Dear Editor,
Nelson Mandela once said, “The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. I have often ignored some things, hoping they would disappear, but even then, I knew it was wrong. What I have described is my being afraid. Afraid that if I spoke about injustice or wrongdoing, the people around me would ignore the message and crucify the messenger. After all, he who is without sin is never the one who casts the first stone and the sinner who cries out against sinfulness is always crucified as though he is the only one who has fallen short.”
March 15, 2023, is World Consumers Day. This day is celebrated yearly to remind each business, consumer and government that they can draw attention to the fundamental rights of all consumers and unfair competition dealt out to companies and to respect and protect their individual needs.
The Netherlands and Curaçao protect consumers from being taken advantage of. They ensure that businesses are protected against other companies using unfair practices, price gouging and other unfair competition tactics. They also give the consumer who drives the economy a place to vent their frustration and seek satisfaction should any business mistreat them.
Today, businesses and residents alike purchase Internet service from companies who collect millions while providing less than half of what is agreed on your Internet Service Plan. Families complain that some medical professionals ignore their relatives’ complaints as trivial until it is too late. Cellular service is almost non-existent when you cross the border on a 36-square-mile island, often resulting in late responses to messages or loss of opportunities to receive important calls.
Consumers are forced almost daily to take something else in the shop in exchange for the wrong or malfunctioning thing they purchased despite not needing it. Debit cards are being charged a percentage for usage, and shops have a minimum purchase amount before they can accept your card. If you only wanted bread, you would need to purchase another $17 in goods to charge your card for the bread. On the other hand, the bank offers a VISA debit card, which you are charged a percentage to use at certain outlets because it acts like a credit card, despite spending your own money, and you are penalized for being charged a rate to use it.
Consumers make decisions daily based on incorrect information, whether provided by a government agency or another institution whose employees were not adequately trained or supervised. Rather than asking for help, they make up a rule or policy that does not exist.
All of these things have in common that they happen daily to many of us. While some of us go nuts screaming about it at the establishments, we all end up walking away with no satisfaction or avenue to lodge our complaints and have our rights as consumers protected. Businesses such as those in middle-income areas have to endure what seem to be overzealous inspections of noise and the like that sometimes are necessary, but often appear unwarranted and interfere with these businesses’ ability to operate.
Entrepreneurs follow guidelines to start their businesses and then feel targeted by government officials who make it nearly impossible for companies to thrive. Despite these issues almost daily, not much has been done in the way of consumer protection except for the unfair competition ordinance that is being worked on.
Today I wish to highlight that protection, for both business and especially the consumer have been treated as unnecessary for too long. An excerpt of an article published on Monday, July 26, 2021, by
St.Maartennews.com states: On January 10, 2017, former TEATT Minister Ingrid Arrindell sent two draft ordinances for advice to the Social Economic Council (SER): the consumer ordinance and the competition ordinance. Already on February 9, the SER issued its letter of advice addressed to Minister Arrindell’s successor Rafael Boasman and to then Prime Minister William Marlin. According to the SER, “Studies should be carried out whether a Consumer Authority is necessary.”
St.Maartennews.com also wrote, “Chairlady Oldine Bryson-Pantophlet wrote, ‘A consumer authority adds little value to the current consumer protection framework.’”
The SER advised, “To establish an entity that protects consumers.” Still, it found yet another deficiency in the draft stating that the consumer authority and its attached legislation would supersede all other national laws. The article says, “Lastly, the SER barked at the projected costs; the draft ordinance mentions a budget of 1.6 million guilders (close to $894,000) for a fully operational Competition Authority by the end of 2019. This amount is significant considering that laws that protect consumers are already in place and should be enforced.”
