By Tadzio Bervoets

In The Heart of the evening
A shadow stretches
An elegy of Whispers
The World’s Mournful Breath

Where Innocence once vibrant
Now lies in trenches
As the sun set’s solemn
On fields of death

Politics, a tether
of broken Promises
With voices lost in cacophony
As truth fades

Where ideals once golden
Now lay rusted and cold
And a dream of a just society
Quietly degrades

Innocent hearts
Once pure and bright
Now lay dimmed by grief
For what we must bear

In the ruthless march
Of power’s might

Sweet St. Maarten
Our haven of peace
Now hears cries
Of lives undone

Where laughter once echoed
Now no release
From the shadows cast
By the setting sun

Once we danced in meadows
Of hope and grace
But now we wonder
In the ruins of despair

Searching for a glimpse
Of a kinder place
But finding only shadows
Lingering there

Oh, the loss of innocence
Our mourning toll
As the rhetoric of division
Takes its place

And in the Chambers
Where compassion’s bell should toll
We see only the fading
Of Humanity’s face

Yet in this land of sorrow
Where silence speaks
We must remember
What we have lost

And strive to mend our wounds
The tears in our souls
For amidst despair
Hope must be embossed

With Unity and Love
Let’s rebuild what’s torn
For although our innocence was taken
We must persist

To kindle a light
Where darkness is born
And ensure our human grace
Will always exist

Dear Editor,

With the snap elections set for August 19th, 2024, it is crucial for the residents of Sint Maarten to thoroughly evaluate the candidates and political parties vying for our votes. Our island’s future depends on the decisions we make today, especially regarding environmental sustainability and sustainable development.
So far, very little candidates have shown a clear focus on sustainable development and environmental conservation. There is a concerning lack of a climate change resilience and adaptation plan for Sint Maarten, including a structured proposal for sustainable energy using renewable resources, which is critical given the current energy crisis. Additionally, there are no clear strategies for how we will become resilient to climate change through a National Climate Change Adaptation and Response Plan. This is especially worrying considering the impacts of unprecedented hurricanes like Beryl in the Caribbean and the anticipation of a long, difficult hurricane season.
We need to look beyond just individual candidates and focus on the platforms and track records of the political parties they represent. It is essential to prioritize those committed to sustainable development and nature conservation, focusing on long-term benefits rather than short-term, unsustainable gains. Sint Maarten is one of the few islands in the Caribbean without protected nature areas on land. Establishing these protected areas is vital to preserving our unique biodiversity and boost sustainable development for our country.
Similarly, compared to other Caribbean islands, Sint Maarten is lagging in implementing Environmental and Social Impact Assessment laws. Our current focus on building unsustainable structures without considering environmental and social impacts is causing us to fall behind in valuing and preserving our natural resources for economic development.
Unrestrained, unsustainable development is also negatively impacting our communities, affecting not only our energy grid and natural environment but also our traditional communities. Just ask the residents of Simpson Bay village about the impacts they are currently facing, considering how permits for large-scale developments have been issued without any social or environmental impact assessments to identify the impacts on residents who often struggle to make a living. This lack of foresight is eroding the very fabric of our communities.
Candidates and parties advocating for Blue and Green Economies, which emphasize sustainable development and nature conservation while integrating our cultural heritage for the orange economy, deserve our serious consideration. We must support leaders who recognize the threats posed by climate change and are committed to developing a resilient strategy for Sint Maarten, protecting our way of life as Caribbean people.
We need to shift our tourism focus towards eco-tourism rather than solely increasing cruise ship passengers or airlift. Electing leaders who understand the importance of green spaces for local flora and fauna and their contributions to our well-being is essential for the island's long-term sustainability.
I urge everyone to carefully examine party manifestos and governing programs, prioritizing candidates that champion nature conservation, sustainable development, green, blue, and orange economies, regional integration, climate change adaptation, and sustainable tourism. Our votes should support those who prioritize people and the planet over personal or private profit, recognizing the importance of conservation and cultural development.
Transforming the Beach Policy and the Hillside Policy into enforceable laws is also critical to ensure the sustainable management of these ecosystems, protecting us from flooding, landslides, and restricted access to our beaches, which are our most vital natural resources.
As we approach the elections, let us vote for parties and candidates who prioritize the environment and people over personal gain or empty political rhetoric. We need leaders committed to shaping our country sustainably, protecting our land, and fostering development that benefits all. Let us ensure that Sint Maarten remains a beautiful and thriving home for future generations.

