Articles

Dear Editor,

The board of the Sint Maarten Pride Foundation is certain that you will recall the serious concerns Pride Foundation expressed in the printed media on December 21st, 2013 regarding the most recent filling-in of the Simpson Bay Lagoon for the Airport expansion project. The Foundation is equally certain that you and your devoted readers will clearly recall that the Minister of Environmental Affairs Mr. Maurice Lake verbally attacked Sint Maarten Pride Foundation and chastised the organization for its expression of concerns regarding the Lagoon.

In order to refresh your memory please allow us to remind you that in your publication of the aforementioned date last year Minister Lake made the following statements about the filling-in of the Simpson Bay Lagoon:

"All was planned and "done by the book" in cooperation with relevant stake holders such as the Nature Foundation". "I have given written permission and all have followed proper procedures and regulations". (Minister Maurice Lake, December 2013)

So the Minister claimed on December 21st, 2013 that the filling-in of the Simpson Bay Lagoon had been properly executed and that written permission (permits) had been issued. Sint Maarten Pride Foundation found these statements by Minister Lake to be questionable at best, considering that there had been no public notices or press releases issued regarding the filling-in of the Lagoon by the Minister's Office or by the Ministry of VROMI before the start of the works in early to mid December 2013. The Foundation therefore carried out some research into the matter and on January 8th and 9th 2014 Pride filed formal requests for copies of the permits and related documents issued to the Airport for the filling-in of the Lagoon at the offices of the relevant authorities.

The Foundation was supplied with copies of the requested information by the Ministry of VROMI a few weeks later and discovered some interesting facts. Contrary to Minister Lake's claim in December 2013 that the filling-in of the Simpson Bay Lagoon was "done by the book" and that "written permission" had been granted, a permit for the filling-in of the Simpson Bay Lagoon was actually not issued until January, 8th, 2014! The Minister's claim that proper procedures had been followed was therefore absolutely false.

It is perhaps interesting to point out that the permit for the filling-in of the Lagoon was issued on the same day that Pride requested copies of the permit. Was the permit only issued because Pride Foundation requested a copy of it?

To add severe insult to injury frequent location visits by Sint Maarten Pride Foundation board members and volunteers have exposed that none of the regulations stipulated in the permit issued by the Ministry of VROMI or the recommendations as listed in the Environmental Impact Assessment are being adhered to. These regulations which are intended to reduce the environmental impacts of the filling-in of the Simpson Bay Lagoon are being completely ignored.

Another point of interest is that the permit request for the filling-in of the Simpson Bay Lagoon as submitted by the Airport, requests permission for the filling-in of some 60.000 square meters of surface area yet the permit as issued by VROMI grants permission for quote "unknown square meters"!

The above mentioned facts give rise to the following questions;

• Why did Minister Lake so blatantly misinform the general public about the filling-in of the Simpson Bay Lagoon?
• Why was the filling-in of the Simpson Bay Lagoon allowed to take place for weeks before any permits were issued?
• Why is it that the regulations of the permit finally issued on January 8th, 2014 are not being adhered to? Why is the Ministry of VROMI not enforcing the regulations as stipulated in the permit of January 8th, 2014?
• Does the well-being of the Simpson Bay Lagoon ecosystem and the well-being of the Greater Simpson Bay area not interest the Minister?

In closing, please allow us to once again remind the general public of the importance of attending and actively participating in the Town Hall meetings organized by the Ministry of VROMI in preparation of the zoning plans for Sint Maarten. Sint Maarten Pride Foundation representatives will be present at the Town Hall meeting at the A. Halley Center in Simpson Bay on Tuesday February 25th, 2014 and the Foundation looks forward to seeing residents of the Simpson Bay Area as well as other interested persons there.

The Board of the Sint Maarten Pride Foundation

Dear Editor,

The year 2013 was among the top ten warmest years since modern records began in 1850, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Thirteen of the 14 warmest years on record have all occurred in the 21st century. The warmest years on record are 2010 and 2005.

According to the WMO, the global temperature for the year 2013 is consistent with the long term warming trend, and the rate of warming is not uniform but the underlying trend is undeniable. The WMO further adds that given the record amounts of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, global temperatures will continue to rise for generations to come.

More than 90 per cent of the excess heat being caused by human activities is being absorbed by the ocean. The current pace of our action or inaction to curb heat-trapping gases according to the WMO will shape the state of our planet for our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

2014 is an election year, and voters should pay keen attention to the party program/manifesto that political parties should present to the voters prior to the elections. Climate change should be one of the top issues that the parliament and government should plan to tackle once sworn in to office.

Various countries and island-nations are taking a long-term approach to planning and protection in order to be able to support the sustainable development of their nation under climate change circumstances. This is the wise way to move, having a vision and planning ahead by introducing changes today in the way we do things as a community.

For example, a warmer climate could lead to greater use of air-conditioners and increase demand for energy. NV GEBE, our utility company will have to plan for this by investing in additional capacity which could be via renewable energy or the current generators that they already utilize, but there are also other ways to plan as well, by reducing the impact on energy demand, by encouraging environmentally friendly building designs (cooler and energy efficient) and increasing green cover to help cool surroundings.

A much warmer climate will create a very different world and one possibly less hospitable to human life. Higher temperatures – the 4th IPCC Assessment Report says, global average surface temperatures could rise by between 1.1 Celsius and 6.4 Celsius by the end of the 21st century – will result in a higher sea level of between 18 to 59 cm by the end of the century.

Besides the aforementioned, there will also be possible effects varying in severity for water resources due to changes in rainfall and snowfall patterns; more frequent and severe weather events like heavy rainfall and dry spells; loss of biodiversity and natural ecosystems; increased risk of seawater inundation and erosion in coastal areas; greater pressure on infrastructure such as water supply, drainage systems and coastal protection; as well as impact on public health, such as increased heat stress and spread of some infectious diseases.

The European Union (EU) is supporting Caribbean islands in their efforts to adapt and mitigate climate change at regional as well as national levels. The EU says failure to incorporate environmental planning as an integral part of national development will have disastrous consequences for countries and will increase the chances for climate-related disasters.

The future that we plan today is the legacy that will be left behind for our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sint Maarten needs to decide because climate change poses the biggest threat to our livelihoods and our sustainability as a country. Green planning is the future and the way to move forward where country Sint Maarten becomes climate-resilient.

Roddy Heyliger

Dear Editor,

Political association is everyone's right. But let it be known, so that people reading articles (in this case editorial commentary) know from which bias the writer comes. The article "Sustainable Development" on the Opinion and Commentary pages of the TODAY of Saturday, February 15th, is nothing more and nothing less than a UPP propaganda piece written by the Editorial Staff of that newspaper. On page 4 of the TODAY Vol 15, No 39 we read that on the Editorial Staff is at least one person with very close family ties to the Green party, DP's Coalition partner for the second time in less than 4 years. So attacking the DP (Claude Wathey's Pride and Joy for 40+ years) is not only not appropriate, but also very wrong on many levels. Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams' record on sustainable development is clear and can withstand scrutiny. Note that we understand Sustainable Development to be the as-perfect-as-possible balance between:

1. Economic Development
2. Environmental Sustainability
3. Social Development
4. Governance

If you want to put in context what the DP did or did not do for "Sustainable Development" and insist on blaming the DP and our PM for all that is not right on St. Maarten today, then you must also give the DP credit for all that is GOOD on the island and the reason why so many persons from other countries have flocked to our shores. Based on above mentioned "balance", if you want to say that the DP focused more on Economic Development, sometimes to the detriment of the Environment pillar, we say "Mea Culpa", but in the same breath we say: St. Maarten is what it is today BECAUSE of the DP approach, led by Claude Wathey for 40 years and subsequently by Sarah for 20 years and counting.

The DP heading for the "history books" may be the wish of some, but the truth is that PM Sarah Wescot-Williams has proven to be a giant amongst the boys and because of her management skills, was able to hold together ALL governments we have had since 10/10/10. Sarah and the Democratic Party are the ONLY consistent components in what up to now has been a turbulent political environment for young, fledgling Country St. Maarten.

Q: If. DP Leader Sarah Wescot-Williams is so bad, why has she been Prime Minister in St. Maarten's Government 1, Government 2, Government 3 and poised to become Prime Minister in Government 4?

A: Because she represents the Red Thread that for 60 years now has held St. Maarten together!

Michael J. Ferrier
President of the Democratic Party of St. Maarten

Dear Editor,

Country Sint Maarten has to be innovative where it concerns its development strategies. Creative and thinking outside of the box is a must in moving the country forward in 2014 and beyond. The country no longer receives development aid from the Netherlands and therefore we have to rely on looking at ways and means to financing our own national development. Funds from other sources are still there like the European Union (Development Fund) and its recent approval to finance Dutch Quarter district improvements.

The Board of Financial Supervision CFT recently said that the country's reserves have decreased significantly, and with the 2014 national budget approved in January, Government can start working on improving its liquidity position, but also increasing the reserve position. In the first half of 2012 the country's reserves were reportedly around Naf. 65-70 million and by mid-June 2013, the country's reserves had dangerously dwindled down to a reportedly approximate Naf. 17 million.

The reserves of a country must be used wisely that will benefit the people of the country in the long-term, and in the event of a national crisis, and the latter one is not able to forecast. A Government must at all times have funds at its disposal to deal with an emergency.

Every effort should be made in the coming five years to build a "Sint Maarten Sovereign Growth Fund." Our pension and health funds have been able to invest part of the funds they collect, but we must move a step further with the creation of another fund which would be a plus for the long-term sustainable development of country Sint Maarten and its people.

Norway, a North European country with an estimated population of 4.7 million has the world's largest sovereign wealth fund, estimated to be worth US$1 trillion by 2020 and US$3.3 trillion by 2030. The fund was established in 1990. Norway borders Sweden, Finland and Russia. The country is slightly larger than the United States of America (over 300 million people) state New Mexico (one of the 50 states that make up the USA).

Norway has invested its income from its oil and gas reserves wisely. Norway's Sovereign Wealth Fund holds on average one per cent of the world's equity market shares and owns more than two per cent of all listed companies making it the largest stock owner in Europe.

In order to learn from country's who have been very successful in building up growth and wealth funds resulting in the improvement in the quality of life for their people, country Sint Maarten should explore the possibilities and Norway would be a good start. Diplomatic efforts from the Sint Maarten House in The Hague by the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary should be made to the Norwegian Embassy in the form of exploratory talks.

Norway could also be invited to explore possible investments in the country as well, so besides seeking technical advice on building a "Sint Maarten Sovereign Growth Fund," let's also consider investment opportunities.

There is so much to be done which also includes moving our richest assets, our human resources upward; taking the segment of our population out of poverty and further improving the quality of life; continuous improvements in education, health care, care of our seniors and young people, are in my opinion the cornerstones of every society.

Health, education and people are the three pillars of country Sint Maarten's 21st century development. By having a healthy population, you are able to be more productive; in order to be more productive and develop the areas of our economy that would ensure further growth, high level employment opportunities and better salaries for our people, you need an educated work force – lifelong learning; and people are at the centre of country Sint Maarten's 21st century growth strategy.

As a country we have to synchronize, consolidate and plan wisely to capture the opportunities. We have the institutions of a country; let's use them wisely to the peoples and country's advantage. Much has been achieved, and there is still so much more to come.

Going forward, the country has to re-think in order to continue to move upward where it concerns strategies of growth for the people. The creation of a Sint Maarten Sovereign Growth Fund for the people would be further ensuring our country's national sustainable development.

Roddy Heyliger

Dear Editor,

Last month, the CFT gave a press conference and basically said that when they approve the budget, the Government of St. Maarten can borrow from the World Bank to invest in St. Maarten. The CFT did not mention the interest rate but is important to note that St. Maarten will receive one of the lowest interest rates which is about 2.5% for a 20 year government bond due to the Netherlands economy. The CFT also stated that this investment should be strategic, in order to lower government expenditures or increase revenues. The two suggestions given by the CFT were to finish the new Government Administration Building and invest in the expansion of St. Maarten Medical Center. These are two very good ideas because Government will spend less money renting buildings and have to send less people abroad for medical care.
However, my proposal is a bit different, in addition to investing in infrastructure why not improve current infrastructure? St. Maarten is sunny all year round and solar panel prices have seen a sharp decrease in recent years. Why not invest in solar energy? By investing in solar panels government would be setting a good example for its citizens and the private sector, reduce its carbon footprint, reduce their operational costs on a long term basis, and provide jobs to locals on a contractual basis to install and maintain this investment.
The roofs of several government buildings, schools, and government owned companies can be retrofitted with solar panels. For example, the Princess Juliana Airport has a very large roof that can be retrofitted with many solar panels. Some can even be added in the grass along the runway, similar to how it was done in St. Thomas. Already the Philipsburg Jubilee Library has seen their electricity bill per month reduced by more than 1/3 since they installed solar panels last year.
Last year, a few politicians were talking about how much LED lights would save the government in electricity costs for streetlights. Why not have solar powered street lights that have no electricity costs? The bulk of money goes into buying and installing them but after that it's just yearly maintenance. GEBE also stands to benefit from government using solar panels because some of the burden will be alleviated from GEBE as the sole electricity provider on the Dutch side.
I know at the end of the day those of you reading this might think it's expensive but the price of installing has decreased sharply in recent years and it's nothing compared to the long-term savings. Everyone can benefit from installing solar panels not just government. If every household took advantage of solar panels, people would spend less money on electricity and have more for other expenses. Take a look at your light bill and imagine if it was 40% lower every month, imagine the annual savings. Imagine the annual electricity cost for government and imagine if 40% of that cost was gone. I believe that in less than 5 years government could see a return on investment (ROI) if they invest in solar energy. After all, it's just a matter of improving current infrastructure.

Ramzan Juman

Dear Editor,

A country cannot afford to sit still or stand by and look on. You have to be a part of the development process for the advancement of your own society and creating opportunities for generations to come. On an annual basis the country has challenges in balancing its budget, and the necessary investments needed in the public sector cannot take place or has to take place over a longer period of time, therefore the time is ripe for economic transformation.

Cruise and stay-over tourism are the current pillars of our single-based economy. As a country we need to develop other economic sectors based on several principles: sustainable development; lowering our environmental footprint; creating employment and business opportunities for Sint Maarteners; leads to high paying jobs and further improves the quality of life.

Such a vision improves the long-term sustainability of country Sint Maarten.

The development of a "Sint Maarten E-Business Enterprise Center" (SEBEC) would cater to knowledge-based industries (Internet & Technology sector; Media Marketing & Film, Biotech Industry, Commodities & Derivatives; Academia) and become the technology hub of the North Eastern Caribbean. The Port of St. Maarten as well as our SXM Airport serves as hubs.

We have nothing to lose but more to gain by allowing international companies to have offices with staff on the ground here and generating active business income in Sint Maarten. SEBEC would operate and comply with Organization of Economic Cooperation Development and World Bank guidelines.

This would have spin-off affects for all sectors of our country's economy.

The Cayman Islands have established their own Enterprise City – special economic zone - which has attracted 93 companies and approximately 72 has moved to the Caymans. Vice President of Promotion and Marketing with Grenada Industrial Development Corporation Ronald Theodore reportedly said: "The establishment and operation of a technology based Special Economic Zone focused on knowledge industries is visionary and will undoubtedly position our region for investments in that sector."

The Sint Maarten House in The Hague, the Netherlands as well as the Dutch embassy network throughout the world, could be used to promote SEBEC and country "Sint Maarten E-Business Enterprise Center" could become an important driver of foreign direct investment.

The dynamics of country Sint Maarten should not dear us to dream. We have done it before, but we need to continue.

2014 and beyond requires 21st century thinking.

Roddy Heyliger

Dans le cadre du cycle d'échanges « les nouveaux entrepreneurs ont rendez-vous à Matignon » inauguré en juillet 2013, le Premier ministre a reçu ce matin des acteurs de l'économie collaborative, en présence de Fleur Pellerin, ministre déléguée chargée des Petites et moyennes entreprises, de l'Innovation et de l'Economie numérique, et de Benoît Hamon, ministre délégué chargé de l'Economie Sociale et Solidaire et de la Consommation.

L'économie collaborative est un secteur à forte croissance et la France se distingue dans ce domaine par une adoption rapide de nouvelles pratiques par ses citoyens et par l'existence de jeunes champions nationaux. Le renouvellement des dynamiques d'innovation, la levée de nouvelles capacités de financement, mais aussi les nombreux investissements d'entrepreneurs sociaux, ont permis l'ouverture de ce champ d'activité.

L'économie collaborative inclut trois catégories qui ont été représentées lors de cette rencontre. D'abord, le financement participatif ou crowdfunding, dont le cadre vient d'être fortement assoupli et qui permet à chaque Français de contribuer au financement de projets, était représenté ce matin par Babyloan.org, FinanceUtile et Ulule. Autre secteur, la production contributive, permettant par exemple le prototypage d'objets dans des ateliers de fabrication numérique (FabLabs), était représentée par l'agence nod-A, le FacLab de Université de Cergy-Pontoise, l'espace de travail IciMontreuil, et l'entreprise BureauxàPartager. Enfin, la consommation collaborative, s'appuyant sur le partage et l'usage plus que sur la propriété (covoiturage, location de matériel entre particuliers...), était représentée par LaRucheQuiDitOui, Zilok, BedyCasa, Videdressing et le collectif OuiShare.

Jean-Marc Ayrault a rappelé que le gouvernement souhaite encourager la croissance de ce secteur en France en lui offrant un cadre favorable à l'innovation, y compris l'innovation sociale, et au développement de services.

Les échanges qui ont eu lieu ce matin ont ainsi vocation à nourrir la préparation du projet de loi numérique prévu cette année : la concertation qui sera organisée par le Conseil National du Numérique à ce sujet contiendra un chapitre dédié à l'économie collaborative. A l'issue de cette rencontre, le Premier ministre a également demandé à Fleur Pellerin de lui proposer, d'ici à l'été, un plan d'actions pour renforcer sur l'ensemble du territoire la dynamique collaborative des FabLabs. Enfin, le projet de loi pour le développement de l'économie sociale et solidaire qui sera examiné en première lecture à l'Assemblée Nationale au printemps, fournira des moyens pour pérenniser la croissance des entreprises sociales.

Le Premier ministre, en présence de plusieurs ministres, a conclu ce matin la concertation visant à redéfinir les modalités de mise en œuvre du volet accessibilité de la loi du 11 février 2005. Celle-ci avait été annoncée par le Premier ministre lors du comité interministériel du handicap du 25 septembre 2013, face au retard accumulé et au constat partagé que l'échéance du 1er janvier 2015 devenait un objectif irréaliste pour de nombreux acteurs publics et privés.

Présidée par Claire-Lise Campion, sénatrice de l'Essonne, et animée par la déléguée ministérielle à l'accessibilité, cette concertation inédite a réuni pendant plus de trois mois les associations de personnes handicapées, les associations d'élus, les représentants du secteur des transports, les acteurs du logement et de la construction, les représentants du commerce, de l'hôtellerie, de la restauration et les professions libérales.

En présence des représentants de ces différents secteurs, le Premier ministre a annoncé les décisions prises par le gouvernement pour maintenir et renforcer dès 2014 l'objectif de mise en accessibilité de la société.

Sur la base des conclusions de la concertation, il a ainsi confirmé :

• La mise en place d'Agendas d'Accessibilité Programmée (Ad'AP) qui permettront aux acteurs publics et privés, qui ne seront pas en conformité avec l'ensemble des règles d'accessibilité au 1er janvier 2015, de s'engager sur un calendrier précis et resserré de travaux d'accessibilité. Les acteurs concernés devront avoir marqué leur engagement dans la démarche avant la fin de l'année 2014. En contrepartie, le risque pénal prévu par la loi de 2005 pour défaut d'accessibilité sera suspendu pendant le déroulement des Ad'AP. En cas de non-respect de l'Ad'AP, son signataire s'exposera à de nouvelles sanctions. Pour les Etablissements Recevant du Public de 5ème catégorie, qui représentent 80% du cadre bâti, ces agendas pourront atteindre 3 ans. Pour les patrimoines plus importants et/ou plus complexes, cette durée pourra aller jusqu'à 6, voire 9 ans. Les possibilités de dérogation initialement prévues par la loi de 2005 sont par ailleurs confortées.
• L'évolution d'un certain nombre de normes relatives à l'accessibilité pour permettre à la fois de simplifier et d'actualiser de nombreuses normes et dispositions règlementaires, et de les compléter pour mieux prendre en compte l'ensemble des formes de handicap.

La loi du 11 février 2005 pour l'Egalité des droits et des chances, la participation et la citoyenneté des personnes handicapées sera complétée pour y introduire le dispositif des Agendas d'Accessibilité Programmée. Dans ce sens, un projet de loi d'habilitation à légiférer par ordonnance sera présenté au mois d'avril en Conseil des ministres pour une ordonnance précisant le régime juridique des Ad'AP publiée à l'été. Les textes règlementaires réajustant les normes d'accessibilité seront préparés en parallèle.

Le Premier ministre a par ailleurs rappelé les autres mesures du comité interministériel du handicap en faveur de l'accessibilité :

• 1000 ambassadeurs de l'accessibilité seront recrutés à partir de 2014 dans le cadre du service civique pour orienter les acteurs dans leur démarche d'accessibilité ;
• La Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations et Bpifrance accompagneront les collectivités locales et les entreprises dans le financement de leurs travaux via des outils financiers adaptés ;
• Une campagne de communication sera engagée par le gouvernement dans les prochaines semaines pour sensibiliser aux enjeux de l'accessibilité et expliquer le nouveau dispositif.

Ce chantier s'inscrit dans le cadre d'un plan d'actions plus large pour permettre la citoyenneté et l'autonomie des personnes handicapées dans leur vie de tous les jours : lancement d'une expérimentation pour l'accessibilité téléphonique des personnes sourdes, amélioration des dispositifs de chiens guides pour les personnes aveugles, développement de l'accès aux livres, au cinéma et à la culture, renforcement de l'accès à l'information pour les personnes handicapées mentales, développement de l'accessibilité des campagnes électorales, etc.

Le Premier ministre a salué l'engagement et le sens des responsabilités de l'ensemble des parties prenantes de la concertation qui a permis de concevoir ce dispositif équilibré entre les attentes et les contraintes des acteurs. Il a confirmé la forte volonté du gouvernement d'accompagner les acteurs publics et privés dans leur démarche d'accessibilité et sa « détermination à engager un processus irréversible pour permettre la concrétisation de l'accessibilité universelle ».

http://www.gouvernement.fr/premier-ministre/conclusion-de-la-concertation-sur-l-accessibilite

Lutte contre les vols avec violence

En raison de la recrudescence observée depuis le début de l'année 2014 des vols avec violence, notamment ceux commis sous la menace d'une arme, en particulier autour du quartier de Sandy Ground, une opération de lutte contre la délinquance était menée le dimanche 23 février 2014 en soirée, en périphérie de ce quartier, à l'initiative de la compagnie de gendarmerie départementale de Saint-Martin et Saint-Barthélémy, renforcée pour l'occasion par des effectifs du service de la police aux frontières de Saint-Martin.
Réalisée conjointement par le peloton de surveillance et d'intervention de la gendarmerie (P.S.I.G), l'escadron de gendarmerie mobile de Sathonay-Camp et le groupe de voie publique de la P.A.F, l'opération mobilisait au total dix-huit militaires de la gendarmerie et six fonctionnaires de police.
Une soixantaine de personnes et de véhicules ont été contrôlés par les forces de l'ordre. Au cours de l'opération, un conducteur était interpellé après avoir commis un refus d'obtempérer sur l'un des points de contrôle. Soumis au dépistage de l'alcoolémie, ce dernier circulait avec un taux délictuel de 0,62 milligrammes d'alcool par litre d'air expiré. Un conducteur de deux roues a par ailleurs été contrôlé porteur d'une petite quantité d'herbe de cannabis ; ce dernier a également immédiatement été interpellé et entendu sur les faits de détention de produits stupéfiants. En outre, un individu en situation irrégulière sur le territoire a été contrôlé par les fonctionnaires de la P.A.F. Enfin, deux délits pour défaut de permis de conduire ont été constatés et deux conducteurs ont vu leur véhicule immobilisé.
Au delà du volet répressif, l'opération visait aussi, dans une logique de prévention, à dissuader la commission de faits nouveaux, dans une démarche d'appropriation territoriale et d'occupation du terrain par les forces de l'ordre.
Ce type d'opération de contrôle, permettant de lutter efficacement contre le sentiment d'insécurité, a vocation à être renouvelé, dans ce quartier de l'île comme dans d'autres.

Jean-Marc Ayrault, Premier ministre, adresse ses vives félicitations à la skieuse française Marie Martinod, médaillée d'argent lors de l'épreuve de ski half-pipe féminin, première fois discipline olympique lors de ces Jeux de Sotchi.

Marie Martinod offre à la France une médaille d'argent qui vient confirmer le succès de l'équipe de France dans les nouvelles disciplines olympiques.

A la faveur de cette belle performance, le Premier ministre forme le vœu de belles réussites aux athlètes français pour les épreuves à venir.

Monsieur le Président,
Monsieur le Ministre,
Mes chers Collègues,

En cette fin d'après-midi, nous sommes ici pour examiner la troisième proposition de loi proposée par le groupe UMP dans le cadre de sa journée d'initiative.
A l'heure où notre pays entame le début des commémorations du centenaire de la Grande Guerre, notre groupe a souhaité redonner à la Voie Sacrée, monument de notre mémoire collective, le caractère de route nationale qui lui fut conféré par nos prédécesseurs en 1923 et qui lui a été retiré, à la suite de la loi de 2004 qui a vu le transfert aux départements de la gestion de certaines routes nationales.
La Voie Sacrée n'est évidemment pas une route nationale au sens « routier » et « gestion de l'équipement » du terme et cela personne ne le conteste ! C'est bien autre chose, et je pense que nous en avons tous conscience.
La Voie Sacrée c'est notre Histoire ! Celle dans laquelle nous nous retrouvons tous, au-delà de nos divergences et nos clivages.
Intiment liée à la bataille de Verdun dont elle est l'artère logistique, elle symbolise l'ingéniosité, le courage et l'efficacité française dans sa résistance à l'ennemi.
La bataille de Verdun et donc la Voie Sacrée font partie intégrante des grandes dates qui ont construit la France et fait d'elle ce qu'elle est aujourd'hui !
C'est bien de cela dont il s'agit et rien d'autre.
Notre Collègue rapporteur, Philippe GOSSELIN a fort bien expliqué et décrit les objectifs de cette proposition de loi, je n'y reviendrais donc pas.
Il a rappelé que l'objectif premier de cette proposition est de remédier à l'inapplication de l'arrêté ministériel de 2007 qui faisait suite, dois-je le rappeler, à une mission d'inspection diligentée par plusieurs ministères (Transports, Culture et Ecologie) et qui était parvenue à une solution de compromis acceptable et juste.
Un tel sujet ne devrait pas susciter de polémiques, or, j'entends avec regret les opposants à cette proposition de loi co-signée par plus de 70 parlementaires des groupes UMP et UDI, parler de « mascarade et de boycott » !
Est-il utile de le préciser : les 70 signataires de cette proposition de loi ne maîtrisent rien des querelles locales qui agitent les élus autour de cette question depuis une décennie !
Il est impensable d'avancer qu'ils auraient co-signé le texte de notre collègue Philippe GOSSELIN pour faire plaisir à un maire de telle ou telle sensibilité !
Penser cela dévalorise le Parlement et le rôle des parlementaires !
C'est apparemment plus facile pour le groupe SRC de se mettre d'accord pour rejeter une proposition de loi émanant de l'UMP qui cherche justement à régler des querelles locales indignes de ce haut lieu de mémoire que de se mettre d'accord sur leurs propres textes !
Si l'on a les combats qu'on peut, je regrette sincèrement la position du groupe majoritaire sur un sujet de mémoire qui devrait nous réunir.
Cette proposition de loi vise essentiellement à rendre à la Voie sacrée, haut lieu de notre mémoire collective, son caractère national. Elle n'appelle ni polémiques ni leçons de mémoire.
Elle appelle à la cohésion nationale et à l'hommage unanime à tous ceux qui ont combattu et sont tombés pour la France.
Je vous remercie.

Daniel GIBBS
Député de St Barthélémy et St Martin

Le Président du SMFA, Fabrice BALY, présente aux dirigeants, éducateurs, joueurs, parents et amis du football un appareil d'intervention d'urgence.

Il explique que "Le conseil d'Administration fait l'effort de s'équiper d'un outil aussi important, voir complémentaire à la visite médicale, et est très fier de l'investissement malgré que ce n'est pas notre responsabilité mais celle de la COM".

Ce dispositif a pour vocation de répondre à toutes situations qui l'imposent dans le but de sauver des vies.
Il faut rappeler que, selon les réglementations en vigueur, l'ensemble des stades et des gymnases doivent être équipés de cet appareil.

Une présentation et sensibilisation à l'utilisation de l'outil destiné aux éducateurs s'est déroulée le Jeudi 13 Février 2014.Ce sont le Dr. Noubou et Madame Aline CHAUVIN (Confort Médical) qui ont dispensé cette petite session de formation.

Malheureusement, nous regrettons l'absence d'un certain nombre de personnes qui seront amenées elles aussi à faire usage de cet appareil.

Do not wait until something happens for you to be interested.
"Be ready to save a life"

Conscient de l'importance des gestes salvatrices, le SMFA envisage la mise en place d'un second défibrillateur prochainement.

Monsieur Sinius:
"Une bonne initiative, le SMFA fait des efforts mais il faut que la COM soit plus réactif pour le football."

Mme Chauvin :
"Au nom de Confort Médical je remercie le SMFA pour la confiance témoignée, nous sommes sensibles à toutes les activités pour la jeunesse".

La gendarmerie nationale reconduit, en partenariat avec la police territoriale de Saint-Martin, une campagne de sensibilisation contre les vols à la roulotte (vols d'objets ou d'accessoires dans un véhicule). Des flyers traduits en français et en anglais seront mis à la disposition des touristes sur des lieux de forte affluence (office du tourisme, car rentals, hôtels, ...) et seront également apposés sur les pares brises des véhicules en stationnement dans les endroits à forte attraction touristique ( plages, centre ville...).
Cette action préventive menée à destination de la population par les militaires de la gendarmerie et par les fonctionnaires de la police territoriale vise avant tout par l'assimilation de réflexes et d'actes de prudence à réduire les tentations de passage à l'acte chez les voleurs permettant de lutter plus efficacement contre les nombreux vols à la roulotte constatés chaque année sur l'île.

Jean Marc Ayrault, Premier ministre, adresse ses plus vives félicitations aux skieurs français Steve Missillier, médaille d'argent, ainsi qu'à Alexis Pinturault, médaille de bronze, à l'épreuve de slalom géant aux JO de Sotchi.

En se hissant sur le podium lors d'une épreuve très disputée, Steve Missillier et Alexis Pinturault offrent à la France ses premières médailles olympiques en ski alpin français à Sotchi.

A la faveur de ces belles performances, le Premier Ministre forme des vœux de réussite à l'équipe de France olympique de ski alpin pour les prochaines épreuves.

A l'occasion de la publication des résultats annuels du groupe, Philippe Varin, président du directoire de PSA Peugeot Citroën présente ce matin une étape structurante de la stratégie engagée pour renforcer la performance opérationnelle du groupe et accélérer le développement de son activité à l'international.

Cette stratégie repose notamment sur l'engagement d'un partenariat stratégique majeur avec le constructeur automobile chinois DongFeng, qui permettra à PSA Peugeot Citroën d'intensifier son développement industriel et commercial en Asie.

Elle repose également sur le renforcement de la structure financière du groupe : de nouveaux capitaux permettront de soutenir un niveau d'investissement élevé et de donner à PSA Peugeot Citroën les moyens d'un développement industriel ambitieux ; Banque PSA Finance s'appuiera par ailleurs sur la banque espagnole Santander pour sa production future de crédits.

Le Gouvernement a répondu favorablement à la demande du groupe pour investir, aux côtés de DongFeng et d'autres actionnaires, au capital de PSA Peugeot Citroën et lui donner ainsi les moyens de son développement, en lui apportant de nouveaux capitaux, en devenant l'un de ses premiers actionnaires et en participant directement à sa gouvernance. Cette opération doit être soumise à la prochaine Assemblée générale des actionnaires de PSA Peugeot Citroën.

Traduisant les orientations du Conseil des ministres du 15 janvier dernier, l'Etat confirme ainsi, à travers l'action de Pierre Moscovici, ministre de l'économie et des finances, et d'Arnaud Montebourg, ministre du redressement productif, sa capacité à agir en investisseur, actionnaire et partenaire de référence, pour accompagner le développement de grandes entreprises françaises.

Jean-Marc Ayrault, Premier ministre, a déclaré : « C'est une opération stratégique majeure pour le développement du groupe PSA Peugeot Citroën, à laquelle l'Etat s'associe comme partenaire de long terme. C'est aussi un acte de responsabilité de l'Etat vis-à-vis d'une des principales filières industrielles du pays. Il appelle naturellement une exemplarité du groupe au bénéfice de l'activité et de l'emploi en France. »

Le Premier ministre a reçu, en présence de Marylise Lebranchu, ministre de la réforme de l'Etat, de la décentralisation et de la fonction publique, et d'Anne-Marie Escoffier, ministre déléguée chargée de la décentralisation, une délégation de l'Association des régions de France (ARF) dans le cadre de la concertation sur le projet de loi de décentralisation.

A cette occasion, il a rappelé que la deuxième loi de décentralisation aura pour objectif d'aller plus loin dans la clarification des compétences des différents niveaux de collectivités. Dans ce cadre, les régions disposeront de nouvelles compétences pour renforcer leurs capacités d'action au service du développement économique et de l'emploi. Les régions auront vocation à accompagner la croissance des entreprises et à renforcer leur capacité à innover et à exporter ; elles seront ainsi clairement positionnées comme le niveau en charge de la compétence de développement économique.

Leur capacité de planification en matière d'aménagement et de développement des territoires sera renforcée. Le schéma régional d'aménagement et de développement du territoire deviendra ainsi un document de planification essentiel qui aura une valeur prescriptive. En outre, davantage de marge de manœuvre sera conférée aux régions pour qu'elles puissent adapter les règles aux spécificités des territoires.

Cette deuxième loi de décentralisation s'inscrit dans l'objectif du Gouvernement de renforcer l'efficacité des politiques publiques, de simplifier les organisations et les procédures administratives et de dégager des économies dans la dépense publique.

Après deux médailles d'or aux épreuves du 12.5 km poursuite et 20 km individuel, en biathlon, Martin Fourcade marque l'histoire du biathlon français en remportant une troisième médaille, argent, à l'épreuve de mass-start.

Martin Fourcade offre ainsi au sport français une magnifique illustration de la ténacité qui est celle de tous les grands sportifs.

Le Premier ministre, Jean-Marc Ayrault, adresse ses plus vives félicitations à Martin Fourcade pour cette belle médaille d'argent et pour son extraordinaire parcours olympique.

Tous ses vœux accompagnent Martin Fourcade et l'équipe de France pour les prochaines épreuves de relais.

Le Premier ministre Jean-Marc Ayrault a décidé de faire de l'Engagement associatif la Grande Cause Nationale pour 2014.

