St. Maarten Private Eye

Safe Haven IV

The audit that the new board of Safe have requested has been completed, there are no discrepancies. There is one issue that the wage taxes for employees has been underpaid over the past few years, however the board of Safe Haven and the Government have always been aware of this as audits/accounts have been presented yearly. Safe Haven receives a subsidy of $6000US per month from government out of which they must pay 5 salaries and all bills, keep in mind it is a 24/7 service to the community and women in need.

The call for the audit and the suspension of Loraine and her staff was unnecessary and irresponsible, it has damaged the standing and name of the institution and it has muddied the reputations of Loraine, Leisa Euton and staff members. And thats not all.....

On the night that Loraine was suspended, Friday 22nd April, she was called by Oldine Pantophlet Brison who told her there was a meeting, right now at the home. Loraine was in another meeting over in Simpson Bay so she suggested that because she had not been informed that the meeting be moved to Monday. The board members where at the home demanding that the housekeeper let them in, they apparently claimed they were from government and had authority to do so. This is not the case, Safe Haven has rules on entry and who can be permitted, being a board member does not convey the right to do as you wish.

The house keeper who has worked there for over 3 years finally opened the gate and was promptly handed a letter about her suspension and told to leave the property within 15 minutes. Never mind that the lady lived at the home and had nowhere to go, she was allowed to pack one bag and she locked her bedroom door before leaving.

It took one week for her to get back into the home and her room and in the end it involved police assistance to do so. When she did she found her room door unlocked and items missing, including $200 from her piggy bank.

Another incident very recently involved a former client of the home with 3 children who contacted Safe Haven for urgent assistance. She was made to wait 2 hours after the agreed meeting time and in the end it was decided that Safe Haven could not (would not?) help her. Apparently she was dropped off at the Texaco on Bush road and given $1 for the bus ride home.

It is my understanding that Angelique Romou, the former beauty contestant, approached Safe Haven's board several years ago looking to be a board member, naturally it would look good on her Miss Universe resume. Loraine fought against this and insisted that she and other prospective board members must be involved as volunteers first to gain an insight into the operation of the home and it's needs.

At the end of the day Safe Haven is no longer functioning, the staff are still suspended, the good name of the Foundation has been soiled and the board have embarrassed both themselves and the foundation. If they had any integrity they would resign. I suspect this will probably go to the courts and I look forwards to seeing both Loraine and Leisa have their day.

More to come soon.

Flipper

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