St. Maarten Private Eye

Why must we go there? Being a parent of school age children attending SXM Academy I know that Mrs. Duncan's appointment had nothing to do with her husband being head of the school board, actually he wasn't at the time. Since you want to be political, how many people did the DP party appoint to positions over the 40 years they were in power? If Edgar appointed his niece she must have been qualified, she still works there doesn't she? And doesn't she deserve to eat too? Or should he have appointed you? How many "DP loyalists have jobs over the years they were not qualified for, when DP Commissioners appoint their die hards no one says a word. If you are going to start sharing blame then touch EVERYONE, don't be political about it.

WHEN WILL ST.MAARTENERS REALIZE WHAT IS REALLY HAPPENING.
For generations our ancestors kept children spellbound with stories of venture, nature and animals. One those stories, passed down through generations, concerns the frog and hot water. The fable goes like this:
“If you catch a frog and put him in a pan of hot water, he will jump out. But if you take that some frog and place him gently in a pan of cold water over a flame, the frog will sit quietly while the water heats until he is cooked alive”.
This fable is often used as a parable to illustrate how we as human beings act like the frog.
Perhaps it is an appropriate illustration of what is happening to the indigenous St.Maarten business people.
When I analyzed the results of the Chamber of Commerce elections last month I was bewildered by the results. So I decided to analyze these results and look into what made Mr Quiniche so popular within the circle of locally registered businesses.
My conclusion is clear: The Chamber of Commerce has lost its appeal to “indigenous businesspersons” since their involvement over the years has been limited to paying Chamber of Commerce annual fees. Meanwhile Mr Abdellatif Ouenniche a Tunisian Muslim through his covert operations has managed to get full support from the entire Arab/Muslim business sector as well as from the Democratic party Co-leader Mr Theo Heiliger who is a staunch supporter of Mr Abdellatif Ouenniche
When you walk through Philipsburg and witness how the Arab Merchants managed within the past few years to convert Little Bombay to New Palestine. Clearly the era of the Indian Merchants is almost passé. Their only survival is the fact that the Jews control the world Jewelry market.
The Indigenous St. Maarten Business owner is a bit like the frog. In the past thirty years, we have failed to recognize that the advancement of the Indian Merchants who practically took over every sector of our business community and now we are faced with another onslaught by the Arab Muslim population who are now controlling the Garment industry with over 40 Arab owned Stores in Philipsburg alone, the Hotel Industry with our biggest Hotel Property, being owned by the famous Husang Ansari, who has held this country hostage for over 13 years. The Hardware business is now fully controlled by the Arab/Muslims with at least 6 Hardware businesses on this 16 square mile half an island. Gone are Ben and Son’s, Utilities, Caribe Lumber, Repco, Wilmart and Van Grieken etc. What has Government don to protect the local businesses on this island? Absolutely nothing. Then we must take a look at the operations of Mr Samir, who operates the Biggest Tour operations at the habour. If the taxi Association fall asleep he would get a permit to move every tourist out of the St. Maarten port with the necessary help of his DP elected partner. In order to continue the progressive adgenda of the Arabs on St. Maarten, they have now fully integrated inThe Banking Business with the arrival of the Ennia Caribe Bank a division of the Ansari Group and to tie up all the loose ends and protect the Arab Businesses they have elected their New Chamber President Mr Abdellatif Ouenniche, one of their own. In the meantime ask yourself what are you as local St. Maarten business people doing to safe guard your children’s future? Are we so naïve to believe that an Arab Brother will look after any St. Maartener’s interest, ahead of his Arab Brother’s interest? St. Maartener’s wake up and do not depend on this impotent government to address these types of pressing issues because they have all been bought and paid for. They were the primary target in the Arab/Muslim agenda, but they have not forced them to converted to Islam as yet. It is just a matter of time. These are issues that people would prefer not talk about. My advice is: if we don’t talk about it now, we might have to fight about it later. St. Maarteners, when will you start to defend your rights as native sons and daughters of the soil? As St. Maartener’s I urge you to take warning or you too will be cooked like the frog before you even know it!
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Rudolph Denz, a St. Maartener at heart.

Mr. Ouniche may be of Arab descent. What does it matter? He holds a Dutch passport and is a long time well respected and, as far as I know, a law abiding citizen of this Island. If he wants to run for the Chamber he may do so. If he wants to run for President of Saint Martin he may do so as well. It is none of your business, Denz. At least he is contributing to our Island. What have you done lately? Maybe it is time for you to go home.

