Dear readers !

The last of the CARIBBEAN CHAMPION was published on August 7,1999

Although we sent a billboard-notice to the various members of the print- as well as of the electronic media on St.Maarten, unfortunately, for unknown reasons information was never published nor broadcast.

We apologize for this to you our local readers.

The main reasons why the CARIBBEAN CHAMPION has decided to postpone its publication until further notice, are the following.

In the first place the CARIBBEAN CHAMPION is in the process of re-organizing and re-structuring its operations in order to become more effective and financially more viable.

In the transitional period, that is until the CARIBBEAN CHAMPION starts publishing again, an evaluation will be carried out to determine how best to continue our role of empowering CARIBBEAN people and protecting them against the neo-colonial infiltration presently taking place on St.Maarten I St.Martin which has the intention of spreading all over the CARIBBEAN region, re-enslaving Caribbean people even more than before.

Also in the transitional period, we will be publishing, on a weekly basis selected editorials and articles which appeared in previous editions of the CARIBBEAN CHAMPION.

This will be done because experience has taught us that very often our articles are prophetic in nature and because most people need time in order to profoundly understand and digest certain the information we publish.

In addition, the CARIBBEAN CHAMPION will be publishing on a regular basis articles relating to very inportant issues on the island and elsewhere.

So please continue visting our website for these updates at; http://www.caribbeanchampion.an.

Once more we kindly request our readers to e-mail us any suggestions or constructive criticism, which will contribute towards an improved and financially viable product.

Drs. L.James, founder and editor.

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Contact CARIBBEAN CHAMPION Tel (011 5995) 43874

NOTICE TO OUR ADVERTISERS

Dear advertisers,

Although the CARIBBEAN CHAMPION will not be in circulation until further notice, due to re-organization and re-structruring, we still can ofter you upon request to place your advertisements "online".

A you may know, our "online" market far exceeds that of the readers of the printed version of the CARIBBEAN CHAMPIQN.

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REPRINTS,

Update September 23, 1999

Editorial, May 23, 1998

WHEN THE GOING GETS ROUGH, WE GET TOUGH……

Talking about conspiracy against St.Maarten, the Antilles and the rest of the Caribbean for that matter. It can only get worse or better depending on one's outlook. Not just an ordinary straightforward conspiracy, mind you. oh no, that would be too nice for us. So we are confronted with an all-out conspiracy and assault on our very existence.

Descending upon us like the proverbial locusts from the European mainland, we are inundated with modern-days Euro~pirates out to regain total control of the lands their ancestors once left us behind with to rot when they withdrew from the once lucrative plantations, whose resources were the basis for Europe's industrial wealth. Already they have their colonial claws implanted deeply into the veins of our local autonomy, something proud leaders like dr. Da Costa Gomez and others fought so hard for. Now that the Antilles, with their full knowledge and acquiescence accumulated a choking debt, they have shown absolutely no compassion with the hardship of the people of the Antilles, although their economy at present is one of the best in the world. Still we are considered to be their "equal partner" in the Kingdom in which our relationship is governed by a piece of paper called "Het Statuut' containing all kinds of "fata-morgana's " (illusions and lies). One such important principle in this document states on our mutual relationship; "STEUNEND OP E[GEN KRACHT, MET' DE WIL ELKANDER BIJ TE STAAN." Although all partners should stand on their own, there must be the will to assist each other in times of need).

So far for the will of the Dutch to assist has turned out to be the will to CONSPIRE AGANST against the people of "equal partner" the Antilles. The conspiracy against us is complemented by Oriental people from India and China traditionally none of them have ever shown too much sympathy for Black people, and why should they? Chinese do not like their children to sunbathe or to be exposed to much solar energy because they prefer milkwhite skins. Indians traditionally have always done everything to associate themselves with White people and to dissociate themselves from Black people, even if those Blacks happen to be Indians (The "untouchables"). It is simply part of their caste~system. No problem, but why come to a predominantly BLACK country?

Although both groups by successive local governments were given the all the privileges local people could never dream of, they eventually returned such into total ungratefulness, distrust and disdain towards the mainly Black natives of this island. They have systematically refused to even remotely integrate with the local population, although it were mainly the local and Caribbean Black people who contributed significantly towards the wealth they never could have dreamed of while traversing the getthos of Calcutta and Bombay and other overpopulated and polluted Indian metropolises. We can go on and on and on about the international conspiracy against the people of St. Maarten and indirectly against the people of the Caribbean.

