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Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147140
10/26/2017 12:50 PM
10/26/2017 12:50 PM
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thebowl Offline
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If thumbing your nose at the only conceivable source of significant funding desperately needed to restore the island (half) to any semblance of normality won't cause the government to fall, what would? Particularly if it happens often, over other (less important) stuff.

It is one thing for one person to ignore the plight of the citizens. For him to remain in office will require a majority of the members of Parliament to do so. Could become a very different dynamic.

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Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: MrWhiskerssammy] #147141
10/26/2017 06:02 PM
10/26/2017 06:02 PM
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South Coast of MA
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SXMBND Offline
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MrWhiskerssammy said:
Couldn't have said it any better myself. Most of the St. Maarten politicians are in it only for themselves. Not all of them, but for sure most of them. It is about time for their constituents to demand they do what they were elected to do--and that is take care of St. Maarten residents. I can't for the life of me imagine why the same bunch of thieves who have lied to them in the past over and over keep being elected.


Sounds like Congress. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147142
10/26/2017 06:54 PM
10/26/2017 06:54 PM
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Maryland/DC Metro
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Has there been any news from the 4:00 meeting?


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: BeachKitten] #147143
10/26/2017 07:39 PM
10/26/2017 07:39 PM
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Kennys Online content
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It was stopped with walk outs .

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Kennys] #147144
10/26/2017 07:39 PM
10/26/2017 07:39 PM
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Posts: 82,482
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
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Sorry, what does that mean?


Carol Hill
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Kennys] #147145
10/26/2017 07:41 PM
10/26/2017 07:41 PM
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Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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Quote
Kennys said:
It was stopped with walk outs .


Are you saying the SXM government officials walked out?! OMG! Is it time to recall them all?


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: pat] #147146
10/26/2017 07:59 PM
10/26/2017 07:59 PM
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The only way the Government can fall is if the partners in Government quit.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Kennys] #147147
10/26/2017 08:08 PM
10/26/2017 08:08 PM
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Posts: 789
Toronto Canada
moxie Offline
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Who are the partners? Is it a coalition?

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: moxie] #147148
10/26/2017 08:12 PM
10/26/2017 08:12 PM
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The coalition partners have to quit.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Kennys] #147149
10/26/2017 08:40 PM
10/26/2017 08:40 PM
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Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
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Lesley--again, what did your statement about people walking out, what does that mean??


Carol Hill
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Kennys] #147150
10/26/2017 09:16 PM
10/26/2017 09:16 PM
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Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
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Are they all behind Marlin, and they think they should not agree to the Integrity Chamber?

Or can they get rid of him?

I'm so confused.


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: BeachKitten] #147151
10/26/2017 09:36 PM
10/26/2017 09:36 PM
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Posts: 846
Oshawa
BGH Offline
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Do you suppose Marlin and his followers have a back up plan ? Or r they willing to crash ?

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147152
10/26/2017 10:09 PM
10/26/2017 10:09 PM
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Kennys Online content
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Carol,I didn't follow the details simply because they are playing games, which we all hate period.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: BeachKitten] #147153
10/26/2017 11:37 PM
10/26/2017 11:37 PM
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Florida
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wilsonck Offline
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Both Theodore Heyliger, leader of United Peoples party, and Sarah Wescot-Williams, leader of Democratic Party, both support accepting the conditions set forth by the Netherlands. Not sure about the others.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Kennys] #147154
10/27/2017 08:08 AM
10/27/2017 08:08 AM
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Carol_Hill Offline OP
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Daily Herald story Looks like Parliament is fiddling while Rome burns..

Last edited by Carol_Hill; 10/27/2017 08:16 AM.

Carol Hill
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147155
10/27/2017 08:43 AM
10/27/2017 08:43 AM
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Yes and you are correct on this , hence the reason not to literally follow their details. Me ,Wife , Daughter and Son have our work to do and handle. We never voted for the current PM but the tough part is that if he survives it will be for four more years in power . Really hope that this does not happen.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147156
10/27/2017 08:46 AM
10/27/2017 08:46 AM
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Oshawa
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Must be something they are drinking . This group of elected officials can’t even organize a meeting !

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: BGH] #147157
10/27/2017 09:22 AM
10/27/2017 09:22 AM
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Carol_Hill Offline OP
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You are assuming that they WANT to hold a meeting. They have been doing this stuff for years. Someone doesn't show up so they don't have a quorum, so they can have an excuse not to do anything. As I said, 'fiddling while Rome burns'..