Sincerely,
Tadzio Bervoets
Belair
+1 721 5864588

by Cdr. Bud Slabbaert

The risk of an explosion of hurricane damage claims may quickly bury insurance companies' profits. It has led to something of an insurance exodus in Florida in the past couple of years. Homeowners in Florida are struggling with skyrocketing home insurance premiums. Several insurers operating in Florida have cut coverage in some of the areas that are most vulnerable to natural disasters or have withdrawn from the state entirely.

It is also high time in the Caribbean to think about what is or maybe happening to be or not to be protected by insurance or otherwise in the future. Returning to what may be considered ‘normal’ is not an option but rather a mediocratic restauration. Hurricane preparedness including having bottled water, batteries, getting any lose items out of the way, etc. is a minimal precaution. What about buildings and construction?

Some buildings remain almost miraculously untouched after a weather disaster. Many others may lose their roofs, windows or doors. Residents, not knowing what to do or what may be next. And tremendous piles of sheet metal. sit in front of what once was their beloved home, and their damaged furniture and belongings is in the yard or on the street in front of them.

A serious advisory is needed that focusses on building hurricane resistant structures or reconstruct them to such. It may sound like a building code, but it should not be a government regulation or requirement although it could be encouraged by a government. It should not take away or limit anyone’s rights. It is a stern advisory. Yet, it may have implications. And if not initiated or implanted by a government who will?

An independent Caribbean Research and Development Institute for Architecture and Construction should be founded. The Institute should be supported by the Insurance and the Building Industries. The activities of the institute should be carried out in cooperation with reputable international universities such as for instance the Technical University Delft - Netherlands, Technical University Zurich – Switzerland, MIT - USA. No political involvement; an absolutely independent and impartial organization.

Why the insurance industry? When it comes to big dollars and cents, whose profits suffered the most after the hurricanes? They should have a vested interest in any practical and realistic solution that reduces risks; after all, believe it or not, it is a risk adverse industry. Mind that if major insurance companies withdraw their coverage, as it is the case in Florida, then local insurance brokers have less to insure which may reduce their revenue.

Why the building/construction industry? They should be interested in developing materials and methods that resist any challenging situation. Their financial support and investment should pay off well for them in return.

Why the international universities? That should not need much explanation. They are reputable, and insurance, building/construction industries will trust them. Any government may lack that kind of credibility.

The institute should independently do its research and development to establish a building code for hurricane stealth and resisting construction. It may even have a wind tunnel available to test structure models in extreme high wind circumstances. In addition, the institute should be the preferred independent international organization that can certify whether design, construction or materials are appropriate. Therefore, it will have inspectors and adjusters. Again, no government or political involvement.

The insurance industry from its side might determine that that any new commercial building that is not hurricane certified can only be insured at higher premiums, get limited coverage, or in the worst case it may not be considered at all for insurance coverage. The building suppliers could proudly show the certificate or seal of approval on their products. Investors in new projects may also applaud to see a certification.

The mission of the institute is not to police or regulate, but rather be an undertaking to prevent and protect buildings and its owners against hurricane damages of an extraordinary proportion that we have seen recently, and which actually may return at any time in the future. It is not the aim to take authority away from local governments. Although, it could become a matter of lead, follow, or get out of the way of the institution. The wisest option for all would be to cooperate with this new credible organization all the way and establishing and accepting a positive standard for all.