The CARIBBEAN CHAMPION praises the very direct and courageous language of Commissioner Mr. Rollocks against the discriminatory hiring-and employment practices of the Indian and Chinese business community. The commissioner realizes that the patience of the natives of this island is running out very fast and that all that is needed is for "combustion-fuel" and the "social spark" to interact to have an enormous violent outburst against the exploitation of St.Maarten and of Caribbean people in general. According to the futuristic-series in the St.Maarten Guardian, the prospective natives of this islands may well be the EURO-MARTINERS. The INDO-MARTINERS and the SINO-MARTINERS. may also be their fellow natives if do not take drastic measures to preserve our own AFRO-CARI-MAARTENER's race. Thank God however for the new Prime-minister of the Antilles, elevated to "high class bi h" by the Calvinistic Dutch media with their "double and triple-standards-mentality". Also Thank God for people like Cova, who are no walkovers for the Dutch. Together with technocrat Minister of financing Frank Mingo, we hope that they will have the courage to chart a new course for the Antilles especially in regards with the constitutional relationship with "Mama Holland". We think the time has come to realize that good nothing should be expected from the Dutch, certainly not by "well-behaving" like "boyscouts" towards them. The time has come to realize that the future of the Antilles is one of an independent state with strong ties within the Caribbean region and the Latin- American hemisphere. While Holland officially condemns the human right practices in many countries, at the same time, based on its traditional principles of double standards, it continues unabatedly to do lucrative business with countries like China, Indonesia, Columbia, Cuba, Iran, Russia etc Therefore the time has come that we in the Antilles, politicians, business people and activists also reach out and establish new political, economical and social alliances worldwide, even within the back- yard of the Dutch themselves.

So when the rough gets going, the Antilles must get tough, creative, self-sufficient and determined not be held hostage by "Mama Holland", no matter what. We would like to see the new Central government tell Holland straight, "We are not going to sacrifice our people if you do not share the financial burden with us. It would be very interesting to expose Holland internationally their colonial and human-rights policies and practices in the Antilles. Holland would have a hard time explaining the "statuut" and explaining why it allows for its mainly black Caribbean citizens to suffer and starve while the economy of Holland is in excellent shape and the people are enjoying an incredibly lifestyle and they could easily wipe out the debt of the Antilles with a stroke of the pen. In the meantime, the Antilles should shift its integration policy in a much higher gear and join its natural Caribbean family in building a strong socio-economical region.

Hi !

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CARIBBEAN CHAMPION.

E-mail us at caribchamp@sintmaarten.net

Editorial, June 6, 1998

Conventional wisdom has it that "where there is smoke, there is also fire" In many if not inmost cases this is also proves to he true. So therefore it is standard procedure when members of the media are confronted with "smoke", before jumping to conclusion and giving the "all is dear" -, they make it their professional business to investigate the matter. However, it appears that for certain members in the media, depending on the issue at hand, it is more convenient without taking the effort of looking into the matter, to claim that the "smoke" is a non-issue, dousing ice-cold water over it and concluding that the case is closed. This week again there were quite a number of "fires", being allegations of racism in various sectors of our community. Again a certain member of the media was very quick to point out that the allegations of racism by a number of students at the MPC were false and labeled them a "nonissuell". They had their explanations for the allegations "instant-ready" as was to he expected; "the students making these claims were not only a "small "group, but they were of course also "lazy" students, who were trying to "stir" confusion in order to discredit the schools reputation.

So far nothing new. It is interesting that the newspaper coming to these premature conclusions, is generally perceived to be anti-Caribbean. It was only one that received a letter from a student who criticized those who sent the letter claiming racism at the institutions. In this letter the author who called himself;" White" and from Holland, but not Dutch, blasted the authors of the anonymous letter for not stating their identity., Ironically, however, the identity of this "White, not Dutch" author was also NOT revealed. In contrast to coming to the conclusion, without serious investigation that the matter was a "non- issue", the reaction of the school- board was much more professional and non-judgmental and is to be applauded and followed by others under simi1ar conditions. The schoolboard took the allegations very seriously. It did not jump to conclusion one or the other, but invited the students making the claims of racism to come forward with proof of their allegations.

The GARIBBEAN CHAMPION is very concerned about the manner in which too often we treat our own Antillean youth of Afro-Caribbean descent. These children are supposed to be our pride, our longterm investment and our future. Too often we accuse our youth of not having discipline, self-confidence, nor self-esteem. The drop-outrate among our children is very worrisome. Juvinile delinquency is frightening. But, is that strange??? Are our children intrinsically worse or inferior to others? Our local, Antillean and Caribbean youth in particular are living in a world that becoming increasingly hostile to them. It is a world in which they are losing all confidence, because obviously we (our educationa1 system, our social- and political system ) are failing them tremendously.