Why was a politician allowed the illegal act of tearing up a commissioners resignation letter, that was our chance to speak out yet everyone again just stood by and watched.Taxes and the cost of living keep rising, quality of life diminishes. Arab muslims take over the island. The beaches are all foreign owned. What will it take for the Sint Maartener to rise and fight back. How far will we allow this to go on, have we no courage and conviction to fight????? What do we have to loose? Protest's are the order of the day, it's our right to fight for democracy and fair government, the DP no longer represents the people. What will it take?

It will take an educated person to read the manifestos at election time and loose the slave mentality, it is a crime to buy and sell people. Haven't we been there a long time ago. Let freedom right and stand up and do something about it. Organize a march against Government and stand up to them, don't back down, how in the hell do you think freedom came about, it wasn't the magic of a wand.

Something is going to happen soon. Wait and you will see. The time is now! The DP party will and MUST fall, NO matter what.

The party is at WAR, and don't have a DIRECTION.

I pray you know something I don't!

It's about time to get the DP party out of government for ever. Ask yourself what these people are doing for sxm? NOT ONE THING, BUT SHOW OF THEIR A....
I BELIEVE THE TIME IS COMING SOON.

You mention the Chamber and Mr. Ludwig Quenniche as he is known by the people. I am not sure Ludwig Q got the Arab vote, I do know he campaigned like a true DPer by sending out letters and emails begging people to vote for him.
On the bright side, Mr. Bute was just elected to the Chamber as well, so we do have a young local on the board. But honestly more locals have to run for the Chamber elections and not play passive. SXMners prefer to play passive and complain that they don't get a piece in their country. But do they really fight for that piece in their country? And when they do own something, they rent, lease or sell to the Arab and Indian. Maybe the Indigineous property owners foundation should start offering courses to local property owners on how to keep their land and how to set up their own business.

You're very right. We sold Front street, backstreet, Pondfill. We, the locals sold it all, and we complain that we don' t have anything. Anyone have any news on Mr Bobby selling his newly acquired boatyard in Colebay for 6 million. Please confirm if you have any news.
Our government calls it free enterprise.
On Mr Quenniche, He has been on the island for a very long time, maybe 27 years or so, I'm not really sure and I think he really fights for the St.Maartener more than that St.Maartener himself. I have no relation to the gentleman, but I have seen him defend St.Maarten like he was born here.
He did made some calls and ask for the support of those registered business persons.

You missed one thing. The lack of education is the problem and look at our Leaders that are in charge, I agree with Terry Peterson on this one, eduction is the solution for Sint Maarten and then perhaps the tourism product would not be influenced on an inadequate Government.

Hi Juliana,

Create a sign in name and then use create page option to make your posting. Once you show you can write well and intelligently then we will give you blogging access. The site will be going through a rebuild soon where it will become much easier to post blogs.

I understand your observations about the NA, as far as I am concerned, they, like the DP, suck. But Terry does raise important issues and questions and these are what should be addressed and discussed here I think. Tit for tat does not help to create a discussion.

Welcome to SXM PE by the way :)

Flipper

Juliana, there is so much more to comment on in this blog than just this one line. Do you believe that Tourism is the future of St. Martin? For once I agree with Terry on this one. Are locals getting a piece of the Tourism pie?

Miky (former DP commissioner) already gave Maria a good whooping in the Herald for her statements in the Island Council on Professional Nepotism and her poor judgment in appointing her husband.

I'm curious to know why that name though "Flipper". One of my fav old school tv shows. I'll do my best to impress. During the day I have so little time to write. But we'll see.

I'll comment on Terry's stuff on Sunday when I have some time, but to answer the other writer question if I believe locals are getting a piece of the tourism pie, yes I do. I can name numerous examples of local people in the industry and doing well. On top of that, all locals, who live and breathe and work on SXM is indirectly getting a piece of the tourism pie. It is the very reason we manage to live the lives we live. I think there is this misconception by people that "locals benefitting from tourism" to meaning that when a tourist spends a buck, that buck should go directly in the pocket of a local. Our people need to be educated about the fact that they DO indeed benefit indirectly and in ways that make their lives possible everyday. On SXM everything is linked to tourism.

One more thing, you misunderstood Moiky letter in The Herald. It was sarcasm, not givin the Commissioner a whoopin. And SHE didn't appoint her husband, the EXCO (of which she forms part) and the GOVERNOR (who is chairman) did. So it's not like she said huzzy, you're going on and that's that. I wrote a letter to the herald on this point, I hope they publish.

Thanks for the welcome Flipper, gotta go again.

