St. Martiners are aware of those residing among us who would prefer to see the present one pillar economic dependency only on tourism maintained; the system of low wages, modern slavery and exploitation. St. Martin in their eyes must transfer itself into an island of 10,000 artists and drug dealers, selling kitsch and drugs imported from Holland to the tourist. ln their eyes St. Martiners are too stupid to learn anything about computers and E-Commerce. No, that must be only reserved in their eyes for "superior" Europeans. We St. Martiners know better, the youth can take Charles Wattley as an example, who grew up on St.Martin and currently holds a supervisory position in one of the leading United States E-Commerce businesses, QYC. Quoting from Today: "His message for young people of the island is, continue to seek higher education.' He advises that the youngster should find positive role models and take their studies very seriously. Wattley was part of the Cole Bay Theatre Company and he believes that his association with that company has helped to mold and shape him to what he is today. He was of the opinion that there should be more organizations like that for the youth on the island. Wattley stated that growing up in St. Martin was a wonderful experience, people looked out for you. He was of the opinion that the island has developed and think that the officials did the best they should have done with available resources. Wattley attended Simpson Bay Regina School and Milton Peters College before he went on to study and achieve his Masters in International Business at Johnson and Wales University. At his job, he oversees a crew of 45

persons who work in the outbound area of QVC. He added that they are responsible for the packaging and handling of all the jewelry that is sold via E-Commerce. Wattley claims that the company sells the most jewelry in the world.  The National Democratic Party (NDP) estimates that specific Internet-based enterprises on St. Martin engaged in various E-Commerce activities will be able to employ more than 4,000 St. Martiners and skilled Caribbean nationals in well paid job positions at Cyberparks with smart buildings over a 15-year period.

The charlatans among us with their ideas to turn this economy into one base on legalized drug trade can continue with their pipe dreams.

Article in the Daily Herald the day after my letter: citizens ignored

PHILIPSBURG-"The impression should not be created that I'm the man. Of course I can reach the right person to solve a problem, but that doesn't mean that I solved the problem." Chief Prosecutor Cor Merx said yesterday.

He was reacting to a letter to the editor in The Daily Herald last Friday in which "a concerned citizen" was claiming that only Merx had proved powerful enough to take care of a sewage problem in Sucker Garden. "He did so with one call," the letter writer claimed.

Merx said, however, that it was not he who deserved all praise, but Bryson of the Government Security Department and the workers of the Public Works Department who should be lauded.

"I called Mr. Bryson after the gentleman came to me and he immediately took action. Within no time the problem was identified and solved and the water now runs under, instead of over, the street," Merkx said, demanding that praise be given to those who deserve it. "It's not so that the other government departments don't work." Merx said. He stressed that he only fulfills a "letter box duty". Of course anyone who has a problem remains welcome

Isn't it refreshing to hear the BBC news on the Soualiga transmitter? How the Christian way of thinking does not at all applies to the warring factions. How the war of religions continous unabated? Jews and Arabs do the flow of blood great honour. The warring tribes in Africa contribute their share. Traffic accidents adds to the flow of blood. The weaponmakers do their best to let as much blood flow as possible.

All according to the ancient believe of the South American original inhabitants. They worship the blood that streams through your veins. They see blood as the most holy substance in the universe. They go as far as to find no better sacrifice to their God, but blood. It is found in animals and humans alike. For the prosperity of the community it was believed that the Gods be pleased first and foremost . The best way to please the God(s) is to give it that what gives life. That religion is actually still today very much in fashion. Gun-toting, possessed-persons...  shoot holes in others to make them bleed. Cars hit pedestrians to make more blood flow. Drivers hurt themselves to be drained of their live Juice. Like messengers from an Unknown Need the victims take their bleeding moment of fame and die. The cult of bloodletting should be taken under a microscope. Is the head of our traffic department a member? By ignoring the call for safer roads one would think so. Let it flow. Thats what blood is for. Jesus offers his blood in the form of wine. To confirm to the universal truth also the Catholic church makers used blood to gather a flock. That is neither here nor there, blood flows freely in all worlds. In all religions; bloodbrothers are rare; although we are all bloodbrothers. Separated by national borders, by economic borders, separated by religion and language, we have forgotten that we  all are bloodbrothers. As we are all brothers in water. Because we all need water. Which is my idea to wash away the blood. Throw away all jealousy, all desire, all values, all borders. Be free in water. Keep the blood where it belongs. Inside the system, the body, the being. Look inward and see thy blood washes your insides through and through. From top to toe. Then drink a glass of pure water. And we are One. Still I insist that the bloodshed must stop. That is my opinion. Make roads safer, paint white lines. Enforce the helmet rule, do paint more pedestrian crossings and fine the driver who does not stop for a footman. Ban guns and destroy them whenever you can. Prevent skin punctures at all cost. Your blood is most precious, do not spill it. The miraculous healing of skin after a cut is proof that the creator wants to keep the blood confined. Its up to your consciously observing yourself to find out if you belong to the newer credo of bloodpreservation or to the ancient credo of: 'Let it flow.'

