I have taken note of the recent statement by Mr. James Finies and the Bonaire Human Rights Organization (BHRO). I will not engage in an endless exchange of distortions, personal attacks, and ideological misrepresentations. Instead, I will take the responsible step of formally informing both CARICOM and the United Nations of my position—one grounded in documented fact, legal principle, and aligned with the aspirations of a majority of Bonaireans who seek responsible governance, social progress, and democratic maturity.

Contrary to the BHRO’s claims, the 2015 referendum on Bonaire’s constitutional status cannot be considered a legitimate or binding act of self-determination. The official Referendum Committee—appointed by the Island Council itself—stated explicitly that the outcome of the vote held on 18 December 2015 carries little to no binding force for Bonaire’s governing institutions. The Committee further concluded that no meaningful consequences should be tied to the 65% of voters who selected the “No” option, because it was not verified whether participants made their decision based on correct information or a fully informed and deliberate choice. The lack of international oversight, insufficient voter education and political interference, further rendered the process deeply flawed.

It is therefore both misleading and irresponsible to claim that the referendum outcome constitutes a clear expression of the Bonairean people’s will under international law. No such determination can be made on the basis of a process that, in the Committee’s own words, lacked the conditions necessary to ensure a valid and informed public mandate.

The BHRO continues to present itself as the voice of the people, but it lacks any form of electoral legitimacy or institutional accountability. While it invokes decolonization and self-determination, it offers no real answers to Bonaire’s most urgent social and economic needs—poverty reduction, youth opportunity, housing access, quality healthcare, or institutional reform. The path to true self-determination is not paved with slogans or historical revisionism, but through the strengthening of local institutions, investment in our people, and responsible leadership.

As a former Island Registrar and engaged citizen, I stand for a Bonaire that builds responsibly on its autonomy within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, achieves real legal and social equality, and preserves its cultural dignity through good governance and sustainable development. Yes, challenges remain—and yes, equality with European Dutch citizens must still be fully realized. But that must be done democratically, lawfully, and in cooperation with partners, not through theatrical claims or politicized declarations.

I will be sharing this position formally with CARICOM and the United Nations, not to inflame tensions, but to provide a reasoned, fact-based, and legally credible perspective on Bonaire’s status. Our people deserve clarity, not confusion. They deserve opportunity, not division. I remain committed to the only path that can deliver real and lasting dignity for Bonaire: development through law, truth, and democratic responsibility.

Dr. Willem A. Cecilia
Resident of Bonaire, former Island Registrar

PHILIPSBURG: --- Concerns have been raised regarding Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina’s alleged decision to grant preliminary approval for St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) members to manage and operate Festival Village. Critics argue that this move may have sidestepped the rules laid out in the Corporate Governance Code, sparking questions over transparency and accountability.

According to reports, Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina, representing the Council of Ministers (COM), is accused of granting his approval “behind closed doors” to SCDF members without following established oversight protocols. This development comes even as the government works towards renewing the Stichting Overheidsgebouwen (SOG) board, the entity responsible for public building management. Opponents of this decision caution that ongoing governance reforms should not be an excuse to bypass the regulations to safeguard proper administrative conduct.

Recent Legal Actions Against SCDF

Adding to the controversy is the recent legal action SOG took against SCDF, underscoring the strained relationship between the two organizations. SOG recently took SCDF to court over unpaid fees and reportedly placed a lien on their accounts to recover the owed. These developments are believed to have influenced the Prime Minister’s controversial decision to grant SCDF management rights over Festival Village, further fueling concerns about governance and financial accountability.

Accountability issues within SCDF

Longstanding allegations surrounding SCDF's financial management practices further fuel the controversy. Sources indicate that certain foundation members have not provided financial statements to the government in recent years, a critical requirement for ensuring public funds are spent responsibly. These accusations have raised red flags about the organization’s internal controls and oversight of public funds.

One of the key allegations points to the hefty fees received by SCDF directors. Current reports suggest that unnamed directors of the foundation have been awarding themselves monthly payments of up to $10,000. Critics argue that such payments are not properly documented in the organization’s financial records, adding to suspicions of irregularities.

