Dear Editor,

In this case “I told you so” could be used, but then I remember that when I started to tell them so, the present TEATT [Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication – Ed.] Minister was not born. I could have even used “Better late that never” but that would be leaving all of those who deprived the scholars of St. Maarten from becoming grounded in the essentials of their native land, off the hook. They are all guilty of what I consider an omission offense.

If tourism is the main pillar of your economy, does it take rocket science to know that geography, topography, the geographical position of the country, the weather, languages spoken, customs and morals, etc., should be among the subjects taught in the schools of the country? In this case St. Maarten.

At ten years old when I was in the fifth grade of the Marijke school on Aruba, I knew that Mister Kwartsz was the lieutenant governor of Aruba. I am sure that at the least on three occasions in my letters to you I suggested or advised that Civics and subjects of how our country is run, be added to the curriculum, beginning in the fifth grade.

It does not take a salary of over fifteen thousand to realize that the “Mamoet wet” education system in no kind of way was conducive to an economy of which the pillar is tourism. Any logical thinking person could have realized that the Mulo education of which the languages Dutch, English, French, German and Spanish were part of the curriculum, should have been maintained. I can attest to this, because my knowledge of the German language was and still is a great asset.

I will not mention any names, but over the years, I have approached several prominent political leaders as well as members of both the then Island Council and later as well as members of the Parliament and suggested that they look into the possibility of sending students from the Sundial School to the Bushiri Hotel on Aruba. This hotel was a hotel school at which waiter/waitress/bartending/housekeeping and other subjects related to tourism (hospitality trade) were taught, and for which a passing diploma was issued. When I read that article in the paper of September 26^th, my first reaction was “Only now?” Hopefully this will not be the case with solar energy.

Another point I would like to make is for you to let the people know who their elected officials/leaders in government are, by printing passport pictures of them along with their portfolios.

Crime is not on a rise, crime has been launched and my question is “who should take responsibility for this?” My aunt, my father’s elder sister, used to tell him. “if nothing psychological is wrong with the child, you are responsible for its behavior. Every parent should be aware of Proverbs 22:6.” She used to tell me “no child ain’t dead from licks.”

One of the things that my father used to tell me regularly is that I should not tar everyone with the same brush. I read in the paper that 280 fines were issued by the police, but I continuously see cars with very dark tinted glass and no number plates been driven over the roads of St. Maarten. Not to mention those hundreds of drivers who hold the cell phone in style while driving and talking. I could not verify it but I was told that because of unnecessary accidents, mostly caused as a consequence of the use of the cell phone while driving, some insurance companies have increased certain premiums.

What I have witnessed and called others’ attention to her, was a lady whose car was parked in a space in a parking lot. As she was getting into the car the cell phone rang. She took the phone in her right hand, put it to her left ear and answered it while getting into the car. She got into the car, without changing the phone from one hand to next while the phone remained on her left ear. She juggled her hands between starting the car and keeping the phone by her left ear, while reversing out of the parking space. I said to myself: “Could not that lady have answered that phone before getting into the car?”

Another menace to the traffic is the heavy equipment, but that is another letter, because I am pondering whether to mention the license plate numbers. In the meantime permit me to remind them that the minimum distance between motor vehicles driving in a row behind each other is four meters.

 

Russell A. Simmons

Dear Editor,

Please allow me some space in your esteemed publication to highlight the following:

In light of the renewed emphasis on reigniting agriculture on the island, it is important to also realize that without conservation measures to protect our natural resources this ambition may be but a pipe dream if we continue along our current path.

As a small island developing state, St. Maarten’s efforts toward self-sufficiency and food security through agricultural development are vital, especially given our island’s vulnerability to external shocks driven by climate change. However, while these developments are promising, it is essential to recognize that any agricultural revival will remain unsustainable unless it is firmly grounded in the protection and restoration of our terrestrial ecosystems and that now is the time to take a leadership role in championing conservation practices, as this would lay the foundation for sustainable agriculture and food security for our country.

Many successful examples from other island states show us that agriculture and environmental conservation must go hand in hand should there be any real progress. Take the case of Cuba, where, following the collapse of trade in the early 1990s, the island adopted agroecological farming practices that integrated biodiversity conservation into its agricultural systems. By protecting natural ecosystems and using organic farming methods, Cuba not only stabilized its food production but also became a global leader in sustainable agriculture.

Similarly, Fiji has implemented community-based forest conservation programs that not only preserve biodiversity but enhance the soil and water quality essential for agricultural productivity. These examples offer valuable lessons for St. Maarten: when we protect our natural resources, agriculture flourishes in a way that benefits both the environment and enhances food security.

