St. Maarten Private Eye

Flipper:
I agree that it is great to have this opportunity to express my view on things taking place on St. Maarten but I have long been concerned with the way the most unreal
rumors make the rounds here. People say and Print the wildest most bizzare things about people without a jot or a tittle of evidence to support their claims.
The bit about Roy Marlin being a member of the board of Westin is a perfect example. Another is the story about some of our politicos being involved in the concrete business is just as bizzare, where is the proof? For me the saddest thing is that SXMPE losses credibility as I believe this site is a real boon to the island.
Keep on keeping on Flipper.

Well, first of all, because some piece of information is a rumor, does that mean that questions should not be asked in order to find out the truth or untruths behind it? Do not the police, journalists and others go about investigating cases and stories by asking questions and following rumors and leads?

The first case. It is very easy for a journalist to ask Roy if there is any truth to the rumor about him being on the board of Westin. It is a perfectly legitimate question to be asked of a public servant such as he is and I see no reason why it should not be asked.
Secondly, the cement business. It is common knowledge about certain commissioner's involvement in various businesses that benfit often from govt contracts. The document that was sent to us clearly states that Theo and Roy are involved as partners with Windward Roads in Central Concrete, those red trucks. Again, why are they not asked about it?
Until our politicians and PUBLIC SERVANTS are required to declare thier business interests and to put them aside when entering politics so as to avoid suspicion of graft and self enrichment then these rumors will persist.
And I myself think that asking questions to find out if rumors are true or not is the only way to find out the truth. Isn't that what we all want? - Flipper