Ce label permettra au Mouvement associatif d'obtenir des diffusions gratuites sur les radios et les télévisions publiques lorsqu'ils souhaiteront organiser des campagnes faisant appel à la générosité publique.

Le Premier ministre a voulu ainsi valoriser et promouvoir le rôle des associations et de l'engagement bénévole dans notre société.

La France compte en effet 16 millions de bénévoles associatifs, auxquels s'ajoutent 1,8 millions de salariés d'une association, soit 8 % du nombre total de salariés.

A un moment où les associations prennent de plus en plus de responsabilités dans tous les domaines - social, éducatif, sportif ou encore culturel - le Gouvernement a souhaité s'engager à leurs côtés.

Cette décision constitue une nouvelle étape dans la politique mise en œuvre pour soutenir le mouvement associatif, faciliter le bénévolat et favoriser l'emploi au sein de l'économie sociale et solidaire.

Elle permettra notamment de sensibiliser les Français aux enjeux de cet engagement au service des autres, qui, depuis la loi de 1901, constitue une chance pour notre pays et un pilier de notre modèle social et républicain.

C'est le message que porte le Mouvement associatif, aux côtés duquel le Gouvernement a décidé de s'engager.

Le week-end end dernier a été très sportif pour les jeunes athlètes de l'Avenir Sportif Club de Saint-Martin. En effet, le samedi 8 février ce ne sont pas moins d'une trentaine d'entre eux, des poussins aux minimes, qui se sont déplacés à Anguille, accompagnés des entraîneurs du club, dont Patrick Trival, et de quelques parents. Ils répondaient ainsi à l'invitation du club Diamond Athletic club d'Anguille. C'est sur une piste tracée dans l'herbe qu'ils ont affronté les jeunes d'Anguille, mais aussi ceux du Dynamics de St Maarten et de Speedy Plus. Les performances étaient au rendez-vous, et on peut noter la 3ème place de Rony Félix sur le 400 m en 57'', de Magda Duggins et Aliya Amancin sur le 400m benjamine, arrivées respectivement 2ème et 3ème en 1'12 et 1'13, et la deuxième place au lancer de poids pour Ayola Dessout avec un jet à 8m30.
Le jour même, ces sont trois autres athlètes du club qui s'envolaient vers la Guadeloupe pour participer à un meeting d'athlétisme, accompagnée de Claudine Désert co-entraîneur du club. Ce concours « Triathlon », ouvert aux benjamins et aux minimes, s'est déroulé au stade de Petit-Bourg le 9 février 2014. Chaque athlète devait, selon sa catégorie et sa spécialité, effectuer un saut, un lancer et une course.
C'est Lisa Coquillas, championne de la Guadeloupe 2013 du 2000m marche catégorie benjamine ; qui a débuté les épreuves par un 2000m marche catégorie minime pour lequel elle a pris la première place en 13'21''64. Elle termine 32ème du concours minimes filles (48 participants) avec 49 points. Teejay Jasaron, avec 71 points, arrive 8ème du concours minimes garçons (49 participants). A noter une performance encourageante sur le 100m minime, où il prend la 2ème place en 12''63. Adelio Brooks, 23ème du concours minimes garçons avec 58 points, termine deuxième de sa série au saut en longueur, avec un saut à 4m57.

Le Premier ministre a appris avec tristesse le décès du sénateur et ancien ministre René Teulade.

René Teulade était un homme de conviction, qui a consacré sa vie au mouvement mutualiste français, dont il présida la Fédération Nationale pendant 13 ans, avant d'être nommé ministre des affaires sociales par François Mitterrand.

Tout au long de ces années, son engagement a été décisif pour le développement des mutuelles dans notre pays et pour l'amélioration de la protection sociale de nos concitoyens.

Le Premier ministre souhaite présenter à sa famille, ainsi qu'à ses proches, ses sincères condoléances et leur exprimer toute sa sympathie face à la disparition d'un homme qui, toute sa vie, a porté cet idéal de la solidarité.

C'est avec tristesse que le Premier ministre a appris la disparition de Michel Alliot survenu samedi 8 février.

Michel ALLIOT a en effet été une des personnalités qui a marqué l'histoire récente de l'Université française et dont cette dernière s'honore.

Avant de devenir un brillant universitaire, il fut d'abord, très jeune, très actif dans la Résistance comme chef de réseau au Bureau central de renseignement et d'action (B.C.R.A.). Puis, docteur et professeur agrégé des facultés de droit, il se spécialisa notamment dans l'anthropologie des droits africains et dirigea pendant longtemps l'Institut de psychosomatique de Paris.

Son grand sens du service public l'a également conduit à exercer de hautes responsabilités. Directeur de cabinet du ministre de l'Education nationale Edgar Faure entre 1968 et 1969, il a été l'un des principaux architectes de la loi relative à l'enseignement supérieur de 1968, la première grande loi de l'université moderne susceptible de s'ouvrir à tous. C'est sur cette base que quelques années plus tard, en 1971, il fonde l'Université Paris VII Denis-Diderot qu'il présidera pendant cinq ans.

En 1988, sous l'autorité du ministre de l'Education nationale, Lionel Jospin, il devient recteur de l'académie de Versailles, la plus importante de France, qu'il dirigera pendant trois ans jusqu'à sa retraite en 1991.

Le Premier ministre rend hommage au parcours exceptionnel d'un homme ayant su en permanence concilier son attachement à l'Université comme à l'éducation sous toutes ses formes, avec un remarquable sens du service public et de profonds engagements citoyens.

Il exprime à sa famille et ses proches toute sa sympathie attristée.

Le Gouvernement a adopté aujourd'hui sa feuille de route pour l'égalité républicaine et l'intégration.

Cet engagement avait été pris dès la déclaration de politique générale du 4 juillet 2012, et la volonté du Gouvernement est d'avancer sereinement et de façon apaisée ce sujet essentiel pour nos concitoyens.

Une logique, et une seule, anime cette feuille de route : la République, l'égalité républicaine. Celle des droits et des devoirs.

C'est ce qui a permis à la France d'accueillir au fil des siècles des femmes et des hommes de tous les horizons et d'en faire des citoyens français.

L'objectif de cette feuille de route est de rendre effective cette promesse républicaine d'égalité.

Beaucoup a déjà été fait depuis mai 2012 pour agir contre les inégalités. C'est le sens des plans interministériels contre la pauvreté, pour les droits des femmes, pour la jeunesse ou encore en faveur des personnes handicapées.

Mais certains Français d'origine étrangère, et certains étrangers régulièrement et durablement installés sur notre territoire sont encore trop souvent tenus à l'écart du droit commun.

A travers cette feuille de route, l'objectif du Gouvernement est donc bien de lutter contre les discriminations liées à l'origine, qu'elle soit réelle ou supposée, et de faire en sorte que les politique de réduction des inégalités bénéficient à tous ceux qui doivent y avoir accès.

Deux axes bien distincts la structurent :

• Le 1er axe porte sur l'accueil des nouveaux arrivants. Il faut mieux les accompagner dans leur parcours d'intégration, faire en sorte que l'apprentissage de la langue française, et la transmission du socle républicain de droits et de devoirs soit plus efficace et mieux articulée avec la délivrance du titre de séjour ainsi qu'avec l'accès à la nationalité française.
• Le 2ème axe constitue un plan d'action pour l'égalité des droits et la lutte contre les discriminations. L'accès de tous au droit commun doit être garanti (école, emploi, accès à la fonction publique), et la lutte contre les discriminations doit être prise en compte dans tous les volets de l'action publique.

La mise en œuvre de ces décisions exigera une mobilisation de tous les ministères. Parce qu'elle renouvelle l'approche républicaine des questions d'égalité et d'intégration, le Gouvernement a décidé d'en assurer la coordination au niveau du Premier ministre, par la création d'un délégué interministériel à l'égalité républicaine et à l'intégration.

Le 05 février 2014, une patrouille de la Brigade Motorisée de Saint Martin procède au contrôle d'un véhicule de type « mini-van » transportant 06 passagers.
Les investigations effectuées permettent d'établir que le chauffeur transporte ces passagers à titre onéreux, sans être titulaire des autorisations administratives lui permettant d'exercer la profession de taxi.
Celui-ci est mis en cause pour transport public routier de personnes sans convention avec l'autorité compétente ; exercice de l'activité de transporteur routier de personnes sans inscription au registre des transporteur et exécution d'un travail dissimulé.
A l'issue de son audition dans les locaux de la gendarmerie il est convoqué le 17 avril 2014 devant le tribunal de St Martin et son véhicule est saisi.
Il s'agit de la second procédure diligentée contre un taxi clandestin par la gendarmerie de Saint-Martin depuis le début de l'année 2014.

Ce samedi 1er février 2014, Sareena Carti, du club Avenir Sportif Club de Saint-Martin, a battu le record de la Guadeloupe du 300m cadettes, en 38''55, lors du championnat de la Guadeloupe Intermédiaire qui s'est tenu au stade de Baie-Mahault. L'ancien record était détenu par Sylvanie Morandais depuis 1996 . On se souvient que la semaine dernière, lors du 2ème tour des Intermédiaires, Sareena avait râté de quelques dixièmes le record. Ce n'était que partie remise, et malgré la pluie, ce samedi, c'est décidée à en découdre qu'elle a pris le départ du 300m à Baie-Mahault. Elle n'en est pas en restée là, car outre cette performance sur 300m, Sareena est montée aussi sur la plus haute marche du podium sur le 150 m cadette en 18''36, affichant la deuxième meilleure performance sur cette distance de la compétition, toute catégorie confondue.

Des performances de bonne augure pour les Carifta Games qui se tiendront en Martinique au mois d'avril.

Le Premier ministre a appris avec une grande peine la disparition de François Cavanna, à l'âge de 90 ans.

Cavanna fut le père de l'humour satirique de la deuxième moitié du XXème siècle, inspirateur de la presse satirique moderne. Fondateur de Hara Kiri puis de Charlie Hebdo, son humour râpeux et caustique irrita souvent, enchanta parfois, sans laisser quiconque indifférent, contribuant ainsi, avec verve et justesse, à l'énergie du débat démocratique.

Homme de presse, homme de communication, homme de convictions, Cavanna fut aussi un écrivain reconnu, particulièrement prolixe, un amoureux de l'alchimie des mots destinés à raconter des histoires simples. « Les Ritals », ouvrage d'une profonde humanité, demeure le récit juste d'une intégration à la fois douloureuse et réussie.

A sa famille, à ses amis, à ses admirateurs, Jean-Marc Ayrault adresse ses condoléances attristées.

FINAL DAY TO PURCHASE TICKETS AT $15!

MARIGOT:--- French side Carnival is set to come alive on Saturday March 1 2014 when Muzik Art presents this year's K'Aribbean Riddim Zouk & Kompas edition. The show that will be held at Carnival Village in Galisbay St. Martin, will be featuring Zouk sensations Richard Birman, newcomer Jessye Belleval along with Kompas prince Alan Cave. The event will also feature local talent, singers, a St. Martin dance group and local DJ's. "We're bringing the Zouk Night back for French Carnival. This is our contribution to rebuilding carnival on our side of the island," Muzik art's production team said.

With these two Zouk legends combining their talents with a newcomer, the show on March 1 is expected to become the stuff that legends are made of, the Muzik Art team said.

Tickets are now on sale for US$15 in advance until Friday February 28th. At the door on the day of the event they will cost US$ 25. "Save yourself S$10 by purchasing in advance," they said.

Ticket outlets: Music Caraibes, Faxinfo, Sol/Tackling Cole Bay and Van Dorp Madame Estate.

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao:--- United States Forward Operating Location (USFOL) volunteers were very active for various organizations on Curacao February 3-14.
Twenty-five USFOL volunteers helped refurbish a playground at the Siloam Children's Orphanage/Hospice. Brother Herman Gijsbers, who directs Siloam, stated USFOL volunteers saved him weeks of work.
Additionally, over twenty USFOL volunteers participated in Amigunan Di Christo's after school program Sports Day by assisting school staff in coordinating and managing the successful event for the children.
Also, USFOL volunteers repaired and painted kennels and prepared cats and dogs for adoption at the Dierenasiel Parera Animal Shelter.
USFOL volunteers regularly participate in service projects for various non-profit organizations around Curacao as a way of saying "thank you" to their island hosts.

Three brands to bring 845,821 cruise passengers in 2013-2014 season

POINTE BLANCHE:--- St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo stated strategic partner Royal Caribbean International (RCL) is very pleased with how cruise passengers view the Port of St. Maarten and the destination, showing on average between 85 and 90 per cent in overall satisfaction and appeal coming from the three brands of the cruise line namely Royal, Celebrity, and Azamara.

Eastern Caribbean region satisfaction and appeal ratings for RCLs three brands averages at 80 per cent while for destination St. Maarten/St. Martin it is much higher.

The cruise survey looks at cleanliness, friendliness of locals, safety, range of things to see, availability of things to see, RCL transportation, independent transportation, distance from ship to activities, information from RCL on ports, congestion in ports, hours in port, and tour variety.

The number of port calls from the three brands of RCL for 2012-2013 season was 208 and the forecast for the 2013-2014 season is 230, or 22 more. The number of cruise passengers for the 2012-2013 season was 783.737 and the forecast for 2013-2014 season is 845.821 or an increase of 62.084.

For the 2014-2015 cruise season, there will be approximately 228 port calls from the aforementioned three RCL brands and a forecast of 832.930 cruise passengers, however the numbers are not final yet.

Mingo met with RCL officials earlier this week in Miami, namely, Christopher Allen, Associate Vice President Deployment & Itinerary Planning; Federico Gonzalez-Denton, Director Government & Community Relations Latin America & the Caribbean; and Marc Miller, Manager Deployment & Itinerary Planning.

RCL is scheduling dry dock maintenance for the Allure of the Seas and this is expected to result in less cruise passenger from the line in 2014, but port officials are confident that the drop can be made up by the other lines that visit the destination.

"Port of St. Maarten and the destination overall is very proud to have RCL as a strategic partner, and this relationship spans over decades. The company has grown by leaps and bounds as can be seen from the two largest cruise ships in the world that RCL constructed within the 21st century.

"The Port of St. Maarten also grew with RCL with respect to the construction of Pier 2 in order to be able to accommodate the genesis class cruise ships. This has allowed our cruise numbers to also grow within the past 30-years from over 100,000 in 1980 to over 1.7 million in 2013.

"Our country's appeal, the hospitality of our people and the services provided to our visitors is what keeps us up front and ahead of the pack, and we must always continue to be innovative and offer new tours in order to maintain our premiere position as a preferred cruise destination," Port CEO Mark Mingo said on Thursday.

In 1968, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line was founded. The company caters to more than 280 destinations worldwide today and has been at the forefront of rolling out innovative ships since the 1980s with the Sovereign class and what has been described as the game-changing Quantum class, the first of which will sail in the fall of 2014.

Urges All to Express Love For St. Maarten

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten congratulated the Dominican Republic and members of the Dominican Republic Community on St. Maarten on celebrating their National Holiday on Thursday. The Prime Minister offered words of congratulations to the Dominican community on their Independence Celebration: "On behalf of the Government of St. Maarten I extend my warmest congratulations to the people and Government of the Dominican Republic on their Independence Celebration. It is since 1884 that you have had the privilege of celebrating your independence and I join you in that celebration. We know the struggle of the Dominican People during the nineteenth century to achieve their independence and now generations of Dominicans can look back with admiration on the first leaders who made a country of a once colonized nation."

The Prime Minister urged citizens of Dominican Heritage living on St. Maarten to apply that same love they have for their heritage to their adopted home of St. Maarten: "For those of you who have been born here and who belong here you have all contributed to the development of St. Maarten, but one thing is for sure; you have embraced the opportunities that St. Maarten has had to offer. Independence is not only a political state, but it is a mental and emotional one, and it is that type of commitment that you should apply to your adopted home of St. Maarten. We should all be proud of who we are we but we all should be proud of the land that you and I call home, the land which we want to prosper for the future St. Maarteners so that they to can be proud to call our Sweet St. Maarten Land home," concluded the Prime Minister.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

CUL DE SAC:--- On February 28th, 2014, the Disciples Toastmaster Club will host an information session for family, friends and all persons who are interested in building communication and leadership skills.
Toastmasters International is a self-enhancement program where you set the pace to meet your goals. Very soon, the organization will launch a new initiative where the educational program is tailored-made to meet each member's individual needs. Speech projects and leadership assignments will continue to develop the toastmaster's skills one step at a time.
The educational program that Toastmasters offers is an exceptional one that powerful rhetoricians and CEO's have benefited from.
During the information session, attendees will experience a short demonstration of a club meeting; friendly and encoring bi-weekly learning meetings. An overview of the complete toastmasters' educational program will be given. There will be a question and answer segment for interested persons to clarify and gain a better understanding on what they already know or would like to know about toastmasters.
Employers would profit from encouraging their employees to attend the information session with them to see how they can benefit from its membership.
The Information session will be held at the Disciples Toastmaster Club regular meeting location, the St. Maarten Academy. The time is 7pm 9pm.
For more information you can call 553-6622 or visit the club's website at http://1036731toastmastersclubs.org to learn more about the Disciples Toastmasters Club.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Always with an eye on providing improved services to its clients, APS, the general pension fund of St.Maarten is simplifying its payment method to pension beneficiaries. APS has started using the online payment application offered by the Windward Islands Bank to make payments to over 500 persons who receive their monthly pension benefits on an account at the aforementioned bank.

This new approach affords beneficiaries the opportunity to receive their pension benefits a bit earlier on their respective accounts.

APS says that with less manual transactions needed, the pension fund is able to reduce costs by more than 50 percent every month on bank charges as compared to when transfer instructions are sent in writing to the bank.

While there have been a few glitches in the system (as evidenced this month), APS continues to work closely with representatives of the bank to resolve any issues arising.

APS now looks forward to the online payment system becoming available for the bulk of payments to pension beneficiaries with accounts at other local banks. This would also be the case for those clients which APS inherited from APNA with bank accounts on one of former sister islands of the Netherlands Antilles.

Providing Visitors a New-Concept Store with Competitive Prices

CUPECOY:--- Popular Barcelona-based casual clothing brand Desigual has officially opened a stylish store in Blue Mall St. Maarten, providing shoppers with a wide selection of its latest designs at competitive prices. St. Maarten's duty-free status means that the Blue Mall location of Desigual has the lowest prices of the 400-plus stores around the world with exception of those located in Desigual's homeland of Spain.

The 84-square meter store officially opened on Blue Mall's third floor Saturday, January 15 with a party-like reception featuring a live DJ, giveaways, snacks and Desperado tequila-flavored beer. The Desigual store adds another dimension to Blue Mall, which features a wide selection of brands catering to all tastes and budgets.

The trendy and colorful store features more than 3,000 hand-hung bottles in the ceiling, hand-painted graffiti walls, colorful lights and eye-popping bold and colorful ensembles for women. The shop has four convenient changing rooms with friendly and professional staff ready to dress customers with feel-good clothing that expresses emotions.

More than 150 different items are stocked from Desigual's Spring/Summer 2014 collection including women's apparel, accessories, bags, light scarves, hats and footwear. A selection of men's apparel will be available in the coming weeks. Beach lovers will also soon be able to pick up Desigual bikinis at the new store.

Headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, Desigual is known around the world for its patchwork designs, intense prints, innovative graffiti art and flamboyant splashes of color, perfect for Caribbean women and visitors. The brand was founded by Swiss native Thomas Meyer in 1984 and has been experiencing an unprecedented 60 percent annual growth in recent years. In addition to St. Maarten, Desigual shops are located in more than 60 nations worldwide.

Blue Mall St. Maarten features a wide variety of shops, five spacious levels of commercial and business spaces and three levels containing 37 luxurious one-, two- and three-bedroom residential suites. Located at 162 Rhine Road, Cupecoy, Blue Mall opens Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The new opening brings even more international attention to St. Maarten's stellar reputation as the fashion and duty-free capital of the Caribbean.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon. Patricia Lourens-Philip on Thursday addressed the issue of integrity with her ministry staff at the University of St. Martin as part of the Government's integrity project.

The Minister's speech is as follows:

Integrity in Government

Minster of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports

Ministry ECYS

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Good afternoon,

Protocol: (staff of the various departments in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen),

I will first like to start my short presentation with establishing a common perspective regarding what we mean when we speak about integrity not only in a global sense but within the context of our particular work place which is collectively – within the civil service of the government of St. Maarten but in particular within the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs.

Integrity in the workplace speaks about one's moral and ethical behaviour that is expected on the one hand by all, as the common standards and values that are held in high esteem by the organization and then on the other hand are then demonstrated in the workplace.

All employers seek to have their employees demonstrate a high level of fundamental values in the workplace and the expectation of government as an employer is no different. This is what we call integrity.

The other side of this is that it is known that anti- integrity behaviour or we sometime refer to it locally as corruption, is inextricably woven into the issue of governance.

Corruption eats into any system, regardless of the philosophy or ideology or expectation of the government, or the location of the country. No political system in any country is immune from corruption.

Even some countries that have been rated the most transparent by Transparency International still have cases of corruption that are carried out by members of the governance system. It is something society has to live with but we must do everything to deal with in a structural manner.

It is therefore important that as a young country, we must look and learn from our past, adapt to the present and anticipate the future. Our country's integrity or anti-corruption strategy is part of a broader governance and a capacity-building strategy.

We have to keep our own house clean, because no one else can do it for us. We have to do it ourselves and Government has taken the lead when the Council of Ministers in December 2010 approved the Integrity Project Sint Maarten.

As a Government, plans are in place regarding how best to run the country so that our citizens may have the best chances of a good life and progress in moving forward.

Integrity in government is an on-going process that does not have an end date. In our daily tasks, transparency in our affairs and processes will determine how good we do as a country.

As long as everybody follows the processes and procedures in place, the likelihood of corruption will be a lot less and marginalized and the level of integrity will increase.

Our vision as a civil service is to have a corruption-free environment, which is a source of strategic competitive advantage for our country and its long-term future.

Education, culture, youth and sports are key areas of any countries development.

Youth policies are required to guide the holistic development of our country's young population.

Sports play a role in keeping our young people active and healthy and at the same time learning competitive skills in a sports environment – game friendly.

We must be guided by our past, our cultural heritage and values and highlight and promote this to our young people today and for generations to come so they never forget where we came from.

Education plays the role of keeping our economic engine moving forward and guarantees social mobility and progress. An educated human resource will ensure a level playing field of opportunity.

I have set out a vision for our ministry, without one we would not know exactly where we are going and what we need to accomplish.

In order to accomplish what we have set out to do, integrity plays a key role.

The vision is that of a Ministry that would be able to perform as a service-oriented arm of government, which would provide strategic leadership in the process of preparing an individual to become an independent, thinking, productive, wholesome, useful and valued member of our Sint Maarten society.

The mission of each one of us in this ministry is to carry out the vision as previously prescribed by providing and ensuring the implementation of effective and efficient systems, promote and secure equal opportunities and access to quality education, recreation, social, cultural and physical development for all the people of our country with the foundation in all our actions being the tenet of integrity for the better public good.

The core values of our ministry are as follows:

service-client orientation;

quality;

reliability;

and continuous improvement with once again the tenet of integrity as the basis for all of our actions.

The development strategies of our ministry details actions and activities that will contribute to the National Development Plan and Nation Building Plans for our country.

These development strategies are primarily geared towards helping the different departments and divisions of the Ministry to improve service, performance and productivity as well as to involve our stakeholders in a more participatory way, to raise the current standard to standards of excellence in every area of the Ministry's portfolio. None of this can be achieved if we do not all have an active awareness of and demonstration of integrity as we go about our daily task carrying out the mission of the ministry.

Anti – Integrity behaviour by public servants of this Ministry is not to be tolerated at all costs.

As Civil servants we are custodians of public resources and public trust and this also stands for our ministry. This is how we have to look at what we do on a daily basis when we come to work at 8:00am in the morning.

Prior to me holding the position of Minister, I was a civil servant, so I speak from experience and hold integrity to the highest levels within our democratic system of government.

I do encourage you to practice some very simple actions that can demonstrate integrity. Simple things like " working when you are on the clock... socializing, surfing the internet or the blogs, making non-emergency phone calls, texting , over extending lunch breaks are things that distract from wok time." Honouring your work hours by not stealing time from your employer , which is government in particular and the ministry by extension is what integrity is all about.

Cutting corners by neglecting to follow proper procedures and processes that lead to misinformation to our clients, problems and even threatening and dangerous situations need to be avoided at all costs.

Respecting yourself and respecting your co-workers and colleagues and those in management over you , polite communication, respect for other persons opinions, dealing honestly with your co-workers demonstrating a level of trust are all acts of integrity hat we all should strive for as we work together for this ministry.

The end result of integrity, transparency, accountability and openness in whatever we do with respect to the Ministry can be summed up by the great literary writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe:

"Knowing is not enough. We must apply. Willing is not enough. We must do."

So to translate this in the context of integrity we will say "Knowing what is integrity is not enough. We must always apply integrity in what we do! Being willing to practice integrity is not enough we must demonstrate/ do integrity."

Having said this, I now take the opportunity to introduce to you the one of the two persons of trust within our ministry:

Thank you

Patricia Lourens-Philip
Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Statistics (STAT) and its 25 interviewers after three weeks of the household listing survey have visited 20 per cent of addresses (3,500) since February 1. The survey will continue for the next seven weeks or through mid-April.

Interviewers are pleased with the generally good cooperation that is being received from the community of Sint Maarten.

STAT is pleased with the response so far, and urges all persons not yet reached, to expect STAT interviewers on weekdays up to 8:00pm and throughout the weekends.

STAT would like to remind the community of the goals of the Household Listing Survey, which are to attain up-to-date information on the population size of the country, which enables both STAT and the Department of Civil Registry to better compare and explain the differences in their population numbers.

The questionnaire consists of a short list of questions, related to the age, gender, country-of-birth and nationality of each member of the household.

Persons will also be asked to verify their address, and number of units on each property as well as if they are registered at the Department of Civil Registry. This last question is purely for comparison purposes, to determine how many of the registered population is also resident on the Dutch side of the island, Sint Maarten.

STAT informs the general public that its internal staff members are conducting random checks within neighbourhoods on weekends. This is being done, to verify with households whether they were indeed interviewed and to ask about their experience with interviewers.

STAT therefore asks that household members inform one another once an interview has taken place for the Household Listing Survey, in order that everyone in the home is aware and can pass on this information to STAT staff.

STAT falls under the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication.

GREAT BAY:--- The Ministry of Public Health Social Development & Labor has launched their complaint system, whereby the ministry is able to register complaints from the public at each of the executing agencies via the complaint manager of the respective agency.
Minister De Weever stated that with the implementation of the complaint system, the ministry will get a better look into what the problems are and how to solve them with the interest of serving clients better.
"Moreover, we will be creating a level of transparency, whereby the client will be informed from the beginning with a registered number of their complaint and a confirmation that happens throughout the process, which will be communicated to the client," said Minister De Weever.
The objective of the complaint system is to register, handle, manage and report back on complaints from the citizens of St. Maarten that are addressed to the Ministry of Public Health Social Development & Labor with their perception of the level of quality, service performance delivered by the ministry and societal issues handled by the ministry. Complaints will be handled within five working days after receipt.
Minister De Weever hopes that other ministries will follow suit, by implementing such a system.
The executing agencies within the ministry are as follows: Ambulance, Labor Affairs, Social Services, Collection Prevention Services, Community Development & Humanitarian Affairs, and Inspection.

GREAT BAY:--- A voice logging and recording system has been recently installed at the Ambulance Dispatch Center, which will record all incoming and outgoing radio and telephone communication
Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor, Cornelius De Weever mentioned that in an effort to continue to further professionalize the operations of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) on St. Maarten, this system was installed, whereby all incoming and outgoing calls will be recorded automatically, which can assist with complaints, verification and quality of service
"I intend to implement this system in other departments to achieve the same goals," said Minister De Weever.
Storavox is one of the most flexible voice logging and quality monitoring solutions on the market. It enables organizations to register, all interactions by telephone, radio, or PC for archiving, playing, evaluating and analyzing.

The Storavox provides a complete web-based control for Last Call Repeat Playback, Reporting and Management. The operation is done over a secure connection and all withdrawals are immediately accessible through a query of the user-friendly structure.

The recordings are provided with as much relevant metadata for quick and easy retrieval of recordings including date, time, call duration, channel recording, caller ID, dialed number, labels and notes by user.

The web interface provides a standard Last Call Repeat function that allows users to listen to the latest recordings. With a web-based application it provides an integrated tool for incident reconstruction with graphic display of images on selected channels per time period. The voice logging and recording system has been built by Bumicom Telecommunications Ltd in the Netherlands, a company with over 30 years' experience in providing Voice Logging and Quality Monitoring solutions. The investment cost for the system including installation amounts to approximately Naf. 20.000,00.

This investment would be an added value and will certainly enhance further professionalizing of the Ambulance Dispatch Center and provides for quality assurance of the dispatchers. Management of the Ambulance Department is very pleased with this milestone achievement.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The waters of St. Maarten (www.VacationStMaarten.com) will become an international domain on March 6-9, 2014 during the 34th Annual St. Maarten Heineken Regatta with sailors from every cardinal point on the compass arriving to compete. With just two weeks to go until the competition begins, a world-class fleet of nearly 200 boats has already entered the Regatta, flying flags of more than a dozen nations.

This year's St. Maarten Heineken Regatta has attracted entrants from Austria, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, France, Holland, Sweden, Norway, Russia, Uruguay and the United States. Additionally, the Regatta has attracted entries from talented Caribbean sailors hailing from Antigua, Barbados, St. Maarten, Trinidad, Puerto Rico and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.

Among those foreign entrants, some have crossed vast oceans to sail in the Regatta. Others will have delivered their boats to the islands as deck cargo on transoceanic freighters and at least one boat will have arrived in a 40-foot shipping container.

Organizers for the 34th Annual St. Maarten Heineken Regatta have created the perfect formula for three nights of island fun, featuring a performance by Kes during the Caribbean Jam night on March 8, followed by performances from St. Maarten's own Orange Grove and RedFoo and the Party Rock Crew (LMFAO) during the Legendary Party on Sunday, March 9, 2014.

The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is an annual competition that has become a world-wide and one-of-a-kind sailing event with exciting entertainment, musical performances and parties that have attracted thousands of sailors and enthusiasts to the island over the years. The actual competition consists of round-the-buoys contests and point-to-point destination races against the backdrop of St. Maarten's breathtaking coastal views.

St. Maarten has it all, from cafés and sizzling beachside barbecues; boutique hotels and high-rise resorts and some of the best shopping and nightlife in the Caribbean, there is truly something for everyone.

For more information on St. Maarten visit the official site of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau at www.VacationStMaarten.com.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake on Monday stated that in order to improve safety in neighbourhoods, street lights need to be placed in alleys as well as in other areas that need it.

On Monday Minister Lake, representatives from NV GEBE and Ministry VROMI carried out a site visit in Simpson Bay with respect to the placement of streetlights.

"NV GEBE and the Ministry are in the process of putting street lights in all alleys for the residents of Simpson Bay. It will improve lighting of the surrounding area and at the same time it enhances neighbourhood safety.

"In my back to basics approach, safety is a cornerstone. If the people in your community do not feel safe, it is the responsibility of Government to ensure that this changes. Simpson Bay is lighting up.

"The young people of the Simpson Bay community are also assisting in their district with respect to road markings and will also soon be looking into providing proper sidewalks.

"It's the small things that count to people and that is what the back to basics approach is all about. Our communities, districts and villages are where we live with our families and elders. The seniors, children and others living in the community should have a safe environment to enjoy together with all the modern facets and this is what I am aiming to do in every district, every community and every village, it's all about back to basics," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Monday.

The project starts from the Sister Clara Drive #1 in Simpson Bay and includes the other eight alleys of the community.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, February 22nd, twenty-eight Foundations and Associations attended the information session organized by Cooperative Funds. Approximately forty persons attended the meeting and received information on the objectives of the agency, types of project, target groups and criteria for funding. Among those present, were a number of organizations new to Cooperative Funds.
Cooperative Funds consists of five funding agencies in the Netherlands: Oranjefonds, SKAN fonds, Stichting Kinderpostzegels, Fonds Sluyterman- van Loo and Innovatiefonds Zorgverzekeraars.
On an annual basis they give together a considerable amount of grants to the six Dutch Caribbean islands on an annual basis. They focus on project proposals which target "vulnerable" groups in the society, youth and children, the elderly and are committed to help social initiatives in the areas of community binding, cohesion, participation in society, health and care. For the upcoming three years, the Dutch organizations in collaboration with the advisory Councils of the six Dutch Caribbean islands, have written a policy plan in which they focus on special themes.
Projects which focus on strengthening community building in their specific neighborhoods as well as initiatives of Foundations working together and submitting projects that show collaboration efforts will have a better chance of passing the criteria.
Additionally special attention is given to organizations that acknowledge and encourage volunteerism. This vision is based on the assumption that societies are highly dependent on volunteer activities in order to build stronger communities.
Project proposals may vary in size, amount and scope. For those organizations that are new to Cooperative Funds or have small projects, there is the opportunity to apply for a mini-grant to the maximum amount of Naf. 3000. This type of grant allows for a speedier project approval and therefore early start of the project.
Persons and organizations who were unable to attend can find more information on the website www.samenwerkendefondsen.org, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact Jose Sommers, Project Advisor, at 586 0808.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Mary Romney will be delivering the keynote address at the launch of Philipsburg Jubilee Library's "Alice & Lionel Romney Memorial African Diaspora Collection", this Thursday at 7 p.m. The main purpose for this event is to officially launch the brand new collection of over 500 African Diaspora books and DVDs, graciously donated by Mary Romney, daughter of the late Alice & Lionel Romney. Romney, the current assistant professor in the International Teaching Assistants Program (ITAP) at the University of Connecticut, has been working in the education field for over 25 years.

The author and historian will give an overview of the collection and discuss the lives of her late, St. Maarten born parents, in whose name the collection will be dedicated. Also speaking at this event will be the recent Dean of Academics at the University of St. Martin, Francio Guadeloupe. He will be lecturing on the "Black Atlantic History".

BISHOP HILL:--- The Detective Department is presently investigating a case of ill-treatment with a weapon committed by a lady with the initials Z.T.M.P. The incident took place on Wednesday February 26th, 2014 at approximately 6:00am in the Bishop Hill area. This is when the call came in to the Police Department by the suspect informing the officers that shortly before she attempted to cut off her husbands genitals with a razor. Immediately the officers went to the scene the further investigate what had happened. On the scene, the officers spoke to the victim with initials D.O.P., who stated that while he was asleep his wife tried to cut off his genitals but did not succeed. However, she did cause a wound to the genital area. The victim was taken to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for treatment. The suspect was arrested and remains in custody for further investigation.

