St. Maarten Private Eye

Nice response Rackham. It seems to me though that the writer didn't write anything to imply that he was solely interested in money and making a buck, for instance he stared his post by saying ....take a wonderful island with friendly people... Could it be that he owned a property here because he actually did love the island and staying here? Maybe he planned to retire here and didn't just think of his property as an investment for monetary gain. We don't really know what kind of Frank he is. Maybe you don't see a difference from the Franks you mention and the one I just described, but I think there is one, a lesser evil if you will.

We have noticed and realised that some of the problems with this site is that are more than a few commenters that snap at or attack other commenters, which in the end only discourages others from commenting and joining discussions. This is what Flipper was refering to and it was not just aimed at the writers of the comments in this thread, but in general. We would like to ask people to moderate themselves a little, engage those you disagree with by explaining why you disagree, just as you (Rackham) just did. Some people seem to be either overly defensive or aggressive and confrontational in their comments by stating things along the lines of 'you're the problem' or 'you are stupid and good ridance'.

I think Flipper put it quite well when he said what if it was you that had the money and decided to buy a place somewhere like St. Maarten. It wouldn't matter either way if you bought because you liked it there or as an investment, if the place changed from the place you used to like, or if you forsaw problems in the real estate market then you would probably get out.

What is Frank to do? As a non resident he can't get involved in politics, although the 'big boys' in the property business most probably are, he can't vote. He could of course DONATE to foundations and organisations, SXM PE for example, we are fighting for a better St. Maarten here, to live in, and even invest in, but seeing as he has cashed in perhaps he doesn't care anymore.

How about it Frank? Make a donation and send a Good Luck card if you really care about St. Maarten and those of us here who are still trying to save some of her charm, character and natural beauty.

Just my 2 cents.

LH