St. Maarten Private Eye - Heritage and Culture

Carnival 'not fine' for 2009

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 01:28:10 -0700

The discussion and comments about the Carnival stakeholders and Foundation has crept into the Maria Telem post, so here is a roundup of the news gathered on this story. Please use this thread to continue the discussion. :)

I don't have a lot to say on it myself, not knowing all the details and issues behind it. What I will say is that like public companies, foundations that work directly for and receive large amounts of public money should be publicly accountable and open to scrutiny. There is absolutely no reason why the financial statements for the SMCF should not be publicly available online, along with open elections and the nominations for the board open to public discussion. This is how is should be.

What we have instead is the 'semblance' of cronyism and a 'good ol boys/girls' club with a revolving door for more than a few. While there are certainly many members and past members who have worked hard and dedicated themselves to Carnival, there are also most certainly members who have been appointed based on their political affiliations and connections. This is the case also with Govt companies, with the same crowd of faces wearing many hats and swapping them around with each other now and then. Accountability and public information is a key component of the solution to these 'semblances'.

Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________

Enviro Week - EWE - 4-8 June 2008

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:42:23 -0700

Imagine... a park full of green products and services that will help St. Maarten become a bit more of a nature friendly island and a more livable island for the younger generation. With our eco-expo we make it a reality and you can even participate with your green products or services.

A solar cooker contest, a car that runs on water (French Lycee), a car that runs on biofuel, local biological food, green cleaning products, wood crafting, local natural art, solar heaters, water saving and energy saving products, water from air and a raffle. There will also be workshops in between with related to agriculture, solar power, energy and water saving and some interesting keynote speakers. Details, updates and press releases below.

Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________

Laviest - Cockfighting is Cultural.

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:46:05 -0700

Cooking over a wood fire used to be traditional and cultural, but progress bought us alternatives. Jumping off boats to catch coins tossed by cruise ship passengers at the harbor used to be traditional and some might say almost because cultural, until it was decided that it's not only dangerous, but also gave an impression of an island of beggars. Until recently we didn't have to wear seat belts, could those who get fined (are any?) not claim that their right not to wear one is traditional or cultural?

I suspect some of those who fought against emancipation and the end of slavery claimed that their right to own slaves was traditional and cultural, thankfully there were others who were brave enough to fight and struggle and as a result, move the human race and it's moral zeitgeist forward.

Today O & C - Cockfighting - 11th April 2008
Laveist opposes cockfighting ban - 11th April 2008

Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________

Another one bites the Dust.

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:35:02 -0700

Jadira Veen reports from the scene....

YouTube Video - Nature destruction at Over the Bank in St. Maarten

NAf. 7,000 fine suggested for destruction of old trees - 27th March 2008

According to reports I have, interest was expressed by the Emilio Wilson Park Foundation via Wilhelm Patrick to save the old house and move it to the park. I am also hearing that what is left may be mostly salvaged. Perhaps the fines can cover this?

Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________

The EWE Saga - Cont.

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:26:59 -0800

So here we are again, the Emilio Wilson Estate back in the news with Henri "I want' to be a Millionaire" Brookson announcing that he is now the owner of the Estate.

So far I have been unable to confirm this, my sources tell me they have not been able to confirm an official record of this sale/tranfer or whatever it is. Considering that the company Henri is fronting for (or is this move on his own?) have lied about purchasing the estate before (1st Jan 06), it's difficult to know what the truth is.

Please join me below for a short stroll down 'memory lane' and to discuss this story.

Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________

Tourism, Education and Economic Justice

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:52:17 -0800

By Terry J. Peterson

"Anyone who votes against this budget, would be voting against the future of SXM"
-Roy Marlin, 2008 Draft Budget, Island Council Meeting, Dec 2007.

"The Island Council missed a golden opportunity"
-Sarah Wescott Williams, 2008 Draft Budget, Island Council Meeting, Dec 2007

The 2008 draft budget approved by the present administration is another bikini budget in which the more significant parts are concealed and the less significant parts are revealed. It is unfortunate that the current government would justify allocations to Tourism by suggesting that it is the future of Country St. Martin. It is alarming to think that school children, policy makers and many others may believe this hollow proposition. It would seem that this is the reason why our government finds it necessary to use tax payers’ money to train young St. Martiners to become dishwashers, bellboys and housekeepers in brand name hotels. What golden opportunity? The future of St. Martin is not tourism. The future of St. Martin is education! We need to build an educational system so that we could transact in knowledge production and knowledge export.
Click here to Read More
____________________________________________________________