Dear Editor,

In celebration of International Leo Day, observed globally on December 5, the Sint Maarten Lions Club proudly recognises the Sint Maarten Leo Club and the Sint Maarten South Leo Club for their unwavering dedication to youth empowerment and community service. These dynamic organizations have consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering future leaders and making a lasting impact on the community.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to both Leo Clubs for their invaluable contributions. Establishing and supporting Leo Clubs is a profound privilege for us. We wholeheartedly believe in shaping the leaders of today, and the Sint Maarten Leo Clubs exemplify that vision.

Over the years, the Sint Maarten Lions Club has witnessed the tremendous impact these Leo Clubs have made within the community. Through initiatives such as back-to-school projects, feeding programmes and the ongoing ’Tis the Season Food Drive, these young leaders have significantly improved the lives of many. The ’Tis the Season Food Drive aims to bring joy and relief to those in need during the holiday season, reflecting the true spirit of giving and service.

Beyond their local contributions, members of the Leo Clubs have risen to prominence within the Lions organization, with some even serving at the international level. This remarkable achievement underscores the importance of fostering youth engagement and leadership development.

The Sint Maarten Lions Club is committed to nurturing the growth and potential of the Leos, providing guidance and opportunities to support their leadership journey. The Leos’ dedication to service, leadership and growth is inspiring. Their initiatives not only uplift our community but also exemplify the core values of the Lions organisation.

On this International Leo Day, the Sint Maarten Lions Club extends its congratulations and deepest appreciation to the Sint Maarten Leo Club and the Sint Maarten South Leo Club. Their tireless efforts in leadership development and community service have been instrumental in shaping a brighter future for Sint Maarten.

As these young leaders continue to make strides in their service and growth, the Sint Maarten Lions Club reaffirms its commitment to supporting and guiding them every step of the way. Together, we can ensure a legacy of leadership, compassion, and meaningful impact for generations to come.

Lion La-Teen Clark,

President of the Sint Maarten Lions Club

Dear Editor,

I stand corrected but I believe that it was 2014 that mention was made by the then police chief, that there were no statistics on crime in St. Maarten of the year before. From then already I expected our government (whichever one) to do whatever any self-respecting government does. Over the years I have discussed this with conscientious persons, who shared my view on this matter.

To say it simply, “your statistics can tell you a story”. In this case the decrease, stability or increase for instance in crime. Also, crimes in specific areas. Which can be an indicator for adverse behavior.

For example types of crime. I am mentioning this to alert those who decided, if elected they would be able to at the least assist in guiding the progress of the country in the right direction.

People to whom I speak sometimes think that I am the smartest person in the world, what I categorically deny. I was fortunate to be permitted to carry out and perform the best job in the world. And because of that, I would openly declare that “anyone who has worked for 15 years or more as a police officer and remained a fool, it is because that person was born to be a fool.” The police officer is the only person who finds him-/herself directly or indirectly involved with about 95% of whatever is happening in the country.

Not too long ago I mentioned, “… we run things.” A lady called me and told me, “I wish it was so fo true. Tings would’a be better.” But practically speaking, that is what it is (used to be) because the laws are made by the politicians in government, but it is the police who physically make sure that they are carried out. I would even go a little further as to mention that if the police performed their duties in an optimal way, the prosecutors would have time to doze off.

Calling people’s attention to their shortcomings was an intricate part of the police officer’s job. Serving the community is disbursing information, but also correcting negative behavior of others. But I have to emphasize that the police officers of late are bringing criticism on themselves and that is the fault of the police management (exceptions taken into consideration), not the Minister of Justice.

Proof of part of this is because of what was said to me in confidence by someone whom I know for years as a law-abiding citizen. I was shocked, but honestly speaking, I was hurt when this person said to me that he lost all respect for the police officer on a bike, to whom bystanders pointed out a traffic violation while it was being committed, who responded quite audibly, “All you alright, I can't bother myself with these people.” On thinking of what could be the cause of that kind of recalcitrant behavior, I came to the conclusion that that police officer (and possibly more of them) is (are) frustrated not with the public but perhaps with the lack of knowledge how to take action and describe that infraction. Or how to go about correcting that situation.

While writing this, the word “bridle” came to mind, because that is what our mentors used to say about some of us in our rookie years: “We have to put a bridle on he.” When we went on the road for the first time in 1966, we were equipped to individually handle any situation. What to do while awaiting personnel from the department which was specialised in handling the situation at hand. We were well versed in the traffic ordinance as well as the General Police Ordinance (no loitering, no public use of obscene language, etc.); how to handle a detainee who tried to resist arrest, in the correct manner to avoid the offence which was committed being declared null and void.

In the beginning of this letter I wrote that it hurt because more and more I hear the same thing: “The police are not going to do anything.” So, like I stated in the beginning of this letter, it is the statistics. Without doing anything, and no statistics which should tell the story, there is no comparison possible. And, this not the Minister of Justice’s duty, this falls under the chief of police. If I see a dump-truck being driven carelessly on the road, and notice that it is my brother behind the wheel, should I really turn a blind eye? Could it be possible that tomorrow that same dump-truck runs into me?

Russell A. Simmons

Dear Editor,

Some waves of concern are being made in the Cayman Islands as the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) received reports from its members of a decline in stay-over business when compared to 2023.

The slowdown in bookings was reported from May 2024. CITA added that the months of September and October have also been even slower than usual. For the upcoming 2024-2025 season, CITA adds that advance bookings are down when compared to 2023.

Is this a signal for the rest of the Caribbean Region to be on the alert?

Some of the reasons given are that the pent-up travel mania after two years of COVID-19 may be waning down; increased competition from other regional destinations; and an active hurricane season.

