Dear SMN NEWS

I am writing to share a deeply concerning experience I had while staying at the Sonesta Family Resort, which I feel needs to be brought to the attention of potential travelers.

I arrived at the resort on August 22nd as part of a group of 40 people attending my friend's wedding. Despite what was supposed to be a joyful occasion, my stay was marred by an unfortunate incident. As a single occupant in my room, I noticed on August 24th that USD 850 had been stolen from my belongings.

I immediately reported the issue to the hotel staff, and my experience handling the situation was highly disappointing. When I initially reported the theft, I spoke with a supervisor who informed me they did not deal with these matters and forwarded me to the security manager. When I asked the security manager about the protocol for dealing with theft, he refused to share any details but assured me that I would receive answers.

However, it wasn't until five days later that I was finally informed that two staff members had entered my room, and the security manager asserted that he believed they had not taken the money. These staff members were never put under investigation during this time, raising serious concerns about how the situation was being handled. No one took any accountability, and the security manager dismissed the matter, stating that only items stored in the room safe could be accounted for. This response was highly unsatisfactory, especially considering that I had valuables that could not fit in the safe, which made this policy unfair and unrealistic.

I could only meet with a manager named Javonny on August 28th, but I still have not received any resolution regarding my stolen money. Javonny insisted I meet with his general manager the following morning to rectify this before taking action. The following morning, the day I planned to check out, I received a call from Javonny apologizing and letting me know that their GM, Mr. Looman, had canceled the meeting to attend a dentist appointment. Furthermore, during my stay, I met another guest who informed me that his passport had been stolen from the resort, further complicating the lack of security measures and inadequate responses from the hotel management.

I am sharing this to alert other travelers of the risks of staying at this resort and how Sonesta conducts its business. The lack of accountability, transparency, and proper procedures to protect guests' valuables is alarming and unacceptable. I hope my story serves as a warning to others and encourages Sonesta to take this issue seriously to prevent future incidents.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,
Kemisha Burke

Dear Editor,
As a concerned Justice Worker deeply invested in the future of our Ministry of Justice, I feel compelled to address the recent developments surrounding the formation of the proposed new coalition government and its impact on our vital institution. Under the leadership of Minister Lyndon Lewis, we have finally begun to see some progress in addressing the longstanding issues within the Ministry. However, I have serious doubts about the proposed Coalition's commitment to solving the problems that have plagued us for far too long if they honestly intend to put third-time retiree politician and undertaker Frankie Meyers and his team of misfits in charge of the Ministry of Justice.
The appointment of the Ministry of Justice to Franklin Meyers and the SAM political party is a slap in the face of the justice workers. Throughout their campaign, SAM never addressed the critical issues within the Justice Ministry, and no one within the party has the experience or knowledge necessary to tackle the complex challenges we face daily. The Justice Ministry is not a token portfolio to be handed out as a bargaining chip in political negotiations. It is a critical institution that requires leadership with a deep understanding of law enforcement, justice administration, and the unique challenges faced by Justice Workers.
It is disheartening to see the URSM, Democratic Party, and PFP allocate the Ministry of Justice to a party that has shown little to no interest in our struggles. My colleagues and I feel that this decision is a "consolation prize" for SAM, to keep others in the Coalition from voicing their objections rather than a genuine attempt to bring about meaningful change within the Ministry. This is especially disappointing given the URSM's refusal to take on the Ministry themselves, despite their claim of knowledge of the Justice Ministry's challenges and their ability to advocate for real reform by one of their own Parliamentarians.
Sjamira Roseburg, as a prominent attorney and Parliamentarian, would have been a far better choice for Minister of Justice, or is she not willing to take on the role of working for us and is only talking and not interested in action? Her legal expertise, deep understanding of the justice system, and genuine concern for the well-being of Justice Workers make her an ideal candidate for the role. Why are URSM and Prime Minister Mercelina refusing to take the issues of the Ministry of Justice seriously? You cannot use this crucial Ministry as a bargaining chip to prevent the destabilization of the Coalition instead of addressing the justice workers' real needs and the community's security.
Justice Workers are not mere pawns in your political game. We are the backbone of the community, working tirelessly and often at great personal risk to ensure the safety and security of our island.
I hope the people of St. Maarten join us in demanding better for Justice Workers and workers everywhere. The Ministry of Justice is too important to be a consolation prize. We need experienced, committed leadership that prioritizes the needs of Justice Workers and the safety of our entire island. I urge the coalition partners to reconsider their decision and place the Ministry in the hands of those who truly understand its significance and are prepared to make the necessary changes to improve it.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.
Sincerely,

A Concerned Justice Worker

By Cdr. Bud Slabbaert

What would happen if an entire tourism destination was dedicated to expressing tourism legacy in a new way? I want to explore the potential for developing a bolder and more distinctive concept for tourism destination services and products. It is considered a model to explore future directions with innovative features and is enhanced by promotion language that reflects the destination’s unique products and professional services. The new concept may be a radical demonstration of the power of an avant-garde brand that will appear as the tourism destination of tomorrow.

Does it sound like a politician’s biddle-boo diddley squat? It doesn’t mean being disrespectful or contesting any existing shortcomings in a heavy-duty script.

