St. Maarten Private Eye

Looking back in time we might agree that our Island has had a difficult childhood.
Likewise she was innocent; life was uncomplicated. Her beaches pristine, the countryside virgin, Oysterpond an unspoiled wildlife paradises - over, on and in the water. The hillsides unbuilt.

We sat in class listening to the dynamite tearing that awful gash in the side of Mt. William. Later racing over the dirt road on the pondfill, spinning dust into the air. I bought my first spear gun and dove for quarters at the town pier.

Not a care in the world.

Had I known how Oysterpond would be polluted, had I known how Oysterpond would be lied to and deceived - empty promises made by politicians. One especially jumps to mind, a man who came from Aruba and later as a Federal Minister said, 'over my ... body will the mangroves be cut!!'

Let's not point fingers; a childhood is full of mistakes, reprimands and forgiving. Oysterpond is no more - did you know that Manatees were native to this area. I should have had more spine. Higher supervision came and went. I should have stood up then, I should have gone to the Arubian and reminded him of his promise.

The pond became our little wild west. Unsure boundaries and conflicting documents. The marina grew across the pond, spreading as a cancer and devouring what little life there was left behind and leaving the ever diminishing survivors to struggle and fight for their existence. The flocks of Pelicans have given up, Dwight also gave up, Tom went to Aruba, Rudi died and Jan sold his soul.

I read that an artificial reef might be built off Little Bay. I always read, even when I'm off Island I read the articles – Sjonnie can’t bring his dry dock into the Lagoon, about the dolphins and such and so on.

Have you been to Oysterpond lately? Do you think we can now give up; I mean, now look at what's being built. Where's the Mangroves that you promised you would replant Jan?

What happened to the canal that was to be built along the border of the beachbar at Oysterpondside of Dawn Beach .. how did that stipulation manage to disappear?
That last chance to sustain life; that final finality!

So let’s conserve! Let’s be the Leader and save Oysterpond. Save this marine nursery and our reefs might stand a chance to be replenished with life … who knows, even that solitary Pelican flying above might get more companions. Re plant the Mangroves.