Lack of Transparency in Advertising Revenue

Another concern revolves around the lack of a clear policy governing advertising fees that SCDF charges businesses for commercial visibility during events. Critics hint that informal and opaque deals may be made regarding these fees, raising questions about how such revenue is being handled. The absence of a formalized policy is seen as fertile ground for potential abuse and a lack of accountability.

Despite the presence of a president, Mr. Edwardo Radjouki, there are claims that a single director effectively runs the organization. Critics say this undermines the foundation’s structure and raises additional questions about transparency and governance.

Calls for Clarity and Adherence to Governance Standards

While the government has not yet issued an official response to these allegations, observers are calling for stricter adherence to the principles of the Corporate Governance Code. They argue that decisions regarding the management of public assets, such as Festival Village, must be conducted transparently and in compliance with established regulations.

The concerns raised highlight the importance of accountability and open governance in ensuring public trust. Moving forward, many hope that any decisions made regarding the management of the Festival Village will address these issues and prioritize transparency, financial oversight, and adherence to the rule of law.

ALBANY, New York:--- Barry Carlton Sample passed away on April 27, 2025, at his residence in Albany, New York. He was 74.
Barry leaves his beloved wife of 40 years, Jacqueline Lake-Sample, his dear daughter, Serwa Sample-Adams, and son-in-law, Corey Adams. He is survived by his sister, Jeanne Wilson; his nephews, Jason Wilson and Gary Wright; and a number of nieces, nephews, family, and friends throughout New York, Virginia, in the Caribbean islands of St. Martin, Curaçao, and Aruba, and in Europe.
Born in 1951, Barry “Chuck” Carlton Sample was a native of Long Island, New York. He came from humble beginnings on his family’s potato farm. During his early teens, he spent his summers working with Long Island fishermen, who initially thought he was too young for the demanding work—but soon learned that Barry was a hardy and determined youth.
However, more than the farm and the sea, it was music that stayed with Barry throughout his journey from a teenager into adulthood. From a young age, he took to singing and playing the guitar. He performed in bands in high school and during his college years in the late 1960s and 1970s. He continued his passion for music throughout his life. An avid lover of jazz, blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and Jimi Hendrix, he attended jazz and blues festivals and clubs in New York City and Montreal yearly.
Barry was an ardent lover of the arts and theater, especially August Wilson's plays. He closely followed the development of the annual St. Martin Book Fair and was a great friend and confidant of the indie press House of Nehesi Publishers.
Barry was an alumnus of the State University of New York at Albany, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree, graduating magna cum laude in 1973, followed by a Master’s degree from the university’s School of Criminal Justice in 1977. From 1978 to 1982, he served as a lecturer in African American history, social science, and public policy at SUNY Albany.
His commitment to education and public service laid the foundation for an active career in public administration and political advisory roles—positions for which he became widely respected in Albany, New York City, and Washington, D.C., both in community and political circles.
While he did enter the corporate sector—serving as President of Instructional Systems Incorporated in New Jersey from 2013 until his passing—Barry Sample held several prominent public positions between 1993 and 2013. These included Chair of New York Gaming Commission; Deputy Director of State Operations for the New York State Executive Chamber; Chief of Staff at New York State Office of the State Comptroller; Director of Intergovernmental Affairs & Community Relations of New York State Comptroller’s Office; and Deputy Budget Director at the New York State Division of the Budget.
Barry Sample’s public service career began at the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, where he held several roles between 1981 and 1993. These included the Deputy Director of Criminal Justice, the Executive Deputy Commissioner, the Chief of the Bureau of Program Development and Planning, and the Senior Criminal Justice Program Analyst.
In 1985, he married his devoted wife, Jacqueline Lake, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership alongside his distinguished public service.
Barry counted among his friends, colleagues, and associates several prominent figures from his public and private careers. However, he remained a private, serious, and deeply caring man who held his family closest to his heart, with his beloved Jacqueline as its heartbeat. He offered a rare glimpse into this deeply personal side in 2012, at the funeral of his 26-year-old son, Bakari “Baki” Masso Lake-Sample, when he quietly said to the congregation, “Baki was my best friend.”
To several of Barry’s closest family and friends, he will be remembered not just with admiration but as their dearest confidant. As his brother-in-law, author Lasana M. Sekou recalled: “Barry was my wise counselor.”
The funeral service for Barry Carlton Sample will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy-Schenectady Road, Watervliet, NY 12189, on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The calling hour will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Graceland Cemetery, 680 Delaware Avenue, Albany, NY 12209.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Barry Sample’s memory to the Bakari Lake-Sample Scholarship at Macedonia Baptist Church, 26 Wilson Avenue, Albany, NY 12205. To leave a message of condolence for the family and for directions to the live stream of the funeral, please visit www.newcomeralbany.com/obituaries.
Farewell, Barry.