According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization, in 2023, regional tourism continued to grow with an estimated increase of 14.3% in international tourists visiting the Caribbean. “This growth was aligned with the projected expansion of 10.0% to 15.0% for the year, thanks to sustained demand for outbound travel from the United States – the Caribbean’s main source market,” CTO said.

The World Tourism Organization (WTO) says that global tourism is set for full recovery by the end of 2024 with spending growing faster than arrivals.

The WTO said that around 1.1 billion tourists travelled internationally in the first nine months of 2024, as the global tourism sector recovered 98% of pre-pandemic levels. According to the latest World Tourism Barometer by United Nations (UN) Tourism, a full recovery from the biggest crisis in the sector’s history is expected by the end of the year, despite economic, geopolitical and climate challenges.

WTO: Four years after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought global tourism to a standstill, the Barometer reflects the sector’s remarkable recovery, with most regions already exceeding 2019 arrival numbers in the period January to September 2024. The report also shows outstanding results in terms of international tourism receipts, with most destinations with available data posting double-digit growth compared to 2019.

The WTO said that international tourist arrivals grew strongly in the first nine months of 2024, driven by strong post-pandemic demand in Europe and robust performance from large source markets globally, as well as the ongoing recovery of destinations in Asia and the Pacific. Increased air connectivity and visa facilitation also supported international travel.

The Americas which we are part of, recovered 97 per cent of its pre-pandemic arrivals (-3% over 2019).

International tourist arrivals are expected to reach 2019 levels in 2024. International tourism receipts had already virtually achieved pre-pandemic levels in 2023.

The WTO adds that while a large number of destinations already exceeded pre-pandemic arrival numbers in 2023, or have done so in 2024, there is still room for recovery across several subregions and destinations.

“A slower rebound in parts of North-East Asia and Central Eastern Europe contrasts with strong results in all other European subregions, the Middle East, Central America and the Caribbean, where arrivals have surpassed pre-pandemic values.

“As in 2023, the year 2024 has seen strong export revenues from international tourism, due to higher average spending per trip (excluding the effects of inflation), partly the result of longer periods of stay,” the WTO pointed out.

With the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season behind us, as well as the challenges that NV GEBE suffered throughout 2024 – the 20-Megawatt New Electricity Plant should be coming online soon, destination St. Maarten has much to be thankful for as we move into the holiday season and into the 2024-2025 high tourist season.

It has been said that tourism is as fragile as glass, because the slightest disruption causes a wave of consequences, and we know from experience, whether its weather-oriented or a global pandemic, resilience has been our mantra and the order of the day on the “Friendly Island” one challenge at a time.

Happy Holidays.

Roddy Heyliger

Dear Editor,

With continued support and the belief that she will be an exemplary public official, allow me to congratulate our newly appointed Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling for accepting the offer to direct this very diverse and interesting ministry – the administrative sector that is responsible for upholding the rule of law, regardless of the gravity of the situation.

Minister Tackling (although I like chairlady), to pursue the role of a public executive is never an easy commission for someone who chooses to dedicate his or her life to the advancement of the people, and country, in which he or she is summoned to serve. Your decision is admirable, but the journey ahead will be extremely challenging, due to the bureaucracy that is designed to maintain the highest level of checks and balances.

This position will test your integrity to the limit, whether it’s by your own account or from people with ulterior motives. But try your utmost not to ever lose control of your ministry. Set the tone from the start to become known for your principle of impartiality; so that when the tiny irritations begin to emerge, every decision that you make will be from a place where these evaluations were carefully considered.

Not every day will be the same. At times the trajectory to your goals may be hindered by unforeseen circumstances. But you have to recognize the elements that will allow you to manoeuvre effectively, through this vast and complex administrative system – a network that requires advance knowledge, your value of self, intention, wisdom, intuition and integrity – factors that are intertwined, to keep the circle complete.

Your worth is your strength. So, the value that you place on yourself will be the anchor that will keep you grounded. So, if at any time you feel that you’ve lost your tactical initiatives for your various objectives, just access your spiritual domain – the divine territory that would give you a deeper understanding of the situation and the assurance that you’ve got the team to help you recalibrate your approaches and policies.

As indicated in the previous paragraph, your value of self is your power; therefore, your success will come from your efforts and determination, to preserve this quality. Keep your eyes open in your immediate surroundings and beyond; but always trust your intuition, because it is the built-in mechanism that is similar to a compass, but is much more powerful than what the eyes can perceive.

As the weight of responsibility continues to increase, always welcome the learning experience, because there is always something to discover. On your path of discovery, identify the vulnerable areas within your ministry, and tap into every resource that can help you steer the department into the direction that will elevate the ministry, the people, and the country.

In your pursuit to enhance the ministry, stand by your principles, because the bureaucracy of government is designed to maintain the highest level of checks and balances. You will make mistakes, and every time you do, the experience will help you to assess and persevere; but try as much as possible not to bring your integrity into question.

The pressures of public life can be overwhelming at times. To ease the frustrations that will emerge from this bureaucratic system, always take time for yourself. Do not hesitate to leave the office and go for a walk to rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit. But more importantly, try to avoid taking work at home. When you are done with the office, leave your administrative mind behind. Unless there is an emergency, your personal life takes precedence.

I truly hope that you could maintain that grace and excellence that you’ve exhibited during the process of this year’s August 19 elections, when you held the position as Chairlady of the Main Voting Bureau (I’m still waiting for my snacks). If I were you, I would have contracted a small group of experts for about 3 months, just to delve into matters that concern the police force, coastguard and the prison.

As you proceed on your journey of discovery, may the God of the universe continue to direct your thoughts and shower you with the wisdom that you will need to guide your decisions, knowing that all of your plans are only as good as those who are tasked to execute them.

Joslyn Morton