by being silence. I know these words hurt, but believe it or not I love you, it is because I love you I have no choice to tell you the truth. Relax sit back look yourself in the mirror and ask yourself the question, is the Patriot Miguel saying the truth? My friend, do not let no man or government be it UP, DP or National Alliance put fear in you. StMaarten will change but it is up to you. The change starts with you. Do this for me, raise your right hand and swear I will not allow myself to be no sheep for no man but only to Jesus Christ. And it is my responsibility to stand against any corrupt people or politicians to deceive me and my children, for the love of my country StMaarten. So help me God. I pity all those people who continue to be yes man, your life style will soon the draw the line in the sand, because it is inevitable you will destroy yourself. Be a man or a woman of good character. In my next article I will explain what character is. The conclusion is being a yes man is in reality being a dam fool or a jackass (donkey). God bless St.Maarten and its people, guide them and give them the courage and knowledge to change StMaarten to be a nation of moral character.

Yours truly,

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

Yours truly,

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

Wade Johnson
Foreigner in StMaarten

1 A personality with overall National acceptance and charisma. 2 Ability to communicate convince and gain acceptance of most of the people. 3 Proven ability to deal with crisis. 4 A proven ability to mobilize the support of masses. 5 Ability to develop and express sound vision. 6 Good international exposure and network. 7 Non routine and a source of innovation. 8 Achieve an economic growth of at least 5 %. 9 Reduce both external and internal debts by 20% per year. 10 Optimize the subsidy system in order to release the financial pressure on the country resources (Tax break for small local business owners to stimulate job growth in the economy.)

A prime minister should have the vision to lead and institute plan to take the country out of economic disaster. A prime minister should be the prime example for the people of a country to promote nationalistic pride, and live and lead by example. The role of the prime minister is to make sure that the national security of the country is a good state. (People of StMaarten Heritage along with born here Dutch citizens of StMaarten are a minority in country StMaarten, which is a direct national security threat). The Prime Minister is a head of government, chief executive, chief legislator and party leader. There for he or she must have the ability to institute legislation and ask parliament to make it a law. Any person that does not possess skills of what is stated above should not run for prime minister it does not matter how much degree they have. What he or she needs to be a prime minister is to possess lots of general knowledge and the ability to think effectively. Recently Sarah Wescott said drastic measures must be taken against our deteriorating crime problem in our country StMaarten. A good prime minister will create a plan and say this is the drastic measures that will be taken. A good leader knows how to delegate and motivate people to get the plan executed well. So far StMaarten has fail miserably in the art of leadership. This message is for the people of StMaarten to understand what the roll and more importantly what skills our prime minister should have to be a good and effective successful leader. It is up to you to judge our Prime Minister Sarah wescott on these principles which was mention above.

Yours truly,

Miguel Arrindell

St. Maarten is going down a dangerous path. As I drive through Philipsburg and Simpson bay at night it is a norm to see young boys and girls drinking and being intoxicating with strong alcohol. It then usually ends up in some sort of sexual orgy. What happen to our values and our responsibilities as mothers and fathers? I notice marriage in St. Maarten has become a mockery. I also notice children out of wedlock are a new style, when I was growing up it was consider shameful. I know many people marry today, and two days after you see them out kissing with another woman or another man. Usually this type of behavior is expedited when alcohol and drugs are use. Money cannot by happiness; the problem in St. Maarten is that God and values is thrown out the door. I did a small survey on my own; let me admit that I am not a professional surveyor. I ask 10 girls and 10 boys between the age of 15 to 18 years about alcohol and sex. The question was do you have more than one sexual partner and do you drink strong alcohol? Eight out of ten boy and girls say they have much more than one sexual partner and that they do drink strong alcohol. This was heart breaking. I ask myself are we upbringing pimps and prostitutes? Then I ask if they do go church sometimes. Only 2 out of 10 boys and girls go to church sometimes. It is crystal clear that St. Maarten is going down a dangerous path. St. Maarten have become a country of lawlessness. It is a norm in St. Maarten for young men and even women to visit these whore houses to be entertained. Our government should enforce the legal limit to make sure these laws are adhering to. This is what Christ said about those who drink alcohol. 1 Corinthians 6:10 lists drunkards among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God. "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, NOR DRUNKARDS, nor revilers, nor extortionist, shall inherit the kingdom of God. "Galatians 5:21 "Envying, murders, DRUNKENNESS, reveling and such like: of THE I tell you before, as I have told you in time past, that THEY WHICH DO SUCH THINGS SHALL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD. "Proverbs 23:19-21, "Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way. Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: for the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty. "Proverbs 20:1 "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. "Isaiah 5:11, 22 "Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink. "Hosea 4:11 "Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart. "HOW DOES GOD WANT US TO LIVE? Titus 2:11-12 tells us, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. HOW DOES GOD WANT US TO LIVE? Titus 2:11-12 tells us, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. God does not want us to even spend time with people who are drunkards. 1 Corinthians 5:11, 13 "But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a drunkard, or an extortion; with such a one, no, not to eat... therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. "Ephesians 5:18, "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Holy Spirit." Let's start bringing up our children the right way to live pleasing to Christ and set St. Maarten back on the right path. We do not need pimps and prostitutes, what we need are young men and woman with self esteem to make St. Maarten a better country.

Yours truly,

Kevin James

Thank you Mr. Editor,

Michael Peterson

Christ has built his church, given his people gifts and leadership, and he has given us work to do. What are the purposes of the church? A major purpose of the church is worship. God has called us that we "may declare the praises of him" who called us "out of darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9). God seeks people who will worship him (John 4:23), who will love him above everything else (Matthew 4:10). Everything we do, whether as individuals or as a congregation, should be for his glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). We are called to "continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise" (Hebrews 13:15).We are commanded, "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs" (Ephesians 5:19). When we gather, we sing praises to God, we pray to him and we listen to his word. These are forms of worship. So is the Lord’s Supper, so is baptism and so is obedience. Teaching is another purpose of the church. It is at the heart of the Great Commission: "teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:20). Church leaders should teach, and members should teach one another (Colossians 3:16). We should encourage one another (1 Corinthians 14:31; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:25). Small groups provide an excellent setting for this mutual ministry. If we want to be spiritual, Paul says, we should want to "build up the church" (1 Corinthians 14:12). The goal is to edify, strengthen, encourage and comfort (v. 3). The entire meeting should "be done for the strengthening of the church" (v. 26). We are to be disciples, people who learn and apply the word of God. The early church was praised because they "devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42). Ministry is a third major purpose of the church. Paul writes, "As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Galatians 6:10). Our first duty is to our family, and then to the church and then to the world around us. The second-greatest commandment is to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:39). The church must have the courage to speak out against sin, which is the breaking of Gods law. Teach and tell the people to live good and decent life. The church must be the first to speak out against abortion, witchcraft, homosexuality, lying, adultery and fornication and idolatry, murder, steeling. Real or true church preaches conviction. Conviction is an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence. This world has many physical needs, and we should not ignore them. But the greatest need is the gospel, and we should not ignore that, either. As part of our ministry to the world, the church is to preach the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. No other organization will do this work—it is the mission of the church. Every worker is needed—some on the front lines, and some in support. Some will plant, some will nurture and some will harvest, and as we work together, Christ will cause the church to grow (Ephesians 4:16). Real men and women of God should never compromise the laws and values of God to please man. They should go down defending it at all times even if it means dying to please God.

Brother Richard Gumbs

Yours truly,

Miguel Arrindell

Roddy Heyliger

Why would any St.Maarten young person want to leave their home, family and friends, travel to a foreign country, spend years of their lives and thousands of dollars in order to get a degree? So that they can return to Country St.Maarten where a quality education is seemingly meaningless?

So why is this dangerous? Would anyone want to have surgery performed by a Doctor with a mail order degree? Would you like to drive over a high level bridge designed by an engineer with a mail order degree? Of course you wouldn't. While both of these examples could be life threatening, in some ways the current Prime Minister has proven to be just as dangerous.

Due to professional oversight, in the example of the Doctor or engineer, their inadequacies would likely be discovered fairly quickly. Not so in the case of the Prime Minister, she formerly was responsible for the entire department of education , even while the degree she claims to have would not sufficiently qualify her to teach. Does anyone wonder why the St.Maarten school system is in the shape it is? How many people have been negatively affected by this? Hard to say for sure.

Currently due in part to the Prime Minister's poor decision in choosing a Minister of Labor, the WIFOL members who worked at Pelican are being affected. While we know this number is 182 it remains to be seen how many other persons on the island will find their incomes at risk.

Who's next? Again hard to say for sure but if I worked for Winair I'd certainly be nervous. While the Prime Minister is the Shareholder Representative for the airline nothing in either her education or experience would lead me to have any confidence in her ability to solve the problems being faced by Winair.

While with a little soap and water, I can wash away the green stain left on my wrist by my Back Street Rolex. I'm afraid for the people of Country St.Maarten it will not be so easy.