KPSM Police Report

SUCKER GARDEN:--- On Tuesday February 25th, 2014 at approximately 3:00pm, a police patrol was sent to Ferro Cactus Drive in Sucker Garden to investigate a stabbing incident. On the scene the investigating officers spoke to the female victim (22) with the initials G.A. who stated that shortly before she had been in an heated argument with another female with initials M.G. which got out of hand and at which time she was stabbed by M.G. in her right breast with a scissors. After committing this act the suspect jumped into a white car driven by a man and left the scene. While attending to the victim, the patrol received information that the vehicle in which the suspect left the scene was seen in the Dutch Quarter area. The suspect was later located in the area of Afoo Supermarket and was arrested on the spot. The investigation is ongoing by the Detective Department.

KPSM Police Report

Together with Civil Servants Chart the Way Forward on Integrity Issues

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams kicked off a week of Integrity Related events at the Little Oasis Well Center on the Well Road in Cole Bay on Monday. The events, which forms a part of St. Maarten Government's ongoing Integrity Program, was geared specifically towards members of the Ministry of General Affairs with the Other Ministries being part of the program in weeks to come.

Project Manager for the Integrity Program Tammy Richardson explained that the sessions would be focused on reconfirming the commitment and examining the achievements of the Integrity Investigations and explained that some 1800 civil servants have attended the Integrity Training to date. It was also explained during the session that persons of confidence where established to which persons can direct their concerns with regards to integrity.

The Prime Minister stated that it was the right moment to take stock of the Integrity Issue and to move forward with the program: "We believe that we are at a point in the entire integrity program that it would behoove us to look back and see how far we have come and to chart the course for the future. Steps have indeed been made in terms of the Integrity Program of Government and it is the intention that a number of you from the Ministry of General Affairs will be engaged in this exercise looking at where we are right now with regards to the Integrity Program. The Integrity Program of Government has been only as successful as it has been because participants have been obliged to participate and those of you who here are fortunate to be in this setting and to be the first of this celebration in terms of how far we are with Integrity. When it comes to what Government is doing it was determined several years ago that the Government itself will examine itself regarding the matter of integrity. We have created the awareness especially amongst the employees of Government to establish that this is something that lives in the community. After looking at several things that should be done it is apparent that we have come a distance so it behooves us to come together and jointly discuss where we have come from and the way forward which we should take," commented the Prime Minister.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister of St. Maarten Sarah Wescot Williams announced on Wednesday at the Council of Ministers' weekly press briefing that the Council of Ministers adopted the advice submitted by the Ministry of General Affairs to establish a protocol guide for foreign dignitaries and consuls when visiting St. Maarten. Wescot Williams said based on the Vienna Convention, countries are supposed to take into consideration the treatment as far as the treatment of consular posts and other foreign dignitaries. The Prime Minister said her Ministry looked at the Vienna Convention and drafted a protocol guide. "The proposal also includes that these visiting functionaries will have a specific identification card establishing their position in St. Maarten. Wescot Williams said based on that convention there are certain immunities and privileges that are granted to consular functionaries and other such personnel of another country while in the country of business, in this case St. Maarten.

Wescot Williams said that there are two pieces of legislation that have to be looked at, which are the legislation regulating identification cards and the tax legislation because there are also some specific regulations that apply for foreign consular and other such personnel. Wescot Williams further explained that government still has to work on the legislation but the guide has been established.

When asked by SMN News if these foreign dignitaries (consuls) that conduct financial transactions would now have to pay taxes on St. Maarten for the services they provide locally. The Prime Minister said that the protocol has been established but the process on changing (amending) the legislation still has to take place. Wescot Williams said that the protocol outlines the activities of the visiting consuls but when it comes to financial transaction and taxes, the country for which the consul is representing will be charging them with their activities. She said the protocol only establishes the treatment these people receive when they are on St. Maarten and ensures there is no other legislation that is in conflict with the Treaty of Vienna.

It is clear that the Government of St. Maarten is silently putting some regulations in place not only to protect foreign dignitaries when they are on the island but they are also looking at ways to ensure business is done in accordance with the law by the visiting consuls.
Some months ago, SMN News broke an article where a Guyanese General Consul was authorized to visit St. Maarten and he was conducting financial business in his hotel room in Maho. When the story broke the Prime Minister herself and the Government of Guyana attacked SMN News reporter claiming that the Guyanese Consul entered the country legally. SMN News understands that back then the Government of Guyana threatened St. Maarten by using parts of the Vienna Convention which gives dignitaries including consuls special privileges.

One week Extension Granted for Vehicle Owners to Purchase Number Plates.

The Prime Minister also announced on Wednesday that she managed to convince the Minister of Finance to grant vehicle owners one week after the deadline to purchase their number plates. Wescot Williams said she discussed the matter in the Council of Ministers because she felt it was necessary for vehicle owners to get some more time because February is a short month and some people do not get paid until the 1st or 2nd of the new month. Therefore, it was necessary to give people a little bit more time so they could purchase their number plates before the heavy controls start.

Wescot Williams urged vehicle owners to comply and to purchase their number plates because after the first week of March ends she will not have any argument to put forward to the Minister of Finance in order for him to grant anymore extensions.

The Minister of Finance Martin Hassink announced earlier that the deadline would be February 28th, 2014 and that he will not grant extensions. Minister Hassink made clear that those persons who did not buy their number plates in 2013 should not laugh yet because actions will be taken against them when they are caught.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The 34th annual St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is slated to take place March 6-9, 2014 and the entire island community has gotten involved to ensure the Regatta goes off without a hitch. Countless volunteers and numerous dedicated organizations help this world-renowned event live up to its worthy motto: Serious Fun.

Several organizations are playing prominent roles in keeping all the sailors and party-goers safe and secure both at sea and ashore. Coast Guard St. Maarten ensures safety while sailors are afloat and is available from any phone by dialing 913. The volunteers with Red Cross St. Maarten handle safety at all of the many parties for which the Regatta is known for and on average about 10 volunteers are ready to assist at each venue. On the racecourse, the St. Maarten Sea Rescue Foundation is always close at hand should an incident arise.

The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is an iconic island event that sailors worldwide look forward to all year, and it is all made possible by the St. Maarten community.

For more information on St. Maarten visit the official site of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau at www.VacationStMaarten.com.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Education and Sports Patricia Lourens-Philip announced on Wednesday at the Council of Ministers' weekly press briefing that the reopening of the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex is slated for March 7th, 2014. Minister Lourens said that the first phase of the renovation has been completed. The Minister explained that maintenance of the facility will be done by the foundation Upkeep Sports Facility. She said persons that are interested in using the facility will have to contact Upkeep in order to obtain permission to use the facility. The Upkeep Sports Facility Foundation will be responsible for the maintenance and scheduling of events that will take place at Raoul Illidge Sports Complex.

Minister Lourens-Philip further asked users to take care of the facility when they use it. When asked how much monies government spent on the first phase of the renovation, the Minister said that government invested four million guilders for the first phase. The Minister could not give a date as to when exactly the second phase of the renovation will take place.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister of St. Maarten Sarah Wescot Williams was asked during the Council of Ministers' weekly press briefing on Wednesday if there is any policy or if it's customary for government to reimburse civil servants for items they lose when traveling on government business. Wescot Williams said replacing or paying for lost items is not an obligation and there is no specific policy in place for such.

The question was asked to find out whether or not it was routine practice when the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) reimbursed the chairman of the supervisory board for his briefcase that he claimed he lost while traveling to Berlin. Even though the CFO of PJIAE wrote a negative advice for the reimbursement because no proof or evidence were provided to the supervisory board, PJIAE went ahead and paid Clarence Derby almost $8,000.00 for his lost briefcase.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Always with an eye on providing improved services to its clients, APS, the general pension fund of St. Maarten is simplifying its payment method to pension beneficiaries. APS has started using the online payment application offered by the Windward Islands Bank to make payments to over 500 persons who receive their monthly pension benefits on an account at the aforementioned bank.
This new approach affords beneficiaries the opportunity to receive their pension benefits a bit earlier on their respective accounts.
APS says that with less manual transactions needed, the pension fund is able to reduce costs by more than 50 percent every month on bank charges as compared to when transfer instructions are sent in writing to the bank.
While there have been a few glitches in the system (as evidenced this month), APS continues to work closely with representatives of the bank to resolve any issues arising.
APS now looks forward to the online payment system becoming available for the bulk of payments to pension beneficiaries with accounts at other local banks. This would also be the case for those clients which APS inherited from APNA with bank accounts on one of former sister islands of the Netherlands Antilles.

The Tax Administration, div: Receiver's Office, hereby informs the general public that controls on payment for Motor Vehicle Taxes 2014 will commence within short. All vehicles must carry the 2014 lilac colored plates. All plates must be visible to the police. This means, plates covered with acrylic that are not legible are not allowed and the driver can be fined. In accordance with art. 25 of the Motor Vehicle tax ordinance, drivers of vehicles who are non-compliant with the above-mentioned will be fined Naf. 300.00 and in addition will have to endure the inconvenience of having their vehicles towed.

How much will this cost?
In order to retrieve your vehicle, you will first have to pay to the towing company, the towing charges and the daily storage fees. Based on art. 25 of the Motor Vehicle tax ordinance, you will also have to pay the fine of Naf. 300.00 at the Receivers office.

Avoid the fine, pay on time.
The Receivers is extending its opening hours to the general public from February 25th to February 28th, 2014 until 6 pm and on Saturday, March 1st from 9 am to 2 pm. Tax payers are urged to make use of this opportunity and not to wait until the controls has started. Avoid the fine, pay on time!

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake on Tuesday in response to insinuations made by St. Maarten Pride Foundation to the media, that he has followed procedures afforded to him as a member of the Council of Ministers and the laws and regulations that govern country Sint Maarten.

The work being carried out Minister Lake pointed out has been approved according to the master plans of the airport, and that these plans did not just drop out of the air.

Minister Lake pointed out that land reclamation for the expansion of the airport has always been communicated where it relates to zoning, and has been communicated in two town hall meetings (2012, 2013), stakeholder consultations, and will continue on Tuesday evening in a public hearing with the Simpson Bay community and followed by public review.

"Let me present some facts to the people of Sint Maarten. From the very day I took office as Minister to serve the people of this country, in my back to basics approach, I have been open and transparent to the people and will continue to do so until my tenure comes to an end.

"The St. Maarten Pride Foundation was well aware of the Airport project. This is not something new to them. Under the National Alliance led Government in 2012, Pride and EPIC environmental groups were involved in meetings related to the filling of the lagoon or the so-called proposed land reclamation; the environmental impacts of the future use of the proposed land reclamation, which was part of the Environmental Impact Study (EIS). Documented, is that Pride and EPIC are listed as organizations that were consulted among seven other stakeholders for the EIS.

"The EIS process that Pride and EPIC took part in was part of the process provided for public consultation in the form of stakeholder meetings in order to ensure that important environmental issues were not overlooked and that the scope of the EIS was sufficient to identify all potentially significant environmental impacts," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Tuesday.

With respect to the permit for the activities currently taking place, Minister Lake stated: "Last year as Minister I first stopped the transportation of the sand because permission was not given as the harbor was executing on the premise that the airport would get the permit.

"Since this is a government related project of national economic interests, and the permit process takes some time to complete, as Minister, it was within my ministerial parameters to make an exception and to authorize or to give in writing permission to be given pending the finalization of the permit. Prior to doing anything, I seek legal advice and follow the procedures in finalizing whatever needs to be done in the interests of the country, and I have a paper trail that can back up the steps that were taken," Minister Lake said on Tuesday.

With respect to the boundaries of the reclamation of the Simpson Bay Lagoon for the airport project, Minister Lake assures the Sint Maarten people that the filling is being done according to the plans in place.

"I have been informed by Lievense Consulting Engineers who are monitoring and supervising the current filling of the Lagoon near the causeway round-a-bout, that it is within the bounds, secondly, Lievense Engineers also stated that the filling is being done with clean sand from the sea and therefore a silt screen is not required," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake explained on Tuesday.

"As Minister, I fully believe and support sustainable development of our country. The zoning process underway will guide the future sustainable development of our country. I know this is an election year, and some of those in the environmental movement have political ambitions and basically this is a political game that they are playing. You knew about the project from 2012, why now in 2014, an election year, you come out with guns blazing and making insinuations and allusions?

"If none of them are running in the upcoming election on a party list, please come forward and inform the people that this is the case. I find it strange to come years later to question the project as if you are was not involved in the process. This is very hypocritical, and the people can tell the difference between true environmental activism and a political charade. Everything in the dark comes to light," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake concluded on Tuesday.

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao:--- The Maritime Authority of Curacao and the United States Coast Guard International Port Security Program, in cooperation with the Harbormaster, conducted a port security audit seminar February 19-21.
Officials from police, customs, and fire service departments participated in the seminar. Members from the Curacao Port Authority, Isla Refinery, Curacao Dry Dock, Curacao Pilot Organization, and Curacao Port Services were also in attendance.
Representatives from the International Port Security Program visit Curacao each year to exchange port security information and best practices.
The focus of the seminar was improving the implementation of the International Ship and Port Security Code, which is a standard published by the International Maritime Organization.
The Curacao Port Services kindly hosted a training audit of the container facility. U.S. Consul General James Moore and local authorities attended the certification ceremony.

USFOL Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- Arthur Bute, long standing SER member of the Netherlands Antilles and Sint Maarten was elected chairman of the Social Economic Council by his fellow board members in their meeting of February 20th.
Arthur Bute is a SER member nominated by the Chamber of Commerce, which he chaired in 2012. He was a member of the Netherlands Antilles' SER from 2007 to 2010, and has been a member of the Sint Maarten SER from its inception. Mr. Bute's career spans several decades in both the public and private sectors, with professional experience on various Caribbean islands working for an internationally operating company, as well as a wealth of experience in board positions of social organizations.
Upon receiving the chairman's gavel, Mr. Bute expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the work done by outgoing chairman René Richardson, who led the SER through its first years into the established organization it is today. The new chairman also thanked his fellow SER members for the confidence they have shown in him, and vowed to continue the achievements realized so far in harmonious cooperation between business community, labour unions and independent experts.
Mr. Bute takes over the position vacated by Mr. René A. Richardson, who bid farewell to the SER as a result of the legal requirement of SER members to be dismissed upon reaching the age of seventy. In May of 2014 the three-year tenure of the present SER board comes to an end and a new nine member council will be installed. From their midst a chairperson will be elected for the new cycle.

Information on the SER organization and its activities is available on www.sersxm.org.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament George Pantophlet wants to know from the Minister of Finance Mr. Martin Hassink if the St. Maarten Medical Center received their Naf. 2.6 million owed to them for health insurance. It was just over one month ago on Tuesday January 21, 2014 that an article appeared in one of the daily newspaper indicating that the government was several months behind in its health insurance payment for the medical care of civil servants and teachers and ( former BZV cardholders). The Minister of Finance had said and I quote: "that the backlog will be settled between this month (at the time the month of January) and next month being (February the present month)." The Member of Parliament said since no specific date was given and seeing the urgency expressed by the SMMC Director Kees Klaren who said that the situation can result in financially tough times for the SMMC if not speedily resolved. The Member of Parliament wants to know what this government considers to be a priority. (There is no wealth without health). We are talking about St. Maarten's only medical institution. It would indeed be a shame that after bringing its financial house in order the negligence of government places the SMMC back into a precarious situation. What compounds the problem is that government is behind with all care providers. Information will have to be provided by the Minister of Finance as to how much is owed to these other care providers. We do not want another scenario to repeat itself where persons were not given medical attention because government was not paying its medical bills. It is no doubt that the 100 million guilders deal is looming larger and larger as time goes by.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- As of January 2014, the United States government has decided to raise the standards and level of the General Equivalency Diplomas (GED) scoring system by implementing new requirements. This change became necessary to better comply with the high school and job market requirements, according to Head of Division Study Financing, A. M. Aventurin.

Students are now required to score a minimum of 150 points for each of the following 4 subjects: Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies. As such, a student must score a total of 600 points to attain a GED diploma.

Considering the aforementioned, it became necessary for the Government of St. Maarten to amend the requirements for study financing applicants, Aventurin said.

Furthermore, he pointed out that the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Affairs Patricia Lourens-Philip had decreed by decision of February 13, 2014 number 2014/78 that effective January 1, 2014, persons applying for study financing with the new General Equivalency Diplomas (GED) must have a minimum total score of 635 to come into consideration for study financing from the Government of St. Maarten.

This information is important for students who have applied for study financing and are currently pursuing a GED diploma.

The minimum score of 480 is still applicable for GED diplomas issued prior to January 1, 2014.

For more information please contact the Division of Study Financing located at N. De Brotstraat #3, Vlaun Building, (Opposite the Post Office) from Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 17:00.

GREAT BAY:--- In an effort to provide clinical and practical skills in the pre-hospital emergency care setting for volunteers of the Windward Islands Emergency Medical Services Foundation (WIEMS), the Ambulance Department recently embarked on an on the job training orientation for members of WIEMS. This is in keeping with the cooperation agreement between WIEMS and the Ambulance Department that was signed late last year with the Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labor.
The WIEMS organization forms part of the disaster management structure of Emergency Support Function (ESF) 6 for Medical Relief & Public Health and plays a supporting role in emergency medical response activities in the event of any possible disaster.

The on the job training is in keeping with the Minister of Public Health's focus of putting people first by enabling members of this volunteer organization the opportunity to get better acquainted with the actual operations and to gain hands on skills during their orientation at the Ambulance Department.

The on the job training rotations will take part primarily in the weekends when volunteers are available.

COLE BAY:--- Rotarian Claret Connor, Director Disaster Management, Rotary Club of Sint Maarten Sunrise, mobilized nine (9) friends, who wish to remain anonymous, to partner with Ramchand, from ACE Hardware Store, Cole Bay, and donated a generator with all additional parts together with a big outdoor tent with mounting walls and some other camping materials to the Mohican Scouts from Scouting Antiano Sint Maarten. Merlyn Schaminee, District Commissioner of Scouting Antiano and Chief Scout of the Mohicans and Dr. Virginia Asin, leader of the Mohicans were honored to receive the donation on behalf of the group.
With these generous gifts the scouts will now be able to arrange more frequent overnight camping events in the outdoors. One of the major requirements is to ensure scout's safety. The safety lights around the camp area will now contribute to ensuring safety.
The generator was immediately put to good use during the weekend of 21 – 23 February 2014. The MohIcan Scouts had a Baden Powel Camp (BP-camp) together with scouts from Marigot, French side. More than 40 scouts with leaders celebrated the birthday of Lord Robert Baden Powel the Founder of the Boy Scouts, circa 1907. Scouting Antiano Sint Maarten was established in 1994 and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports (Ministry ECYS) Hon. Patricia Lourens-Philip would like to congratulate the Breakthrough Winners, and encourages them to be great examples to other young people similar in age.

Minister Lourens-Philip was very impressed with their talents shown at the show put on by Xtratight and Telem Group of Companies.

The Breakthrough Winners will be posing on the positive TELEM signs that will be placed at different schools and sporting facilities. They will be the face of positivity for the young generation.

HARBOUR VIEW:--- His Excellency Governor Holiday stated that the New York based Accounting Firm Pricewaterhouse Coopers has been commissioned to conduct the Integrity Inquiry starting Wednesday February 26, 2014. This based on the Kingdom decree of September 30, 2013 and the results of the tender organized on December 20, 2013, in which four New York based Accounting Firms were invited to participate.
The Management and members of the PWC Integrity Inquiry Team arrived on Sint Maarten on February 25, 2014, for an initial meeting with Governor Holiday. Governor Holiday has informed the Prime Minister and the members of the Council of Ministers as well as the state owned companies about the start of the integrity inquiry. The Prime Minister has designated a central contact person to facilitate the PWC Integrity Inquiry Team's access to persons and relevant information necessary to conduct the inquiry. The respective ministers have also appointed a contact person per ministry.
The steering group integrity inquiry and the PWC Integrity Inquiry Team will kick off the inquiry with preparatory meetings to ensure an effective startup of the inquiry. Additionally the steering group, the PWC team and the government designated contact persons will be having introductory meetings regarding the planning and approach for the execution of the inquiry. The steering group was installed by the Governor on December 4th, 2013, to amongst others advise the Governor and to oversee and direct the accounting firm during the Inquiry. The group, comprised of Dr. Marten Oosting, Mr. Jaime Saleh and Mr. Miguel Alexander, has been convened to ensure an independent, impartial and effective process.
The purpose of the inquiry is threefold: to collect data and information for assessment based on integrity requirements in accordance with the rule of law in a democratic society, to report the findings from the assessment and finally to make recommendations that add value to the functioning of the public administration of Sint Maarten.
The scope of the inquiry, in keeping with the provisions of the Kingdom Decree of September 30, 2013, covers the government and includes ministers, the civil servants in the ministries and state owned companies. It focuses on vulnerable sectors such as prostitution, gambling and immigration as well as vulnerable activities such as permits for and the execution of infrastructural works and (other) large tenders. PWC will handle all documents and information obtained during the inquiry prudently and confidentially. In that respect, PWC will take all measures necessary to ensure the anonymity of the government officials and employees and all persons involved in the inquiry.
For completeness it should be noted that the inquiry is an integrity investigation and not a penal investigation. The inquiry is as such separate from any penal investigation being carried out by the Office of the Public Prosecutor.
PWC will issue an interim progress report within three months and the final inquiry report of its findings and recommendations within six months of the start of its inquiry works to the Governor. The process of the integrity inquiry will conclude with the presentation of the final report to the Kingdom Council of Ministers by Governor Holiday.
Further information and developments regarding the inquiry will be made public by the Governor through the Cabinet of the Governor.

From the Cabinet of the Governor of St. Maarten

SIMPSON BAY:--- As the mismanagement of finances at the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) continues to be the talk of the town, SMN News has decided to dig deeper to see how far the Supervisory Board and the Managing Director of PJIAE have gone with their unusual transactions.

Obtained from the Kadaster's Office is the deed of Turtle House property located at Airport Road 114, Simpson Bay. PJIAE bought the property from Albert Claudius Wathey on June 26th, 2013 for a whopping $2,750,000.00. The buyer (PJIAE) bought the long lease land rights of 1,220 square meters of land which will end on May 27th, 2040. It also includes the long lease of 2,097 square meters of land which expires on December 8th, 2070. Acting on behalf of PJIAE was the current Managing Director of PJIAE Regina Labega.

Click here to view PJIAE's Deed of Purchase for Turtle House.

It should be noted that Pennfold Consultancy was hired by the Central Government in the early 1970's to work on a development plan for St. Maarten. Back then, Pennfold in their report stated that the Government of St. Maarten should not distribute the land around PJIAE to anyone because the long lease land which belongs to government will be needed for the future expansion of PJIAE. Despite the advice Pennfold gave, the persons in the Executive Council back then distributed several parcels of the land to mostly members of one family.
Now that PJIAE is busy with the expansion, PJIAE has to use its monies to buy back these long lease land for further development of the airport. The people's patrimony was given out to members of a certain family who pay government some pittance every year to hold on to the rights of their long lease until they can turn around and sell it back to government for millions.

SMN News also obtained two other deeds to show the trend of self-enrichment. The first deed obtained from the Kadaster's Office shows the head of Domain Affairs Marieke Van Zadelhoff confirming in March 2011 that Albert Claudius Wathey was acting as the managing director of Turtle House and that the Minister of VROMI Theodore Heyliger granted Albert Claudius Wathey the long lease for the land. The former Minister did so on December 8th, 2010. The parcel of land granted to Wathey measured 2097 square meters.

Click here to view long lease granted to Albert Claudius Wathey.

The second deed SMN News obtained from the Kadaster's Office is one that was registered on October 5th, 1994 where Dorothy Eileen Lista born Wathey handed over another parcel of land to Albert Claudius Wathey. All the long lease land on the three leases obtained by SMN News are for Turtle House. It measures 400 square meters.

Click here to view the deed of the 400 square meters of land given to Albert Claudius Wathey.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), hereby announces that there will be a partial closure on the Soualiga Boulevard on 26 February.

On Wednesday evening, there will be interruption to the traffic flow on Soualiga Boulevard from the round-a-bout to the Little League Ball Field. This road closure will be from 10:00pm to 11:00pm. There will be no through traffic.

The closure is in connection with the testing of streetlights which will be carried out by utility company NV GEBE.

Motorists are requested to be vigilant and observant for the traffic directional signs indicating what works are underway in the respective area.

Motorists and pedestrians are also advised that it is against the law for tampering or removing a traffic barricade or any other piece of government property.

Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconvenience that this may cause.

GREAT BAY:--- "Hard Hair: St. Martin Women and the Culture of Natural Hair" is a panel discussion set for International Women's Day, March 8, at 7:30 PM, at Philipsburg Jubilee Library, said organizer Rochelle Ward.

The lifestyle discussion of natural hair stories by St. Martin women is the first program in 2014 from Don't Break the Comb (DBC), the island's first natural hair group, said co-founder Ward.

The panelists are Dr. Nilda Arduin, ombudsman, Dr. Rhoda Arrindell, linguist, educator, Robin Boasman, author of Lizzy Lizard, the ACT Award book of the year, and two poetry-writing attorneys, Patricia Chance-Duzant and Ayana Tyrell.

"Robin Boasman, who is also a kindergarten teacher and mother of one son, is delighted to tell her story. Ayana Tyrell, a practicing lawyer at Alex Richardson and Associates in Anguilla, will speak about natural hair perceptions; and Attorney Patricia Chance-Duzant will share her fascinating childhood hair stories," said Ward.

"Nature is beautiful," said Dr. Rhoda Arrindell, "and if your hair is natural by design, though it may be adjusted to fit your moods and phases in life, it is already created perfect." A former minister of education and culture, Dr. Rhoda Arrindell, will share her thoughts on hair and identity.

"The panel will create greater awareness and appreciation for afro hair as a way of 'being' and accepting oneself," said Dr. Nilda Arduin, whose "Aha! Moment" about her hair occurred at age 16.

"It is fitting for us St. Martin women to tell our own natural hair stories as many women from the Americas, Europe, other parts of the Caribbean, Africa and the South Pacific are returning to or taking this natural hair pilgrimage toward self-acceptance," said Ward.

And as if hair stories will not produce a lively enough discussion, a table of books by St. Martin women will be added as a unique centerpiece of the program. "I think people will be surprised to see how many St. Martin women have written books within a short period of time," said Ward, herself a leading new generation published poet, blogger, and high school teacher.

DBC is inviting all interested women authors of St. Martin who would like to participate in the book table exhibition to email DBC at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. "It's a perfect International Women's Day feature. Attendees of the panel discussion are invited to purchase books by Ruby Bute, the first St. Martin woman to publish a book in the 1980s; and books by drs. Gracita Arrindell, Felicita Williams, Esther Gumbs, Robin Boasman, Janice James, and others, including newly published women writers in Where I See The Sun – Contemporary Poetry in St. Martin. A number of the authors will be present to socialize and autograph copies after the discussion," said Ward.

The panel discussion, "Hard Hair: St. Martin Women and the Culture of Natural Hair," is sponsored by the Philipsburg Jubilee Library, SOS radio, and Ital Shack.

The March 8 discussion is also a follow-up to last year's hair workshop attended by over 200 persons," said Ward. "That workshop was called 'Natural Hair Mixology: How to make your own homemade hair products,' and hosted by DBC at the 11th annual St. Martin Book Fair."

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports (Ministry ECYS) Hon. Patricia Lourens-Philip says her Ministry continues to work with stakeholders to deliver mosquito repellent to schools as part of the Government's campaign to prevent the spread of dengue and chikungunya fever.

Recently Sister Regina School in Simpson Bay received mosquito repellent from the Cabinet of Ministry ECYS, the St. Maarten Harbor Group of Companies and SXM Cosmetics. The repellant "Bug Off" and "Baby Bug Off" is natural and made in Sint Maarten, and can be found at all pharmacies. Nalia Muriel is the owner and operator of SXM Cosmetics.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams received a courtesy visit by Mr. E.W Noordhoek the New Head Public Prosecutor for St. Maarten. Mr. Noordhoek was nominated by the Kingdom Council of Ministers under The National Council of Ministers, at the proposal of the Minister of Security and Justice decided to nominate him upon suggestion of Minister of Security and Justice of the Kingdom Ivo Willem Opstelten. Noordhoek (1958) began his work on St. Maarten as of January 2014 at the Court of First Instance of Sint Maarten. He was previously a senior officer at the Prosecutor's Office in The Hague and national public prosecutor at the Functional Court in The Hague where he was responsible for combating money laundering and terrorism financing. Prime Minister Wescot-Williams welcomed Noordhoek and wished him much success with his new function on St. Maarten.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

APS pension beneficiaries asked to furnish information

PHILIPSBURG:--- APS, the general pension fund of St. Maarten, is this week, mailing respective information regarding wages and salaries to all APS pension beneficiaries. The information being sent is in addition to the regular update provided every month to pension beneficiaries receiving their monthly payslip.

Pension beneficiaries should receive additional documents inside their envelopes, with an overview of total amount of pension income paid out in 2013 along with all sums withheld for income tax, SZV premiums and others.

Also included in this month's mail is a survey form requesting pension beneficiaries to confirm their marital status and/or history, as well as the number of dependents under the age of 25 they may or may not have, at this time.

The aforementioned data is deemed important since present and/or previous spouse(s) of married APS participants are, by law, entitled to a widow or widowers' pension, once a pension fund participant has passed away. This may also apply in the case of an orphan pension when there are children left behind.

APS considers it of vital importance to give content to its role as general pension fund and have adequate pension provisions in place for surviving family members of a deceased pension fund participant.

With this in mind, APS is asking all concerned to be on the lookout for an A4 sized envelope being mailed to them by APS. Persons receiving the envelope are asked to fill out the survey and return the form as quickly as possible.

Notwithstanding that the consequences of death is usually not a subject discussed in detail, by many, APS reminds participants of the importance of having ones affairs in order.

The law has made it possible for the families of participants of APS senior's pensions to be financially taken care of, to some degree, in the event of death.

Pension beneficiaries can thus do their part by assisting APS with the proper recording of required data and information in the APS administration system.

APS Press Release

BELAIR:--- BZSE Attorneys at Law | Tax Lawyers, St. Maarten's largest law firm, has officially launched its new ultra-user-friendly website www.bzselaw.com. The website was unveiled first for the firm's staff and can now be seen by the public at large on the worldwide web.
The website, designed by LiteMoon, provides ease of navigation through information about BZSE Law's attorneys, practice details, and the firm's active involvement in issues related to St. Maarten's growth as a country.
A unique feature of the law firm's website is the one-click overview of all attorneys, competent in the specific areas of law. Listed under "Services" are the general groupings of Civil Law, Tax Law, Administrative Law and Corporate Governance Law; one click on any of the headings or sub-headings takes the user to all attorneys at the firm specializing in the specific area, as well as their experience and background.
Making the website user friendly with one-click accessibility was a major goal for the law firm, but possibly of even more importance was that the website would also be suitable for viewing on smartphones, tablets, I pads, etc., through self-adaptation of the website to the device that is being used.
"We believe visitors and clients who visit our website should be able to readily find information and be able to smoothly learn about all of the firm's attorneys and services," says BZSE Managing Partner, attorney Rik Bergman. "The website for us is an extension of our physical office, where accessibility and attention to detail are also key."
BZSE Law's eloquence of lawyers is well-known and well-rooted in St. Maarten. The firm, founded in 2009, has 10 attorneys, whose combined years of experience number more than 150 years. The firm comprises Managing Partners Rik Bergman and Roeland Zwanikken, Partners Jelmer Snow, Joeri Essed, and Gert Bergman (tax lawyer), and associates Eric Jansen (tax lawyer), Camiel Koster, Pieter Soons, Christian de Jong and Norbert Hijmans (all attorneys at law).
Independence and integrity are paramount to BZSE. Its lawyers operate and litigate in an open, transparent, and independent manner, in order to best represent the interests of their clients. This has yielded the lawyers of the firm a strong reputation, notably among local and international corporate clients. The BZSE law firm is located on Kudu Drive 2, just off the Belair Roundabout.

Expedia Study Shows St. Maarten as Fastest Growing Caribbean Destination

PHILIPSBURG:--- After experiencing a significant spike in North American passenger traffic in the first half of last year, the friendly island of St. Maarten (http://www.VacationStMaarten.com) is pleased to announce its best year ever for Canadian tourism with an overall 14.5% increase in visitor arrivals from Canada during 2013 compared to 2012. The island is also the fastest growing Caribbean destination, according to a study done by Expedia.

The figures reveal that St. Maarten continues to prove itself as a preferred destination for travelers in North America and around the world. The Princess Juliana International Airport saw a total of 554,858 arrivals in 2013, a 1.9% increase from 544,752 arrivals during 2012. Of the total visitors in 2013, 52.7% were from North America while Canadian passenger traffic increased from 40,426 arrivals in 2012 to an all-time high of 46,300 in 2013 an increase of 14.5%.

"It is an amazing feeling to know that more Canadians than ever before are getting to know and love St. Maarten as much as we do," said Catherine Pentiricci, sales and marketing manager for the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau in Canada. "We sensed the St. Maarten buzz through interaction with travel agents and consumers, and now it's great to see that buzz translate into our best year ever for Canadian arrivals to St. Maarten," she added.

American Airlines led in passenger arrivals from the North American market to Princess Juliana International Airport, followed by Jet Blue and U.S. Airways. Air travel from Canada has been made possible through year-round service out of Toronto with Canadian partners including Sunwing, WestJet and Air Canada Vacations.

Further establishing itself as a favorite location for travelers around the globe, Expedia released statistics from the first three quarters of 2013 proving St. Maarten to be the fastest-growing Caribbean destination with an overall growth percentage of 35% from the same period in 2012.

"St. Maarten attracts travelers from all over the world wishing to experience our unique island rich with beauty and culture," said Edward Dest, interim director of tourism for the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau. "Our success this past year reinforces that St. Maarten is still a favorite travel destination for vacationers worldwide and motivates us as we continue to grow and prosper in 2014," he added.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake on Monday at the University of St. Martin (USM) spoke to Ministry VROMI staff about integrity and his vision for the organization with the emphasis on customer service.

Each Minister as part of the integrity program of the Government of Sint Maarten had to present their vision and future goals of their ministry on the subject of integrity to their personnel.

The Minister also introduced two persons of trust within the ministry to the staff.

Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI)

Monday, February 24, 2014

Opening Speech

Good afternoon,

(Secretary General of the Ministry VROMI Mr. Louis Brown, Ms. Diana Pearl Hendrickson Fleming, Ministry Management & staff, ladies and gentlemen),

A famous French thinker and essayist Michel de Montaigne, 400-years ago said: "There is no man so good that if he placed all his actions and thought under the scrutiny of the laws, he would not deserve hanging ten times in his life."

We are all human beings. Human nature is variable, and capable of making mistakes. From time to time individuals step across the line.

It is the responsibility of government, and all institutions of government in the structures that we have and the processes we use for carrying out service to the public, when we take into consideration that it human to err.

The men and women who work in the civil service organization are in actuality the overseers of the public good. Politicians come and go, but it is a key responsibility that integrity measures are put into place to deal with unethical behaviour.

Government has taken unprecedented steps towards establishing a best-practice integrity system.

Government is committed to achieving the highest standard in government integrity by establishing the processes and procedures that would disclose any form of abuse of authority.

It is my objective to ensure every Sint Maartener that they can have faith in the public sector and its elected officials.

In my back to basics approach, openness and accountability, underpins public trust in our democratic system of government.

