Dr. Voodoo's blog

It's been a while since I felt like blogging, Flipper's email asking me to write something for the site a couple days ago was on my mind but honestly, I'm just too fed up with it all. But then, today reading the Daily Herald's (nice new site by the way DH!) story about Frans and George saying they don't think SXM should have separation of Church and State I no longer had any choice.

I've covered religion and SXM's religious nuts a few times over the years, one my first blogs here was titled Gay Gay Gay Gay Gay, I was sick and tired of reading religious clap trap and homophobic hate speech in our papers, and about 3 weeks later the two CBS gay guys got whacked over the head with a tire iron in Maho. Links to some of my other blogs can be found on one I wrote last year titled 'State and Church Separation?'

Before I get stuck in to this lovely meaty morsel laid before me, let me just state as I have done in the past that it is not my intention to offend those with religious beliefs. However, I reserve the right to have and hold to my own non religious beliefs and that means it's probably impossible not to offend those with them when speaking my mind. You have been warned.

Back on the 4th of July an article appeared in the Today that I knew I just had to write something about, unfortunately I lost it and only just now found it. I'm glad I did because it's all very relevant to today's Government/Church kum bi ya event in EWE and the question LH asked recently about just how much Fran's religion influences his decision making.

The Curacao Island Council has passed legislation to charge a $10 entry fee for all local visitors to casinos. According to Frans, the casinos in SXM are geared towards tourists who are not used to being charged for entry and would find such a thing complicated. I got news for Frans.

Very few of the casinos in SXM are geared towards tourists, the vast majority of them deliberately focus and target the local market. Oh, and small point, but important, the entry fee in Curacao is for locals, not for tourists. He does have one thing right though, the need for a Gaming Board. You see, I have some experience working in casinos and I have an idea of what a GB does, I wonder if Frans does?

So many things to write about, yet it's so difficult to get my head around them, every time I want to write something about the police force and security something new comes up in the news. I came to to conclusion some time ago that Minister Dick is just that, a dick for several years now he has been promising all sort of things and yet here we are today with things pretty much the same as they always were.

Police staff still unhappy and him claiming to be unaware, again, some officers wanting to leave and return to Curacao, the Chamber of Commerce trying to move its own plans for camera surveillance forwards because Dick is obviously doing nothing, and now bidding for new cells in Simpson Bay while the ones in Philipsburg remain unfinished. From the news articles it seems this time they plan to be a bit more careful who they award it to.

Below is a collection of news on all these stories, feel free to discuss :)

Is there a connection between Gangsta rap and and violence?

This video posted on YouTube in May 2007 is a locally made gangsta rap song.

"Pull your nine...... (9mm)..... one false move for sure they gonna die, right between the eyes, yo my shots gonna fly...."

1:55 - ...wondering how it gonna feel to pop a nigger with my nine....

And now some of these guys are to be tried for 'popping' Akeem Lake back in June 2008.

Akim Lake murder trial suspects.

Interesting huh?

Richard Gibson, as head of the group 'reorganizing' the police force, calls for SXM to have it's own Police Academy. This is surely the most stupidest and dumbest idea yet. SXM does not need a police academy, our force needs to be integrated with Kingdom Police Forces, where officers are obligated to spend periods of service and training in other parts of the Kingdom in order to avoid our force from becoming a stagnant good ol boys club resistant to outside influences and change. Which is what it is now.

That Gibson, the man in charge of organizing and restructuring our police force can propose such an idea is disappointing to put it mildly.

Gibson - SXM needs a Police Academy - 28th March 2009

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I go away for a couple weeks and what happens? Caribdude expresses his opinion that Creationism has no place in our schools science classes and ruffles a few feathers. OK, so he also expresses his atheist views too, but it's hard to do one without the other I think, apart from it's his free right to do so. I had to laugh though, because I've written much harder hitting blogs about religion in the past here, particularly in regards to gays and how many of these so called believers of Jesus promote intolerance, bigotry and homophobia

One month after I wrote this blog in 2006 where I said gay people just want "to be able to hold hands and be open with their love for each other without the threat of some nutjob wanting to beat them up", two gay guys got brutally beaten up.

And what do I read about when I open the papers today? The Island Council hosting a meeting with religious groups to discuss and hear their arguments against accepting gay marriages.

If you are so religious that you feel you have a right to tell others who they should love and who they can commit themselves to then be my guest and continue reading, I aim to offend and I plan to get biblical on yo ass. (No pun intended.)

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I think Tension continues to rise in the community - 4th February 2009 would be a more apt headline.

So Panneflck is leaving to start what exactly? A new SXM Police Force of somekind? That's what it sounds like to me, but with private ownership and involvement. This does not sound healthy to me at all. And I'm sick and tired of local officers whinging and moaning about management from outside taking the top spot, many other countries around the World, including many Caribbean Islands have taken foreigners to head their police forces because they value skill and competence over emotional petty pride. An outside head and influx of outside knowledge, standards and training is exactly what our force needs.

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See below.

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It's a rare occasion when I find myself in agreement with Roy Marlin, but I did write on the matter just over a year ago and nothing much seems to have changed. Year after year we get talk and promises, yet our police force is still dangerously understaffed, federal detectives understaffed, prosecutors office understaffed, prison understaffed and the island has to resort to hiring private security to fill duties that should be covered by the police force.

I've said it before, but Dick, the Federal Govt and the Kingdom are disgracefully failing the people and community of St. Maarten, they putz around with half ass measures, surges of controls, but nothing is ever structural and solid, as I said before, it's like putting band aids on a wound that requires intensive care. Roy is quite right, Dick continuously fails to bring any real long term solutions and resources to the problem. Perhaps he should find his balls and stop letting the Police Unions dictate his job and decisions for him.

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Three prosecutors, one each for Curacao and St/ Maarten which will fall under the Minister of Justice of each, one for the BES islands. All three will answer to one Public Preosecutor.

The Dutch minister of Justice can give instructions to the public prosecutor in case fundamental human rights and freedoms, legal certainty and good governance in a relevant country are not guaranteed. It is a remedy of last resort. There will also be one Common Court of Justice, as is the case now.

News links below

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Who is going to be monitoring these cameras? Are they vetted? Will these cameras have audio recording ability? Seems like a case of cart before the horse to me. What's the point if you can't follow it up or back it up as needed? Can someone tell me? It's highly questionable if cameras will make any difference, even if manned and backed up by an efficient and fully staffed Police Force

Cameras not enough, ‘total package’ needed - 21st November 2008

Panneflek, Dongor lament shortage of human resources in Police Force - 21st November 2008

Surveillance cameras in town from January - 20th November 2008

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While French Side President of the Collectivity (The Borg?) is on the right track when he states that the crime situation we have is linked to failures in the past, particularly in the social, education and labor spheres, I think his opinions on correction and rehabilitation of criminals is rather shockingly ignorant..

“Young people over the age of 20 to 22 cannot be corrected,” he said. “The mindset of an 18-year-old cannot be changed. The character and personality have to be built from an early age.”

Yes, people and attitudes are shaped by their upbringing, but attitudes can and do change, even as adults we learn and change our mindsets. Didn't a majority of the American electorate just demonstrate a mindset change? Are you the same person holding the same ideals and opinions you did 5 or 10 years ago? We all grow, we all get older, gain maturity and wisdom (most of us) and only a closed mind refuses to reexamine and if necessary refine their opinions and principles on a fairly regular basis. One can only wonder if Mr Gumbs, as a teacher, ever had a reformed criminal motivational speaker in his classroom or school.

I don't know much about Gumbs, but this dumb statement caught my eye and I'm going to listen out a bit more carefully in future. Can anyone tell me what his plans are? Is he following Louie Constant's previous agenda and program? Are there plans for a National Police Force? I'd be interested to hear about it, and his plans for correction.

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Commissioner Louie Laveist was arrested this morning around 9am, Wednesday 22nd October 2008, it is unclear from news reports if he was arrested at home, or as he arrived for work. Lou Lou is apparently being investigated in a forgery investigation concerning a Venezuelan woman, could it possibly be this one from back in 2005? If so, then I imagine it's possible Lt. Governor Richards is being investigated too? Certainly it would make things interesting wouldn't it?

The smoke from Lou Lou been going on a long time and you know what they say about where there is smoke there is a fire. Indian Merchants tell me today that they estimate donations to Louie's New Hope Foundation to be close $250,000 over the past few years. Can anyone tell me what exactly this foundation has been doing, apparently they help drug addicts but I never hear of their work. That's where the conflict with Boasman comes in, either Boasman wanted a piece of the action or he decided to start playing it straight like any sensible person would in these times. And lets not forget about the bus licenses, meant for the local small businessman, but now something that brings in a monthly rent for whoever owns it. Sheds some light on the crappy public transport system we have doesn't it.