Canada legalizes medical marijuana it was in the 1920s that the United States declared several herbs illegal. After the experiment to ban alcoholic beverages, which turned out a fiasco, they banned other pleasurable substances. Which also has become a total disaster.

The drugs that made Sherlock Holmes the most celebrated detective of literature, administered by his faithful doctor Watson at the start of each of his brilliant stories, have become the source of the justice system. The French writer Baudelaire wrote his famous books under the influence of marijuana and that herb too, came on the list of forbidden fruits. To no avail, as marijuana is still the most popular herb used by people in all countries of the world. That nicotine, in the form of cigarettes and cigars stayed legalized until recently the greatest criminal act that the United States committed towards its own and the rest of the world population. The nicotine is so habit forming that after a few cigarettes the user is hooked  for life. Serious illnesses, cancer and other respiratory dements result.

Today, 6th of July 2001 Canada has legalized medical marijuana. Especially to alleviate the ill effects of the sicknesses that result from the legal poison nicotine. Ironic but true, one has to be terminally ill to legally use the herb marijuana. Holland has understood for over twenty years now that marijuana is not a dangerous drug. Like coffee and tea it is labeled soft and less dangerous than the legal substance sugar, which lands more people in hospital than the three herbs marijuana, tea and coffee together. Switzerland has recently also legalized the use of marijuana and England is the latest civilized country that no longer arrests and prosecutes the users. The famous Bob Marley smoked it openly and the Rastafarians use it with the excuse that it is part of the religious experience. The Bible has no bad word about it, still, most countries not woken up to the truth about the herb. Sint Maarten should educate its people on the subject so that it may free itself from the hysterical witch— hunt that takes place in the United States and France against perfectly honest hard working, taxpaying people that like to relax after work with a spliff and good music. One should not have to be sick first in order to enjoy Gods given herb, to first drink alcohol and smoke nicotine in order to become sick enough to benefit from the herb marijuana. The lawmakers in the primitive times 80 years ago did not check what they were doing and they made millions of people suffer, up to today. It is time the example of Holland, Switzerland and England and Canada is followed by our own lawmakers

Those that have their ears close to the ground may have heard the latest on the subject of cannabis, marijuana. In good old England the police does no longer arrest and prosecute individuals who are in possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use. A National debate is on the agenda of government in order to make it legal. And out of the blue came the news that Portugal has all at once legalized the use of Cannabis, and more surprisingly the use of all other recreational drugs as well. Ecstasy, cocaine and heroin, all legalized for personal use. The reason for this decision given by the Portuguese spokesman was that the zero-tolerance policy did not work. Clear case. As Portugal has enormous many English tourists, it might have been afraid to lose those when England legalized cannabis before Portugal did so. Looking back we see: Holland, Switzerland, England and Portugal having decriminalized people who use some or other substance to relax and enjoy, besides alcohol and the killerweed tobacco. Whose next? What if Sint Maarten decriminalizes the use of Cannabis? Would the good people that now have to smoke their spliff in the closet for fear of the law not flock to our beaches, restaurants and hotels? Of course they would. And they are not only poor people that find solace by the herb cannabis, far from it, history tells of kings and princes that used the herb. The Indian Godhead Shiva is directly associated with the benevolent properties of the herb cannabis. I hereby call on all readers, to please write to this newspapers opinion editor and let him know your point of view on the subject. If you are for or against, let yourself know, sign as you like, your name doesn’t have to be known if you don't want. Seeing the great economical potential, and the changing laws in Europe, it is obvious that Sint Maarten could take the one chance in a lifetime and be the first Caribbean country that is in line with the modern world. Educate drugs, make them harmless by knowing them, it is the only way to make our society more healthy and honest.

