As a regular visitor to St Eustatius, I know that the opinion of outsiders is often taken with a fair pinch of salt. Ever aware that we should not always judge things by our own standards, I still feel compelled to voice ten New Year's resolutions that might make my visits more agreeable and possibly more appealing to other would-be explorers of this enchanting island.
- How nice it would be if the police would control the disturbing revving up of motorcycles and scooters of which young drivers have taken to driving on the footpaths?
- How nice it would be if the Tourist Office started to actually promote the Island's heritage? I know its director was a political appointment, but an organization that does not communicate with its market is doomed. Instead of ignoring emails from the press and giving tourists a rude welcome at their office, perhaps they might use the occasional smile and start an editorial program to communicate what has become through their non-activity, the biggest secret on planet Earth. Wasting government money through giving courses to children about etiquette should start with themselves.
- The referendum was a joke. It was rushed though. Though a professional plan and strategy had been developed, it was hijacked by the Executive Council. Their referendum booklet was a waste of money and badly written. Voting cards were also an issue that need to be sorted before March elections next year. But will lessons be learned before then?
- Stop pulling down monuments illegally on the island. If the government cannot look after a monumental house that belongs to them, how can it look after a phony new monuments foundation they are now seeking to set up – no doubt again with political appointments?
- In the New Year we expect NuStar to contribute significantly to Island Government coffers. Harbor fees have not increased for the last 25 years and these petroleum pirates should not get away with their miserable patronizing community handouts. The government has delayed enough and the people expect leadership from the Finance Commissioner. Stop stalling, it is appalling.
- More etiquette is required from our tourist industry. On the bay, the service of bar and restaurant staff is disgraceful. Huddled behind their smart phones, the very suggestion of service after ten minutes of self-service is greeted with attitude. If only the owners of these establishments would spend more time checking on their untrained and uninspired personnel?
- Why is the only ATM in town consistently broken down? Windward Island Bank prides itself on customer service so why do tourists have to take a twenty minute walk to the only other WIB ATM at the airport? It creates a bad impression and does not serve the small businesses on the island. Perhaps the Commissioner could resolve to call the only bank on the island and inform them that people expect first rate efficiency from a monopoly.
- The Finance Commissioner should also tell Winair to go forth and multiply. I recently changed a cheap ticket (USD 190) and was charged 41 dollars for the privilege. It used to be 20 dollars but like WIB, without competition, the airline is milking the island. The island needs a competitive airlift for 2015.
- When Commissioner Tearr arrives at the office which is a very rare occasion, perhaps during 2015 he will start to actually do his job instead of looking after his business interests. He was a nepotistic appointment and his absence from duty is overwhelming. Millicent Lijfrock-Marsdin put him there as a family member and should get rid of the dead donkey during 2015. His inertia will come to haunt her.
- A nice resolution for next year would be the publishing of accounts of companies the government owns. The people would be very interested to see the profit and loss account of EuTel and STUCO. The latter should now be bringing down the price of energy because of the global melt down in oil costs. Perhaps the UPC party could also come clean about the millions lost to the Saba Statia Cable Company. Why? How? And who benefitted?
I am sure the politicians on the island will ignore my advice. It would be a pity. Everywhere in the world, what you see is the emergence of new parties that claim to represent the people more closely. They are web savvy and a lot more interesting than some of the old dead wood politicians who follow the same tricks, offer the same blah blah and lack integrity. Times are changing not only at this time of year but perhaps for good.
James Russell
