~ And a small but significant step towards self-reliance for St. Maarten ~

Dear Editor,

I developed a twofold project, which I want to propose to the incoming government. The first part entails a cleaning and beautification project for both sides of the island, which I believe will expose covered lands and provide a clean and beautiful environment for all to enjoy and maintain. This project requires collaboration between the governments of the Dutch and French sides of the island.

The project entails removing and recycling all heavy equipment, vehicles, steel materials, zinc, boulders, and piles of dirt. A joint venture of the two governments will see the entire island rid of all wrecks and debris from public roads, business places, private residences, and properties, free of charge. All residents will be required to cooperate with the project. All rubber, plastic, wood, and other ocean-non-environmentally-friendly materials are removed and disposed of at the relevant dump sites.

Funding for the Dutch side of this project can be requested from the National Recovery Program Project, St. Maarten, under the Emergency Debris Management Project.

The heavy equipment such as discarded cranes, back-hoes and such, will be sunk under the sea and welded together, and used to create an artificial reef, which is anchored to the mainland and will rise above the sea level and create a perfect environment for corals to grow on, and for sea life to form around it. And above the sea level birds can rest and nest on the exterior of the reef. Coral reef organisms grow well on steel structures, although some are concerned that iron and other limiting nutrients will favor algal or bacterial growth. Purposefully-sunk wrecks do require environmental and safety preparations before being deployed.

Providing that proper environmental preparation is completed first, these structures can give incredible biodiversity in otherwise barren seascapes. An ideal artificial reef is stable in ordinary to large storms, made from long-lasting, solid, non-toxic materials, designed to have a high surface complexity for the recruitment of corals, sponges, and other organisms, designed to provide a high amount of structural complexity for fish and other animals, and designed to either blend in with the natural reef or to stand out and convey a message (sculptures and other art creations).

The construction of the artificial reef is the creation of food sources for sea-life, and by extension, for humans. The interior of the artificial reef will be filled up with the rest of the debris, boulders, and piles of dirt, which will create land for the second phase of this project, which is the establishment of a fishery. The chosen location for the creation of the artificial reef is Back Bay, in Point Blanche. There is an existing road leading to the discarded basketball court that leads to the ocean. The construction of the fishery will not impede on zoning laws, as noise pollution from the fishery is not an issue.

“All around the world, cities are edging further into the sea.” Source: www.bbc.com. “As one of the most densely populated nations, the low-lying Netherlands has long been driven to reclaim large swatches of its coastal swamps and marshes to house its ever-growing population.”

St. Maarten will implement an eco-friendly method of debris disposal and land reclamation. The World Bank policies on vigorous safeguard instruments developed to mitigate all foreseeable social and environmental risks will be implemented in this project.

The second phase of this project is designed to be an eco-friendly economic development project owned by the government of St. Maarten. By owning and operating the fishery, the government and the people will be the direct beneficiaries. The benefits are a viable, sustainable seafood source, direct income for the government, a small step towards self-reliance, and the commencement of a self-sustained St. Maarten.

It is not uncommon for governments to own businesses. The government owns the harbor, the airport, and the utility company. Aside from ownership of its harbor, airport, and utility company, the government of Aruba owns and operates the Archaeological Museum of Aruba, the Bon Bini Festival, and the Renaissance Island, and the government of Curaçao owns its harbor, airport, the oil refinery, the utility company, the Grot van Hato, and the Sint Christoffel Park. The benefit of direct ownership is added because of the direct income for the government (income from sales and taxes). The core values of this project are sealife creation, and maintenance, sustainable economic development, quality, and price control (think of a calamity, or such).

By owning the fishery, the government has full control of pricing and distribution. The fishery will help generate funds for some of the government’s development projects. The construction of the fishery provides a viable and sustainable income, work opportunities, year-round production of plastic-free seafood, self-reliance, self-sustainability, and community empowerment. Included in the concept is a public fishing ground and recreational area.

The abundant seawater makes aquaponics seafood farming viable and affordable in St. Maarten. Funding for the construction of the fishery can be requested from the United Nations Office for Project Services, Department of Nutrition: Scaling Up Nutrition, amongst others. The vision for the project is to provide St. Maarten and the neighboring islands with a viable and sustainable source of aqua-cultured-farmed, fresh, plastic-free seafood. The mission is to provide year-round, high-quality seafood at reasonable prices.

Tropic Seafood is a similar company based in Nassau, Bahamas. The company farms and sells whole spiny lobsters, lobster tails, stone crab claws, Bahamian conch, and Lane Red Snapper: Av. 1.5 lb./2 lb. ready for the market in one year. They also farm and sell Lane Red Snapper fingerlings (baby Red Snappers). In a statement, Tropic Seafood wrote, “Due to the small market size in the Bahamas, the goal is to sell most fish overseas as a fresh product to destinations such as the United States, Canada, Latin America, and Europe.”

Product summary

The fishery to be established in St. Maarten will farm Shrimp, Red Snapper, and Red Tilapia for wholesale to the local and neighboring markets. Shrimp and Red Snapper are well known and enjoyed by the locals and visitors to the island and are in high demand. Red Tilapia resembles the Red Snapper and produces high-quality meat at a lesser cost.