I have always preached to my staff, that procedures will be followed accordingly to the laws of the land. And I have preached this outward to the community as well. I am sure Mr. Brown will share my vision with the Ministry.Our country has integrity issues yes, but our country is not the only one, and it won't be the last one. It's all about how you deal with them.

I am proud to say that Government has put checks and balances into place. The recent appointment of "persons of trust" within each ministry is a start and part of the process based on the integrity vision for 2012 through 2016.

Integrity is the cornerstone of good governance.

Preventing corruption in the public sector is a responsibility of us all. When a case of corruption is identified in one ministry, it reflects negatively upon all of us.

However, we can all be proud that a very small minority is capable of making mistakes, while more than the majority work and live according to the rule of law and love for country, and realize how essential it is to maintain trust in government.

Achieving a culture of integrity requires efforts on the part of each one of you.

Government has to update standards and provide guidance and enforce best practices in daily practice. Where improvements and adjustments are needed, we all work along together to achieve this.

In going back to basics, the core responsibilities of our ministry are public housing, spatial planning, environment and infrastructure.

These responsibilities all have to do with the quality of life of our people. Ministry VROMI is like the key ingredient or building block to improve the quality of life of our country.

First, an assessment has to be done of the environment where you would like to build. Once this is done spatial planning comes into play and the plans are submitted in order to request the necessary permits to build.

Whether its public housing, or building a hotel or other type of business, proper planning needs to be done in order to be able to put in the necessary infrastructure.

The embracing of integrity should be looked at from the perspective of building the House of Sint Maarten. We are heading in a new direction.

As I pointed out before, maintaining trust in government is the foundation for growth. At that foundation is the civil service of country Sint Maarten, it's you and you and you, it's all of you and your colleagues throughout the six other ministries of government.

Sint Maarten's success is based on trust. The nation must have trust that Government will remain a steward for the public good. The civil service corps has to continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity.

In moving Ministry VROMI forward together and upward, as one integrated whole ministry that is fully committed to improving the lives of Sint Maarteners we have to be able to adapt our policies to keep up with changing aspirations and needs.

My vision is for our ministry to present a seamless coherent experience to the people who visit our offices for various types of services. Our processes and procedures should be transparent, because over time, the public will lose trust in the service if they cannot understand the aforementioned.

Our ministry has to look at being customer-oriented. Where are we in connection with this? While dealing with the daily challenges that are experienced by staff, at the same time you must continue to uphold our national interests and the wider common good.

Policies are essential. It means a policy for one is a policy for all. Here we don't alienate anybody. Policy has to do with implementation, and once this is worked out, then it's done through service delivery.

To the person seeking advice, information or facing a problem, deal with the request expeditiously.

Once policies are in place, and the step by step process has been worked out for each service, this is then executed or implemented through service delivery to our clients or customers. We have come a long way together. Mr. Brown Jr. along with his management team and staff have done a fantastic job meeting the needs of the Ministry to better service the community.

Citizens will form their impressions of the Government from their experience. So as a Ministry we must always provide high quality service.

And of course, in order for staff to provide high quality service, you must have the tools and the processes and procedures must be worked out in order for this to take place. Much time and effort has gone into this and together we will continue to enhance this process of governance.

Improving policies and service quality to the public will enhance trust in the civil service organization and Government. This is back to basics, a people centered development for our country where the public service organization acts as one with the people at the centre of national development.

Critical to maintaining public trust is upholding the highest standards of integrity.

Integrity ultimately is not about systems and processes, but about values and morals.

Values and morals come from society, within our communities.

No Government should have to introduce legislation to police integrity. This comes from our own un-bringing from our families. These principles must be passed on to others within our organization – the right values, service, integrity, excellence.

Trust is essential for the Government to function.

I think every civil servant within the Ministry should stand tall and be proud of what you do every day. We are all committed to serve country above self.

We are doing the right things, but we must continue to demand that we do better, so nobody can point any fingers.

How the community perceives country Sint Maarten's civil service organization is in the hands of each and every civil servant. This will come forth in daily interactions with our citizens.

In conclusion, I look forward to working with you all in forging our way forward and to continue to build upon the foundation of Ministry VROMI in building a better Sint Maarten for all with an outstanding public service center.

I take this opportunity to introduce to you our 'persons of trust' within our Ministry: Anthony Mardenborough and Michael Regales.

Thank you.

Maurice Lake
Ministry VROMI

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Central Committee meeting of the House of Parliament scheduled for February 25th regarding the initiative law change Hotel Room Tax has been postponed. A new date has not been set.

The meeting was scheduled for Tuesday at 2:00pm. The agenda point is the initiative draft ordinance to change the Hotel Room Tax Ordinance Sint Maarten.

This initiative law is from United People's Party (UP) Members of Parliament Sylvia Meyers, Janchie Leonard, and Jules James.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In view of the ongoing developments at PJIAE the faction of the National Alliance has decided to request an urgent meeting of Parliament to discuss these and other matters with the shareholder representative, Minister Ted Richardson.
The request will be submitted to the Chairlady of Parliament tomorrow morning.
Clarity is needed, the leader of the National Alliance William Marlin said on Monday night. According to information reaching the faction, employees of the Finance Department have supposedly been told that if they do not inform management who leaked documents, the entire department would be fired.
Late Monday night it was rumored that at the least one employee had been sent home. It was not clear if the employee in question had been fired or had been sent home pending an investigation.
Marlin said that while the airport management is focusing on who may have leaked information, it is important to find out what is true about the many allegations circulating on the island.
The airport is definitely one of St. Maarten's strategic companies and we cannot afford any actions there.
Marlin said he hopes the meeting will be convened by Thursday upcoming and that Minister Ted Richardson will provide clarity to the many questions.

National Alliance Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- A Central Committee meeting of the House of Parliament is scheduled for February 26th regarding the High Council of State Ombudsman.

The central committee meeting is set for Wednesday at 2:00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda is an explanation on the procedure followed by the Ombudsman to present a law to the Constitutional Court, the decision and ramification thereof for future legislation.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com, and also via www.sxmparliament.org.

SIMPSON BAY:---  The management of the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) began taking action against the workers who are working at the finance department. SMN News learnt that the manager of the finance department Mikayla Lake was fired on Monday by the Director of PJIAE Regina Labega.
Sources at PJIAE said that Labega told Lake she is the manager of the department and she has to know what was taking place therefore she is fired with immediate effect. Labega started an internal investigation last week when the news broke on SOS radio talk-show "Online" on the amount of monies PJIAE spent on the three pelicans they placed at the round-a-bout. According to some of the workers when management met with them last week to inform them that they are conducting an internal investigation they (management) told them that if they did not buckle they will be fired.
SMN News learnt that some nine employees were told on Monday that they will be fired one by one if they do not tell management and the supervisory board who leaked the documents that were published on SMN News Sunday night. Those employees are Juliette Gibbs, Rodney Ana Cairo–Reyes, Ernie Rombley, Erica Emer- Lake, Darlene Hanson, Maggie Gumbs, and Brenda Remy-Chittick.
SMN News learned that some other outspoken employees who worked at PJIAE for years were also threatened.
While the news of gross mismanagement of the funds at a government owned company surfaced last week, SMN News learnt that since Labega took over the helm of the airport she began spending monies wildly. Some workers said that Labega was hosting minor activities at the Westin Resort instead of Maho Resort. They said that everything Labega does for the airport costs an "arm and a leg", things are not the way it used to be with the former Managing Director Eugene Holiday. Despite the heavy spending on activities and granting of contracts, the workers said that Labega told them they could not get their bonus last year because PJIAE did not have monies for bonuses. Management of PJIAE eventually paid out the Christmas bonus but informed the workers that the 2013 Christmas bonus was the last PJIAE would payout.
The workers who spoke to SMN News on the condition of anonymity said that some 88 million dollars disappeared from PJIAE since Labega took office. They are calling on the National Detectives to step in and to ensure an audit is conducted.
It appears as though the management team of PJIAE and its Director Regina Labega do not know that they are acting against the law by threatening and dismissing workers without having the approval of the labor department.
SMN News will bring you more information on the developments at PJIAE with its financial fiasco.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Landsrecherche arrested Community Police Officer (CPO) Juan "Juny" Statie on Monday morning as they took over the investigation regarding the sexual abuse of his minor daughter. Public Prosecutor Tineke Kamps confirmed the arrest of Statie. Kamps said Statie was arrested just before midday on Monday.
The management of KPSM suspended Statie on February 10th, 2014 after his wife filed a complaint against him for molesting their daughter. The victim is said to be around 16 years old. SMN News learnt that Statie's wife wanted to withdraw her complaint but the management team of KPSM did not do what the woman wanted because they felt that the crime Statie was accused of committing was serious enough and warrants an internal investigation. However, the Landsrecherche took over shortly after and started a criminal investigation.
CPO Juan "Juny" Statie was the CPO for the Dutch Quarter area.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ombudsman, Dr. Nilda Arduin, proudly welcomes the Council of CAROA (Caribbean Ombudsman Association) once more to Sint Maarten. Because of its central location, the CAROA Board has chosen Sint Maarten to be the venue for an interim meeting. The meeting will be held at the Bureau Ombudsman from February 26th to February 28th 2014.

The Members attending the meeting are: Ombudsman of Curacao, Mrs. Alba Martijn – President; Ombudsman St. Kitts & Nevis, Mr. Walford Gumbs – Vice President; Members; Ombudsman British Virgin Islands, Mr. Elton Georges and the Ombudsman Cayman Island, Mrs. Nicola Williams Members of the Council.

Dr. Nilda Arduin is a substitute member of the CAROA Council, elected as such in the General Meeting held on Sint Maarten in May 2013. Dr. Arduin is a Director on the Board of the International Ombudsman Institute, representing the Latin- American and Caribbean region.

As a newly established autonomous country in the Caribbean region it is important that Sint Maarten be profiled in the region and beyond. In May last year the Ombudsman of Sint Maarten hosted the 7th biennial CAROA conference, which was deemed a huge success, hence the considerations from the Council to again meet on Sint Maarten. Last year's Conference was attended by Ombudsmen from around the Caribbean, as well as the President of the International Ombudsman Institute, Dame. Beverly Wakem, the International liaison of the Parliamentary Ombudsman of Sweden, the oldest Ombudsman institution worldwide, Marianne von Esch, and the renowned developer of the SYT Investigation method, the Ombudsman of Ontario, Mr. Andre Marin.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The OSPP has been following with keen attention the latest developments regarding the purchasing of the Pelicans for the roundabout at the airport and the purchasing of the property of the former Turtle Pier. We feel that the people have a right to know how their money is being spent and that those in charge are managing the finances of the PJIA NV to the best of their abilities.
The premiums at the SZV were increased by 100% during the approval of the 2014 budget in order to balance it. Most of the government owned companies have not paid their rightful share of dividends that could have avoided the extra burden being put on the people. Our parliamentarians did not even take the cry of the people into consideration when they supported the 2014 budget. Therefore it is incomprehensible for us to accept these prices paid for the pelicans and the purchasing of the former Turtle Pier Restaurant by PJIA NV. If these types of astronomical prices were paid for those pelicans, what were the prices paid for those statues in the other roundabouts on our public roads? We can't imagine that our cash strapped government would have paid the same type of prices for that art in the roundabouts.
The airport has indicated that the turtle pier property purchased was appraised by two local appraisal companies. The OSPP has forwarded a letter to Minister Ted Richardson and copied to Ms. Regina Labega and Mr. Clarence Derby. We have requested copies of all the deeds for the purchase of the properties alongside the run way and requested the government to provide us with the future plans for the expansion of the PJIA N.V. Did the PJIA NV paid all the notary fees, transfer tax and all other related costs for previous properties purchased? We also want to know from the government what is their policy regarding the sale of government land on long lease?
It is the same airport that in the 1990's was caught up in some very peculiar dealings that brought shame on to St. Maarten. This young nation has had its' share of shameful acts during the last three years and a half and doesn't need any more.

The OSPP is calling on the Minister of PJIA NV, the Supervisory Board and the Management to come clean with information to avoid any type of wrong full speculation about those transactions. Please, no more scandals St. Maarten can't afford it, especially with all these integrity investigations taking place at this moment.

Click here to view OSPP's letter to PJIAE.

Awards Ceremony for Women in Community, Walk Scheduled to Commemorate Women in St. Maarten Community

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Cabinet of the Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams is currently in full preparations for the organization of the International Women's Day Celebrations which are to be held on Friday the seventh of March. During a special luncheon the Prime Minister will be recognizing women within the community who have greatly contributed to the development of St. Maarten. "I would not like to give away any of the names yet as it is a surprise, but we will be recognize a number of St. Maarten women for their contribution over the years," stated the Prime Minister. Awards will be given to women who have contributed to the fields of Children's Foster Homes, Humanitarian Service, Education, Tourism, Unionism, Religious Communities, Radio and Entertainment and Youth Leadership.

The Prime Minister is also organizing a special commemorative walk emphasizing on lifestyle change. The Prime Minister is encouraging all women and all women's sport associations to take part in the International Women's Walk that will start at five in the Morning at the Government Administration Building on Saturday March 8th and will end with a special breakfast being served.

As the date for the special event draws near more information will be made available to the public. "This is just a small taste of what will be offered during what promises to be a exciting program celebrating the women of St. Maarten," concluded the PM.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PM: "The representative of our financial systems is no small issue"

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams clarified issues related to the Central Bank of Curacao and St. Maarten during a radio interview she gave last Friday. The Prime Minister explained the background and current developments as it relates to the Central Bank: "During the past decade I spent most of my waking time on the matter of constitutional reform on St. Maarten until we got our status in 2010 and within this context I was part of the discussions and the agreements regarding the Central Bank for Curacao and St. Maarten. When St. Maarten was working out becoming a country we were getting a lot of resistance because we have chose, as a people, for a new status; we were knocking on the door of the Kingdom saying that we wanted change and we received much negativity. Similarly we wanted to have our own Central Bank but it was discussed to have a joint monetary union between Curacao and St. Maarten which eventually became a decision. On paper that seemed the right way to go because St. Maarten fought hard and long to get an equal position in the management of the bank and issues regarding the shareholdership within the institution; St. Maarten specifically demanded that we get equality.

"However working that out became almost an impossibility to get to that structure; the fights have been many in terms of appointing persons because in terms of appointing members from St. Maarten both shareholders need to appoint the equal amount of candidates. Both countries have also put forward one or more candidates for the Chairperson of the board of the Central Bank. That became very difficult and eventually the court appointed someone as Chairperson. Especially in Curaçao politics were fierce with regards to the Central Bank and the St. Maarten Board could not have meetings with the Curacao members of the Board. The General Audit Chamber of Curacao was asked to do an analysis of the Central Bank on Curacao and one of the things that report alleges was that it did not get the necessary cooperation. There was a third report done with a third party but that has not been released yet. Meanwhile there has been a continuous discussion and a back and forth on many things. Given all of that we still do not seem to be able to get out of the situation. The country of St. Maarten needs to make decision regarding if we want to continue with the monetary union and the steps to ensure that this union works. Taking all of this into account I have come to the conclusion that our economy is very resilient because anywhere else if you have a debacle surrounding an institution like your Central Bank people would not have continued to invest in in our country.

However, the agreement still remains that we will have a well-functioning branch of the Central Bank doing the things that they are called to do which includes an upgrade of the current Bank Building on St. Maarten so that we can get familiar with the things that need to get done. This has not happened because of the situation I have discussed earlier. Because of the ongoing debacles with the Central Bank the Ministers of Finance met on Curacao to decide where we are going with the bank. In the meantime Minister Hassink is in the process of responding to the findings of those reports. No agreements were made and no reports were made to report to the Council of Ministers. I expect that the Council of Ministers will get a briefing on Tuesday. The UP leader is correct in his assessment that a decision regarding the Central Bank has to also be that of Parliament as this has a far reaching impact on the Country of St. Maarten. The fact is that the feeling that seems to have been created that a decision has been made by the Minister of Finance regarding the Central bank has not been made by the Government of St. Maarten. Any decisions would have to be carefully studied and deliberated in Parliament as well. The representative of our financial systems is no small issue," emphasized Prime Minister Wescot-Williams.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (MinTEATT) Hon. Ted Richardson, left the country on Friday leading a delegation that includes SXM Airport Managing Director Regina Labega to attend Routes Americas 2014 aviation conference that is being held from 23-25 February in San Salvador, El Salvador.

Routes Americas is the essential event for all aviation based companies who wish to conduct business to, from and within the region.

"As a country we have to continue to remain on the ball, and attending Routes Americas allows us to meet with the movers, shakers and makers of the aviation industry. We have a multi-million dollar modern airport, the second busiest in the Caribbean, and our main pillar of the economy is tourism.

"We need to continue to build on our reputation and as a team we will be looking for opportunities for more airlift, and strategic partnering. Our visit allows us to update and inform the airline industry about our SXM Airport plans and at the same time be informed about industry trends and developments," Minister Hon. Ted Richardson said on Sunday from San Salvador.

Minister Richardson is also hoping to meet with El Salvador's Minster of Tourism with respect to establishing diplomatic relations in the area of trade, commerce, tourism and economic development.

This is the seventh annual edition that brings together a range of airlines, airports and tourism authorities, including some of the largest carriers from North, Central and Latin America. This event offers a participating organization the opportunity to meet with some of the most influential aviation professionals from across the Americas region.

Over 400 aviation professionals, 70 airlines, 200 airports, 25 tourism authorities will be attending over 1100 pre-arranged meetings and there will be over 20 high level speakers.

Also accompanying Minister Richardson are representatives from the airport, tourism department and the aviation/maritime affairs department.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday everyone is invited to raise their concerns and questions at the public hearing on Tuesday, 25 February with respect to the preliminary draft development plan for Simpson Bay.

Residents and stakeholders in the meantime can download and review the second presentation of public consultation in order to prepare themselves for Tuesday's public hearing. The content is similar to what will be presented on Tuesday with the only changes being information regarding SXM Airport and the sewage treatment plan which is no longer part of the plans.

Interested residents and stakeholders can go to the website (www.sintmaartengov.org) and select the drop down tab "Government," followed by "Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure (MinVROMI)."

On the aforementioned page you then go to "Zoning/Development Plans" and a page will open with an interactive map. Select the Simpson Bay area map and it will show you the presentations. The files are in a PDF file and are downloadable.

"Answers will be provided to questions on Tuesday that people in the community have, and clarity will be provided to things that people do not understand or have been misinformed by others who don't have the proper information. In my back to basics approach I believe in full transparency. The community where development is envisioned should have a full understanding about their neighbourhood.

"Minutes will be made of all the questions and concerns that directly relate to the zoning plans and answers will be provided. The draft development plan will be placed on public review in the English and Dutch language and will also be made available on the Government website.

"Everyone can submit their concerns and appeals in writing to my person as Minister of VROMI during the period of the public review. An independent committee of experts will advise on the appeals before it will be sent to Parliament for approval. Parliament has the final say, but nothing is set in stone and everyone has the opportunity to voice their concerns and seek additional information related to the draft development plan for Simpson Bay," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.

The public consultation will take place Tuesday, February 25 at 7:00pm at the Allen Halley Sports & Recreation Center, Simpson Bay.

The public hearing of the preliminary draft development plan is prescribed by National Ordinance on Spatial Development Planning.

The public hearing will be followed by the placement of the draft development plan for a period of 30 days for public review.

I smell a rat was my reaction when reading the front page lead story of Thursday February 20, 2014 newspapers. The leader of the UP party MP Theo Heyliger threatened to once again plunge St Maarten in political turmoil by pulling his support from Government, which he controls. Mind you, not in the interest of St Maarten people but mainly in the interest of the Curacao born and residing central bank president and a few curacao dominated central bank board members. UP leader, Theo Heyliger is threatening to make the ultimate political sacrifice in the interest of those well to do, high flying exclusive clubs members from Curacao.

What irks me the most, is that we (St. Maarten) has never and will never see and hear a curacao politician stand up for St. Maarten and its people the way up leader MP Theo Heyliger is standing up for the country curacao.

Suspicious (to say the least) is his silence regarding the mass termination and abuse of the RBC workers whom are being exploited and taken advantage of. But that all seems to sit well with the UP party supported government. The lack of representation by this government in the interest of the St. Maarten people but in particular the UP leader MP Theo Heyliger leaves much to be desired. Where is the people's Government when it comes to defending the RBC workers? Why is Government not standing up against the blatant abuse of power by RBC? I am disgusted that this UP led Government continues to lend support to RBC by granting them cooperation for persons to land on this island with a work permit in their hand and a secured job at RBC, knowing that the task of this work permit holding RBC immigrant, is to rid the company of born St Maarteners, and born to be here Naturalized employees and other law abiding legalized employees whom have made St Maarten their home and RBC the success that it is today.

How can any self-respecting Government allow someone to land on this island with a work permit in their hand, knowing that person's task is to destroy the security, stability and well fair of the St Maarten people at RBC? Something smells to the high heavens. Something is wrong with this picture. How come the UP leader Mr. Theo Heyliger is aware of the central bank director's plight, despite the fact that the director resides all the way in Willemstad, But MP Heyliger is oblivious to the plight of the RBC mother, daughter, fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers, while these folks live right here in St. Maarten? How come the leader of the UP MP Theo Heyliger, isn't standing up and saying to government, "I will pull my support from the coalition if government doesn't represent the RBC workers". These people have children to feed, mortgages and all kinds of loans to pay back, bills to pay, GEBE light and water, school fees and the list goes on and on.

The people are not amused at your treats and they are certainly not impressed. As a matter of fact a large portion of the population placed the UP leader threat in the "class representation" category. The now retrenched RBC mothers and fathers cannot and does not eat and drink caviar with the UP leader and his party. The worker of RBC cannot play around with bonds to finance the expansion of the hospital, neither can they float a bond to finance the garbage incinerator, so as far as the UP leader MP Theo Heyliger is concerned, the RBC workers can go to hell in a hand basket. They will not receive proper representation from this sitting UP lead government. This to me equals "class representation".

I refuse to support a call by the UP leader MP Theo Heyliger, to throw St Maarten in political termite for Fourth time, because of the Curacao central bank president and a Curacao dominated central bank board members. But I publicly support a vote of none confident in this UP lead Government for the following:

Government refuses to represent the RBC mother daughters and father.
Government refuses to call RBC to order
Government refused to represent the dismissed "Simpson Bay resort workers.
Government refused to inform the people of St Maarten that they would raise prices across the board in order to finance the cause way.
Government refused to inform the people of St Maarten that they would increase the SZV premiums by 100 %.

Based on the above, I call for a public vote of none confidence in this UP led coalition government.

MP Louie Laveist
National Alliance

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (MinTEATT) Hon. Ted Richardson, on Friday met with Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Mathias Voges regarding the strategic use of the Sint Maarten House in The Hague to promote economic development and investment for the country.

Minister Richardson is of the view that Sint Maarten House can play a considerable role with respect to the promotion of trade, investment, culture etc.

The Hague, the Netherlands is home to 160 international agencies. The presence of these international organizations has attracted a sizable number of non-governmental organizations.

The Netherlands maintains diplomatic relations with 181 states, 115 of which are represented in The Hague with an embassy or consulate.

Minister Voges also informed about the minister's road map which encompasses a vision and strategy for country Sint Maarten.

"The Sint Maarten House is an institution of the country and we need to have good communication with our organization which would allow the Minister Plenipotentiary to represent the country well when he is engaged by other embassies.

"The Minister Plenipotentiary can use his diplomatic channels and therefore has to be aware and up to speed on developments especially where it concerns our economy, investment opportunities etc. The Sint Maarten House has a lot of potential and we have to fully utilize our institution to promote our country," Minister Hon. Ted Richardson said on Sunday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Two Central Committee meetings of the House of Parliament is scheduled for February 25th regarding the House Rules of Order and an initiative law regarding Hotel Room Tax.

The first central committee meeting is set for Tuesday at 10:00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is a discussion related to the House Rules of Order.

The second central committee meeting is set for Tuesday at 2:00pm. The agenda point is the initiative draft ordinance to change the Hotel Room Tax Ordinance Sint Maarten.

This initiative law is from United People's Party (UP) Members of Parliament Sylvia Meyers, Janchie Leonard, and Jules James.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com, and also via www.sxmparliament.org.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams discussed during her Radio Program One on One with the Prime Minister on Friday the importance that various items which have been taking place in Government have on the community of St. Maarten. The Prime Minister stated that items such as the recently held Millennium Acceleration Framework, the pending rehabilitation of the Dutch Quarter District through the European Development Fund (EDF) and St. Maarten being a new member of the Association of Caribbean States are significant projects which are strengthening the representation and development of St. Maarten: "The community needs to understand the major changes that we have undergone as country St. Maarten. 101010 has brought along many responsibilities for St. Maarten and it is evident that the focus right now is on a new role and new responsibilities for St. Maarten. This is clear especially regarding the Millennium Acceleration Framework project, the new upgrades to the Dutch Quarter Community through the signing of the EDF and the membership of the country to the Association of Caribbean States," stated Prime Minister Wescot-Williams.

The Prime Minister stated that St. Maarten has joined in with a global push to address the issues that were found lagging coming out of the Millennium Development Goals resulting in a closer focus on Poverty Alleviation and Environmental Sustainability: "The way to go for all countries in order to move forward is to have standards and goals for the future development of their country and people. The United Nations developed eight goals in order to determine how countries are progressing in the context of the Millennium Development Goals. These goals focus on education, health, gender equality, women empowerment, poverty, the environment etc. The standard that have been developed gives countries an idea how they can gauge themselves. A progress report on the Millennium Development Goals came out that included both St. Maarten and Curacao that showed that our country was doing good in some of the eight areas while other areas showed that there was a need to be further studied due to the relationship between economic development, social development and environmental sustainability. Now that it has been determined that we are lagging behind in these goals the bottlenecks and solutions have been identified and projects will be developed.

"Similarly, with the signing of the European Development Fund agreement St. Maarten will be expected to manage its own 10th EDF execution with the designated project being the upgrading of Dutch Quarter.

The management structure that will be put in place is a critical component to ensure that the project is executed within the parameters and guidelines of European funding. Also with regards to the Association of Caribbean States we now have the capacity to meet with the ACS which us a voice in the region, for example on being against the sanctions on Cuba. The ACS is also very active in terms related to the Caribbean Sea with a focus on its protection and linkages between the various countries within the region. It is important that we remain a player in the region and that we strengthen the bonds between us and the Nations of the Caribbean," concluded the PM.

One on One with the Prime Minister airs weekly ever Friday from nine to ten on 98.1 Pearl FM. Callers can call in on 5430462 or can send emails to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with their questions.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

SIMPSON BAY:--- Member of Parliament Theodore Heyliger said at the opening ceremony of the Causeway that while he was in government and seeking government owned companies to purchase bonds from the central bank for the development of St. Maarten and the construction of the causeway; the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) was the only government owned company that did not invest its monies locally but kept it in a bank in USA at a lower interest rate.

During that speech, Heyliger took credit for the construction of the causeway which already encountered at least one problem. SMN News has acquired some documents regarding PJIAE and we will be exposing the mismanagement of funds at PJIAE. For example, PJIAE is paying the life and house insurance of its Director Regina Labega. Documents showing the amounts paid for the insurances of PJIAE's Director can be viewed below. American Fidelity International Bermuda Ltd. received $12,711. 85 for the year 2013 while Guardian Group (Fatum) received Naf. 4,900 for the year 2012. It is possible that this is one of the director's benefits based on her contract but she could not be reached for a comment on Sunday.

Click here to view documents regarding insurance payments for PJIAE Director.

PJIAE paid close to $8000 for Supervisory Board Chairman Briefcase which he claims was stolen --- Former Deputy Prime Minister Theodore Heyliger claimed he knew what Clarence Derby had in his Briefcase.

Another questionable payment made by PJIAE was a check for $7,845.08 given to the Chairman of the Supervisory Board Clarence Derby who claimed that he lost his briefcase that contained $3000.00 in cash, receipts for his trips, and other valuables and documents. Former Deputy Prime Minister Theodore Heyliger in a letter to the Supervisory Board attested that he knew Derby had $3000 cash in his briefcase which was stolen while on his way to Berlin, Germany in May 2011.

The Financial Controller of PJIAE issued an advice which states that the explanation given to the Supervisory Board is not clear and the briefcase was stolen because of gross negligence on the part of Clarence Derby. Furthermore, Derby did not provide any proof that his briefcase was in fact stolen, no police report, there was also no report from Berlin Airport, and no proof of the items Derby claimed were in his briefcase when it was stolen.

SMN News understands that the person who wrote the advice was demoted (sacked) and PJIAE went ahead and paid out the monies Derby claimed his valuables were worth. All documents submitted to the supervisory board regarding the mysterious briefcase and the check can be viewed below. The question now arises if everyone that lost a handpiece while traveling can get PJIAE to pay for it even though they were careless and did not provide the necessary proof, or was this done because the victim in this case is the chairman of the supervisory board of PJIAE?

Click here to view documents regarding Clarence Derby's claim of stolen briefcase.

Another document SMN News obtained pertains to the donation given to Caribbean Liquors & Tobacco B.V. for the Percy Sledge Show. It should be noted that while the documents and the request for the donation and purchase of tickets were submitted by Caribbean Liquors & Tobacco B.V., the Chairman of the Supervisory Board Clarence Derby was the organizer of the show. PJIAE purchased 150 tickets at $150.00 each for the show. PJIAE claims that the request falls under PJIAE's policy of community/employee incentives. Caribbean Liquors & Tobacco B.V. received $22,500 for the purchase of these tickets.

Click here to view documents regarding the donation for the Percy Sledge Show.

Recently, PJIAE decided to give an explanation as to why they decided to spend a whopping $254,000.00 for the three pelicans used to decorate the round-a-bout. The contract was awarded to Ikemba located on Front Street. There was no bidding for this contract and it was given to someone close to certain politicians. Two other contracts were also given out to the same person that owns Ikemba but under another name 2ndAVE Images. One contract was given for the clearing of dirt and other debris on the airport runway and other areas of PJIAE. The total cost for this contract which was awarded without bidding process is to the tune of $ 22,100.00. While this company is supposed to be dealing with images, it received a large sum for work that could have been done by the young unemployed youths of St. Maarten or a local contractor. Another contract 2ndAVE Images received was for the sum of $12,020.00 to make a storage area, build six cabinets, and other minor carpentry work.

SMN News learnt that the Director of PJIAE Regina Labega is currently conducting an internal investigation to find out who has been leaking documents from PJIAE that end up on Facebook and SOS Radio.

This is the first of a series of articles SMN News will be publishing regarding contracts that are given out by the management of PJIAE. SMN News could not reach the Director of PJIAE Regina Labega to comment on these contracts and why PJIAE has to pay for her life and house insurance.

Click here to view documents regarding PJIAE contracts.

Richeron Balentien Exclusive

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao:--- Scores of government documents that the late Helmin Wiels left with five people in Curacao and asked them to publish them on May 6th, 2013 just in case something should happen to him never made it to the media until now. Curacao reporter Richeron Balentien got the documents and decided to share them with SMN News. It should be noted that the very outspoken Member of Parliament Helmin Wiels was assassinated on May 5th, 2013, one day prior to when the documents were to be released. His brutal murder scared the people he left the documents with probably because some of them knew that Wiels would have been killed.

The documents exposed the illegal transactions done by Robbie's Lottery via its SMS sales which is in contravention of the lottery regulation of 1909. The late Member of Parliament spoke out against the illegalities on his radio program and indicated that he would have released them.

The SMS lottery "refers to offenses that are in contravention of the Lottery Regulation 1909. The offences were committed by all parties namely UTS and Robbies Lottery. This includes the management of the local telephone company UTS, in the sale of SMS tickets using the draw the Wega di Number Kòrsou (WNK). This is stated in the  conclusion of a memorandum prepared by the Fundashon Wega di Number Kòrsou (FWNK) in February 2011 .

These statements supported the position of the late Member of Parliament Helmin Wiels and the Public Prosecutor wrote a letter to UTS reminding them of the memorandum. The Memorandum states that in correspondence between Robbie dos Santos Robbie 's Lottery and the management of FWNK (then Cesar Prince, ed ) clearly shows that "UTS through its local network plays a very important role in the processing and completion of the sale and offer the SMS lottery tickets in the WNK ."
This is specific lottery game  is fully operational on St. Maarten. It should be noted that Robbie's Lottery has a main office  on St. Maarten and the company is under investigation.

The papertrail left by the late Helmin Weils showed that based on meeting with UTS and FWNK showed that the SMS tickets sales increased dramatically.
Even the time the SMS lottery game is played on St. Maarten goes against the law and offers unfair competion to other lottery companies.

A study conducted by the management of FWNK has shown that the procedure by which the technical communication process of the SMS lottery takes place and is completed within the network of UTS in Curacao and Sint Maarten is not clear and not in accordance with the law.

The debate surrounding the SMS lottery is partly fueled by the first holder above, Robertico dos Santos. Trading under the name "Robbie 's Lottery" who received a license to operate the so called phone lotttery on 19 July, 1999 by the island government. WNK permit has some very specific conditions attached that the licensee is required to provide the FWNK regarding day sale .

An SOAB report on how the SMS ticket sales must be conducted was done in September 2008. This report was very clear on the procedures that have to be followed when the SMS ticket sales launched. However, those operating and selling the SMS lottery are not following the guidelines set down in its license.

Currently the local promotional campaign has increased greatly over the years on behalf of the licensee WNK (Dos Santos , ed) this mode of selling the numbers of WNK may be linked to a very agressive marketing strategy.

The licensee said WNK repeatedly wrote letters and insisted on the part of the management of FWNK to adhere to the specific permit conditions.

There are no such license that gives WNK daily computer printouts of SMS tickets. No time payments are indicated instead of license fees and WNK Additional Lottery will evade the paying of sales tax.

According to his statement (Dos Santos , ed) is the sole representative of SMS sales WNK numbers by an organizer in St. Maarten.

From a letter of the then Prince FWNK director Dos Santos and his advisor Angel Gomez Osorio Loyens & Loeff, in August 2010, in which he gave an account of a conversation he had with the two men, that they have declared that - Robbie 's Lottery does not use the license issued on 19 July, 1999, this authorization is not operational in use by third party and is consequently not authorized to pay taxes on Curacao.

From the explanations provided, one must conclude that you are, in no way responsible operating under the name Robbie's Lottery in Curaçao with the organization and/or sale of the so-called SMS phone lottery on Curacao by the UTS prepaid and/or postpaid calling cards offered. This is done by the company Smart Play SA in St. Maarten.

Both the Directorate of Finance with a copy according to the Minister of Economic Development SOAB at the Directorate of FWNK insisted on taking action .

However, it says in the statement: "In accordance with the existing laws and regulations, the board of FWNK in principle is responsible for supervising compliance with the foregoing. The primary responsibility rests with the Minister of Justice, supported by officials of Police Corps ,from servisio di Kontrol i Seguridat ( SKS ) and the Public Prosecution Service (OM). In this particular case it may not pay other taxes is the Tax falling under the Minister of Finance responsible for the control of a thing."

The director of FWNK has in this or a signaling role and therefore there in November 2010 - before the publication of the statement - a letter to the then Minister of Justice, Elmer Wilsoe ( PS ), wrote that complaints about illegal sale of lotteries of the WNK , and asked here is to exercise more control.

