St. Maarten Private Eye

Dear Vance,
Even in death your life has read like a sermon. Almost everyone who spoke at your funeral repeated the words "he was a man who worked for the people and there are no other politicians today with that kind of honesty and integrity working for the people and that is pretty scary. Even in your death people realize how different you were then those presently in power. Vance you took the high road, the DP today takes the lowest road there is. God sees with open eyes the soul of a man, your place will no doubt be next to him. God pity the souls of those corrupt politicians with their own agenda's. Peace be with the family of Vance James, you can be proud to carry his name. Even in death his name rings out for justice, honesty and a genuine love of his island and her people.
God be with you.

A hello brought hope, a handshake peace.
You inspired those you meet
So rest now for you are with your Maker and Lord.

Poem for Vance

I’ve run my course
I’ve traveled that last mile
Frowns you may forget of course
Remember me with a smile.

Hard words spoken remember them not
But for good I have done.
I've stumbled, and even fell along the way,
The battles I fought and stood for you, I prayed.

Do not grieve nor be sad for my passing,
The place where I now lay in June flowers to bring
Come, stay a while before the sun is set
Oh remember me for my best.

St Maarten mourns his passing. God bless and keep you onward
R I P.

To the family of the late Vance James Jr.Always remeber after the storm comes sunshine we love him but god loves him best he is in a better place with his master whom he has based his entire life on. He will surely be missed!!!!!
Also to his brother Cedric whom was very close to Vance i wish you much strenght in dealing with this untimely passing of your dear brother but remeber that he is in a better place and he is watching down at us to guide us in our daily lives. "For god so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that who soever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life" John3:16

From:Rosanna Philips & Family

In January 18, 2002, Constitutional Reform was at the top of the agenda in the Federal Election and so the St. Martin Patriotic Alliance decided to join with all the other parties and present a united front for Country Status for St. Martin. The NPP of Vance James and the former members and supporters of Decision 99 came together with the SPA to form the National Alliance. The Democratic Party decided to stay out of the Alliance. But the National Alliance won one seat which was occupied by Vance James in the Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles.

On Christmas morning we had breakfast together at the Vlaun's Residence (The White House) on Front Street. We talked about many things: His Christmas and New Years Eve sermons, environment, youth, education, politics, constitutional affairs and life in general. Many attended his annual open house luncheon at his home thereafter. Many did not know it would be his last. He was truly a great mentor

Rest in Peace Comrade Vance,
Terry J. Peterson

Letter from Vance James Jr.
February 20, 2007

Dear Terry,

Thanks for the invitation extended to stand with you at your political launching and public introduction. It would have been a great opportunity to show my commitment to the youth and the future of our nation. But, unfortunately I will be away in California USA where I will be attending the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Educational Conference and won't be home until March 21. Congratulations on the major step you have taken. It is heartening when young people take what is not an easy step. I can offer advise to you and am pleased to do so. In response to your questions I attached some tips. I wish you every success and if you so desire, would be happy to preview your speech and give comments.
Every success. Honored to have been asked.

Sincerely,
Vance James

TIPS FOR YOUNG POLITICIANS: YOU HAVE DECIDED FOR PUBLIC
Making the decision to enter politics means you have decided for public service!
Public service means serving the entire public whether they vote for you or not !
Here are SOME TIPS as you enter public service:

1. No one knows you better than you. Is there anything in your background
that could be a source of embarrassment? If it can be it may likely be, so
face it head on. After determining what it is, prepare to answer any
questions that may arise. Be honest with yourself first and always and
the rest is easy. There is nothing like the truth.

2. Determine why you have decided for public service!
Prepare to answer the question if and when asked.
It must never be a cocky answer such as because I think I can do it !
It certainly must never be so that I can get ahead ! Remember it is called
Public service.

3. Avoid when asked questions replying “ I think”. We all do that it would be
Better to say “ My belief is and explain”

4. One of the first lessons to learn when questions are asked.
Always look the person or the camera in the eye. You must have
nothing to be ashamed of! Eye contact is very important.
When asked a question, answer fist explain your answer next !
i.e. do you believe St Maarten an be a country within the Kingdom?
Yes I believe that, it is for us to prove others wrong and to justify our
Decision.

5. Read, read, read…….information and news. You do not have to
re-invent the wheel, there is so much information at your fingertips.
You must read and understand and put things in the right context.
Do not sound like a walking encyclopedia.
Remember a planted question will trip you up.

6. Public service does not mean you must know everything, it calls for
you know a little about everything and to be specialized in some things.

7. Establish the principles by which you will function and stick to them
and Live them, even when it appears impossible.

8. Ensure you have the support of your family. Voters will always think
If they don’t trust you enough to support you, Why should I?

9. Economic independence is crucial for political survival.
An economic independent person’s voice stands stronger.
Avoid mixing personal finances with your political finances.

10. Avoid making promises you know you cannot keep.
Offer to look into the matter and above always return calls and
Keep promises made.

