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No Farming Without Nature: Why Sint Maarten’s Agricultural Future Depends on Land Protection.

Dear Editor,

There’s been a lot of talk lately about boosting agriculture in Sint Maarten. Ministers are talking about farming, people are sharing ideas on food security, and even a few small initiatives have popped up around the island. That’s all good. We need more of that. But we also need to be honest about one simple truth: there can be no farming, no real agriculture, without protecting the land first.
You can’t grow food on damaged soil. You can’t raise livestock if the water is polluted or if hillside development keeps washing away fertile topsoil every time it rains. You can’t talk about agriculture and ignore what’s happening to our natural areas. And right now, too many of those areas are being bulldozed, cleared, or neglected. That has to change.
We’ve seen other islands get serious about this. In places like St. Lucia and Grenada, there’s an understanding that forests, wetlands, and open spaces play a role in keeping land healthy and productive. They protect against floods, support pollinators, and keep the soil in place. Farmers in those countries work hand-in-hand with conservationists because they’ve learned that agriculture without nature just doesn’t work.
Here in Sint Maarten, we’ve let those lessons slip by us. We’ve allowed years of unchecked development, illegal dumping, and a lack of enforcement to break down the land we now say we want to farm. We’ve let invasive species run rampant, and we haven’t put in place the kind of long-term protections needed to safeguard what little natural space we have left.
That matters. Because farming doesn’t happen in a vacuum, you need healthy ecosystems around your crops to support growth. You need bees and butterflies and other pollinators to pollinate. You need trees and vegetation to hold water in the soil during dry spells and slow it down during heavy rains. Without those things, farming becomes expensive, fragile, and unsustainable.
It’s good that we’re talking about agriculture again. But let’s not forget what’s required to make it work. We need to start setting aside and protecting what little natural land we have left. We need to stop cutting into hillsides and filling in wetlands for quick profits. We need to put policies in place that protect our environment, and we need to enforce those policies, not just talk about them. And we need to understand that protecting nature isn’t separate from farming—it is in fact the first critical step.
Government support for agriculture must go hand-in-hand with a strong commitment to terrestrial conservation. If we keep building on every green space, if we keep ignoring erosion, pollution, and habitat destruction, there will be nothing left to grow on. A food-secure Sint Maarten needs more than greenhouses and tools; it needs healthy land and functioning ecosystems. And that requires real, intentional environmental protection.
Otherwise, we’re just planting seeds in sand. And no matter how good our intentions are, nothing grows from that.


Sincerely,
Tadzio Bervoets


Open Letter from Bonaire to St Maarten Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina on Dutch MP Baudet declarations.

jamesfines04052025We have read your recent and passionate condemnation of the deeply offensive and racist remarks made by Dutch MP Thierry Baudet. We commend your courage in speaking out so clearly against colonial rhetoric, demographic engineering, and the degrading idea that the Caribbean is still up for “repopulation” or exploitation.

What you now condemn as a “colonial fantasy” for St. Maarten has been the lived, painful reality for Bonaire since 2010. Baudet’s statements are not a new threat—they are simply a blunt expression of a policy direction that has already been silently executed in Bonaire, with devastating consequences.

Since the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles and the forced annexation of Bonaire as a “territorial public entity” of the Netherlands, we have endured: -A 400% rise in immigration, with Dutch Europeans granted voting rights in local election and referendum after 90 days after arrival - The displacement of the native Bonairean population, reduced from approximately 80% in 2010 to less than 30% today - Loss of land, economic access, political voicelessness and cultural identity, as Dutch law overrides local governance.  A process that amounts to ethnic and cultural erasure, framed as modernization.

While the world hears your strong words against recolonization, we have been living the outcomes of it for over a decade—not as speculation, but as everyday reality.

In 2015, the people of Bonaire overwhelmingly rejected this imposed status in a democratic referendum. Yet that clear voice of self-determination was ignored. Our democratic will was dismissed. Instead of being treated as partners in the Kingdom, we were expelled from the Kingdom Charter aka “Statuut” framework, left with no protection or recognition under its legal or political structure.

Shockingly, this exclusion from the “Statuut” was agreed upon not only by the Netherlands, but with the cooperation or acquiescence—or silence—of our Caribbean partners: St. Maarten, Curaçao, and Aruba. While they continue to operate as autonomous countries under the Charter, Bonaire was effectively cast out of the “Statuut” and subjected to the full force of unilateral Dutch rule. Silence becomes complicity?

