Hady Nufyet's blog
When it comes to smoking up the an issue and rewriting history, Roy Marlin is the boss. In an article this past week reporting the 'official' opening of Air-Fin's water plant in Cupecoy, he had me in tears with tales of his sleepless nights during his fight to award them the contract and save St. Maarten from having dry taps. According to Roy, he is not to blame for months of shortages and the huge financial losses incurred by GEBE from purchasing water from the French Side, it was the opposition's fault for demanding transparency and asking questions.
Poor Roy, suddenly overwhelmed by an urgent situation that no one could have seen coming, not even the Commissioner signing off on all the development that contributed greatly to that urgency and whom had also been in charge of GEBE for many years preceding the shortage. And then, having to suffer the public and their elected representatives asking questions and wanting details about the urgent deals he was having to make on our behalf. Honestly, there were tears!
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Energy and Water | Island Politics | login or register to post comments | read more
Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Sun, 2008-04-13 11:28.
Not really sure what to say about this. All news clippings posted below, feel free to make a comment.
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Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Mon, 2008-04-07 06:55.
Government today announced that a new Cargo Harbor will be built in Cay Bay next to the GEBE power plant. Speaking at a press briefing, Commissioner Theo Heyliger announced plans for the new cargo facilty, justifying the hugely expensive decision to move all of Point Blanche's cargo traffic to this new location as plain old 'common sense'.
"For years I have worked to build up the cruise visitor traffic to our paradise in the sun and the first thing they are confronted with is boxy container ships unloading and big trucks roaring past them on the road to town. It's ugly and dangerous, not the sort of image we want to be presenting to our visitors if we want then to come back again. This is just an extension of my ongoing beautification plans for the island.
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Development and Construction | 7 comments | read more
Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Tue, 2008-04-01 01:11.
Maria and many others seems to the problems the Dutch have with the island and Separate Status is all down to the WODC Report.
There is much more going unmentioned. The problems and concerns raised in the WODC report are the result of poor and inadequate govt policies and decision making. St. Maarten has no Code of Conduct or Ombudsman or other body to enforce govt transparency or accountability, in fact this govt has done everything it can to resist, delay or resist such changes. For me there is much more than just corruption at play, there is also incompetence and generally lousy stupid policies to consider too. They will blame Curacao and the Dutch, but our local govt has much more responsibility than it wants you to believe.
World Bank Governance Indicators
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Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Fri, 2008-03-07 17:18.
Two stories this past week centered on government transparency, the first was Maria's disappointment in the Daily Herald printing information about the draft Sports Policy and then the DH irritated Roy enough with an Editorial questioning his trip to NY to meet Murdoch that he felt a need to write a letter about it.
The issue with Maria is clear really and she contradicts herself in her letter when she states that the idea is to involve everyone in the process and get as much input and advice as possible" So what's the problem Maria?
Then there is Rupert Murdoch....
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Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Sun, 2008-03-02 16:03.
It's been mentioned a few times in the past how regular writers on SXM PE tend only to write about doom and gloom and bad things. This is true, for several reasons, including time limitations and the fact that we are interested in exposing things that are bad and wrong. Talking about good things running well doesn't really accomplish much or provoke much discussion, whereas with the bad things we hope discussion and making information available will help make them better.
I really started this blog about my being happy Atonement will be playing at Philipsburg Theaters this coming week, nightly at 8pm (except Mondays). But as I write it I realize that this is a good opportunity to take a new look at the movie theater situation on the island and to share some thoughts about it.
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Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Wed, 2008-02-27 16:29.
image from SMN NEWS
The Teachers are on strike and who, knowing how they have been treated, can blame them? They have been fighting for new salary scales for several years now and have been offered nothing excuses and broken promises.
I support the teachers, I think the education system in SXM is a disgrace, schools getting donations to buy text books on hospitality, are you kidding? People give Sarah too much respect, she is very much like many others in her Exco and government, undeserving of it..
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Education and Youth | 10 comments | read more
Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Wed, 2008-02-20 17:45.
An article on page 3 of Thursday's DH deserves a mention I think, unfortunately it's not on their website and I am unable to scan, so you'll just have to take my word for what it says.
The article was about Air-Fin's, (sounds more like an airline of Finland than a water company), 'imminent' take over of the plant in Cay Bay and is based on what Roy Marlin told the press on Wednesday. "Told the press" are the key words here because, as we all know, our island's intrepid reporters rarely ask questions that may make our commissioners uncomfortable or upset. It's much more amiable and safer not to rock the boat.
Update -
Air-Fin finalizing plans to take over water plant - 14th February 2008
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Energy and Water | 8 comments | read more
Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Sat, 2008-02-16 12:20.
"Change is important, but not at all costs" and Change in (SXM) attitudes likely"
The headlines yesterday about Sarah's new attitude towards the Kingdom (Holland and Curacao in particular) put me in a blogging frame of mind. Someone beat me to it though, sort of, with this comment in Voodoo's previous post titled Vanity, Pride and Thin Skins. The writer is pretty much on target with my thoughts on the matter. There are a few things I want to add though, and because I think this story deserves a fresh blog page I will put them below here instead of in a comment there. I have also added links to related news on the Daily Herald website these past few days.
