St. Maarten Private Eye

Dear Dumb Cynthia:

This is from "Sugar" of which you claim to know that I am a homosexual (can you prove that). The name Sugar was given to me by Ms. Elizabeth Taylor (if you are smart enough to know who she is). It has nothing to do with any sexual preference. And by the way a Residence Permit is different from a working permit. Get some legal advice or perhaps you just opened a can of worms. Work permits and Residence permits are different permits. You should not have arrived on the Island with all your papers in hand, one needs to apply before arriving to the Island. Dumb,dumb!!

I am so bored with all of this nonsense.. I've made my point.. our doors are open for anyone who wishes.. I am not going to have my words twisted nor am I going to get into a mud slinging contest.

Good Luck.

Drug use - I've been around long enough to know when someone is on coke. These guys and gals of the scratch card scam are usually somewhere between 15, 000 - 30,000 feet. If you don't know that maybe you should get out of the office and go look for yourself.
Locals - Please be specific. SXM Locals or SXM residents, A french national working on the Dutch side is not a local.
Donations - A donation made to a politician that is in charge of your papers stinks no matter how you try and justify it. Using the ignorance card is well....... ignorant
Lastly - soliciting in the fashion of your card salesman is illegal. Got that it is illegal. Moving the ones that haven't been arrested down to Maho or into Chesterfields parking lot doesn't make it anymore legal. It just shows to what lengths GGV will go to continue breaking the law.

First of all, the article above is taken from a news site, linked to at the top of the page, it was not written by anyone here. So, please, if the information is incorrect you should be addressing those concerns to them. You are of course welcome to point out corrections here too.

Secondly, I am not going to address your comments or those in the report about homosexuals, it is totally irrelvant and I am against discrimination and bigotry, I couldn't care less about anyone's sexual orientation, it's their life and no one else's business.

Thirdly, you claim that the GGV donation was made in good faith, clearly you and your bosses are either rather ignorant of the way this island works and how our politicians use such donations to further thier political ambitions. Why couldn't GGV give that donation directly to a foundation that is active, like the children's homes, turning point or the numerous youth and sport foundations? Your company gave it to Louis Laveist because it would give the most return and the favor of Laveist.

Since when does any company, or individual, give a $50,000 and not follow up and make sure it gets used appropriately or accounted for? You have to be pretty dumb not to do so, please don't equate Louis Laveist with a church charity. Maybe one of our journalists out there will ask Mr Laveist what exactly his foundation has done so far with this money?

I look forwards to your post about the scratch card scam.

Flipper
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After reading the first article I have nothing to say but get the facts correct! I am or was an employee of GGV and can give you the real facts. The company I worked for is in fact a legitimate company! A company who promotes tourism to the Caribbean as well employing the people of the Caribbean! For every one American working there, there are at least two locals as well! On top of employing the beautiful people of St Maarten we also provide them with a skill that can last a life time as well as an income that at the very least doubles the islands minimum wage! And as far as the "gay comment", there isn't a single gay working for the company! "We at GGV know God made Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve" You might ask Larry Geer about the gays! As far as working illegally I do apologize for that! GGV was misinformed on the proper steps in which to take to become legal on the island! That mess can not be blamed on Mr Whittley but on the previous owner Mr Slagel whom started the process over 2 years ago! Currently all employees at GGV have their resident and working papers! So I guess business as usual for the GGV!

The investigation that just started with Laveist will prove his his guilt or innocence.

Comment edited to remove pointless invective and talk about whorehouses. - Not the kind of intelligent discussion and debate we want to foster

How did my name come up by this anonymous person that doesn't even have the balls to identify himself. Larry Geer (myself) only knows that 3 people (closet cases) called men at that place that tried to put the moves on me. PLEASE!!!!! I have more class than to even think about going out with any of those parasites that rarely take a bath once a week and wear the same scuffed up shoes day after day. Could you imagine the underclothing? DISGUSTING.