In January 2011, another memorandum was sent to Wilsoe on a letter : ' Memorandum Addressing combat illegal sales number .

So far six persons are in custody and is expected to appear in court for the brutal murder of Helmin Wiels. The suspect are Elvis Kuwa aka Monster, Burney Konseca aka Nini, Carlos Pieter, D'Angelo Damascus aka Panchek, Monica Bergonje not in prison married to Monster The court cases are expected to be on the following dates April 16 May 21,22,23, 2013.

Click here to view the documents left by the late MP Helmin Wiels.

Prime Minister Wescot-Williams: "Input from all stakeholders essential in addressing poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability"

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams opened and closed the Millennium Acceleration Framework (MAF) workshop held at the University of St. Martin on Tuesday and Wednesday. During the workshops representatives from various government Ministries, numerous NGO's and private entities stressed the importance of a sustainable community development as they tackled the bottlenecks and possible solutions leading to an addressing of poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability through a wide-scale project.

The Prime Minister highlighted the Millennium Acceleration Framework workshops as part of the Millennium Development Goal Project as a means to gain a greater participation in the sustainable development vision for the country: "In 2011 a report was presented regarding the status of the Millennium Development Goals showing how St. Maarten faired in this regard that showed that the focus right now should be on the matter of sustainable development in the communities focusing on poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability. Sustainable development consists of three key components: economic development, the environment, and social development with all three being cemented by Governance. That is why it is important during this workshop to get the various stakeholders on board in terms of discussing the future development of St. Maarten. You cannot speak about economic development without talking about environment. Likewise if we look at economic development you have to look at social development and underpinning all of these is the proper Governance of the country," commented the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister continued by stating that she looked forward to learning of the outcome of the workshops and in supporting the action plans resulting in projects that will focus on poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability: "I look forward to continuously be kept abreast of the development of this program and supporting the accelerated implementation of projects that tackle the areas of poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability within the context of sustainable community development," commented the Prime Minister.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Tzu Chi Foundation helped cupid spread some love and cheer in celebration of Valentine's Day last week.

The foundation donated a total of 250 teddy bear gifts to senior citizens of the Home Away from Home: Taking Care of the Elderly Foundation, St. Martin's Home clients and All Children's Education (ACE) Foundation school pupils and teachers. The intention was to help the elderly and youngsters feel the spirit of love, an emotion that Tzu Chi promotes.

A total of 100 teddy bears were donated to the Home Away from Home seniors at the John Larmonie Center and 90 to ACE pupils and teachers on Friday, February 14, while 60 were presented to St. Martin's Home clients on Sunday, February 16.

The Home Away from Home seniors were pleasantly surprised by the impromptu Tzu Chi visit. The seniors usually get together thrice weekly at the John Larmonie Center to play games and socialize. Some also engage in handicraft and fancywork, while others follow computer classes.

Home Away from Home President Patricia Flanders started out the group's Valentine's Day activities with a prayers and special messages by elderly members. Their event was themed: "What is the real meaning of love."

After singing some hymns there was a buffet lunch, which was followed by the visit of the Tzu Chi Kindergarten students, whom the seniors warmly welcomed.

Tzu Chi Commissioner Sandra Cheung expressed her gratitude for being able to share in their Valentine's Day celebration. The pupils along with teachers Bradly Attyl and Yamile Bastidas performed sign language songs. "It was obvious that the well-trained students showed all their love and compassion for their audience and they received a big applause," commented one senior in the group.

Pupils presented the seniors with teddy bears and the joy in their faces upon receiving their new furry friends was evident. One senior said the big pink teddy bear she received will be the granddaughter she never had. She always wanted to have grandchildren and her only son vowed that he will never have children. This gift was accepted as a blessing for her.

St. Martin's Home seniors and ACE pupils and teachers extended similar appreciation to Tzu Chi for the Valentine's Day gesture.

Tzu Chi Press Release

CAY HILL:--- The Sint Maarten Alzheimer Foundation will be conducting free memory tests with assistance from volunteer students from the Medical School of the American University of the Caribbean.

Volunteers of the SMAF will be onsite to answer questions on Alzheimer's and Dementia, and the best practices in caring for a loved one affected with dementia.

There will also be an opportunity to play some memory games and have fun!

The management of Kooiman and the board of the Sint Maarten Alzheimer Foundation is pleased to welcome all customers Saturday morning and encourages them to get their memory checked! Early detection of any memory problem makes it possible for you to take the results to your home physician for further testing and diagnostics.

The testing is provided on Saturday February 22, 2014 from 10am in the morning till 4pm in the afternoon.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The University of St. Martin(USM) will continue with its 2014 spring semester lecture series with the upcoming lecture entitled "Before you Postulate, Educate". This lecture will be presented by former State Secretary of Justice and General Affairs and Member of the Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles, Mr. Marcel Gumbs. The lecture is scheduled for Thursday February 27th, 2014 7:00pm- 9:00pm in the USM Lecture Hall.
The purpose of the lecture is to inform budding politicians on how to best prepare for a political career. Gumbs said he had been approached by multiple persons in the community to share information on this topic and thought that it will be best to address these requests in form of a lecture in an academic setting. Mr. Gumbs notes that it is important for potential politicians to know the basics such as: the Constitution, existing legislations such as the electoral laws and the law on campaign financing and also the effects of a political career on personal and family life". Anecdotes on the Political career of Mr. Gumbs will also be shared.
USM finds it very significant to host this lecture in an election year as it gives content to the quality of the electoral process. They are in the process of organizing a political debate series as well, which should commence in the near future. USM further points out that this lecture and all upcoming lectures of political nature are solely for educational purposes and not affiliated with any political party.

PHILIPSBURG:--- PSS, the workers Union, and Henderson Insurances met at the Premises of the Post Office on Friday (February 21, 2014) afternoon for a brief celebration to mark the signing of the Employees' Pension Plan.
This is a very significant day for all stakeholders and beneficiaries to this plan since the signing of this Pension Plan secures one of the most significant labor rights positions of employees at PSS.
Amongst many other steps since the separation of the Netherlands Antilles, Postal Services had the responsibility to take care of its employees as far as pension benefits are concerned.
The process commenced some months ago and Henderson Insurances was included in the process of tailoring a Plan that would meet the specific needs of Postal Services.
The Plan is meant to provide a reasonable standard of living for the employees beyond retirement age, but is also Flexible to allow for early retirement at age 55 or for those who are willing to work beyond the pensionable age (providing this happens with the employers consent) to build up pension capital until age 65.
The Plan will enable the employees to have an additional income to the Governments' general old age pension "AOV" which is now Nafls. 1000.00 maximum (gross) per month.
The Nafls. 1000.00 AOV is subject to someone being a citizen for 45 years.
Since Country Status, it goes without saying that the count (45 yrs) will start from the days of the Netherlands Antilles including when Aruba was part of the constellation.
Those persons being registered for a shorter period as a citizen will receive a proportional amount of the Nafls. 1000.00.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), hereby announces that several road surface marking projects that will take place on 22 and 23 February.

The road surface marking projects is on-going and is in connection with improving road safety for motorists and pedestrians in the various districts throughout the country, and therefore there will be an interruption in traffic flow and motorists are advised to be alert.

On Saturday 22 February, there will be interruption to the traffic flow on the W.A. Nisbeth (Pondfill Road) and Airport Road from 7:00am to 5:00pm, and on Sunday 23 February on the Bush Road from 7:00am to 5:00pm.

Motorists are requested to be vigilant and observant for the traffic directional signs indicating what works are underway in the respective area.

Motorists and pedestrians are also advised that it is against the law for tampering or removing a traffic barricade or any other piece of government property.

Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconvenience that this may cause.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (MinTEATT) wants to ensure that all businesses are operating according to the laws of the country and in accordance with the permits and licenses that they have been issued to carry out lawful business activities in country Sint Maarten, and therefore all businesses are advised to have their documentation in order and available upon request by economic controls and inspectors during official controls.

The Department of Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications, and the Department of Civil Aviation, Shipping & Maritime Affairs, recently carried out a joint control operation and these will continue in the weeks and months to come.

During one control along the Simpson Bay Lagoon, inspectors came across a vessel that was being prepared to become a floating bar.

Maritime Affairs and Economic Controllers questioned the owner about his documentation and were informed that the various requests for permits and licenses were being processed. This however, does not give the right for any business to operate, while the documents are being processed.

Advice was provided to the owner about what needs to be done with respect to the procedure which includes a maritime inspection of the vessel as well as inspections by the fire department. Sounds pollution was also discussed and department was stepping up controls on noise pollution.

MinTEATT is here to ensure that Sint Maarten continues to have a vibrant economic sector in an equal and fair playing field in a safe environment.

All businesses with direct access to the lagoon must understand that water based activities, that are not mentioned on their business license, must be subject to proper licensing as additional business licensing and Maritime Affairs Department approval. Not doing so will result in additional action against the land based businesses.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake was informed that the court ruled in favour of the owners of the Emilio Wilson Estate and said that the Government should sign the sales and purchase agreement as presented by the owners within fourteen days after serving of the verdict.

"The court verdict does not surprise me because Government in the past has had cases where the Government has to honour agreements made.

"Government has two options at its disposal to purchase the estate. A decision could have been taken this past Tuesday, but now scheduled for February 25 when the next Council of Ministers meeting will take place.

"I have been working closely with the Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs Hon. Ted Richardson and Minister of Finance Hon. Martin Hassink, and I commend them for bringing forth an advice for the purchasing of the Emilio Wilson Estate.

"I have made my opinion on this matter known, that I support the purchasing of the Emilio Wilson Estate for the people of the country 110 per cent, and my stance on this has not changed. We have to stop playing politics and start making decisions.

"Once a decision has been taken, we need to sit with the owners of the Emilio Wilson Estate and develop a plan of action to move forward," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Friday.

Minister Lake added that Government has been in communication with the owners of the estate in finding a solution.

"Government's current financial situation presents challenges and the purchasing of the estate could not be included in the draft 2014 budget, but we have two options available and need to take a decision.

"The outgoing National Alliance Government was irresponsible knowing Government had no money to purchase the estate. The 2013 budget was not even approved when they made an agreement. The former Minister of VROMI was irresponsible to make such knowing there was no approved budget. Politicians need to lead by example rather than putting us into a predicament.

"Also part of the court's judgment is if Government is of the opinion that a previous official or civil servant of the Government by signing the purchase agreement with the Emilio Wilson Estate owners has caused damage to the country due to intent or gross negligence, Government may consider to recover these damages from the salaries of these previous officials or civil servants.

"Since the 2013 budget was approved, there is still no money to purchase the estate, but Government is committed to the people and the Minister of Finance and Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs has presented two options which is a win-win. The Council of Ministers will decide next Tuesday which option will be selected," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Friday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The people of St. Maarten especially environmental groups and members of the local community who are in favor of government purchasing the Emilio Wilson Estate can now breathe a sigh of relief as the court ordered the Government of St. Maarten to comply with the agreement former Minister of VROMI William Marlin made with heir of the property Henri Brookson. The decision was handed down on Friday after an injunction was filed by Brookson when he learnt that the SWW-3 cabinet would not have upheld the agreement made by the SWW-2 cabinet.

The advice given by the CFT worked against government in court and now the Government of St. Maarten has to find the monies necessary to purchase the estate based on the purchase agreement the Government of St. Maarten has with Henri Brookson.

Using the letters written by William Marlin, Minister of VROM at that time (July 20, 2012), as well as several letters from General Secretary of VROMI Louis Brown, the court came to the conclusion that a sales agreement was in fact reached, under the condition of approval of the purchase in the budget.

The court ruled that since the budget was approved and that budget included the amount for the purchase of the Emilio Wilson Estate, there was no impediment to purchasing the land.

In their advice on the 2013 budget, the CFT advised government not to enter into any loans, therefore government could not purchase the estate since it was placed in the budget as to be purchased through loans.

On October 28, 2013, the Minister of Finance sent a letter to the Brookson group informing them that the condition given by the CFT prevented them from continuing the negotiations on a possible purchase of the estate at this point in time. This letter led Brookson group to seek relief from the court via a summary injunction.

Government presented several arguments against the claim by the Brookson group but the judge rejected them all. The judge ruled that those letters from Marlin pointed to an agreement and government was bound by it. It furthermore ruled that the CFT only gives advice and any risks associated with such advice are for the account of government.

The court therefore granted all the demands of the Brookson group, after lowering the penalties somewhat. Government was ordered to sign the sales agreement with the Brookson group within fourteen days, under penalty of a fine of US$100,000 and US$10,000 for every day that they failed to comply with the sentence. Within 90 days government must cooperate with the delivery of the land from Brookson to Country St. Maarten, under penalty of US$100,000 along with US$10,000 for each day government fails to comply with the sentence.

The court also ordered government to make a non-refundable deposit of US$5,000,000 to the Brookson group, again under penalty of US$100,000 along with a fine of US$10,000 per day for each day government fails to comply. Government also has to place a mortgage on the land in order to guarantee payment of the amount of US$15 million under penalty of US$100,000 along with a fine of US$10,000 per day for each day government fails to comply. In addition, government has to pay an interest of 1% per month on any amounts outstanding on the purchase after five months. Government was also condemned to pay court fees of Naf. 9,296.50 with interest.

Click here to view the decision of the Court regarding the sale of EWE to Goverment.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon. Patricia Lourens-Philip says Friday, 21 February marks International Mother Language Day.

(IMLD) has been celebrated every year since February 2000 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.

This year the theme of IMLD is "Mother tongue instruction and inclusive education."

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, Cultural Organization (UNESCO) highlights the importance of mother tongue as part of the right to education and encourages its member states to promote instruction and education in the mother tongue.

Speaking one's mother language is a right that not everyone can take for granted, especially in places where local, mother tongues are threatened by more dominant languages.

Today, bilingual education programmes worldwide illustrate how discussions about mother languages must include the other languages.

The 30th session of the General Conference of UNESCO in 1999 decided that the Organization would launch and observe an IMLD on 21 February every year throughout the world.

The objective of the day is to promote linguistic diversity and multilingual education, and to develop fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue.

GRAND CASE:--- CONCACAF conducted its first certified course on the island of St. Martin. Referees from both sides of the island jointly attended the sessions that was held at the Cultural Center in Grand-Case. Head of CONCACAF referees Development Commission, Mr. Alfredo Whittaker, arrived on Tuesday February 4th 2014 along with Mr. Livingstone Bailey his assistant. 38 persons registered for the course at the beginning, but on the opening day 5 more showed interest in the program.

The sessions started on Wednesday Feb. 5th 2014, and were held nightly until Saturday Feb 8th. The only day session took place on Sunday Feb. 9th at 9:30am. In his opening remarks President of the SMFA Fabrice Baly praised the CONCACAF for their quick response to his request on referees matters, he also congratulated the attendees for showing interest of advancing to a next level. He also recommended the local Commission and it members for an inspiring job that resulted in a large turnout. President Owen Nicky also addressed the participants.

In his undertaking, Mr. Whittaker outlined the day for day operating of the sessions and introduced his assistant Mr. Livingstone. The work was well detailed, in particular for the beginners, it combined the amendments to the laws of the game and their interpretation through videos and game situations displayed on the field. Close attention was given, and no one felt left out. Three (3) U-15 boys that aspire to become referees and five (5) women participated in the course. The Instructor was asked to do something similar to refresh the Teams Coaches and Captains.

President Fabrice Baly did the closing remark and was invited to hand out the Certificates to each participant. He was assisted by his counterpart Mr. Owen Nicky.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams, as Chair of the HIV/Aids Committee, held a follow-up meeting with Sandra Jones, HIV/STI Technical Advisor for the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization PAHO/WHO and principles of the HIV/AIDS project of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor on Monday. The meeting was held as a follow-up and update regarding the Contribution Agreement governing the implementation of the EC/OCT Project of the "Strengthening the Integration of the British and Dutch OCTs in the Regional Response to HIV/AIDS through the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV/AIDS", which was signed by PAHO/WHO and the European Community (EC) in October 2008. The overall objective of the project is to halt and reverse the spread of HIV within the British and Dutch OCTs.

Project implementation commenced in 2009 and has focused on the strengthening of the response in the OCTs, given their realities. The first two years emphasized the establishment and finalization of mechanisms and structures for project implementation, while strengthening the capacity of territories to scale-up its response in a strategic manner. During the period of implementation the project has strived to strengthen and expand services for HIV (based on the realities and needs of the territories), while emphasizing the human rights of all individuals. The project also utilizes different strategies and approaches to the development of outputs and outcomes so as to ensure a sustained impact after the closure of the project.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Monday, February 17th, 2014 the Participant Foundation received a check of Naf. 48,088.- from Foundation Cooperative Funds. This grant is part of the 4-year project "Opportunities for Youngsters" focusing on positive initiatives for youngsters in the Dutch Caribbean.
The receiving Foundation has a very interesting and positive program called "Vision of the Youth" (VOY). Fifty-five young peer-teachers and ten youth peer-counselors have been trained to work alongside the the faculty of Milton Peters College and Sundial School to help their peers graduate with the highest marks possible.

NGO's/Foundations who are planning to also execute social and community projects are invited to attend an information session organized by Cooperative Funds on Saturday, February 22nd. The Advisory Council is looking forward to many interesting local community project proposals and wants to emphasize the open access to funding possibilities within the framework of the objectives of the organization.The event will take place in the Parish Hall in the Back street (opposite the Cultural Center) and starts at 3 pm sharp. More information is available on the website www.samenwerkendenfondsen.org or can be obtained via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (tel. 586 0808).

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Nature Foundation is doing a large-scale assessment of the seagrass meadows surrounding the island. Over the course of the next five months the Foundation will be examining the extent, health impacts and threats to seagrass meadows in St. Maarten territorial waters. Seagrass meadows are like underwater lawns that play important ecological and environmental roles; they provide providing food and shelter to numerous animals including conch, lobster, stingrays and the endangered Green sea turtle. Seagrasses act as a nursery for many species of reef and deep sea fish that feed and hide between the blades of grass from predators and help clean seawater by absorbing harmful chemicals and nutrients. Seagrasses also protect the coastlines and coastal communities by weakening wave energy from hurricanes and strong storms.

One of the main goals of the research is to determine some of the most significant threats to Seagrasses, including damage from boat anchors, pollution and dredging. During initial research Nature Foundation collected numerous plastic bags on seagrass beds which significantly damage the meadows. When a plastic bag covers a grass patch, sunlight cannot reach the grass causing seagrass die-off. The Foundation is also researching the impacts dredging has had on the seagrass beds, particularly in Great Bay and Simpson Bay.

Seagrasses have been classified by the United Nations Environmental Program as one of the most at-risk or endangered ecosystems on the planet. Aside from Coral reefs, Seagrasses both inside and outside of the Man of War Shoal Marine Protected Area are some of the most important areas in territorial waters. The Nature Foundation hopes that with the seagrass research and mapping project informed decisions can be made regarding coastal development projects and the impacts they may have on the natural underwater landscape.

SIMPSON BAY:--- The Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), met with the Simpson Bay Community Council (SBCC) Wednesday evening to brief the latter about the airport's Capital Improvement Program and engage in a dialogue concerning how some of the projects might affect the Simpson Bay Community.
President of SBCC, Yvette Halley, opened the meeting with the introduction of her members, while SXM Airport Managing Director, Regina LaBega, did the same with members of her Special Projects Team who had accompanied her to the meeting.
Thereafter, Robert Brown, SXM Special Projects Coordinator gave a detailed presentation to the gathering highlighting projects such as the bypass taxiway east, land reclamation, property acquisition, relocation of the fuel farm, and renovations to the
cargo building.
Brown also spoke about the commercial strategy and the aerotropolis concept, as well as the construction of a new state-of-the-art FBO facility, the remodeling of the airport fire department and the subsequent construction of a substation for the
government fire department that will also house an ambulance unit.
A lively discussion ensued during which the SBCC members tabled their concerns about some of the projects, especially where dredging is concerned. SXM disclosed that Lievense, in cooperation with the Nature Foundation, had carried out an environmental impact study, which showed that the location for dredging would be good for the lagoon and would not impact marine life. The Simpson Bay Community said it would like to be involved when such studies are being conducted as
they also have a lot of information to share. LaBega promised to share the environmental impact study with the Community Council.
SXM also stressed that it must obtain permission from VROMI before it can commence work on any of the projects, such as dredging, that require such. The SBCC also suggested that SXM make the plans for all upcoming projects available on the
company website.
"I am very happy that we took the initiative to meet with the Simpson Bay Community Council," said SXM Managing Director Regina LaBega. "It was a very enlightening and productive meeting and I believe both sides see this as the beginning of what would become a permanent consultation process to further strengthen understanding and cooperation."
"The reason SXM made the presentation to the Simpson Bay Community Council is because we know that our plans would affect this community in some way and we wanted to engage them as we move forward. We had a very meaningful exchange of ideas and SXM Airport really got a feel of the needs and the concerns of the people of Simpson Bay."
"We will surely consider the feasibility of the suggestions made by the Council during the meeting and assess these in line with the airport's safety and security requirements as well as compliance with ICAO and FAA regulations," LaBega concluded.

SIMPSON BAY:--- The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association gave a financial sponsorship contribution of $5,000 to the 2014 Regatta. The sponsorship is their yearly contribution towards the event, made possible by SHTA's Dollar-A-Day Fund.
The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is one of the major events for the island. Annually, this event draws competitors, supporters and sailing enthusiasts from around the world to experience the island's hospitality. The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is an internationally renowned sailing event, known as the biggest regatta in the Caribbean. It generates media interest from around the world, putting St. Maarten on the map as a destination with wonderful sailing conditions. In addition, the organization promotes St. Maarten as a destination, focusing not only on sailing, but highlighting all other aspects that the island has to offer, like fine dining, active nightlife, tax-free shopping, nature, beaches, etc. As a result, not only does the marine industry benefit from this event, but so does the entire economy of St. Maarten.
"SHTA is proud to contribute to such a large scale event that puts our island in a positive light. The Association feels that by supporting the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, their contribution will have a positive impact on the whole island" said SHTA.
The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is proud to recognize SHTA as a valuable partner. "The Regatta needs the support from all businesses, organizations and individuals on St. Maarten. The SHTA supports us with their extensive network and assists in communicating the importance of this event to the island. Without their support we wouldn't be able to stay true to the saying: 'It takes a whole island to throw a party this big'. Our next step is to combine our efforts with local entities to generate more return visitors from big events like the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. We are looking forward to strengthening the relationship with the SHTA in future years, as they would play an integral part in achieving this goal" said Michele Korteweg, Regatta Director.
For over three decades, the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta has showcased the top boats and sailing competitions and has become equally famous for its world-class slate of parties and musical entertainment in the Caribbean. Now recognized by sailors from around the planet as one of the best regattas, each year the event lives up to its worthy motto: Serious Fun.
For full information on the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, including results, photos, videos, party, band information, and much, much more, visit www.heinekenregatta.com. #sxmheineken #heinekenregatta #serioussailing #seriousfun

CUPECOY:--- At a lighting ceremony in Cupecoy the Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams was joined by the Minister of VROMI the Honorable Maurice Lake in symbolically lighting the Cupecoy area with new street lights as part of a private public partnership initiative between Government and the AUC Medical School. At the ceremony Prime Minister Wescot-Williams highlighted the importance of private public partnerships in building St. Maarten step by step, block by block: "I remember that it was some months ago that the AUC Medical School expressed the desire to put up street lights at this important juncture in the Cupecoy area. This is not only important for the students but indeed for the residents of Cupecoy and everyone who uses these roads. It is important to realize that this is a benefit to the larger St. Maarten community and I would also like to encourage others within the community of St. Maarten to enter into such private public partnerships to do exactly that. It is only with the input of all of St. Maarten that we will get closer to the goal of a community that is strengthened and supported by these kinds of efforts. I know also that our Minister and Ministry of VROMI will be working with you as far as GEBE and the lights are concerned and I look forward to having these types of partnerships extend to the various districts to assisting the people of St. Maarten in building our country step by step and block by block," stated Prime Minister Wescot-Williams.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake and Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs, Transportation & Telecommunication (Ministry TEATT) Hon. Ted Richardson, on Thursday afternoon received a presentation about the new national energy policy.

The entities involved in preparing the national energy policy are NV GEBE, Ministry VROMI and Ministry TEATT.

The policy will focus on amongst other matters, the urgency to move away from depleting global fossil fuels and move in the direction of renewable sources of energy.

Objectives of the energy policy is to ensure the provision of adequate and stable energy supply for an affordable price to all in society, while ensuring the sustainability of NV GEBE.

Target goals and dates will be set in the Vision for Sint Maarten, and the focus will be to have a certain percentage of renewable energy sources in place and increase that progressively over the next 10-year period.

Different sources of renewable energy has been identified, however further research and analysis is needed to verify what will be feasible on the short term 2014 through 2016. There will also be proposals for the mid and long-term.

It is the intention to start implementing the policy during the second or third quarter of 2014.

"I am hoping that the national energy policy as well as the street light management policy can be finalized by the end of next week. Much progress has been made where we are now ready to complete both agreements.

"In my back to basics approach you have to go back and use the natural resources of the earth if we want to have an impact on current global trends such as climate change and global warming.

"We have to lower as a country our own carbon foot print and this can only be done by having a policy in place that will move us away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Thursday.

POND ISLAND:--- TelEm Group residential and business customers on one section of Backstreet can expect better telephone connections and less static on telephone lines following replacement of a faulty underground cable Friday.

TelEm Group technicians will be out from 6:00 am in the morning, Friday, removing an outdated and damaged cable and replacing it with better-shielded cables. The work will take place in the area of Old Street Mall to the Sintac Building on the corner of Backstreet and Voges Street.

According to TelEm Group Outside Plant Manager, Mr. Marco London, the work is scheduled for completion a little after 11:00 am on the same day.

"During the time of the work customers in and around the area mentioned above can expect interruptions in voice and data services," said Mr. London.

He said once completed, customers in the vicinity can expect better service, less outages, and disappearance of noise on the line which has been a complaint of a number of businesses in the area.

"The combination of damage to the cable some time ago when Voges Street was being upgraded and a general deterioration of other parts of the cable made it a priority for us to carry out this cable upgrade right away," explained the outside plant manager.

TelEm Group has meantime apologized to customers who may be affected by the cable replacement works for any inconvenience caused.

TELEM Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- Next week Monday the house will meet in a plenary public session in connection with the General General Audit Chamber.

The plenary session of the house is set for 24 February at 2:00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda points are incoming documents and advice from the Central Committee regarding the proposal to select a deputy member for the High Council of State General Audit Chamber of Sint Maarten.

At 2:30pm in the House of Parliament there will be a Central Committee Meeting where the General Audit Chamber will give a presentation about its current state of affairs and plans for the future.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com, and also via www.sxmparliament.org.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (MinTEATT) Hon. Ted Richardson, is encouraging young people and other interested persons to apply to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Scholarship Foundation for a study grant.

The process for accepting applications for scholarships and study grants from Caribbean national in CTO member countries is now open until April 15, 2014.

The main aim of the CTO Foundation is to provide opportunities for Caribbean nationals to pursue studies in the areas of tourism, hospitality and language training.

"I believe this is a very good opportunity for our people to upgrade themselves or pursue a study in this area. Tourism is our main business and if opportunities are presented you should jump up at it," Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs Hon. Ted Richardson said on Thursday.

The foundation selects individuals who demonstrate high levels of achievement and leadership both within and outside the classroom and who express a strong interest in making a positive contribution to Caribbean tourism.

The foundation offers four types of scholarships, up to US$12,000 to study tourism or hospitality at the Master's level; study grants of up to US$2,500 for tourism/hospitality studies at the certificate, diploma, associate degree; a scholarship of up to US$7,500 offered in the name of the late Audrey Palmer Hawks; and one of up to US$2,500 in the name of CTO's former Director of Research and Information Management.

Studies can be pursued both within and outside of the region. All application forms are available on the CTO website, www.onecaribbean.org.

Since 1998 the CTO Foundation has provided 89 major scholarships and 124 study grants to deserving Caribbean nations, amounting to just over US$813,000.

Major foundation sponsors include American Express, American Airlines, Interval International, the CTO chapters worldwide and numerous allied members.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The SWAT Team of KPSM raided several locations on Thursday morning in an apparent drug related investigation. SMN News managed to be at one of the scenes located at 120 Union Road Cole Bay. Bystanders who saw when police swarmed the apartment said the SWAT Team arrested two persons in the apartment at 120 Union Road. "We saw the black clothes police leave with a Spanish looking man and white-skinned person. We do not know where he is from maybe French or even Colombia," one of the bystanders said.
Shortly after, the judge of instruction Tamara Thyhius and other staff of the Court of First Instance showed up at the previously mentioned location. They also went inside the apartment and left about a half an hour after. Several detectives and other police officers also showed up at the location and they stayed there for hours as they combed through apartment. Even the IT technician for KPSM was seen entering the apartment where the two men apparently lived.
Reliable information reaching SMN News states that KPSM is conducting a huge drug investigation which led to the searches Thursday morning.

Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson could not be reached for a comment while the Attorney General of St. Maarten Taco Stein said he was unaware of the raids. Press Prosecutor Tineke Kamps could not be reached prior to this publication. SMN News will bring you more information as it becomes available.

Click here to view photos of KPSM conducting raids.

Arrests and house searches in drugs investigation.

On Thursday February 20, 2014, at approximately 6am, five suspects were arrested on suspicion of (international) dealing in narcotics. House searches took place in five houses and one company building in Sint Maarten. The arrests and house searches were carried out in a criminal investigation called "Saxophone", done by Korps Politie Sint Maarten (KPSM). The arrested persons are suspected of involvement in the import of hard drugs. It involves four men H.R., G.O.W., S.E.G. and H.M.H. and a woman J.M.
The premises are located in Cole Bay and Sucker Garden, amongst others areas. The house searches were led by the judge of instruction in presence of the public prosecutor. During the searches, in particular was sought for narcotics and data carriers. Goods like telephones and computers were confiscated for further investigation. Regarding the ongoing investigation no further information can be disclosed.

Press Release from Public Prosecutor's Office

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Monument Council represented by Mrs. Leona Marlin-Romeo and Ms. Marla Chemont traveled to Curacao on Feb. 4-6, 2014, on fact finding mission. "The purpose of the visit was to network and build a closer working relationship with the experts in that field as well as to learn from our Curacao counterparts the processes and procedures involved in preserving, restoring and managing our history, culture and heritage", said Mrs. Marlin-Romeo. Curacao has over 860 monuments, therefore the knowledge is extensive.
The St. Maarten Monument Council representatives met with Mr. Richenel Ansano, & Drs. Claudia Kraan of the National Archeological & Anthropological Memory Management (NAAM), "Monumenten beleid". The discussion centered around the policies and guidelines of preserving and restoring monument structures as well as the importance and significance of recording the oral and traditional culture and history of our people. "The St. Maarten representatives were also pleased to learn that a number of artifacts belonging to St. Maarten were returned (DATE) and now housed at SIMARC. There are a number of pieces that still have to be inventoried, once done they will be sent to St. Maarten.
A meeting was also convened with a representative of the Monumentenzorg (Stichting) Drs. Mr. Marcel van der Plank. This non-profit organization manages the 860 Monument buildings that they have restored/refurbished and these are now rented out to businesses and others are rented as homes. The Monumentzorg collects monthly rents for these monuments ranging from 35 guilders to 22,000 guilders. The St. Maarten Monument Council was given a brief tour of several of the restored and renovated monuments in the Skalo Area.
Talks were also held with a representative of the Ministry of VVRP. The Monumentenraad Secretary, Ms. Gerda Gehlen provided several reports with data on the structure and guidelines, as well as policies relating to monument development on the island. Ms. Gehlen is very familiar with St. Maarten as she worked with the former council representatives' in the past. Mr. Francois van der Hoeven, the Martine and Fieldworker Inspectorate for the Ministry, also sat in this meeting.
The meetings were very productive and informative. The Monument entities will continue to work closer together in fostering a better working relationship. The visit was organized by the Chairman of the Monumentraad Drs. Charles do Rego.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten National Commission for UNESCO, Foundation 5 Square Miles St. Martin and the Philipsburg Jubilee Library have joined together to celebrate the United Nations' International Mother Language Day.
This day, which is observed annually on February 21, was announced by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1999 and is meant to promote linguistic and cultural diversity. Celebrations pertaining to the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world have been held across the globe since 2000.
In light of the fact that this year the third day of the annual Soualigan Fyah: Youth Poetry & Spoken Word Competition, which is organized by Foundation 5 Square Miles St. Martin, falls on International Mother Language Day, it was decided that this should be incorporated into the competition and that the young poets should present pieces in, on or about their mother languages.
"The young poets who come regularly to Soualigan Fyah's monthly sessions, and who are a part of the competition this year, come from a range of different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, so I expect to be really blown away by their takes on the theme," Lysanne Charles, Foundation 5 Square Miles St. Martin founder and president, said.
The young poets are expected to present one original piece in each of the two rounds of competition. In the break between rounds there will be readings from older poets and from House of Nehesi publications such as Where I See The Sun, An Anthology; The Frock & Other Poems, Laurelle "Yaya" Richards; The Rainy Season, Deborah Drisana Jack; Skin, Deborah Drisana Jack; Tales from the Great Salt Pond, Esther Bradshaw; Songs & Images of St. Martin, Charles Borromeo Hodge, St. Martin Talk, Robert Romney and others.
"It is important that we celebrate all the mother languages that are found on our beautiful island, but it is also equally important that we pay respect to St. Maarten's mother language in all its nuances and beauty and that is why we will be reading from the books listed, because their authors have all engaged with English as St. Maarten's mother tongue in a variety of different ways," Charles said.
According to Charles, it is well known that language is a vital tool in the dissemination of information and culture, and further, for the development of strong, cohesive organizations, communities and societies. This is why the three organizations felt it necessary to celebrate this day, particularly with the youth of St. Maarten who are in essence the ones who will soon be charting the island's future.
"To paraphrase the honorable Nelson Mandela, 'if you talk to a woman or man in a language she or he understands, that goes to her or his head, however if you talk to her or him in her or his language that goes to the heart.' Poetry and spoken word are heart tools and that is why we look forward to seeing what the young people come up with on Friday," Charles said.
The winner of the best poem, to be determined by a panel of knowledgeable judges, will be rewarded with a gift certificate of $100 from Sint Maarten National Commission for UNESCO to Office World and a book bundle by House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP). The second best will receive a gift certificate of $75 and a book bundle and the third best poem will receive a gift certificate of $50 and a book bundle.
SG UNESCO Marcellia Henry said that she is ecstatic to collaborate with both organizations and looks forward to annually organizing such events to commemorate UN - UNESCO international days.
The public is encouraged to come out and support the youngsters, while also celebrating International Mother Language Day. Competition begins at 6pm sharp at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Several persons within the community are now asking questions after reading an article in one of the newspapers that states the man that was held on Monday night with a high power automatic rifle is related to a politician.
SMN News reporter was bombarded with questions as to who the politician is and why was this person training to use a high power rifle Monday night on Guana Bay beach.
First and foremost, the 29 year old man identified as D.R. is not related to any politician. However, he does have a child with the sister of a well-known politician that is the leader of a political party. The politician in question was over the harbor for a number of years, until it has been said by several persons that the harbor is St. Maarten's second government.
The rifle in question is not the first found on St. Maarten in possession of several prominent residents. Not long ago the son in law of a Member of Parliament was arrested for being in possession of a high power weapon. While police suppressed the information on that case, they quickly released the photo of the high powered automatic rifle they found in a silver color truck Monday night.
Relatives of the suspect are also not happy that the newspaper in question linked the suspect to a politician and not to them who are also well known people on St. Maarten.
It was said some months ago that certain persons that were in government were bringing in firearms through the harbor and are selling them to politicians and other residents that need to protect themselves and their families. While all of this was said, to date no one has been prosecuted for the importation of illegal firearms and there is no known investigation taking place to ascertain where these firearms are coming from.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Community and business leaders may access the knowledge and experience of world-renowned leaders by attending Leadercast® to be hosted by Victorious Living Foundation in beautiful sunshine city St. Maarten, on May 9, 2014.

