St. Maarten Private Eye

Simpsonbay, why do we locals have to sell our church to the foreigners? By the time we blink we wont have any monuments left to remember our island. Is this the way we would like to continue? Ask yourself that question.

While all that is stated above is true, the St. Maarten people elected the Commissioners in Government. And you know what they will do it again on April 20th. Who is to blame but YOU.
This year they say they will vote Sarah because they in Sympathy with her... YOU can hear more...

Whether it's National Alliance who would have been elected or the Democratic Party, the people of the island are all aware of the fact that neither party really cares for the wellbeing of the country. On the contrary, the interest of their pockets and families are what matter most. That sympathy comment also has no validity...people don't vote based on the emotions a politician may have...they will quicker think the person is inadequate or unstable in making any rational judgement, therefore comments as such are null and void.

Not to say that there aren't some within the two groups who have taken the community's interest at heart. The greater matter is that the people within the community don't see the need to hold on to these monuments. Instead of bickering and making accusations, and continuously blaming the government for not being able to maintain our history, we need to come together as a nation and ensure these places are not given to foreign nationals who have absolutely no interest in our heritage.

People the world over BUY these properties and restore them simply because they want to do it out of the goodness of their hearts and for the love of their nation. This is done without any assistance from the Government.

Think twice before blaming officials for our lack of caring to ensure that our culture is preserved for our children.

There are also governments all over the world who understand the value of heritage and take an interest in preserving it. While we supposedly have a monument list, it is my understanding that legislation has not yet been enacted or voted on for it in the IC. Few politicians over the years have shown any interest in preserving either the human heritage or the natural heritage of the island, both of which are more often lost forever.
Let's look at the EWE estate for example, there was a nice little round up in the Today today about it, but one thing missing was the IC vote to seek ways to purchase and preserve it and to form a 3 man committee to report back in 3 months. That never happened and as of today, again as far as I know, no attempt has been made by govt to meet with those groups and foundations interested in saving it. What does that tell you?

While I understand what you are saying about most people having little interest in heritage, but that is no excuse for officials and politicians not to.

Dr. Voodoo