St. Maarten needs a New Status and to be free of Curacao, I fully support this and I think most people can agree with this point. The issue here is not whether St. Maarten will get New Status, but what form will it take. It's about vanity, pride and ego over rationality, practicality and wisdom.
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Constitutional Change | Dutch Politics | Federal Politics | Island Politics | 10 comments | read more
Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Fri, 2008-02-15 09:56.
The Daily Herald deserves applause for it's article this last weekend on the three sex slaves from the Dominican Republic who have been screwed over, not just by the owner of the so called 'Gentlemans Club' and it's clients, but also by our so called 'Law Enforcement' authorities. The Dominican Consul is too kind and gentle to them in the report today in the DH, asking why she was not notified about these women until after they had been deported.
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Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Mon, 2008-01-21 11:05.
(AP) - ROSEAU, Dominica (AP) - An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.3 rocked the eastern Caribbean on Thursday, the U.S. Geological Survey said. No damage was immediately reported.
The earthquake was centered 23 miles (37 kilometers) southeast of Roseau, the capital of Dominica, where the shaking lasted for about 20 seconds. The quake was felt as far away as Puerto Rico.
The quake struck at 2 p.m. EST (1900 GMT) at a depth of 90 miles (145 kilometers) beneath the surface of the earth, according to the geological survey's Web site.
Earthquake rocks Trinidad, Tobago, Barbados, Martinique, Dominica and other Caribbean Windward islands
Buildings reported to collapse in Martinique/Gaudaloupe
USGS - Magnitude 7.4 - MARTINIQUE REGION, WINDWARD ISLANDS
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Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Thu, 2007-11-29 16:57.
I know that the writers of this site hit on Roy a fair bit, but let´s face it, he deserves it. It´s been two years since he announced that companies were being sought to increase supply and it still hasn´t happened. Roy and the Exco decided in May to give the contract to Air-Fin to build a new plant in the Lowlands and at the same time denigrated GEBE by stating they are not capable of the job despite thier wishes to do so.
Roy´s excuses about the current shortage being the result of Aquadesign closing it plant and the start of the tourist season is laughable, if only having no water was a laughing matter. As always, and I stress that this is my opinion, Roy is again spinning and casting a smoke screen to mask his incompetance and mismangement of our water supplies.
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Energy and Water | 7 comments | read more
Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Thu, 2007-11-29 14:02.
4 years? How much is that is St. Maarten terms? And he did it all on his own with no one else knowing about it or turning a blind eye huh? Please fee free to share your comments below.
Four years in jail for millionaire cop - 19th November 2007
Marcel Loor trial to continue today
Loor to know his fate today - 15th November 2007
More can be found in the Marcel Loor Thread
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Justice Police Crime | 7 comments | read more
Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Mon, 2007-11-19 08:58.
Today is November 11th, St. Maarten/Martin´s Day, I have no doubt that all the local power and money hungry politicians, from both sides of the island, will be out and about giving speaches, stoking the ol fire of national pride. Reinforcing the delusion many seem to have, that because they are local we must be proud of them too.
Every local, and by local I include those who have emigrated here, who love the island and call it home, should avoid the ´political´events today and do something else instead. I have some suggestions.
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Dutch Politics | Federal Politics | Justice Police Crime | Tourism | 2 comments | read more
Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Sat, 2007-11-10 05:28.
Our dear commissioner Roy Marlin passes the buck yet again in his recent comments at the weekly press briefing.
Residents Should Consume Less Electricity to Cut Cost—Marlin—Make some Mentality Changes - 27th September 2007
Granted, the residents of the island need to be made more aware of energy wastage, but take a look at the airport at night when it is closed, all lit up inside with airco's running, that huge roof doesn't even collect water. Or look at the harbor, floodlit every night, regardless if there are ships unloading or not.
Mentality changes are desperately needed, but not just with the consumer. Take a look in the mirror Mr. Marlin.
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Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Thu, 2007-09-27 11:30.
As I was helping out and posting news clippings from the past few weeks, I was reminded of the recent break ins at the Chamber of Commerce and the Courthouse.
They could of course just be ordinary burglaries, but the reports about the crimes leaves this questionable. Such places hold sensitve information and documents, to some people, these can be more valuable than cash. Of course, taking any cash or a few items like a computer or two helps to cover that up somewhat.
Maybe I'm just a conspiracy nut? Anyone?
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Justice Police Crime | 3 comments | read more
Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Mon, 2007-09-24 08:37.
Poor Loor, tried and convicted in the court of public opinion and his trial didn't even start yet. The Today paper seems to be on a roll, two editorials already this week lamenting that the principle of innocent until proven guilty has fallen by the wayside.
Perhaps the Today just doesn't get it that public confidence and faith in the courts and justice system of St. Maarten is at an all time low. Cynicism and skepticism rule and the people to blame for it are the authorities and politicians.
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Justice Police Crime | 12 comments | read more
Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Thu, 2007-09-20 22:52.
