Dear Editor,
The struggle between loyalty and infidelity is intensifying, significantly. If the population is not paying attention to the subtle way in which this coalition is being undermined, then maybe I’m the one who is completely blind. From the moment NA and UP were dethroned in the January 2024 elections, there is this relentless determination to regain the power and control that they once enjoyed.
So, they devise their plan to pursue the weakest link, and gently attract the chameleon. Doesn’t this unusual desperation warrant an urgent and an in-depth investigation, to analyse the reason behind their intense desire to get back into power? Never in the history of politics, have I seen such extreme anxiety to return to the Executive branch, and never have I experienced this lack of interest, by the judiciary division, to unravel this conundrum.
It is mind-blowing that only former MP Akeem Arrindell is accused of vote-buying, when others enjoying taxpayers money and racking havoc in parliament. If the judiciary branch was doing its job, those MPs of a particular party would not be in parliament today. And, the makeup of parliament would be totally different. Even Rene Zwart from Holland could see that most politicians are just there to swindle the country.
Unfortunately, Prime Minister Luc Mercelina does not have control of this coalition. He is too busy trying to save the Interim Managing Director Troy Washington of GEBE that he doesn’t even realize that one of his own is being coached by the opposition. Luc Mercelina, pay attention! Do not underestimate that photo with MP Sjamira Roseburg and MP Ardwell Irion. Prime Minister, quit sleeping! This is how the petting starts.
Why didn’t she take a photo with her party colleague, MP Richniel Brug, who supported the same motion on Tuesday last? You have 9 members who support the coalition on paper, but not in reality. NA has already won over the imposter and traitor, MP Ludmila de Weever. Don’t forget that private meeting with her, Irion, Doran and her father. Doesn’t she vote against her own party and the coalition, every single time?
So, what makes you think that she will be the only one to commit this infidelity? What about this extreme jealousy that is brewing, to upset the smooth transition of the proposed successor of the Justice Ministry? Either MP Frankie Myers is sleeping as well, or he is playing a game with the opposition; and so I will speak directly to MP Sjamira Roseburg’s competition, Attorney Nathalie Tackling.
Attorney Tackling, I know that you and MP Ardwell Irion are buddies, and MP Sjamira Roseburg and you are colleagues. But frankly, I do not care about either one of them. Anyone who knows me, is aware that I despise injustice, hypocrisy and liars, to the core. Sad to say that these are the traits that define the nature of the majority of our politicians today. MP Irion is the king cobra in parliament and MP Sjamira Roseburg is the emerging butterfly.
Attorney Nathalie Tackling, if you haven’t done so, I urge you to read the opinion page of “The Daily Herald” of Monday, October 28, 2024. Everything that I’ve stated is factual and I challenge MP Roseburg to dispute any of my statements. Attorney Tackling, you will have to work with both MP Irion and MP Roseburg, but do not trust them. There is a difference between friendship and friendship that is genuine.
Ex-Minister Rudolphe Samuel is a victim of this kind of distrust. The ones who he thought had his back, were the ones who destroyed him. As we are aware, trust is the bond that keeps any relationship intact. Without this vital component, any coalition is bound to disintegrate, whether gradually, or rapidly.
Joslyn Morton
Dear Editor,
I read with great interest the article “New advances in sorting and waste management shown to the media” in the 31 October 2024 digital issue. I believe the new system will help increase voluntary recycling on the island, especially among visitors who are used to recycling at home and wish to recycle while visiting the island.
Our family has been visiting St. Maarten regularly since 2006 and we consider it our “Home Away From Home.” There are many differences between Home and Away but for us one of the most difficult to get used to has been not recycling our used bottles, cans, papers, and such.
On our recent trip the week of October 20 I was able to locate on the Internet a drop-off location near where we were staying, quite near the border on the eastern side of the island. We happily toted our week’s worth of bottles, cans, and newspapers to the location, parked, and approached the large bins.
Unfortunately, the bins are not labeled as to which waste items go into which bins. l could make a guess about the glass based on the broken glass on the ground around the base of the bins, but at this particular location there was no information to help me (in either French or English) place the waste where it belonged. It was the first attempt at recycling and quite discouraging. As we were preparing to leave the next day we didn’t have the time to spend trying to locate another bin nearby and the list we were using was from 2018. We did the best we could.
The new system will benefit us as we stay very close to St. Martin, but perhaps if it works well it will be duplicated in St. Maarten. We’re appreciative and hopeful at the same time. Thank you.
Robin Apostolik
Colorado, USA/Oyster Bay Beach Resort
Dear Editor,
I am mystified why value could be placed on the opinions of movie stars, entertainers or other public figures in any country, in reference to voting for official offices, which are supposed to represent the opinions of the country’s people.
Are most people so ill-informed and non-caring that they will vote as certain celebrities do?
The exception might well and justly be the political, religious and moral views of the candidate, as it relates to their and other world powers and countries. This comes to mind with the upcoming US elections in November.
Most important is for all US citizens to VOTE. Mail-in ballots are available for those citizens out of the country.
Laina R. Macdonald
Dear Editor,
Seeing it from the perspective that the majority “rules” is the reason that those who need the majority on their side choose the logical thing to do, which is to get the majority. The word that really counts in this case is popular. One could be known but being popular helps. Celebrities are usually popular and their opinion is usually influential, so people follow their opinion. Information is always vital, but not all people give priority to the same things and if they do not have enough time, in this case they rely on the opinion of popular people.
My question is “What makes it that we know that certain people have proven themselves capable to do the work, but that they are still not given the opportunity to complete the job?” We need a lot more Lainas to ask questions in order to get a positive feedback.
Movie stars put in a lot of time into what they do.
We only see the end product.
Russell A. Simmons
Dear Editor,
As a parent and concerned member of the Saba community, I believe it is important to bring to light the growing concerns surrounding Saba Comprehensive School (SCS). For years, many have pointed fingers at the elementary school, diverting attention from the equally troubling issues at SCS. However, ignoring these problems has only worsened the educational environment for our children, and it is past time we address the challenges openly.
Since the school year began in August, students have yet to experience a fully functioning school environment. It is now November, and SCS is still operating below 100% capacity, with a persistent shortage of teachers that has led to an alarming number of free periods. The lack of adequate staffing not only disrupts students’ learning but also compromises their overall educational experience. Every missed class period represents lost time, and it is unfair to ask our students to sacrifice their futures because the system is failing them.
The school’s principal plays a significant role in this crisis. Instead of providing effective leadership, there is a troubling pattern of responsibilities being shifted onto her coworkers, which leaves critical tasks neglected. Furthermore, there are concerns about frequent work-related travel. While professional development is important, it seems disconnected from the pressing needs at SCS. With the school facing financial constraints, the allocation of funds for repeated travel leaves many parents questioning its priority over classroom resources and teacher recruitment.
Attempts to raise these issues have largely been dismissed. Parents who reach out to the administration with questions or concerns are met with a lack of responsiveness, or no response at all, as the principal appears unwilling to engage in constructive conversations with regard to current issues and meaningful changes. Our voices are ignored, our concerns trivialized, and our children’s education suffers as a result.
The community deserves answers, and our children deserve a functioning school. I urge the leadership at SCS, the school board (if there even is one), and relevant authorities on island and in the Netherlands to take immediate action. Addressing these issues transparently and directly will not only restore parents' trust but, more importantly, will improve the educational experience of every child attending SCS.
A very concerned parent
