Dear Editor,
King Willem Alexander asked for forgiveness. He said in no uncertain terms that his ancestors were wrong to take part in the trans-Atlantic slavery. Prime Minister Rutte apologized for the role of the Dutch State in making this crime against humanity a commonplace. They both displayed institutional remorse.
What’s next? Business as usual? Does the ritualistic tussle between the administration in The Hague and that in Philipsburg continue? Do St. Maarteners forgive the House of Orange, and remain loving King Willem, Queen Maxima, Princess Amalia and the Queen Mother? Or, do they push for reparations and political independence? One-SXM?
All those folks dancing to Machel Montano and other Caribbean greats at the Oualichi festival last weekend gave the realest answer to the “What’s Next” question. The revelers at Oualichi are people who follow Montano’s Caribbean ethic of ‘work hard and play harder’. For most of them life is hard, but every break they get they spend making it feel better by enjoying themselves.
The attendees to the Oualichi festival did so last weekend in all their diversity, in all their styles of comportment. Some performed the role of the drunk and disorderly, some danced exclusively with their man or woman, some whined sometimes with all and sundry as though there was no tomorrow, while others sat and watched the show and enjoyed the meals and drinks in an orderly fashion. The diversity of the country, which has become ordinary with all its frictions, tensions and imperfections, was in plain sight.
Most of the attendees of the Oualichi festival, which is a snapshot of the island, know they do not live on One SXM. Such an imaginary place, where a village reared its young and everyone got along, never existed. What did exist, as what does today, are people trying to make life better in the midst of a few rich and many poor son-of-a-guns. And son-of-a-gun-ness was and still is equally distributed among the genders and ethnicities.
As a French savant once mused, “Hell is often other people,” but sometimes they are Heaven, that is when diversity is respected and no one can claim to speak for all without proper and in-depth consultation of all. Even more paradisical is when politicians and bosses work hard and play harder in a way that benefits the least in society. Alas, that Heaven is still to come. And so One SXM remains a fantasy, and no unity flag, song, or radio program saying that it is Real, will make it so.
In more positive terms One SXM is best described as an imagined community for those dreaming of a nation-state which encompasses the entire 37 square miles. Such, remains a dream.
What is incorrigible today and thus a fact, until the vast majority deem it otherwise, is Sint Maarten and Saint Martin. The French and the Dutch sides exist. Ask anyone residing on the Dutch side who buys appliances from a store on the French side and knows they need a converter, ask any Dutch passport holder who comes into contact with the Gendarmerie, or ask anyone from the Southern side of the island who seeks a work permit on the Northern side, if the Collectivité de Saint-Martin Antilles Française with its local President it is not really real. What do you think they will say!
So too, is the fact that Sint Maarten is an autonomous country governed by a Prime Minister and a Council of Ministers checked by a parliament. Answering “What’s Next?” is an affair of the Dutch side no matter how entangled the island’s colonial history was. The interest of the French side can be taken into account, and must be as this is one island, but constitutional differences matter.
Given these realities, it is not easy to fathom what all those folks dancing at the Oualichi festival would want. “What’s Next?” for them in this whole affair about reckoning with the slavocratic past of the Kingdom of the Netherlands? Ask yourself who exactly attended the festival? Some who attended were no doubt those who imagine One SXM. Yet they were a minority that needs to be heard and respected.
But so too, in any healthy society, do other voices. Everyone must have a say in “What’s Next?”, for it is about St. Maarten. And St. Maarteners after all, extending the memorable words of Eugene Holiday, the former governor of the Southern side, are those “born here”, “those born to be here”, “those who enjoy being here”, “those who happen to find themselves here”, and “those struggling trying make a life here”.
Some residents have Dutch passports, but many do not. Many are people with Caribbean roots and many have routes that brought them to this region of the world, and specifically to St. Maarten. Think of St. Maarteners born to parents born in India or Colombia or the Netherlands or China, Turkey, Lebanon, etc., too much to mention. Their parents were “born to be here” and they are “born here” as those whose great-grandparents already resided on the island.