The company is a scam so why doesn't this person that doesn't know if he works for them or not admit that he is taking money from innocent tourists that get ABSOLUTELY nothing in return, and yet the employees get paid by cash because their boss Scott told them they did not have to pay taxes. Justin (the funny looking overweight brat) was bragging that Scott told him he did not have to pay taxes because they were trainers. Trainers of what? He is only 21 years old. The only thing he can train on is how to score drugs and that is a fact, or, perhaps training diapers. So leave my name out of the gay section of your fraudulent company. There is not one man on this Island that can say he has slept with me. (if there is one, than proof it)

I have better taste than the nasty lack of hygiene persons that work (or train?) at that scandalous, fraudulent place that is taking money and giving absolutely nothing in return. They are always coming up with a website that is under construction. Ridiculous! I have no skeletons in my closet. I am involved in Community activities and know that I am an asset to our community and our people. Can anyone there say the same thing? Of course not, all they add to is the drug community and assist in corrupting our youth.

There were too many typo's.

Sorry about that Flipper, I should of used word spell and always should, but I had a senior moment. Does that mean it did not get posted?

Regards,

Larry

One of the editors just corrected some typos I think.

Interesting that you should start of by saying you are, or were an employee, which is it? You either are or are not, or are you just taking a break, vacation maybe?

The report above comes from SMNN, I will let them know that you challenge their report, so make sure you come back to read their reply.

My own reply to you is that first of all, the writers on this site do not think your so called 'business' of harassing and pulling tourists off the streets and roads to play the scratch card 'Scam' game is welcome here. We feel it damages the island and our visitors experience, what gives you the right to harass people in such a manner?? It is a scam, pure and simple, you play a game and there are many witnesses who have seen it, nothing you can deny there.

Secondly, I want to take you up on the gay issue. Clearly you are a bigot and prejudiced against them, are you saying that GGV has a policy against gays? The news report above is from a newssite that is has religious reporters and I have had my arguments with them about both religion and gay rights in the past, we may possibly have them again in the future. Personally, I believe fully that gay people should be free to live with whom and how they choose to, it's no one else's business. I also believe they should have the same legal rights as married couples if they wish to enter into such a union.

Not being religious, I find the attitude of many religious people towards gays as being hypocritical, they should go read the teachings of Jesus just a bit more, but hey, that's just my opinion and I am happy to be able to voice it, I don't intend to stop. I do find your comment implying GGV may discriminate to be interesting, can you confirm that?

As to your teaching skills to the 'beautiful people' of St. Maarten, could you please explain what they are? Also, take note that the 'beautiful people' of St. Maarten are not stupid and your comment gives the impression you think they are. GGV gave Laveist's 'Foundation' a $50,000 donation, or a promise of it, it just so happens that LL takes care of permits. Convenient eh? Here's a suggestion. Next time GGV feels like giving a donation to the island, give it directly to a charity or a foundation rather than a politician's foundation, otherwise it might be seen as a payoff.

By the way, has anyone asked what Louie's foundation has done with the money?

Flipper

To the former/current GGV employee,

Please take the time to organize your thoughts before you post. It appears that you are actually confirming (quite proudly I might add) that gays don't work at GGV. I hope for the sake of GGV that another scandal is not created based on this comment. Given the heat the company has recently received from customers, caution should be exercised!
If you spend time online researching GGV, you will see that it is more than one person who has complained about his/her experience on Sint Maarten. Obviously, any visitor will automatically reject the island after scratching, winning, signing up, paying, and receiving nothing in the end. It does not take a fool to notice what is happening on front street or any where else OPC's are in action. The Caribbean has a knack for attracting all the failures or illegitimate businessmen whose countries no longer welcome their dodgy ways (not including the corruption that is brewed among islanders themselves). It should therefore come as no surprise that many people, whether they live here or visit the island, are weary and very annoyed by OPC's and their employers.

In regards to work permits: Not having the necessary documents is never an excuse. I'm sure you are well aware of colleagues who have been deported. Any company that is 'trading' or conducting their business, should never announce their stupidity by not having their employees work permits in order because of confusion. If ABC Co. has registered via legal means to operate a business within any country, it is an automatic assumption that the legality of its employees are in order.

Donations or not, that company will become the subject of ridicule when the public is finally aware of the problems created by the owner and his staff.

I am so relieved that you are familiar with cocaine use.. I am not.. The OPC's of which you speak are not employees of GGV nor are they in the office.. and I believe the accusation was made to those in the office.. not the OPC's.

SXM locals or SXM residents.. either way they are legal.. whether they are from the french side.. or from USA... as we all were told by the local authorities being here with what we had.. which I think has already been proven to be an oversight.. and not on our part.

GGV dont move the OPC's anywhere... GGV is a separate entity.. the marketing company is apparantly where you have your beef.. again.. GET IT RIGHT.... GGV is not breaking any law.

And regarding your opinion that YOUR government and political system on the island is a corrupt one.. shame on you.. not those of us who trusted in good faith. No matter what foundation is donated to.. there is always a contact person to accept the donation. We followed protocol.

I have to address the gay bashing comment.. this is not about who is gay.. and who isnt.. its about a persons comment that homosexual activity as well as pornography and drug use are taking place in the office. Thats all.. nothing else. We hire qualified personnnel.. be them male or female, gay, straight, white, black, dutch, french, athiest, catholic, buddhist, etc.. etc...

You know, anyone anywhere with half a brain can take a comment or a statement out of context to serve their own purpose. Its the age old practice by those who find themselves without a leg to stand on.. when all else fails.. lie.. exaggerate.. say whatever you can to cast doubt,

Well.. . I personally have used our services to stay on this island in resorts for nearly 30 weeks. I have also personally arranged travel for members. I have the paper work to prove it. We have a member base that can attest to our products and services.

If there is anyone who would like to come into our office to see for themselves, our general manager John Barze says he will personally sit down with you and answer all of your questions, and show you how our company works. If you'd like to sit through a presentation, that too can be arranged.

This is of course, only if you really are interested in the truth and GETTING IT RIGHT!

And whoever it is addressing me.. please reveal youself as I have.

Cynthia

If I read correctly, you are saying that the OPC's, those annoying people who flag our tourists down on the roads and harass them in our streets are not employed by GGV. This may well be the case, in which case GGV should be concerned about hiring this OPC company as they are getting a bad name because of their tactics.

The scratch card game is a scam, plain and simple. I have seen it in action and even talked with some of the OPC's in the past. I've sat and watched them prepare to accost a couple of tourists walking down the street and watched them play out their game and fake surprise and joy for the 'winner'. I've watched them flag down tourists in cars and I have even seen them chase after them in their little cars. Some tourists have even reported being almost run off the road by them. Perhaps GGV should consider hiring another company and finding other methods to bring people through their doors.

Claiming the ignorance card about the donation to Laveist is, as the other commenter put it, ignorant. If the owner of your company didn't consider that politicians on this island may be corrupt then shame on him. I repeat, no one in their right mind gives a $50,000 donation with no assurance of where it will go and what it will be used for. No one. And please, don't call shame on us because our politicians are corrupt, what do you think this site exists for?

Trust in good faith. Be real. Laveist is in charge of work permits, your company needed them. You boss put GGV in the spotlight because either he thought no one would put 2 and 2 together or question it, or because he is very naive.

Flipper

How is it that an American doing the job that any local can do can obtain a work permit so quickly? Our business tried hiring a foreigner after months of advertising for the right candidate and even though there was not one eligable local for the job, we were unable to get papers for a foreign worker. So, how is it possible that a SALES PERSON can get papers? HOW? I pass these aggressive, young, prideless individuals almost daily in Mullet Bay and it is embarassing for me as a local to see the harassment that our visitors get. How could anyone work in such a business and have any decency in their soul? Cindy and all of you out there, do something meaningful with your life.

Again, those aggressive, young, prideless individuals as you call them, DO NOT WORK FOR OUR COMPANY!! As for your comment that "any local" can do our job, you definitely don't know what you are talking about.

Perhaps, some locals -very few- have the talent to do our job. However, based on the fact that this is a "legitimate american company" and we only deal with american tourist, we need the presence of american people to make them feel more comfortable and confident about getting our services and to come back to this island. It's only common sense. Or do you think that there is any foreign company anywhere in the world that just hire locals and don't have the presence of any nationals of wherever they are from?

More important, so you know once and for all, we only get paid commissions if we get a sale, while those that you call "locals" get paid very good salaries, way above the standards of what most people make in this island whether we sell or not. They depend on our skills and expertise to sell so they can get paid salaries.

Finally, if you are going to give a comment, research what you are going to say first, and then, identify yourself (don't be a coward) It's easy to throw a rock and then hide your hand. And more important: Give your suggestion as to how to find a solution instead of just criticizing for the hell of it. If you don't have a solution to whatever you want to talk or criticize about, I recommend you keep your mouth shut.