Competition

The fishery will be the first of its kind in the western Caribbean. The island of Nassau, Bahamas, in the eastern Caribbean has the Tropic Seafood factory, a large-scale land-based fish farm, and an ocean-based conch farm. This is the only large-scale commercial seafood production farm in the Caribbean. There is no other direct competition for the foreseeable future. Numerous islands in the Caribbean, including Trinidad and Tobago, practice freshwater fish farming.

Operational plan

The company will produce Shrimp, Red Snapper, and Red Tilapia for wholesale. The plan is to supply the local market first.

Outlook

Considering that the fishery will offer fresh and healthy seafood products of high quality year-round, the market is expected to embrace this new business concept.

Conclusion

The fishery is a new seafood farm and sale approach that is sustainable, healthy, fresh, and sumptuous. The income from this project alone will not eliminate the financial situation of the country. It will, however, be a small step towards national development and contribute to new income for the government. This new income will provide the opportunity for the government to have sustainable funds for its projects, and to have a new avenue for income versus only taxation.

When making plans for the prosperity of a nation, the first rule is to provide income for expenses. The clean-up campaign, construction of the artificial reef, and construction and opening of the fishery can be documented and placed on YouTube to spotlight the island. All episodes include interviews with government officials, partners, and stakeholders.

It is the intention to propose the project to the government. The project developer donates the project concept and the Draft Business Plan to the government of St. Maarten. The government hires the project developer for the development of the project.

When the new government takes office, I will request a meeting with the Council of Ministers to make a PowerPoint presentation and present a Draft Business Plan, detailing all aspects of this project. A step towards self-reliance, self-sustainability, and financial independence is a step toward a solid and secure tomorrow. We don’t have to be self-sufficient in everything. Just in something(s) worthwhile!

Louis Engel

Project Developer

Dear Editor,

On Friday December 8, I asked our school secretary to call the bank. Our business credit card had expired in November and her task was to find out which branch I needed to go to in order to pick up the new card. The secretary hit a roadblock and was told by the agent on the line that they could only speak to the cardholder. I found that strange and illogical since the secretary was not seeking any information about the account. Once again, she was merely enquiring about the location to pick up the card.

She gave me the number to call which I did. After listening to a long-recorded message, I was on hold due to agents attending to other calls. After 5 minutes or so a customer service agent came on. I identified myself with the name of the school and my name. I also stated my reason for calling: the credit card expired, and I would like to know where to pick up the new one.

The agent asked for my name which I had already given to her. I repeated my name for her. She then proceeded to ask me the number on the credit card. I then had to put the agent on hold after I told her that the expired card was submitted to the secretary. Upon retrieving the card, I asked whether your agent wanted the last four digits on the card or all the numbers. She wanted all which I read to her. Her next question was to ask me my complete name. I gave that to her for the third time. There is that saying that “three times is a charm”.

At this point, I am wondering how this interrogation is needed to answer a simple question as to where I must pick up the new card. Your agent asks the next question about the credit limit on the card which I could not remember and do not need to know when all I am trying to do is find out if I am driving to Simpson Bay, Philipsburg or Bush Road. But it seems that giving the location of the building where the new credit card is being securely held is an issue of national financial security. So, in order for a customer to find out where a new credit card must be picked up, that customer must jump through the question hoop like this is a game show and they are vying for a million dollars?

And the questioning did not stop there. The next volley thrown at me was: What was the amount of the last purchase? I was able to tell your agent what was purchased and when, but at this point did not care to go into the recesses of my frustrated mind to spew out a price.

Since I failed your United Nations Credit Card Retrieval Location Security Council Tripartite Test, your agent of inquisition told me to call back when I have the information to answer the questions. Now I am tasked with studying for another test that will waste 15 minutes of my senior citizen life. Being the persevering one, I kindly asked what information I needed to present. I was now told that the questions always change, and she could not give that to me.

Well, common sense seems to have left the organization called WIB. I do not know who or where you can call to get information about where to retrieve it, but it is certainly not 546-2880. Before hanging up on your agent, I told her that this makes no sense, I will just tell the principal to apply for a card in her name. The next thing your agent heard was a dial-tone.

I then put on my thinking cap – no wait – it was always on – I just encountered a business that does not provide any thinking caps to their customer service agents.

Did I finally get the new credit card?

How did I determine which location?

I did it the unprofessional way.

I called an employee of the bank on his private cellphone while he was eating his lunch at a noisy restaurant. He asked me one question: Is it a debit or credit card? Credit card was my answer. Bush Road was his.

M. Richardson

Dear fellow St. Maarteners,

As St. Maarteners, we often focus on the challenges we face every day. While it’s important to acknowledge these, I believe in looking forward. That’s why, together with the Party for Progress (PFP), I’m focusing on bringing real solutions to the table. I’m excited to share these practical steps which perfectly align with PFP’s vision and goals; to improve the quality of life for all on St. Maarten.

