Main motive given verbally, without any proof, was the allegation that the program 'incited hatred'.
That characterization in-, and of itself is a complete a mis-representation of the truth, and according to our sources, political motivation played a much larger role in the decision of management.
And just ate the moment when the people of this island confronting a most complex, political-, constitutional-, economical- and social crisis of which crime and immigration are the most daunting issues, their most vital voice has been deliberately taken off the air.
We need not explain you, the consequences of such a betrayal to a people, it is simply devastating and traumatic, not to be able to have a platform to communicate mutual feelings with each other as a people, while on a daily basis the number of foreigners and their influences are increasing.
In this context, we would appreciate your attention and investigation into the situation pertaining to radio-broadcast in general on St. Maarten.
Perhaps the following and other questions as well, should be an integral part of such an investigation to which we are more than willing to cooperate with you and to provide any relevant information for our investigation
1. Is it legally correct for a radio-program to be removed solely based on 'here-say' and if not, what are the courses of actions that can be taken against a radio- and/or television station ?
2. Is there any level playing field when it comes to evaluating the programs aired in foreign languages; in other words, who if anyone at all, monitors the radio-and television programs particular in the Creole-, and Spanish languages to hear whether or not they make hatred-inciteful commentaries or any other derogatory comments direction the people of this islandor whether or not they inform their people how to circumvent our national laws ?
3. Can a list be made public of the number of programs produced by Antilleans in the English, Dutch or Papiamentu languages versus those in the Spanish and Creole languages, which most native St. Martiners do not understand ?
4. Is it acceptable that, during one of the most fundamental changes to take place in the history of St. Martiners, that in fact the voices heard most and concern mostly expressed are those of expats or foreigners ?
While we look forward to your reply, the clear underlying message hereby conveyed is one of a most serious situation-, and unfair towards the people of this island, who are now completely overrun by foreigners-, and on top of that are denied access to the media in their own country.
Is it the intention, that the pent up angst and frustration of not being able to express ourselves in our own country via the media, to be forced to go underground, only to 're-appear' full force in a completely different form ?
Can there be any peace, any peaceful new 'country St. Maarten status', if the voice of the very people with historical ties to every facet of this island's existence be replaced by 'strange' voices on the air ?
What 'country status' are we building ? Everyone-else's country, EXCEPT that of St. Martiners ?
Is that what 'separate status' really is about ?
Clearly something is amiss and should urgently be corrected, before 'doomsday' becomes a reality on 'Friendly-island.
Copies
• Parliament Netherlands
• H. Queen Beatrix
• UN
• CARICOM
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Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia