Local Hero's blog
Again, in no way is it my intention to discredit or cast Millicent De Weever in a bad light, but I do feel a little bit vindicated after raising questions about her appointment as Acting Lt. Governor back in February. This matter should not reflect badly upon her, it's a good job to be offered. But those who made the appointment must clearly have a poor understanding of the rules and principles of governing and good governance.
Editorial: Proper governance - 25th April 2008
De Weever appointment was illegal, say experts - 25th April 2008
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
Island Politics | 5 comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Mon, 2008-04-28 07:27.
Island Vision long ago lost my respect and I don't plan to be sending in nominations this year for their enviro awards, I just can't be bothered, sorry. It's not that I can't think of people to nominate, the usual crowd spring to mind along with a few newcomers like Laura Bijnsdorp and her team. There are people out there who deserve to be recognized for sure.
It's not the lack of transparency with the nominations or votes, nor is it the plagiarizing. No, it's more to do with the people he invites to present awards and make speeches, it's partly to do with Stephane's desire to 'be Someone" and his enabling politicians, officials and businesses to fraudulently portray an environmental image when they have none. I cringe and feel ill just being in the same room as some of the people he invites. No thanks.
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
Climate Change | Energy and Water | Environment | 18 comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Sun, 2008-04-13 21:49.
This week we got confirmation about just how successful Sarah's recent trip to Holland really was. It's funny how those headlines can be misleading eh?
So, December 15th gets axed and the change to New Status gets moved back a couple of years. On the one hand many will want to let out a big sigh of relief, on the other hand it means at least another 2 1/2 years of this Exco and IC. Sheeesh...
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
21 comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Fri, 2008-04-04 08:21.
Jadira Veen reports from the scene....
YouTube Video - Nature destruction at Over the Bank in St. Maarten
NAf. 7,000 fine suggested for destruction of old trees - 27th March 2008
According to reports I have, interest was expressed by the Emilio Wilson Park Foundation via Wilhelm Patrick to save the old house and move it to the park. I am also hearing that what is left may be mostly salvaged. Perhaps the fines can cover this?
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
Development and Construction | Environment | Heritage and Culture | SXM Pride Foundation | 6 comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Fri, 2008-03-28 16:12.
Sarah's trip last week to Holland was hailed with a front page headline by the Today as a success, unfortunately neither the article or the editorial that went with it could tell us what the success was.
I can see two things that could be reported as a success, the first being that Sarah was able to meet with lots of important people, the second being the photo op mileage gained from the trip.
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
Constitutional Change | Dutch Politics | Island Politics | login or register to post comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Sun, 2008-03-23 13:04.
And so NOVA came, with less of a bang than some of us expected considering their name, but then, were we wrong to expect too much from them? SXM PE made a request to them to add subtitles to the shows when Dutch is spoken, their response was "It's expensive and our show is for a Dutch audience". Say's it all really doesn't it?
Although they are right, it is expensive and their audience is largely Dutch, SXM Maarten is part of the Dutch Kingdom in the midst of a very important decision making time, and, as they point out themselves in their show, English is the main language here. I've always thought that talking about someone in a language they don't understand in front of them is rude. Maybe it's just me, expecting too much.
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
Dutch Politics | Federal Politics | Island Politics | Justice Police Crime | Media | 10 comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Sun, 2008-03-23 11:22.
Our Island Government does very little to protect the environment or punish polluters so I guess we can only assume they have little interest in cleaning it up. I do not consider Clean St. Maarten picking up garbage on the sides of our roads so our tourists don't see it to be 'cleaning it up'. I dare say that if we didn't have a tourism based economy they would even be doing that.
Just because you can't see pollution doesn't mean it is not there. Toxic and heavy Metals, chemicals, pcb's and more all create soil contamination and very few of them can be seen with the naked eye. Many can and do cause serious illnesses, from rashes and nausea, to cancer and organ failure, depending on the substance and quantity. Building new developments on land contaminated by previous use can be a serious health hazard to those living or working there in the future. There are two such sites that I want to talk about below.
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
Environment | Simpson Bay Lagoon | 4 comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Fri, 2008-03-07 12:01.
The SXM Nature Foundation was started 11 years ago and one of their primary missions was to establish a protected marine park. Statia Marine Park was also started in 1997 and late last year their Marine Park celebrated it's 10 year anniversary, while SXM awaits the Exco. And waits, and waits...
The marine park ordinance and many other environmental legislation has always been put to the back burner of government. There is also no zoning, back in 1976 the Fed Govt. told every island to start with zoning plans, SXM never started and we are where we are today. The only land that has zoning is Fort Amsterdam, a last minute effort to halt the owners from further developing their land which they bought from the Claude Wathey government. Which shows it can be done, regardless if the land is privately owned. (Like EWE.)
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
Development and Construction | Emilio Wilson Estate | Environment | Epic Foundation | Island Politics | Simpson Bay Lagoon | 1 comment | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Sat, 2008-03-01 11:34.
I don't think most people realize the importance of the Acting Lt Governor position, which is basically the Lt. Governors spot when Richards decides to go off island. I find it surprising then that the position has been filled so quickly, with minimal information being passed via the media to the public about the selection process.
Millicent is the sister (sister in law?) of IC and DP party member Leroy de Weever and the Exco is in power because of his one seat. Does this not strike anyone as being a little odd? Who nominated Millicent to the job? Did Leroy have a say or did he recuse himself? Just how does the process work? Anyone? - LH
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
Island Politics | 25 comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Fri, 2008-02-29 14:20.
The Today Editorial today is a remarkable piece of work of sophistry for a newspaper which would have trouble investigating itself out of a paper bag. It is a rambling mess of irrational outrage at the news a NOVA TV crew is planning to come here and do some investigative reporting on the island about corruption. According to the Today, the perception that St. Maarten is corrupt is 'erroneous', 'ludicrous' and 'malicious'. It attacks any locals who are planning to talk to NOVA about corruption as being on par with Nazi sympathizers of the second world war in Holland who cooperated with the occupation.
The Today newspaper, and the Daily Herald, have played a major role leading SXM to the state it is in today, their pathetic standards of investigative journalism gives them no leg to stand on when another press organization decides to do so. The enemy here is not those who are brave enough to speak up and share information about the problems here, but those who would prefer to shut other people up and keep their heads stuck up their ass, believing they are smelling roses.
The Today to me is a pathetic rag erroneously using the label of newspaper.
More here
____________________________________________________________
Justice Police Crime | Media | 4 comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Tue, 2008-02-19 16:12.
So here we are again, the Emilio Wilson Estate back in the news with Henri "I want' to be a Millionaire" Brookson announcing that he is now the owner of the Estate.
So far I have been unable to confirm this, my sources tell me they have not been able to confirm an official record of this sale/tranfer or whatever it is. Considering that the company Henri is fronting for (or is this move on his own?) have lied about purchasing the estate before (1st Jan 06), it's difficult to know what the truth is.
Please join me below for a short stroll down 'memory lane' and to discuss this story.
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
Development and Construction | Emilio Wilson Estate | Environment | Heritage and Culture | 5 comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Thu, 2008-01-31 19:21.
The Daily Herald and others have for a long time championed the proposal to build a bridge across the lagoon from the Airport to somewhere near Port De Plaisance and the border. The claim is that is will help alleviate the island's traffic problems, particularly in Simpson Bay and Cole Bay.
Daily Herald Editorial - Lagoon Road/Bridge - 27th December 2007
Bridge over lagoon now being studied - 27th December 2007
What do you think?
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
Development and Construction | Roads and Traffic | 13 comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Thu, 2007-12-27 14:01.
The US housing market meltdown must certainly have an effect on SXM´s real estate ´boom´ but of course being SXM there are no reports or reliable figures which can be used to refer to. All we have are rumors and there are plenty of them, some from real estate agents who tell me that sales are lousy right now.
Is it just me or does the lastest mailing from Barbaron have a tinge of desperation in it? I guess there will always be people who hae more money than sense, but I think the pending US economic recession will cut the numbers a tad.
Development and Construction | 9 comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Thu, 2007-11-08 13:04.
The latest issue of Environews finally drives the final nail into it's credibility as an environmental magazine. A front cover telling us how high Indigo's standards are with a 4 page spread of clear BS PR from the developers. Unsurprisingly it is not credited to any writer and there is a double center spread advertisment from Indigo telling us it's going to be "one of the most enviromentally friendly developments in the entire Caribbean".
