Dear Editor,
The handling of the Central Committee Meeting of the 2025 draft budget was very impressive, due to the short span of time in which both the Council of Ministers and the Members of Parliament had to prepare and deliver their presentations. Just as remarkable were the civil servants and cabinet workers, who sprang into action and complied the information in a limited amount of time. Lots of credit and appreciation for their dedication.
During this three-day discourse, the MPs kept the ministers on their toes by posing loads of questions and demanded clarifications to issues that were unclear or those that needed to be expounded upon. The content of their explanations and deliveries from either sides may not have been to the liking of many, but they must be commended for their efforts toward the discussion of the most important financial statement of the country.
One of the major drawbacks is that the budget was handled at a very peculiar time. Apart from time constraints, the mood of the festive season kind of restricted further elucidations into the various topics that were addressed by each minister. It would have been more fitting if all of the ministers did their presentations in its entirety, before the public debate in January of 2025. Due to this snag, I will only focus on Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs, the presenter of the budget.
Minister, I will touch on a few concerns, with the optimism that you and your team will analyze them, and share concrete responses to the population, who may have the same interests. Inquiries: If you were to go back 5 years, how many civil servants are not showing up to work, yet they still collect a monthly salary? What are the reasons for their negligence? What is the cost to government? How does government plan to tackle this laxity and in what time-frame, based on individual cases?
With reference to supplies to individual ministries, how much control do you have, as Minister of Finance, in ensuring that the supplies are not been misused? Because, if supplies are being abused, then this situation contributes significantly to the rise in expenditures. Would this be controlled solely by reporting, or by a combined effort of consistent training to reduce the adverse impact on the budget?
What about the use of phones, whether landline or mobile? Is there a cap on utilization, and how do you determine which calls are personal, from those that are work-related? Will the telephone company assist you in analyzing this process?
The abuse of government vehicles has been a topic of discussion for years. How do you plan on addressing this ticklish issue that is eating up a large portion of the budget? The focus seems to be on gasoline only, but what about the wear and tear that occur due to excessive use? How do you plan on showing the public the difference in the amount of expense, if the vehicles are used only for job-related matters?
With regard to taxes: What is encouraging businesses and citizens not to comply? Is it because there are loopholes in the system, people do not care, or is it that the system is being too harsh on the population? How can you be sure that whatever you plan to implement, would be the best course of action for the people?
Too often, government devises plans to tackle different issues that may seem reasonable or practical to them, but not to the people. Since we are on the verge of entering a new year, wouldn’t it be wise and less stressful, if government embarked upon initiating ways to involve the population more into their decisions, since government claims that it is working in the best interest of the people?
Minister, the little bit that I heard during this draft budget debate, for sure, there will be an amendment to this 2025 budget. So, wouldn’t it be prudent to hold sessions with the ones whose lives will be affected from the changes that are expected to be implemented?
You know what made our first Ombudsman Nilda Arduin to achieve such a successful and reputable tenure, until she was asked to extend her duties? She took her office to the people, whom she was tasked to represent. The course is clear, to take that lead, within the Council of Ministers.
Joslyn Morton
Dear Editor,
I was shocked when on page 7 of Monday’s paper I read “Barbados to help St. Maarten to set up Agriculture Dept.” I was shocked and my first reaction was “at last”. Yes, at last, because since 1984, I suggested this to the people in government.
At that time I told them if St. Maarten has to import provisions from our neighbouring islands and there is so much migration from these same neighbouring islands, why not make use of these migrants, negotiate to acquire land and make use of their expertise so that we can have our own agriculture? I got answers like “We working hard on our tourism. Our tourism will bloom enough to sustain us.”
My parents would always tell us to never say “never”, that is why I have to say “At last.”
One would ask where I’m coming from, but I definitely hope that the Immigration Department, the Tax Department and the police would coordinate with each other to clean up the mess among the gypsies and other perpetrators of public transportation in order to bring some order in the place. I say this because in the Cannegieter Street the gypsies are forbidding drivers to park where the gypsies operate from.
We need to clean up. Turning a blind eye to this kind of behaviour encourages other negative behaviour, for instance, highway robberies. What I cannot understand is how is it possible that with so many security guards with security dogs in Front Street, so often during the time that everybody is around, robberies take place. Yes, in broad daylight. I do not know the details, but something is wrong with that picture.
If I do not mention the following, I believe that your readers will make me out to be a hypocrite, because of late too often people want to know what has become of policing on St. Maarten. Because of what I did, people who speak to me continue to ask why did they change the uniform. That uniform that the police are wearing does not command respect. I do not hang out dirty linen but I have to agree with that observation concerning the uniform, because I know (again from experience) that a uniform without headgear is not considered complete and, believe it or not, that alone has influence on the perception of authority.
