Time to grow UP
Dear Editor, You will not meet a more nationalistic person than me. I bleed St. Maarten through and through. So when you hear me say that it’s time for the Dutch to step in, you know it’s serious. We have had so-called self determination for 12 years now. In the first 5 or 6 years we could expect some ups and downs as we learn to navigate through More...
The potential and benefits of geothermal energy for the islands (incl. St. Maarten)
~ The Leeward Islands Geothermal and Digital Interconnexion Hub Project and it’s benefits to Country Sint Maarten/St Martin ~ From our French-side correspondentMARIGOT — The Geothermal and Digital Interconnexion More...
A missed opportunity
By Hilbert Haar Maybe it is just me but I was severely scratching my head when I read the questions in the survey launched by Prime Minister Jacobs as part of her electoral reform campaign. I mean, if you intend More...
Political games
By Hilbert Haar If you have no arguments left or if you fear that the outcome of a debate is not beneficial to your own interests, accusing others of playing political games is always a good idea. At least, that More...
Stone-cold fact-finding
By Hilbert Haar It took me some time straighten this out in my mind, but I think I’ve got it now. Imagine that you manage an organization that needs to rent office space. Lots of office space. Let’s say, 47 More...
Doing a Good Thing Wrong Is No Good
~ Op-Ed on Media Policy by Ralph Cantave ~ On Tuesday, May 3, the world celebrated International Press Freedom Day, which inspired this article along with the recent press developments on our island. It is an honor More...
Reform or referendum?
By Hilbert Haar Member of Parliament Grisha Heyliger-Marten is sending mixed and confusing messages through her most recent letter to Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs. So maybe it is time to clarify a couple of things. What More...
Just a dime on its side
By Terrance Rey Whoever doesn’t bother to pick up a dime on the street is certainly doing well in life. But it can also turn out differently. If you leave money on the street, you also miss out on many opportunities More...
Wie zwijgt stemt toe
By Hilbert Haar I honestly cannot remember a moment when there was no trouble at all at utilities company GEBE and I have followed the developments in energy-land closely for more than ten years. Being the managing More...
Collecting more taxes does not require reform; it requires enforcement
PHILIPSBURG — Tax reform. Tax compliance. Tax evasion. Tax fraud. These are all well-known terms in St. Maarten where fooling the tax inspectorate is seen by quite some citizens and companies as a national More...