Andy Croxall

The bible is a dangerous book, it is a book that preaches truth and hope, and it also preaches truth love and respect to mankind. It is a book that many intellectuals hate, because it exposes their humanism which is an anti Christ theology. It is a book that counterfeit Christianity hates, because it preaches love of God without the practicing the law of God is deception. For you cannot love God if you do not keep his commandments. That is why StMaarten is so corrupt today. We have leaders who love to deceive and steel. We have people who only live for pleasure and have no want or need of God love and laws. We have preachers preaching feel well but do not be good. The bible is a dangerous book because it let you know who is false from who is truth. It preaches against homosexual which is an abomination it preaches against adultery which is nasty because the need for sex is more important than the need of God. We have even gone so far we believe we are so smart that we believe it is better to legalize drugs so we can make money from sin. Many of us believe we our self are God, but yet we do not accept responsibility for our actions. We always blame someone else for our actions. There are false preachers that preach Marxism or communism which is liberation theology and it is an antichrist doctrine. They believe it is ok to take from some people and give it to other people even if they do not want to work. The bible is a dangerous book because it teaches that abortion is murder which it is. The courts can make murder or sin legal but the fires of hell will condemn your action. Some people preach heaven but do not believe in hell, if you believe one then you must believe the other that's what the bible preaches. Many of us in StMaarten walk around with the beautiful big bible, but yet dismiss the 10 commandants which God said is everlasting. The answer to why is the bible a dangerous book because it gives you real wisdom, for it makes clarity about the ungodly doctrine which is the knowledge of good and evil verses the spiritual knowledge of the one and only true God which is only good. In conclusion the bible is a dangerous book because for what it teaches your life and action becomes liable and will be judge by God. It is dangerous but it is a good book.

Brother Richard Gumbs

I am wondering if our leaders in charge of this country are realizing that the hills in Concordia are being destroyed day by day! Being in Concordia on a daily basis, since 1988, I am seeing the evolution of the deforestation on all the hills surrounding the valley of Concordia. The heavy rains that we had lately demonstrated clearly to us that something is happening!

I never saw so much water pouring down all the roads in Concordia! The road in front of the Lycée was like a monstrous and raging river ready to devastate everything on its way!

And yet, the buildings are popping up as wild mushrooms like no one seems to care! How much more are they intending to shack up in Concordia! I am convinced that soon, we won't be able to breed fresh air in that area! Thousands of people are now living in the area. Just check the traffic jam in the morning, in the rush hours and any blind man would see that this is a situation that is going to be hell to handle soon! But they had "A VISION"!

But what is more frustrating is the deforestation done by some individuals to the rest of the hills that is not destroyed by the bulldozers! Every day, as I look to the hills, I can see that trees are disappearing! The fire keeps burning day and night! Yes, the koal keels are legion in the hills! I have brought this to the attention of the actual government through their services for Environmental Issues and yet our hills are burning away!!!

Are we going to become like Haïti???? Today, we can all see: THEY ARE PAYING THEIR DUES! A drop of rain becomes a killer flood! Our country seems to be running on automatic pilot! No one seems to be aware of this situation. If I can notice what is going on, Why can't our leaders see it ? May it be those in majority or those in opposition!!! Is it because they just don't care about it? Is it due to personal interest for the Land owners?

I AM HEREBY ASKING THEM TO PLEASE PROTECT OUR HILLS AND LAND BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE ! STOP THE DEFORESTATION OF CONCORDIA HILLS.

May it be by the SEMSAMAR or whoever! Enough apartments, enough buildings ! These leaders were in opposition under Mayor Albert Fleming and as I can recall it was our "cheval de bataille" ( major fighting cause) !!! Short memories? In my opinion, it has even become worse! Is it for the love of the money?

The situation is grave. We all know that global warming is if great concern for all countries. We get signs every day: Australia, Brazil, Haïti……Europe, Africa. So please, I am appealing to you who are in charge of our country, PLEASE take actions before it’s too late!

Aline CHOISY

A concerned eco-citizen.

A "Pelican Capital Improvement Program" (PCIP) which owners contributed monies to improve the resort are now told that money is lost. But Mr. Richard Corso ,CEO of Royal Resorts who begged owners to participate in this PCIP program, also contributed $500,000 of his money to show his good faith. He has gotten his money reimbursed and explains it that his loan was secured and the rest of the investors weren't. How can one loan be secured and others not.

This is quite the case of fraud and deception. The Government of St Martin should be looking into to this case since so much of their revenue comes from the tourist and the timeshare owners are the tourists.

Regards,

Gerald Donatelli
Owner at Pelican

Yours truly,

Miguel Arrindell

Yours truly,

Miguel Arrindell

At what point should the people of St. Maarten say enough is enough? There is already plenty to see and do in St. Maarten and some of those things can only be experienced in St. Maarten (The 12 meter Regatta comes to mind). Have cruise passengers become so mentally challenged that they can no longer amuse themselves for the eight hours or so they spend in port? If so; then they need more help than a Zip-line, a roller coaster, or a tram ride can possibly provide.

Not one more cruise line passenger is going to decide to take a cruise because of this proposed attraction. Why would they? Most cruises originate from the port of Miami, which is only two hours by car from Disney World in Orlando, the number one tourist destination in the world. If you're really craving a roller coaster ride it seems to me that it would be much easier and less expensive to just go to Disney World to start with.

What every St. Maarten business that caters to cruise tourists needs to look at, is just how this will impact them. Since the pizza that is cruise tourism will not get any larger due to this, it only means your slice will become smaller. The cruise passenger can't spend money at a jeweler or electronics store on Front Street while riding the tram. It's impossible to lose any money at a casino while strapped to a Zip-line. The taxi driver will not be able to charge the same fare driving someone to this new attraction that is currently charged for a trip to say Orient Beach. It will be hard for a beachfront restaurant to sell them lunch or a drink since they'll be able to get both after they exit the roller coaster. I'm failing to see the benefit here.

If the cruise line sells an excursion package for say $100.00 to a passenger, is Government going to collect $5.00 in turnover tax from the cruise line? Odds are good if any money is collected it will be based on some lesser amount after the cruise line gets their cut.

Why are the people of St. Maarten being asked to give up one of the last remaining unspoiled areas that represents it's history and culture? In a word, GREED. It would be really tragic for St. Maarten to lose all that the Emilio Wilson Estate represents so that a few cruise lines can sell some more tours and a few thousand T-shirts. Once this piece of history is destroyed there is no bringing it back.

If you disagree, just do nothing and be satisfied with your ever shrinking slice of pizza. If however you're in agreement, I would urge you to stand behind The Emilo Wilson Foundation and the mission they are trying to accomplish.

Nowhere is it written that all tourist attractions have to be mindless and tacky. Colonial Williamsburg being a prime example.

Andy Croxall

Richard Fleming

It is taking ownership in your country. A country without patriots is about to fall -- or has fallen and doesn't know it yet. Only a patriot would willingly lay down his life for his country.
Only a patriot would serve in public office and attempt to resist the tide of corruption there.
Only a patriot would run his business in a fair and just manner even if it cost him something in the short term. And yes, many patriots are also Christians. True patriotism is identifying what is wrong with your nation, and giving anything (sometimes even your life) to fix it. Patriotism is not following the crowd blindly and ignorantly because of a political party.
True patriotism is important because the true patriots are the ones that change the real important issues to make StMaarten a better place. Patriotism means questioning what's wrong with your country in an effort to constantly make it better. Patriotism can be defined as the love and loyalty that we feel towards the country we live in. It is considered to be the duty of every citizen to be a patriot to StMaarten, especially in its time of need. Patriotism is important for so many reasons, but without the presence of patriotism in citizens of a country, it cannot succeed . A citizen must take pride in his/her country's achievements, both in the past and in the present in order for the nation to achieve greater prosperity in future. As we needed patriots to be free from foreign domination in the past, we need patriots in the country now, to hold on to what we have achieved and make further progress. It is true that the media is responsible for bringing in limelight the faults, corruptions, evils and shortcomings of StMaarten and it helps the citizens of the country understand the true situation within the nation. StMaarten can never be truly free of all its negative aspects; the younger generation will find it hard to develop any patriotic feeling for his/her country. If we do not have patriots left within our country and also do not allow our children to develop patriotic sentiments, who is going to stand up against corruption and fight for our country and what we believe in? If the spirit of patriotism is really important, i.e., if the way of life for which it stands is really worth preserving, then it behooves us all to discover precisely what it demands of us (in good times and bad). It means nurturing a strong sense of civic pride and sustaining the attitudes, principles, traditions and institutions that make our way of life possible. For it is only by not taking things for granted, but by conscientiously remembering how much we have and hope to hold onto, that we will confidently be able to pass the blessings of liberty we enjoy to future generations - or preserve them for ourselves. In the fullest meaning of the term, then, let us indeed keep patriotism alive. Love country first before any political party, country is the people. Until we put our people and love for StMaarten first only then we can and will become a country.

Miguel Arrindell

It has become a norm that many legislators are expressing and is of the opinion that being born in StMaarten as a Dutch citizen does not qualify you for a job in stMaarten. Those legislators say the most important thing is experience. Let me be very honest here, I am taking notes and I have 4 legislators with this anti StMaarten attitude. And I will expose and call all of their names at a later point. But first I will challenge any of them in an open debate about what patriotism and love of country entails and how to really build a country. I can't wait to see our legislators passed a law describing that original StMaarten people should not be recognize and that children born here of illegal immigrant have just as much rights as other Dutch citizens. My question to those legislators is who are they representing? Are they representing foreigners first over Dutch citizens born in StMaarten, because they made it crystal clear born here Dutch citizens does not means you are entitle to a job. By they own decree I will lobby to bring 4 Dutch people from Holland who I know is more qualify and have more experience than those 4 anti StMaarten legislators and replace their position in parliament. I hope they go ahead and vote their self out of parliament. The StMaarten electorate must wake up and punish all senators or legislators no matter what political party that is pursuing the goal of Dutch citizens born in StMaarten does not entitle them for a job if they are qualify. All these legislators are wicked and deceitful people with dangerous ulterior motives. Tell me if you ever hear any legislators in Anguilla, StKitts , Nevis , Dominica, Jamaica, Antigua, Barbados, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Trinidad, Puerto Rico, Cuba, ever past legislation putting their people of heritage and ancestral back ground to third or fourth class citizens. The answer is no, only in StMaarten we have our unpatriotic legislators championing foreigners as equal citizens to our Original StMaarten people and Dutch citizens born here. I will continue to keep the dagger on these deceitful senators or legislators until they are out of office. What we want in government are people who will recognize original StMaarten people first along with Dutch citizens born in StMaarten and promote nationalistic pride. In every country in legal terms by any cadastre an individual will have to prove who his mother and father is before he can claim inheritance to land. My point is that's why original StMaarten people must be recognize or else we would not have a country and the true culture of the real StMaarten. These are the same legislators who do not have the back bone to defend laws in StMaarten interest, but is always willing to put down StMaarten people. The parliament in StMaarten will make history in the world when they determine that original StMaarten people never exist and that children of illegal immigrants are real StMaarteners. This will be the first ever parliament of a country to deny their own and go down as professional jackass for terminating their real StMaarten people. What a contradiction. First original StMaarten people never exist and last become original people. In closing what is in the darkness must come out in the light. We need legislators that are patriotic and that have nationalistic pride that is always willing to fight for StMaarten people first. Anything short of that is betrayal. My challenge is real and is open; let me see if those legislators are willing to step in the debating octagon with me. I will fight for the original StMaarten people including all born here Dutch citizens and all other Dutch citizens you all could continue fighting for the foreigners.

