Honorable Minister Richardson,

    We write to you on behalf of the dedicated and hard-working Customs agents who have committed themselves to safeguarding our nation’s borders. It is with a deep sense of concern that we address the continuous cycle of unfulfilled promises originating from your esteemed office and the Justice Department.

    The past years, our Customs agents have persevered through a work environment that has proven to be nothing short of toxic. Despite ongoing discussions and assurances, the promises to rectify these issues have been consistently empty, causing frustration and disillusionment amongst the ranks.

    The Customs agents’ steadfast dedication has been met with six persistent challenges, which, regrettably, remain unresolved:

    1. Solving the toxic work environment: The well-being of our Customs agents is paramount. Addressing the toxic work environment, which has persisted for an unacceptably long time, is vital to ensuring their mental and emotional health.

    2. Completion of the Function Book: The absence of a comprehensive and up-to-date function book has impeded the Customs agents’ efficiency and adherence to established protocols. Its timely completion is essential for the seamless execution of their duties.

    3. Criteria to become a team leader: We would like to add that it should be mentioned that 2 team leaders were appointed by Bernadina/the Ministry of Justice who do not meet the

criteria for the position. Said position was already placed in the hands of SOAB with the result that no one was qualified for the function. We would like to know the following:

    What criteria were used for the 2 candidates to be chosen as team leaders?

    Did these candidates undergo a security screening before becoming eligible for the position?

Dutch Team leaders and coaches are currently on the island assisting/assessing these 2 candidates, whereby more candidates could have been part of this training as well.

    The truth should be made known to the minister that over the span of barely 2 years more than 18 persons left the department and the reason was not mainly the salary, because one is aware before signing their contract what their salary entails.

  We have reached a crucial point where for weeks there is mostly 1 person on duty or 2 including the Dutch.

    4. Salaries and Salary Scales: The issue of inadequate remuneration persists, eroding the morale and commitment of our Customs agents. The urgency of rectifying salary discrepancies and establishing equitable salary scales cannot be overstated.

    5. Acquisition of work dogs: Trained work dogs play a vital role in detecting contraband items and safeguarding our borders. The acquisition of these assets is essential to augment the Customs agents’ capabilities.

    6. Uniforms: Uniforms not only serve as a symbol of identity but also contribute to the professionalism of the Customs agents. Swift provision of appropriate uniforms is crucial to maintaining their appearance and morale.

    7. Training and Specialization: To effectively respond to evolving border security threats, our Customs agents require specialized training. Immediate measures should be taken to provide relevant training programs that enhance their expertise.

    8. Non-functional management team: The current management team exists of 1 person, which is Bernadina, Judy LaPaix is out on suspension, Johishi Romney hasn't been seen in office for the past months and there is no way on earth that a management team exists of 4 persons including the department head who is solely responsible for the entire department. This is currently the problem where there is 1 person abusing his power in the Customs Department; a solution needs to come sooner than later.

    9. No Customs pass: Customs officers do not have a pass that indicate that they are a Customs officer. ( Legitimatie bewijs)

    Months of dialogues have failed to yield concrete solutions, leaving us with no choice but to firmly declare that this status quo can no longer be tolerated or deferred. Therefore, we respectfully insist that viable solutions to these pressing concerns be presented as soon as possible. It must be emphasized that the top priority is the amendment of salaries. There will be no possibility to negotiate at the table, since that has been done before and no solution reached.

    We are hopeful that you recognize the gravity of this situation and will respond promptly to address these critical issues. Our Customs agents’ continued dedication hinges upon your commitment to their welfare and the enhancement of their working conditions.

Sincerely,

Members of the Custom Department of St. Maarten

Dear Editor,

I have to laugh when people, especially those from abroad, ask me: “On what side do you live, French or Dutch?” The question comes across as a confession of faith, or way of letting me know that the person is aware of the border which divides the 37 square miles in two.

“I live on St. Martin,” I respond, because it is really one island. I reside at the border, technically in country Sint Maarten, but I buy my bread in French Oyster Bay, work on Pond Island, do my staple food shopping at Super U in Hope Estate, and swim regularly at Orient Bay and Grand-Case. I may be employed or have my legal residence on one side, but I live on both.

