Dear Editor,
“We've come a long way” is usually used in a positive sense. I do not know if it is necessary to have guard dogs to protect the store owners in their stores can be considered as coming a long way. I think it is a slap in the face of the police.
Several times while voicing my opinion, I have alluded to, asked or hinted to what progress the police force has made since the arrival of Peter de Witte as Chief of Police. I just read that Commissioner John will be taking over the reins; I am making a strong appeal to him and his staff not to continue where De Witte is leaving off, because in the eyes of the community it did not go well. I hope whoever gives the departing speech will thank De Witte, but not praise him.
To the police personnel, I would press upon them to stand by John, if he succeeds that means that you have also succeeded; and, I am also asking all police persons on St. Maarten to please personally make an effort to fix your public relations within your community. Keep order because that is what the community wants. Do not take advantage, but keep order.
From experience, I can tell you when you are known to be a person who keeps order it makes your work much easier. Just go about your job seriously. When I say seriously I do not mean not to smile, but be resolute in what you are doing. Attend to everyone with respect and if they need reprimanding you also reprimand them with respect. Most of all always have your colleague's back, and create an atmosphere of trust for each other.
I read the letter sent to you by MCF. Let me start by saying in my opinion being afraid to let people know who is voicing their opinion is a form of cowardice, and there already one is at a disadvantage. Now to get straight to the point, MCF is mature enough to gather what has been going on, does not agree with it and voices his opinion about it. In my opinion, he should first ascertain his status and then ask his mother. Why mother, because in reading it seems that MCF was born of a mother who was here, whether with the correct documents or not, and made use of the easiest way to stay on St. Martin with or without papers and still get some kind of financial support.
By now everybody should know that those who came to St. Martin it was to make a better life. Too many of those who chose to get pregnant and take advantage of the loopholes in the system, did not care about the consequences of raising a child without the adequate parenting. So MCF should have that conversation with his mother. Find out if he was for a man who she loved or who she used. It makes a difference in the upbringing of the child. Tell the children the truth so that they would not blame the wrong people.
I believe that there was too long a lull in immigration controls and the illegals disregarded the laws of the land and lived as if they were citizens of the country. Buying cars, using false addresses and names of other to be able to ensure the cars and driving around with loud music, dark glass you name it. So MCF should seek attorney Remco Stomp for advice in his matter because in my opinion, Mr. Stomp without using those words is indirectly looking to make money off the misfortune of others by advising them to fight for their legal rights.
I, being in Remco Stomps's place, if I was really so concerned about the well-being of those immigrants and was so certain that I had case would offer my services pro bono to let government see the advantage that government is taking of those humans. I have said over and over. Come and enjoy, but behave; if you cannot behave go. No, we do not lock you up because a lot of money is involved in prisoners, which again comes out of the law abiding citizens’ pockets.
I cannot have you come here, spoil the country’s name, and have to spend money on you also, that is not fear. The immigration controls should be kept monthly and the deportees list should depict more than 200 nationalities. This should continue until the lyrics of the St. Martin song once again is based on reality. O sweet St. Martin land.
By the way bullet proof vests do no stop robberies, police presence works as a deterrent. I do not want to see a brochure stating “come to the friendly island where the store owners are protected by guard dogs.”
Russell A. Simmons