Now that prostitution finally is officially illegal, I wonder: Who exactly is the culprit? The woman who sells sex for money, the owner of the house where it takes place, be it a hotel, guesthouse or private place, or the person who pays for the pleasure and comfort that the woman provides? Where are all the hundreds of American sailors going when next time the airplane carrier comes in to dock in Sint Maarten? How much will the crime of rape increase after the clubs are closed? And what will happen to all the empty rooms in the huge places that now house these women, "La Maison Blance", "Border Bar", "le Petit Chateau", " Seamans Club", "Defiance Haven", the one on Archroad, " Fefe's" and the One called "Cat's", "Players Club" in Simpson bay and maybe some more. In my vieuw the only way is to legalize prostitution, with stringent health controls,tax collection and control on hygienic housing. Otherwise we will lose the American naval vessel visits. They can go to St. Kitts next time or to Dominica . Much nicer natural environment, bigger country, less evil in the form of casinos, whorehouses and fake watches for sale. What can a woman give to the man that gives her a golden ring with a diamond or a bouquet of flowers and a dinner, money to pay the rent or to pay the car, the kids new clothes and a smart red dress? All she can give him is what he wants most and that is, in 9 out of 10 cases, sex. So, all relations that have sex and material wealth in it fall in the category of prostitution. Only in the case one is married to the woman that gives sex , it is legal??? Who can explain. Men are equipped by their Maker with a sexdrive that far exceeds the need for the survival of the race. If not taken care of he will become nervous, irritated, in many cases violent and unreasonable. Drugs may calm him down, as speed and cocaine lower the need for sex and food, marijuana calms him down and makes him more receptive for good music, and innocent entertainment, but drugs are also not allowed. Bigger jails, higher fines, stiffer penalties, what do you suggest? Little America should be the name  of for Sint Maarten maybe, Zero tolerance is the USA's slogan; is that what we are heading for??? The middle road is needed, not the total neglect of the law like before, and certainly not the zero tolerance of the US of A. The lawmakers have truly opened a can of worms here, if not the box of Pandora. It needs very careful handling if we consider the likely results of closure of the sex clubs. Rape is the likely result and increased drug use, gambling for sure and most possible violence at home, when the woman in the house has to provide the sex that formerly was available for a little cash . The whole problem should be tackled by a law that legalizes and controls prostitution. That is my opinion, and I am also a Christian, a Hindu, a Moslem and a Buddhist, so that is not the problem. Common sense is the solution, and the need to get real

Gurdjieff tried from one corner. Raman Maharishi tried from another corner. He made it a meditation to ask, to inquire, "Who am I?" And don't believe in any answers that the mind can

supply. The mind will say, "What nonsense are you asking? You are this, you are that, you are a man, you are a woman, you are educated or uneducated, rich, poor." The mind will supply answers, but go on asking. Don't accept any answer because all the answers given by the mind are false. They are from the unreal part of you. They come from words, they are coming from scriptures, they are coming from conditioning, they are coming from society, they are coming from others. Go on asking. Let this arrow of "Who am I?" penetrate deeper and deeper. A moment will come when no answer will come. That is the right moment. Now you are nearing the answer. When no answer comes, you are near the answer because mind is becoming silent or, you have gone far away from the mind. When there will be no answer and a vacuum will be created all around you, your question will look absurd. Whom are you questioning? There is no one to answer you. Suddenly even your questioning will stop. With the questioning, the last part of the mind has dissolved because this question was also of the mind. Those answers were of the mind and this question was also of the mind. Both have dissolved so now YOU ARE. Try this. There is every possibility, if you persist, that this technique can give you a glimpse of the real- and the real is ever-living. From Osho.

Dirt, filth, garbage, refuse, waste, leavings. Ankle deep, bin full, heaps of it, spread out all over. The carnival village: Stinking toilets, overflowing feces, urine, piss all around. Unbelievable: said the visitor, disgusting: said the tourist, incredible: said the timeshare man. I do not so much convey my own opinion, although it is the same as the above, as well as the opinion of people that surround me. Follows here some opinions of people that saw it. One said this; "Me, as a visitor and a person who has seen the past, I know that most local people now live in nice houses. Made of blocks and bricks, with windows and running water, electricity and a waterproof roof. These people do not really appreciate that luxury. When they have a party, they built shacks like their forefathers lived in and they behave like wild animals, get drunk and throw garbage all around. Another one said this: Carnival originally is a celebration after a month of fasting. One does not have sex, abstains from drinking alcohol, from eating expensive and rich foodstuffs, and is modest in everything. That is the month before carnival. The party is the ending of a month of serious contemplation of God and His creation, to celebrate and to give thanks. Here, nobody fasts, not even for a day. The party therefore has lost its significance and has become nothing but a wild feast of mindless people that go about like a ship that has lost its rudder. As the meaning of the celebration has been lost, the party itself has become an ugly ting.' These facts are worth contemplating. For the next year I will have a few suggestions. The committee that steers the whole village collects a good amount of money. Where that goes to, I do not want to know this time, but for next year It should have to go to a cleaning crew on a daily basis, to clean up constantly in the village. Just like after the parade has passed, some very good guys pick up the debris; that should also be done in the village grounds. Bins should be emptied constantly, the toilets should be supervised and kept clean. That is such a disgusting degrading fact of the carnival organizers, that they get no compliment out of me. Oh, no. Spoken to locals, black, red and white, all agreed that the organizers where to blame for the filth and stink. I am of another meaning, slightly; I say all are to blame; the parents that did not teach the children to be neat and clean, the children that did not teach their parents to behave, the politicians that did not organize a way for their unthinking subjects to dispose of' their energy correctly, the religious leaders that did not prepare the partygoers before the party of the true meaning of carnival. Ask anyone, and all will say that this year something was not there. Something un-definable, unspeakable, something spiritual. Zest, conviction, integrity, spontaneity, motivation. It was like without direction, without hope. We have to open our eyes and minds to the reality and fix this knowledge in our hearts for next year. To make sure that we progress towards separate status and show the rest of the world that we are not a bunch of filthy pigs and that we can celebrate in style next year, artfully and splendidly. For some it may have been fun, but splendor there was none.