Actually my intention was to let the month of December be used for end-of-the-year festivities, but then the Governor sees the current status far from perfect; the Prime Minister says we are too dependent on the Netherlands and to top it off a young man literally stopped me and asked me to turn into the parking lot because he wanted to ask me something. I know him to be a serious person so I waited for him. The first thing he said to me while holding the newspaper was, “I didn’t know that NAGICO could turn the police force into a ‘Lions club’?”
Because it was the weekend I had not yet read the paper, so he showed me the article. I scanned through it with the intention of reading it later. Because from experience I know, what up to this day the people pay attention to when they see a police officer in uniform, I too paid extra attention to the uniforms in that picture, And as the saying goes “A picture is worth a thousand words” There is a saying in Dutch “De kleren maken de man” (Fine feathers make fine birds). What that young man was not pleased about is that according to him NAGICO will continue to do these things.
I told him that I completely understood his frustration and he is not the first person who has confronted me with their frustrations concerning the involvement of NAGICO into many things on St. Maarten. I also explained him that he should find out who represents NAGICO in these negotiations, because it is not all of the NAGICO employees are responsible for what happens under the name of NAGICO.
I told him that if he writes a factual letter to the editor not smearing NAGICO, the editor is the one who decides to print or not to print. I, however, would like for someone to explain me if CARS is the authority to investigate traffic accidents? One day the traffic was held up from by the roundabout by Grande Marche to the Cay Hill/Cole Bay roundabout. When I finally got within eyeshot I noticed what the traffic jam was all about. A police officer was waiting for CARS to come and decide the fate of the drivers involved in an accident. And this seems to have become the norm. So my question remains “What have we become? Is being ‘humane’ a good thing?”
But for that young man who is not pleased that the police are being used by NAGICO, the term is “perception”. We were forbidden to accept gifts given out of gratitude because that could be perceived as bribery. Even though this was done in the open, evil tongues could suggest that something else could be going on in private. The police should never accept such a suggestion. Police are not there to participate in any popularity contests. Respect is earned by treating everyone with equal respect. Police should not be used to distinguish who deserves and who does not deserve gratuities.
I do not think that Chief John looked at the big picture, and for that matter I believe that the Minister of Justice should be consulted. My question is, where does it end? What is Chief John going to say to the management of, for instance, MNA tomorrow when MNA wants to give tools to the motorists and ask the police to do that for them? I can go on and on with all kinds of examples. I do not believe that that was in keeping with good taste and propriety.
Let me end by saying it the Caribbean way. “If I don’t have a bad name why do I need to look for a good name?” We have to lead by example.
Russell A. Simmons
As the holiday season graces us with its warmth and joy, I want to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Christmas is a time to celebrate the blessings in our lives, embrace the spirit of giving and spread kindness to those around us. It is also a time to reflect on the year gone by and look forward with hope and determination. Let us take this opportunity to cherish the bonds we share, lend a helping hand to those in need, and reflect on the blessings of the past year. Whether it’s through acts of kindness or moments of togetherness, may we all contribute to spreading the spirit of peace and goodwill.
May this season bring peace to your hearts, joy to your homes, and inspiration for the year ahead. Let us continue to work together, united in purpose, as we build a brighter future for all.
With heartfelt wishes,
Ellis L. Webster M.D.
Honourable Premier, Anguilla
Dear Editor,
Pueblo Progresivo Uni led by James Finies, and Bonaire Human Rights Organization (BHRO), represented by its president Davika Bissessar-Shaw, recently concluded two weeks of successful advocacy in the United States. Their efforts included lobbying at the United Nations and engaging in working seminars to advance human rights, decolonization and justice for Bonaire and other colonized territories.
A central focus of their work was advocating for Bonaire’s inclusion on the United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories. This recognition is essential for enabling Bonaireans to exercise their right to self-determination. Finies highlighted the alarming decrease in the native Bonerian population, which has fallen from 80% to less than 30% since the breakup of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010. Calling October 10, 2010, “a nightmare” for the island, he attributed much of the blame to local politicians who failed to safeguard the rights and identity of Bonaire’s people. BHRO emphasized that listing Bonaire as a Non-Self-Governing Territory is critical to preserving its unique culture and identity.
The delegation also participated in the 35th Session of the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent (WGEPAD), contributing to discussions on systemic inequalities and injustices faced by African descendants worldwide. They co-hosted a side event titled “Reparative Justice and Decolonization: Advancing Human Rights for African Descendants in Colonized Territories”, which brought together global activists and policymakers to address the lingering effects of colonialism.
In commemoration of International Human Rights Day on December 10, BHRO underscored the importance of advancing dignity, freedom and justice for marginalized communities, particularly those in vulnerable territories like Bonaire.
On the same day, the BHRO Foundation, represented by James Finies, formalized a partnership with United for Human Rights, represented by Emma Sims, through a Memorandum of Understanding. This partnership aims to develop education and training programs focused on human rights across Bonaire, Curaçao, and Aruba (the ABC Islands). This initiative marks a significant step toward fostering awareness and empowering communities in the region to protect and promote fundamental human rights.
