St. Maarten Private Eye

I haven't read the Teen times article myself but the way you lay it out makes me think it's no big deal. Nothing at all near or like the level of plagiarism and theft that one of our local papers appears to be committing almost everyday.

In fact the charge of plagiarism takes away from the real and more important question. Are our teachers paid enough or not? The only way this question can be answered, and no doubt people will differ on what 'enough' is, is to know what the salary scales are that the government has taken over 3 years putting in place.

I appeal to any teachers out there reading this, if you want our, meaning the publics support and understanding, then you have to be more open with us. I have asked a couple of teachers for the salary scales and both of them hmm and ahh about it, but I never get them, like they are some secret to be kept. Trust me teachers, most educated people understand very well how important our teachers are for the future of the country, we can tell a fair salary when we see it and knowing what they are allows a real debate about them to be had.

All public pay scales, police, civil servants, nurses, teachers, should be available somewhere to view for the public and for students who may choose one day to enter that field. I will ask again here, if there are any teachers reading then send us a copy of the salary scales so we can publish them and let the public make up their own mind.

Just as a reminder note, SXM PE does not tell or control what people write and no individual comment or blog speaks for everyone else here. The only voice that represents the site is Flipper really, and even he speaks for himself. The new sxm pe which is still coming will make it even easier for any users to post a blog and it will appear in the blog section. It will only get promoted to the Front Page if it is well written, deemed very important or creates a lively and informative discussion or debate.

Some readers do seem to think that we operate as a newspaper, with a staff and program to follow, this is not true in the slightest. Each of us that regularly write pick our own subjects to write about and it is always their point of view, although the core group here tend to agree on most things ideologically or in principle. Unfortunately time limitations mean that many issues and subjects that deserve discussion don't get blogged about, including good news. Yes, I could blog about the Regatta, post pictures of people having a great time etc, but for me a story like Roy's trip to see Murdoch and the argument about transparency is more important for me to spend my time on.

Anyhoo....

I'd like to see those teacher pay scales so we can discuss the real questions here, are our teachers being paid enough. Are they receiving the training, guidance and support that they need to give our children a real education. Are our schools getting the funding for the equipment they need. What is the situation with school's computer labs, how many computers do they have, do they have internet access, etc.

I have little admiration or time for MG and I also suspect that Teen Times is influenced by DP Youth Wing sort of teens, cut from the same cloth as he and Stewie, who now appears to flip flopped on his support for his beloved DP now he is a teacher. Sorry Sybile, but I think hitting them on plagiarising is a miss hit here. See if you can get those salary scales and lets discuss the real questions.

With all the students who contact us and use our site, I think we here at SXM PE should consider starting a Private Eye Youth Wing. lol

Hady