Dear Queenie,
My son gave his father, my ex-husband, a fancy shirt for his birthday. I recognized the shirt because it was one I had given my son for Christmas a couple of years ago and I had taken a lot of time trying to find one I thought he would like. I didn’t say anything about any of this, but it’s not the first time he has passed on some gift we have given him. Once he even gave my husband, his stepfather, something I had given him previously.
Queenie, I find this insulting. Should I say something, or just stop giving him things?—Offended mother
Dear Mother,
Your son may have forgotten who gave him these items, or he may be short of money to buy something when he wants to give a gift. Look at it this way: If you had given him money as a gift, would you be offended if he spent the money you gave him on a gift for you or for someone else?
If you want to make sure he cannot re-gift whatever you give him, give him something he cannot pass on to someone else, like a fancy dinner at a restaurant or a night with you at the movies or some other event.
~ With record-breaking heat and the risk for increased natural disasters ~
Dear Editor,
The Caribbean, with its stunning beaches, vibrant cultures and diverse ecosystems, faces an unprecedented threat: climate change. As global temperatures break records and natural disasters become more frequent, Sint Maarten and the entire the region must take decisive action to mitigate these impacts and safeguard the future of Caribbean people. By adopting proactive strategies and fostering regional collaboration, the Caribbean can chart a course toward resilience in the face of this mounting crisis.
Investing in resilient infrastructure is crucial for Sint Maarten and the wider Caribbean to withstand the growing threat of natural disasters. Governments and regional organizations should prioritize infrastructure projects that consider climate change projections, including elevated sea levels and intensified storm activity. By implementing stringent building codes and regulations such as mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments, we can minimize the damage caused by hurricanes, floods, and other extreme events.
Sint Maarten’s and the Caribbean's heavy reliance on fossil fuels not only contributes to climate change but also leaves the region vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply disruptions. Embracing renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy security. Governments should incentivize investment in renewable infrastructure, explore innovative financing options, and collaborate with international partners to accelerate the transition to clean energy.
Additionally, the Caribbean's unique ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, and rainforests, provide invaluable natural defenses against climate change impacts. Efforts to protect and restore these ecosystems must be intensified. Strengthening protected areas, implementing sustainable fishing practices, and promoting reforestation initiatives are key steps toward preserving biodiversity and enhancing resilience. Moreover, partnerships between governments, NGOs, and local communities are vital for successful conservation efforts.
Also, timely and accurate information is essential for effective disaster management. Strengthening and expanding early warning systems across the Caribbean is crucial to ensure that communities receive timely alerts about impending hazards. Investing in advanced technologies, such as remote sensing and real-time monitoring, can enhance forecasting capabilities and improve emergency preparedness. Additionally, public awareness campaigns should be launched to educate citizens about the significance of early warnings and their role in disaster response.
Finally, it must be understood that climate change knows no borders, and no single country can tackle its challenges alone. The Caribbean should leverage its regional strengths and collaborate with neighbouring countries, international organizations, and the global community. Sharing best practices, knowledge, and resources can lead to innovative solutions and strengthen the region's collective capacity to mitigate climate change impacts. Regional platforms and partnerships, such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), can play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration.
Climate change poses a grave threat to the Caribbean, with record-breaking temperatures and increased natural disaster risks becoming the new norm. However, by taking bold and collective action, the region can build resilience and mitigate these impacts. Strengthening infrastructure, embracing renewable energy, preserving ecosystems, enhancing early warning systems, and fostering regional collaboration are key steps in this journey. The time to act is now, for the Caribbean's sustainable future and the well-being of generations to come. Let us rise to the challenge and chart a path towards a more resilient and climate-conscious Caribbean.zio Bervoets
Conservation professional
Dear Editor,
Bonaire Human Rights Organization (BHRO) and the Civil Society of Bonaire challenge and resist a Netherlands national committee that includes Bonaire with regards to “Reparations”. In our view only we, the Bonerians who are living on Bonaire, can represent themselves for the reasons below:
Unlike the Caribbean independent nations and the semi-autonomous islands Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten, our island Bonaire has no political independence; our self-governance is below the United Nations and International Law minimum standards and there is no equality in and between Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius (BES-islands) and the Kingdom of the Netherlands that constitutes out of Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten.