11. Once you have announced you are seeking public office, you will
Be sought out by many, each for his/her own reason.

12. Remember from this moment on, whatever you say and even not
say will be looked at, analyzed and judged. The public will see you
as theirs and you will no longer be your own

13. Study up on all about the office you are seeking!

14. Off the record is to be used, when you do not want the press to
quote you as its source, while providing them information.

15. You cannot get into office on your own. Be a team player within
The party, DO NOT BE A BLIND PARTY FOLLOWER.

Voice of the oppressed

I learned with deep sadness of the passing of Vance James JR. I convey my sincere condolences to his family and the people that love him. Over the years, I developed a very close and productive relationship with Vance as most people who knew him had done. It is in this spirit that he became a consistent glow and remained my best friend for 30 years.
He opened doors in my early life and equipping me into being somebody. Vance has graced my life more that he ever knew. To Vance family and friends, in particular, to his wife, Terry & children, rest assured that all our thoughts, prayers and tears will act as the necessary transport, that will take Vance to the angelic realm. Take time to reflect long and hard as Vance has done so much in what can be considered a short life time. Also remember to laugh and smile from all those happy memories. I personally have never met a better and complete human being than Vance James Jr.

My family and I extend our heartfelt condolences to all who loved this great man, as we all have to deal with the untimely death of one who so much is owed to. Terry I grieve and rejoice with you for as we grieve on his passing we also rejoice in celebration of Vance's life, one well lived. Most of us who had the privilege and honor of working or spending time with Vance, came to respect his incisiveness and invaluable contributions to Saint Maarten and wherever or whoever he touched. In this regard, we will certainly miss his humble decisive interventions in all our lives.
On behalf of African men who has evolved and learnt to love themselves, we lower our African flag in solemn memory and respect of this beloved Black man, son of the people of Africa and extend our heartfelt sympathy to his loved ones.
Tau Gowon & Family

Maryland, USA.

St.Maarten has lost one of his Big Son of the Soil. My thoughts go back how we all grew up on Frontstreet , "Our Frontstreet of those days" and how we met many times discussing several issues of our beloved island. As a politician and as a the person " Vance" he was respected by all who knew him. The respect and love he had for his community and island will not be forgotten. Vance we'll miss you! Vance Thank You for all you did for our island! Thank You!
My sincere condolences to his beloved wife and children and to let you know that my thought are with you in these difficult days.
Lyanne Beaujon. Aruba.

To: Terry James, David James, Darren James, Dwayne James

My deepest condolences.

Words are not enough,
The air is frozen,

Raymond Swart
(the Netherlands)

From the Sardine and Arrindell Families we offer our heartfelt condolences to the James Family on the passing of the Honorable, Mr. Vance W. James Jr.

The Honorable, Mr. Vance W. James Jr. will certainly be remembered as one of St. Martin’s and the Caribbean’s Modern Day Hero!

Respectfully:

Mr. Jerome M. Sardine

The people of the Eastern Caribbean has lost another great son of the soil, in the person of Vance James Jr. Vance has laid his hands on the island of St. Maarten in first instance, but on the other islands that was able to listen to his voice on a daily basis with his morning program "Moment with the Master", and his many other radio programs. His loyalty towards his people will be dearly missed.
May his family find peace and strength at this time of bereavement.

Dave Levenstone,
Saba.

We lost a good and decent man!

On Death (from The Prophet)
By Kahlil Gibran

"You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day
cannot unveil the mystery of light.
If you would indeed behold the spirit of death,
open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one,
even as the river and the sea are one.

In the depth of your hopes and desires
lies your silent knowledge of the beyond;
And like the seeds dreaming beneath the snow
your heart dreams of spring.
Trust the dreams,
for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.
Your fear of death is but the trembling of the shepherd
when he stands before the king whose hand
is to be laid upon him in honour.
Is the shepherd not joyful beneath his trembling,
that he shall wear the mark of the king?
Yet is he not more mindful of his trembling?

For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind
and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing,
but to free the breath from its restless tides,
that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?

Only when you drink from the river of silence
shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top,
then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs,
then shall you truly dance."

Sad to hear that Vance James past away. We sends our condolence to the families. Ricardo Brooks & Family from Curacao.

The island has lost a good, honest member of our community.
I have known Vance for years. There was not a kinder more decent man.
I had the utmost respect for him.
My sincere condolences to his family who I know will miss him so much, as will we all.

The island St. Maarten (St Martin) has lost a voice today. Be it in Politics, A moment with the Master, Advertiser, Methodist Preacher, Friend, a Father and a Husband. No one saw this coming, it was quite a shocker at 6:00AM and left most if not all of us speechless for a while.

To the family, we share in your sorrow and your pain today.
God knows best and He will carry you through this.

Vance, Rest in Peace.
We the people of St Maarten/St Martin will miss you and your voice for death announcements, birthday greetings and morning news.

The Javois family/St Martin