Dear Editor,
I must have missed the origin of this situation, but I read Andre Bosman’s plea for the St. Maarten government not to demolish buildings which were erected in St. Peters without the necessary permits at the St. Maarten Agricultural and Development Center.
It definitely does not matter to me who commented on this situation, Bosman or whomever. If this is founded I find it a reasonable plea.
I am also an advocate that no one should take the law in their own hands, but there is more than enough visible proof in St. Maarten in which similar or more serious situations were handled in a different way. There are always ways to handle things that were done out of context.
Minister Lee just petitioned government to be lenient with work permits (Immigration laws) in connection with the urgent necessity for tradesmen. Which wording I did not agree with, mainly because given the history of our immigration law enforcement.
A very hard-working St. Maartener, Denicio Wyatte, erected some buildings in the hills much needed for the progress of a project which actually should have been promoted and when necessary subsidized by government, but is targeted.
When I think of the term “cause and effect” I ask myself what would cause more damage, the effect and consequence of demolishing those buildings or having them inspected and if necessary repaired to the requirements in the necessary building permits?
We all know of the amount of illegal things that are going on while being ignored by government. This past Wednesday Minister Lee pointed out how so many businesses (companies) are non-compliant (taxes) for a while now.
Again, Wyatte is a St. Maartener and should be able to make a mistake in St. Maarten and given the opportunity to correct that mistake. My opinion is that if there Is goodwill on the part of government, those buildings should be inspected, if necessary, made to be adjusted in accordance with building requirements, and Wyatte dealt with in the appropriate way. Again, what is going to cause more harm, demolishing the buildings or destroying the project?
The heavy equipment owners have enough on their hands right now. This is the time to demonstrate maturity. My question is, did the Council of Ministers put heads together and approve this decision? Is this not again providing ammunition for the Dutch?
This, in my opinion, is a case which those who are vying for independence should pursue because this is combating eventual independence. Bosman has just proven again what I constantly point out. All the way from Holland he is using as it were a plea to show up our government. He knew about it and waited till the eve of the day in which this order should be carried out and made sure that it was published. Again complying with their motto “I will get you one day.”
I hope that a prior agreement was made with Wyatte, unknown to Bosman. “I told you so” usually comes after something negative happened. I could never understand waiting for something negative to happen and then responding with “I told you so.” From a child I thought that was evil. I would gladly accept for someone to explain to me why that kind of behavior is reasonable.
Probably I should let him come clean (because I know they also follow my letters to you) and ask Mister Bosman if he really has St. Maarten at heart (he always has remarks to make of us) and knows anything else which in his opinion could be helpful to the St. Maarten people, to extend us that courtesy and let us know.
Gloating is not a thing of God. It is better to give than to receive. ’sLands wijs ’slands eer.
Russell A. Simmons