The Leadercast event is broadcast LIVE from Atlanta, Georgia to hundreds of sites around the world, St. Maarten now included, for the second consecutive year. This year's speaker lineup includes:

• Andy Stanley, Leadership author and communicator
• Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel laureate & human rights activist live from Cape Town, South Africa
• Malcolm Gladwell, Journalist and best-selling author of The Tipping Point and Outliers
• Randall Wallace, Screenwriter, director, producer & songwriter (Braveheart, Secretariat)
• Bill McDermott, CEO of SAP, the world's leading provider of business software; an over $80 billion company with more than $17 billion in revenue in 2011.
• Laura Schroff, Former ad sale executive and best-selling author of An Invisible Thread
• Dr. Henry Cloud, Clinical psychologist and leadership consultant
• Simon Sinek, Best-selling author of Start with Why and leadership expert
• Laura Bush, First Lady of the United States(2001-2009) via exclusive video interview

Now, in its 15th year, this full day, experiential conference is on track to reach its largest audience to date. Last year, over 100,000 leaders from 14countries attended Leadercast; eighty-five of whom participated on St. Maarten through the auspices of Victorious Living and its generous partners.

Victorious Living is thankful for its Leadercast 2013 partners which included: The St. Maarten Government; The St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce; Leonard Enterprises, UTS, IMBRACE and Sonesta Great Bay Resort without whom the event may not have been possible.

Marie-Antoinette veteran business owner of Hairlusions on St. Maarten stated about Leadercast 2013 "For me it was wonderful. I really believe it is something necessary for us as business leaders. For Victorious Living to bring it to us here on St. Maarten is a great thing."

Dr. Jack Stevens concurred by saying that even if he only had the opportunity to hear one speaker, specifically, John Maxwell, that alone would have been well worth the price.

Leadercast exists to positively change the way the world thinks about leadership. This year's theme—Beyond You—challenges leaders to focus outward rather than inward. Experience Leadercast live on May 9, 2014 and discover what it means to be a leader worth following.

Registration starts now for Leadercast 2014. The Super Early Bird deadline is February 28th with a discount of over 60%. Visit http://www.leadercast.com/location/victoriouslivingsxm for more information; call (721) 524-8731, or register on Face book at Leadercast 2014 SXM-VLF. Proceeds from the event go towards developing VLF's youth and family oriented programs.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Tuesday during an extra ordinary meeting of the shareholder, two additional members were appointed to the Supervisory Board of Directors of NV GEBE, Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake announced on Wednesday. This brings the complement of the board to five, with the first three members appointed in January.

The new board members are Patrice Gumbs and Candia Joseph. Gumbs has been Managing Director since 2007 of PDNA Technologies NV d.b.a. Quality Technology, an electrical, telecom, structure cabling, maintenance and consultancy company. Prior to that Gumbs worked with United Telecommunications Services, Antelecom and Lands Radio Telecommunication.

Joseph is a Senior Auditor at Foundation Government Accountants Bureau (SOAB). Prior to that she was an auditor at the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Sciences; St. Maarten Student Support Services S4; Sintacc Accounting & Consulting; and Island Cooking Gas.

Romelio Maduro acted as Chairman, after having been designated as such by the meeting. The Council of Ministers took a decision on January 28, 2014 and the Corporate Governance Council gave an advice dated February 10, 2014 with respect to the board appointments.

A proposal to adjust article 12 paragraph 1 of the articles of Incorporation of NV GEBE to reflect the appointment of minimum three (3) and a maximum of seven (7) Supervisory Board members was unanimously adopted by the meeting. The changes to the articles of incorporation were ratified by the Council of Ministers on December 17, 2013.

The other three board members appointed back in January are: Kelvin Bloyden, designate Chairman of the Board of Supervisory Directors of NV GEBE, Veronica Jansen-Webster and Zylena Bary.

"In my back to basics approach, two young professionals have been appointed to work along with the other three board members to take NV GEBE to a higher level creating a brighter future for Sint Maarten. They will be able to share their expertise and knowledge.

"To all the critics, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Corporate Governance Council for their role and positively approving all of those who I have submitted to go through the process of this government entity. The Council shows confidence in our young professionals.

"NV GEBE can now move forward in tackling pertinent issues in the NV GEBE vision relevant to the people, and infrastructural needs of this country. Some of these entail investment in alternative renewable energy sources in order to reduce the fuel clause, a reduced rate for senior citizens, energy policy, street lights management agreement, telecommunications, waste to energy, switching from heavy fuel to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and water and sewage infrastructure investments.

"I congratulate the new board and look forward to a plan of action regarding the strategic development of our utility company," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Wednesday.

MARIGOT/GREAT BAY:--- The 23rd annual Black History Celebration Lecture of the Conscious Lyrics Foundation (CLF) will be delivered in St. Martin this weekend by Dr. Kurt B. Young from Clark Atlanta University, said CLF president Shujah Reiph.
The lecture will take place at the Chamber of Commerce Building in Spring Concordia, Marigot, on Saturday, February 23, at 8 pm.
"The theme of the 2014 lecture is 'Colonialism.' The idea is to keep awakening levels of consciousness about our relationship with France and Holland; with ourselves as to who we want to be; and even to address those who still ask if both parts of St. Martin are still colonies?" said Reiph.
Dr. Young is the Department Chair and Associate Professor of Political Science at Clark Atlanta University in the US city of Atlanta. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and earlier degrees in history. Dr. Young has presented papers and reviews in journals on culture, Black consciousness, and the future of Pan-Africanism.
A dynamic speaker, the Belize-born Dr. Young has done extensive research on Caribbean leaders and scholars such as Marcus Garvey, Frantz Fanon, and Walter Rodney, said Reiph.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Several police officers are extremely upset about the article a particular newspaper wrote about an off duty officer who got in a minor accident and argument with a taxi driver Tuesday afternoon in the Simpson Bay area.
The officers that spoke to SMN News reporter on the condition of anonymity identified the taxi driver as "Riley". "This particular taxi driver has a beef with the police force, he provokes police officers whenever the opportunity presents itself and then he would run to the media with a story. On Tuesday afternoon, the taxi driver was driving at very high speed in Simpson Bay while our colleague officer Cessar Romero was in front of him. In order to slow this driver down, the off duty cop slowed down his vehicle and the taxi driver came right up under him. The taxi driver then made some sort of maneuver and caused the accident, at that point the off duty officer approached him to discuss the accident but an argument ensued. During the argument, the taxi driver took a rock and hit Officer Romero on his shoulder. Nowhere in the news article it mentioned that the officer was assaulted but it states that the officer pulled his service weapon on a taxi driver."
While SMN News also got the same information that an off duty officer was involved in a minor accident with a taxi driver and we also wrote an article, it must be noted that Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson dispatched a press release Tuesday evening indicating that the police internal affairs was busy investigating one of its own.
The taxi driver in question was at the Philipsburg police station on Wednesday morning where he was being heard.

TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL OUTLETS !

MARIGOT:--- French side Carnival is set to come alive on Saturday March 1 2014 when Muzik Art presents this year's K'Aribbean Riddim Zouk & Kompas edition. The show that will be held at Carnival Village in Galisbay St. Martin, will be featuring Zouk sensations Richard Birman, newcomer Jessye Belleval along with Kompas prince Alan Cave. The event will also feature local talent, singers, a St. Martin dance group and local DJ's. "We're bringing the Zouk Night back for French Carnival. This is our contribution to rebuilding carnival on our side of the island," Muzik art's production team said.

Richard Birman started music at the age of 20. Music since then has become a true vocation for him. He plays the keyboard and has already produced several albums. He scored acclaim for the hit "Femme", with Alex Catherine with whom he formed the group Real Limit before going solo in 1999 and released in June 2002 his album Real limit.

Alan Cavé is a Haitian Kompa and Zouk singer and the lead of the group Zin. He toured with his father, Syto Cavé, all over the French Antilles, France and Canada. In 1987, after meeting Alex Abellard and Eddy Saint-Vil, they created the group Zin. They released their first album, O Pa, in 1988 and are still going strong after 20 years. Cavé has also had a very successful solo career and released 3 solo albums.

With these two Zouk legends combining their talents with a newcomer, the show on March 1 is expected to become the stuff that legends are made of, the Muzik Art team said.

Tickets are now on sale for US$15 in advance. At the door on the day of the event they will cost US$ 25. "Save yourself S$10 by purchasing in advance," they said.

Colombia, Mexico, Brazil among winners of the prestigious prize

GREAT BAY:--- The winner of the Casa de las Américas Literary Award for Caribbean Literature (2014) is Fear of a Black Nation – Race, Sex, and Security in Sixties Montreal by David Austin from Jamaica.
The winning book was announced by the St. Martin publisher/author Lasana M. Sekou at the announcement ceremony for the 55th anniversary of the Casa de las Américas prize in Havana on January 30.
Sekou was in Cuba as one of 22 jurors, invited by Casa to review and analyze some 380 books submitted by Caribbean and Latin American authors for the Casa prize competition of 2014.
The jurors for the "Caribbean Literature in English or Creole" category called Fear of a Black Nation "an authoritative introductory text that extends significantly into the 21st century, the complex notions and indivisible historical realities of 'nuestro caribe,' 'la America nuestra,' and the 'Black Power' movements to Canada."
The prose nonfiction book was further described as "original, with extensive, integrative scholarship, and reader-friendly." Austin, based in Canada, is considered to be a preeminent scholar on Black Power and Black Canadian and Caribbean politics.
After ten days of deliberation in Cienfuegos and Havana, said Jorge Fornet at the announcement ceremony, the jury awarded the Casa de las Américas Literary Award in the categories of short fiction, theater, essay, Brazilian literature, Caribbean literature in English or Creole, and women's studies. Fornet is the director of the Center for Literary Research at Casa de las Américas.
"The Cuban-based Casa prize is the oldest and most prestigious pan-Caribbean award for literary excellence and undeniably one of the oldest and most coveted prizes for Latin American literature," said Sekou.
The Caribbean Literature prize consists of $3,000 or its equivalent in the corresponding national currency. In addition, the book receiving the award will be translated into Spanish and up to 10,000 copies will be published by Casa, according to the cultural and research institution.
The winning titles in the six categories for the Casa de las Américas Award 2014 are: short fiction, Cosas peores by Margarita García Robayo (Colombia); theater, Blanco con sangre negra by Aejandro Román Bahena (Mexico); essay (artistic and/or literary theme), José Lezama Lima: estética e historiografía del arte en su obra crítica by Carlos Orlando Fino Gómez (Colombia); Brazilian literature, Marighella: o guerrilheiro que incendiou o mundo by Mário Magalhães; Caribbean Literature in English or Creole, Fear of a Black Nation – Race, Sex, and Security in Sixties Montreal by David Austin (Jamaica); and women's studies, La loca inconfirmable. Apropiaciones feministas de Manuela Sáenz (1944-1963) by Mariana Libertad Suárez (Venezuela).
Judges were able to grant a "mention" or "honorable mention" to non-awarded books that they felt should be acknowledged but "mention" books do not receive any reward from Casa de las Américas. However, the "mention" books were announced along with the Casa Award titles to the media and the some 200 guests at the announcement ceremony in the Che Guevara Hall of the iconic Casa building, said Sekou.
In the Caribbean literature category the honorable mention went to the prose fiction title The Night of the Rambler by Montague Kobbe (Anguilla). The Casa 2014 jurors came from Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, St. Martin, Puerto Rico, Dominican Rep., and Cuba.
Previous winners of the Casa literary prize include Kamau Brathwaite, Eduardo Hughes Galeano, Marion Bethel, Oonya Kempadoo, Roque Dalton, Jennifer Rahim, and Nicole Cage. Founded in 1959, "Casa de las Américas promotes, researches, supports, awards and publishes the work of writers, sculptures, musicians, and other artists and students of literature and the arts," according to Wikipedia.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson signed an agreement with the management team of KPSM on Wednesday to start the renovation of eight police holding cells along with their interrogation room which will be equipped with video and other technological equipment.
In an interview with SMN News shortly after the signing, Minister Richardson said the project has to be completed within six months. The eight cells are located at KPSM's main location in Philipsburg and after the renovation of the cells KPSM will meet the requirements as stipulated by the committee for the prevention of torture and inhuman treatment. Minister Richardson said the committee made these demands for the renovation and upgrading of the cells. Included in the upgrade and renovation is a special room for prisoners who might be suicidal, a room for minors, and one specifically for female prisoners. "Seven of the eight cells that will be renovated will have equipment for video and audio while an interrogation takes place. When the renovation is completed KPSM will be moving forward by having a very modern accommodation in Philipsburg which will also be in compliance with the general rules worldwide."
When asked how soon the renovation will take place, Minister Richardson said the first meeting on the construction was held on Wednesday. When asked if there is monies available in the budget for the renovation or if it was budgeted, Minister Richardson said that the monies have been allocated and that the first phase will cost 1.5 million guilders with another 130,000.00 guilders for supervision of the construction.
In response to a question regarding who really manages the police cells, Minister Richardson said the cells that are being renovated are for temporary detention which will be used for interrogation before suspects are handed over to the Prison Management if placed under arrest.

Renovation of the Police Headquarters.

On Wednesday February 19th, 2014 at 11:00am, the contract for the first phase of the renovation of the Philipsburg Police Station was signed by the Minister of Justice Honorable Dennis Richardson, Angela Dekker representing USONA (Finance), the contractor Betonbouw, and architect Pream.
This project will cost 1.5 million Dutch Guilders, completely financed by USONA, representing the Dutch Government.

The reason for the renovation is to have the old wiring and plumbing under the cell-complex removed. Because the cells are to be renovated, the room directly under the cells on the ground floor must also be renovated to eliminate the dangers of fire and septic problems.

The renovation is as follows:
8 existing cells will be reconstructed into brand new cells which meet the Commission of Human Rights standards. A special camera system will be installed for 24/7 monitoring of suicidal detainees, drugs investigations (bolita cell), children (TV) and women.

7 cells will be reconstructed into 9 interview rooms with video and audio recording equipment to comply with the new legislation. A special interview room for children will be put in place. There will be an interview studio and control room to watch along with interrogations which complies with the latest standards in the context of the interviewing and questioning of child victims and suspects involved in serious crimes. In these cases, the interrogation must be recorded.

The offices under the cells are to be converted into new offices with over 100 lockers allowing each worker to have an own mailbox and a space to store personal belongings.

The toilets, showers, and changing rooms will be renovated.
The old and air conditioning system will be replaced by energy saving air conditioners in each room equipped with motion detectors and inverters.

A completely new digital camera surveillance system monitoring around the entire building and roads will also be part of this renovation project.

The Chief of Police Peter de Witte was also present during the signing of this contract and expressed how happy he was to see this project come to a realization. He is looking forward to seeing more projects of this type executed.

KPSM Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- On February 13 and 14 2014, the Social Economic Council (SER) took part in the board meeting of the international board of International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions (AICESIS) which were held in Rome, Italy. AICESIS is a worldwide organization representing 70 member states from four different continents. AICESIS functions as an important international organization for social and economic policy. Sint Maarten, Curaçao and Brazil together represent the region of Latin America and the Caribbean on the board of the AICESIS.
Chairman of the Italian Consiglio Nazionale Economia & Lavoro, Mr. Antonio Marzano welcomed the 18 member states that make up the board of AICESIS to Rome. The purpose of the board meeting was to debate on the various topics of common interest, select future working topics and plan future activities for the duration of the tenure of the board. The president of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation Dr. Evgeny P. Velikhov chaired the meeting.
Topics of concern were, fighting poverty, fighting economic crime and corruption, the state of civil society in the world, sustainable development at the Global level and Human capital. Outgoing SER Chairman René Richardson elaborated on the topics of fighting poverty and the development of human capital as they relate to Sint Maarten. The comments of the Sint Maarten delegation were well received and were supported by the board.
Presentations on the state of civil society were given by various members of the Russian delegation.
SER chairman René Richardson's participation in the delegation was his last activity as a SER member and chairperson, as the SER ordinance stipulates mandatory dismissal of a member upon reaching the age of 70, a milestone Mr. Richardson recently passed.
The Sint Maarten delegation consisted of René Richardson, acting chairman Dwight Williams and Secretary-general Gerard Richardson.

By Fabian A. Badejo

The furore unleashed by the vicious attack on our national bird, the Pelican, by some talk show hosts on some radio programs recently reveals a very sad and disturbing fact: our propensity to deride, denigrate, and de-value works of art and consequently our culture, usually borne out of ignorance, disrespect, self-hatred and a colonial mentality that has taught us to see whatever we produce as insignificant and of no value in comparison to what the colonizer has appropriated as his own unrivaled contribution to human knowledge and progress.
What is so abnormal about the price tag of US$254,000 which the Princess Juliana International Airport is paying for three (3) bronze sculptures of our national bird, to be placed at the roundabout it also paid for, (the cost of which nobody seems to have any quarrel about) and which ultimately is meant as a gift to the government and people of St. Maarten as the airport commemorates its 70th anniversary?
In other words, what is so out of sorts for a bronze Pelican sculpture, made by an award-winning artist, to cost an average of US$84,666 each in this day and age? Do the people of this island not deserve to have their national bird immortalized in bronze?
Some people speak of pelicans in China costingUS$10,000 from some "suppliers". There must be a market in China where bronze pelicans are produced industrially and sold like china in a store! The insinuation here is that the airport could have gone to pick up these "life-sized" bronze Chinese pelicans for next to nothing instead of paying such a staggering sum of money for these ones. I guess those Chinese bronze pelicans are made by renowned artists. And of course, bronze must be so dirt cheap in China that only a select few know where to find it, and these do not include well-known sculptors in Europe, the USA and elsewhere!
My point is that if bronze were so cheap in China, the whole world would have been flying there to buy it, including the sculptor whose work is being compared to those of the Chinese "suppliers". It is like saying you can buy a flamboyant painting at the market in Marigot or Philipsburg for $50, so why commission Roland Richardson, a renowned St. Martin artist, to paint one and pay him US$30,000 or more? This is how expert these commentators are in terms of evaluating the worth of an art work! For them, apparently, art and culture is what you do, more or less pro bono, when the Queen or King comes on an official visit!
Curiously enough, nobody has raised any questions, or sought copies of any invoices regarding the numerous other bronze sculptures done by the same artist that have been erected on many roundabouts in the South, including the "Salt-Pickers" at the roundabout close to the Government Administration Building and the "One Tete" bronze statue in Cay Hill. There is, however, no roundabout, no public space, where our national symbol, the Pelican, has been placed. Do we understand what a national symbol really means? Especially, when rendered artistically? The way we treat such symbols, including their artistic renditions, is a reflection of how we see ourselves.
It is a shame that anyone would make an issue of this while the sculptures cost less than the salary of the CEO of our national airline, which is also, by the way, government-owned! The bronze sculptures will last a lifetime, but it is not certain that the CEO or the airline itself will last that long!
It is similarly interesting to note that the works that are being criticized for their "exorbitant" cost have not even been finished nor delivered yet to enable anyone to judge their artistic merits. So, what are we talking about?
However, the whole hoopla conforms to the disgusting narrative that everything African must be no good, worthless, or a rip-off! This is simply not acceptable, especially not during the celebration of Black History Month. Bronze casting is a century's old art in Africa. Ife Bronze from Ile-Ife and Benin Bronze, both in Nigeria, are world-renowned artistic expressions dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries which continue to astound European art critics. Is it a coincidence that the artist who is doing the bronze Pelicans for St. Maarten also originates from Nigeria? The story of how these and other works of the African creative and technical genius were stolen and carted away to grace European and US museums remains an essential aspect of the Reparations movement all over the world.
To refer to the three bronze Pelican sculptures as "ornaments" and their cost as a "bold investment" as the Today newspaper did in an ill-informed editorial, reveals how art and culture have been reduced to an unnecessary "luxury" at best, which we as a people cannot afford and should not spend our precious tax-payers money on. Such a standpoint is not only demeaning, but reflects the age-old Eurocentric view of the colonizer that art, as an expression of a people's soul, is not a product we should invest in.
And we, especially those of us of African descent, are expected to continue to buy into that? At what price?

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Statistics (STAT) reports that the household listing survey is progressing well, however is making a special appeal to the country's affluent communities to also cooperate with the interviewers and be counted.

The entire Sint Maarten community, including gated communities/condominium complexes are encouraged to extend their full cooperation with STAT interviewers, in order for this basic information to be gathered from all residents on the island.

The success of this survey and its outcome can only be guaranteed through the participation of all rather than some.

25 interviewers for the past two weeks have been visiting addresses throughout the country. STAT urges the entire community to participate and ensure that each person within your household is accounted for within the survey.

STAT continues to emphasize to the general public, that all data gathered is handled confidentially, and is being collected for statistical purposes. Persons should not fear having their personal data handed over to Immigration officials as this will not be the case.

Also important is that this exercise will assist both STAT and the Civil Registry Department to explain the large gap that currently exists between its population figures. An accurate population size of Sint Maarten is crucial for policy making in the coming years.

STAT will provide the Civil Registry Department, with only the basic information needed for a comparison to be made with their registry, for the purpose of updating and cleaning the database of registered persons.

STAT falls under the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication.

Cft: "More insight needed in liquidity"

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao:--- If the Board of financial supervision Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (Cft) found in its previous semiannual report that the progress in the field of financial management showed a mixed picture, six months later this is still the case. Saba and Sint Eustatius are progressing, whilst Bonaire shows stagnation. Cft is concerned about the fact that the bank balances apparently could quickly decrease with no timely and adequate explanation given for said decline.

Saba and Sint Eustatius have taken the necessary steps in the improvement of their financial management. With their 2012 financial statements Saba and Sint Eustatius reached a milestone. Saba obtained a positive opinion from the auditor based on the trustworthiness of its financial statement. In the past year Sint Eustatius made great progress in cleaning up its administration files. As a result, for the first time it has become clear what the real financial position of the public entity is. With regard to Bonaire it is remarkable that according to the auditor the high percentage of uncertainties in the 2012 financial statements is comparable in size and number with the uncertainties in the financial statements of 2011. Hence, there is no improvement in the financial management of Bonaire.

The implementation reports for 2013 show that the public entities are probably heading towards an operating surplus in 2013, whereby it should be noted that some special benefits originating from the Netherlands will be transferred with the financial statement to 2014. These funds were not, or not fully, spent in 2013.

At the same time it appears that the liquid assets of the public entities have declined sharply. Often the real cause behind such development becomes clear only after some time. The deteriorating liquidity position may indicate that investments projected for a previous period, were only committed in 2013, but it can also be an indication of lagging revenues. For example, the repayment of interest-free loans along with the compulsory repayment of the target funding made available in the past by the minister of BZV, may lead to a further deterioration of the liquidity position. Cft chairman Age Bakker: "This means that the relationship between the operating results and the liquidity should be properly monitored, and that in the coming period steps should be taken forward in the area of liquidity management and planning. Furthermore, in order to avoid possible arrears, the liquidity position should be stabilized."

The preparation of the 2014 budgets went smoothly. Prior to the officially permissible date of November 15th, Saba, Sint Eustatius and Bonaire disposed of a budget adopted by the Island Council, for which the minister of BZK gave his approval before the start of the new budget year.

CFT Press Release

SUCKER GARDEN:--- On Monday, February 17th, 2014, police and inspectors of VROMI Department visited a site on the Sucker Garden road next to the GEBE warehouse to investigate an illegal and very hazardous oil storage situation. On the scene at least two oil storage pits were located along with numerous barrels and containers in which used oil is stored. The ground on this site is completely saturated with used oil and forms a very dangerous and hazardous situation for the environment. The police and the department of VROMI will be conducting an in-depth investigation as to the damage done to the environment and who is responsible for this situation. This report will be sent to the Public Prosecutor's Office where the decision will be taken on how to further deal with this situation.

KPSM Police Report

GUANA BAY:--- On Monday, February 17th, 2014 at approximately 9:45pm, a police patrol was sent to the Guana Bay area to investigate a report of numerous gunshots being fired in the area of the beach. Just before arriving on the scene the patrol got a second call informing them that the one responsible for firing the shots was driving a silver colored pick-up truck and was at the time leaving the area and heading in the direction of Philipsburg. This information was coming from an off-duty police officer who was driving behind the suspect. The pick-up of the suspect was blocked by the patrol and the suspect was ordered to exit the vehicle, with which he complied. The patrol along with the off-duty officer searched the vehicle and found a high power automatic rifle on the passengers seat of the pick-up.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday, February 14, 2014 the Xtreme Team of X104 spent the entire day delivering Valentine's Day gift baskets all across the island, as part of their Let X104.3 be your Xtreme Valentine promo.
The 14 Xtreme Valentine's Day Delivery Winners were Sunena Sujanani, Lorencia Brown, Gregory Smith, Mariana Hodge, Karen Racherd, Mischulaikah Grune, Liskania George, Jacquline Berkel, Helen Hart, John de la Fuente, Rajesh Chintaman, Jesus Richardson, Raju Budhrani and Anacarla as the grand prize winner.
Winners were randomly selected and received their baskets personally in hand on Valentine's Day. Gift baskets included a personalized teddy bear, a box of chocolates, red rose, Champagne, Baileys or Ponche Cuba, Nightclub passes and a discreet adult item. The grand prize included all the above mentioned items and a weekend stay at Sonesta Maho Hotel which included a spa treatment for 2 and two dinners at different restaurants in Maho Village and nightclub VIP passes.
Contestants were asked to send in their entries which included their name, the person they nominate to receive the basket name and the reason why that person deserved the basket to X104.3 via BBM, Facebook, website or by calling the X-line.
The Xtreme Valentine's Day deliveries were made possible through the generous support of Prime Distributors, International Liquors and Tabacco, St. Maarten Aids Foundation, Lydia's Flower Shop, Bliss Nightclub, Belgian Chocolate Box and Casino Royale.
For more information on this event and all upcoming events listen to X104 live at 104.3FM or online at www.x1043.com.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams joined some two hundred women from the Fit for Life Zumba Session at the Port de Plaisance Country Club the fight against cervical cancer on Sunday. Prime Minister Wescot-Williams stated that it was her privilege to be a part of the program and stressed a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and exercise, as crucially important: "I am very happy to have been given the opportunity to join in this worthy cause, uniting in an evening of music and movement and fitness to focus on such an important cause. I would like to congratulate Mrs. Hanna Lieuw Hie, Country Manager of RBC Royal Bank N.V., Ms. Keoma La. Hamer of the Kelaha Projects and Ms. Maribel Postiena of Bella's Fitness Coaching and all who made this initiative possible. It is so important that the women of St. Maarten remain conscious about the various health threats that they may face. We need to be very conscious of the fact that the sufferings of any woman are the sufferings of the community. While there are different treatments for cancer there are a few basic things that should be encouraged and promoted such as diet and exercise. It was great to be able to move for life and to assist in bringing cancer awareness," commented the Prime Minister.

All of the proceeds of the 'Move for Life' event will go towards the efforts of The Kelaha Projects to help and support cervical cancer awareness, treatment and guidance.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- The President of Parliament Hon. drs. Gracita Arrindell announced on Tuesday that the general public and political parties and party boards can now view the electoral laws online via parliament's website (www.sxmparliament.org).

The ordinance is located on the site's homepage under DOCUMENTS. Listed are: National Ordinance Registration and Finances Political Parties; and Electoral Ordinance.

The new ordinances list the new electoral requirements that will go in effect since Sint Maarten achieved its new country status.

President of Parliament Arrindell last week Thursday met with the Electoral Council to be appraised on current affairs related to the aforementioned Council. The Council was appointed on January 7, 2014 by national decree.

President Arrindell has also invited the Electoral Council to make a presentation to the Central Committee of Parliament with respect to its role and responsibilities. This meeting is scheduled to take place in the week of February 24.

Members of the Electoral Council are Bert Hofman, President, Celia Richardson, Vice President, and Linda Richardson, member. The Council's two acting members are J. Veen and M.F. Mingo.

SIMPSON BAY:--- An off duty police officer pulled his weapon on a taxi driver on Tuesday afternoon after a minor traffic accident in the Simpson Bay area. SMN News learnt that the taxi driver was involved in a minor accident with the off duty officer. Persons who saw the accident said after the accident an argument started and the officer pulled out his weapon.
Up to press time no one from KPSM could be reached for a comment on the incident.

Police officer under investigation.

The Police Internal Affairs is presently investigating an off duty police officer who was in a heated dispute with a taxi driver and allegedly pulled his service weapon. This incident took place on Tuesday February 18th, 2014 at approximately 2:15pm in the Simpson Bay area. During this dispute both parties had caused damage to each other's cars and the Police Traffic Department was notified to investigate the matter. The Internal Affairs was also sent to scene to conduct an investigation because it was not clear as to what exactly took place. The Internal Affairs is presently investigating this matter to bring clarity to the situation.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Monday February 17, 2014, Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor, Cornelius De Weever met with the board and management of Social & Health Insurances (SZV), and General Pension Fund (APS) to discuss terms and conditions as it relates to the financing of the expansion of the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC). A follow-up meeting with the stakeholders (SZV and APS) will be held on Thursday, February20, 2014 whereby SMMC will give a presentation.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The President of Parliament Hon. drs. Gracita Arrindell has been the first country entity to meet with the Electoral Council since the members were appointed by His Excellency Governor drs. Eugene Holiday more than three weeks ago. The meeting took place on Thursday.

The law states that parliament has to facilitate the Electoral Council in the execution of their task, but President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell informed the Council that the law needs to be amended to read "government," since it's an execution task of the executive branch of Government.

A letter with respect to the aforementioned has been sent to the Minister of General Affairs Hon. Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams.

The Electoral Council during their discussions with President Arrindell expressed their concern of not being able to find accommodation or staff that would help them carry out their duties.

President Arrindell has also invited the Electoral Council to make a presentation to the Central Committee of Parliament with respect to its role and responsibilities. This meeting is scheduled to take place in the week of February 24.

The national ordinance that regulates the Electoral Council will be posted on Parliament's website allowing the public, political parties and other stakeholders and entities to be able to peruse the document which list the new electoral requirements that will go in effect since Sint Maarten achieved its new country status.

"The installation of the Electoral Council is very important and is part and parcel of our democratic system. We must all work diligently in making the necessary changes so that everything is in place for the Electoral Council and the 2014 elections for the second parliament of country Sint Maarten," President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell stated on Sunday.

Members of the Electoral Council are Bert Hofman, Celia Richardson, and Linda Richardson.

PHILIPSBURG:--- February 16, 2014 marks the end of the tenure of the first Corporate Governance Council ("CGC"). After accepting a prolongation of the tenure from November 16, 2013 to February 16, 2014 at the request of government, the CGC have now, after due consideration, decided that "it is time to call it quits". This decision is taken despite a recent request from government for a further prolongation for some of the members and a rotating resignation of the other members over a period of about 9 months.
Commenting on the first prolongation, from November to February, Chairman Louis Duzanson said: "the members of the CGC at the time discussed and debated the request from government and concluded that the absence of this advisory council during the visit of the royal delegation and at a time when three integrity investigations were being initiated would certainly raise questions regarding the commitment of Sint Maarten's government to good governance.
In service and for the love of Sint Maarten, the members of the CGC accepted the responsibility to stay on for the requested period, to allow government ample time to focus on and prepare for the appointment of the second CGC."
He further stated that the Corporate Governance Council had advised government as early as April 2013 that their tenure was coming to an end, recommending that appropriate action is taken to secure the timely succession. Despite this early warning no new council has been selected and appointed.
The new request of government, which was recently received, was again discussed and debated at length amongst the members of the Corporate Governance Council. The conclusion they reached was that the proposal, whilst referring to the new draft Ordinance Corporate Governance, which is yet to be signed into law, was inconsistent and arbitrary and gives no guarantees that in due time new members will be appointed to replace the resigning members.
The chairman explained that the decision not to accept a further prolongation takes into account the fact that the sitting members have worked as a tight and trusting team throughout their term in office. They stuck it out despite the difficult circumstances under which the tasks entrusted had to be performed. Taking out the members of the team one by one, without certainty that they would be replaced with equally competent and capable people, would impair the level of quality the Corporate Governance Council is dedicated to deliver. Having accepted the first prolongation, in anticipation of government's focus and decisions for the appointment of successors during this period, the Corporate Governance Council feels it has lived up to its commitment of service to the country.
The CGC therefore concludes that in spite of the difficult circumstances, it is in the mutual interest of government and the status of the CGC that a succeeding Council is selected and appointed without further delay and will be enabled to start off on a better footing than the first CGC. The CGC members therefore respectfully declined the request to agree to a second prolongation of its tenure. "It is time to call it quits".
The Corporate Governance Council wishes its successors courage and fortitude to continue with the legacy they leave behind.

CGC Press Release

Marine Base Discussed

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams met with the Minister of Defense for the Dutch Kingdom Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert at her Cabinet on Friday. The Prime Minister and Minister Hennis-Plasschaert and her entourage discussed various items as it relates matters falling within her respective Ministry.

The Prime Minister stated that one of the topics of discussion was the newly established Marine Base Point Blanche: "I will be meeting with Minister of Defense Hennis-Plasschaert who, as a Kingdom Minister, is in charge of defense for the Dutch Kingdom. Matters such as defense, nationality and foreign affairs are Kingdom Matters that are overseen by Kingdom Ministers. In that capacity the Minister will be on St. Maarten in order to have a meeting with myself and will be apprised with regards to the establishment of the Marine Base on St. Maarten in addition to General Defense Matters of the Kingdom as a whole. It is important that in areas that include Kingdom matters there is sufficient consultation so that country's in the Dutch Kingdom are all in one line. If there is an international issue all of the constituent parts of the Dutch Kingdom would need to be synchronized in this regard," commented Wescot-Williams.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- Curacao's Minister of Economic & Tourism Affairs Hon. Stanley Palm and Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (MinTEATT) Hon. Ted Richardson, on Saturday at the Government Administration Building in Philipsburg, signed a Protocol Agreement outlining four areas of collaboration between the two countries.

The protocol paves the way for further collaboration between both countries and their respective ministries with respect to their ports of entry (airport and seaport) where assistance and exchange of knowledge and expertise can take place.

The second area of collaboration is between both Ministries of Finance to seek ways to finalize the division of assets of the former Netherlands Antilles, including but not limited to the Foundation Economic Development (SEO) and the Development Bank of the Netherlands Antilles (OBNA).

