St. Maarten Private Eye

Safe Haven III A Daily Herald article.
Safe Haven II
Safe Haven I

The home is not functioning, at least not in the way that it used to.

The staff who were suspended with Loraine were asked to come back to work. They refused stating that an atmosphere has been created making working for this board impossible. They feel that having their names passed into the media, that by being rudely suspended in the way that they were (for no reason) and the general attitude of the board have made working there uncomfortable.

Loraine has apparently been fired, again no real solid reasons have been given to her. The argument of the board seems to be about the non paymeny of some taxes over the last 5 years or so. This is something Government has been well aware of as well as past and present boardmembers, it was not hidden. There is no record or evidence of mishandling of funds or fraud as far as I know.

Meanwhile, Safe Haven has some staff though it is not clear who they are. The security guard has handled at least one admittance himself and there is also a juvenile staying there. Safe Haven does not (as a rule) accept minors unless accompanied by the mother. Rumors also speak of late night visitors and items being removed from the property.

What Safe Haven needs is an investigation alright, into the current board and their handling of the home.

MissCheeky

If there is a juvenile in the shelter I'm sure you have put her life and everyone else there in grave danger. You Flipper have a responsiblity not to divulge certain information nor let your readers(contributers) do so. Do women not enter the shelter for help because they have no-where else to turn? Please do not ruin what hope they have by telling the world where they are. (SXM is a very small island remember)
So say what you will about the board, employees, etc.. but for the victims sake; be responsible and please leave them out of it!

I have adjusted the post from Miss Cheeky and your own to leave out the age of the girl. However the fact that Safe Haven has taken in a youth is important as the rules of the home do not permit this.
What should be highlighted here is that there is very little help or social assistance for "youthful" women to turn to anyway, the children's homes are not capable or suitable to take a young woman in danger. Safe Haven's policies are clear about the age that they accept, unless of course the new board has changed them.
My opinion is clear on how I think the board have behaved and their reasons why. Any reader or user of the site is welcome to challenge my thinking on the issue or share their own thoughts too, anonymously like you have done if they wish. The whole idea of the site is that anyone can use it and add content.

On the issue of your comment though, you are quite right and I regret that it passed unnoticed. The site is evolving and in the next few days there will be a new users guide, there will be a note on this issue. Any reader or user will also be asked to report posts or comments which may cause distress or danger to persons mentioned. I thank you very much for pointing it out and hope Miss Cheeky comes back to read this too.

Flipper