I've collected together the most recent news and most of the blog posts that have been written about Lou Lou over the past few years below, for your refreshment :) - Dr. Voodoo

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It's been reported that Chief Inspector Alfred 'Churchill' Marsden was killed in a helicopter accident Tuesday night. Our condolences to his family and that of the other victim, Mike, or Micheal.

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Yesterday in Curacao two agreements were made, one on financial supervision and another concerning the new structure of Justice and the Police. I wonder how long it will be before the details and drafts of these agreements are made available to the public? Lets face it, our media just writes what they are told and have a very limited level of understanding to review these things.

I am asking because I am concerned. I am concerned that SXM has no independent civil rights body, police complaints board or ombudsman to ensure that our politicians are not giving themselves excessive power that may be abused for political purposes. I'm concerned that so far in all these reports we hear very little about reinforcing the democratic system, Good Governance, public accountability or transparency in govt. What about election reform to fight buying of votes and contributions made by special interests, a Code of Conduct? Roy's private jet trips are a prime example of this. Who paid for them? Something that still remains unanswered.

The Kingdom has a responsibility to reinforce and create democratic institutions and safeguards to ensure the island does not continue down the Banana Republic Road once separate status kicks in, so far I see no clear signs they are doing so. Hady has raised this matter before, laws are being created with no information or input to the public.

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Some people still don't get it why graffiti, gangs, youth violence and crime has been rising these past few years. Could it perhaps be a weak and underfunded education system? Govt will claim that education gets the biggest chunk of the island's budget, but the problem with that is that SXM has a shoestring budget.

Sarah claims that compulsory education can't be implemented until the immigration system is fixed, "what" she say's, "would we do with extra classrooms and teachers once illegal children had been deported? Fill them perhaps with more illegal children or thin out over crowded ones maybe Sarah?

Dick Confronts Sarah on Compulsory Education - 26th September 2008

St. Maarten needs clear directives for implementing compulsory education - 25th September 2008

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Love it!

By: P. Denicio Brison, Bsc. LL.M.

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In an effort to help out here, you will find the latest round of news stories related to the the Maria Buncamper, Telem, Sky is the Limit story. I've rounded up what I could find, but it's left me with no time to write a blog. Never mind, the discussion seems to be doing just fine without one. I'll try to add some of my thoughts on it all in a comment sometime, if I find any, time that is, I have lots I'd like to say :). Please try to continue the discussion below instead of the new Open Thread, I'll try to keep it as updated as I can.

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Please excuse me Dr. Voodoo, for hijacking your blog post, but I feel the need to make some guidelines and I didn't want to start another post on the matter.

First of all, comments are now turned off on all threads and news items on SXM PE that are about Vincent, you can only post on this one.

Second, anonymous comments on the matter will now be subject to a higher level of scrutiny, we here are not interested in his work relationship with his boss or personal comments that are hurtful or just plain nasty.

Thirdly, and I say this directly to his family. There are two articles in our two newspapers here today, one says the family is at odds and the other says they accept.

Which is it? Please ask the father to send the email he sent our papers to send it here too, or post it as a comment. And sort out your own communications and positions between yourselves too. Sorry to be blunt, but I'm not about to let this site be taken over with this sad confusing story. - Flipper (The Management)

Dr. Voodoo's blog post and news items below.
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Back in early 2006 I wrote a blog titled Gay Gay Gay Gay Gay about the homophobic and bigoted hate mail appearing in our papers and how they could be seen to incite violence towards gay people. One month later Dick Jefferson and Ryan Smith were attacked in Maho. I've written twice more about it since.

This time I am so happy to see I am not alone, to all the people who wrote to the papers I thank you. Also, the Today deserves forgiveness for their past mistakes, their stance on the issue now is a very welcome change and spot on target, churches do not write our laws, or do they??

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This past week Maria announced that there would be an Inquiry into into the death of Esteban Caraballo while waiting for care at the SMMC. It's not the first time the emergency service at the SMMC has come under fire and promised a report.

I have used SMMC many times over the years and I have always been taken care of, by warm and friendly doctors, nurses and admin staff. However there have been a couple of times when I felt I could and perhaps should have been attended to sooner and was left sitting in the waiting room without anyone even doing a brief examination despite my concern.

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The recent story of a police officer shooting at the door of his ex, or unfaithful, lover, should come as no surprise when you hear that there are no social workers working within the Windward Islands Police Force. It's not the first time an officer has displayed unstable behavior and decision making, nor, if the club and gun rumors are true, the first time authority has been abused with a display of arrogance and egotism.