Yours truly,

Miguel Arrindell

"Is it ok to have premarital sex?" That is a common question among teens and engaged couples. Perhaps you are in a relationship that is progressing in that direction, but you're not sure what to do. In your mind, you are probably weighing the pros and cons of premarital sex. On the positive side of the scale, there is acceptance from your peers, hope for pleasure, and the fulfillment of sexual desires. The negative side of the scale carries the weights of morals, fear of pregnancy or disease, and guilt. How do these scales balance? What is the right decision? Let's take a look at some of the facts. God created the sex act for a man and woman within a marriage. Besides being pleasurable, sex is meant to be a spiritual experience that extends past the marriage bed into the everyday life of a married couple. It is not just setting up house together. The sex act locks the couple together in the purpose that God has set before them. The couple opens up emotionally to each other through the marriage act, which solidifies the continuing unity of the couple in living their lives for God. God intended for sex to help couples work out indifferences between them, along with the need to procreate.
Rarely does a premarital sexual relationship stay together long enough to make it to marriage vows. People engaging in this activity will experience the heart rending emotional upset that comes with breaking up. And when people experience multiple breakups, it numbs them to a marriage commitment of "until death do us part." They have conditioned themselves to run, instead of working out the problems that arises within marriages. Divorce statistics are higher when the couple engaged in premarital sex or lived together before deciding to marry.
The teenage years constitute a normal rise and fall of emotional hormones. Adding sexual activity to their curriculum compounds this process of becoming fully adjusted young adults with properly balanced emotions, physique, and spirituality. Peer pressure to have sex before marriage creates a need to make decisions pertaining to problem solving. Statistic rates are high in being emotionally/physically/sexually abused within their premarital sex relationships. Without a good family support system in place, a teen could easily make unwise problem solving decisions and slump into a state of depression that would cause the teen to consider suicide. If you or your child is struggling with sexual addiction, consult a local Christian counselor or a leader in your church.
When people choose to participate in premarital sexual activity, they will take virus, fungi, bacteria, yeast, spores, or parasitic contamination into the marriage bed once they decide to commit to one partner. Saving oneself for marriage keeps the marriage bed pure from the attack of the germ world. Premarital Sex - Is it Safe physically and emotionally?
Another consideration when deciding about premarital sex is safety. Did you know that 50% of the people who currently have HIV are between the ages of 15 and 24? Using a condom only reduces the risk of contracting HIV by 85%. Condoms do not significantly reduce the risk of contracting other sexually transmitted diseases. Take these statistics into consideration when making your decision.
Most people don't consider the emotional effects of premarital sex. You see, sex is an emotional experience and it affects our lives in ways we don't understand. After engaging in premarital sex, many people express feelings of guilt, embarrassment, distrust, resentment, lack of respect, tension, and so much more. As you read the next section, consider God's love for you as a primary reason for sexual purity. God does not want you to experience unnecessary emotional pain! God does not limit sex to married couples to rob pleasure from those who are unmarried. Rather, God commands against premarital sex in order to protect unmarried people from unwanted pregnancies, from children born to parents who do not want them, and to protect children from parents who are not prepared for them. Imagine, for a moment, a world without premarital sex. There would be no sexually-transmitted diseases, there would be no un-wed mothers, there would be no unwanted pregnancies, there would be no abortions, etc. According to the Bible, abstinence is God's only policy when it comes to premarital sex. Abstinence saves lives, protects babies, gives sexual relations the proper value, and most importantly abstinence honors God. Do the wise, right and moral decision.

Michael Peterson

Yours truly,

Miguel Arrindell

Dear Drs. Arrindell,

St. Maarten Pride Foundation and Environmental Protection In the Caribbean (EPIC) welcome the news that the Ruins of the Mullet Bay Resort will finally be demolished after having been an eyesore for almost 16 years. The Foundations however urge Government to ensure that the debris is disposed of or reused in a responsible manner.

While the previously mentioned plans for the demolishment of the Mullet Bay Resort Ruins are indeed refreshing, Pride and EPIC are very much concerned by indications that there are plans for building a new resort in Mullet Bay. The Mullet Bay area is one of two remaining open and green (although not entirely natural) coastal zones on St. Maarten. Mullet Bay Beach is the last open and easily accessible beach on St. Maarten and is extremely popular with residents and visitors. St. Maarten Pride Foundation volunteers counted over 120 cars parked at Mullet Bay during a survey carried out in the 2010-2011 high season. Public access and parking at Mullet Bay must therefore be guaranteed. The Foundations believe it is important that Mullet Bay's green and open character is maintained and therefore appeal to Parliament and the Council of Ministers to zone Mullet Bay and to set stringent criteria to manage any potential development of the area.

St. Maarten Pride Foundation and EPIC are hereby also requesting Parliament and the Council of Ministers to establish Mullet Pond and its immediate coastline consisting of a Buffer-zone of 45 meters measured from the Pond's high water mark as a protected area as provided for/ described in the Island Nature (Conservation) Ordinance.

Research carried out by St. Maarten's environmental organizations and visiting experts has shown that Mullet Pond harbors a relatively intact marine ecosystem, particularly when compared to the rest of the Simpson Bay Lagoon which has suffered considerable degradation over the past four decades. The mangrove trees of Mullet Pond represent an estimated 65% of all mangroves remaining in the Simpson Bay Lagoon. Until the 1950s Dutch St. Maarten boasted at least 19 ponds (all documented in maps available at the Cadastre's office); by 1995 this had been reduced to 10 ponds and today, 16 years later, less than 5 remain intact.

Mullet Pond has been recommended for protection in numerous Government commissioned reports including The Ponds of Sint-Maarten, (Ecovision, 1996), the Carrying Capacity Study, the Tourism Masterplan and most recently the "Inventory of marine natural values in the Eastern Part of the Simpson Bay Lagoon" as prepared by Ecovision and included in Appendix G of Link 9 through Simpson Bay Lagoon, Environmental Impact Study, which concluded that the pond is of ecological and environmental importance.

"It is highly recommended that such areas (Mullet Pond) be given "full protection" meaning that their survival is guaranteed through legal protection in combination with active management and/or restoration". Paragraph 5.2, Inventory of marine natural values in the Eastern Part of the Simpson Bay Lagoon, Ecovision, 2010.

The Foundations remind Parliament and the Council of Ministers that Government is responsible for the Protection of St. Maarten's Flora and Fauna and is tasked with the establishment of protected areas as indicated in the Island Nature (Conservation) Ordinance of 2003.

Public demand for such protected areas is clear. The Mullet Pond Coalition was established in 2007. Members of the Mullet Pond Coalition include Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC), Nature Foundation St. Maarten, OceanCare, and St. Maarten Pride Foundation. The coalition formed in response to development plans and submitted hundreds of signatures to government in support of the Mullet Pond Conservation Zone.

This online petition allowed signers to add comments on why Mullet Pond is important to them. Many expressed their concern at the rampant development taking place on St. Maarten, resulting in what they termed a "concrete jungle." A tourist from the U.S. wrote "We came to St. Maarten years ago because of the over building in the Virgin Islands and Cancun... Please don't allow that to happen to your island." A resident of St. Maarten wrote "enough is enough, soon nothing will be left for us."

Trusting that Parliament and the Council of Ministers will take note of and grant the Foundations' requests to ensure the protection of St. Maarten's natural heritage,

Best regards,

Rueben J. Thompson                                                                               Jadira Veen

Independent Project Manager                                                                 President
Love the Lagoon                                                                                        St. Maarten Pride Foundation
Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC)

Dear Honorable Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams,

If you want to build a country St.Maarten, you first need to understand who is a StMaartener and not who is consider a StMaartener. Use your government register and cadastre which was mostly maintain by your Democratic Party for the last 55 years. And the answer to who is a StMaatener is in your hands. In short you will see people of StMaarten heritage. If I have to explain the word heritage to you, I will gladly do so. Heritage does not mean naturalize or even born here, Heritage means things inherited from the past be it land culture, or property, practices that are handed down from the past by tradition from your ancestors. All those wannabees who does not know who is St.Maartener are people who knows they are not of StMaarten heritage. They have Dutch nationality but are not of StMaarten Heritage. They are all welcome to be a part of country StMaarten as long they understand respect to people of StMaarten Heritage and culture. If you have the guts to reject people like William Marlin and Roy Marlin and George Panthophlet and Leroy Deweever which are people who do not believe in born here and rights for people of StMaarten Heritage. These are the anti StMaarten legislators which I promise the people I will name. If you Honorable Prime Minister defend your own StMaarten heritage which you are a real StMaartener and state the definition of a StMaartener are people of StMaarten heritage. I promise & guarantee you; you will become a national hero. You will display more courage and StMaarten values than any other men in the parliament or council of minister. That will definitely make you Prime minister again. The choice is yours.

