]> http://sxmprivateeye.com/blog/697 en http://sxmprivateeye.com/node/12166 <p>by Terry J. Peterson</p> <p>Letter from Vance James Jr.<br /> February 20, 2007</p> <p>Dear Terry,</p> <p>Thanks for the invitation extended to stand with you at your political launching and public introduction. It would have been a great opportunity to show my commitment to the youth and the future of our nation. But, unfortunately I will be away in California USA where I will be attending the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Educational Conference and won't be home until March 21. Congratulations on the major step you have taken. It is heartening when young people take what is not an easy step. I can offer advise to you and am pleased to do so. In response to your questions I attached some tips. I wish you every success and if you so desire, would be happy to preview your speech and give comments.<br /> Every success. Honored to have been asked.</p> <p>Sincerely,<br /> Vance James</p> <p> TIPS FOR YOUNG POLITICIANS: YOU HAVE DECIDED FOR PUBLIC SERVICE!<br /> <a href="http://sxmprivateeye.com/node/12166"><strong>Click here &#038; scroll down to Read TIPS FOR YOUNG POLITICIANS by Vance James</strong></a><br /> <strong>____________________________________________________________</strong></p> Education and Youth Island Politics Mon, 07 Jan 2008 06:15:58 -0800 http://sxmprivateeye.com/node/12155 <p><img src="http://sxmprivateeye.com/files/images/05featmargo.jpg"><br /> By Terry J. Peterson</p> <p>"Anyone who votes against this budget, would be voting against the future of SXM"<br /> -Roy Marlin, 2008 Draft Budget, Island Council Meeting, Dec 2007.</p> <p>"The Island Council missed a golden opportunity"<br /> -Sarah Wescott Williams, 2008 Draft Budget, Island Council Meeting, Dec 2007</p> <p>The 2008 draft budget approved by the present administration is another bikini budget in which the more significant parts are concealed and the less significant parts are revealed. It is unfortunate that the current government would justify allocations to Tourism by suggesting that it is the future of Country St. Martin. It is alarming to think that school children, policy makers and many others may believe this hollow proposition. It would seem that this is the reason why our government finds it necessary to use tax payers’ money to train young St. Martiners to become dishwashers, bellboys and housekeepers in brand name hotels. What golden opportunity? The future of St. Martin is not tourism. The future of St. Martin is education! We need to build an educational system so that we could transact in knowledge production and knowledge export.<br /> <a href="http://sxmprivateeye.com/node/12155"><strong>Click here to Read More</strong></a><br /> <strong>____________________________________________________________</strong></p> Education and Youth Environment Heritage and Culture Island Politics Tourism Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:52:17 -0800