Ofcourse Maria was off island when the appointment of her husband took place, this was on purpose.
What do you suppose she threatened Sarah and the others with to get her husband on the board? Think... think...
Her husband was going around telling people for months that he was going to get that position, that is something Maria negotiated when she was elected.
it is nepotism to the highest degree and there is no other excuse. punt it.
This is not proffesionalism, it is one thing to appoint cousins... another thing for a Commissioner and her party to appoint her husband to a position of which she has that portfolio. Claudius Buncamper better known as Toontje also sits on the harbour board, no one complains... she is not the Commissioner of the Harbour.
see my point?
Politics is a funny thing, at any time any one of these Leroys, Maria's and Theo's might just decide to go independant if they don't get what they want... so the party has to keep them fat and happy at all costs.

These commissioners are like worms, keep eating and getting fat while the body or should I say carcass stink! They don’t care how much the carcass stinks as long as they get fat, Commissioner Maria and all the DP crew or like worms. Just imagine she has the nerves to call it professional nepotism, can you believe that “professional nepotism” ….. Talk about an incongruous statement!

They are so used to the stench, kill the living DP carcass so long as they are well fed and happy........hmmm....kill the living DP carcass...another oxymoron like "Professional nepotism".

Remember this??

DP refutes infighting claims, Roy still commissioner - 10th August 2006

Roy stays with DP, but makes position available - 10th August 2006

Roy Marlin resigns from DP - 9th August 2006

It's a soap opera.

Hady

And they still won the elections in 2007...handily to boot. This "in fighting" nonsense from DP haters is so old and over-used. All sorts of conspiracy theories, negotiations etc etc by writers here and one point remains: they keep winning elections and nobody has a formula to beat the red machine. So talk about in-fighting or whatever, they stil sit atop their throne. And with the pathetic bunch of losers who call themselves opposition, they will sit upon that throne for a while yet. Have you seen any major uproar from the people with Mr. Buncamper on Telem board? NOPE! And you won't get an uproar either. People don't care.Only those who think they can make political mileage and those who see it as another DP "corrupt" move and eager to write about it is living with this thing. At the end of the day, the DP rules the day. And anybody who things the end of tht reign is nigh, is sadly mistaken. It was only 7 months ago they won people. And you can put that in your pipe.

Tired, have you forgotten Elton Jones? or maybe you are too young to remember? or so clouded in your brainwash you can't help it?
Elton Jones ran on the DP list and got elected. As soon as his first wish was not granted he skipped away from the party. Since he was elected he kept his seat and he became independant-a thorn in the DP side.
This can happen with Maria, Theo and Leroy, these are people that have the ability to skip any day, month or year. Why? because they know they can hold their own and the DP party knows they need them badly otherwise they lose ground. Councilman Leroy Deweever was a man always critical of the DP government and he ran on their list, you really think he agrees with DP views? Nah... he knows he needed to get elected, once he gets elected he will be constantly negotiating what he wants otherwise he pulls a Elton Jones on them.
Like was previously stated, politics is a funny thing. or like a box of chocolates-you never know what you gonna get.

Unfortunately for you, some people do care, though I am sure you would prefer us all to be indifferent, hang our heads in despair and just accept things as they are. Thankfully, there are people who want change, proper governance, transparency, reform, etc etc. Perhaps you have never heard the saying about one voice speaking up being louder than a thousand that are silent?

The governments over the years have created an indifferent, pessimistic and resigned populace, they treat and talk to them like children. Most are indifferent, this is true. Either because they don't care, they don't feel their voice or opinion counts, they don't really know or understand what goes on, or they are afraid to speak up and put themselves in the bad books of influential powers and politicians. A well educated and informed public makes better choices, so I conclude this is why we have the govt we have, because the public in general is not well educated or informed, or poorly informed.

Political and governmental reform is needed before we can have a healthy, progressive, visionary and honest govt. Until that happens, we will always have the same quality or politicians and govt, regardless of which party it is.

Flipper

So well said and so true!

The moniker came about because I originally started SXM PE to vent news and my opinion about the Dolphinarium that was being planned for Great Bay, but the site grew, I found there were more things that I wanted to write about and open up for discussion and I found a few other writers who would help put blogs together too.

You should be aware that whartever you choose to write is open for others to debate and discuss via comments. You should also know that I am not particularly inclinded towards any party, I see no one really inspiring on the political scene and I think the current govt are for the most part, working for themselves and not for the people of the island.

That said, while you may well have points to make about how the NA has behaved, this in no way excuses what goes on now, real or percieved, with the DP. If SXM PE had been around then, or if the NA had won the last island elections, I feel quite sure the regular writers on here and I would be critical too. Though I have to be honest and say i can't really imagine it being worse.