Bonaire is still a colony, as at the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles on October 10, 2010. Our BES islands were imbedded in the Dutch Constitution without equal rights and without the consent of our people. Despite the democratic decision of the people of Bonaire in the 2015 referendum that voted against (66%) and rejected the imposed Dutch constitutional status. Our autonomy that we had had since 1954 was erased and reversed, and Bonaire and the BES-islands returned to colonial-era-direct-rule from The Hague. All of Bonaire’s and BES-islands laws, education and tax money is collected and controlled by the Dutch Parliament in The Hague.
Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten, the CAS-islands situated in the Caribbean, are semi-autonomous territories in the Dutch Kingdom with each one representative in the Kingdom government. The Dutch government, who has a majority in the Kingdom government, will remain with the ultimate power to unilaterally impose Kingdom laws or acts upon these CAS-islands.
A brief history of Bonaire enslaved people:
1 - Our Bonaire ancestors, as well as those of all other Caribbean islands, were forced/made slaves by the European colonizers. Entire Bonairean enslaved families, men, women, children, and also convicted enslaved ancestors from other sister islands laboured on the saltpan and were worked to death in these pans of Bonaire. With a very short life span, harsh inhuman treatment, most of them becoming blind, they cultivated, harvested, and shipped thousands and thousands of tons of this “white gold” to Holland to grow their main economic fishing pillar, building their economy and enriching them to one of world richest nations. All by our ancestors’ free labour and short-lived lives in these horror salt plants.
2 - After the Dutch abolition law of 1863, our ancestors could not work for free for them anymore, the Dutch government maliciously decided to divide the island Bonaire in five big parts/plantations, sold our ancestors’ lands to Europeans in an auction in 1868, and then abandoned our ancestors to fend for themselves.
3 - Our peoples, on all levels were systematically and premeditated denied of all historical information on our slavery past and history as it was never mentioned nor was put in our school curriculum which the Dutch Education Ministry controls up to today.
For clarity’s sake and to prevent any further misunderstanding, we would like to make absolutely clear that no organization or group from Holland represents Bonerians’ human rights in the Diaspora, Africa, or the United Nations.
Bonaire Human Rights Organization reiterates its commitment to “reparatory justice” as they continue the presently already over 460-days awareness mission, physically on the road country to country, throughout Latin America and the Caribbean to hold the Netherlands accountable for the unjustifiable human rights violations on Bonaire. Furthermore, to promote BHRO’s commitment of protecting basic human rights, and to work collectively to bring regional and global awareness on Bonaire’s social, economic, political inequality and our trajectory of listing Bonaire on the United Nations Non-Self-Governing-Territories. This includes, cultural justice meeting various Latin America and Caribbean leaders, presidents, and prime ministers and present them the Bonaire Assessment of Self-Governance Sufficiency in Conformity with internationally recognized standards.
BHRO will continue to strengthen their partnership with CARICOM reparations Committee (CRC) and will actively contribute to the CRC, United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, ECOSOC, Global African Congress, Caribbean Progressive Alliance and others, activities and is inclined as Civil Society representative to participate and self-finance, in person, in any meetings, conferences in the Caribbean region, in Africa, or Europe, enthusiastically moving forward to the realization of reparatory justice for our peoples..
Davika J. Bissessar – Bonaire Human Rights Organization
James Finies – Foundation Nos Kier Boneiru Bek
Sedney Marten – Movement For Change
Dear Editor,
Everyone uses Fort Willem as a short cut.
If Great Bay and a new hotel or development, Fort Wheel – the first middle class neighborhood will need assistance. The very least that must be done is to remove the car wrecks that have been there since Irma.
There are too many car wrecks left over from the hurricane to navigate the roads safely.
1. The car wrecks inhibit ambulance, police and fire vehicles from getting through the neighborhood.
2. Non-residents and residents use them for multiple nefarious purposes. (It’s a predatory environment for young women).
3. Residents can’t park in front of their own homes due to wrecks that have been there since 2017.
4. Increased high volume and speed traffic from the Prince Bernard Bridge to Great Bay and Little Bay make driving hazardous.
All the wrecks need to be removed.
Add more speed bumps, as the area is a pass through from the bridge of Little Bay Road.
Remove commercial vehicles that are parked on the government road.
Concerned citizen
Name withheld at author’s request.
