Interesting read.
https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islan...e-more-light-on-pre-columbian-occupation

We were able to visit 2 digs in St Martin. One years ago in Hope Estate and one 3 years ago in Grand Case. Both were very interesting.

That is a pretty funny time frame for the Neolithic period. Granted, it is pre Colombian, but very far from stone age.

Colibri,
My understanding is that different cultures passed through the stone age at different times. Neolithic (late stone age) tools have certain characteristics -- for example, a sophisticated ability to create sharp blades from stone. I'm not sure that your scoffing is warranted. If the culture on Sint Maarten didn't use bronze or iron tools at the time when the artifacts under discussion were made, then describing the culture as a stone age (or Neolithic) culture is probably appropriate.

There was no scoffing, only mild amusement. Just keep in mind, by defending this examination of artifacts as analysis of a Neolithic stage, like some long isolated tribe of Borneo, you have effectively dismissed the true advance of civilization for the region by some four millennia. The early passing for central America, Mexico, was 6000 BCE which they came upon independently or in some cases prior to the fertile crescent or more advanced tool adopters. The laggards went through more around 2000BCE for the western hemisphere. But hey, what ever earns you grant money, construction delay, historical designation brownie points, knock yourself out.

Mercy, Colibri, you may well be right, but we are just a bunch of SXM lovers here. And the mistake (if there is one?? ) probably was by the Daily Herald, which ain't the Washington Post, if you get my drift.. This one is done..