Carol Hill
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147158
10/27/2017 09:35 AM
10/27/2017 09:35 AM
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Posts: 846
Oshawa
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“They” could mean “One” wanted to hold a meeting . Where we live that is normal but as we all know , Sxm operates beyond the norm.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: BGH] #147159
10/27/2017 10:35 AM
10/27/2017 10:35 AM
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Brookfield, CT.
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For well over thirty years I’ve been trying to understand how the government operates here, and why the people keep electing the same ilk of officials election after election. To this day I still don’t get it.

But I do get ‘the people’ are currently getting screwed. They need help and they need it now and the government seems to be going out of its way to see that help doesn’t come.

What a shame the higher powers in control of the purse strings should ask for transparency and accountability with regard to the millions of Euros involved here, (she says with tongue firmly planted in cheek!) .........

God help the people of SXM. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: pat] #147160
10/27/2017 12:11 PM
10/27/2017 12:11 PM
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Oshawa
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Those elected officals must live on a private island somewhere .

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147161
10/27/2017 12:15 PM
10/27/2017 12:15 PM
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Posts: 13,141
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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I am confused with all these political posts here. I thought politics was not tolerated on the forum.In the past, posts have been shut down because of this, but somehow SXM politics seems to be different.




Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: islandgem] #147162
10/27/2017 02:07 PM
10/27/2017 02:07 PM
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Posts: 82,482
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
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Yes, SXM politics are different.


Carol Hill
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147163
10/27/2017 08:02 PM
10/27/2017 08:02 PM
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Carol_Hill Offline OP
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Sarah says enough is enough. Daily Herald story


Carol Hill
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147164
10/27/2017 08:07 PM
10/27/2017 08:07 PM
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Kennys Online content
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My Wife just showed me the video and now I'm feeling much better. Please look at how the MPS are nervous and shaking. Harsh reality has finally kicked in.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Kennys] #147165
10/27/2017 09:35 PM
10/27/2017 09:35 PM
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Posts: 789
Toronto Canada
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It’s high time.

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: moxie] #147166
10/27/2017 11:24 PM
10/27/2017 11:24 PM
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Being uneducated on St. Maarten/St. Martin's governmental structure (even though having been there 6 times) this is actually interesting. Could someone explain who all these names, groups, etc. are?

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Snorkeller] #147167
10/28/2017 07:45 AM
10/28/2017 07:45 AM
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I dont know sxm government structure at all. But I did here Marlin speak manyntimes on the radio after the storm. Seems very bright. It cant be easy governing any Caribbean island. Look at PR if you dont like GEBE.

As for the oversight, there has to be some, the question is how much.

I do know many countries of the world get handcuffed when the IMF comes in to “help” with loans and all during financial crises.

That may not apply here as might just be aid coming that does not require strings or repayment and dutch just want to make sure not squandered orr corrupted, how will the dutch hand out the cash? Is it aid or a loan? Who decides amounts?

Anyway, like i said, dont understand govt structure or what the dutch are giving and demanding exactly.

Last edited by PelicanPirate; 10/28/2017 07:48 AM.
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147168
10/28/2017 09:10 AM
10/28/2017 09:10 AM
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Posts: 82,482
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
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New Dutch official still wants to help SXM and work it out. Daily Herald story Come on eggheads, get this done, for the good of the people!!


Carol Hill
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147169
10/28/2017 10:20 AM
10/28/2017 10:20 AM
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Posts: 846
Oshawa
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Marlin is playing a very dangerous poker game and the odds are not good .

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: BGH] #147170
10/28/2017 11:00 AM
10/28/2017 11:00 AM
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South Coast of MA
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The Islands Govt. corruption has been well documented...... they don't sign the deal as is......no $$$$. Where is the SXM $$$ for the rebuild???

Last edited by SXMBND; 10/28/2017 11:02 AM.
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: BGH] #147171
10/28/2017 12:51 PM
10/28/2017 12:51 PM
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Does anyone know what Marlin's problem is with the Integrity Chamber and/or the better border control?

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: bksm] #147172
10/28/2017 02:13 PM
10/28/2017 02:13 PM
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Carol_Hill Offline OP
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My understanding is that he feels it is a violation of SXM's independent status as a country. .....meanwhile, there will be no country left, as a result of his hubris..


