gst-browser compiles but fails to launch on several distros

as an update - the issue is not specific to debian and it is not clear that
the problem lies in gnu-smalltalk - the same versions of gst-browser run
fine on some distros but not on others

================ SUMMARY ================

* gst-browser fails to launch on debian, ubuntu - neither from binary
packages nor compiled from git source
* gst-browser runs as expected on parabola from the both binary packages
and compiled from git source
* gst-browser fails to launch on fedora from binary package but runs as
expected when compiled from git source
* gst-browser runs as expected on opensuse from (un-maintained) binary
packages but fails to launch when compiled from git source
* the REPL appears to be working correctly in all cases

versions<->platforms tested:
  * debian 8 stable     - fail - 'gnu-smalltalk' binary package v3.2.4
  * debian 8 testing    - fail - 'gnu-smalltalk' binary package v3.2.5
  * debian 8 testing    - fail - git source v3.2.92
  * parabola            - pass - 'smalltalk' binary package v3.2.92
  * parabola            - pass - git source v3.2.92
  * fedora 24           - fail - 'gnu-smalltalk' binary package v3.2.5
  * fedora 24           - pass - git source v3.2.92
  * ubuntu 16.04        - fail - 'gnu-smalltalk' binary package v3.2.5
  * ubuntu 16.04        - fail - git source v3.2.92
  * opensuse tumbleweed - pass - 'smalltalk' binary package v3.2.5
  * opensuse tumbleweed - fail - git source v3.2.92

details in this gist -->
https://gist.github.com/bill-auger/7658fff47b7ba5ac65dfc3e5e74b1e6a