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The Road to a Banana Republic, without bananas.

Yesterday in Curacao two agreements were made, one on financial supervision and another concerning the new structure of Justice and the Police. I wonder how long it will be before the details and drafts of these agreements are made available to the public? Lets face it, our media just writes what they are told and have a very limited level of understanding to review these things.

I am asking because I am concerned. I am concerned that SXM has no independent civil rights body, police complaints board or ombudsman to ensure that our politicians are not giving themselves excessive power that may be abused for political purposes. I'm concerned that so far in all these reports we hear very little about reinforcing the democratic system, Good Governance, public accountability or transparency in govt. What about election reform to fight buying of votes and contributions made by special interests, a Code of Conduct? Roy's private jet trips are a prime example of this. Who paid for them? Something that still remains unanswered.

The Kingdom has a responsibility to reinforce and create democratic institutions and safeguards to ensure the island does not continue down the Banana Republic Road once separate status kicks in, so far I see no clear signs they are doing so. Hady has raised this matter before, laws are being created with no information or input to the public.

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Agreement on the financial supervision and the police forces - 2nd October 2008

Daily Herald Editorial - Bolstering the force - 2nd October 2008

Consensus reached on police law - 2nd October 2008

Parliament to amend child porn law Tuesday - 2nd October 2008

Five robberies over two days - 2nd October 2008

Dismantling meeting fails, Curaçao not ready as yet - 1st October 2008

Ex-law enforcement workers stand trial on forgery charges - 1st October 2008

Body of St. Kitts man found in Concordia - 2nd October 2008

Inmates on hunger strike third day, plan to continue - 30th September 2008

Community fighting back, covers graffiti with paint - 30th September 2008

Dawn Beach homeowners to meet on kidnapping of guard - 30th September 2008