Dear Editor,

Traffic congestion on St. Maarten is nothing new. For residents, it has long been a daily frustration; for visitors, it is often their first and lasting impression of the island. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Cole Bay–Simpson Bay corridor, an area that once stood as a powerful example of how creative thinking—not massive spending—can solve complex traffic problems.

Many seem to forget that years ago, under the leadership of a former Commissioner, a Civil Servant, Kirt Ruan, was able to execute a simple yet ingenious solution using Welfare Road, Wellington Road, Wringly Street, and Waterfront Road. By effectively creating a mini-roundabout system, a major bottleneck was relieved, traffic flowed more freely, and for years, motorists benefited from reduced delays. That success did not come from building new roads, tunnels, or overpasses—it came from vision, creativity, and the level of leadership willing to let other lights shine in areas where yours did not. Leadership, amongst other things, includes the willingness to try something different when all else fails, even if it’s not your idea.

Today, traffic congestion has returned with a vengeance. But the problem is not primarily a lack of infrastructure; it is a lack of imagination and willingness to experiment. Too often, solutions are presented as sudden, costly projects that fail to fully address the root causes. History has shown us that such approaches often lead to greater expense and compounded problems.

Residents and visitors alike suffer. Getting from Princess Juliana International Airport to almost anywhere on the island can take minutes on a good day and hours on a bad one. Leisure visits become burdensome, businesses outside prime locations lose customers, and the overall quality of life declines. Traffic congestion is not just a Simpson Bay problem—it affects Philipsburg, Sucker Garden, Madame Estate, and extends across both the Dutch and French sides of the island. Any meaningful solution must therefore consider St. Maarten as a single, interconnected system.

Several years ago, I proposed a concept inspired by Ruan’s earlier success and made possible by the strategic asset we already have: the Causeway Bridge. The idea is simple, low-cost, and reversible.

Imagine approaching the Cole Bay Hill roundabout on A.J.C. Brouwer Road. Instead of fighting for position, traffic is guided clearly to the right along Union Road. The Causeway Bridge is split into two one-way lanes: the right side dedicated exclusively to traffic heading toward Princess Juliana International Airport, the left side flowing smoothly toward Simpson Bay. No crossing traffic. No hesitation. Just movement.

From the roundabout connecting Airport Road, Union Road, and A.J.C. Brouwer Road, the road toward Simpson Bay becomes a double lane in a single direction and all traffic from the airport keeps Right to Simpson Bay using the double lanes. Union Road from the roundabout at the end of AJC Brouwer Road leading to the Causeway roundabout also becomes double-lane, one-way traffic. The result is immediate: no complete standstills when a vehicle stops to turn, pick up a passenger, or let someone out. Even in the event of an accident, traffic can continue to move because there is room to pass.

Drivers coming from the French side heading to Philipsburg filter to the left route on the Causeway Bridge through Simpson Bay; those heading to the airport keep to the right. Yes, some motorists may need to drive a few extra minutes—but that is a small price to pay for continuous movement instead of sitting motionless in gridlock for an hour. Internationally, drivers accept such trade-offs every day, and despite having more vehicles, they enjoy far less congestion than we do.

Importantly, this approach requires minimal investment: primarily signage, road markings, and public education. The inner roads of Cole Bay and Simpson Bay remain largely unchanged. And if the system proves ineffective, it can easily be reversed. That flexibility alone makes it worth trying.

Of course, congestion in Philipsburg, Sucker Garden, and Madame Estate must also be addressed through completion of the Ring Road and similar directional-flow concepts, which I have also proposed. But, understandably, this has a high cost, and while it is necessary, it can come sooner if we see success in Simpson Bay. Because then any large spending opportunities can be made use of in Sucker Garden, Madame Estate, and Philipsburg. Doing this must also take into account the need for a proper parking solution for Simpson Bay and for Philipsburg. But the answer cannot simply be a tunnel, an overpass, or restricting vehicle ownership. Anyone with a budget—or a promise to find one—can fix potholes. What St. Maarten needs now is leadership willing to think outside the box.

Waiting too long to act is perhaps the greatest risk of all. Traffic does not solve itself, and doing nothing only ensures that residents and visitors continue to pay the price in time, frustration, and lost opportunity. The question before us is simple: do we have the courage to think creatively again?

Alfred Harley

Dear Editor,

I would like to draw attention to an issue that affects me, and likely many other pensioners as well: the irregular and unpredictable payment of the ‘Uitkering bij wijze van Pensioen’ (Pension-like Allowance).

Over the past two years, I have frequently experienced late or incomplete payments. For the year 2024 alone, my spouse and I have received approximately USD 700 less than the amount we were entitled to. This ongoing uncertainty creates financial stress, while a pension is supposed to provide stability and peace of mind.