What we have here is no transparency, no honesty, no accountability, mismanagement, incompetance, corruption, lack of vision, indifference, a lapdog press, a lame and really quite embarassing opposition and a Lt. Governor who has no balls to demand that the IC put in place a Code of Conduct. So, the DP have only themselves to blame when people think they are sleazy and crooked. It is a small island, all the more reason for transparency and proper governance and procedures for filling top gov postions.
Personally I think these top Civil Servant positions and board seats should be voted on by the IC, with 8 votes required for approval. It should be open to the public. The Democratic Party are not democratic, and the NA is a poor excuse for an oppostion party. Just wanted you to know where I stand.

Flipper

With all the wrongdoing going on on the island, the people are still voting the same DP party into government. But I do hope the elections of 2008 will have a better out come than this year, because it's a pitty we have people in government that are not qualified (DP) & competente enough to run an Island like sxm, with so much potentials. St. Maarten needs a leader(people in government) that is honest to the people, and not someone(people) that is greed for POWER & MONEY!! So, do hope this year 2008 will bring CHANGE for sxm and the generation to come.

I enjoyed Flippers piece about why the people keep votong for the same party.
He mentioned fear and that my friends is the truth.
Many voters are so used to vote buying that they don't see clear anymore. On St.Maarten we also have the business community that are mostly ex pats that are fearful.
One very well to do merchant told me that he is concerned with the direction the island is going, I asked him why he does not speak out, he answered because the ruling party would make his business very difficult if he does. As a merchant he depends every now and then on government to issue permits, small things that his business needs to continue to operate. if he speaks his mind then he might as good close his doors.
The fear factor is used by the ruling party to keep the people down and the business community quiet. This merchant also told me how during election time he receives countless requests from all candidates for money. He cannot take a chance with some of them, imagine he refuses to give Loui Laveist money, then none of his work permits for employees will be issued. Developers do the same thing, give loads so that their investment will be secure.
One writer notes that we need qualified and competent people to run an island like St.Maarten, I say we first need qualified and competent voters-people who understand how to vote and why they are voting in the first place-without this understanding and education of the public at large- The carnival continues.
Our elected leaders are a reflection of our people, this sounds harsh? sure but it is the truth.

I believe there educated and competent voters on sxm, but there also voters that don't give a d.. about the island, because at the end of the day they can return to there own country anyway! But in 2008 things will change for everyone. Look around and you will see!

And there are those that cannot vote, but do give a damm about the Island and it seems as though no one gives a shit or even says thank you., except for a very few and since I am an Animals Rights Activists no better words describe the Island and it's people as M. Ghandi" A Nation and it;'s people are judged by the way they treat their animals" Look around, it is disgraceful. Wouldn't all of you just shit if God were a Dog, get it Dog backwords is God!

May the animals have a Happier New Year than those years preceding.

Larry

I saw that Juliana did write a piece in the Herald. And I agree with something she said: I don't care as long as there are results. We are acting as if nepotism is unique to SXM! Please.

Nepotism in the US

So what are you saying exactly, is it ok then.
But what will you say if one of your immediate family members that you loved dearly were killed or murdered by the hands of a criminal/murderer.
Your family members who are sadden by their lost would be shocked and outraged by your rude and inconsiderate remarks, “What’s the big deal guys thousands are dying every day!”

The question is not if it’s happening every day, but rather, is it right.
The very article you provided was done in an effort to expose the wrong doing of Nepotism not to justify it to the world as a rightful act!

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
-Edmund Burke

You're being overly dramatic comparing murder with a Telem board for pete's sake. And the article was not used to defend, but simply to show that nepotism is not a unique sxm prob and occurs on much higher levels the world over. I think this issue is petty and stupid.

The person who is writing here justifying nepotism is off on the wrong track. Nepotism is found around the world yes, in most under developed banana style governments it is more evident. The issue is that it is wrong and highly unethical.
If the opposition has a real problem with the issue then they should seek to change or amend the law making it illegal for a political party to appoint a spouse of a Commissioner or in the future a spouse of a Parliamentarian to a government board position.
It is a ignorant mind that argues that because nepotism is found around the world, that St.Maarten should be open to a high form of nepotism as well.
The issue of Mr.Claudius Buncamper is again another proof that we should grow up and start to see what is going on and make changes fast.
If we don't, I believe the Dutch government will have all the cards on their side to prove that we cannot efficiently run our own business for the people above self.
And for the person who writes about having a demonstration, SXMners enjoy talking and will never put their self on the line. Look at the demonstrations that were held in the past years, always the same people seeking justice and transparency. But where were all the big mouths? no where around... they prefer if someone else fights the fight.

The dutch is coming soon. Wait and you will see. DP days are almost over!