Wherever we go, and wherever we are, let us always take pride in our nation. Let us take pride in the Land of the Brave. Let us take pride in our history of StMaarten, in our StMaarten culture and StMaarten traditions. These should be the foundations upon which we can build a stronger and secure nation, a country which all people of StMaarten Heritage would be proud to call home. We have about 150 nationalities here, which are welcome to join us, but they must understand that StMaarten heritage and StMaarten culture is the norm. For example Japan isn't a country which makes its inhabitants Japanese, but the country Japan is founded upon the Japanese culture and ethnicity. The people define what Japan the state is. More importantly, a nationalist works for the betterment of their nation, for its evolution, its cultural growth, its well being, prosperity and sustainability. One cannot improve their own home if they don't admit there is room for improvement. Nationalism is often associated with an unwavering national pride, with a love of country, of their nation and unquestionable loyalty. Strong feelings of patriotism, which would be more accurately, termed strong feelings of allegiance, and love to people of StMaarten heritage. Nationalism states that a country is defined by the very people who founded it, and that it is an organic entity, in StMaarten case people of stMaarten heritage. So a nationalist can be thought of in a strict sense, as one who holds the belief that the nation (in the literal sense) is the most appropriate basis for building political entities on. More importantly, a nationalist works for the betterment of their nation, for its evolution, its cultural growth, its well being, prosperity and sustainability. In StMaarten that is promoting people of StMaarten heritage, culture and values. You cannot demand patriotism, as if it were a switch that could be flicked. You must work toward building a nation that people can be proud of, that they feel attachment to. Our country is for our people, for ourselves, just as we believe that every other peoples of the planet should have a place they can call home, that they can be proud of. My motto is "be a real patriot & love people of StMaarten heritage, duty, and honor country". God bless the people of StMaarten Heritage and all people living in StMaarten. Unity must begin with our own before we can unite with other cultures. Mrs. Prime Minister the road to be elected prime minister for another term will be the courage to make the right decision of who is a StMaartener. This issue will make or break any and every politician in government today. But the dagger is on you, many times I do not agree with you but believe me when I say, I am glad that a lady of StMaarten Heritage was our first Prime minister. Now finish fulfill your duty to your own heritage or else you will become a traitor. I pray that God give you the courage to make the right and moral decision.

Yours truly,

Miguel Arrindell

The summer months, or what we also call the low season, are a challenging period for the island with fewer visitors calling upon our shores. Therefore, a concerted effort is needed to bring more visitors to the destination for the summer months, from June through August. September is normally a month that businesses use to carry out repairs, do a little sprucing up in preparation for the upcoming high season. It is also considered the busiest month of the hurricane season.

A new Sint Maarten Mindset is needed in order to jumpstart the economy during the low season. Various stakeholders and promoters need to come together and get the ball rolling. Deliberate, put ideas on the table, and look at funding aspects/sources, set-up a 'Sint Maarten Summer Splash' schedule, put in place an organizational structure that would organize events and do what has to be done.

Utilize the Sint Maarten/Tallahassee sister-city relationship that has been in existence for more than 10-years.

As a country, we cannot afford to wait on somebody.

The Sint Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) made a presentation to Parliament about the challenges being faced by the economy. According to media reports, the SHTA attributed the economic difficulties being experienced by the country as self-inflicted and will only continue to grow should government not work together with the private sector partners like SHTA to address social ills and properly promote the destination.

Do not let the challenges being faced by Sint Maarten, but also by many other countries around the region, deter one from coming together and considering what can be done to continue to promote the destination, especially during the summer months.

The global tourism industry is worth US$6 trillion globally and employs 258 million people, according to information that was released at the World Travel and Tourism Summit in Las Vegas. Travel and tourism has grown by an average of four per cent each year since the 1970s, with the exception of sharp recessions triggered by war, terrorism and economic slowdowns.

At the summit, a presentation entitled, 'A New Global Mindset,' postulates that as economic growth picks up in 2011, there would be an 'explosive shift' from traditional Western markets to emerging markets such as Brazil, Russia, India and China. Attendees to this session discussed how to deal with this potential marketing shift which included understanding investment and the challenges facing developers, investors and approval processes plus sustainable tourism growth.

There are trends and developments taking place that we have no control over. What we do have control over, we should make every effort to do what we can to address the challenges by working together and moving things forward which in the end benefits the destination and the hardworking people in the tourism sector.

We must start looking from within and moving beyond that by developing a new mindset of how we deal with challenges and attracting more business to the country. Perception is, wait and see what will happen for the next season. Let's change that mindset.

Roddy Heyliger

--
Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia

Dear Editor,

I noticed some of our legislators love bashing and indulging that people of StMaarten origin have too much of privilege while always defending people born in StMaarten from illegal immigrants. In the opening of the new parliament building it was make clear by a particular legislator that soon there will be names of legislators that will not be of StMaarten origin, and that we are all equal as Dutch citizens of StMaarten. This particular legislator seems to be proud of his party (Democratic Party) accomplishment of the last 25 years of making the original StMaarten people a minority in their country. The confusion exists for the last 25 years in StMaarten is that we were not building a nation but we were dividing it. Any person from original StMaarten people roots is always the people to be challenge to get a good position in government, and we always have to hear from legislators when they are not qualify and when they are over qualify. And it goes across party lines. The only StMaarten people who have no problem getting a job are those from the elect few families in government.  Our people in StMaarten are train to bash each other when we are affiliated with different political parties, which is being real low. The same legislator did not tell you that the opportunities provided in StMaarten are for the elect few, so the nonsense of equality is only good to score political capital but the reality is far from truth. Look how Senator Laville (naturalize StMaartener) was coerce when he took a different angle from the elect few (Leader of UPP and other members from the UPP Party). For that legislator who was born in Aruba he knows well that in Aruba he could not make it this far in politics or attain financial success as he did in StMaarten, because his color of his skin is not consider in Aruba as being real Aruban.  It is hypocritical to come here and talk about equality. This man should thank the original StMaarten people and recognize them as people of greatness for helping him.  I personally have no problem with anyone who have Dutch Nationality that was born here, I have problem with deceitful politician bashing the Original StMaarten people and making the general electorate believe that the original StMaarten people is the problem in StMaarten. When it is the DP and NA  along with some politician in the UPP party who so gladly endorse the bashing of original StMaarten people not by saying it, but their actions for privileges is loud and clear that original StMaarten people is not wanted any more. The born here StMaartener and the naturalize StMaartener is also realizing they are use only for votes, and they beginning to see clearly that the UPP DP & NA are the same people who could care less about them and that they are put in the same category as original people of StMaarten. People of StMaarten did you ever hear any legislator or minister say he is proud of the original StMaarten people for opening their hands which help so many neighboring countries and countries far away to attain a better living and that they are proud of living in StMaarten?  A friend of mine who is not from StMaarten tell me with all respect, you people in StMaarten are real fools for voting  a government that does not promote nationalistic pride and love of country, he notice that the original StMaarten people is omitted from climbing up the ladder of success. I told him when people put love, duty, honor of country before political party it is only then change for better will come. The group that hates to recognize the original StMaarten people is DP, UPP & NA. The legislators that loves and enjoys not recognizing the original StMaarten people the most is William Marlin, Roy Marlin George Panthophlet. The good news is this that even the bad things will come to an end.  It is the same people you all love not to recognize is what got you all in that position. And people like you are ungrateful. As from now I will pin point any or all politicians who hates or goes after the original StMaarten people and will do all in my power to make sure they are not re-elected.  In conclusion the original StMaarten people will prevail.

Yours Truly,

Miguel Arrindell

Yours truly,

Miguel Arrindell

As I have mentioned in the past, as a country we need to understand the root cause of crime on the island in order to develop the appropriate crime fighting strategies. It will save us time and money especially when we look at the limited resources we have that have to be used wisely.

For example, the three individuals are from overseas. Do they have a legal status to reside on the island? Are they career criminals? Do they have a Police record back home? Did they commit crimes in other countries? How did they get here? Did they arrive illegally or did they overstay when they arrived on the island by plane? How long have they been residing on the island? What has contributed to them turning to crime?

Crime and criminals have become trans-national. Persons travel to one island commit crimes and then move on to another island living as a fugitive from justice and possibly committing additional crimes.

The multi-cultural setting of our society demonstrates that law enforcement authorities have to have a close working relationship with other Caribbean islands.

Law enforcement officials have observed a trend within the region of turf wars that can be traced back from one island to the next. For example, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, feuds have been taking place from persons originating from Dominica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

The United States has deported more than 2, 000 criminals back to the Caribbean in the past six months, according to figures released by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The figures show that from the start of the 2011 fiscal year in October last year to the end of March this year, 88,497 criminal "aliens" or migrants were

deported to their country of birth in the Latin/ America and the Caribbean region. A "criminal alien" is defined under U.S. immigration laws as a migrant who is convicted of a crime.

For the Caribbean, 1,066 criminals were sent to the Dominican Republic followed by Jamaica with 528 and Trinidad and Tobago with 125. Belize received 74 followed by The Bahamas with 65 and Guyana 64. So far this fiscal year, 50 migrants have been sent back to Aruba and 31 to the earth-quake ravaged Haiti. Other Caribbean nations received far less criminal deportees.