The institute will inform general audiences about how to protect their dwellings from hurricane impact. It can do so through publication of documentation, presentations on the media or at locally organized meetings. There are many benefits that come out of this solution.

But there is more. The lucky island that will be selected as the location of choice, may now have landed an institute of higher learning that is internationally accredited, affiliated and respected. Which means new employment in the non-academic segments of the institution on location. It may mean conferences to be held on the island and an opportunity to develop unique science tourism.

For young people in the region, it may be an option to study in an alternative academic direction that they don’t have to go abroad for. Because it is Caribbean related, it may be an opportunity for them to find well paid employment in the region afterwards or even set up their own specialized business. Current and hurricane damage of the past has proven that it all makes sense. Just food for thought.

Dear Editor,

We would like to know where the police unions are. What are they doing?
Is it because the Minister of Justice is intimidating them? Or is it because they are afraid of him?
Or is it because he promised the union leader, M., the position of head of our customs department and also promised the treasurer of the NAPB Union, Miss J. P., that he would give her a scale of 10 or 11?
When our Minister of Justice Ana Richardson was there, they always were quick to chant touch one, touch all.
However, this minister of Justice removed C.R. from his position at the already understaffed armed robbery department of the police force to have him transport prisoners, all because he said someone told him that C.R. said something about him being corrupt. Then we ask ourselves, who disrespects the Minister of Justice Ana Richardson more than Mr. Lewis himself openly? This is the same Minister who stated that he cannot be hearsay and that things are not factual, but how is the situation with C.R. factual?
What is the minister of justice using to measure with?
Then we have the case of Miss L.G. from the national detectives; the union again remained quiet. It became clearer from this that the union is not on the side of us, the members.
The Minister of Justice further weakens departments by placing his friends in places and giving them new scales. Crime is on the rise, and the Minister chose to remove someone from within the heavy crimes department within the police force, where it's very much needed now with all of these shootings, only to place her in a department where she was not needed. Still, because it's his best friend, he arranged it. He placed her in a department where she was exposed to a lot of information while she was on the board of the NOW party. So figure it out: if there is an investigation into anyone in that party, she will have that information firsthand.
Again, where is the Union in this matter? A sleep? If it were Minister A. Richardson, they would have already called for a strike, meeting, or even a go-slow.
Minister Lewis decided to bring some officers from KPSM back to work, which is good for some because it gives them a second chance. But what about Officer D., who admitted that he is a drug abuser, and yet the Minister brought him back? Now we understand that Union leader M received a voice note from D. indicating that he will come and shoot and kill high-ranking officers, who, at this moment, are now working from home for their own safety. Again, where is the Union in this matter?
Since the Minister took office, how many national decrees has he given out? He promised our unions that he would give out 50 per week, but we have not had any in months. All that was given was what Minister A. Richardson did. The promise was that everyone should have received their decree.
However, Minister Lewis ensured he received his decree and back pay without a national decree. He also made sure that his friends received their decrees.
What happened to the other civil servants that fall under his jurisdiction?

This Minister Lewis has not addressed our issues at the prison or the customs department. How is he the people's minister? He visited the prison, just too grandstand since his best friend returned to work after years of being out sick and is feeding him information about the prison's management team. Because she wants to be head of the prison.
Ask the minister of Justice what deal he made with O'Neil Arrindell, who just reported to prison, to sit out his 40-month prison sentence. Why did he promise 0? Arrindell that he would get him out of prison for his votes to get him elected again. Or is it because it's his family member?
Does the Minister of Justice know what he can or should not do?
What is going on with our function book? Is the police function book only important? What is going on at the customs department within the management team? Where is the acting head? When will these be heard? So many are out sick, and we are suffering silently.
I guess we will see the Minister of Justice come up with a next political stunt to try and save the day just to get votes. Be careful of the wolf in sheep's clothing; he is not who he pretends to be.

Signed, concerned prison guards/ customs officers/ CIVIL SERVANTS