~ Key for our future as a Caribbean nation ~
Dear Editor,
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to take part in BDO Dutch-Caribbean’s Panel Discussion on St. Maarten’s need to transition into a Blue, Green and Digital Economy. Although many exciting and encouraging things were said during the event I am, as always when it comes to these sorts of things, a bit concerned that after the pretty words and good intentions the things which were said and the commitments which were made will fall on the wayside. Which would be a shame.
As St. Maarten, hopefully, strives to transition to a green, blue, digital, and resilient economy, it is crucial to strike a balance between economic development and environmental conservation. This delicate equilibrium requires a comprehensive approach that considers the needs and concerns of local communities, promotes collaboration between the government and private sector, and leverages the unique natural resources and biodiversity of this island which we call home.
First and foremost, we must increase the aligning of our national efforts with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which provide a solid framework for integrating economic, social, and environmental dimensions of development. By setting clear targets and working towards achieving these goals, St. Maarten can ensure a balanced approach to our (sustainable) development.
Emphasizing the development and implementation of blue and green technologies and innovation is another essential strategy. By encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices and investing in research and development, St. Maarten can drive economic growth while minimizing its environmental impact.
Promoting a circular economy is also crucial. This entails minimizing waste, encouraging a reduction of our solid waste (and finally implementing a ban on single-use plastics. I am all about communication and inclusion but the data has shown that the only effective way to reduce plastic waste is a top-down ban; once plastic is available it will be used no matter how conscientious the consumer) and using resources efficiently throughout the production and consumption cycle. By transitioning towards a circular economy, St. Maarten can reduce its ecological footprint and create a more sustainable future.
Accelerating the adoption of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, is paramount. Offering incentives for businesses and individuals to invest in renewable energy infrastructure, while phasing out subsidies for fossil fuels, can drive the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy system.
Sustainable forest management and supporting responsible agricultural practices play a vital role in conservation efforts. By implementing sustainable practices like organic farming, agroforestry, and precision agriculture, St. Maarten can preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services while supporting local food production.
Protecting and restoring natural habitats, including forests, wetlands, and marine ecosystems, will be crucial for preserving biodiversity. Establishing protected areas and promoting sustainable tourism practices can ensure the long-term sustainability of these ecosystems while providing economic opportunities for the local community. Unfortunately I must remind the reader that St. Maarten is the only island in the region without a protected area on land.
Additionally, implementing strong environmental regulations and standards is essential to hold businesses accountable for their environmental impact. Offering incentives such as tax breaks, grants, and subsidies can encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to the green transition. These should be offered to businesses and individuals that make the effort to be “green” or “blue” and not to the gambling sector for example, regardless of casino bosses political patronage.
Raising awareness among individuals, communities, and businesses about the importance of environmental conservation and the benefits of a green economy is also crucial. Promoting environmental education and encouraging sustainable lifestyles can drive behavior change and foster a culture of sustainability, something which St. Maarten desperately needs.
Also, collaboration and partnerships are key to the success of the green transition. By involving governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and academia in decision-making processes, St. Maarten can ensure that diverse perspectives are considered and sustainable strategies are developed and implemented. By encouraging investments in “green” and “blue” projects and businesses through financial mechanisms like green bonds, blue carbon offset schemes, and sustainable investment funds, St. Maarten can attract the necessary capital to drive sustainable development.
In addition to addressing the broader transition to a “green” and “blue” economy, it is crucial to consider the needs and concerns of local communities, especially vulnerable populations. Engaging and involving these communities from the outset through stakeholder engagement, community assessments, and capacity-building initiatives is vital for an inclusive transition.
Finally, tailoring laws, policies and programs to address the unique circumstances and preferences of local communities and vulnerable populations is essential. By ensuring affordability, accessibility, and cultural relevance, St. Maarten can create an enabling environment for these communities to participate fully in the green economy. We also need to increase the effectiveness of our legal systems; St. Maarten has no requirement for Environmental Impact Assessments, again one of the few islands in the region to not have one. And finally the Beach and Hillside Policy should be enacted into law so as to ensure that our beaches are free of harmful economic activity and accessible to all of our population and not just a select few. And of course our hillside policy should also be translated into law which must include a terrestrially protected area so as to ensure that the goods and services provided by our land can benefit our future generations and will not run the risk of being turned into another hot, concrete stain on our beautiful island of St. Maarten.
Tadzio Bervoets
Conservation Professional