Cuba received 20 in the past six months; Barbados 11; Dominica 10; St. Lucia seven and Antigua five. Four persons were sent back to Bermuda while St. Kitts received three, while two each were sent to Suriname, the British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands. The figures show that Anguilla and the Turks and Caicos, received one criminal deportee each.

A study is needed with respect to the criminal element on the island that commits crime. Once we have that information in hand, we are then able to develop the appropriate strategy and intervention measures to fight crime on the island.

Roddy Heyliger

Good governance is an indeterminate term used in development literature to describe how public institutions conduct public affairs and manage public resources in order to guarantee the realization of human rights.

Governance’ is the exercise of power or authority – political, economic, administrative or otherwise – to manage a country's resources and affairs. It comprises the mechanisms, processes and institutions through which citizens and groups articulate their interests, exercise their legal rights, meet their obligations and mediate their differences. ‘Good governance’ means competent management of a country’s resources and affairs in a manner that is open, transparent, accountable, equitable and responsive to people’s needs. Key elements of good governance political principles and economic principles

POLITICAL PRINCIPLES

Good governance is based on the establishment of a representative and accountable form of government. Good governance requires a strong and pluralistic civil society, where there is freedom of expression and association. Good governance requires good institutions – sets of rules governing the actions of individuals and organizations and the negotiation of differences between them. Good governance requires the primacy of the rule of law, maintained through an impartial and effective legal system. Good governance requires a high degree of transparency and accountability in public and corporate processes. A participatory approach to service delivery is important for public services to be effective.

ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES

Good governance requires policies to promote broad-based economic growth, a dynamic private sector and social policies that will lead to poverty reduction. Economic growth is best achieved in an efficient, open, market based economy. Investment in people is a high priority, through policies and institutions that improve access to quality education, health and other services that underpin a country’s human resource base. Effective institutions and good corporate governance are needed to support the development of a competitive private sector. In particular, for markets to function, social norms are needed that respect contract and property rights. Careful management of the national economy is vital in order to maximize

economic and social advancement. In conclusion good governance has 8 major characteristics. It is participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive and follows the rule of law. It assures that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of the most vulnerable (Original people of StMaarten) in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society. Yours truly

Miguel Arrindell

For the RRR group.
Guillaume ARNELL

Can you please allow my letter to be printed in your wonderful paper? I will be writing some things to draw people hearts and mind back into reality.

Yes it is true we all must live in a loving manner towards each other. And morality is the best way to live, because it avoids us from destroying our lives.

The church should be the protector and role model of morality preaching and pursuing moral objectives. We all know now about the gay cruise ship which will be arriving on StMaarten in the near future. And the church is going to speak to the legislators about that, we all know what the outcome will be. The legislators will say we live in a democracy and that our economy needs these rich peaceful tourists. The church will tell their members we try but we cannot do anything about it and then stay quiet until next convenient issues arrive to act holy. But what the church should do is to request a permit to demonstrate against sin on the very day the cruise ship arrives here. But guest what? The Church is so scared to take a stand because they know government will not fund them. They love to speak about faith and love and dying for Christ. But once money will be their death, suddenly Christ does not matter or worth it any more. Real Christians will tell the government keep your money and continue to carry out the will of god by opposing it with massive demonstrations in the streets of Philipsburg. The Lord say to fight the good fight. Until the churches in StMaarten can do that their will be only consider a past time for people to dress and meet act holy but far from conviction for Christ. When for the love of money become King, Christ and morals are thrown out the door. To be a real Christian you have to let Christ live in you and live and do his will including the Ten Commandments. Any thing less is religious. Religion cannot save you only Jesus Christ can. This brings me to the only conclusion. That is the church in StMaarten is weak and is now only a national past time with a form of Godliness but far from God.

Yours sincerely,

Brother Richard Gumbs

Dear Mr. Fleming,

On January 14, 2011, I wrote you attached letter which is self explanatory.
To make sure you received this letter, I faxed it to your office in Marigot as well as having it registered to your place of residence in Simpsonsbay Yacht Club, St. Maarten as well as to your office address also in Bellevue, Marigot.
To date I have not had the courtesy of an answer from you , leaving me to only guess that you do not need to respond because as you already told me, the late Mr. Etienne Oger Fleming had some time ago signed a letter stating that he did not want anything from his late father's estate, Mr. Louis Emmanuel Fleming or that I will need to find another way of getting an answer from you, so I hereby choose the other legal means of trying to get an answer from you, Mr. Senator, and that is via the media and if this doesn't work the only other legal means is by taking the matter to the courts of justice for a decision on whether Mr. Claude Oger Fleming (Claudie) is entitled to anything from his grandfather's estate for himself and his children or not.
You see Louis, saying that Mr. Etienne Oger Fleming had signed away his share may be true, but only you can verify this by presenting me with a copy of the document you said Oger signed.
I look forward to hearing from you within the next 2 weeks of this month.

Yours truly,

Norman Chester Wathey

Letter that was sent to Louis Constant Fleming Jr.

Dear Editor,

In an article from Clive Hodge I have seen this link www.numberofabortions.com. I log on and view this information and I was shock. I ask myself these questions are humans the worst kind of animals? The website is updating online continuously about abortion that is taken place from the year 1980 up to present. I now understand that we are really living in a wicked world being deceived that we are good people. The World War 1 had a total troops dead from all countries was about 8 million plus. In World War 2 over Over 60 million people were killed. But those people that were kill is nothing compare to innocent babies being aborted. In the United States since 1973: Roe vs. Wade, the number of children that was aborted are 53 million six hundred and ninety thousand and counting (53,690.000). The wicked organization call Planned Parenthood since 1970 has aborted 5 million seven hundred thousand (5,700.000) and counting to present. Ladies and gentlemen brace yourself for the big one, it is a shocker. In the entire world counting from 1980 to present this wicked world of ours have aborted one Billion two hundred and eight million three hundred and three thousand (1,208.303.000) babies and counting. That is more than one six of the word population present. The world has about 6 billion people. And man has destroyed or murders all those babies. Lord has mercy upon our sinful souls. We are truly in the last days. We are living in a dangerous world were men and women are like animals aborting babies like we are throwing away garbage. How can any person, woman or man thinks it is a woman right to abort babes except for rape or incest. We fool ourselves about love, law and order. But our justice system and so call environmentalist support this crazy ideology of prochoice instead of pro life. What is even more scary lots of so call Christians believe in prochoice and some are Catholics too, and I thought they were like me which is prolife. Oh loving father have compassion on our wicked souls and forgive us our iniquities thank you for grace, because without it we are all lost. You are right father, I have seen now as you said in Jeremiah 17:9 the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Yours truly,

Miguel Arrindell

John Mathew

The simulated tsunami alert, dubbed Caribe Wave 2011, was carried involved 34 countries. Under the test scenario, a 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the Virgin Islands, which generated a tsunami with waves reaching up to ten meters.

The exercise tested the Tsunami and Other Coastal Hazards Warning System for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions (Caribe EWS), which was set up in 2005 under the aegis of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The exercise highlighted a number of gaps in the transmission of information, UNESCO stated in a news release, noting that in several areas, the message was not received by the Global Telecommunications System (GTS).

In other cases, reception of messages via the Emergency Managers Weather Information Network (EMWIN) failed. At national level only a few mobile telephone operators joined the exercise.

Populations and media throughout the region keenly followed the exercise, which also allowed for an evaluation of evacuation plans and the role of the private sector in the case of a catastrophe, the agency added.

UNESCO officials have stated that they are delighted with the level of participation in this exercise and the interest that has been shown by local populations. The Director-General Irina Bokova of UNESCO added that such drills are essential to evaluate the efficiency of warning systems and ensure their efficient operation when catastrophe strikes. Similar exercises have been held in the Pacific (2008) and Indian Ocean (2009) regions.

It's a question of time when there will be a large earthquake triggering a tsunami in the Caribbean. A stark reminder is the catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti 14-months ago measuring 7.0 in magnitude. That earthquake affected an estimated three million people and killed an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 persons.

The Haiti earthquake 14-months ago also triggered a three-meter high (9 foot) tsunami that struck some areas of the coast south of the capital Port au Prince. It was described as a relatively small event and the main causes being local landslides into the sea. According to a tsunami researcher Eddie Bernard from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, anything between seven and 7.5 magnitude can cause smaller, local tsunamis.

Earthquakes under the sea generate tsunamis. In 1946, a magnitude 8.1 earthquake hit the Dominican Republic triggering a tsunami that killed almost 2,000 people.

The last earthquake to trigger a tsunami in the Caribbean was in 1867 with a magnitude of 7.3 (21 foot). It triggered a tsunami of 7.6 meters near the Virgin Islands and a 10 meter (30 foot) in Guadeloupe. So it's not a question of if, but when.

Historical tsunami records from sources such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) and the National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) show that over 75 tsunamis with validity greater than one have been observed in the Caribbean over the past 500 years. Since 1842 at least 3,510 people have lost their lives to tsunami in the Caribbean.

For Sint Maarten, various scenarios will have to be developed with respect to a tsunami hitting the island from the East, West, North and South. Each scenario will have to have a plan of action for the populace and business community. The second stage is the post-tsunami period where a plan has to be drafted for the rebuilding of part (s) of the nation.

Virgin Islands Delegate Donna M. Christensen cosponsored a bill recently in the US Congress to establish a third national tsunami warning center, to be located in Puerto Rico. The bill would amend the Tsunami Warning and Education Act to direct the NOAA administrator, through the National Weather Service, to establish, maintain, and operate a Caribbean tsunami forecast and warning center in Puerto Rico. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. This is a very significant development for Sint Maarten and the countries of the Caribbean Basin.

