St. Maarten Private Eye

Dick and Ballin - Criminal negligence?

St. Maarten often makes me think of Haiti. In the sense that there are so many problems that need serious and urgent action and all that ever gets done is a bandaid gets applied when intensive care is needed. The problem never really gets solved, it just festers under the bandaid until it starts to seep through, then another bandaid gets applied.

Who is responsible for the disgraceful and shameful situation of crime and justice on St. Maarten? Some tell me it is Dicky and the Federal govt and I am inclined to agree to a certain extent. But..... I also blame the Dutch government.

Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________

I blame them, a Kingdom Parter, for failing over the past decades to ensure good governance and transparency and I blame them for failing to support and establish civil and human rights organisations on St. Maarten.

Armed gangs committing robberies, detainees abused and beaten by cops (alegedly), human and civil rights cast aside again and again. Convicted criminals deported and set free, a dysfuctional and severly understaffed police force and court system, prison full..... etc etc etc.

A farce indeed and the WDOC report reveals nothing that suprises anyone who knows St. Maarten and what goes on here. It's the same old story, they have been turning a blind eye to it, taking the easy way out and pretending ignorance. Gracita was right in many respects, the Dutch have a responsibity and share of the blame for the situation we find ourselves in.

One wonders just what their game is, do they have the balls to do what needs to be done? We all know what our island government's game is, to change as little as possible so their mismanagement and sketchy deals and schemes can continue after Seperate Status.

Maybe the Dutch have limitied options in the new status discussions, as we know, the accusation of colonialism is thrown about so readily by our politicians when the Dutch try to make conditions. Nationalistic pride is a well our self serving leaders dip into and stir on a regular basis. So the Dutch want us to have balanced budgets? Colonialism our politicians will cry!! Technical assistance? A Dutch Invasion and take over!!

But there are also other options the Dutch Govt has neglected to invest in. There are non governmental democratic, civil and human rights institutions and organisations that should be encouraged and supported to get involved and establish here with local partners. There are public information programs that could be funded to promote pubic involvement and government transparency.

But instead, they leave it to our politicians, who really, do not care for or want the people to be involved in government or informed about what they do, because it would expose just how inept, incompetant or corrupt most of them are.

St. Maarten is part of the Kingdom of Holland isn't it? Isn't Justice a Kingdom matter?

So what is their game?

And it is a game, a shameful game they all play, with our lives, our economy and our future.

Dr. Voodoo

Justice Police Crime | Dr. Voodoo's blog | 14 comments | read more