Those who attended Oualichi were a complex mix and “What’s Next?” concerns them all. It concerns them all, because “What’s Next?” is about the future. The question is how to remake St. Maarten after the formal apologies and the recognition that that historical wrong should be righted? Exclusivity here, as in only some can have a say, meaning the few who today can trace back their direct heritage to slavery on the island, would be Apartheid. Who would want that?
Dr. Francio Guadeloupe
Senior Researcher at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Southeast Asian and Caribbean studies KITLV/Associate Professor at the University of Amsterdam UvA
Dear Mr. Editor,
As a new school year gets underway, we would like to shed light on a pressing issue that has been silently creeping into our education system – the dangers of praising mediocre school results. As we applaud and celebrate average performance, we inadvertently sow the seeds of complacency and undermine the very essence of education. It is crucial that we recognize and address this issue before it robs our students of their potential and hampers our society's progress.
When we shower praise on mediocre school results, we unintentionally send a message that mediocrity is acceptable. Instead of inspiring our students to reach for their full potential, we stifle their growth and discourage them from striving for excellence. Education is not a mere numbers game; it is about nurturing a thirst for knowledge, fostering critical thinking, and instilling a passion for lifelong learning.
The exam results at MPC were disheartening. The reasons for this are numerous and we will be exploring these throughout the course of the school year. The main reason, we believe, is the language of instruction, but that is another issue for the pages of Teen Times. But consider this; when teachers of MPC opt to send their own children to other high schools, after completing Dutch-education elementary schools, this should speak volumes and give the powers that be in education a good conversation starting point or at least give them pause. But we digress, back to praising mediocrity.
By celebrating average achievements, we are breeding a generation that feels entitled to recognition without investing the necessary effort. As a result, our students may lack the drive to push boundaries, hampering progress and innovation in our society. As they transition into adulthood and the professional world, this attitude can have severe consequences for their career growth and personal development.
We must consider the impact on the self-esteem of our students as well. While it may seem encouraging to reward mediocre results, deep down, students may feel undeserving of the praise. This contradiction can breed a lack of self-confidence and an inability to cope with failure. The world outside is competitive, and it does not reward average performance. The challenges they encounter will demand exceptional skills, creativity, and adaptability – qualities that are not cultivated through the celebration of mediocrity.
To combat this dangerous trend, we must shift our focus to a holistic approach to education. It is essential to celebrate effort, growth, and improvement rather than settling for the status quo. By nurturing a growth mindset, we can inspire our students to embrace challenges, view failures as stepping stones to success, and continuously strive for excellence. Our educational system is already failing far too many students. Don’t add to it by telling them 50% is great.
As parents, educators, and mentors, it is your responsibility to instill in our students a sense of purpose and a hunger for knowledge. You have to encourage them to embrace their uniqueness and explore their passions, to be brave in pursuing their dreams, and to never settle for mediocrity. The future of our society depends on their ability to rise above average and become extraordinary individuals who can make a difference not just on St. Maarten, but in the world.
We are not saying to ignore the achievements of those who were successful in their examinations, but the dangers of praising mediocre school results are real and far-reaching. It is time for us to reevaluate our approach to education, to celebrate genuine achievements, and to foster a culture that values continuous improvement and excellence. Together, let us pave the way for a generation of motivated, resilient, and innovative individuals who will shape a brighter future for us all.
The staff of Teen Times
Dear Editor,
Before writing to you, one thing I always think of is John: Chapter 8, verses 31 and 32.
When I was in the fifth grade my mother asked me if I was willing to go work in the Chinese shop after school. I was doing well in school and did not have a problem with homework, so I told her I would go.
From then already I knew that people in business set a goal for the month and if that month they did not reach that goal, even though they made a profit they would say they lost. Meaning if their goal was to make $1,000 profit and they made only $900 profit, they would say they lost. I just read the article "UP was hijacked" and that thought came to mind. But the other thing that came to mind is the different books in the Bible which talk about “all crave”. But then again. one has to be into the Bible to know these things.
I also read, “You must have some sort of respect for what her votes mean. You must have some sort of respect for the population. You must have respect for what the party stands for.” When I read that I asked myself, when forming a coalition, do they have respect for all the other politicians who got more votes than each other and are left out of government? Do they take them into consideration? Also, is that having respect for the population?