A while ago Flipper posted a blog titled Beware The Lean Green PR Machine., some call it PR, I call it BS.
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
Environment | 8 comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Mon, 2007-10-15 20:19.
Some weeks ago there were several interesting letters in the Daily Herald where writers were debating the history of the spoken english language and the reasons
for the West India Companie. Right after the Emilio Wilson birthday tribute, a letter was written by a certain Mr. Hellebrand who stated that Philipsburg namesake John Philips was not Sint Maarten's first Governor as is often noted in tourist brochures, but that John Philips was a Commander.
I asked a few people to research this matter and Mr. M. Voges, a board member of the Emilio Wilson Historical and Cultural park made a report which you will find below. Mr. Hellebrand was correct and from this day forward, the Emilio Wilson Estate foundation (EWEF) will correctly state that Commander John Philips house is located on the Emilio Wilson Estate, formerly known as Plantation Industry. We thank Mr. Hellebrand for bringing this very important detail to our attention.
Jadira Veen
Emilio Wilson Estate Foundation (EWEF)
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
login or register to post comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Wed, 2007-09-26 20:35.
VROM Head suspended over Indigo Bay permits - 6th September 2007
Anyone surprised? I'm not. I also think that the wrong person is being investigated, or rather, that others should be too, but that's just my opinion.
Permits are frivolous details says Roy Marlin - May 2005
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
13 comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Thu, 2007-09-06 20:12.
This is just too hilarious. You know that little breeze we had last weekend when Dean went past in the South? Duck had some problems with it.
How much are they charging for these places again? Half a million and up?
ROTFLMAO - (Rolling on the floor laughing my ass off!)
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
3 comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Fri, 2007-08-24 21:08.
This pasy week the IC reaffirmed it's intent to seek ways in which to purchase the Emilio Wilson Estate as a natural and cultural park for future generations to enjoy.
If only it were that simple. This time they added provisions for a planned 'Link 7' road though the middle of it and left the door open for government to build government buildings on it.
Andre Patrick.MP3 - PJD2 - 11th July 2007
Jadira Veen.MP3 - PJD2 - 10th July 2007
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
1 comment | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Sun, 2007-07-15 20:33.
On Friday at the EWE, a presentation of over a dozen environmental documentaries and dvd's were presented to the St. Maarten Pride Foundation by Barbara Cannegieter. The donation was made on behalf of the members of Travel Talk Online.
St. Maarten Pride informs us that they will be working in cooperation with Philipsburg Theatres to show them to classes and youth groups on the big screen. Companies and individuals interested in supporting and sponsoring this program are invited to contact SXM Pride or leave a message below. We feel sure it will be read by a Pride member and you also get to advertise your support to the 600+ daily visitors to SXM PE. (Be brave.)
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
2 comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Mon, 2007-07-09 20:17.
A Special Island Council meeting has been called for tomorrow (Tuesday) with one issue on the agenda, Emilio Wilson Estate. With Louie Laveist voicing his commendable position today against any commercial development of Wilson estate it seems likely that the Island Council will reafirm its decision of September 2005.
There is one concern, that there may not be enough IC members on island to form a quorum. Considering they have had 3 days notice, considering that they themselves are to blame for the situation reaching where it is is now, we hope those unable to attend have very good reasons.
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
5 comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Mon, 2007-07-09 18:00.
I had to laugh Wednesday morning when I saw the front page article in the Daily Herald about the forecast rise in real estate prices. It is possible that this story is being printed 6 months late because of the ineptness and slowness of the Department of Economic Policy and Research, whomever thay may be, but it is rather interesting that it follows so closely after my previous post.
I will mention that I'm not an expert, just a layman giving an opinion based on what I see, what I read and the conclusions and outlook that I come up with. Yes, I am biased, I believe there should be a moritorium on large developments and a comprehensive study made on where St. Maarten is headed. I have no doubts this post will upset some people, but you can't please everyone and be honest and true to your beliefs. Ce la vie.
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
2 comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Wed, 2007-07-04 18:02.