Terrestrial conservation is not merely an environmental issue – it is the backbone of any agricultural ambition. Healthy ecosystems provide the critical services that agriculture depends on; soil fertility, water management, and natural pest control. Forests and native vegetation contribute to soil health by preventing erosion, enhancing water retention, and facilitating nutrient cycling. If our forests continue to be degraded, St. Maarten will face severe challenges in maintaining the soil fertility necessary for productive farming.

Additionally, terrestrial ecosystems play an integral role in regulating water systems. Forests and healthy landscapes ensure that rainfall is absorbed and released slowly, reducing the risk of both drought and flooding. Agriculture cannot thrive without a reliable and consistent water supply and we have not been doing the most stellar of jobs in ensuring that our fresh water supply – and yes we do have a fresh water supply, just look at our wells – are sufficiently managed and conserved.

Biodiversity, including native birds, insects, and other wildlife, also supports agriculture by promoting pollination and natural pest control. By damaging these ecosystems through deforestation or urban expansion, we not only reduce agricultural productivity but make it more costly and chemically dependent. Moreover, the rising threat of invasive species is a pressing issue on St. Maarten.

Invasive plants and animals, often introduced through human activity, displace native species and disrupt ecosystems critical for agricultural success. If invasive species continue to spread unchecked, they will further degrade the natural landscape and threaten both biodiversity and agriculture. Investment in terrestrial conservation, including invasive species management, is a necessary defense for ensuring agricultural resilience. We can already see the impact the invasive monkey and iguana populations have had on our budding agricultural initiatives.

If the current environmental degradation continues, any talk of reigniting agriculture on St. Maarten will be unrealistic. We cannot afford to overlook the fact that agriculture and conservation are inextricably linked. Consider the case of Haiti, where extensive deforestation over the years has led to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and a severe decline in agricultural productivity. On the flip side, the Dominican Republic, which shares the same island of Hispaniola, has invested in reforestation and conservation initiatives, allowing it to maintain more robust agricultural productivity. The contrasting outcomes of these two countries highlight how critical environmental protection is for sustainable agriculture.

The current vision of reigniting agriculture on St. Maarten is commendable and necessary, but it must be rooted in a broader framework of environmental sustainability. Any agricultural policy that does not prioritize the health of our natural ecosystems is bound to fail in the long term. Protecting and restoring terrestrial habitats is not only a way to enhance agriculture but also a means to ensure food security, reduce vulnerability to climate change, and to promote a healthier and more resilient island.

Our leaders have a critical role to play in supporting these efforts through championing conservation practices by establishing the first protected nature park on land. This would safeguard biodiversity, promote ecosystem restoration, and provide a foundation for sustainable agriculture to thrive. Additionally, parliament should act by turning the existing hillside policy into formal conservation legislation to protect St. Maarten’s remaining forested areas. Hillside conservation is crucial for maintaining the natural water cycle, preventing erosion, and preserving the habitats that local wildlife and agricultural systems depend on.

Another key action for both government and parliament would be to finally approve the zoning plans and ensure that all new development projects undergo rigorous environmental and social impact assessments. These assessments are vital for identifying the potential negative impacts of land use changes and for developing strategies to mitigate those impacts. Approving and enforcing zoning regulations, especially those designed to protect natural areas, will create a more balanced approach to development that respects the island’s environmental limitations while encouraging responsible agricultural growth.

The news of advancing agriculture is important for St. Maarten, but we must ensure that it is built on the solid foundation of terrestrial conservation. Without safeguarding the environment, agricultural initiatives will be unsustainable, leaving our island even more vulnerable to environmental and economic pressures. True progress requires a balance between agriculture and nature – only then can St. Maarten grow and prosper in harmony with its environment. It is time for both the government and parliament to take the lead in making environmental sustainability a core part of our island's agricultural future.

Tadzio Bervoets

Caribbean Conservation Professional

Dear Editor,

There are lots of talks about PFP party leader Melissa Gumbs, who is due to take up the position as Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport. Currently, there are some dark clouds of suspicions, since the population is unaware of her clear-cut decisions – resolutions that could have severe consequences on the lives of children, teachers and parents.

Even though the uncertainty looms, I believe in giving people a chance to prove themselves, once their motives are aligned with the principles that govern their portfolio. While I do have reservations with the appointment, deep within, I still feel that MP Melissa Gumbs would do well, if she recruits a team of professionals to assist her – specialists, who have knowledge of the subdivisions of her prospective ministry.