PFP is dedicated to slicing through the usual political chatter, emphasizing real, actionable solutions rather than mere words. We are committed to making changes that aren’t just talk – we’re about action that makes a real difference in the lives of the people of St. Maarten. Our focus is firmly on what we can concretely deliver to meet the genuine needs of our community. As we journey towards the elections let’s talk about how we plan to address these challenges head-on and transform our beloved island into a place where progress and prosperity are not just dreams, but realities.

Tax reform:

A collective approach to financial stability.

An important pillar within our manifesto is getting our financial house in order. Tax reform is a means to that end. Simplifying our taxes, lowering profit tax, increasing our tax compliance, and including tax breaks for micro enterprises are just some of the reform proposals the PFP has been championing since 2020. Additionally, we need to acknowledge commitments previous governments made and either uphold them or find amicable ways to resolve them. This is in alignment with the principle of continuity of Government; a key aspect that has been missing in our young country’s history.

The reform plan also encompasses strengthening the tax office by filling vacancies and boosting its operational capacity. This can be achieved in collaboration with kingdom partners in the short term, and by guiding our young students along career paths that the island will need in the longer term. Doing so ensures we get to a place where efficient and responsible tax administration is not just a pipedream but an actual reality. This embodies not just the people and partnership value that the PFP holds dear, but also the longer-term vision with a strong emphasis on education.

The GEBE crisis:

Steering towards accountability and renewable energy.

The 2022 GEBE hack and ensuing scandal highlight the urgent need for change. As the PFP we are fully aware that the issues are largely attributed to governmental intervention via nepotism or favoritism in placing board members and subsequent executive management that were not there to fulfil the role in the best interest of NV GEBE.

The PFP emphasizes the need for rectifying governance within the utility company. Something I personally advocate for, restoring trust in governance on the island. While political intervention got us into this mess, it seems that it is once again required to get us out of it.

Certain members of Parliament try to tell you that Government does not meddle in the government-owned companies; GEBE is a clear example that this is not true. The party proposes appointing an unbiased and skilled supervisory board, focused on resolving the fallout of the hacking crisis and expediting the transition to renewable energy sources. This plan includes removing roadblocks for existing solar energy contracts, demonstrating the PFP’s commitment to reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and fostering sustainable development.

This will allow for less dependence on the fuel clause and thus lower the bills people pay monthly.

Revitalising the government apparatus

Last but not least, it’s clear that the government apparatus has been underperforming. Whether it’s long wait times for permits, shoddy road repairs, or a critical ministry like Education that is in disarray, the signs are evident. Talk to any government employee and the chance that they are unhappy is very likely. PFP plans to tackle this issue by:

* Listening! Who better than to listen to than those government workers that live and breathe the problems faced within government on a daily basis. “People and partnerships” is not just a campaign slogan for us, it’s a means to getting things done, and done right!

* Surveys have been done, but what has the outcome been of those surveys? The PFP is committed to seriously considering survey feedback, introducing real accountability, and developing individual growth plans for government employees. This closely aligns with my personal goal to foster an environment for excellence. Talent development has been non-existent but is essential for happy and productive employees.

* Brain-drain, talented employees leaving the Government to work in the private sector or worse yet, leaving the island, has been a commonplace occurrence. Addressing the workplace culture via actioned surveys is step one. Step two is filling the vacancies in collaboration with kingdom partners, to lower the work burden on those hard-working employees, and optimizing workforce placement according to individual skills and passions. This can turn the tide in creating a positive workplace environment that uplifts instead of demotes individuals.

* Introducing effective whistleblower policies to foster a culture of transparency and accountability with the appropriate protection mechanisms to ensure safe reporting, something that has been suggested by every integrity report written about our country.

* Enhancing the legislative authority of the Ombudsman, as they themselves have announced they will do, thereby strengthening the role and reach of this crucial office.

These are just some of the solutions that the PFP and I are championing. We understand that some of the voters are tired, even fed up. “Nothing changes anyway” is a phrase we commonly hear. This apathy stems from a history of unfulfilled promises and stagnant leadership on our island. To those feeling that way we say “Don’t give up! It's vital to vote because your voice can bring about the change we desperately need” – fresh leadership with a clear vision and a commitment to teamwork.

We invite you to read our manifesto or join us at one of our town-hall sessions to ask questions and voice your concerns. As we move towards the election, the PFP remains dedicated to offering pragmatic solutions, focusing on the betterment of our community and the island at large. We believe in actions, not just words, and are committed to tirelessly working to make these plans a reality for St. Maarten.

With hope and determination,

David Salomon

Party for Progress (PFP) Candidate #10

Dear Queenie,

My parents have been divorced for a long time, and they both married again, but my father thinks that my aunts and uncles and cousins in my mother’s family are still his relatives because they are related to me.

Queenie, is he right?—Confused son

Dear Son,

That is up to your aunts, uncles and cousins on your mother’s side of your family. If they want to maintain the relationship they developed with your father during your parents’ marriage, so be it. However, if they do not want to maintain any relationship with your father, he should forget about them.