Roddy Heyliger

Yours truly,

Miguel Arrindell

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

This Governing Accord that will be for a four year term must reflect the way they tend to handle the many problems that we as a country is being faced with, in particular the high unemployment amongst youth and persons that exceeds the age of 45 years of age. There must be a plan of action included in this program. To achieve a comprehensive plan I believe that all hands must be on deck and therefore I commend the Chamber of Commerce amongst others who reached out to Government to inform them that we are willing to sit with you and to assist you with the plans that you have for the further development of our economy.

A study must be made to find out what the true impact of the recession has been for us thus far and how are we going to tackle the many uncertainties we have in the mean time. We as a Government (the people) must become proactive and let our elected officials know what our needs are and how we would be able to work along with them in meeting those needs.

So many families are silently hurting not knowing who and where to turn and sometimes even not wanting anyone to know that they are facing a financial crisis. They prefer to suck salt than to say that they are hurting. The St. Maarten people must realize that this country can and should not build without their involvement. But this involvement can only come if we the St. Martiners demand that we be counted in the development or Nation Building of our Country.

Let us not have ulterior motives by putting our focus in the wrong direction. All of us have our roles to play once we are living on this island St. Martin. The good we do we will do it to ourselves and the bad we do we will do it to ourselves. St. Martiners I'm appealing to you to set the tone and be the examples so that others will follow. Do not have your soul objective just to make sure that your brother or sister does not succeed because you are not taking your responsibility serious and therefore you do not allow or want to see your fellow brother or sister succeed.

Let us move to a new paradigm shift because only together each of us can achieve more. This is the acronym for TEAM work. We are now at a cross road. You can either go down the road of destruction or you can take the road of success. You choose. When the new Government Accord for the ruling coalition is presented I appeal to every citizen to please get one and read it so you can evaluate the content of that document. It is not only for your future but your children's future as well.
We must hold our elected officials accountable for their actions or non-actions regarding the promises they made which is included in the Governing Accord. We will finally have a document whereby we can measure there performance for the next four years and this is very important. However we must also hold ourselves accountable for not voicing our opinion about the matters that affects us as a people.
You must be critical if you want to see change. All of us feel that more can be done for the development of this country and all of us should act as an agent of change. The future of this country depends on you.

Therefore I want to at least commend the Coalition for announcing or informing the general public that the Governing accord is almost completed and will be presented to the St. Martin population in September. They are now moving a step in the right direction which is a good start. St. Maarten you be the judge after the four years of their Governing Period.

Jeffrey Richardson

Have a great day,

Sjaoel "Shooz" Richardson

Please allow me to elaborate on the following. Value added tax (VAT) in theory avoids the cascade effect of sales tax by taxing only the value added at each stage of production (Sint Maarten might not physically produce products, but has also services and sales in several stages, for example: Supermarket- Dry cleaner- Delivery truck - Hotel). For this reason, throughout the world, VAT has been gaining favor over traditional sales taxes. In principle, VAT applies to all provisions of goods and services. VAT is assessed and collected on the value of goods or services that have been provided every time there is a transaction (sale/purchase). The seller charges VAT to the buyer, and the seller pays this VAT to the government. If, however, the purchaser is not an end user, but the goods or services purchased are costs to its business, the tax it has paid for such purchases can be deducted from the tax it charges to its customers. The government only receives the difference; in other words, it is paid tax on the gross margin of each transaction, by each participant in the sales chain.
In theory sales tax is normally charged on end users (consumers). The VAT mechanism means that the end-user tax is the same as it would be with a sales tax. The main difference is the extra accounting required by those in the middle of the supply chain; this disadvantage of VAT is balanced by application of the same tax to each member of the production chain regardless of its position in it and the position of its customers, reducing the effort required to check and certify their status.
A general economic idea is that if sales taxes exceed 10%, people start engaging in widespread tax evading activity (like buying over the Internet, pretending to be a business, buying at wholesale, buying products through an employer etc.) On the other hand, total VAT rates can rise above 10% without widespread evasion because of the novel collection mechanism. However, because of its particular mechanism of collection, VAT becomes quite easily the target of specific frauds.
The standard way to implement a VAT involves assuming a business owes some percentage on the price of the product minus all taxes previously paid on the good. If VAT rates were 10%, an orange juice maker would pay 10% of the U$ 5.- per liter price (U$ 0.50) minus taxes previously paid by the orange farmer (maybe U$ 0.20). In this example, the orange juice maker would have a U$ 0.30 tax liability.
So I am in favor of the VAT, because each business has a strong incentive for its suppliers to pay their taxes, allowing VAT rates to be higher with less tax evasion than a retail sales tax. What is your take?

Have a great day,

Sjaoel "Shooz" Richardson

In StMaarten it is normal when you ask where are you from the answer you get 95 percent of the time is, I am not from here or the so call StMaartener will tell you my mother and father is from some were else. Often times you here I can go back to my mother country where I am really from. We the native StMaarten people accept that and have no problem with that. Now the time comes to define who is a StMaartener, suddenly the population of StMaarten turns from 10 Percent native StMaarteners to 70 percent of people from StMaarten Heritage. This is interesting, the very same people who did not want to be call StMaarteners and over the past 30 years were proud to be call foreigners, are pretending now to be shock and saying how you can exclude us. For the last 30 years they all was glad to excuse their selves which they have rightfully done, and now we are continuing the process of giving every person their reward they them selves proclaim and now they are saying we are excluding them. It is clear most of these people only wants to be a StMaartener for one thing that is the Dutch citizenship or Dutch passport which is no problem to us, you all can go fight Holland for that and if you like take them to court. That is not our problem. But do not come here and tell me you are a StMaartener. Heritage and ancestry is what you born with or inherited from your ancestors way back. There are real native people of StMaarten who also get us mad, they act hopeless and continue to say stupid statements well you all are right and I agree with you but I do not want to be victimize. Mr. Editor these people do not realize they are already victims of neglect and that is the shameful part of it, I pity those real StMaarteners they act like wimps and but that does not mean they deserves to be trample on. My questions to the native StMaarten people are you a traitor or are you a patriot? A traitor blends in with our opponents (the anti StMaarten people) a patriot fight the good fight and accepts death if it comes along. A patriot always shows their true belief and intent and makes clear in actions where his or her loyalty is to. From day one we initiate our mission, we leads our mission it and we will successfully see our mission be accomplished. The questions to all native StMaarten people and born here and the naturalize citizens are you traitors or will you be patriots. For all those that truly love StMaarten, will and should agree with us, for the pretenders of loving StMaarten and the anti StMaarten people, trust me you are free to leave and is not welcome back. There are many people writing articles and write on the internet blogs but they never put their names, these people are cowards and not to be trusted. People must show who they are and what side they are on. As Jesus said if you my sheep and I call your name you will hear me. A traitor is a person who betrays another, a cause, or any trust, a person who commits treason by betraying his or her country or native people. You can tell those who are not native StMaarteners they come up with all type of rhetoric to include themselves and then they try to include illegal immigrant's children, which prove they are not belongers. These people are traitors to people of StMaarten heritage. The patriots are the people that gladly identify themselves and put their selves on the line to fight for what is their inheritance. All those people who complains what are we going to do and continues to complain is not only coward but are traitors because they refuse to stand up and defend what is their rights and inheritance. A coward will never be a patriot, he prefers to sit back and let himself or herself continues to be a victim. So all native people of stmaarten if you are afraid to speak up and to say who you are means you are glad of becoming extinct and are cowards as well as being traitors. You should be ashame of your selves. In conclusion coward is not worthy of a harvest he did not take part of. My people define who you really are; you're either traitors or you either a patriots.

Yours truly,

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

Jeffrey Richardson

Dear Editor,

I just had to come off my break. Right now my blood is boiling. Mrs. Sarah Wescott Williams has done the most dishonorable thing by stating it will be tough to change the constitution and define who is a StMaartener. That should be no surprise, that is what you call incompetence. To all native people of StMaarten heritage, born here and naturalize people we all know you are not the problem. I have never seen an illegal immigrant demand rights; it is our so call educated people like Sarah Wescott Williams and the entire Democratic Party, William Marlin and the entire national Alliance who are fools that break their own heart and give those people amnesty. I did not attack UPP Party yet because our real Prime Minister Theo Helliger did not say those anti StMaarten words so far. I will give him credit for that. But if Theo goes along with that nonsense then we will have to use all means necessary to change StMaarten. I personally will never forgive people like Sarah and William for betraying the native people of StMaarten Heritage. Jesus Christ said it best (John 14:15) If you love me you will keep my commandments. The StMaarten electorate was promise that the first task of parliament will be to define who is a StMaartener, and not to make excuse why it is difficult to amend constitution to define who is a StMaartener. Sarah and Marlin think it is always easy to amend the constitution when it comes in the interest of defending the law breakers or illegal immigrants. I have to be honest here; Sarah & William both have committed political suicide and have done a very foolish thing. Sarah and William are incompetent because they negotiate from a point of weakness and not strength; they do not know how to make deals. (Or intentionally when it comes to native people of StMaarten Heritage). The Jews are about 6 million people the Muslim is over 1 billion. And the Jews are definitely in control, which is what you call negotiating from strength and character along with wisdom. The entire DP and NA are a bunch of so call educated people with no character that let poor uneducated illegal people from other countries make them into a pauper. At the same time the native people of StMaarten are left to die. Our honorable Prime Minister Theo Heyliger your choice of words or action will decide your faith. Mr. Theo you know exactly what I mean, I am just waiting for you to show your real intentions. You either with the native people of StMaarten heritage or you against us. The choice is yours, I guarantee you we do not play dead or role over, and we are willing to die for our country StMaarten. People of StMaarten if you have heart and are willing to sacrifice for your children and grand children, the time is much closer than you think it is. This is not about me Miguel the Patriot this is about our very existence as a people. A crash course on StMaarten history, both DP and NA was in power the last 50 years that brought us in this mess. And now that we have woken up and are fighting back, their decision now is to destroy us the native people of StMaarten heritage. The Lord said it best. You do everything to make peace, but if your enemy (government of StMaarten) demands war, bring it on and so be it. In StMaarten we have people that will do anything for money, and then we have men of real honor like Leopold James, Theophilus Priest, Jeffrey Richardson and the Patriot Miguel Arrindell. These are native people of StMaarten heritage who knows who is a StMaartener. These men I respect. God bless them. All those that say they cannot determine who is a StMaarten knows in their heart they are not people of StMaarten Heritage. These words I quote from a StMaarten blogger from SMN news.com (Mellow Yellow) I give him credit he explain in short who is a StMaartener. I quote "To go a step further, Nationality comes at a price, Identity is inherited." That is exactly what we mean. Only a true and real StMaartener knows who we are. Many native people of StMaarten Heritage have suffered from this vindictive government in power up until present. We conclude only who knows who is a StMaartener will die for StMaarten people and those who betrays the StMaarten people will pay the price, sooner or later.