Since the monthly amount is generally fixed—except for the month in which holiday allowance is paid—I wonder why it seems so difficult for the Finance Department to process these payments consistently and on time.

I would also be interested to know whether other pensioners have experienced similar difficulties. This issue may warrant further investigation or a broader public discussion.

I am available to provide additional information if necessary, provided that my personal details remain confidential.

Sincerely,
A concerned pensioner

Dear Editor,

The quality of our day is directly linked to the decision we make, not just on the day of, but the day prior. So goes for the quality of life on our island. It’s a reflection of past and present decisions. This is important to understand, as it may often be believed that only money is required to fix our lives or improve the island.
Bad roads, strained health infrastructure, troubled youths? Add more funds to the budget! While any extra money can be helpful, examining the decision-making process, the environment in which decisions are made, and the capabilities or limitations of the decision maker can lead to solutions that improve the quality of life for all. Our objective should be to improve our decision-making, from ideation to implementation.
For example, you’ve probably heard discussions in public about gambling on St. Maarten. While this may appear to be a non-taxpayer issue, it boils down to the government’s responsibility to protect the public and ensure benefits for all. There are questions we can ask, such as, “What is the government doing to promote responsible gambling?” “What programs, if any, are being funded by the revenue collected?”, “Is the government enforcing laws to ensure compliance?” and “Who is held to account for reforms?”
There are more questions one can ask and answer. The intent, however, is to check whether the relevant public service officials are fulfilling their mandate to the best of their ability. Our audits provide perspectives on how government operations can improve and serve as potent reminders of the need for compliance and efficiency.
In such cases, money alone won’t wipe away the woes. It will include new processes, stronger oversight, engagement with parties involved, and the execution of recommendations by professionals and stakeholders.
Regarding the General Audit Chamber, we expect to review how the government used taxpayer funds, checking that they are used legally and efficiently. When we audit, we also consider the taxpayer's benefit and verify whether the value for your money is delivered. Our reports are tools for the Government, Parliament, and the general public that provide insight into opportunities to improve the quality of life on St. Maarten.

Name Withheld upon Request.

Dear Editor,
In any system governed by rules, the expectation is simple: the rules apply to everyone, regardless of status or connection. Yet, a deeply troubling pattern suggests this fundamental principle is being eroded, particularly within the agencies responsible for issuing official licenses. An alarming issue has come to light where licenses are allegedly being granted to minors, raising serious questions about fairness, accountability, and the integrity of our institutions. The situation becomes even more concerning when these instances appear to involve the children of influential political figures.
This practice is not merely a case of administrative oversight; it points toward a potential abuse of power. When the children of politicians and well-connected individuals are seemingly fast-tracked or given exemptions from standard age requirements, it creates a two-tiered system. One set of rules exists for the general public, and another, more lenient set applies to a privileged few. This special treatment undermines the very foundation of equal treatment under the law and fosters a culture of entitlement and impunity.
The implications of such actions are far-reaching. Beyond the immediate safety risks associated with granting licenses to individuals who are not legally of age, the practice corrodes public trust. Citizens rely on government bodies to operate with impartiality and transparency. When these bodies appear to bend the rules for the well-connected, it sends a clear message that influence, not merit or eligibility, matters most. This perception can lead to widespread cynicism and disengagement, weakening the bond between the government and the people it serves.
Furthermore, this issue highlights a severe lack of accountability. Who is responsible for these decisions? Are there checks and balances in place to prevent such breaches, or have they been systematically ignored? The silence and lack of clear answers from regulatory bodies only deepen the suspicion that these are not isolated incidents but part of a more systemic problem. Every license improperly issued is a testament to a failure in oversight and a betrayal of public responsibility.
The time for excuses and deflections is over. We need immediate and decisive action to restore integrity to the licensing process. This begins with complete transparency. A thorough, independent audit of all issued licenses is necessary to identify every case where requirements were not met. The findings of this audit must be made public, and those responsible for sanctioning these exceptions must be held accountable for their actions.
Moving forward, we must demand comprehensive reform. The licensing system needs to be fortified with stronger safeguards, clearer protocols, and a zero-tolerance policy for favoritism. Technology can be leveraged to create more robust verification processes that are harder to circumvent. Ultimately, the goal is to build a system that is fair, transparent, and immune to political pressure.
The public deserves a system that operates with unquestionable integrity. Granting licenses is not a privilege to be dispensed at will but a responsibility to be managed with care and strict adherence to the law. We must demand an end to these questionable practices and call for a return to fairness and accountability. The public's trust depends on it.

Name withheld upon the author's request.