Prime Minister Mercelina, we must also address what many across the Caribbean witnessed with concern: your role last October as Chair of a United Nations session during the "Pact of the Future" summit. We, with UN ECOSOC Consultative Status, witnessed firsthand how your presence was used to project an image of Caribbean inclusion and harmony in the Kingdom —yet while you chaired that meeting, Bonaire and its people were being systematically erased —its people displaced, its democratic will denied, under policies that mirror Baudet’s ideology in practice, if not in language.

This creates confusion and even false legitimacy in the eyes of UN Member states, experts and the international community. When a Caribbean Prime Minister appears to endorse the image of a harmonious Kingdom, while sister islands are being recolonized and depopulated, the result is misrepresentation of the truth and undermines our struggle.

We urge you to extend your voice to those already suffering under the very policies Baudet now dares to say aloud. Acknowledge the human rights crisis in Bonaire, and use your position to speak the full truth — for all Caribbean peoples in the Kingdom.

Sincerely, with respect and hope, as a native Bonerian who has survived three assassination attempts and unlawful imprisonment, I call on St. Maarten, Curaçao, and Aruba to unite with us in the name of justice.

James Finies, Bonaire Human Rights Organization

Bonaire Human Rights Organization

Kaya Libertador Simon Bolivar 26

Kralendijk, Bonaire

Dutch Envoy Rijna, Ex-Governor of Bonaire, Misleads CARICOM— Serves Dutch Interests, Not the People.

rijnabonaire25042025Dutch Special Envoy Edison Rijna, former governor of Bonaire, is being deployed by the Dutch government to the Global Sustainable Island Summit (GSIS) in May 2025 in St. Kitts and Nevis. Framed as an advocate for increased funding to the Forum for Subnational Island Jurisdictions (SNIJs), Rijna’s real function is to advance Dutch strategic interests. His presence risks misleading CARICOM partners, as he represents the colonial state, not the voices or needs of the people in non-sovereign island territories.
It’s crucial to clarify the actions of the so-called Dutch Special Envoy engaging with CARICOM and St. Kitts and Nevis. While he presents himself as a representative of Bonaire, he truly serves Dutch interests, not those of Bonaire’s people. He is working on behalf of the Netherlands, not reflecting the struggles or voices of the local population.
The narrative being pushed is misleading and deceptive. The envoy is attempting to secure funding under the guise of representing Bonaire's climate vulnerability and challenges, but these claims are fundamentally false. Bonaire is not located in the hurricane belt, and our island does not suffer from major natural disasters like many other Caribbean nations. While climate change is a global concern, it is not the pressing issue that is currently affecting our people.
The true crisis in Bonaire is not environmental, but a human rights crisis one. The Dutch government imposes high taxes and collects all with zero accountability to the people. Our schools are stripped of cultural identity, forcing native children into a system that ignores and erases their language and rights. Unrestricted migration from the European Netherlands is driving overpopulation on Bonaire, straining the island's infrastructure, resources, and social framework—an undeniable example of modern colonial exploitation.
Healthcare in Bonaire is no longer serving our people—it’s being used as a tool of Dutch colonial control. The forced imposition of Dutch European laws like “euthanasia” violates our moral and cultural values, leaving families traumatized and the elderly afraid to seek care. Since its enforcement, the death rate has doubled, and our native population has plummeted from 80% in 2010 to just ca 30% today. This is not coincidence—it reflects a deliberate policy of displacement and cultural erasure.
It is misleading and harmful for this envoy to present a false narrative to the Caribbean, diverting attention from Bonaire's real struggles and reinforcing Dutch colonial dominance. We urge CARICOM leaders and the government of St. Kitts and Nevis to distinguish between a Dutch envoy pushing for Dutch interests and the true voice of Bonaire’s people, who are fighting for their survival, rights and self-determination.

James Finies, Bonaire Human Rights

Bonaire Human Rights Organization

Objection to the Perjured Portrayal of Venezuela as a Military Threat to Bonaire as Stated by the Governor of Bonaire.

