St. Maarten Private Eye

I was listening to Laser 101 program on this jollification thing. One of this jollification people said that the people shouldn't be so negative but rather look for positive things that can bring about change.
I would like to. I was wondering however what in the world makes these jollification people think that this government will do anything meaningful with their report. Some years ago, government commissioned a firm in Ireland to do a carrying capacity study. That study concluded Sint Maarten is full to the max and it gave valuable guidelines for future development policies.
The report got lost miraculously and nobody seems to have a copy.
No wonder really. It was quite an embarrassing and inconvenient truth.
Then we had the much talked about almere report that contained a new spatial design for Philipsburg. Made by experts from almere city in the Netherlands that was depicted as some sort of world wonder in terms of urban development and spatial designing. That one got shelved too.
It is likely that the jollification report will contain some very good advice on the environment, zoning policies and the restoration of culture. I don't doubt that for a minute. But it is also likely that the report will end up collecting dust on a remote shelf in the dungeons of the government building.
My point is this: We have heard about the commissioning of all kind of studies and reports on many different issues. But nothing ever happens with these reports. Mark my words. This jollification report will be presented with much praise for the jollification people and maybe even a party with the VROM officials, some of the commissioners and a nice picture on page 1 of The Herald. But when the sun rises it will be business as usual again. Plunder, bending the rules and attacking any profitable target that crosses their path is what's keeping government busy. Nothing else. It is a pity that the jollification people didn't know that beforehand.