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

Peter Gunn

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia
The grassroots St. Martin nation building- & unification movement.

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia
The grassroots St. Martin nation building- & unification movement.

Lots of people continue to ask me my position on the St. Maarten song. Some wonder when I am going to break my silence on the issue. There is a group with a Website to cast an opinion about the St. Maarten song. Well my people, what I am going to say may not be nice to some of you, and yes I do love all of you. But how in heaven's name can you defend a song about a people if they do not exist, or if you cannot determine who they are?

We have the proud senator of Guyanese heritage William Marlin and so-called Prime Minister a lady of native St. Maarten heritage Sarah Wescot-Williams stating they cannot determine who is a St. Maartener; where was the uproar on defending ourselves as a people? If we do not have an identity as a people, then the St. Maarten song is null and void. Anthems only exist to define a people and if the people are not defined, let's forget about the St. Maarten song or anthem. You cannot defend something that describes people, if you believe they do not exist.

Lovers of the St. Maarten song, defend the native people of St. Maarten heritage first – then we can defend a St. Maarten song. People come before and are more important than a song.

At present, the St. Maarten culture and real ID card is on a boom, especially from people of St. Maarten heritage in the United States, Holland, Aruba and Curaçao, St. Thomas, St. Croix, Guadeloupe, Martinique, France and the Dominican Republic. All these people prove their mother or father or grandparents are from St. Maarten and have land they inherited to prove they are indeed people of native St. Maarten heritage. The government of St. Maarten can give you an ID card owned by the state, but you have to be of St. Maarten heritage to get our real St. Maarten ID card that defines who is a St. Maartener.

The government knows we have done what they failed to and could not do. Lots of people from the Caribbean islands say they are happy to see the native St. Maarten people define who they are. They say they have great respect for Mr. Leopold James and the SNBF, who define the native St. Maarten people so eloquently and truthfully. When the Parliament passes our motion of who is a St. Maartener, only then I can pursue the St. Maarten song cause.

Unlike certain people in our government who are not in favour of the St. Maarten song because it was written by a white gentleman, we love all people of colour. We love our white brothers and sisters of native St. Maarten heritage from Simpson bay; we love our red, brown brothers and sisters from Grand case and French Cul-de-Sac of native St. Maarten heritage. We love all of our people of native St. Maarten heritage; colour is not important. We love our people and we are one people with same culture and heritage.

The conclusion is the native people of St. Maarten heritage must be defended before we can defend a St. Maarten song. God bless the people of St. Maarten.

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

Mr. Le Poole said in response to the SNBF our firm believes that making a distinction in a constitution between (groups of) people based on origin, ancestry or ethnicity is unconstitutional in itself and in any case cannot serve any legitimate purpose. A lawyer is someone that represents people on matters of law. It is a profession, just like being a teacher or an engineer. I will not judge Mr. Le Poole intention, however as a lawyer he was quite hurry to respond on a matter that is so important about native people of StMaarten. It is not a matter of discrimination it is a matter or rights. Let me explain. If a creature is endangered of being extinct and the only manner of protecting the future is to give it special privilege for it survival, does that mean you are discriminating against other creatures? Absolutely not. If a student need more help on a particular subject and he or she is giving more attention for he or she to improve does that means we are discriminating against the other students? In countries like the Netherlands, USA and France it is a fact that there are laws protecting certain species and animals. The question to Mr. Le Poole does that mean those countries is practicing discrimination. In society governments protects and help the weakest groups of people in society, does that means governments is discriminating? I am not a lawyer, but I taught the whole purpose of law was the see points of view from all sides evaluate them on the facts and make decision on the evidence that is presented. In the U.S.A all minority groups was awarded affirmative actions to help them elevate their unfortunate situation which was done by slavery. So I must assume that Mr. Le Poole if he was an American will not be in favor of affirmative actions for the poor African Americans and Cherokee Indians and Hispanic Americans. I must come to the conclusion he will call it discriminating against the Caucasian Americans who in fact had enslaved all these minority groups of people. Let's focus on the native people of StMaarten Heritage, who help people of all cultures and race and sex and religion and practice human rights to the highest extent. In doing this good act of human rights don't Mr. le Poole thinks that our native StMaarten people deserve to be recognized in the constitution. This leads me to one conclusion that Mr. Le Poole does not care about the native StMaarten people. What I am interesting in knowing what does the lawyers of StMaarten heritage thinks. Lawyers like Gibson Senior and Junior, and lawyers like Bell, Bryson, and Groeneveldt. It will be interested to see if they will use law or constitution to terminate their very existence as a people. This will prove if they have real education or only school education. I am not surprise of Mr. Le Poole reaction in fact I expect that sort of answer of him. If he was in our position I wonder if he would interpret the law in that manner. Mr. Le Poole answer give our quest to be recognized even more validity, he is helping us prove our point that StMaarten people is throw under the bus. Mr. Le Poole in StMaarten we have a way of expressing our selves, it goes like this "today for me tomorrow for you". You are a smart man figure it out. My conclusion is you are a man that I cannot trust. But I respect you for one thing; at least you show me what kind of man you are. In short I understand exactly what you mean, everybody in StMaarten is welcome no matter if they are legal or not. But native StMaarten people are allow to die without protection. Keep up your good works in fighting for the helpless. That's why I only trust Jesus Christ.

Yours truly,

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

Life in StMaarten is not what you think it is. Many people or probably the most people in StMaarten live in fear of our government. You might ask why you say so. If you do a survey or poll and ask the electorate of StMaarten will you go on public radio or TV or newspaper and criticize the government in the manner they are handling the people's business? The vast majority will say no. This is the reality that the public in StMaarten is not and does not feel emancipated. Emancipation is a term used to describe various efforts to obtain political rights or equality, often for a specifically disenfranchised group (Not only native StMaarteners but also legal immigrants), or more generally in discussion of such matters. Emancipation also means the act or process of setting somebody free or of freeing somebody from restrictions.
"Political emancipation" as a phrase is less common in modern usage, especially outside academic, foreign or activist contexts. However, similar concepts may be referred to by other terms. For instance, in the United States the civil rights movement culminating in the Voting Rights Act of 1965 can be seen as further realization of events such as the Emancipation Proclamation and abolition of slavery a century earlier. Another group of people that are hypocrites in StMaarten is those that fight for independence in StMaarten but never stand and defend the native people of StMaarten heritage. StMaarten can never be independent without the recognition of the native people. Lots of people living in StMaarten are afraid to voice their opinion of all political parties for the fear of victimization. This represents a clear and present danger in StMaarten. People sell their votes and then they are made to live in fear or else we can either take your job or your land and who knows maybe your life. Is that the kind of democracy or freedom we does celebrate on emancipation day? The people of StMaarten must stop living a lie and stop fooling their selves, StMaarten is anything but emancipated. The only people who are truly emancipated are the illegal immigrants who broke the law and get rewarded with compulsory education and study financing. I challenge anybody if we can replace the entire government with an independent governing body and ask people in specific what they think about our ministers and legislators you will hear a mountain of not only criticism but hard and personal feeling in peoples heart. This proves people in StMaarten are living in fear of government even thou they continue to vote for them. The people in StMaarten really needs to be emancipated from fear of government and must learn freedom does not come free in must be fought for. This is why the native people of StMaarten heritage should be recognize with special privileges, what this does is a clear act of emancipation that no politician can use or abuse the native StMaarteners economically and there for enhance economic opportunities without no fear of political victimization be it physically or economically or mentally. The question the people of StMaarten should ask their government how you can have a country without the identity of its native people. It is time to emancipate all people living in StMaarten and that is why we must continue to voice our opinion, because freedom never comes free. Thanks to the entire media of StMaarten that is helping us emancipate ourselves from mental slavery. This is helping us to eliminate the clear and present dangers that exist in StMaarten.

Yours truly,

The Patriot Miguel Arrindell

The reason I'm so happy with the court's decision is that a good friend of mine had a similar experience with the same gallery. In my friend's case he purchased a model ship and some wooden bowls at a total cost of $656.00 which included shipping and insurance. Like Mrs. Kentish, he never received his merchandise despite repeated inquires to the gallery.

In an attempt to rectify this problem, I contacted then Commissioner of Tourism Theo Heyliger, made him aware of the situation and asked him for his help. At the same time, I made the Commissioner aware of the fact that my friend was in the process of having a 161-ft. mega-yacht built. Despite several requests for his help in this matter, the Commissioner chose to do nothing.

