Dear Editor,
There is a saying “look before you leap” which over the years has come to mind often when reading what was written about politicians and people in government. Even though I like to share my experience, I believe that silence is golden. It enables one to hear what is being said.
Sadly to say, what I have grown accustomed to is that the majority of our elected officials are not or very poorly versed in the Constitution and laws concerning how the country is run. I use the newspaper for information because it is printed black on white and when mistakes are made or discovered, these are corrected.
People in government play the blame game. I know that some people will say that I should be aware that new laws are published in the “National Gazette” and to that I say, “Hey, people, wake up.” Why? Because I believe that it is time for us to be aware of the term “To photo shop”. I am referring to this because it is expected of those who live here officially to make sure that they are aware of the laws of the land. Who is responsible for explaining this to those who are given residency for St. Maarten?
Are we taking “photo shopping” into consideration when new laws are publicized? Since 10-10-’10 we have had umpteen governments and then, hoorah, the Silveria Jacobs government lasted its full term. New elections were held. And then, lo and behold, within three weeks after forming the new government, the electorate were again confronted with the fall of the government.
The Silveria Jacobs government helped us to regain some dignity. 0ne would think that those vying for a seat in government would appreciate the so-needed continuity of government. Wrong, that is not what those who have proven themselves not to be worthy to be called representative of the people were about. Within a year here we are again getting ready to inaugurate a second government.
And then in the paper of November 13 I read that Ministry of Justice introduces appeal process for civil servants placements. And I thought, are we reinventing the wheel? I stand corrected, but even though it is 18 years later, the process for civil servants to appeal against placements and promotions has always existed.
One of my qualms for years has been the reason for those salaries of members of Parliament. I never agreed with it for the simple reason that the SGs are expected to have a certain education, whereas it is not even required for members of Parliament and by extension a Minister of government to have any kind of education. But again, if CIVICS is not taught in school from an early age, in the land of the blind the one-eyed man becomes king.
By now anyone should know that I am very aware that nobody is perfect, but what I do not understand is when one is caught red-handed, why fight it all the way to the Supreme Court. Have they not learned yet that in St. Maarten for a long time now the term “under the table” has been “on the table”?
And on Tuesday last when I hollered out to a driver who stopped his vehicle in the middle of the intersection to talk to a pedestrian to “Do the right thing” the pedestrian said to me, “In Sint Maarten it’s not ‘do the right thing’ it is ‘do the money thing’.”
Again I am expecting all kinds of reaction, but since we are into making laws, what about a study to make DNA testing by birth a law in order to be able to establish who the father of the newborn baby is.? Hopefully this will become a deterrent in their behavior. I believe that the lack of both parents of any child plays a factor in the growth process of that child. Our census office should be able to provide statistics whether a child is acknowledged by the father or not and compare the behavior of non-acknowledged children as opposed to acknowledged children (father at home). We need all hands on deck.
And while they are busy with that, check to see what that gypsy gang on Cannegieter Street is all about. From Afoo to Sucker Garden (The Keys) is US $5.
Russell A. Simmons
