St. Maarten Private Eye

Well, from what I can see in that article, Louis is talking about himself.
Just last week, he was displaying complete intolerance for a media house because they asked him a question about the traffic situation concerning the bus association.
He refused to answer the question, infact he rudely shot back at the journalist who asked the question and put the question back to the journalist.
The journalist politely again asked the question, and again Laveist showed his real ignorant side by then saying he will answer the question but not in the presence of that media house that asked the question. To make matters worse, his collegues in other media houses did not back him up or even show non support for Louis behavaviour.

I would like to know exactly what does the journalist association stand for? to see their collegues humiliated? and they just stand by? Is this what SXM is coming to? freedom of the press is being threatened by politicians who then get support from the journalist association?
This is quite dangerous.

You know, guys, I am in total agreemnet with Anonymous' comments on the Laveist's rebuff of the reporters at the press briefings. I was watching it and if I am not mistaken, it was AVS that posed the question of the present relationship of Commissioner with the bus association. The Commissioner was rude.
It was kind of like a cat and mouse game. Why hold a press briefing and when requested for information, it is played around like lawyers in a courtroom. It seemed like a classical White House spin, only the Commissioner was way over his league.
Again back to my previous arguments. The reporters are society's voices. They have been rightfully coined the Fourth Estate. When politicians deliberately play possum or answer questions with questions then it is a slap in the people's face. Having said that, the state of the media houses in St Maarten is rather frightening to say the least. Over 70-80% of the media are from other countries. Check out the El Hispanio for example. The Daily Herald. The Today is being run by Jamaicans and Guyanese. Who do they turn to for employment and residence permits? The same administration. Can they afford to say anything?
It is because of this no one is saying anything. The GIldarie scenario is the same thing. Nothing from the media association. Guys, what is happening?
Dupersoy may be retaliating in anger to the Commissioner's wrong statements, but the Commissioner is a shoot-from-the-hip person. I beleive that St Maarten should be protected. Journalists should not have to be subjected to normal screening but allowed a different kind of procedures when applying for documents. Especially in the context that CARICOM and other regional bodies are lobbying for increased cooperation from neighbours.
Again, we don't need this kind of embarassment as generated by the Gildarie case. Let it be settled quickly.
And yes, I agree with Anonymous arguments that the media is not looking out for each other's back.
I would love to hear someone talk more on this.
Have a good weekend, guys!

Our problem is that many of us are afraid to stand up. Even the locals are afraid to do so. They were brainwashed by all the previous administrations by hand outs and they forgot how to stand up for themselves. It is indeed a shame and we that know better have a responsibility to expose the wrong doings in our community for the sake of a better sint maarten and not for political or selfish interest. It might sound strange for a man that seeks political office but I wil be posting my website in order that the general public can view my accomplishments and my previous and present activities to determine that indeed I am a capable person to make a difference on this island. It is all about unity and respect for one another. We may be from different nation but we are people and we deserve to be respected as such. Especially by the elected official.
It was a big mistake but as with everything the majority forget the next day and it goes on as usual. That is why it is important that we that know better continue to expose the poor performance of this government in order that one day we might see a change. This site is the only site that I have seen so far is doing an outstanding job in report so clearly the issues by its contributors. I hope we get more people that are willing to share their opinion and expose the abuse that is taking place on the island. I am looking for to establish a political base that carry the party in my person in particular all the way to 2007. Feel free to join me with ideas, suggestion and recommendations to make Sint Maarten a better place to live. A blessed weekend for all of you and make sure that you drive safe and be a gentleman in traffic. Next week I will post my story in relation to the traffic situation on the island. On Monday I will be part of the Lloyd show together with some members of the public transportation sector. Listen and I would like to hear your comments next week.
Hen Ling