Power corrupts, it is well known, which is why a healthy democracy must have transparency and accountability from it's government and public officials. Police and Law Enforcement officers have a great deal of power, which requires a higher level of supervision and management. The big picture here is not this officer, or the others before him who have 'screwed up', the Big Picture here is the failure and almost criminal neglect of responsibility from Dutch and NA politicians, in particular David Dick and Hirsch Balin, to fix the problems of St. Maarten and it's justice system.

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It would seem our judges and prosecutors don't feel rape or sex with a minor are such a big deal, lenient sentences or deals are made quite often, unless of course you do it armed as a robber,. In St. Maarten you could also just claim the voodoo made you do it. The judge will sympathize.

One particular case stands out to me though, the case of 4 women, who were apparently on the run from a brothel, and the off duty police officer who reportedly returned them to the brothel and participated in raping and abusing them. Janchi Leonard, he of little credibility, came out last week to state there was no evidence to support the womens allegations and that in fact no complaint of rape had been filed. Conveniently the women have all now been deported.

Today we hear an officer has been arrested. There are good reasons why you should always take what Janchi say's with a grain of salt. The funny thing is, the guys that run these sleazy joints have formed a 'Gentlemans' (sic) Clubs Association.

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It is very clear, at least to me, that our government and opposition are beholden to 'special interest' groups, businesses and developers for money, others like the Taxi and Bus drivers, for votes. This explains why we have a public transport system that sucks. What is needed is a comprehensive policy and action plan for the future, what we get is Louie, the man of action, pussyfooting around and failing to make any difference whatsoever.

Bus drivers do what they want, when they want, and their licenses and permits are no longer their own, but most often rented or leased from someone else who never drives one. Our Taxi drivers have no interest in serving the local market and the local market has no interest in paying their high 'tourist' prices. The Today Editorial from Saturday is spot on.

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A Police Crime Report with a twist. Marcel Loor gets a huge reduction on his sentence, Holiday gets charged with defrauding the Antilles and we are still waiting for Marsden to 'Bus the Pot' on all the fraud and theft crimes he claimed to have evidence about.

And then, there is the Head of Police Finance who has been suspended for revealing financial information about Lt. Gov Richards, information that perhaps ought to be public record anyway. Perhaps now is a time to bring up that old chestnut the Code of Conduct and ask Mr. Richards if he is willing to set an example by following it.

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Reported today on Radio Soualiga, Alfred 'Churchill' Marsden, aka 'Chico' Marsden, cockfighting and poker affectionado, former head of Julianna Airport Immigration until June last year and National Alliance 2007 election list member. was arrested this morning at the prosecutors office.

Marsden's arrest is likely connected with the previous arrests of Marcel Loor and that of Chief Commissioner Derrick Holiday. More below.

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I remember sometime back that it was announced, by Maria I think, that the draft Constitution for SXM was available online, we looked but couldn't find it at the time. SXM PE posted a 2005 draft copy back in September 2006.

Last week it was announced that a new updated draft was now available in English as well as Dutch, on a website set up for the Country Sint Maarten. I hope there are some legal and educated minds out there who are willing to share their views and observations about it. I have a few to share below.

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Photo from Jabiru

Angelique Chauvire's mutilated body was found on the 3rd of June 2006, 3 days after she went missing. In late July, Kathron Fortune was held as a suspect, and after numerous postponements was tried and convicted of murdering Urvin Remigio Margarita a couple of weeks previously to Angelique's murder.

Since then, very little has been heard about the case, until last week. Below I have pasted a round up of news stories about the Margarita murder and trial, you can find more in the Angelique Chauvire Thread. If you have information about this case, please feel free to share it. Most of it ties up with the story I have heard about her boyfriend being involved with shady guys and that her murder was aimed at him. Does anyone know his name or where he is now?

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Although a fairly new concept on St. Maarten, it is an accepted view in most developed countries that politicians and public officials should be held to higher standards than the ordinary public. So when a department head repeatedly drives drunk, has accidents and clashes with the police, you have to ask yourself if he is the right man for the job.

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If you are a small business owner and and don't have a Kingdom of Holland passport, then the following rules now apply when requesting your director's license, your residence and work permits too.

To renew their residence permits, foreign directors have to prove that they earned a salary of at least NAf. 75,000 per year during the preceding year and have proof that the business has an annual turnover of at least NAf. 500,000. Also, the foreigner has to have suitable accommodations by either owning a house valued at a minimum of NAf. 275,000 or renting a home for at least NAf. 2,250 per month.

Can you meet those requirements? No? Then read this.. If you can't be at the Chamber of Commerce meeting next week (when is it?) then you can find their phone and email contact info here.

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