LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Subject: A Call for Professionalism, Accountability and Respect from the Sint Maarten Red Cross
Dear Editor,
I am writing on behalf of the United St. Lucian Community Association to bring to the attention of the general public a matter of serious concern involving the Sint Maarten Red Cross, particularly its handling of our request for first responder services for our Annual Creole Day event.
On September 1, 2026, our Association formally submitted a written request to the Sint Maarten Red Cross for the provision of two first responders for our event, which was scheduled for October 31, 2026.
Unfortunately, as of September 25, 2026, when we formally raised our concerns with the organization, we had received no official response to our request.
This was particularly troubling because one of the requirements for obtaining an event permit from the Ministry of Justice was written confirmation from the relevant first responder agency indicating its willingness to provide coverage at the event.
We believe that organizations serving the public have a responsibility to communicate professionally, respond within a reasonable timeframe, and demonstrate accountability, particularly when their services are essential to community activities.
What made this situation even more concerning was the manner in which communication was subsequently handled by a Red Cross volunteer, Mr. Bradly Attly.
Rather than addressing our formal correspondence through the Association’s established communication channel, Mr. Attly contacted me personally by telephone seeking additional information. Despite my request that further communication be directed through the official channel, he subsequently contacted other members of our Board and attempted to arrange meetings with them.
As President, I believe it is important to maintain proper lines of communication and respect the authority and structure of organizations. When a community association submits an official request, it is reasonable to expect that the response will be directed to the Association through its established leadership.
I am also deeply concerned about previous statements attributed to Mr. Attly during earlier interactions. On those occasions, statements were made to the effect that he had the authority to issue or reject event permits and could stop our event because we did not use the services of the Red Cross.
Such statements raise legitimate questions about the extent of authority vested in individual volunteers and the boundaries between an organization’s responsibilities and the authority of government agencies.
No individual, regardless of their position or organizational affiliation, should create the impression that they possess powers that properly belong to government authorities. Equally, no community organization should feel intimidated, pressured, or disadvantaged for exercising its right to make independent decisions concerning its activities.
This matter is bigger than one event or one community association.
Community organizations throughout Sint Maarten dedicate considerable time, effort, and resources to organizing cultural, social, and charitable activities that contribute to the development and preservation of our communities. These organizations deserve to be treated with courtesy, fairness, and professionalism by every institution with which they interact.
The Red Cross plays an important role in public safety and emergency response. We recognize and respect the importance of its work. However, the importance of an organization’s mandate should never place it above the principles of transparency, accountability, and professional conduct.
We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for respect, clear communication, and accountability.
We believe the leadership of the Sint Maarten Red Cross should address the following concerns:
1. Why was our formal request of September 1, 2026, not formally acknowledged and addressed within a reasonable timeframe?
2. What are the official procedures and requirements for community organizations seeking first responder services for public events?
3. What authority, if any, do individual Red Cross volunteers have concerning event permits or the prevention of events from taking place?
4. What measures are in place to ensure that volunteers communicate appropriately and professionally with the organizations requesting their services?
We believe these are reasonable questions that deserve clear answers, not only for our Association but also for other community organizations that may encounter similar circumstances.
As President of the United St. Lucian Community Association, I remain committed to protecting the interests, dignity, and independence of our organization and the communities we serve.
Community organizations should be partners in the development of Sint Maarten, not entities made to feel intimidated or powerless when seeking essential services.
I hope that by bringing this matter into the public domain, we can encourage greater transparency, mutual respect, and accountability in the way institutions interact with community organizations.
Respect must be mutual, accountability must be expected, and no organization should be made to feel that its ability to serve the community depends on submitting to the personal authority of an individual.
Yours respectfully,
Cliff C. James
President
The United St. Lucian Community Association