Repeatedly, a ministry becomes stagnant because the minister tends to hire persons who ran on a list, or friends and even family members. No minister is obligated to bear the burden of selecting any candidate to be part of his or her office team. More often than not, it has been proven that many candidates turned out to be nothing but dead weight. This liability is what keeps a ministry spinning in circles, every single time.

While she is waiting to be appointed, now is a good time for MP Melissa Gumbs to use her managerial skills to envision the positive changes that she wishes to see, during the first year of her ministerial position, and then extends her vision, as she assesses her objectives and challenges. These constructive changes may include maintaining direct and constant interaction with the managers of all divisions; not forgetting the voices of the people.

This systematic approach would help her to maintain the awareness of the many successes and challenges within her ministry. Then, it will become easier to prioritize areas of concerns that need upgrading, in order to achieve continuous progress. It also gives the opportunity to combat the growing challenges that have kept educators frustrated for years.

For instance, educators have been complaining about the lack of materials to work with and the bureaucracy inside the ministry to obtain these resources. It may be a good idea to look at the entire structure of how to acquire these materials, identify the bottlenecks, and then seek ways to counteract this problem.

MP Melissa Gumbs has chosen a very interesting ministry, where she will be responsible for shaping the lives of the entire community, through education, culture and sports. Therefore, I sincerely hope that she would use wisdom, and stick to her professional duties, and do not introduce this destructive woke ideology in the schools.

If she does, this will be the end of her political career, and this move will cause an uprising for sure. Family values are still very prevalent on the island and parents will go to all length to protect these morals, even if it means closing down every single school on Dutch St. Maarten.

 

Joslyn Morton

Curaçao, as an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, operates under a unique political structure that grants it significant self-governance on domestic issues while leaving foreign affairs primarily under the control of the Kingdom’s government in The Hague. This structure raises critical questions about whether Curaçao’s government can or should refrain from expressing opinions on global events, especially when injustices occur. The issue also touches on the principles of freedom of speech, moral responsibility, and political autonomy within a constitutional monarchy.

This analysis will examine Curaçao’s legal position, the constraints and possibilities it faces regarding international matters, and whether it can “hide” behind the Dutch government on matters of global importance. We will also consider “freedom of speech” and the ability to “agree to disagree” in the context of international relations.

1. Curaçao's Constitutional Position within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

- Autonomous Domestic Governance

Since October 10, 2010, when Curaçao gained autonomous status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it has had control over its internal affairs, including areas like healthcare, education, and economic policies. However, foreign policy, defense, and citizenship matters remain under the purview of the Kingdom Government, which includes representatives from the four constituent countries: the Netherlands, Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten.

- Foreign Affairs and the Kingdom’s Role

The Kingdom of the Netherlands handles foreign policy as a unified entity, representing the interests of all four constituent countries in international diplomacy. This is governed by the Kingdom Charter, which gives the Dutch government the authority to manage foreign relations, including treaties, international disputes, and other global issues.

However, Article 43 of the Charter grants Curaçao a role in influencing foreign affairs that pertain to its own specific interests. This means that while Curaçao does not have full autonomy to make independent foreign policy decisions, it does have input in matters that directly affect its national interests, particularly when it concerns its economic and political stability.

2. Curaçao’s Ability to Have an Opinion on Global Issues.

- The Argument for Remaining Silent

Curaçao’s government may claim that its hands are tied on foreign policy issues, relying on the argument that it cannot take an official stance on international conflicts, global injustices, or foreign policies because this is within the domain of the Kingdom Government. This could be framed as a constitutional obligation to defer to the Kingdom’s unified stance on global matters.

- The Counter-Argument: Freedom of Expression and Moral Responsibility

While Curaçao’s government may not be able to officially set foreign policy, this does not necessarily mean it must remain silent on matters of global importance, particularly regarding moral and ethical issues. As a democratic entity, Curaçao has an obligation to uphold freedom of speech and the right to dissent, even within the framework of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

- Freedom of Expression

Under both the Dutch and Curaçaoan constitutions, freedom of expression is a fundamental right. Government officials, civil society, and even the press in Curaçao are free to express opinions, including those that may critique or differ from official Dutch policy. There is no legal obligation to remain silent on matters of injustice or human rights violations occurring around the world.