I avoid Simpson Bay as much as possible and rarely eat at restaurants there, as “Dutch side” waiters expect a 15-20% tip because their salaries can be as low as US $4.50 per hour; whereas one kilometre up the road minimum wage is 14 euros per hour. And I have friends who reside in the northern half, sending their kids to school on the southern half; working in the Dutch Kingdom, while collecting welfare benefits from the French Republic because that is their human right. This is the one island I am talking about.

In terms of cultural production, the southern part of the island is more happening. Large events like Carnival, or the Oualichi Festival, where guests from abroad like Machel Montano play, assert a strictly Caribbean identity; not French, not Dutch but Caribbean, and the crowd is mostly Black. Philipsburg is where the National Institute of the Arts and Cultural Centre are located. If I want to see a French comedy performed by white people and mulattos from Guadeloupe, I go to Village D’Orient. Happy Bay is where the techno SXM Festival takes place.

Perhaps because some of us we live under the illusion of being an autonomous country, Soualigan identity is breathed on the streets of Great Bay, St. Peters and Dutch Quarter. At the same time, when an Arrindell, Hodge or Lake wants to feel closer to the ancestors, they go North to Colombier or Rambaud, located in the Collectivité de Saint-Martin.

There is no denying that most of the island’s population has their roots elsewhere, but that should not give impetus to invisibilise the autochthonous people of St. Martin. A people whose migratory character testifies to the existence of a nation. Joseph Lake Jr., born in Aruba, is the son of the late José Lake Sr., born in the Dominican Republic. Each of these and their offspring maintain their national identity, referring to St. Martin as their home. Not a place just to make a buck, to work and play harder; rather, a land, a patria to love.

These are the descendants of Africans enslaved under the Dutch Kingdom and French Republic, continuously colonised and speaking S’maaten English on both sides of the border. One St. Martin written in English, or One SXM, really does exist. It is an Afro-Caribbean nation peppered with descendants of Scandinavia, Ireland and Britain in Simpson Bay; Cantonese speaking people in supermarkets and restaurants, and Sindi merchants and their children at Cay Hill. Let us not forget the entanglement of Spanish-speaking Dominicanos. St. Martin is diverse but not disincarnated.

One SXM is a minority but not just a fantasy. It can also be interpreted as a vision for further development. It can be a strategy to eradicate poverty or synchronise public and social services to ensure equity. It can liberate the toiling masses, some of which live without running water in their homes and have sewage streaming at their front door. One SXM, the thought-dream-experience, can implement one equal healthcare system or one university with full time faculty, where the students do not have to work full time in order to pay for tuition. One SXM makes sense once it is understood, not as a fantasy but as a movement for social transformation.

Dr. Antonio Carmona Báez

President of University of St. Martin

~ Its historic significance is everlasting ~

Dear Editor,

The former government administration building wasn’t just a structure. Located in Philipsburg opposite a parking lot, it was a place where many civil servants and government officials spent a significant portion of their adult lives serving the citizens and residents of St. Maarten. It was a site that held the power brokers of decisions that affected the level of the quality of the lives of the people of St. Maarten.

The derelict structure was an eyesore for many years destroyed in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in 2017. The location is finally cleared except for parts of a few leftover structures, making way for what is alleged and projected to be the site for the new Parliament building of St. Maarten.

I support this notion for the simple reason that Parliament must be situated prominently and accessibly for the people it serves.

Our island administration’s constitutional – and administrative history has seen many personalities pass through the corridors of the building. These include but are not limited to figures such as Dr. Claude Wathey, Clem Labega, Sam Hazel, Vance James Jr, Joseph “Joe” Richardson and Rene Richardson, Abby Richardson, Ms. Elaine Vlaun-Gumbs, Mario Hodge, William Marlin, Sarah Wescott-Williams, Theo Heyliger.

Island Secretaries included Vacueqlin Connor, Mervin Scott, Raphael Boasman, Joan Dovale-Meit. Amador Muller. Former Lt. Governors include Mr. Max Pandt, Mathias Voges, Russel Voges, Dennis Richardson and Mr. Franklyn Richards.

A political icon still among us who graced the halls of the government administration building with his larger-than-life personality is former Minister of Justice of the Netherlands Antilles Mr. Leo “Captain” Chance.