Every bubble bursts eventually and SXM's real estate market is primed for a big pop, the signs are everywhere. Most of the buyers of the ridiculously high priced condo's going up everywhere are assumed to be from the US where the housing loan market is suffering and defaults on mortgages rising.
Aquarius, Westin, Barbaron, Shore Point, Rainbow, Cliff, Cupecoy Yacht Club, Millenium, Indigo Bay, Blue Marina, The Cove, Caravanserai, Pelican Marina and Mullet Bay, to name a few of the most recent and 'under construction/planned' projects, are all targetted at the same dwindling number of clients who can afford what they offer.
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
33 comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Mon, 2007-06-25 12:50.
Just a few photos from over Cupecoy way, for those who haven't been through it recently.
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
11 comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Thu, 2007-06-21 18:06.
I've been hearing stories for a couple weeks now about how the developer of Barbaron plans to fill in part of Little Bay Pond, it appears to me to be confirmed in the press release last week.
'Mangroves to be harvested ..... encroached 26 meters.....'
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
1 comment | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Mon, 2007-06-11 01:41.
Almost two weeks into what is being forecast as an active Hurricane Season and here we are, as we are every year, with serious questions being asked about the shelters. For most of you reading this, it probably is none of your concern, you live in a strong concrete house or you have friends you can stay with. Even for those who will be using them it's not too much of a concern, it's probably stronger than the shack they live in and who are they to question and complain?
There is no way to ensure everyone is safe in a storm, but the issue of safe shelters is important because these are large groups of people gathered together, it opens up the possibility of a tragedy of many victims if the shelter does not hold up.
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
2 comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Mon, 2007-06-11 01:20.
One of the many problems that have been, and are caused, by lack of zoning, a project that has been on 'hold' for a couple of decades now, is the mix up of residental, industrial and commercial that we see today.
The new 'home store' that opened in Ebenezer is no different, Roy claims govt can't do anything about it, they just give out the permits. Uh huh.
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
login or register to post comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Sun, 2007-06-03 18:06.
I wonder if anyone knows if it is possible to ship samples of raw sewage by mail of Fed Ex. Perhaps what we need to do is send some to all the island, federal and kindom officials and politicians as a present.
I've got an idea, how about we get some key chains made, those clear perspex ones, with a nice greeny yucky lump inside. It would be safe, after all, we wouldn't want anyone getting sick now would we, eh? It might even catch the Dutch and perhaps World medias attention. Just a thought. Photo Blog below.
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
12 comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Fri, 2007-05-25 18:27.
A news report in the Today Newspaper, on Friday 18th May, announced that Sun Resorts has been sold, to Island Global Yachting, a company that manages luxury marinas and marina developments, 7 in Texas and 4 in the Caribbean, including Simpson Bay Yacht Club. Anyone able to tell us more?
Sun Resorts sold - 19th May 2007
Update
Mullet Bay NOT sold - 2nd June 2007
Feel free to discuss below.
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
6 comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Sun, 2007-05-20 16:54.
Today, as I was idling my way with the traffic along Zagergut I was hit with a powerful and revolting stench, without looking I knew where it was coming from. Back in late February and early March I wrote two blog posts about the dumping of raw sewage into the Fresh Pond. It is still going on.
Photos below show that a fresh load, possibly two, of raw sewage has been dumped into the Zagersgut inflow to the Fresh Pond. It's past time that the media and the opposition started asking questions about the status of the current treatment plant, the planned upgrades and the island wide system that has been in Limbo since UNESCO scuppered Roy's deal with Intaquin. What's the story?
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
5 comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Sat, 2007-05-19 23:38.
Why SMART picked Westin at which to hold this years trade show I do not know, but to then call it a 'Green Tradeshow' takes the cake. Richards does more of his talking, empty talking.
There is also a discussion going on over at Travel Talk Online too.
'Green' SMART questioned by SXM Pride - 11th May 2007 - Discussion here.
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________
5 comments | read more
Submitted by Local Hero on Sat, 2007-05-12 21:13.
Recent comments
3 days 3 hours ago
3 days 12 hours ago
3 days 15 hours ago
3 days 21 hours ago
4 days 25 min ago
4 days 2 hours ago
4 days 6 hours ago
4 days 23 hours ago
5 days 32 min ago
5 days 3 hours ago