Dear Mr. de WITTE,
Without any doubt, Oral GIBBES-Live television talk-show of Tuesday, February 15, 2011 for many viewers was one of the most appealing-, if not the most appealing one ever seen on St. Maarten.
The guest of that particular installment was Mr. Cimmaron MARLIN, a brother of well-known Mr. Julian ROLLOCKS.
In a very calm and extremely composed manner, Mr. MARLIN shared a recent experience he was allegedly subjected to by a number of officers of the St. Maarten police-force.
His story, if even exaggerated, sent 'chills up the spines' of many viewers/listeners.
It was an account of an experience, no-one would ever want to be subjected to-, nor have one of their loved one subjected to.
What Mr. MARLIN shared with the audience of thousands of people, to me can only be described as shocking, repulsive, harrowing, unacceptable if not also criminal.
For the record, Mr. deWITTE.
Let it hereby be recorded that I do not draw any conclusion, one way or the other, - yet.
Simply, because we have only heard one side of the story-, that of Mr. Cimmaron MARLIN.
However, this is what I know of Mr. MARLIN for sure.
Cimmaron was one of the most respectful students in my Mavo classes, when I returned from Holland in 1981 to teach at the Milton Peters College.
Like no other student, he was extremely shy, humble and had a very deep interest in fundamental science, especially in philosophy and culture.
Consequently, while most of his peers would be chasing behind girls, and dressing up as 'dandies', Cimmaron was focused on reading every possible book he could put his hands on.
Ever since Cimmaron returned for the US, years ago, I have maintained contact with him.
As such, I was always struck by his simplicity, his humility, his spirituality, un-assuming character and total lack of greed, materialism and aggressive behavior.
I can vouch for this and 'put my hand in the fire' anytime, that he is not the type to even 'hurt a fly'.
To now therefore hear how 'uitgerekend' (exactly) such a person, was reportedly abused to the max by those sworn to assist and protect innocent, law-abiding citizens, certainly angered me in 'no little measure'.
Especially, considering the fact that it seems that on the 'Friendly island', asocial and criminal elements seem to have 'carte blanche' in terrorizing communities, this particular case of alleged 'police brutality' simply baffles many people, including myself.
However, Mr. de WITTE, in order to be fair to all involved, I suggest the following.
Approach Mr. Oral GIBBES with the request to have this particular interview repeated so that those in law-enforcement, as well as the public in general can for themselves take a good look and listen at what is alleged by Mr. MARLIN.
This is critical to restore confidence in the professionalism of our police force.
In addition, if those responsible fail to do that, then once this video hits YOU-TUBE, the consequences could be very far-reaching.
If proven that Mr. MARLIN simply lied 'through his nose', he should be held accountable for such, and perhaps if necessary undergo some form of psychiatric treatment.
However, if the core of his story is true that the police really applied disproportional violence and acted upon instructions in a 'hit-like operation' then 'sans pardon' etc, those culprits should be held accountable.
Whatever the case may be, if the people of 'Country St. Maarten' cannot have confidence in those charged with their protection, and have to fear for their lives whenever they see 'men-in-blue', then Lord have mercy, we have a 'real' problem.
In other words, not be willing to give an account to this alleged story of police brutality is no logical option and can only lead to this case be taken up to the highest possible local, national or international level.
Simply, because justice must be done if this island is not to descend into an uncontrollable spiral of violent conflicts, like we see taking place around the world.
An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.
Anxiously awaiting your kind response and side of the story.
Copies relevant authorities.
drs. Leopold JAMES