It is a well-known fact that certain ethnic groups that control our local economy are not only creating special schools for their kids, but they pressure and bribe the teachers to give their kids better scores than they deserve. These people who produce the new breed of St. Maarteners, (Euro-Martiners, Indo-Martiners, the Sino- Martiners etc.) make sure that THEY do not fail their own children. They shower them with care, love, opportunities and sense of self- esteem and they take every one of their concerns very seriously. There is no space for "non-issues" when it comes to THEIR concerns, perceived or not. Consequently, their children develop a strong sense of self worth if not of superiority versus the Afro-Caribbean St. Martiners youngsters, because they know that all is put in place for them to become the new rulers of "paradise". The CARIBBEAN CHAMPION considers it a national disgrace when we have allowed for others from all over the globe to chase our kids away from their own beaches.

This type of attitudes towards our own Black Caribbean children, whether we call it racism, favouratism, preference, or even APARTHEID, builds up in hearts and minds of our young people a deep anger and hatred, which we better address soon before it explodes uncontrollably. The high selective employment- practices on the island, poor housing, scant encouragement from elders and from those in authority do not exactly build and boost the morale and pride of our own youngsters. At the same time our local children witness that children of other ethnic groups are being pushed, prepared for leadership, protected, sent to better schools, get tennisclass at an early age, enjoy horseback riding etc.  This confirms in their minds the perception that their own country regards them as second and third rate citizens.

News in perspective

OUTSPOKEN

June 13, 1998

Source the Daily Herald, June 9, 1998.

Statements by the prime ministers of the Caribbean Kingdom partners reported in this newspaper certainly do not lack in outspokenness. How much they have in common, however, is another question. Aruba's Henny Eman refuting voices in his community that Aruba would be able "to do it alone and doesn't need anyone else" speaks of a dangerous illusion. Such ideas, he suggests, are based on false pride and demagoguery. It is interesting to note that Eman made these remarks at the farewell reception of Attorney General Tom van Daalen. Less than a week ago Eman was accused of too much leniency with regard to the dubious candidacy of the leader of his coalition partner OLA. The suggestion was one of compromise on the score of the rule of law. An image he clearly does not want to live on.

In sharp contrast with remarks made by his colleague Suzy Romer in Willemstad, Eman admits the enormous threat of international crime destroying countries from within. On the issue of crime Eman is not about to start a war with Holland, so much is clear. be believed, which is not always the case, Romer on the other hand seem., set on creating a warlike situation. She accuses The Hague of superiority feelings and failing in understanding of what the islands are about. No one will deny she has a point, but the question is whether it is to the point to make such an observation at the start of her new government. We doubt it. What is at stake is the extremely difficult financial and economic situation the country and in particular Curacao finds itself in. Raising the question of "attitude" will not help to solve those problems. It may, on the other hand, make them worse.

OUR COMMENTARY

This particular locally established newspaper always seems to have has a problem with Antillean or Caribbean people who are no member of the "Uncle Toms Brigade". It has a problem with the concept:: of government of empowerment", which it would like to see "dis-empowered" the sooner the better. It has a problem with strong pro Caribbean anti colonialism unions as "IL~2000" etc. Now with the same consistency and loyalty to the interests of the Dutch government, this locally established paper again expresses having a fundamental problem. This time with the "outspokenness" of the Prime- minister of the Antilles, Mrs. Suzy Romer because she labeled the mentality of the Dutch towards the Antilles exactly the way it is "superior and arrogant". After expressing its "concern" for the difficult financial situation of the country and Curacao in particular, this so-called local paper doubts if this statement will help to solve the financial problems of the Antilles. As a matter of fact the paper insinuates that the statement of the Prime-minister in fact might make the matters worse. Apart from being an obvious and classical case of "wishful thinking", we fail to see the logics. While we are not so naive not to understand clearly the principle that a "dog will not bite the hand that feeds it ", we fail to see why as "equal partners" we can not tell Holland how we see things, straight forwardly, honestly without the fear of being "BLACKMAILED". Does not Holland also have some very strong criticism towards the Antilles which they FREELY express without the fear that such will only escalate matters? For instance. Does not Holland consider us "unwanted" in Holland? Does not Holland see us as a "nest of criminals"?, (while the "teashops flourish in open daylight in Amsterdam?) Didn't a Dutch paper called our Prime-minister a "high-class bitch" the other day? SO what is the problem actually?