To: H.E. Hendrikus Schoof, Prime Minister of the Netherlands H.E. Ruben Brekelmans, Minister of Defense H.E. Caspar Veldkamp, Minister of Foreign Affairs The Members of the Dutch Parliament, The Members of the Dutch Senate
The Hague, Netherlands

Subject: Objection to the Perjured Portrayal of Venezuela as a Military Threat to Bonaire as Stated by the Governor of Bonaire
Dear Prime Minister Schoof, Minister Brekelmans, Minister Veldkamp, Members of the Dutch Parliament, and Members of the Dutch Senate,
We write to you on behalf of the people of Bonaire regarding a joint statement of objection, as mentioned above, in collaboration with the Bonaire Human Rights Organization, Ministerio Evangeliko Di Akshon (Evangelical Ministry in Action – religious body), and SC Labor Union STrAF Division (workers' labor union) from Bonaire, Statia, and Saba. This statement has been sent to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, CARICOM, OECS, OAS, CELAC, and COPPPAL. (see attached)
We hereby urgently raise our concerns regarding the letter Governor Soliano dated March 25th, 2025, reference: Z/25/02449,4, addressed to- Mr. Brekelmans, Minister of Defense, and Mr Veldkamp, Minister of Foreign Affairs, regarding: “ Concerns about the situation in Venezuela” (see attached)
We are particularly concerned by the letter from Governor Soliano, which was publicized in the media, instilling fear and creating panic among the local population. Governor Soliano, who is not elected and does not represent the people of Bonaire but is appointed by and represents the King and the Dutch Government, has initiated a possible provocation with Bonaire’s neighboring country, Venezuela through this irresponsible public action.
Governor Soliana is calling on the Dutch Government, Minister Brekelmans of Defense, and Minister Veldkamp of Foreign Affairs. The governor sees Venezuela as a military threat that could lead to unnecessary interference, intervention, provocation, and animosity from Venezuela.
Our Answers/Opinion to Questions asked by D66 Members of Parliament van der Werf and Paternotte:
1--- Yes, 1--- Yes, everybody saw this letter and message of Governor Soliano, who “sounds alarm about the military threat from Venezuela,” was widely publicized in the media and can be seen as a form of propaganda that could lead to military provocations and conflict
2--- No, there were no indicative reported or observed Venezuelan military activity near Bonaire 3--- No, we have always been friendly neighbors, and there have been no serious, credible threats contrary to the sensational and troubling letter from Governor Soliano, which could lead to military provocation. Bonaire has historically maintained peaceful relations with Venezuela. Many Bonaireans have ties to Venezuela, with a substantial Venezuelan community on the island, and we have always lived together peacefully. Any attempt to portray otherwise is misleading and unjustified.
4--- No, there are no increased threats to other Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, as Aruba and Curacao are closer to Venezuela than Bonaire, as we have lived with the utmost respect and peaceful relationship throughout our history. Recently, the Government of Aruba refused the Dutch government's initiative to establish a military base on the island of Aruba to avoid provocations and escalation.
5&6--- There has been no prior information from the Governor nor the Public Entity of Bonaire towards the citizens of any indication as severe as this provocative, sensationalized suggestive Nato interference letter propagates and invites to military escalation instead of diplomatic peacekeeping and seeking communications and solutions
7--- Bonaire is part of the Caribbean that has been declared a zone of Peace by CELAC. The Caribbean region does not promote any suggestive military propaganda to provocation and destabilize the peaceful Caribbean region
8--- The Royal Navy has bases in Aruba and Curacao with main responsibility of border control and drug smuggling and there were no serious public reports and indications as the sensations seeking and provocative letter of Governor Soliano has perjured the Bonaire, Antillean, and Caribbean communities
9--- Governor Soliano should seriously consider withdrawing his provocative letter, and Ministers of Defense Brekelmans and Foreign Affairs Veldkamp should clearly treat the letter as not having been sent. They should also begin de-escalating any potential military provocations in order to maintain Bonaire, our sister islands Aruba and Curacao, and the Caribbean region as a zone of peace.
The suggestive, provocative letter of Governor Soliano for possible NATO military interference and base on Bonaire in our opinion will lead to provocation and escalation to military conflict. This is a direct threat to regional peace and security and goes against the interests of the people of Bonaire, who wish to remain neutral and uninvolved in foreign military confrontations.
We stand united in the belief that the rights and wishes of the people of Bonaire must be respected. Bonaire, along with the Caribbean region, should remain a peaceful, demilitarized zone where human rights, social stability, and regional cooperation are prioritized. We respectfully request your urgent attention to this matter in ensuring that Bonaire remains a peaceful, demilitarized territory in accordance with international law.


Sincerely,
James Finies

Issues of affecting the Court of Guardianship.