I believe the article by St.Maartennews.com should have received more attention, as should the issue of consumer protection. More people are buying everything from clothing to vehicles online and off-island, and they are experiencing a level of service that offers full refunds where necessary. In addition, despite sometimes getting the wrong thing, our locals are comfortable returning to the online stores because of this appreciation for consumers’ rights. If this trend continues, there will be less need for local businesses. If we put the Consumer Protection Bureau in place, we can protect what is left of our economy, and people will have restored confidence in buying locally.
When I started on this journey to speak out about the absence of the Consumer Protection Bureau and proper laws to protect the people who make St. Maarten’s thriving economy what it is, I felt sure that many of my fears would come to life, and I still do. I also realized that despite many people experiencing harsh and unfair treatment by some businesses and the challenge of some companies not being allowed to open bank accounts while being allowed to operate, not enough is being said, and even less is being done.
Today, I am standing up because fear cannot continue being the reason why good people refuse to stand up for themselves and others. If my life can have meaning from this point forward, I would like to believe that it would be that I conquered my fear because I am motivated. Mandela was on point when he said, “I learned that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid but he who conquers that fear. And, courage is a choice that we can make over fear.”
Alfred Harley
Grand rising people of Sint Maarten.
My name is Joseph Peterson, I’m a candidate on the URSM party list.
I am here to talk to you about The Dangers of Selling Your Vote.
You are a loyal follower of your political party; however, you need to ask yourself the question: are you better off now than how you were before you voted for them? If you are not satisfied with your situation right now, then it’s time for you to make a change.
I have lived practically my entire life on St. Maarten. I’ve seen all the different political parties come and go.
Every election is the same thing, those that are in power now try to fool the people by doing small things like fixing the roads, and other small things, which makes me to wonder what happened to the years that they are in power, and why they don’t follow through on their commitment to the people that voted them in to Parliament.
Why aren’t they helping the people, and why do they wait until it comes close to a new election year to start doing small things, to fool the people to vote them back in Parliament.
I’m here now to tell those people of St. Maarten that believe that your vote doesn’t make a difference, I totally understand where you’re coming from. There are some political parties hoping that you stay at home because they have their followers, and if you continue to believe that your vote doesn’t make a difference, then they have a chance to win, and get right back in Government.
I know you’re hurting and struggling right now. Some of you are working two or even three jobs to make ends meet, and you really want to make a difference. In this upcoming election, you’re willing to come out to vote, and right now you don’t know which political party will have the integrity and strength to make the difference that this country really needs right now.
Unified Resilient Sint Maarten Movement (URSM), our name says it, we are Unified and Resilient. We strongly believe in the principle of democracy rule of Law and inclusion, while upholding and honoring our citizens’ values as the fundamental rights, freedoms, conscious conviction for all.
URSM will lead with a clear vision and approach that is anchored in dignity, integrity, equality, peace and respect, contributing to the betterment of the people and St. Maarten.
Now, to our topic of the article The Dangers of Vote Buying. There are different political parties running for this new election, and every one of the candidates of course have their favorite followers.
Some have rich followers, and some have regular followers; of course, there are those that are going to try to buy your vote. It might not be the politician themselves, but one of those rich followers are willing to buy your vote for the candidate that they are supporting, because they want their candidate to win the election.
The integrity of the politician that their followers are buying votes for, is questionable. If those politicians do not reach out to their followers and let them know that it is wrong to buy votes, then that politician has no morals, no character, and no integrity, and definitely does not deserve to be in parliament.
Those citizens that are willing to sell their vote need to think about their future, because the funds or items that you are going to get for your vote will only last for that day or month or so. What happens to you for the rest of the four years, when that politician is going to be in parliament? Do you believe that the politician you voted for is going to help you?
They might not be the politician that bought your vote, it’s probably one of their rich followers that wanted them to win the election, so be careful to whom you are selling your vote. Quite frankly, your vote is valued more than what they might want to pay you.
You have the power this election to make a difference, I urge you to come out and vote, do your research and vote for the right party, the one that is going to help the people of this country.