Carol Hill
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Carol_Hill] #147173
10/28/2017 02:25 PM
10/28/2017 02:25 PM
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this government is very corrupt... Many residents are aware of this. Marlin has taken money from investers, and put it in his pocket...this is what I have been told. Why this continues??? Not sure... It kind of reminds me of Puerto rico, they want to be independent, but want the U.S. to pour money in... Hope this does not offend anyone, but this is a reality... Your either independent or not... St.M. with this government can not survive... Marlin should give up all the money he received from Chinese investers to rebuild the Island My opinion, and that of many that live on Island

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: sasasal] #147174
10/28/2017 04:35 PM
10/28/2017 04:35 PM
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Oshawa
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Strong statements and a common thread on this site . Where is the money trail ?

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: sasasal] #147175
10/29/2017 10:26 AM
10/29/2017 10:26 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,571
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
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Quote
sasasal said:
this government is very corrupt... Many residents are aware of this. Marlin has taken money from investers, and put it in his pocket...this is what I have been told. Why this continues??? Not sure... It kind of reminds me of Puerto rico, they want to be independent, but want the U.S. to pour money in... Hope this does not offend anyone, but this is a reality... Your either independent or not... St.M. with this government can not survive... Marlin should give up all the money he received from Chinese investers to rebuild the Island My opinion, and that of many that live on Island

Lots of allegations. Where is the documented proof?

Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: SXMScubaman] #147176
10/29/2017 10:53 AM
10/29/2017 10:53 AM
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Interesting facts and probable motivation for the Dutch Govt. insistence to rules regarding the bailout $$$$

From Wikipedia:

"Debt

On November 2, 2006, the Dutch government set aside 65 million guilders (NAF) to pay off St. Maarten's debts. The Dutch portion of the island became a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010. While this was beneficial in some ways, the decision has shifted more responsibilities over to the island and with those, more debt.[5] Since St. Maarten became an autonomous country in 2010, it has never had a balanced budget and it has accumulated a debt of 200 million guilders (NAF) according to a statement by the Minister of Finance in December 2015.[20][21]"

This is a country of less than 40,000 citizens........do the math folks. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

Last edited by SXMBND; 10/29/2017 10:55 AM.
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: SXMBND] #147177
10/29/2017 12:13 PM
10/29/2017 12:13 PM
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Posts: 4,295
Vancouver, WA
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Doing the math- updated with new starting numbers
200,000,000 NAF divided by 40,000 people = 5000 NAF per person.
5000 NAF per person equals about $2850 USD.

In the US our national debt is about $60,000 per person.
That equals about $106,0000 in NAF.

If the SXM debt was at the same rate as here in the US per person then they would be at $4,240,000,000 NAF or about $2,400,000,000 USD.

Spin this what ever way you want and have a great morning. Feel free to correct any math errors, still early here on the West Coast.
Cheers,
Todd

Last edited by Todd; 10/29/2017 01:47 PM.

I prefer the Isle seat
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: Todd] #147178
10/29/2017 02:37 PM
10/29/2017 02:37 PM
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Todd said:
Doing the math- updated with new starting numbers
200,000,000 NAF divided by 40,000 people = 5000 NAF per person.
5000 NAF per person equals about $2850 USD.

In the US our national debt is about $60,000 per person.
That equals about $106,0000 in NAF.

If the SXM debt was at the same rate as here in the US per person then they would be at $4,240,000,000 NAF or about $2,400,000,000 USD.

Spin this what ever way you want and have a great morning. Feel free to correct any math errors, still early here on the West Coast.
Cheers,
Todd


There was no intent to make a comparison between a country of 250+ million people.....1/2 of which pay no taxes, and are taken care of cradle to grave by the government and a COUNTRYwith a population (~40K) that would be representative in size of a small U.S CITY. That comparison would be foolish.
A couple a hundred Million $$$$ are generated yearly as a direct result of tourism taxes alone, T/S.....airport, cruise ships. They obviously don't spend diddly on infrastructure,military or entitlements......so tell us where the money goes????

Last edited by SXMBND; 10/29/2017 02:38 PM.
Re: Dutch government firm on conditions [Re: SXMBND] #147179
10/29/2017 03:16 PM
10/29/2017 03:16 PM
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sasasal Offline
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Take a look at the roads!!!Nothing ever done to repair. Very dangerous . we have been going to sxm for many years, and have heard that anyone that want to start a business on Island, just has to shell our money to government officials. This is going on for years... Hand over the cash and things get done. Proof???? Everyone that lives on Island knows how crooked this government is... They put cash in there pocket, and the Island gets nothing done... marlin is a crooked . Period...

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