Dear Editor,
Does the public know what the Court of Guardianship (COG) does? Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just about collecting child support. The COG is the central reporting center for child abuse. Its youth protection division is responsible for responding to cases of suspected child abuse and neglect, implementing (Judicial ) safety measures, creating safety plans to address risk factors within the minor's environment without removal or Court intervention,and  mediation to establish parenting plans that address custody, visitation and child support, conducting independent research in matters related to adoption, custody, paternity, and divorce proceedings, all in the interest of the minors involved. Meanwhile, the youth probation department deals with minors who get in contact with law enforcement for criminal offenses and manages everything from providing a wellness check into the well-being of the minor once detained, conducting research, providing advice to the prosecutor or the judge, initiating interventions, and providing guidance.

Now, let’s talk about the real issue—where exactly does the COG stand in the Ministry of Justice? The answer? We don’t know! The COG has been stuck in bureaucratic limbo since 10-10-10, floating around like an abandoned stepchild. There isn’t a single worker within the department who has been officially sworn in as civil servants. The entire operation is running by workers under the guise that they will eventually become civil servants within the Ministry of Justice. And somehow, despite nine different ministers cycling through since 10-10-10—Ronald Duncan, Dennis Richardson, Richard Gibson, Edson Kirindongo, Rafael Boasman, Cornelius De Weever, Egbert Doran, Anna Richardson, Lyndon Lewis, and currently, Nathalie Tackling—not one of them has managed to correct this issue? Seriously? Minister after minister has come and gone, doing absolutely nothing about the COG’s status and the lack of resources dedicated to minors, yet claim to prioritize the youth of St. Maarten.

In 2023, former minister Anna Richardson suggested that we sign placement letters to regulate the COG before the LIOL was finalized. Guess what? Those letters never showed up. The process stalled, and everyone conveniently forgot about it. Then, in 2024, Batman, I mean MP Lyndon Lewis, took office and displayed zero interest in the COG. He spoke on the Breakfast Lounge with Lady Grace about two weeks ago, calling out various departments within the Ministry of Justice, failing to notice he listed a couple of foundations in between. Yet somehow, he conveniently left out the COG. This glaring omission isn’t a surprise, considering that during his tenure, COG was basically treated like a department nobody wants to acknowledge. Fast forward to the current minister, who also doesn’t seem to understand the importance of the COG or the challenges the department has been experiencing. Seeking collaboration with the Youth Brigade regarding youth crime prevention while not including the COG where youth probation is executed shows a misguided approach towards the issue. The COG has continuously reached out to previous ministers to express their concerns. However, due to the size of the department, we are often overlooked and neglected. The youth protection department is expected to respond to crises outside of working hours without being compensated.

The entire department had high hopes when the current minister was appointed; however, much like those before her, the importance of regulating the legal positioning of the employees remains an afterthought. But like every other Minister before her, those hopes are now nothing more than crushed expectations. No one has once asked what tools and resources are needed to rehabilitate these minors who commit crimes to prevent recidivism. Stakeholders have become unwilling or reluctant to provide beneficial services to minors due to the government's extensive outstanding balance. Many minors who commit crimes have a history of child protection due to exposure to violence and poor parenting environments, which have led to severe behavioral issues and social-emotional challenges. After the closure of the I Can Foundation, many of these children were displaced due to the passing of the house mother and a lack of resources and facilities to accommodate them with their specific challenges. As a result, they were left to fend for themselves, which contributed to incidents of assault and robbery targeting tourists. During the tenure of Dennis Richardson, Miss Lalie Center was established as a facility for minors with behavioral challenges and those who committed crimes. Until the brilliant Edson Kirindongo decided to convert it into solely a detention center for minors under age 18. It was later converted to a detention center for ages 12 to 21. Not only is the large age bracket an issue, but the mere fact that this action left minors with behavioral challenges without proper facilities for the interventions needed to curb these challenges.

How many more ministers must come and go before the COG finally receives the recognition it deserves? How many more promises must be made before real action is taken? The time for empty words and misguided approaches has passed. It’s clear that without true understanding and a genuine commitment to change, the COG will continue to be left in the cold and forced to work without proper resources. To achieve real progress, leadership must stop ignoring the critical issues at hand and take decisive action to address the COG's legal status and administrative challenges. This also includes tackling the difficulties faced by the department in dealing with youth-related matters.

Sincerely,
A disappointed worker


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