Dear Editor,
The management and board of Sint Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA) have taken note of Leo Bakx’s letter of complaint. His expression of discontent and attempts to tarnish the good name of STENAPA is regrettable. When we first agreed to collaborate with Bakx in 2013, our organization did so in full confidence
and good faith. Early in his tenure, it became clear to us that Bakx’s intentions were not in agreement with STENAPA’s mission and vision, which is the acquisition, preservation, protection and administration of parcels of land/water on St. Eustatius worthy of preservation, due to scenic beauty and/or the presence of flora and fauna important in scientific or cultural respects, or valuable from a geological or historical point of view.
Our purpose is to serve the well-being, education and recreation of St. Eustatius’ population as well as that of visitors; all this with due observance of the primary requirement of preservation. Due to this conflict, we acted to end any further collaboration.
STENAPA is working hard to fulfil its mandate to maintain and preserve the natural resources of Sint Eustatius, which include the Marine Park, Quill/Boven National Park and Botanical Garden. Botanical Garden has been placed under our care to protect and display Statia’s flora and fauna.
Next to that, we conduct different research and monitoring activities to protect (endangered native) species, including, but not limited to, sea turtles, Statia Morning Glory, and the Lesser Antillean Iguana.
In order to continue these important activities, we rely on volunteer work and interns. STENAPA realizes the importance of this work and appreciates the effort and hard work they display. STENAPA has a policy of getting formal feedback from every intern or volunteer who works with us, at the end of their stay. The feedback received has, to date, not been consistent with Bakx’s.
Management and board
St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation STENAPA
