Dear Editor,
This is three times in a very short period that I find myself having to write to you concerning what I consider not-so-becoming behavior of those from whom one should not expect it.
Even though it should be discreet when done privately, our people in public office and in government whether past or present should never think it is alright to publicly discredit or demean others. I do not know if this one is a case of copycat, but this is still St. Maarten where everybody is due to respect. St. Maarten is not one of those countries where women are treated like a floor cloth.
I am aware that matters of the people are public, But publicly letting everyone know what kind of involvement a woman had with how many men and how many children she has for how many men is far below anybody’s standard, much more so for this rhetoric to be carried out by a minister of government. Yes, I believe that the present Minister of VROMI is on his way to creating a precedent. I believe if I do not address this I will be contributing in creating a tolerated policy.
When I read what was written between quotation marks about what the Minister said, I, a citizen of St. Maarten who for years (even before that Minister was born) has been trying in my way to enlighten the people in matters of life, I feel disappointed to know that a Minister of government in Sint Maarten could be so radical with his language.
What could actually trigger such behavior? What I know from experience is that people react with anger when they cannot talk their way out of a situation. I am suggesting that the council of ministers (even Parliament) address this situation as soon as possible because the next thing is for a civilian to demonstrate the same behavior and when he/she is reprimanded for such behavior he/she will feel free to respond, “How come the Minister can do it, but we can’t do it?”
I believe even the Governor should intervene in this situation because this is not good propaganda for St. Maarten. I still hear about women fighting for man, but this is like what we used to call fish market quarrel, but coming from a minister of government this should never be accepted. Especially if done publicly.
This situation must be addressed straightaway. St. Maarten Quo Vadis?
Russell A. Simmons