Bissessar-Shaw also addressed the Dutch government’s apology for its role in slavery and the 200 million reparations payout. She criticized the distribution of funds, noting that 100 million went back to Holland for a museum, while only 33 million was allocated to Suriname and the former Netherlands Antilles, leaving each Antillian island with just 5 million. She called this an inadequate response to centuries of exploitation and injustice.
The BHRO urges locals and long-term residents to recognize that rising sea levels and the bleaching of coral reefs is exaggerated and not the immediate threat. The real crisis and threat to Bonaireans is the decline of the local population from 80% to less than 30% now, which the Dutch government ignores despite the 2015 referendum rejecting the illegal integration. False narratives, as GreenPeace Holland, Special Envoy to UN ex-governor Rijna and now the Climate Table all using locals for false propaganda to divert attention from this issue.
Through their advocacy, BHRO shone a spotlight on Bonaire’s struggles and called for global support to secure the island’s rights and self-determination. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to fighting for justice, equality, and the survival of Bonaire’s people in the face of systemic marginalization and the legacy of colonialism.
Bonaire Human Rights Organization
Dear editor,
As a resident of Point Blanche, living just past the bustling Port St. Maarten, I find myself wondering if the chaotic state of our roadways is a sign of progress or an indicator of negligence. While the economic vitality brought by heavy machinery, quad tours, scooters, and rental cars is undeniable, their abuse of our infrastructure and our collective mental health is steadily eroding both our patience and quality of life.
Every day, I navigate the maze of inconveniences caused by the inconsiderate practices of these road users. It is time for the government to step in with decisive measures to restore sanity to our streets, especially for communities like Point Blanche, which bear the brunt of this chaos.
Quad tours: The inconvenient parade
Let’s begin with the quad tour operators. Their long, winding lines of 20 or more tourists on all-terrain vehicles have become an irritating spectacle. Outriders/tour-guides block intersections, forcing us to wait as these clueless visitors amble along at a snail’s pace, oblivious to the rules of the road.
This is not just a nuisance but also a potential hazard. I’ve often wondered whether all the riders are even of legal age or properly licensed. Could we not introduce regulations to limit the number of quads per tour, reducing their disruptive impact? Perhaps an additional road usage fee for quad operators with excessively large groups could incentivize more responsible practices.
Scooters: The menace on two wheels
Then there are the scooter riders – a perpetual source of dread for every driver. Their reckless antics, such as weaving between cars, popping wheelies, and flouting traffic laws, make them a danger not only to themselves but to everyone on the road. The number of accidents and fatalities linked to scooters speaks volumes about the need for intervention.
Unregistered and uninsured scooters should be banned outright. Let’s round them up and ensure that only registered bikes of a certain horsepower, with properly insured riders, are allowed on the road. Strict enforcement and severe penalties for violators would go a long way in restoring order.
Heavy machinery and trucks: Road wreckers
Heavy machinery and trucks add another layer of frustration. Their slow crawl up steep hills, like Cole Bay Hill, creates traffic snarls that extend for miles. Just a few months ago, near the intersection of Ground Dove Road and Goldfinch, trucks involved in construction work left behind a crater-sized pothole. The damage remains unrepaired, an enduring reminder of how these vehicles destroy our roads with impunity.
The government must reinstate time restrictions for these vehicles to operate during non-peak hours. Additionally, companies using heavy machinery should be held accountable for road damage. Billing their insurance for repairs would ensure that the burden of maintenance does not fall on taxpayers.
Rental cars: Seasonal squeeze
Every high season, the influx of rental cars turns our already-congested roads into an obstacle course. While tourism is the lifeblood of our economy, the sheer number of rentals during peak season is unsustainable. The government should consider imposing a surcharge on car rental agencies, with funds directed toward road maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.
Solutions for a smoother ride
The issues are clear, but what can be done? Here are a few practical suggestions for the government:
1. Quad Tours: Limit group sizes and enforce stricter road usage rules for tour operators. Introduce a fee for excessively large groups to discourage congestion.
2. Scooters: Ban unregistered and uninsured scooters. Establish clear guidelines for horsepower and rider qualifications.
3. Heavy machinery: Reinstate time restrictions for heavy vehicles during peak traffic hours. Introduce a mandatory insurance-backed system to fund road repairs caused by these vehicles.
4. Rental cars: Impose a seasonal road usage surcharge on car rental companies to offset the strain on infrastructure.
As we strive for development, we cannot afford to let our roadways become a free-for-all. Point Blanche residents, and indeed all road users on this island, deserve better. Addressing these issues will not only improve the quality of life for locals but also enhance the experience for our visitors.
To the government, I say this: Listen to the voices of the people who call this island home. Take decisive action to balance progress with accountability. Because if our roads continue to reflect chaos, what does that say about the direction we are heading as a society?
Respectfully,
Point Blanche Resident
