Dear Editor,

During the 4-year tenure of the one-before-the-last government, the then VROMI Minister and his team decided to fix the constant drainage problem at the lowest part of Orange Grove Road in front of DIJTHAM. A beautiful ditch was dug out and a drain made out of poured concrete was built.

Dear Editor,

Respectfully I, J.J.F., want to express my dissatisfaction with the handling of my recent luggage. On the 25th of September, I was scheduled to fly with Winair Airlines from St. Maarten to Antigua, and upon my arrival, my luggage was nowhere to be found.

I understand that there could be unexpected delays, but this delay was unreasonably long. I waited one whole day in Antigua and still, my luggage was not available. Even after I filed a missing baggage report and requested compensation, I received the response that the bag was left back in St. Maarten. The next day I had to travel to Jamaica because it was a transit flight. I spent one week in Jamaica without any kind of compensation, I spent one week and four days without any clothes, and no one from the airline Winair gave me a call or tried to contact me concerning my luggage.

Upon returning to St. Maarten, I went to the airline Winair at their office and was sent back to the airport to make another complaint. And I was told the luggage was sent to Trinidad on Caribbean Airlines from Antigua; they contacted Trinidad, and they said it was sent to Jamaica on Caribbean Airlines. When I was told this, I was sent home, and no one contacted me further about the luggage. The Manager of Winair also told me upon arrival to St. Maarten that it's the first time she heard about a missing luggage.

I would like to receive my luggage or to be compensated for this extremely inconvenient delay. Please provide me with the compensation I am due for the inconvenience. And the officials and departments of Winair should investigate the matter so that this doesn't happen to anybody else again.

And please note that if I don't receive my luggage, any compensation or any kind of satisfaction I will be carrying this case to a lawyer and have to take this matter to court.

J.J.F.

Initials used at author’s request.

Dear Editor,

World Mental Health Day, observed every 10^th of October, serves as a vital reminder of the importance of mental well-being. This year, the theme emphasizes the relationship between mental health and labor, urging businesses and government organizations to prioritize the mental health of their employees. There is a critical need for employers to create supportive environments that promote mental health in the workplace. Such initiatives are not only essential for the well-being of individuals but are also crucial for enhancing the productivity and service quality of businesses.

The mental health of our employees is a cornerstone of a thriving community. When workers are mentally healthy, they are more likely to perform at their best, contributing positively to their workplaces and Sint Maarten’s economy. A positive mental health environment fosters creativity, enhances problem-solving skills, and boosts overall morale. Neglecting mental health can lead to increased stress, burnout, and absenteeism, which are detrimental to both employees and businesses.

Employers have a significant role to play in supporting their employees’ mental health. Implementing programs that focus on stress management, providing access to counseling services are crucial steps businesses and government organizations can take. Additionally, training managers to recognize signs of mental distress and equipping them with tools to support their teams can create a more compassionate and productive workplace.

Focusing on our employees’ mental health is not just a moral obligation but a strategic business decision. By investing in mental health initiatives, businesses and government organizations can cultivate a workforce that is not only happier but also more efficient and customer-oriented. Embracing this approach leads to a win-win situation for both employees and employers, fostering a healthier, more productive society.

Richinel Brug

Member of Parliament

Dear Editor,

If my ready knowledge serves me well I can state that the permits to operate a business are placed in the business concerned readily available to the controller so that controller should not have to ask the owner for it. Because I am aware of this I always read them to know who the owner(s) is (are).

I am amazed at the amount of names of St. Maarteners that appeared on those permits in businesses managed by non-nationals. In the supermarkets nowadays the ratio non-nationals to nationals is five to one or four to none. Not to mention the illegals who accept less than minimum wages, encouraging job owners to claim that the nationals don’t want to work.

For a while now I have noticed that Prime Minister Mercelina is acting spokesman for GEBE, which also raises questions, because I believe that there is a ministry in which portfolio GEBE is included.

Because of the above and because of seemingly injustices with “fuel clause” I do not believe that the name of the owner(s) of SOL on St. Maarten should be withheld from the people (government) of St. Maarten. This is not a permit to carry a particular weapon, so the clients should be able to know, without any red tape, who the owner is or the owners are, who is making all of this money from the fuel clause.

If a calculation is done from the amount of money made, like someone told me, the tax alone from that money could pay one-third of the government’s employees’ salary. Based on this and the letters sent to you concerning what is happening at GEBE I do not think that it should be a secret. It is the people’s money and we should know how it is being spent. For instance, how much is a billion divided by sixty thousand?

Now this. I am fully aware of the increase in temperature In the area, but even though I might be venturing into dangerous territory, in taking I Corinthians 6:19-20 into consideration I believe that our ladies when venturing outside/in public should clothe themselves less revealing. The words “dignified” and “chastity” come to mind. I still believe that leaving some for the imagination is more attractive than revealing all. Children grow up and become what they are revealed to, quicker than what they are told. Proverbs 22:6 should be a parents’ secret weapon.

And I would still like to see individual passport pictures of my leaders of government and their portfolios. As far as I can see, up ’til now I noticed that Ms. Gumbs is putting her cards on the table and her picture is shown with the article. This should become common for all the rest. Everybody knew who we were.

I just finished reading a letter sent to you. Immediately I thought of the saying “She tongue ain’t got no bone”.

Russell A. Simmons