Dear Editor,
If one does not realize that disagreeing with what was said or done is not necessarily wrong, or if it is not done the way one would have preferred to see it done does not necessarily mean that it is wrong, then that person is narrow-minded and short-sighted and should not aspire to be a leader of the people. Or could it be that one has the tendency to be a dictator.
I must ask, however, should one not expect stupid and careless mistakes when one refuses those who are overqualified? I'm here since 1975 and up to today, and the same M.O. that was used by politicians then is still used today. Discredit your opponent, because, when you pass one hand of black paint over a white wall, it will take six hands of white paint to cover that black spot on the white wall. But in the meantime the people are not served.
I am reacting to the letter “Paving road blunder in Cole Bay” by Julian Rollocks Jr. “Russell, if you cannot do it better, do not criticize it.” I heard those words on several occasions from my father. I stand to be corrected, but if I am not mistaken Julian Rollocks Jr. is an aspiring member of government in the upcoming elections. His letter to you is about the blunders in connection with the paving of the roads in Cole Bay, but I am waiting for the follow-up letter explaining how to correct the blunders. Or even, as a good leader would do, find out what could have led to that blunder and then evaluate what would be the less of two evils. I personally do not see much difference in the snail's pace in which traffic increasingly on the whole at certain times in the day is moving.
I do not write about anything that I cannot add something positive to. I will either stand to be corrected or ask a question concerning the matter. Similar types of questions and insinuations have been brought forward by people in government in the past, not contributing to the enhancement of the quality of life for the people of St. Maarten. I find no fault in anyone who sees something wrong and comments or writes about it. But if one can determine that it is wrong, then that person should be able to point this out, but also point out and/or explain how it should be done in the correct way, or explain the right approach.
Now this. I do not know what the motto of the Lions is, but I think “Help us help you” would be an appropriate saying. When I think “Lions” I can hear “Anybody Bingoooooo? Nobody Bingooo!” Approximately two months ago the Lions organised a drive to have the sight of the senior citizens tested, and I would gladly announce that today, June 1, 2023, right now, I am comfortably typing this letter to you, using a brand new pair of bifocals donated by the Lions. Yes, brand new and personal, and all I had to do was to show up, be tested and say, “Thank you, Lions.”
Because I have my way of finding out things, I heard also heard that approximately 750 pairs of prescription glasses, along with shades, were donated to the seniors on St. Maarten. Go Lions, roar!
At the risk of being accused of being sarcastic I want to mention this: To the people who are experts in convincing the public with promises during their political campaigning, what about embarking on a similar mission as the Lions? But this time for much needed dental healthcare. “I can see you” ...
Russell A. Simmons