I later contacted a well-respected local marina owner and asked if he might be able to help, despite his promise to look into it, again nothing happened.

My friend took delivery of his latest yacht in early 2009, it has since spent time in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and Florida. In one year the yacht was chartered 9 different times at a weekly rate of 235,000 euros. He recently told me the yacht spent some weeks at a boatyard in Ft.Lauderdale for maintenance and repairs costing $150,000.00.

In this latest court case karma came back to bite the owner of the art gallery and he lost out.... BIG TIME! In the case of my friend, St.Maarten was the big loser. Not a single guilder was collected in turnover tax for fuel, provisioning, maintenance, berthing, bridge fees, fees paid to the airport to land his private jet, his crew members did not spend money in St.Maarten etc. etc. etc.. The reason being......he has not been back.

His current yacht is up for sale at the recently reduced price of US $34.5 million but since this is the 16th yacht he has owned I doubt it will be his last. He has mentioned to me that the builder of his current yacht wants to sell him a 191 footer. Will St.Maarten ever see any money generated by a future yacht? If karma has anything to do with it, I doubt it.

Andy Croxall

Peter Gunn

Thanks for your time.

Vernon Lake

If I applied for a job and on my C.V. I were to list among my qualifications that I had an advanced degree from a respected university which I did not have, I might get hired, but odds are good when my boss caught wind of it I would be fired. As I should be.

Where am I going with this?

Recently I was looking at the official Government website of St.Maarten and I happened to look at the page where Prime Minister Sarah Wescott-Williams has her biography. On this page she lists her work history as well as her educational background which I've copied and pasted directly from the website that reads as follows.

"She complements her experience in Public Service, with an Honor's Associate Degree in Business and Finance, a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, and a Master's in Public Administration, suma cum laude from La Salle University, USA."

I must say very impressive sounding at first glance. I did a bit of research on the internet and found out that La Salle University truly offers a Rolex quality education at a price to match. The basic tuition listed by them is $16,750.00 per quarter. Note that this is from the real La Salle University, the one located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

On Friday February 18th I picked up the phone and called La Salle University in Philadelphia . To my surprise, my call was immediately answered by a professor who is also head of his department. I told him the purpose of my call was to confirm academic credentials being claimed by a Government official which I suspected to be bogus. He told me that due to privacy laws he doubted anyone could provide me with the specific information I was requesting. He did however tell me after I read to him Sarah's claims listed on the website, that "La Salle University does not offer a graduate degree in Public Administration."

How can this be? If you look up diploma mills on Wikipedia under the section titled "Common attributes of diploma mills" you will find La Salle University cited as an example. No this is not the same La Salle University run by the Christian Brothers teaching order I referred to earlier. This La Salle University was run by a convicted criminal named James Kirk (no relation to the fictional Captain on Star Trek). If you search under James Kirk diploma mills on Wikipedia you will find this La Salle University was shut down in 1996 by the FBI, U.S. postal inspectors, and the Internal Revenue Service. Mr. Kirk was sentenced to five years in federal prison and was ordered not to operate any more schools.

Here in the United States we have had instances where politicians have obtained diploma mill degrees. One of the most notable being Florida Congressman Claude Pepper who in 1985 obtained a fake Doctorate at a cost of $1780.00 so that he could call himself Dr. Pepper (also the name of a popular US made soft drink) and to illustrate how easy and cheap it was to do. The difference being he already had a legitimate Law Degree from Harvard and he did not obtain this degree in an effort to deceive the voters but rather to inform them of a serious problem.

In my mind claiming to have graduated summa cum laude from an unaccredited school is like saying you are the world's tallest midget, at the end of the day you still come up short.

It's time for the Prime Minister to come clean about her education. Is it a Front Street Rolex quality degree or Back Street trash?

A helpful hint to the Prime Minister, it might be more convincing the next time you claim honors to actually spell those honors correctly. Summa is spelled with two m's not one as you spelled it on the webpage and in your campaign literature.

I'm sure the Minister of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Piet Hein Donner will want to know of this. He recently took full responsibility for the screening process of St.Maarten's Ministers during a debate with the Dutch Second Chamber. Why should he be made to look like a fool amongst his colleagues?

The people of Country St.Maarten certainly deserve to know the truth about who is governing their Country.

Part two will provide more information on why this situation is so wrong and dangerous.

Andy Croxall

Dear Sir,

First of all, I thank you for your very courageous words of appreciation addressed to my person for having brought the ‘Cimmaron case’ to your attention in the form of an Open letter last week Friday, February 18, 2011.
It is my privilege to inform you as follows on the responses I received.
If I for one minute alone, had thought that I stood alone for writing you my open letter expressing my deep concern at the allegations leveled on the Police-force of St. Maarten, by Cimmaron MARLIN, I have been proven to be wrong – ‘dead wrong’.
The number of reactions of outrage out there in the public, as a consequence of this particular case of alleged police brutality and alleged police involvement in carrying out a ‘hit’ on an innocent-, defenseless citizen has touched an extremely ‘raw nerve’.
Coupled with the perceived examples of ‘class-justice’ on the island and coupled with the other, the often used excuse that the police is too ‘understaffed’ to adequately fight crime-, the ‘real’ motive for the case at hand has now created lots of room for intense speculation.
Just check the various blog on the internet.
Therefore, as a nice person as you, the Chief Commissioner are generally perceived by many to be, there is a real pressure on you as well to ‘come clean’ about what happened in this- and other cases of alleged police brutality- , or face the wrath of the people.
Especially against the backdrop of a police-force, which for years, has been claiming not to be ‘up to par’ in terms of human and other resources, to protect its law-abiding citizens, the question to be answered is the following.
What then, was the apparent ‘pressing justification’ to make available such a substantial use of an already stretched resource, to allegedly ‘back-jump’ a frail character like Cimmaron ?
What justified, given the circumstances of limited resources, the need to drag him in the station, to waste precious time, to allegedly brutalize, interrogate and hold him for hours, only to be released without charges- and certainly without a report and/or apologies ?
In other words.
What were the ‘compelling’ circumstances for the allegedly excessive amount of time and force used, while who knows, what real hard-core crimes were taking place at the same time endangering the general public ?
They must have been really compelling arguments I assume.
Did the police-officers perhaps genuinely mistake this frail-looking ‘nigga’ for OBL  (the ‘cave-man’ of 9/11)?
Did they have any ‘credible’ intelligence that this ‘OBL-look-alike’ was about to blow up some, yet to be constructed ‘twin-towers’ on the ‘Friendly-island’ and they had no other choice than to ‘protect’ us from this ‘monster’ ?
Really ?
In that case, I would certainly ‘rest my case’.
Not only that-, I would recommend the officers for the highest ‘medal of bravery- and service’ of ‘Country St. Maarten’.
I hope you get the ‘giste’.
The point I am making here is the following.
You, Police Commissioner DE WITTE now have the very distinct responsibility to offer the community at large, a real solid and credible reason for having wasted so much of our scarce resources to apprehend this gentleman, torture him only to let him go without charges.
In addition, particularly serious are the allegation made by Mr. MARLIN, that in fact certain members of the Police-force are involved in carrying out paid ‘hits’ on citizens upon instructions of certain ‘principals’.
Needless to emphasize that this allegations is far worse than the ‘bad enough’ cases of ‘simple’ brutality.
If indeed proven to be true, or to even have a ‘semblance’ of truth, then this would have major security and legal consequences not only on island level, but on Kingdom and hemispheric level as well.
Therefore, we look anxiously forward to your response, because there is a growing and very ‘un-settling’ disconnect- and distrust between the police-force and many law-abiding citizens.
Again, we stress, that we have absolutely nothing personal against you, Mr.DE WITTE, because we all know that the ‘root-cause’ of this poor relationship is integral part of a much larger picture, certainly not of your making.
However, occupying the highest office of the St. Maarten Police, makes the ‘buck stop at your desk’.
While certainly, this particular case is very sensitive and complex, not dealing with it in an honest-, and transparent manner will only make matters much worse.
We all are humans and we all, one way or the other make mistakes, sometimes blunders or commit crime, no one is exempted as such.
Therefore, in the long run, if one has been on the ‘wrong side’ of the law (written or unwritten), it is better to come clean, humble one-self, acknowledge one’s part-, and accept the consequences, however severe.
That is the only way, for us as a people to move forward and to contribute to ‘healing’.
‘Country St. Maarten’ must mean something significant and fundamental.
More than people now having to be addressed as - 'honorable this'-, and 'honorable that', but meanwhile doing very 'dis-honorable this' and 'honorable that'...
We got to 'get for real' !
It can not-, and should not be ‘business as usual’.
In ending, Mr. DE WITTE.
Our St. Martin nation building-, and unification movement, of which I am privileged to be the president, is also willing to make its contribution towards the ‘healing process’.

Wishing you much wisdom and strength to do what is right.

With respect,

Leopold JAMES

Donna Marie Realty

1. Why is it great for Haitians to be very proud, and nationalistic when it comes to their beloved Ayity, but same is not afforded to others, like St. Martiners ?
2. Why do Haitians feel that only they have suffered under the evil of slavery, what about people for the other Caribbean islands for instance ?
3. Why don't Haitians control their birth-rate, which is the highest in the Western hemisphere, and a seriously contributing load on the carrying-capacities of the countries to which they immigrate ?
4. Should St. Martiners simply continue to allow for the numbers of Haitians on the island to explode, without even trying to preserve the St. Martin people ?
5. How come, that ni the Kittitians, the Anguillans, the Antiguans, the Barbadians and other Caribbean nationals living on the island, unjustly and consistently criticize St. Martiners for saying 'enough is enough', and that st. Martiners have the right to protect themselves from becoming extinct ?