And since I didn't get a chance to read what you wrote Philippe before posting mine, I will say that I feel horrible that your governments are just so corrupt but we have had that as well... I remember when I was in High School and the Mafia was taking over everything within our town... buildings being burned because the owners would not sell to them, people disappearing, money laundering,
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

I understand how both of you feel. You feel not only embarrassed by your island's government but feel personally violated. And for every incident you hear about your stomach turns. You regret the path your island is taking along with all other Caribbean islands as well and feel helpless and exposed. But what is being said is not that far fetched. If I understand what is being said, you c
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

The following is not a criticism Philippe of you or your feelings...it is how I see things after reading almost every post since Kim's violation. You are right Philippe that one article may not do the trick but take a group of articles carefully placed into the proper channels with embarrassing readable finger pointing and maybe it would start to hit closer to their homes and their jobs.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

What's very good about this is that tourists (as well as residents) will see the headlines as they pass by the newspaper stand and take necessary precautions instead of thinking that the island is crime free. Some people just think that they can do as they please while on vacation and the sad reality is that this is so not true. I have known this for as many years as I have been traveling
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Ain't that the truth although I would eliminate the word "evil" and replace it with "exceedingly intelligent"...><
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

OMG! This is just horrible! Again, it is thankful that she's OK but I am sure all shook up at this point. And unless one is subject to this sort of crime, one would never really know the feeling. Barbara...glad you're OK and thanks Irina for posting this.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Unfortunately Collection Agencies are paid hefty rewards to collect and whether they think their customer is in the right or wrong makes no difference to them. Their salary is based on their collections and they have blinders on when doing their job. I would rank them as low as telephone solicitors in annoyance. We had a collection agency in the US call us repeatedly with even threatening and
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Again Bruce, I am so sorry to hear about this horrible encounter. But as callous or cold this may sound to some, I would seriously recommend that both of you seek emotional support as soon as possible. Whether it be on-line or through face to face counseling, the sooner you let go of this offense to your minds and body, the sooner the healing will come. Kim, especially, needs to release this an
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

I can help you get to Baie Rouge and Cupecoy Take the road toward Marigot if you are coming from Maho/Simpson Bay. You will pass the Atlantis Casino on your right and Cupecoy Beach Club on your left. Then on the left you will pass The Cliff and Rainbow Beach Club. The road will bend to the left and next you will pass the Sapphire BC and finally the Ocean Club. If you made a left immediatel
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Yes, I actually thought it maybe was his child responding to me but my blood did boil upon reading the curt message. And that was word for word the response I received (I cut and pasted it here) ...nothing more...nothing less. And this was my response back to him: Dear Mr. Snow, I was not intending to make this an argument. I just did not want to keep you under the impression that you
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

I actually googled Claudio (wife is Barbara) and found a letter from him to yet ANOTHER facility (the zoning board of Hen Island) here in the States, complaining about things being unjust and need to be straightened out. And this was letter #2....Hmmm.... is this normal for him? My own personal opinion about this case? It is absolutely ridiculous, and if the people that sign up to this cause
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Your statement should show whether the funds were deducted from your account and the date. If the funds were in fact deducted, then you have absolutely no worries. If they request proof, you can always produce a copy of the canceled check at a later date. For now though, I would take their letter and make a copy. Then attach your own letter to it, stating the date of the check, the amount, th
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Actually I had just sent my donation in a few days ago so hopefully they will get it soon. Not much but hope it helps.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

If you e-mail them to me at reikiofmaywood@verizon.com I'll post them on my website (hidden) and then give you the addresses of each. Then you can post them here so everyone can enjoy.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Before I even read that article, what I commented in the "comments" section of the petition was, not only the breathing issue for those afflicted with breathing problems but the horrible thought of these toxic fumes created from these fires which is a constant and very serious health concern to all living beings on the island.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Good one!!! And what's even funnier is that it's actually the truth.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Thanks Melissa for posting this video. It broke my heart (but opened my eyes as well) to know that this poor turtle felt the sadness we humans unfortunately must go through when dealing with the death of a loved one.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

To me the only way any mall would work is if they had a VERY big draw (1 store that has proven itself), similar to the malls at home. Without this main attraction, there is little interest a vacationer would want when they could be spending their day at the beach or sailing. A store similar to Rimas or even a large supermarket would help to make it work but without the big draw, people would not
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Yes very sad but I doubt it will stay closed for long. Maybe new management... It is a landmark (and also I believe in the Guiness Book - closest bar to the end of a runway) and one that could very well do profitably if managed correctly. Time will certainly tell but if someone does snatch it up, I wish them well.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

This post was made back in 2006 so the price has most likely risen since then. But these trips are a lot of fun and worth every penny. It most probably would cost around $80 - $100 pp but includes the trip, on board drinks and food for the daytime cruise. There are a few good ones to take with different stops. Wherever you stay, if there is an activities desk, ask about them there. It's
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Signed.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Not again! I remember seeing the fire a few years ago on our way toward Philipsburg and the smoke just billowed out. I thought at first that something in Philipsburg had caught fire. So sorry to hear this as you MUST be affected constantly. Is this done purposely or does something just catch fire and set everything up?
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Every time I watch it, my eyes tear up!!!! And so I showed it to Rick just now to see his reaction and even he got tears in his eyes!!!!!!! Now that in itself was amazing. Thank you again Barbara for posting this wonderful video.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Hope you have a wonderful Birthday! ><
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

For some reason I thought I saw this photo at The Old House...or maybe not.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Can you upload them to any of the websites that allows you to share photos like photobucket? If so, then once you upload them to that site, you can use the URL address of each photo to post them anywhere else. If you are unsure of what I mean, PM me and I'll explain further.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

I have the full blown version (necessary for my job) so it's hard for me to know what Elements has. So for anyone who has Elements, if it has the Clone Stamp located on the toolbar, The color balance section under Adjustments, and at least the filter called "noise", then it's worth it to fix any of your old photos. "Color Balance" is an adjustable sliding bar for
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

No Irina, those units were not sold out but unfortuntely needed to be built as an afterthought to fulfill the prior Tower owner's contracts which were floor 1 not having much of a view at all, floor 2 having a full view (our floor), and floor 3 and 4 never a problem. This plan was not in place until after they realized that the Tennis Building would need to be pushed back and that the Towers
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

One step further... Image will disappear in a few days but this is what photoshop can do with Color Balance and proper adjustments to noise and dust. Can use the Copy Stamp to rid yourself of unwanted scratches as well.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum

Thank you Barbara for posting this. And it did make me cry.
Forum: The Friendly St.Martin Island Forum