St. Maarten Private Eye

An opinion by Local Hero

This last week you may have noticed articles in both newspapers from The Green Voice Foundation seeking new members. Some of you may not know much about this foundation but there are things you should know and consider before you join or contribute.
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First of all, the foundation is headed by Stephane J. de Dje-Robert, an African man who appeared on the island about 5 or 6 years ago. From information I have gathered, it appears that Mr. de Dje Robert made several claims about his schooling in the UK which were challenged and proved to be false on the Daily Herald Bulletin Boards about 3 years ago. It is my understanding that one of the schools denied having him as a student and two others didn't even exist. Sadly, these bulletin boards no longer seem to be available online.

After he was challenged on these boards, Dje Robert faded away and only recently was heard from when he introduced a new 'Environmental" Magazine to the island in August. This magazine which I have a copy of does have some interesting news and articles, however I am skeptical as to the reasons and forces behind it. Here is why.

In cases where governments are under attack from organisations such as environmental groups they create their own or they infiltrate ones that already exist. In this case Dje Robert is known to schmooze with politicians and he is seen by many to be a 'wannabee" player. Although claiming to stand for environmental issues, I know of no cases where he has openly stood up and criticized actions of government when it comes to the mass environmental destruction on the island over the past years.

Add to this the fact that Stuart Johnson, the "Attack Puppy" of the DP, is playing an active role in this foundation then it gives even more reason for pause. Stuart Johnson is known very well for his unconditional love of the DP party and is widely seen as another 'wannabee'. It is my understanding that he has plans to enter into politics in 2006 on the DP slate. Stuart's claim to "Environmental Fame" is that he has twice been given an award by The St. Maarten Youth Council for his environmental work. However in my enquiries I have found little about this "work" other than a few articles he has written. It should be noted that (as far as I know at this time) none of the established and active environmental organisations on the island have had anthing to do with how these awards were given.

It is also rather telling that not once has the Green Voice or Stuart made any objection to the environmental destruction at Cupecoy, The Lagoon, Emilio Wilson Estate or Dawn Beach. Not once has a letter appeared in the newspapers from either of them about these issues. There was one article a few weeks ago in which they called on government to put in place laws to protect the environment, however this issues have been raised many times before by other more established and active foundations. Talk is talk, even Roy Marlin claims to care about the Environment, we all know what a crock that is.

Of course, you can make up your own mind on this foundation. Me? I remain skeptical and amused.

Local Hero

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