PHILIPSBURG:---   After weeks of dispute and a notable halt in operations, St. Maarten’s firefighters and ambulance personnel have resumed all duties ahead of this year’s Carnival parade. The resolution comes following two key meetings where government officials and union representatives reached an agreement to address the workers’ urgent concerns.

The workers had initiated a go-slow on April 17, citing various grievances. These included a lack of respect towards their profession, inadequate facilities, and unaddressed issues concerning their ability to properly serve the public during major events. Their requests for an urgent meeting, made as far back as April 12, had gone unanswered, with a meeting now set for May 7.

On Monday evening, frustration reached a boiling point, and the union walked out of a preliminary meeting.

The situation became critical as the Carnival parade loomed closer, with local law enforcement (KPSM) expressing their unwillingness to participate in the event should the ambulance and fire personnel continue their go-slow action. The potential disruption heightened government intervention and prompted high-stakes negotiations.

Spotlight on SCDF's Role and Leadership Concerns

During the discussions, significant focus was placed on the role of the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) in the ongoing disputes. Several pivotal questions were posed to SCDF's Michael Granger, who, despite his prominent involvement, claimed not to hold the organization's presidency. Concerns were raised by participants who alleged that Granger was effectively running SCDF, with Edwardo Radjouki serving merely as a figurehead. The unions and their members expressed frustration, stating that SCDF, as the event planner, bore the responsibility for ensuring necessary services during Carnival, rather than deflecting blame onto the government or other entities like SOG. This apparent lack of accountability added to workers' feelings of disrespect throughout the negotiations.

Government and Union Mediation Leads to Agreement

On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, a second meeting was convened involving key government officials, including Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling, and Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Richinel Brug. Stakeholders from the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) also participated, having played a role in bringing the workers’ grievances to the forefront.

 A local attorney mediated the discussions. Government sources indicate that legal action was threatened to ensure the resumption of duties. However, the talks culminated in a signed agreement between the Prime Minister, the Minister of Labor, and union representatives.

Among the concessions, ambulance personnel were provided with a container at Festival Village to use as a base during the parade and have been granted authorization to park inside the venue. Firefighters will have designated parking for their personnel, but fire trucks will remain outside the Festival Village due to space constraints.

Despite their demands for a dedicated medical room being denied, the Prime Minister, a medical surgeon by profession, felt that ambulance personnel's primary responsibility is to stabilize patients at the scene before transporting them to the St. Maarten Medical Center.

Workers Prioritize National Celebration Over Disputes

Following the Tuesday night meeting, firefighters and ambulance workers expressed satisfaction with the outcome, though additional grievances linger beneath the surface. Both groups emphasized their decision to prioritize the country’s biggest celebration and the thousands of revelers who invested in Carnival costumes and preparations.

A representative for the workers stated that the gesture was a testament to their dedication to the community, saying, "Country was placed above self." By agreeing to resume all duties, they ensured that the Carnival Parade would proceed as planned, with all necessary safety measures in place.

Broader Issues Remain on the Table

While the agreement has resolved the immediate situation, sources indicated that deeper frustrations regarding working conditions and recognition of the essential services remain unresolved. The workers have underscored this during their go-slow action, citing years of systemic neglect and disrespect.

Meetings have now been moved forward, with further discussions scheduled to take place in the coming days to address lingering grievances. Government officials have reiterated their commitment to finding long-term solutions.

Carnival Parade Proceeds as Planned

With the agreement in place, St. Maarten’s firefighters and ambulance workers will be fully present during the Carnival parade, ensuring the safety and well-being of attendees. The resolution is critical in maintaining public services while fostering dialogue between the government and its essential workforce.

The outcome reflects a shared commitment to the nation’s cultural events, ensuring that Carnival remains a vibrant and secure celebration for all.