The Island Secretariat was the center of operations of the government administration that administered to both the Island Council (now Parliament) and the Executive Council (now Council of Ministers).

The monistic system of government, meaning that members of the Executive Council were also members of the Legislative Council made way on October 10, 2010 for the more democratic, dual system of government through the separation of these powers. Noteworthy is the fact that Island Council members received a monthly stipend of NAf. 2,000 guilders for this (part-time) representation.

The Department of General Affairs was led for many years efficiently and effectively by the late Mr. Louie Duzanson and staff.

Many historical decisions were taken in the A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall of the government administration building. Among others:

* Island Council resolution to organize the 1st Constitutional referendum held on October 14, 1994. The resolution called to hold the 2nd Constitutional Referendum of June 2000 that cleared the path towards our current new constitutional status.

* Establishment of the Permanent Committee for Constitutional Affairs (PCCA) and Work Group Constitutional Affairs (WGC).

* It is the location where historic and heated meetings were held on the November 2007 Constitutional draft agreement leading to the disolution of the Country Netherlands Antilles and the creation of a new Constitutional status for St. Maarten.

* The first Initiative law is presented to establish the Ombudsman office.

* It is the place where the last Island Council members took their oaths of office prior to October 10, 2010 (10-10-10). It is the place where the first Parliament meeting of Country Sint Maarten was held.

I have been privileged to be part of this history previously outlined in this article, including being chairwoman of the first referendum committee and as President of the Parliament of Country St. Maarten.

It is incumbent upon the historians and new generation of researchers to peruse and record our constitutional history. Like a sphinx rising from the ashes, so will there be a new structure fit for future generations of great leaders and public administrators.

A new House of Parliament that will be surrounded by a clean and green environment and built to last generations and includes a state of the art library and a flawless administrative system. It’s time to make St. Maarten beautiful again.

Let’s make way for a place where elected and appointed decision-makers are held accountable for their actions, execution of their tasks and responsibilities on behalf of the people of St. Maarten with integrity, good governance, transparency and accountability heeding the mistakes of the past.

Gracita Arrindell

Dear Editor,

We are not active participants in our own economy, but we remain the main contributor to the collection of taxes. The collection of taxes does not necessarily correlate with the bolstering and enhancement of a sturdy economy. In other words, tax collection is not the standard bearer of a good economy. It is the disposable income or wealth of the population which better correlates with a sound economy.

The general public benefits derived from governmental fundraising programmes are vital for the survival of those of us that are suffering during these distressing economic times. Presently, the aforementioned fundraising programmes are indispensable. However, I must admit that this is merely a plaster on a festering sore. Our goal needs to be to improve the standard of living of our citizens whereby these programmes become obsolete. This in turn will empower us to once again develop into the beacon of prosperity in the entire Caribbean.

We are very fortunate that St. Maarten houses the largest inland water pocket in the Caribbean. This phenomenon has yielded a booming yachting tourism sector for our island. It is estimated that 30% of the world's yachts make St. Maarten their home especially during the high season. We have become one of the best service and repair facilitators in the Caribbean region. We must endeavor to provide more business ownership opportunities for our citizens in the lucrative yachting sector by offering professional development and formal practical training which then would create revenue that would stimulate and foster a compounding effect of prosperity on the economy.

Increased revenue that doesn't leave St. Maarten will automatically be a strategic instrument of wealth and standard of living increase for the general population. Such an initiative would assist in decreasing the unemployment rate while adding a much needed substantive tax revenue to government coffers.

The yachting industry provides us with an opportunity for a "win/win" employment and increased turnover tax revenue framework.

Presently, we have a situation where we have a lot of mechanical technicians who operate small unregistered businesses, but who are also in possession of the essential skillsets necessary for entrepreneurship in the yachting sector. If these skilled mechanical technicians were to become officially registered, it would not only be a means to stimulate our economy, but also an opportunity to increase wealth and the standard of living for the general population. Additionally, it is imperative that collected and earned revenues remain in our country in order to attain the standard of living that our general population deserves.

It is my intention to ensure that our people become actively engaged contributors and beneficiaries to our economy rather than simply contributors to tax collection.

Melisa Molanus