As far as we are concerned, gone are the days, that we should start shivering at the very notion that "Mama Holland" would punish us by not "giving" us money, because we behaved "rude" and did not know, let alone, did not humbly and gratefully accept our (inferior) place. Holland with its booming economy could help us out "overnight", but the will is not there. They do not plan to assist us and help solve our financial problems ANYHOW, whether we behave like dressed-up monkeys, Uncle Toms, Butlers or Clowns because they want to kill our economy in order to RE-OLONIZE the West once again. So, it is NOT in their interest at this time to save us from a certain financial collapse. It must be realized that we must do it on our own, with OTHERS, than necessarily and eternally depending on "Santa Holland". We are happy and proud with OUTSPOKEN leaders like Prime-minister Suzy Romer and others who are breaking this relational cycle of "SLAVE" versus "MASSA". (J'a meneer, astublieft meneer, dank U wel meneer). If Holland wants to apply the "big stick" policy on us let her try. But we will not on our own subject ourselves as inferior partners to Holland, difficult financial situation or not It must be a matter of principle, for if we do not draw al line somewhere, sometime, tomorrow the will come with some other it will be an other excuse and condition keeping us dependent for ever. We believe that we should at all times observe the standard rules of diplomacy in dealing with Holland and others, but our PRIDE and DIGNITY as a PEOPLE should never be compromised to financial BLACKMAIL. That is UNACCEPTABLE. Anyone who does not ( want to) understand this principle perhaps indeed displays a morbid sense of supremacy or is still living in the dark ages of feudal and colonial relationships. We are glad that our leaders with all due respect for other countries, stand up in defense of our country, the Antilles.

June 20 1998

REWARD FOR "FRIENDLY ISLAND"?

It is amazing how St. Maarten is still marketed as the Friendly Island. St. Maarten is so friendly that it extends open arms and a warm embrace to anybody who wants to come here in search of fortune. Especially investors who are able to wave with stacks of money will get the warmest of embrace. And no expense is too much to make the investor feel at home. It is even more amazing to see that oh so often people who do not even have the mighty stacks of money to show off with are also welcomed and accommodated to the fullest extent. You hear stories about beach bums who are being recruited from the beaches and are offered executive positions.

You hear stories about people who do not even have any affinity with the island but are still given preferential treatment over local expertise and intelligence. You hear about cheap labor being imported from the East, people who probable never heard of St. Maarten, only to be given managerial positions after being trained by the local/Caribbean people who they are supposed to manage.

But then you hear about how many of these same people we so warmheartedly welcomed to our friendly island, ill-treat the local/Caribbean people. You hear about the social clubs or environments or the secluded company that these people keep. Clubs, company and environments where local Caribbean people are not really appreciated. As a matter of fact these are places that local/Caribbean people avoid, for feeling out of place. And then you hear about the big luxurious houses that these people are able to buy, because their lucrative salaries can afford to buy or rent.. And you hear about the fancy cars that these people can buy. But then if out of curiosity you go for a drive, to find out if all you hear is true, and to enjoy the sight of these pretty luxurious houses with their pretty swimming pools and extravagant architecture you get the shock of your life: these pretty houses are surrounded by high walls to keep out all newsy friendly people of this friendly island. And then we come to realize that as a token of gratitude for our warmhearted friendliness, we are welcomed with signs such as: "Private", No Trespassing", and "Beware of Vicious Guard dog".

Yes sir; welcome to our Friendly Island.

On MARCH 13, 1998 the COMMITTEE FOR CARIBBEAN SOLIDARITY ST. MARTIN was formed in order to form an umbrella-organization of all the organizations representing Caribbean nationals on the island. So far the committee has held a number of very interesting and informative sessions with the organizations mentioned and is presently awaiting the final decisions of the various associations and foundations to collectively formulate its goals and objectives and to have the umbrella-organization officially notarized. The main reason for the committee to take this initiative has to do with the philosophy of its members, drs. Errol Larmonie, Mr. Eldrige van Putten of "ILS-2000" and drs. Leopold James, editor of this paper, which is to contribute in every way possible towards tile integration of Caribbean people. In particular the initiative was based on the fact that all the various Caribbean groups on the island have certain problems in common. One of the main problems confronting our Caribbean brothers and sisters is the immigration situation. The committee understands that those who implement the exiting laws are obliged to this since it is their job. At the same time, the committee feels that unity among Caribbean nations is necessary if we are to survive as Caribbean people under the :threat of globalization, the threat of the renewed European interest in the Caribbean. The CARIBBEAN CHAMPION thinks that the recent initiative of the COMMITTEE FOR CARIB BEAN SOLIDARITY to meet with the police to offer humanitarian assistance to a Jamaican national, was a true act of solidarity.

We are also happy with the willingness and the openness in which the police force dealt with the issue and is prepared to cooperate with the committee in the future. Although we are convinced that in this case the police handled correctly, there are still many cases of alleged police brutality that need clarification or even possible sanctions. Also we still have to deal with the very strong perception of preferential treatment of illegals. In particular the Frontstreet situation, dominated by Indians, is one that is causing a lot of anxiety among the local population. We look forward to a very productive relationship with the police based on mutual respect and on our commitment to stamp out any attempt to single out and to concentrate on picking up and deporting Caribbean nationals. We have shown and will continue t~ show respect and understanding for the police whose work is very difficult. But likewise, we hope they will continue to show us the same respect even though there will be moments of disagreements and tensions between us. This time we agreed and respected each other.