Ever heard of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs? Academic courses in marketing teach Maslow's hierarchy as one of the first theories as a basis for understanding consumers' motives for action. Marketers have historically looked towards consumers' needs to define their actions in the market. If producers design products meeting consumer needs, consumers will more often choose those products over those of competitors, thus increasing sales.

It is an art to remain down-to-earth, yet achieving something that is almost heavenly for many. It may not be the concept that is referred to, but the following may provide some food for thought.

He dropped out of high school at age 15, he bought an uninhabited Caribbean island at age 28. He developed it to serve as a family private retreat. It was not supposed to be a tourist destination. Yet now, years later, it can be booked anytime of the year for exclusive use from US$105,000 per night. During selected weeks of the year, the island opens up ‘hotel style’, allowing guests to book individual rooms US$ 5,150 per night.

“Don't bother doing something unless you're radically different from the competition” according to Sir Richard Branson, the man behind this example and described as a man with an innovative spirit, deeply committed to sustainability and environment, as well as wildlife preservation, with an outlandish lifestyle, and who turns his visions into reality.

The point is not about telling anyone what to do or suggesting to go to extremes. It is not about how much is invested. It is about a philosophy or vision that offers an exclusive escape, where guests can escape the pressure of everyday life and immerse themselves in the tranquility and beauty of Caribbeans natural beauty and feel totally and truly at ease. Branson’s personal philosophy is embracing new experiences, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible that will be encapsulated in unique experiences. How about that for creating a new tourism destination concept?

It brings us back to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs which is used to study how humans intrinsically partake in behavioral motivation. Maslow used the terms "physiological", "safety", "belonging and love", "social needs" or "esteem", "self-actualization" and "transcendence" to describe the pattern through which human needs and motivations generally move. So, if one wants to invite guests to come to a destination, one has to understand their behavior, lifestyle and culture first. The characteristics and demographics of every tourism source market differs. Don’t expect to get them all. Specialization and exclusivity will create uniqueness.

Why shouldn't a destination be homey; a kind place that has the feeling of a cozy and comfortable home? Why not go ‘Shabby Chic’ which is in essence a feminine design style that reflects a casual and relaxed lifestyle and homelike warmth. Yet, feminine design relates to beautification. Not cosmetics, but the true natural beauty from within of a destination that should reflect the warmth of hospitality and of guesticology which is the study of the people for whom services are provided. It recognizes that there is a vital link between customer satisfaction and brand reputation. The only regret from a stay at a destination would be that the visitor couldn't stay longer!

A new exciting tourism destination concept harnesses the power of creativity and crosswise thinking to make a unique statement in a hi-class and hi-performance tourism concept model. One must not feel restricted by previous traditional concepts but instead explore new ways of expressing what a tourist destination stands for. It should represent the brand's destination roots in an intelligent way, without using showy gimmicks. Mind that quality goes in before the brand goes on. Yet, some believe that guests can be induced to swallow anything, provided it is sufficiently seasoned with praise, and they promote it with ample braggadocio.

In character and performance, a new tourism destination concept should be the most advanced focused model yet to come to the industry and be uncontaminated by the world around it. The concept shares the core values of the brand: progressiveness, comfort, warmth, quality and functionality and combined with authenticity, creative culture and innovative thinking. That may be an exhausting lot to think about.

Create a different atmosphere than is found elsewhere. It's no good to copy others, but it does make sense to be inspired by others to come up with new ideas. In a region where the ocean hugs the shore, a destination can be an experience offering an extensive range of features that go above and beyond expectations.

“Nothing is so common as the wish to be remarkable,” according to William Shakespeare, who also said: “Be great in act, as you have been in thought.”
So, let’s run it up the flagpole and see if anyone salutes it.

By Tadzio Bervoets

In The Heart of the evening
A shadow stretches
An elegy of Whispers
The World’s Mournful Breath

Where Innocence once vibrant
Now lies in trenches
As the sun set’s solemn
On fields of death

Politics, a tether
of broken Promises
With voices lost in cacophony
As truth fades

Where ideals once golden
Now lay rusted and cold
And a dream of a just society
Quietly degrades

Innocent hearts
Once pure and bright
Now lay dimmed by grief
For what we must bear

In the ruthless march
Of power’s might

Sweet St. Maarten
Our haven of peace
Now hears cries
Of lives undone

Where laughter once echoed
Now no release
From the shadows cast
By the setting sun

Once we danced in meadows
Of hope and grace
But now we wonder
In the ruins of despair

Searching for a glimpse
Of a kinder place
But finding only shadows
Lingering there

Oh, the loss of innocence
Our mourning toll
As the rhetoric of division
Takes its place

And in the Chambers
Where compassion’s bell should toll
We see only the fading
Of Humanity’s face

Yet in this land of sorrow
Where silence speaks
We must remember
What we have lost

And strive to mend our wounds
The tears in our souls
For amidst despair
Hope must be embossed

With Unity and Love
Let’s rebuild what’s torn
For although our innocence was taken
We must persist

To kindle a light
Where darkness is born
And ensure our human grace
Will always exist