The URSM is a new party, and our leader Dr. Luc Mercelina has been preparing his candidates for this election, and we do believe that we have a team of candidates that are ready to lead our people and bring our country back on its feet, and make St. Maarten once again, the Jewel of the Caribbean.
If you want a serious Government who will “help you” and not “hurt you”, you must vote URSM.
Follow me on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ursmjgp
Joseph Peterson
The Democratic Party of Sint Maarten proudly salutes all women on this day of global recognition of the position of women as equal partners in development and sustainable advancement for all humankind.
On days like IWD, we celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and we also echo the call for elimination of inequalities, discrimination and prejudices against women and girls, that permeate societies today.
“On days like this, we are most proud of our leader and her steadfastness, never giving up and riding the rough waves of political life, with dignity and poise, a role model for aspiring politicians.
“When we are able to break down the inequalities that women face in their homes, their workplaces and their communities, through understanding the different dimensions that stand in the way of gender equality, only then can we construct the paths of equity,” the DP leader stated.
IWD is a celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women throughout the world, past and present.
“Our celebrations are through the lenses of the St. Maarten women, all St. Maarten women; the movers, the motivators, the mentors, the caregivers, the teachers, the trailblazers, the workers, the entrepreneurs, the academia, the providers, past and present. And we do so with an awesome responsibility for those who follow in our footsteps.
“In the pursuit of equity, the non-profit leaders on St. Maarten stand head and shoulders above the rest, because they recognize there can be no equality for anyone if there is no equity for everyone, equity that promotes good health, education and economic development for all.”
Without fail, the topic of technology comes up as a driver of equality. Without fail, technology as a driver without equity, based on technological gaps analyses, will remain out of reach for those most to benefit and progress from technology, and further away from closing the gaps in digital equality.
As we celebrate the undeniable strides women have made in all sectors and even dominate despite the odds; as we encourage women to use their innate traits of resilience and creativity, leadership and compassion, we must take this time to also reflect on identifying the barriers faced by women right here on this idyllic paradise we call home, barriers that obstruct them from being all that they can be as individuals, as proud members of the community and so much more.
Embrace equity.
Dear Editor,
On this International Women’s Day, I want to commend and celebrate women and girls around the world.
The silent battles you fight, and the daily challenges you’ve overcome have made you a true-life superhero.
To humanity I say: let us continue to empower women, let us double our efforts against discrimination and violence towards women and girls.
Let’s step it up for gender equality and make sure no woman or girl is left behind. Girls with dreams become women with vision. Unlock your potential.
Happy International Women’s Day.
Fabio Doralice
President of Le Sommet Foundation
Dear Editor,
I am astonished by the verdict and the reasoning in the article "Company acquitted of Label Tampering" published on March 2nd in The Daily Herald. It is unacceptable that some unauthorized importers and retailers are deliberately altering or removing the supply chain production codes. This is a flagrant violation of the law and a grave threat to all shoppers and consumers.
Tampering with labels on tobacco, or any other products is intolerable and should be punishable by law. The fact the judge made a “technical error” between wholesale and not retail makes it obvious that our laws need to be updated. For reference and wholesale sells those goods to the retailer and the retailer sells those goods to the final consumer or customer. As any importer, your justification that the supplier “sent it like that” is surely an example of a supplier that you should not be dealing with, obviously not trustworthy and very suspicious. “Know thy supplier” is one of the more basic and common principles that all importers and retailers should adhere to. I wonder if this “sent it like that” excuse would hold up as well if illegal or prohibited goods were found.
It undermines the efforts of public health authorities to reduce tobacco consumption and protect people from exposure to tobacco smoke. It also deceives consumers who have the right to know what they are buying and using.
Label tampering is not only illegal, unethical and irresponsible, but more importantly a serious and danger to all consumers and shoppers in St. Maarten /St Martin. It is a form of fraud that puts profit ahead consumer safety.
Those who engage in label tampering or purchase products that have had label tampers should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
A very concerned citizen