By Terry J. Peterson (sent to sxmpe by email)
The promises may fade from memory, but the experiences are countless.
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Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Wed, 2007-09-19 07:45.
Ex-cop Hen Ling Soon on a quest for justice - 12th September 2007
Feel free to discuss this story in comments below, Hen Ling is a regular visitor to SXM PE and I am sure will answer questions anyone may have. Keep your comments and questions respectful and polite please. Updates will be posted below.
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Justice Police Crime | 6 comments | read more
Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Wed, 2007-09-19 07:36.
A story was recently shared with me from Anguilla to describe why things are as they are there. I think it also applies to St. Maarten too, as well as many other places around the world so I share it with you all below.
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Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Fri, 2007-09-07 12:44.
As much as I understand the need to regulate immigrants and abuse of directors licences, these new rules and conditions not only show the island as being incapable of monitoring and inspecting businesses, but it also seems excessive and over the top.
I happen to run a small business, I meet very few of these new requirements. Fortunately I am European, so if it is a problem you all know where I will be re-establishing my business, ie the other side. Is it just me, or do these new rules seem Dickheaded to anyone else?
New rules for Directors’ Licences for foreigners go into effect today - 3rd September 2007
Daily Herald Editorial - The cost of doing business - 3rd September 2007
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Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Tue, 2007-09-04 17:25.
It's now been one year since the Captain Hodge Pier was transformed in to a liqour store/childrens play ground/VSK patrol watch tower and office. The liqour store is a story in itself, first touted as a Rum Jumbie tasting booth and dogged by rumors of unfair or unclear tendering for this prime location.
I want to mention the so called Soualiga Tower, sitting empty and waiting for the VKS now for 1 year. I guess it is only to be expected, afterall, it took about a year to get that patrol off the drawing board/note book too. But let's look at the bigger picture.... it's really much the same all over.
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Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Sat, 2007-09-01 10:48.
"The most violent element in any society is ignorance" - Emma Goldman
Not a personal attack. Just calling it as I see it.
Letter - Patricia Varlak - Stop the monkey business - 14th August 2007
Apparently she runs something called 'Learning Center for the Wise' ??
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Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Wed, 2007-08-29 21:36.
I'm sure there are more than a few parents out there reading this site. The news from the past week and this week has been posted below.
Please feel free to discuss schools, education and the many problems our youth and schools are having below.
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Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Wed, 2007-08-15 00:05.
I've laid off Janchi for a while, but seriously folks, just where is this man coming from? Back in January not long after the wooden guard rails were placed along Sucker Garden road, the first fatality Ricardo Roberts occured. Since then there have been more than a few accidents along the road where the wood has pierced the vehicle involved.
It's just ridiculous and plain ignorant to leave them there. It does not have to be bad driving to cause an accident, there are many other ways they can happen, they can also be caused by OTHER people's bad driving too. As Dr. Voodoo said back in January, "How many will it take"? before they get rid of them. Apparently Govt is determined to keep them. So, till next time......
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Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Tue, 2007-08-14 23:55.
A well educated and informed populace is much more inclined to participate and pay attention to government policy and politics, this in turn puts pressure on politicians to be good at their job and be well informed and educated too. A smart public is much more able to process information and recognise bulls**t and incompetance, they are much more likely to hold their elected representatives accountable.
I don't think the leaders of this island really want an informed and educated public that pays attention and holds them accountable, because they know more than a few of them wouldn't be elected or re-elected. I may offend some and it's really just too bad, the story below is another confirmation for me.
Drag racing strip for Pond Island - 26th July 2007
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Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Thu, 2007-07-26 15:43.
Some of you may have noticed the articles in the papers today about a water shortage. Nothing to worry about say's Roy, buy more from the French side, beef up the conservation campaign and fix the leaks in the distribution network. Oh, and apparently the public and other elected representatives are not allowed to see the final contract signed with AirFin, a privately owned company that is allowed to operate with no license. Licenses, like permits, appear to be "frivolous details" to Roy.
As it happens, the island is facing a very serious water shortage, Roy 'Heckofa job' Marlin is very much responsible and the situation is as much of a disaster, if not worse, than the garbage and sewage problems he left Theo.
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Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Thu, 2007-07-19 19:35.
Have you noticed the garbage too? It was only 13 months ago we were being told about a possible collection fee, just 11 months ago we were told they were working on the new contracts. In December we were told the bidding would be finalized by January and then it was June.
And here we are in July, suffering a few Glitches.
It's so.....how to put it.... it's so Roy isn't it. Good to know he's now in charge of the pillar of our economy (tourism) and our finances, eh?
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Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Wed, 2007-07-11 00:24.
The previous post on the arrest of Police Commissioner Loor was titled on Loor's own words when he took over the Quick Response team little more than 2 months ago, he said "it was clear from their actions that the police were capable of cleaning their own backyard, so there should be no need to fear."
I would like to continue with that metaphor and propose that it's not just the back yard that needs cleaning up, the ground and second floors need a makeover and refurbishment and It's time to get rid of a few of those old relics in the attic too.
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Submitted by Hady Nufyet on Sat, 2007-06-23 13:45.
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