The third protocol area is collaboration between the responsible authorities of both countries, to seek adequate ways of representation and presence in the Caribbean, be it with regional organizations such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Association of Caribbean States (ACS), and with regional development agencies, such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

The fourth protocol area of collaboration is in the broadest sense of the word for the exchange of information and statistics regarding Economic Development and Tourism.

Both parties understand that this non-binding agreement constitutes the first step for the start of collaboration between the Ministers and their respective Cabinets.

This milestone also marks the beginning of a fruitful and effective cooperation on areas of mutual interests for both countries, and the Ministers with the understanding that it will take full effect after the approval of the governments of the two countries.

Minister Palm stated on Saturday that this was a very significant development showing that both countries are willing to work together for the progress of their people and that by having a close relationship great things can be achieved.

Minister Richardson stated after the signing that there was a willingness to work with each other and that both countries have come very far adding that a lot can be gained from the knowledge that each country possess and from best practices.

The two quick wins that both countries are looking to facilitate is the releasing of funds for economic development from SEO and OBNA.

Minister Palm was given a tour of the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities on Friday and he was very impressed with the port infrastructure. The Minister was also given a tour of the Princess Juliana International Airport on Sunday.

Minister Hon. Stanley Palm was very impressed with the corporate structures that the port and airport operate under and how successful they have been in executing their business plans.

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao:--- Dutch Caribbean Legal Portal's annual Top 25 Law Firms Curaçao shows that the largest law firms on Curaçao got even bigger in 2013. The legal website bases its ranking on the number of active attorneys at law per island. Rankings are published per jurisdiction, accumulating in a total Dutch Caribbean list.

The three largest firms on Curaçao – respectively VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne, HBN Law and Spigt Dutch Caribbean – all grew with one attorney at law on Curaçao in the past year. Number four, Soliana Bonapart & Aardenburg III, lost one attorney on Curaçao and number five, SMS Attorneys at Law, remained steady with nine attorneys. The numbers three (Spigt Dutch Caribbean) and four (Soliana Bonapart & Aardenburg) swapped positions on the list.

The largest firm on Curaçao remains VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne with 24 lawyers on Curaçao and
37 in total. Number two on the list is HBN Law with 16 on Curaçao and 30 attorneys
in the region. Number three in size is Spigt Dutch Caribbean with 12 attorneys at law on Curaçao (and two tax lawyers).

Remarkable this year is a name change for growing Bokkes Falkena, formerly BokkesFontein. This is the result of the retirement of Mr. Fontein and the scheduled arrival of former Spigthoff associate
Mr. Falkena on Bonaire shortly.

New on the list are Inderson Advocaten with four lawyers and DC Law, Diaz Advocaten , Law office Simon, Moenir Alam, Pieter & Wilsoe Advocaten , Roque Koeijers and Romer & Partners, all with two lawyers.

Most of the law firms in the top 25 have remained steady in terms of number of lawyers. Six firms show an increase in number of lawyers and three firms show a decline.

At the Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and of Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and Saba, approximately 350 lawyers are officially registered. Of these lawyers, 185 are working at law firms on Curaçao (ca. 55 %). These 185 lawyers are working at approximately 90 law firms.

Note: this list is based on information provided by the law firms concerned (a.o. websites) and on official information from the Bar Association. Tax lawyers and notarial lawyers are not included.

Source: legal website Dutch Caribbean Legal Portal (www.dutchcaribbeanlegalportal.com)

PM: "It is important that we remain a player in the region and that we strengthen the bonds between us and the Nations of the Caribbean."

PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Maarten is now an associate member of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS). While attending the 19th Ordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Council of ACS in Trinidad and Tobago last week the St. Maarten delegation comprised of Acting Head of the Department of Foreign Relations Khalilah Peters and Senior Policy Advisor at the Department Patrice Gumbs successfully lobbied for the inclusion of St. Maarten as an associate member to the organization.

The Association of Caribbean States is the organization for consultation, cooperation and concerted action in trade, transport, sustainable tourism and natural disasters in the Greater Caribbean Region. It is the only organization of its kind that allows for independent and non-independent states of the British, Spanish, Dutch, and French Caribbean to sit, as equals, at a table for the betterment of the region. The organization is also a platform for regional organizations whose work is complimentary to the ACS' mission. These observer organizations include CARICOM, The Latin American Economic System (SELA ), The Central American Integration System (SICA ), The Permanent Secretariat of the General Agreement on Central American Economic Integration (SIECA), The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). Additionally, states that have expressed an interest in the region are also given observer status. These states are: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, India, Italy, The Netherlands, South Korea, Morocco, Peru, Russia, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom.

Prime Minister Wescot-Williams, who as Minister of General Affairs is tasked with International Affairs for the country, stated that this is a good step for St. Maarten with regards to regional cooperation: "One of the things I have been stressing on is regarding are our responsibilities and roles that we have to take on as a country. One of those is participation in regional and international organizations. Now we have the capacity to meet with the ACS which us a voice in the region, for example on being against the sanctions on Cuba. The ACS is also very active in terms related to the Caribbean Sea with a focus on its protection and linkages between the various countries within the region. It is important that we remain a player in the region and that we strengthen the bonds between us and the Nations of the Caribbean," stated the Prime Minister.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake says he has already been in contact with NV GEBE Supervisory Board and Management regarding the issues that concern the people of Sint Maarten such as the lowering of utility rates that would provide consumers with more spending power.

Minister Lake added that the Council of Ministers last week Tuesday, February 11, discussed the parliamentary motion and how to proceed forward.

"I take the people's business serious! I am not into politicking and playing games, I have a job to do. The motion from the House of Parliament was handled last week Tuesday by the Council.

"Last week Friday, February 14 I received a letter from the Democratic Party parliamentary faction via the President of Parliament seeking information with respect to the motion. NV GEBE has been asked to work on a number of things for the people, our seniors, fuel clause, alternative energy, completion of the energy policy and street lights management agreement etc. The actions to be taken must be sustainable and not a one-off quick fix.

"I won't play politics with the people's business. NV GEBE will come with a plan of action on what will be done within the shortest period of time. I like the initiative taken by Member of Parliament Hon. Roy Marlin with respect to GEBE, but I can assure the MP and Parliament that this matter also has my full attention; all the issues are being addressed.

"I fully support bringing relief to the people and the business community, but a process must be followed according to the procedures and good governance including good corporate governance.

"Let's focus on getting the St. Maarten Medical Center moving since financing to the tune of Naf. 30 million has been secured. I am ready to sign off on the building permits.

"The people want quality health care and improvement in our basic health care system. I am ready to move on this to get our new hospital off the ground and moving upward block by block. At the end of the day it's all about getting the job done in the interests of the people," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Monday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Judge Koen Luijks did not mingle with words on Monday afternoon when four of the five suspects (police officers and one civil servant) working for KPSM showed up in the Court of First Instance with their lawyers to answer charges of bribery involving the United People's Party.

The court tribune was packed to its capacity with members of the United People's Party and several police officers who were probably there to support their colleagues. Some members of the Wathey family were also in the courtroom as well as Member of Parliament Johan Janchi Leonard. The Chairman of the Integrity Committee Jan Beaujon was also inside the courtroom taking notes as he and other members of the community were commissioned by Government to conduct an integrity investigation.

Glenda Webster, the civil servant working at KPSM, did not have a lawyer and she told the judge that she will wave her rights to a lawyer. It should be noted that it was Glenda Webster who made a scene inside the police station when she learnt that the UP party had sent an envelope for her and she never received it.

Judge Luiks adjourned the court for a few minutes and returned with a preliminary judgment in which he stopped the hearing on Monday for several reasons and he set a new date for a 'performa' hearing which will be held on April 14th, 2014.

Judge Luiks ordered Prosecutor Maarten Noordzij to turn in all the information that is lacking from the file. The judge stated that the Prosecution turned in an incomplete case file. Judge Luiks cited a number of errors in the file, such as lacking of information (CEI) regarding the leader of the United People's Party Leader Theodore Heyliger. In the file given to the court, there is a process verbal of February 14th, 2013 where they mentioned a document investigation. The judge wants to know what and where are the documents, he ordered that those documents be added to the file.

More amazing was when the judge said that in the indictment no mention was made of Ms. Glenda Webster, yet she was summoned to court. He also stated that in the indictment there is a contradiction because it stated that parties were given money for their vote, but further down it stated that no political party can be held accountable. The judge questioned the statements in the indictment because he wanted to know how can this be possible when Mr. Roy Heyliger said he was acting on behalf of Theodore Heyliger the leader of the United People's Party. Roy Heyliger made these statements when he was questioned by police. The judge further asked where is Theodore Heyliger and why was he not in court on Monday. He told Prosecutor Noordzi to explain that contradiction.

Another question the judge asked the Prosecution to explain on April 14th, 2014 is why this case took so long before it reached the courts. The acts (crimes) were committed on October 28th, 2010. The said file was sent to the lead Prosecutor (Former Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos) in November 2010. Permission was given in 2012 by the Attorney General to start the investigation while the investigation was completed in 2013, therefore he wants to know why it took one year before the Prosecutor's Office summoned the accused to court. With all of the errors and contradictions in the indictment he ordered the Prosecution to complete the file with all the lacking information, further explain to him why they took so long to prosecute, give an explanation to the court why Theodore Heyliger was not summoned, and to further explain to him how they intend to proceed with the case. The judge actually ordered the prosecution to summon the leader of the United People's Party to court the next time the hearing is scheduled.

Attorney at Law Cor Merx protested against the judge's decision by stating that the court went too far. They gave the prosecution all it needs prepare a good case against his clients and the court is not being impartial by giving the prosecution more time to complete the file. The other lawyers said they had the same concerns as Merx.

When the judge rendered his preliminary judgment many of the persons inside the court room wanted to know if the prosecutor will be fired. Some said that the prosecutor should be fired at the steps of the court house. Persons who witnessed what transpired in the courtroom left in shock that the prosecution bungled a case they had on their desk for so many years. One person was overheard saying that the politicians involved made a deal with the Prosecutor's Office to prolong this investigation and allow corruption to further brew on St. Maarten. Another person said that it is time for the Dutch to come in a take over the country because the politicians are too close to the justice chain on St. Maarten.

POINTE BLANCHE:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams was joined by the Minister of Health, Labor and Social Affairs the Honorable Cornelius De Weever and representatives of the Cabinet of the Minister of Justice in attending a special Valentine's Day Concert of the Faith Band. The Faith Band is made up of inmates of the Pointe Blanche Prison who focus on a positive attitude through music. The Prime Minister encouraged the band members to continue practice as a band and continue to move forward.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PM Stresses Importance of Using Young, Local Role Models in Building Country

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams was joined by the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports the Honorable Patricia Lourens-Phillip and representatives of the TELEM group of companies in launching TELEM's youth empowerment campaign where numerous billboards emphasizing the positive role the youth can play in the community at the Asha Stevens Campus of the Christian Hillside School. The Prime Minister thanked TELEM CFO Helma Etnel and CCO Brian Mingo in pushing for such a positive project: "I know that this initiative has been worked on for a very long time. TELEM has been working steadfast in various positive empowerment projects for the youth and the schools, including ensuring internet for the schools and other amenities and at the same time promoting positive messages at the schools. I am also very grateful to the Minister of Education for finalizing this and launch this project. The messages are important as well as TELEM's positive message especially using our local young role models. When our young people look at these boards they see their own peers. I think this is a very 'cool' idea and I the messages which are being brought forth in the community. I congratulate all in pushing for the positive development of the island," commented Prime Minister Wescot-Williams.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- Several youths on St. Maarten who are in the habit of riding scooters and using them to commit robberies were caught off guard on Sunday mostly in the Cole Bay/Simpson Bay and Bellevue areas when police began chasing them down as they controlled scooter riders on the island.

According one eyewitness, a Dutch police patrol chased a scooter rider all the way to Bellevue before he was able to catch up with the scooter rider who was trying to make his escape over the border. The eyewitness said the officer in Dutch police vehicle then pulled up in front of the scooter and pulled his weapon out in order for the scooter rider to comply with his orders. Two other persons were also arrested in the Cole Bay area on Sunday.

Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said in an invited comment that the Head of the Simpson Bay Outpost and the Community Police Officer (CPO) of Simpson Bay made a plan to control scooter riders on the island in order for them to curb the armed and unarmed robberies that are committed by scooter riders.

Henson did not divulge much details on the plan now being implemented by KPSM, he said that the police will continue with this type of control on scooter riders unannounced.

Police control scooter riders at Causeway Bridge.

On Sunday February 16th, 2014, members of the police force of Sint Maarten held a control on scooter riders. The control took place between 3:00pm and 6:00pm on the Causeway Bridge. A diversity of scooter riders were stopped by officers and their papers were checked. Approximately 10 scooters were confiscated and several fines were given for traffic infractions (violations). These controls will continue indefinitely and riders of scooters should get all documents in order to avoid any unnecessary inconvenience.

The police force of Sint Maarten controls all types of vehicles on a regular basis. Sometimes we focus on cars and other times we take more time to control scooters.

Since the police force has been getting a lot of complaints from the community of Sint Maarten about scooter riders riding dangerously; it was decided to focus more on this subject. We have received numerous complaints about the irresponsible way of riding, the way scooter riders overtake other traffic, the low visibility because of the lack of proper lighting and the loud noises made by the vehicles.

The members of the police force plan to take measures in regard to these complaints. That is why, with this message, we are sending a reminder to all scooter riders informing them what the rules are they have to obey, what kind of documents they must have with them at all times and make sure you are visible for other road users.

Rules
When you get on the road, first of all you have to know the rules. In traffic you should obey rules, because you're not the only one on the road and you're responsible for your own and other road users safety. So make sure you know what the different traffic signs mean and obey them. How to approach a roundabout, how to overtake other road users, in short: how to behave like a good road user.

When you're on the road you'll always have to bear in mind you can not hinder other road users, so do not cause any unnecessary danger to them. Don't drive recklessly! Don't speed, don't drink alcohol or use drugs when you drive your vehicle, don't drive off when you're involved in an accident.

Documents
When a police officer instructs you to pull over, he or she usually wants to control your documents. They're entitled to do that and you have to obey their instructions. The documents you should have with you when you're riding your scooter are: your valid driver's license, your valid inspection card, your valid insurance papers, and your bill of sale. You have to hand them over to the officer when he or she asks you to and you have to follow all the other instructions given to you.

Visibility
For your own safety and the safety of other road users you should keep your visibility in mind. When you go on the roads, be sure you're head and tail lights are working properly so other road users are able to see you. When you're invisible for other road users the chances of getting involved in an accident are much higher. Also make sure the other road users see what you are up to; you've got direction indicators, use them.

Another very important thing is the helmet. As you probably know, your head is very important for the well being of the rest of your body. Protect your head and wear a good and safe helmet when you ride your scooter.

If you want to know more about the 'Traffic Ordinance', visit the government's website. On http://www.sintmaartengov.org/Laws/Pages/default.aspx you'll find more information.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications, and the Department of Civil Aviation, Shipping & Maritime Affairs, carried out a joint control of a Cole Bay business operation located along the Simpson Bay Lagoon on Thursday afternoon to ascertain whether the business is operating according to the licenses and permits that was issued when the company was established.

Officials from both departments did an assessment of the business location and queried the persons met at the establishment about the business activities that were taking place.

Some of the information sought were: which businesses operates from that location; which vessels operate out of the marina; status of jet ski's found and boats found at the location and who are they registered to.

The operators at the location in Cole Bay were informed to provide additional information and a follow-up visit is planned by the inspectors and controllers.

The controls are also being closely monitored by the Cabinet of the Minister who strongly recommends to all businesses to have their paperwork in order as controls will be stepped up in the coming weeks and months.

The Department of Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications and the Department of Civil Aviation, Shipping & Maritime Affairs is advising all businesses operating along the Simpson Bay Lagoon to have all permits and documents available at all times in the event of spot checks that the aforementioned departments can carry out without notice.

The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (MinTEATT) wants to ensure that all businesses are operating according to the laws of the country and in accordance with the permits and licenses that they have been issued to carry out lawful business activities in country Sint Maarten.

The Maritime Affairs department wants to ensure that all water related business activities are carried out in accordance with the laws of the land in particular where it concerns the safety of the public and visitors who utilize the water-based services being offered.

MinTEATT is here to ensure that Sint Maarten continues to have a vibrant economic sector.

SIMPSON BAY:--- "Beneficial to all parties," was how Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams described the agreement she signed Thursday morning on behalf of government with the Princess Juliana International Airport operating company (PJIAE), which was represented by its managing director, Regina LaBega.
The brief ceremony was held at the Public Fire Department in Cay Hill in front of a small gathering that included the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Directors of PJIAE, Clarence Derby and other board members, as well as senior management staff of the company and Fire Chief Clive Richardson.
The Prime Minister recalled how it was one year ago that SXM had submitted the letter requesting the transfer of the Public Fire Department at the airside of the airport. The decree authorizing the PM to sign this relocation and use agreement with SXM became effective only on February 4, 2014.
Mrs. Wescot-Williams said Government had long intended to have a substation for the public fire department "over the hill" which she said is "extremely important for the services of the Fire Department."
The agreement will allow SXM to demolish the existing airside public fire department building and start work on the construction of its new state of the art Fixed Base Operations (FBO) facility at the same location.
In exchange for this, SXM will provide a temporary location for the public fire department at the Turtle Pier, construction of which is in progress and also offer a new rent-free landside substation for the public fire station.
Moreover, PJIAE shall pay the rent of a storage space, which is to be used exclusively by Government and solely to store all materials and equipment currently stored at the present location of the public fire department for a period of 24 months.
Furthermore, PJIAE will build a new facility, which will house on the airside the PJIAE Fire Station and on the landside a Substation for the Public Fire Station. Government will have the right of this substation free of charge.
The substation will also be equipped to house St. Maarten's ambulance as per the request of the Hon. Minister of Health, Cornelius De Weever. Minister De Weever had requested an ambulance outpost in the Simpson Bay area in order to provide timely responses for medical emergencies to residents and visitors in the Cole Bay, Simpson Bay, Airport, Maho, Mullet Bay and Cupecoy areas.
In her brief remarks, LaBega expressed gratitude to the Government for its cooperation and outlined the importance of the Fixed Based Operation (FBO) building that will be erected shortly, which forms an integral part of SXM's Capital Improvement Program. The program is funded by the loan secured when the company successfully floated a bond issue on the international financial market at the end of 2012.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake is recommending to the management of the Princess Juliana International Airport to give a presentation to the residents of the Simpson Bay community about the expansion plans related to the national airport.

The Minister said on Sunday that his Cabinet had received a number of queries with respect to the airport expansion plans and what this would mean for the Simpson Bay community.

"I fully and totally believe in transparency and openness, and community engagement and involvement in whatever you do. This is the back to basics approach, from the ground up. The expansion plans of the airport did not take place during the past nine months under my watch.

"I think that it's very important to listen to the people's concerns and address them in a professional business-like manner. Sharing the vision with members of the community is very important and I look forward to this taking place by the airport," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.

Minister Lake is reminding residents and stakeholders of the Simpson Bay community to come out on 25 February for the zoning plan public hearing.

The public consultation will take place Tuesday, February 25 at 7:00pm at the Allen Halley Sports & Recreation Center, Simpson Bay.

The public hearing will be followed by the placement of the draft development plan for a period of 30 days for public review. Everyone can send their objections and concerns regarding the draft development plan in writing to the Minister of VROMI.

"The zoning meetings that have been held since early 2012 which were initiated by the Minister at the time Theo Heyliger, with the objective of involving the communities and stakeholders in the process of developing zoning and development plans.

"These public consultations are there for people to voice their concerns and we listen and take note of their views as we move forward in upgrading and continuing to improve our districts and the quality of life together as a community.

"The last Minister to hold this position before I became Minister, William Marlin, had all kinds of plans that included a city in the lagoon, sewage plants, boardwalk, tunnels through the hills etc. This is not my approach!

"With the filling of a small section of the lagoon for the airport expansion under my watch, I made sure that it was according to approved existing plans and that the proper process and procedures were followed, and that the airport and truckers abided by those rules and regulations.

"I have to commend the local truckers for listening to the advice of the marine association with respect to driving through Simpson Bay main road with caution for the safety of pedestrians local and visitors who patronize the various businesses on that strip," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.

SIMPSON BAY:--- The Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), is set to approach the Simpson Bay Community Council to discuss developments at the Airport as part of its program to engage the community in its Capital Improvement Program.
According to Managing Director, Regina LaBega, this is in keeping with the vision and policy of SXM Airport as she outlined in her address at the Anniversary Symposium held on December 3, 2013 in which she described Simpson Bay as the "Sunset Strip" of the island, "offering a variety of entertainment spots, restaurants, discos, and water sports" along with the luxury yachts that are moored there, too.
On that occasion, LaBega, after drawing a picture of the transformation of SXM into an Airport City or Aerotropolis, said this would be impossible "without the involvement and the enlightened cooperation of the community of Simpson Bay."
"This involvement and cooperation," she added, "have so far been readily and willingly offered. I commend this spirit of constructive engagement on the part of the Simpson Bay community."
LaBega stressed then that "indeed, SXM Airport City is as much theirs as it is of the entire island. Simpson Bay is not only home to the two most important bridges on the island, but by embracing progress, the entire village would also be leading the way in the very transformation of SXM Airport, of their community, and of the whole island and adjacent hubs. Simpson Bay can therefore be considered the heart of SXM Airport City."
It is against this background that the Airport would be making a presentation of its vision and plans to the Simpson Bay Community Council at the earliest convenient opportunity, LaBega concluded.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake would like to commend GEBE's newly appointed Supervisory Board of Directors as well as GEBE's Managing Board for the presentation of their green solar project.

GEBE announced earlier in the week that the company is embarking on a two-megawatt solar project for independent power producers, to be executed in 2014.

The renewable project will also reduce consumers' electricity bills, residential and business customers.

"We are moving in the right direction. Lowering country Sint Maarten's environmental footprint is well underway. We are embracing green technology as a country. Some other businesses have taken the initiative to go green and I commend them for that green thinking.

"It's all about going back to basics and utilizing the natural resources such as the sun and wind. The sun is so important to life on earth because it gives us light. It also helps plants in preparing their food through its light via a process called photosynthesis. It also stops the growth of the growth of certain bacteria that causes diseases.

"The new GEBE supervisory board has hit the ground running and I am looking forward to many more initiatives that will enhance the quality of life of our people by investments in new technologies and alternative energy sources that further enhances and improves the services rendered by our utility company," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.

FRENCH QUARTER:--- French St. Martin recorded another murder Sunday night when someone shot a well known French Quarter man known as 2-Pac. The victim has been identified by persons at the scene as Rodrigue Bernard Cocks aka 2-Pac (30 years). Bystanders said when the SMUR reached the scene they did their best to revive the victim but he did not survive.
According to persons on the scene, at least four gunshots were fired. It is not clear at this time how many bullets hit Cocks but his body was seen on the sidewalk in front of Arnel Center wrapped in a body bag as undertakers took him away.
Cocks was no stranger to the Gendarmerie he was arrested several times for various crimes. Just last week, Cocks was arrested for attacking a taxi driver with a firearm. Cocks was with another man when he attacked the taxi driver in the vicinity of the Oyster Pond Border. Cocks spent one night in garde à vue and was released the next day pending further investigation.
Relatives and several bystanders were on the scene screaming as the victim's body was being removed from the scene where he was shot to death. Several gendarmes were on the scene and they blocked off the road as they processed the crime scene to search for the bullets that hit Cocks and the others that were fired. At the scene of the crime,  Gendarmes were having a hard time getting information from bystanders as no one was willing to speak with them.

SMN News learned that Cocks (2-Pac) was shot by two persons riding a scooter. The source said one of the bullets hit Cocks at the back of his head and killed him almost instantly. At the time of the shooting 2-Pac was walking to his aunt's house.

SMN News reporter contacted Vice Prosecutor Flavien Noailles for a comment on Monday and he said he will not make any statements at this time as the investigation is in its early stages.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Millennium Development Goals (MDG) workgroup, guided by the Department of the Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations (BAK), and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is hosting a two-day MDG Acceleration Framework Methodological (MAF) Workshop.

The workshop is taking place at the University of St. Martin (USM) from 8:00am to 5:00pm on Tuesday, 18 February and Wednesday, 19 February. The Prime Minister will do the official opening of the workshop.

The overall objective of the workshop is to bring together senior technical representatives from ministries, institutions, Non-Governmental Organizations, private sector and development partners.

The five points of emphasis is to provide a clear understanding of the application of the MAF methodology to the participants, including technical experts who will be involved in the preparation of the MDG Acceleration Action Plan for Sint Maarten.

Secondly, quick start the process for the preparation of the MAF on accelerating MDG 1 (poverty reduction) and MDG 7 (environmental sustainability), with a focus on sustainable community development.

Thirdly, to bring together relevant decision makers, technical experts and partners to build a common understanding of their role in the MAF process.

Fourthly, to allow participants to discuss and propose criteria for prioritization of interventions, bottlenecks and accelerated solutions with the country case scenarios; and to reach an agreement on the next steps in the process.

The two day methodological workshop will feature presentations, hands-on working groups and plenary discussions.

The working group sessions will be directed toward attaining initial agreement on the identified high impact interventions, and will start up the bottleneck analysis for the priority interventions.

The MDG 1 caters to the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, and MDG 7 focuses on ensuring environmental sustainability.

The validation of priority interventions will be obtained during the group discussions and plenary sessions. Overall expected results are: Capacity building of experts on the application of the MAF methodology; and identification of roles of relevant partners in the MAF process.

Discover which bottlenecks are preventing MDG 1 and MDG 7 from achieving their expected targets; Prioritizing bottlenecks and solutions to be addressed in the Country Action Plan; and agreement on next steps and timelines.

Amongst the visitors will be Isele Robinson-Cooper (Program Officer for Poverty and Social Policy of the regional office of the UNDP (for region of Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Aruba, Curacao & Sint Maarten, Gonzalo Pizarro (UNDP) and Sarmite Bulte (UNDP Consultant) who is to guide and advise the MAF process.

For more information, regarding the MDG process, interested institutions and others can call Drs. L.R. Morales at 542-0896 or write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams received a token of appreciation from the Current Board of the Soualiga Toastmasters Club during their tenth year anniversary. During the celebration, which was also the Club's pre-valentines day meeting, the Prime Minister was honored for having started the club some ten years ago. The PM expressed her thanks and credited the Toastmaster organizations on the island for giving the opportunity to members to sharpen their public speaking and oratory skills.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

SIMPSON BAY:--- The Community Police Officer (CPO) for the Simpson Bay area is asking the owners of the boats in the photos to come forward and have them removed before the beginning of the Heineken Regatta.

If the owners do not comply, the boats will be removed at the owners' expense.

KPSM Police Report

PM Satisfied With Session in Parliament. Places Emphasis on Educating Electorate

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams stated on her weekly radio show One on One with the Prime Minister on 98.1 on Friday that she was satisfied with the recent session held in Parliament regarding Electoral and Campaign Reform. The Prime Minister stated that the most important way forward at this time is to inform the public as to what is and what is not allowed with regards to voting and elections: "I believe that I achieved what I wanted to during this first meeting of this topic in Parliament. The whole intention behind this discussion was to get Parliament's feedback and get the discussion going. In my introduction I mentioned that the most important thing right now is that together we inform ourselves and the people of St. Maarten on matters related to electoral reform," commented the Prime Minister.

The PM also emphasized that one of the issues she will be diligently working on is the suggestion from Parliament to do away with the black curtains while voting: "What I will do now in analyzing all of these issues that were discussed in Parliament is to come up with concrete proposals in what we will need to do to address the suggestions as were put forth in Parliament, including that of the DP Faction, and in particular MP Roy Marlin, to do away with the black curtains while voting. That is something that can now be easily accomplished. The establishment of the voting booth itself can easily be changed with no black curtains being necessary while the citizen is still being able to cast his or her own vote in secret.

"The Parliament has asked Government to make illegal the act of buying votes and coerce or offer to accept money in order to cast or not to cast a vote. I explained to Parliament that those matters are already prohibited according to the law. The penal code already establishes which actions are not allowed. Buying and selling votes are specifically not mentioned in our penal code. In order to attain a vote for legally prescribed election is punishable by law. It does not say that a member of government or parliament helps some one at any given time," stated the Prime Minister.

Wescot-Williams further emphasized that there is a need to move away from accusations and politicking and more focus should be placed on having the elections be the uninhibited voice of the people of St. Maarten in choosing for their representatives: "I can compare this to the matter of integrity. It is going to take time; a changed mindset for all. One of the main things that we need to focus on is changing how persons, political parties and voters are accusing one another and are throwing out allegations and personal attacks. I think that together we need to turn things in the right direction or else no one will have confidence in our elections and our politicians anymore. Even in Parliament there are jabs flying left and right and accusing colleagues of all kinds of things. We cannot let our election continue to be clouded under these types of conditions. We together as St. Maarten need to say that we don't want that any longer and that together we will put things back on the right course. We need to put the focus on elections being the uninhibited voice of the people in choosing for the governance of our country," stressed the Prime Minister.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the number of Caribbean visitors increased 1.8% in 2013, a growth rate that lagged well behind most other world regions. In comparison, 2013 tourist arrivals grew 3.6% in all of the Americas, 5.4% in Europe, 5.6% in Africa and 6% in Asia and the Pacific.
The Caribbean's 1.8% increase in visitors also was down from the region's 4.9% increase in 2012, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). The Caribbean welcomed slightly more than 25 million visitors in 2013, up from 24.6 million a year earlier.
St. Maarten total air arrivals increased 1.9% to 554,858 while visitor arrivals increased 2.2% to 466,955 visitors.

The CTO estimates that visitor expenditures totaled $28.1 million, a 2.3% increase from the prior year.
Minister Ted Richardson stated that he was happy that St. Maarten's increase was above the Caribbean's average and hopes that with new initiatives, the 2014 arrival figures will be higher while the average spending per visitor would also increase.

Below is a synopsis of the arrivals by air on St. Maarten.

North American Market

According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the U.S., from where the Caribbean drew almost half its visitors, sent 12.3 million travelers to the Caribbean, a 2.9% increase. The region's largest source market performed relatively well for St. Maarten. However, there is room for improvement in terms of visitor arrivals. St. Maarten experienced an increase of 3.2% (7,650 visitors) when compared to 2012. St. Maarten's visitors from the US market accounted for 246,188 visitors, the best year in terms of arrivals from this market since 2009. The US market accounts for 44.3% of the total arrivals.

The Canadian market demonstrated a strong showing with an increase of 14.5% (5,874 visitors) as it was a record year with 46,300 visitors accounting for 8.3% of the arrivals. This increase in visitors in the Canadian market can be attributed to the increase in visitors from Sunwing clients which services the destination with 2 weekly flights from both Toronto and Montreal during the season.

The number of Canadian visitors increased 0.7%, to 3.1 million in the Caribbean. The CTO said it was it the lowest year-over-year growth from the Canadian market since 1997. However, St. Maarten experienced a 14.5% growth accounting for 46,300 Canadian visitors, a record, surpassing the 1994 total of 41,334 visitors.

Among individual destinations, the Bahamas, Barbados and the U.S. Virgin Islands each had visitor's decreases exceeding 5%.

Caribbean Market
The Caribbean market accounted for 4.5% of total arrivals in 2013 and experienced an increase of 3.0% to 24,967 visitors when compared to 2012.
The Trinidadian market showed a strong increase of 40.8% accounting for 4,269 visitors in 2013. This increase can be attributed to a charter operation by the Sonesta Group of Companies as well as a sales mission executed by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau in collaboration with local hotels.
High inter-island airfares are still limiting the movement of persons within the Caribbean as it is cheaper to fly to the USA then to fly within the Caribbean.

European Market
According to CTO, the number of visitors from Europe fell 3.7%, to 4.7 million in the region. The CTO blamed low economic growth in Europe and the U.K.'s high departure tax for the decrease in visitors. St. Maarten experienced a decrease of 1.5% (1,553 visitors) from this market to 103,643 visitors in 2013. The European market accounted for 18.7% of total arrivals.

With the exception of the Russian market (13.7% increase), the European visitors to St. Maarten experienced decreases.
The French, Italian and Dutch markets experienced decreases of 0.5%, 4.5% and 2.4% respectively.

The French market accounted for 12.0% of total arrivals with 66,716 visitors in 2013 while the Dutch market accounted for 2.9% of total arrivals with 16,019 visitors.

Latin American Market
While the Latin American market only accounted for 2.9% (15,820 visitors) of total arrivals, the market experienced a 1.2% (187 visitors) increase in arrivals.

CTO reports that a strong growth in visitors to Aruba (7%) and Curacao (4.9%) dovetails with a 13% increase in South America visitors for all the Caribbean. The CTO said the Dutch Caribbean islands are the most popular destinations for South American visitors. CTO Chairwoman Beverly Nicholson-Doty attributed the big increase in South America visitors to "strong economies, particularly in Brazil and Venezuela."
The absence of direct airlift and the limited indirect airlift from South America to St. Maarten is a contributing factor as to why St. Maarten is lagging behind in arrivals from South America. Aruba and Curacao has direct airlift from Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, Suriname and Brazil.

Brazil accounted for 4,725 visitors while Argentina and Venezuela accounted for 2,398 and 3,276 visitors respectively. It is noteworthy to mention that Copa Airlines serviced the destination with 2 weekly flights during 2013 while a charter from Ecuador with 8 rotations helped sustain this market.

Other Visitors
Visitors form the Rest of the World decreased by 5.3% to 14,423 visitors while Dutch Caribbean nationals from abroad also decreased by 10.6% to 15,614 visitors.

Residents from other Dutch Caribbean islands accounted for 11.9% of arrivals and decreased by 1% to 65,992 travelers. Local residents accounted for 3.9% of total arrivals (21,911 travelers) experiencing an increase of 1.7% in 2013.

Airlines
Total passenger arrivals in 2013 were 554,858 travelers. American Airlines transported the most travelers to the destination with 91,471 travelers followed by Jet Blue and US Airways with 71,575 and 67,501 travelers respectively. Winair transported 41,916 travelers to the destination while 11,316 travelers arrived by private planes.

Departures totaled 852,527 travelers in 2013 of which American Airlines transported the most travelers off the island with 114,672 travelers followed by Jet Blue and US Airways accounting for 97,291 and 84,152 travelers respectively. 78,985 travelers departed on Winair.

In transit travelers totaled 379,123 travelers in 2013. LIAT had the most in-transit travelers, 89,530, followed by Winair and KLM with 41,178 and 38,976 travelers respectively.

The most traveled period for arriving travelers was the month of March with 60,553 travelers while September was the least with 26,436 travelers.
The most traveled period for departing travelers was the month of March with 99,024 travelers while September was the least with 38,641 travelers.