Jose Velez
Sales Manager GGV

Anyone with a google obsession can search the web the right way. Hopefully this link works so that you (GGV associates) can understand what your only fear should be.

Timeshare Resale Scams Involving Fake Appraisals

There have been many who have tried to take advantage of the "underpaid" and 'not smart enough to deal with foreigners' "locals" This is the manner in which karma comes back and bites you in the *ss.

If the link doesn't work, try searching the right way: "St. Maarten" AND scam AND timeshare AND money on any search engine.

Regards,

A local not up to your standards

Thank you SXM Private Eye for causing a reaction.

Seriously, Mr. Velez, bite your toungue!!! Your emotions speak louder than your message. You don't understand the country in which you are workng. You have not only offended those who are neutral but also those who could not care less.

SEROIUSLY, MR. NOBODY, YOU DON'T HAVE THE GUTS TO IDENTIFY YOURSELF. SO WHO I AM OFFENDING? A GHOST? YOU SPEAK FROM THE DARKNESS WHERE PEOPLE (LIKE YOURSELF) HIDE -BECAUSE YOU ARE JUST ASHAME THAT PEOPLE WHO KNOWS YOU- WOULD KNOW WHAT ARE YOU SAYING. AND I WOULD RATHER SAY THAT MY MESSAGE SPEAKS LOUDER THAN MY EMOTIONS BECAUSE IT IS BASED ON THE FACTS AND IF THAT HAS OFFENDED YOU, I DO BELIEVE THAT IS YOUR PROBLEM.

MORE IMPORTANT, IF YOU SAY, YOU ARE NEUTRAL OR YOU COULD NOT CARE LESS, HOW DID I OFFENDED YOU? OR THOSE PEOPLE YOU ARE PUTTING WORDS IN THEIR MOUTH? I GUESS YOU COULD BE MORE SPECIFIC SINCE I DON'T KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND I AM NOT A PSYCHIC WHO READS MINDS.

BESIDES THAT, WHAT SOLUTION ARE YOU OFFERING? NONE!! THE ONLY THING I CAN RESCUE FROM WHAT YOU SAY IS THAT: " I MAY NOT UNDERSTAND THE COUNTRY IN WHICH I AM WORKING" BECAUSE THINGS COULD BE A LOT EASIER FOR EVERYBODY, IF THERE WERE LESS PEOPLE LIKE YOURSELF THAT THE ONLY THING THEY KNOW HOW TO DO BEST IS JUST CRTIZICE WITH NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE FACTS AND WORST OF ALL, WITHOUT OFFERING ANY SOLUTIONS.

NOW, IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO IDENTIFY YOURSELF AND OFFER A SOLUTION BASED ON WHAT I EXPLAINED, PLEASE, REFRAIN FROM WRITING ANOTHER COMMENT. I DON'T HAVE TIME TO WASTE WITH SOMEONE WHO DOESN'T HAVE NOT ONLY THE EDUCATION, BUT THE COURTESY, TO AT LEAST PUT HIS OR HER NAME ON THEIR COMMENTS.

I REST MY CASE.

Quite frankly Jose, I don't need to reveal myself to you because I am not your concern. However, you can use your same enthusiasm for information by explaining to 'taken' tourists how your timeshare deals work. You are spending your energy condemning people on this site rather than trying to clear your company's name and reputation on the world wide web.

FYI

TTOL - GGV

If you don't have time to waste with someone "who doesn't have not only..." etc.. then I suggest that you spend some time on English grammar books, learn how spelling check and a keyboard works (hit Caps Lock a couple of times while you TypE and you will notice the DifFeReNce) and consider to drink less. It will all help us to grasp what your message actually is. Thanks.

I almost didn't publish your comment, afterall, what the does it add to the discussion? There is no reason nor is there any requirement for anyone to put a name, you are not only ignorant of the island but also the internet and blogs. It matters not who someone is, it matters what they say. If you are incapable of responding in a reasonable manner, then it's you who should stop commenting.

That is the second time you have told someone to stop writing and commenting, it's the last time. Please, don't 'waste your time' on this website if thats all you have to contribute.

Does your company employ the company these people work for?

OPC's arrested - 26th March 2007

Flipper