Effects of the lack of rule of law
The effect of lack of the rule of law is a problem that does not discriminate, whether you are a corporation or a start-up, rich or poor, educated or illiterate, employed or unemployed, born in St Maarten or from another country. Being democratic is not enough for St. Maarten to function as a country. Good, healthy democratic societies are built on More...
A waste of time, energy and money
By Hilbert Haar The spin doctors in Parliament, spearheaded by UP faction leader Grisha Heyliger-Marten are going all out in their attempt to sell their story about the decolonization process. So far, twelve parliamentarians More...
The trouble with reparations
By Hilbert Haar Before anyone wants to hold it against me, let me say this: I support the notion that slavery was wrong for one hundred percent. We may however have different opinions about who was responsible for More...
Statia’s deadlocked political future
By Hilbert Haar If the result of the island council elections in Statia have made anything clear it is that change does not come easy to people. You can take horse to the water but you cannot force it to drink, More...
A multi-million dollar sales pitch
By Hilbert Haar Finding the best possible solution in any situation requires first and foremost that you understand and acknowledge the problem. That’s why recovering alcoholics always begin their stories at AA-meetings More...
An ugly dog fight
By Hilbert Haar Finance Minister Ardwell Irion’s plan to float a 75 million guilders bond issue has resulted in an ugly dog fight with financial supervisor Cft. United People’s party leader Rolando Brison added More...
Cursed Circles
By Hilbert Haar Years ago, as I was sitting on my balcony in the Cretan sun, the mailman stopped by and asked if I had a banknote of twenty Deutsch Marks. It was quite an odd request as Greece was still using the More...
Solitary confinement belongs in the Middle Ages
By Hilbert Haar The tragic story of Caulette Julien who died at the Mental Health Foundation on August 25 after spending almost three weeks in solitary confinement has triggered many questions that are still waiting More...
Creative brains in overdrive
By Hilbert Haar That opportunity makes the thief became once more clear from the case of a man who scammed Social and Health Insurances SZV in three years time for almost $190,000 – thus creating a handsome but More...
The mother of all challenges
By Hilbert Haar Our island is facing the mother of all challenges – and even that is an understatement. The COVID-19 crises has laid bare what decision makers have known for a very, very long time: it is dangerous More...