Because of the many different coalitions since 10-10-’10. I believe that even a novice would know what has been happening on St. Maarten. I do not believe in highjacking, but In Dutch there is a saying “Boontje komt om zijn loontje” (you get what you deserve). Which reminds me of many years ago, when I went to mediate a quarrel between a white American couple. As the wife was explaining what the quarrel was about, she turned and told her husband, “Payback is bit …, huh?” And I must also add our saying: “Tit for Tat, butter for fat”. Also I must add that this kind of behavior reminds me of immature, selfish children.
When things were in his favor, he did not talk about all the maneuvering and all the deals he had made. So wah goin’ on? The profit drop from $1,000 to $900? What about the pensioners of whom we know which party the majority voted for, what about their pension?
From time to time I will end my letters with the following: “Those who desire to live honestly, who want their lives to display faithfulness and authenticity, make choices based on what is true rather than what is expedient". So, if one wants to live upright one needs to let integrity lead them.
Russell A. Simmons
Dear Editor,
Why is it that we are going to replace the Netherlands Antilles guilder with the Caribbean guilder and to continue the cost of maintaining a tiny currency for no purpose? Why is it that we are going to endure the complications, risks and costs associated with an economy largely using a foreign currency but having to use the “national currency” for a range of self-inflicted purposes?
Has the cost and risk to the real economy ever been measured?
The answer to my question is not that economists hold the opinion that there is value to the country in maintaining this currency. In fact there is a general consensus that there is little value. Once upon a time there might have been a different view when in a different economy to ours it might have been possible to adjust the exchange rate to make the economy more competitive in international trade. That possibility does not apply to us in any event.
The real reason for us continuing with a separate currency is because our parliament has members who have sentimental views which determine that we are better off with our own currency. Our own is better, they think, than someone else’s. Given our open economy this clearly makes no sense.
When in the near future I hope we are going to enjoy some coalitions with younger and more open minded MPs I believe it will be likely that this position will change. But then the expense will have been made and regrets will not benefit us.
Robbie Ferron
Dear Editor,
As a business owner for the past 25 years and as an accountant and tax consultant it has been an uphill battle for businesses to thrive in such a hostile economy as country St. Maarten. The system more and more is targeted to strip our people through all means from their resources that give them the opportunity of a better living. Besides having to deal with the envy, jealousy of your own kind, the business community has to undergo the unfair practices of the system itself.
Bad politics has infiltrated on all levels in this country. Besides resentful people being placed in cardinal positions, you have spiteful people executing political agendas and others that sent their pit-bull agents to quote partial laws suitable to execute their wicked schemes.
Remember, even the head of a snake can be chopped off. People, be reminded that what is done to others today will be done unto to you in return even when you ask for forgiveness after the fact.
How is it possible that prior government and this one can’t provide a tax break to our small and local businesses? We from the US Party have a list of the businesses that we have noticed that execute bad practices and contribute to the high tax non-compliance in this country that is not being harassed, rather some institutions want to target and try to intimidate individuals through false power play, through the notion of fear instilment. To all of you who do this to people under the disguise “I am just doing my job”, when the time reaches that karma is at work remember those words, because the universe will be at work!
Being a silent contributor is being an accomplice. I think it’s high time that our small and local businesses experience some sort of tax break as well and that a more suitable tax environment is created for the overall business community.
With our plan the non-compliance rate of 45% will drop with 17% the first 2 years, a decrease of 22.1% in 5 years. And depending on how we tackle the immigration and price control we can possibly achieve a tax compliance of 65% in the first 3 years. Some rigid steps have to be taken, but all to the benefit of a healthy economy.
If we don’t stop exercising this crazy pressure on the business community especially our small businesses we as a country will be in much deeper problem. We will create:
* more illegal business practices,
* increase in unemployment,
* more hiring of illegals,
* unfair employment treatment,
* increase in social deterioration,
* increase in children sexual abuse as a means of income generating; and
* last but not least, increase in violence.
The US Party has a broad section within its 498-page country plan for our business community from small to large businesses. This plan also entails innovative and practical approaches for new branches within the economy cycle that will develop from the plan to be executed by the US Party.
Pamela Gordon Carty
Leader of the United St. Maarten Party (US Party)
