This is because, there is a fundamental 'shift' taking place in our transportation system, in which particularly Haitians have completely taken over this sector.
Apart from undermining the legitimate local native St. Martin bus- and taxi drivers, who have to pay taxes, insurances etc, there is also another phenomenon taking place.
That is that they have introduced a total different way in dealing with passengers- they have simply 'Haitianized' the service.
Consequently, they behave as if they are in their own country A'yiti and very often display a total arrogance to others.
While some people might shrug this off as unimportant, it IS important, to prevent at all costs, others from 'sneaking in' their culture in critical areas of one's country.
One such area is the transportation sector.
No matter what, the transportation-sector should reflect the culture of the host-population, period.
For a simple reason, that many visitors and locals make use of it and come in close contact with the 'heartbeat' of any country.
While certain St. Martiners might fail to understand that, many foreign drivers do not.
That is why they often times DECORATE their vehicles with signs paraphernalia, like flags reflecting THEIR country, culture and religion.
In order for our readers, like us, who do not use the public transportation to be informed as to what is actually taking place in that sector we decided to publish credible SHORT STORIES on this 'Haitianization' of the transportation system.
SHORT STORIES # 1; FOR SALE.
This afternoon a very irate person contacted me very upset about another experience of the 'Haitian gypsy' mentality introduced by the very same people Vice Consul came to demand the Island-Government admits more of them.
The person a native St. Martiner, mostly makes use of the public transportation system to get around.
According to this informant, being an illegal bus-driver has almost become the norm, so that is not even the issue here.
What really surprised and angered our informant is that there seems to be no limit as to how far these Haitians will go to do whatever business they see fit.
According to our informant there is this bus 190 out there transporting passengers.
Not that the bus carries any sign indicating the fares to the very destination.
Of course not.
Instead, this bus 190 has apparently taken the notion of 'gypsy' bus to the next level.
One would believe to be somewhere in Haiti, where lawlessness is very creative and the order of the day.
That 'system' seems to be indeed being imported on the 'Friendly island'.
So, while not caring to posting the fares for a bus-drive, bus 190 according to our informer carries a sign with prices of a total different nature;
the sign which supposedly is in RED, reads FOR SALE
Water $ 1.00
Soda $ 1.50
Juices $ 1.75
Talking about immigrants with no added value or with 'anti-social' added value.
Be aware, that if this is not 'nipped in the bud' by the authorities, who knows the next time bus 190 or another one will sell voodoo perfume, or voodoo dolls while enjjoying a bus-ride.
Only on the 'Friendly Island'.
SHORT STORY #2; You white man from Holland ?
Just also got a call from another regular bus passenger ( Friday, January 28, 2011 at 3.20 p.m.).
While he was on a bus, of course driven by a Haitian driver, this tall Caucasian male passenger got up to dis-embark.
After he apparently closed the door from where he was exiting, the driver asked him; 'Way you from ?, Holland ?'
The gentleman confirmed, after which 'Mr. Haitian' scolded him that; 'We people don't slam doors here'.
Besides our St. martin informant, the other passengers were Haitians and they all had a very good- and loud laugh at 'Mr. Dutchman'.
Editor's note; Never mind that the Dutchman's passport is one of the most coveted documents for these people.
Perhaps, if the Dutchman reads this, he can contact us to give his input.
Send your stories to; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Leopold JAMES 5204325 / 54 43512.
Drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ Association L' Esprit de Concordia