- Freedom to Disagree

The autonomy of Curaçao, while limited in foreign affairs, does not prohibit it from expressing disagreement with policies or actions taken by other countries or even the Dutch government itself, provided that this disagreement is framed within the context of free speech and political discourse. In fact, Dutch political culture has long celebrated a tradition of debate and dissent, making it incongruous for Curaçao to argue that it cannot express any opinion whatsoever.

- Moral and Ethical Considerations

When significant global events occur – such as war crimes, human rights abuses, or other forms of injustice – there is an ethical imperative for governments, even if they are not directly involved in foreign policy, to at least acknowledge these events. Silence in the face of clear injustice can be seen as tacit approval or indifference, which could damage Curaçao’s moral standing both domestically and internationally.

- Historical Precedent

Many countries with similar limitations in foreign policy have found ways to express moral positions on global events without officially violating their constitutional boundaries. For instance, subnational governments like Catalonia in Spain, Quebec in Canada, or even U.S. states have made their voices heard on international matters, such as human rights, climate change, and global conflicts.

- Public Accountability

The Curaçao government also has a duty to its own citizens, who may feel strongly about certain international issues, such as conflicts involving countries with which Curaçao has cultural or economic ties (e.g., Venezuela, Palestine, or Israel). In such cases, the government’s refusal to speak on these issues could be viewed as ignoring the democratic will of the people.

3. Can Curaçao “Hide” Behind the Dutch Government?

- Legal Perspective

Legally, Curaçao can defer to the Dutch government on foreign policy matters, as the Kingdom’s government is constitutionally responsible for international relations. However, this does not preclude Curaçao from expressing non-binding opinions on international issues. The Kingdom Charter does not prevent autonomous countries within the Kingdom from having a voice on international issues, especially those related to human rights, injustice, or moral concerns.

- Constitutional Boundaries

The Dutch Constitution protects the right to freedom of expression, and this applies to all constituent countries, including Curaçao. Therefore, there is no legal framework that would compel Curaçao to remain silent on all foreign affairs issues.

- Moral and Political Risks

If Curaçao chooses to remain silent on critical global injustices, it may face criticism from its own citizens, who may view this as a failure of leadership or moral responsibility. Moreover, in an increasingly interconnected world, international audiences may question Curaçao’s commitment to universal values like human rights and justice.

- Political Autonomy and Responsibility

Curaçao has the political autonomy to speak out on issues of international concern, even if it cannot directly influence foreign policy. Failing to do so may lead to reputational damage, both domestically and internationally. Remaining silent may also weaken Curaçao’s voice within the Kingdom on issues where it does have direct interests, such as regional security or climate change.

4. Freedom of Speech and the Right to Disagree.

- Democratic Values in the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Freedom of speech is a core principle in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and this extends to Curaçao. While the Kingdom’s government manages foreign policy, individual politicians, civil society groups, and citizens in Curaçao retain the right to voice their opinions, including on international issues. The right to disagree is essential in any democracy, and this principle applies equally to autonomous regions like Curaçao.

- Political Debate and Disagreement

Even within the context of foreign policy, disagreements between different countries or political entities within a larger kingdom are common. Curaçao has the right to express concerns, question policies, or raise awareness about global events, even if the Kingdom’s official stance differs. As long as these expressions are made within the framework of democratic dialogue and respect for the constitutional order, there is no legal impediment to voicing concerns about international injustices.

- Curaçao's Influence within the Kingdom

Curaçao can leverage its input within the Kingdom on foreign affairs that directly impact its interests. This influence, though limited, gives Curaçao an avenue to express concerns or disagreements within the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom, where representatives from all four constituent countries participate in decision-making processes.

5. Conclusion: Curaçao’s Responsibility and Rights.

Curaçao’s government cannot legally set foreign policy, but it does not have to remain silent in the face of global injustice. While the Dutch government handles foreign affairs on behalf of the Kingdom, Curaçao retains the right to express its opinions on international issues, particularly when these issues involve moral or ethical concerns.

In a democracy, freedom of speech is paramount, and this includes the freedom to disagree with official policies or stances. The idea that Curaçao “cannot have an opinion” because of foreign policy limitations is not grounded in either the constitutional structure of the Kingdom or the principles of democracy.

Curaçao has the political and moral space to speak out against injustice, and doing so would align with its values as a democratic entity. Silence, in such cases, could be interpreted as complicity or indifference, both of which carry risks for Curaçao’s domestic legitimacy and its international reputation. The government must balance its legal obligations with its moral responsibilities, ensuring that it upholds the values of justice and human rights, even within the constraints of its constitutional position.

Tico Vos

Specialist in Tourism and Communication

Documentarian and content creator for radio, TV and social media