St. Maarten Private Eye

From www.smn-news.com

Great Bay:---- Atherthon Martin, Regional Environmentalist wants to know which idiot could have given the necessary permits or even saying yes to the construction of Westin Resort in Dawn Beach. “There is so much that can be done on this beautiful island but when you go by the Westin one has to wonder how did this happen, who said yes and why they did; and what are the results” Martin said that when looking at Westin he came to the conclusion that the project came from some type of science fiction book since it simply does not fit its location. He asked who is responsible for this madness and how they can be held responsible for their actions. Hopefully this project or acres of concrete will be used as an experience to teach people not to make the same mistake in the future.

Martin who is on St. Maarten creating awareness on climate change on this World Tourism Day celebrated today. Martin addressed key stakeholders at a forum at the Great Bay Beach Resort which was attended by Commissioner Roy Marlin former Public Works commissioner and commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper Molanus.

In his opening address Martin described the future of St. Maarten as bright since the island’s children are bright. Even though some of these children are intimated they are like everyone else who needs to be heard, and given the necessary space. He said they understand the issues that world leaders are wrestling with the last few years. Martin said that the youths are crying out to be in partnership with leaders and taken seriously. He said that if the leaders can establish the common ground that exists with the youths and adults then everyone would be able to sleep in peace at nights.

Martin said many people are not experts and they should not pretend to be however, they should all be like the young people who are curious, and willing to learn and share.

Progress means getting nearer to the place one wants to be and sometimes going backwards is going forward are only some of the quotes Martin used to get this message across.

The Regional Environmentalist used a power point to establish the need to communicate and what are some of basic steps that have to be followed to safeguard the environment in developing the economy. He said that Tourism has been the wheel of the economy of the islands but wondered if the necessary research were conducted.

He asked if policy makers and those responsible for development stay in touch with the scientist, engineers and technicians prior to making crucial decisions. He said he would constantly empathize with policy makers who perpetuates that they hold lots of power when in fact they are powerless. “Because of this several scientists have abandoned their professions to become politicians with their attitudes by telling the policy makers what they what to hear instead of what they needs to hear to protect their countries.

He reminded that if whatever one does compromises the health and wellbeing of any society then it can be considered a failure and they have seriously messed up.

Impressive is how Martin defined the Lord’s Prayer in development which he said is used at every meeting in his homeland and wondered if people here don’t pray before they start meetings.

He said development through corruption does not mean a community or country is advancing. He said that planners have to use the basic fundamental principles of life in development. Consideration should be placed on who stands to benefit in developments and if the development is a detriment or profitable to the inhabitants of any place.

He asked if those in the tourism industry are looking at the consequences of continuing to market the island abroad and if they are sure these islands are offering the same things that the travelers were looking for a few years ago. He suggested the island using its natural resources to develop a safer and more stable economy. Making sure other sectors are also involved for the greater benefit of the people especially the poor. He described poverty as hell and no one should want to send their people to hell.

He alluded that it is people who messed up the Climate Change since they knew better and that science was available for their guidance but it was not properly utilized. Which has caused the islands to be in the frontlines today; he said that scientist today can better outline the speed of the climate change which is a global activity.

People today are experiencing the daily effects of the climate change since they are hot days and heavy rain another day, flooding and other side effects that are effecting the daily lives of everyone. Martin said that people have exceeded their capacity to consume but yet they are still consuming to maintain the economy which they said is the driving force. “If the economy is our death would you want to drive it” He asked if the people here are willing to commit global suicide which is what this climate change boils down to. Instead people should do the right things to make sure they do not contribute to this global suicide.

Finally Martin advice that leaders and managers be trained and or retrained. Leaders he said must go through training programs because he knows what result can come out of people without education and experience in positions. He also advised that square pegs should not be place in round holes. This is what we teach children in schools yet adults wants to force things to meet their needs thinking they are fooling the youths.