Aircrafts
There were a total of 28,590 aircraft movements arriving in 2013 while departing movements totaled 28,419 aircrafts.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams held a meeting with the head of the National Security Service of Curacao Mr. Rigo Thode regarding various aspects of security for officials and dignitaries and the securing of Government offices at her Cabinet on Wednesday. Mr. Thode, who is an expert in the field of dignitary security and asset protection, also had various meetings with the Minister of Justice and the President of Parliament during his two-day working visit to St. Maarten. In the coming months the security services for Government personnel and services will be further structured, including the securing of the Government Building.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

HARBOUR VIEW:--- His Excellency Governor Holiday swore in Mr. Eric Noordhoek as the new Chief Prosecutor for Sint Maarten at the Governor's Cabinet on Thursday, February 13, 2014. Mr. Noordhoek will replace the current interim manager of the Prosecutor's Office, Mr. Hans Wesselink. Governor Holiday welcomed Mr. Noordhoek on Sint Maarten and wished him success in the execution of this important law enforcement function.

From the Cabinet of the Governor of St. Maarten

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister Hon. Maurice Lake of Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), would like to thank the organizing committee for their professional organization of the two-day workshop that started on Thursday.

Minister Lake would also like to thank and comment Secretary General of Ministry VROMI Louis Brown Jr. for coordinating and implementing the Geographical Information System (GIS) within the ministry.

"Ministry VROMI can also be the liaison to utility company GEBE and other government entities via a service agreement. We have to think outside the box where it concerns utilizing this type of technology which can only further enhance our country's development," Minster Hon. Maurice Lake said on Thursday.

Opening Ceremony Speech – Geographic Information System

Good evening,

Protocol be established: (Colleague Ministers, Honourable Members of Parliament, distinguished guests, the organizing committee members, Secretary General of the Ministry VROMI Louis Brown and staff, ladies and gentlemen),

It is a pleasure for me to welcome you here this evening to this opening ceremony in connection with the 1st Caribbean Regional Geographical Information System Workshop being hosted by the 'Friendly Island' Sint Maarten in collaboration with the Urban Regional Information Systems Association Caribbean Chapter, together with Ministry VROMI and the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications.

I would like to say welcome to our guests here this evening, who will be attending the workshop, welcome to Sint Maarten.

I would like to thank Urban Regional Information Systems Association Caribbean Chapter for giving Sint Maarten the opportunity to host the workshop and we all look forward to being the host of many more.

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technology is changing our world. GIS is used by Ministry VROMI in the area of spatial planning and development.

The Ministry is collaborating with the Department of Statistics that falls under the Ministry of Tourism and Economic Affairs in building a valuable database of information that can be later used for the entire Government organization and semi-government and private agencies where it concerns planning, policy setting and decision-making.

In the end I would like to see the country having a complete National Spatial Data Infrastructure, as this would be a key element of national policy development for the nation.

In my back to basics approach, I believe it is very important that our youth are sensitized to this type of technology and how it can impact society. It should be included in civics or social classes so that they have a basic understanding of what it entails.

GIS technology has been recognized around the world as an important tool for project planning and implementation.

GIS technology is making an impact on almost all the major challenges facing the global community of nations today, from global climate change and managing natural resources to health care, environmental conservation and making country's more livable.

As populations grow, the technology becomes even more important, the pressures of development increase, and today's buzz word is sustainable development.

Based on this principle, it becomes ever more important that GIS technology continues to keep pace with societal development and the demands for scarce land resources.

Proper planning even becomes more precious as the global population continues to grow.

I am confident that the two-day workshop will be very productive and reach an important milestone.

It is with great pleasure once again to welcome our workshop guests to Sint Maarten, and I wish all participants, local and from abroad fruitful and successful deliberations.

Thank you

Maurice Lake
Minister of Spatial Planning

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau is once again teaming up with basketball stars to host an NBA basketball clinic.

Amari Johnson of the Toronto Raptors and Quincy Acy of the Sacramento Kings will host an NBA basketball clinic taking place on Friday, February 14, 2014 at 4:00 pm at the LB Scott Auditorium in Philipsburg. The athletes are currently in St. Maarten enjoying their vacation and have agreed to set aside some time to work with children on the island.

The event is free of charge and offers children the opportunity to learn the skills of the sport and tricks of the trade from professional players. The clinic is also an active outlet for the youth that provides not only skill training but personal relationship building.

When contacted, Minister Thadeus Richardson said that "this initiative is the perfect show of Corporate and Individual Social Responsibility from our visitors to have for St. Maarten." The Minister is very thankful to Amari and Quincy for their acceptance and encourage others to do the same.

"Everyone needs to benefit from Tourism on our island. This is one way the children, our future, can also benefit from this basketball clinic. We like to thank the players for taking time out of their vacation to work with us. A big thank you to Manny and Alex of Tantra Sactuary and the L.B. Sports Auditorium in assisting with this project" said Interim Director of Tourism, Edward Dest.

Amari Johnson was drafted straight out of Westchester High School in Los Angeles by the Detroit Pistons in the 2005 NBA Draft.
Quincy Acy is a graduate of Baylor University and was drafted in the second round by the Toronto Raptors and currently plays for the Sacramento Kings.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Foundation Cooperative Funds (Samenwerkende Fondsen) assists NGOs by providing funds for social and community based projects. During 2013 a total of 12 projects were funded.

For 2014 the Advisory Council envisions to increase the number of project grants for St. Maarten. In order to meet the needs of the NGOs and Foundations, and encourage more organizations to apply for project grants, the Council is increasing its activities.

Recently the Advisory Council underwent some changes. Ms. Urla Granger has taken over the Treasurer position from Mr. Perry Wilson and Jose Sommers started as the new Project Advisor. She takes over from Mr. Leon Lake and Saskia Kliphuis, who have been very instrumental in assisting the NGOs on St. Maarten for the past two years.

Cooperative Funds will open its office in the Back Street twice per week. Interested persons and NGOs are invited to visit the office to discuss their project ideas, receive forms and assistance. The office is located in the Parish Hall right opposite the Cultural center at Backstreet 49 in Philipsburg. Opening hours will be on Tuesdays from 4:00 – 7:00 pm and on Thursdays from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m.

The Advisory Council Cooperative Funds is looking forward to assist the NGOs in 2014 and welcomes project proposal initiatives. On Saturday February 22nd, an information session will be held for all NGOs who are interested in requesting grants for their social or community projects. The session will take place in the Parish Hall in the back street from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. During this afternoon, information will be given on the funding policy 2014-2016, type of projects that can be funded, the application forms and procedures.

For additional information, NGOs and Foundations can contact Jose Sommers at 556 0808 or visit the office during the opening hours. More general information and application forms for grants can be found on the website: www.samenwerkendefondsen.org.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The entry list is expanding with each passing day and there's still time to ensure a spot on the starting line at the 34th Annual St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. The race will take place March 6-9, 2014 in the fresh Caribbean breeze and turquoise waters for which competition and camaraderie has become so well known.

The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is an annual competition that has become a world-wide and one-of-a-kind sailing event with exciting entertainment, musical performances and parties that have attracted thousands of sailors and enthusiasts to the island over the years. The actual competition consists of round-the-buoys contests and point-to-point destination races against the backdrop of St. Maarten's breathtaking coastal views.

An international fleet of more than 100 boats - from flash one-design racers like the Melges 24s to Lord Irvine Laidlaw's state-of-the-art Grand Prix 52-footer, Highland Fling XII - have already registered for this year's running of the Regatta. These boats will be joined by a growing roster of slick, quick catamarans, including a quartet of luxury dual-purpose Gunboats that have already filed their online entrance forms, and Nils Erickson's always dangerous Formula 40, Soma.

Each year an incredibly diverse collection of boats and competitors from around the world descend on the island for the racing and parties, and judging from the first 100 entries, that trend will continue in 2014.

Some are young and eager; some are veterans with scores of miles under their keels. They all have one thing in common, they are bound for St. Maarten, and ready for action, and you can join them. There's always room for those who love sailing at the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta.

For more information on St. Maarten visit the official site of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau at www.VacationStMaarten.com.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams stressed the importance of a sustainable community development vision for the community of St. Maarten during a recent interview given on 98.1. The Prime Minister highlighted the Millennium Acceleration Project as part of the Millennium Development Goal Project as a means to gain a greater participation in the sustainable development vision for the country: "In 2011 a report was presented regarding the status of the Millennium Development Goals and how St. Maarten faired in this regard. In some areas the country is doing quite well: for example in primary education, improving maternal health and reducing child mortality St. Maarten has been doing quite well. There are other areas where we are making progress but there were two goals where we are lagging behind, namely eradicating poverty and ensuring environmental sustainability. So the focus right now with regards to the Millennium Developing Goals is on those two items considering that all of the millennium development goals are important and that all of these goals are interconnected and necessary for the further development of our people. Taking this into consideration I believe that we cannot sufficiently stress the matter of sustainable development. Sustainable development consists of three key components: economic development, the environment, and social development with all three being cemented by Governance. That is why as a Government it was important that a lot of effort is being put into bringing various stakeholders on board in terms of discussions of future development of St. Maarten. You cannot speak about economic development without talking about environment. Likewise if we look at economic development you have to look at social development and underpinning all of these is the proper Governance of the country," commented the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister also stressed that during the economic development of the island in the last decades the focus was placed too little on Environmental sustainability: "It is a fact that especially during our economic boom during the past decades economic development has taken a leap instead of sustaining our environment. A lot has been done that is irreversible and there is much work that we need to do in terms of that," continued Wescot-Williams.

The Prime Minister also discussed the importance of establishing the Poverty Line in order to determine how to approach issues such as the increase of minimum wage: "An important factor with regards to minimum wage is establishing where the poverty line is as far as St. Maarten is concerned. What is necessary with regards to the basic necessity for a person and a family? We need to clearly establish the poverty line and how that relates to the minimum wage. We have made good strives in matter such as social and affordable housing for example but getting a better view on where exactly the poverty line lies," stressed Prime Minister Wescot-Williams.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

THE VALLEY, Anguilla:--- Last weekend was very active for the young athletes of Avenir Sportif Club de Saint-Martin. Indeed, on Saturday, February 8th no less than thirty of them, from the beginners to the juniors, traveled to Anguilla, along with the trainers of the club, one of which was Patrick Trival, and some parents. They answered the invitation of Diamond Athletic Club of Anguilla. It is on the track drawn in the grass, that they faced the young people of Anguilla, but also those of Dynamics of St. Maarten and Speedy Plus. The performances were there, and we can note the 3rd place of Rony Félix on 400 m in 57 ", of Magda Duggins and Aliya Amancin on the 400m U12 girls, arriving respectively 2nd and and 3rd in 1 ' 12 and 1 ' 13, and the second place in the shot put for Ayola Dessout with a jet of 8m30.
That very day, three other athletes of Avenir Sportif Club de Saint-Martin flew away towards Guadeloupe to participate in an athletics meeting, accompanied with Claudine Désert co-trainer of the club. This competition "Triathlon", opened to boys and girls under 15, took place at the stage of Petit-Bourg on February 9th, 2014. According to his category and his specialty, every athlete had to make a jump, a throw and a running race.
It is Lisa Coquillas, champion of Guadeloupe 2013 of the 2000m walks works category U12 girls who began the tests with a 2000m walk category U15 girls for which she took the first place in 13 ' 21 " 64. She ends 32nd of the competition ( 48 participants) with 49 points. Teejay Jasaron, with 71 points, arrives 8th of the competition U15 boys ( 49 participants). To note his encouraging performance on the 100m where he took the 2nd place in 12 " 63. Adelio Brooks, 23rd of the competition U15 boys with 58 points, takes the second place of its series in the long jump with 4m57.

POINTE BLANCHE:--- The Lagoon Authority as a precaution has extended Causeway bridge openings for marine traffic to Friday. Technicians will continue to work on resolving the technical glitch.

The extended limited openings are in connection with troubleshooting of the technical problem that is being experienced. A test run bridge opening was carried out on Thursday at 8:15am and technical challenges were encountered.

Technicians worked on the problem and the Causeway was re-opened at 10:30am. As a precaution the scheduled bridge openings for marine traffic were limited for the remainder of the day Thursday. Another test run was carried out at 5:40pm and that went without a glitch.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo of the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies apologizes to the general public and visitors for any inconvenience caused.

The Simpson Bay Causeway falls under the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation.

The Swing Bridge on the Causeway is 220 feet long and weighs 450 tons. The Causeway has a total length of 2493 feet and features a two-lane motorway, a bicycle track, footpaths and two round-a-bouts at the Airport Road near the end of the runway and at Union Road near the border.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), hereby announces that several road infrastructure activities will be taking place on 14, 15, and 16 February.

On Friday morning February 14, Front Street from Hotel Steeg to Hendrik Straat on Back Street by Jan Steeg, road work activities will be taking place from 6:00am to 7:00am.

On Saturday 15 February, vehicular traffic from Simpson Bay round-a-bout via the Causeway to the Cole Bay round-a-bout will be disrupted from 6:00am to 8:00am in connection with maintenance to the bridge.

On Sunday, 16 February at the intersection Welfare Road – Waterfront Road, Cole Bay, vehicular traffic in this area will be effected due to maintenance to be carried out on the drainage system.

Motorists are requested to be vigilant and observant for the traffic directional signs indicating what works are underway in the respective areas.

Motorists and pedestrians are also advised that it is against the law for tampering or removing a traffic barricade or any other piece of government property.

Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconvenience that this may cause.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte told SMN News on Thursday that the Insel Air drug bust investigation that landed two senior customs officers behind bars is progressing very well. De Witte said both suspects remain in custody and the investigation thus far is being conducted by KPSM alone. The top cop said that sometime in the future they will get assistance from the Landsrecherche. When asked if he believes other suspects will be arrested, De Witte said that he could not say for the moment because the investigation is still ongoing.

Two weeks ago, police and customs searched an Insel Air flight that landed on St. Maarten and they found some 270 kilos of cocaine on board the aircraft. Shortly after the illicit drugs were found, senior customs officer Nestor Sanchez was arrested in the Cole Bay area. One week later his colleague Alexander Luciano was arrested and he should be appearing before the judge of instruction on Friday where the prosecution will ask for his pretrial detention.

SIMPSON BAY:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams, as Minister of General Affairs in Charge of the Fire Department, affixed her signature to a Memorandum of Understanding with the Princess Juliana International Airport on the establishment of a Fire and Ambulance Department substation jointly with the PJIAE Fire Department at a signing ceremony at the Fire Department Headquarters on Thursday. The Prime Minister, who signed the document together with the Managing Director of the Airport Ms. Regina Labega, said it was indeed a special moment to start the placement of Fire and Emergency Service for the Cole Bay Simpson Bay area:

"It is a pleasure to be able to affix my signature to an agreement that has been long in making. Many things have been done over the last year with many discussions having taken place regarding the steps that were necessary for this project to come to fruition. This goes to show that notwithstanding the fact that the PJIAE is a Government Owned company we needed to take all of the technicalities and legal issues in consideration before inking an agreement. At the end of the day we believe we have an understanding that is beneficial to all parties so that the airport can proceed with its plans for a Fixed Base Operation while the Fire Department is also now a step closer to being able to operate 'over the hill' as we like to call it. Being able to house with the PJIAE Fire Department gives us the opportunity to be located in the Cole Bay Simpson Bay area which is very important for the operational capability of the Fire Department," commented Prime Minister Wescot-Williams.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- The crime rate on St. Maarten decreased dramatically in the year 2013 compared to 2010 - 2013. The crime report compiled by KPSM showed that the amount of burglaries in 2010 was 667, 2011 - 519, 2012- 366 and in 2013 it dropped to 307. Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte said the main reason for this accomplishment is because there are more men in blue on the streets. "The community police officers (CPOs) play a huge role and there is also more police visibility with the bicycle patrol and other mobile units on the streets." Another major decrease seen from 2010 to 2013 are the break-ins of businesses on St. Maarten.

The report shows that in 2010 there were 199 break-ins at business establishments, in 2011 - 128, in 2012 – 112 and in 2013 it dropped to 71. As for robberies, in 2010 238 robberies were committed, in 2011 there was an increase to 296, in 2012 199 robberies were committed and in 2013 the amount decreased to 160.

The police also saw a decrease in car thefts from 2010 to 2013. In 2010 there were 253 vehicles stolen while in 2013 it dropped to 154.

Capital offenses such as homicide dropped severely from 2010 to 2013. The report shows that there has been a decrease of 237%. In 2010 7 murders were committed, in 2011 that number increased to 18, 7 of which were solved then it dropped to 10 in 2012 with eight of them being solved. In 2013 that number dropped to 3, police managed to solve two of the three murders committed last year.

In an invited comment, Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte said that the decrease was seen because he asked a lot of his police officers. De Witte said that his officers worked 16 hours every day and when heinous crimes are committed the entire police force worked 24/7 for the first few days.

De Witte further stated that much more can be achieved if there is more manpower this year, however, he sees that as a very difficult task due to the severe budget cuts. De Witte said the Minister of Justice is working on a plan to get more manpower for the police but that is still in the making.

Click here to view the 2013 Crime Report.

MARIGOT:--- The Tribunal d' Instance in Marigot rendered its verdict on Thursday when they pronounced the decision of the court against Jean Charles Cohen. Cohen was charged with fraud which he committed against at least two persons. Cohen was accused of swindling an amount of Euros 196,000.00 from Thierry Luzet and $90,000.00 from Francoise Lesueur, both coming from their official savings. The court was told that Luzet lone Cohen the monies sometime in 2010 to 2011 with an agreement that Cohen would give him a 7% interest rate since he had owned several Change Points in St. Martin and other French Caribbean Islands. Cohen also promised Lesueur 12% interest rate per year (1% per month). However, both victims got for some time the interests they agreed upon with Cohen, but neither of them could get back their monies when time of full reimbursement came, and Cohen gave them many different empty promises to cover his fraud.
The court ruled that Cohen must spend the next five years in prison, and issued an immediate arrest warrant. He was sentenced in abstentia since he and his lawyer did not show up to court on Thursday for the court's decision. Cohen has to also serve two and half months additional to the five years for breaking the law regarding the mandatory DNA test he refused to comply with during the Gendarms investigation.
The court also ruled that Cohen must repay the two victims the monies he borrowed, additional to that he has to pay them Euros 3,000.00 for moral prejudice while the court issued a warrant for the immediate arrest of Cohen even if he appeals the verdict rendered on Thursday. The civil parties were represented by Attorney at Law Stephen Montravers while Cohen was represented by Attorney at Law Jabot.

It should be noted that Jean Charles Cohen did not show up to court for the trail in and he was not in court on Thursday morning, however, he was fully present in court during the AOT trial in September 2013 as he showed his support to the elected members of the Collectivity of St. Martin.

"The sufferings of any woman are the sufferings of the community."

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams attended a press event on Tuesday morning at the RBC Bank in order to show her support for the fight against cervical cancer. At the Press conference Mrs. Hanna Lieuw Hie, Country Manager of RBC Royal Bank N.V., Prime Minister Wescot – Williams, Ms. Keoma La. Hamer of the Kelaha Projects and Ms. Maribel Postiena of Bella's Fitness Coaching elaborated on the first edition of the event 'Move for Life'. This first time Zumba fundraising event is being organized in order to create awareness and raise funds in order to combat cervical cancer.

Prime Minister Wescot-Williams stated that it is her privilege to be a part of the program and that a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and exercise, are crucially important: "I am pleased to have been asked to lend words of encouragement and endorsement to this project. I would like to congratulate all with this initiative. It is so important that the women of St. Maarten remain conscious about the various health threats that they may face. We need to be very conscious of the fact that the sufferings of any woman are the sufferings of the community. While there are different treatments for cancer there are a few basic things that should be encouraged and promoted such as diet and exercise and therefore I encourage the population of St. Maarten to come out and join us to move for life and to assist in bringing cancer awareness," commented the Prime Minister.

All the proceeds of the 'Move for Life' event will go towards the efforts of The Kelaha Projects to help and support cervical cancer awareness, treatment and guidance.

The 'Move for Life' event will take place on Sunday February 16th from 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm at Country Club at Port de Plaisance under the theme of 'Glow in the Dark' with Soundmasters providing the light and sound effects. "I urge the entire community, and yes also men, to come out and support this important initiative," stressed the Prime Minister.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

Sophia Rismay, First SXM Female Radar Controller, and Her Burning Desire to Excel

By Fabian A. Badejo for SXM Airport

"Welcome to the gentleman's club," blurted out a male colleague when Sophia Peterson Rismay was called to receive a token of appreciation at the end of year party of the Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). She stepped up to the podium gingerly, unfazed, and perhaps oblivious of the remark of her colleague, which was obviously meant to be a light-hearted initiation into what indeed had until now been an exclusive male domain in St. Maarten.
Following in the footsteps of Ms. Jean Christian, the first female Air Traffic Controller in St. Maarten, Saba, and St. Eustatius (and the second by a very narrow miss in the now defunct Netherlands Antilles), the feat achieved by Rismay can only be truly appreciated when one considers the responsibilities of a radar controller.
"You have more responsibility as a Radar Controller. As a Tower Controller, you have a beautiful view and you're more active. But with Radar Control, it's like a TV game. You actually see all that the aircraft is doing on the screen. You have a visual contact with the aircraft 100 miles out. It is my responsibility then to tell the pilot what to do."
As she speaks, one gets the impression not only of a professional who is dedicated to her work, but also of someone who is excited and enjoys what she is doing.
Rismay was one of four employees hired by the airport as a Flight Information Officer just after it reopened following the devastation caused by Hurricane Luis in 1995, which paralyzed the facility for months.
"I had actually wanted to go into business or become a lawyer," she confessed. "But this is completely different: I love my job!"
A go-getter, Rismay, a Milton Peters College alumnus, did her Air Traffic Service (ATS) training in Canada and Trinidad and Tobago. She served nine years as a Tower Controller.
"The job places a lot of demand on you. You have to have full concentration," she said.
Asked whether being the only woman among a group of men affected her performance in any way, Rismay responded: "Not at all. As an Air Traffic Controller, the guys didn't look at me as a woman. I had no special treatment and didn't want any either. They (her male counterparts) say they consider me one of the boys. I had to work the late shifts, the busy schedules, etc. just like anyone else. I've had to do my job and do it well so everyone feels safe."
With two children and a home to take care of, how did she combine motherhood, with being a wife and her professional life?
"It was easy for me," she said. "I had the support of my family – of my father and mother. I have the support of my husband all the way and throughout my studies. He never complained. He encouraged me and took care of the kids when I was away attending training courses."
With three professional certificates in the bag, Rismay says she's not about stopping now.
"I don't plan to stop. Eventually, I want to step up and become a supervisor. I now have the opportunity to be an instructor, so I train new people. There are two women currently in training to become Air Traffic Controllers.
"It's good to see a woman as our Managing Director," she said. "I see that as a positive for me because I want to excel. It is an inspiration for other women."
Her advice to young women is simple: "Stay in school. Work hard. Don't let anything bring you down. Don't let no one tell you because you're a woman you can't do it. I held my job as an Air Traffic Controller until two weeks before my daughter was born. So, don't let anyone tell you you can't do it."
As for her current position as the first and only female Radar Controller at SXM, Rismay, as usual, was simple and to the point: "It's a nice job. I encourage women to check it out."

PHILIPSBURG:--- Government is tasked with ensuring that certain basic standards are set and adhered to in a country. With the help of the International Labour Organization and other international organizations, the Ministry of Public Health Social Development & Labor is increasing the level of protection for the population by ensuring all legislation and policies meet the minimum international standards.
As workers we spend the majority of our days at the workplace. As a result most accidents potentially occur there, for this reason the workplace needs to be a safe workplace.
Government as the largest employer needs to lead by example and adhere to national legislation before we can expect the private sector employers to follow suit. It is for this reason and in keeping with the theme of putting people first that we as a ministry spearheaded by the Department of Labour have purchased these first aid kits to be distributed to the various departments throughout government.
This is a first step in ensuring that all workers are safe and we look forward to the remainder of the Sint Maarten population and private sector following suit.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Health and Labor Cornelius de Weever clarified on Wednesday at the Council of Ministers' weekly press briefing that the Dutch and French side authorities are working closely together to combat the infestation of mosquitoes in order to curb the chikungunya virus. Minister de Weever said that his Ministry is working very closely with the community in the clean-up campaign that is taking place in various districts. Minister de Weever said that people need to cooperate with the clean-up campaign because this virus will impact the economy and eventually everyone will be affected financially.

In responding to the questions, the Minister of Health said that there are medications on both sides of the island to deal with the symptoms which can be considered to be lifelong symptoms. The Minister further explained that there is no anti-viral medication available for the chikungunya virus but there are medications to help manage the pain and fever that comes with the virus. Minister de Weever said so far there have been 65 cases of chikungunya virus reported on the Dutch side. He said that persons that are infected with chikungunya they should remain at home in order to contain the virus. "When someone has chikungunya and a mosquito bites them then that mosquito becomse infected and when that mosquito bites another person the virus spreads. The best thing to do is as soon as you are diagnosed with the virus stay home."

Minister de Weever also called on persons that have information on areas that are infested with mosquitoes to contact the Ministry of Health and Labor so that the inspectors can go to the area and conduct an assessment.

When asked if the Government of St. Maarten has come to the point where they will fine people that are refusing or not adhering to the pleas of government to clean their surroundings, the Minister said at the moment they are working hand in hand with the community to clean up the various districts. "However, I am sure if the need arises to work with the Prosecutor's Office on matters such as this then that possibility will be available to them."

PHILIPSBURG:--- Several Members of Parliament disagreed with the position paper Prime Minister of St. Maarten Sarah Wescot Williams presented to them in the House of Parliament on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister in presenting her position paper on electoral reform said that political parties have to choose quality candidates to place on a list, she also said that Members of Parliament who chose to go independent need to give back the seat to the fraction in Parliament on which they were elected.

However, the leader of the National Alliance William Marlin disagreed with what the Prime Minister told Parliament. He said that when a Member of Parliament decides that he or she wants to go independent and they return the seat to the fraction on which they were elected then that person no longer has a seat in Parliament. "What the Prime Minister is proposing is contradictory and further she is asking us to change the constitution. The Prime Minister is telling us that persons with preferential votes should also return the seat to their fraction. Actually most of the MPs in here got elected by preferential votes. Only one or two people elected themselves in the house of parliament." Marlin further explained that the Prime Minister is trying to tell the voters who they should vote for. "Should the people vote for someone because they dress nicely or should they vote their conscience for someone that is washing cars on the roadside."

Members of Parliament Louis Laveist, Frans Richardson, Patrick Ilidge, Johan Janchi Leonard, Roy Marlin, and Theodore Heyliger also shared their views on the position paper presented to them on Wednesday afternoon.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon. Patricia Lourens-Philip on the occasion of World Radio Day to recognized on Thursday, February 13, would like to honour all the women who work in radio whether as an announcer, disc jockey, radio talk show host

The country's personalities in radio are: Valerie van Putten-Hodge (Radio PJD-2), Lady Grace Blijden (PJD-2), Joanne Lewis (PJD-2), 'Elektra' Mercedes Wyatt (Laser 101), and Phyllis Meit (Oasis).

The international theme for World Radio Day is 'Women in Radio.' Radio stations are encouraged to celebrate Women in Radio on this international day – February 13 – and celebrate the power and influence of the radio on the people.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) considers World Radio Day to be a special day to celebrate radio as a medium to improve international cooperation between broadcasters; and to encourage major networks and community radio alike to promote access to information, freedom of expression and gender equality over the airwaves.

Radio continues to evolve in the digital age, and remains the medium that reaches the widest audience worldwide. It is therefore essential to furthering UNESCO's commitment to promote gender equality and women's empowerment.

World Radio Day 2014 aims to promote gender equality and women's empowerment by: sensitizing radio station owners, executives, journalists and governments to develop gender-related policies and strategies.

Also eliminating stereotypes and promoting multidimensional portrayal in radio; building radio skills for youth and radio production, with a focus on girls as producers, hosts and reporters; and promoting the safety of women radio journalists.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A Central Committee meeting of the House of Parliament is scheduled for February 13th regarding the Sint Maarten Carnival Development Foundation and the General Audit Chamber.

The central committee meeting is set for Thursday at 2:00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The first agenda point is the nomination of a deputy member to the High Council of State the General Audit Chamber of Sint Maarten.

The second agenda point is a presentation by the Sint Maarten Carnival Development Foundation with respect to their findings based on a market analysis report.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com, and also via www.sxmparliament.org.

PHILIPSBURG:--- It appears as though the House of Parliament of St. Maarten is doing a special promotion for 2014 Valentine's Day. On Wednesday afternoon the
Technical Support Team of Parliament chose to stream "GEEK ONLINE DATING, Looking for Geek match, meet and date on GEEK 2 GEEK." The advertisements started the moment the live broadcast started and the President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell opened the meeting. Even during the moment of silence the only advertisement was the one from GEEK Online Dating. Other dating sites were also being streamed during the live meeting on Wednesday. "Why can't I find a date? Maybe I am looking in the wrong place." This was followed by the website of another dating site.

The online dating ads were also streaming throughout the presentation of Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams when she was outlining the position paper drafted by her Ministry to deal with electoral reform.

When Member of Parliament William Marlin made his presentation the advertisement was "Should Obama be Impeached? Vote Now!" All of the advertisements that were streaming were ads from Google Ads.

It is clear that someone working in the technical department is promoting "Google Ads" for a fee or the Parliament of St. Maarten is doing extra business on their website.

SIMPSON BAY:--- Less than two weeks after the grand opening of the causeway across Simpson Bay Lagoon, the bridge experienced technical difficulties on Wednesday afternoon. Information reaching SMN News states that the causeway could not close causing severe traffic jams.
Eyewitnesses in Simpson Bay said police were called to the scene to direct traffic while SLAC and its technicians worked on the technical problems. SMN News will bring you more information when it becomes available.

By Fabian Badejo for SXM Airport

When Prof. John Kasarda spoke, the whole hall listened. And when he had finished speaking, the awe and admiration of his audience translated into one main question: could the Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) develop into that grand picture of an aerotropolis, which the world renowned professor had just painted?
The answer would appear to have already been given by the managing director of SXM Airport, Regina LaBega in her own address at the Anniversary Symposium held in December, 2013 that kicked off the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Princess Juliana International Airport. The keynote speaker at the Symposium was Prof. Kasarda, the leading proponent of the aerotropolis concept in the world.
LaBega had set the stage, so to speak, by taking the audience on what she called a "short flight into the future." It is no flight of fantasy, she stressed as she painted a picture of SXM Airport in the year 2020, which is a mere six years away.
"Imagine," she began, "that all those jet-setters bound for Anguilla and St. Barths, who normally come in about this time of the year to escape the cold and bask in the warmth of the Caribbean sun, park their Citation, Lear and other private aircrafts at the present location of the Met Office, which by now has been moved closer to the ATS Tower with which it shares a natural synergy. A new ultra-modern FBO facility will be erected here.
"Imagine that as a result of close cooperation with our Justice Ministry and the relevant authorities in Anguilla and St. Barths, these passengers are processed quickly through Immigration, with a pre-clearance for those hub partners. They then come out of SXM Terminal Building, and jump on a yacht or boat that will take them in a short smooth sailing to those destinations where they no longer have to go through the hassle of another immigration check.
For visitors bound for the northern half of the island, she suggested that they would be "ferried to their hotels or private accommodation without having to endure any rush hour traffic on our roads," that is, if they choose not to drive on the new Causeway.
LaBega further threw out the idea of "all the car rental companies along the Airport Boulevard relocating to a brand new, full service Car Park Center, where passengers can pick up and drop off their rental cars and where the companies can operate virtually out of the airport with more efficiency and cost-effectiveness."
In addition, she proposed a "5-star hotel built at the airport, with a well-equipped Convention Center, and other modern facilities, where apart from events such as conferences, even weddings could be held."
"Welcome to SXM Airport City!" LaBega proclaimed. "Princess Juliana International Airport is no longer a city airport, but a genuine airport city. Not only do planes take off and land in quick succession here, but all around there is a constant buzz of economic activity. SXM Airport City is not just a transportation infrastructure but a reliable engine of sustainable economic development, catering to at least seven hub destinations."
"None of this would be possible without the involvement and the enlightened cooperation of the community of Simpson Bay. This involvement and cooperation have so far been readily and willingly offered," she added.
If hers was a reconnaissance flight, Prof. Kasarda, as chief pilot, took the audience on a long-haul flight, defining the concept of aerotropolis and airport city. After explaining that airports have become multimodal, multifunctional, economic engines driving commercial development well beyond their boundaries, and giving several examples of this, with particular reference to Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, Prof. Kasarda declared that "airports are where the local and the global converge."
"Airports are now destinations," in and of themselves, he added, and cited how some people now respond to the question; "where are you going?" with "To the airport to get married."
Airport hotels, he continued, are becoming what he termed "virtual corporate headquarters where people fly in for one day conferences and fly out."
Indeed, for Prof. Kasarda, airports serve as a "calling card" for a country.
"Airports serve markets, not only airlines. Airports also serve their whole islands, not only travelers," he said.
Speed, Prof. Kasarda stressed, has become an "economic weapon."
"It's the fast that are leading the slow, not necessarily the big, (in other words, the economies of scale), leading the small," he added.
Prof. Kasarda minced no words in identifying the one factor that he said was imperative for the success of developing an airport city or aerotropolis: a committee or task force with a visionary leader at the helm. However, he warned that "vision without action is a daydream, but action without vision is a nightmare."
He expressed confidence that the management of SXM Airport was on the right path and reiterated in response to questions from the audience that size was not necessarily an impediment, while speed in decision-making and action is a sure way to success.
Smaller airports have been adopting and adapting the aerotropolis model, Prof. Kasarda said. Even airports that have space limitations, he continued, are developing in the direction of a structure that looks more like an airport city or aerotropolis.
Airports in Asia, the Middle East and Europe have been rapidly transforming themselves into airport cities. Singapore (SIN) is a prime example in Asia, with Schiphol in Amsterdam (AMS), Charles de Gaulle (CDG) in Paris and Frankfurt (FRA) in Germany as the models in Europe. US Airports (and almost by extension, those in the Caribbean) are quite behind where this concept is concerned.
These airports, particularly Schiphol and Charles de Gaulle, are run on a private-public sector partnership and are usually devoid of political interference. They have organizations like the Schiphol Group, Fraport or Aeroports de France that basically do business like private sector companies do, not the way governments do business. However, coordination between all stakeholders is central to the successful development of an airport city, Prof. Kasarda stressed.
The driving force behind the aerotropolis model is the route structure; in other words, connectivity. Airports with more connectivity that is, the number of markets/destinations they serve multiplied by the frequency of service to those markets, will obviously attract more aviation-related business to the airports than those with less connectivity.
In this scenario, however, enhancing the passenger experience is fundamental as it would not only lead to increased revenues but also it could attract even more passengers. Kasarda suggested that hub airports should improve their status by reducing costs for airlines that service them and focusing on increasing non-aeronautical revenue sources. The time may come, he said, when rather than airlines paying landing fees, it would be the airports that would pay the airlines for bringing passengers to them.
Prof. Kasarda's lecture was held under the theme: 'Leveraging your airport for non-aeronautical revenue and economic development." The lecture series will soon continue with other guest speakers addressing various themes as SXM Airport celebrates its 70th anniversary.

POINTE BLANCHE:--- The Port of St. Maarten has another new vessel that will be calling every Tuesday for the 2014 cruise season, namely Norwegian Getaway which made its inaugural call on today, Tuesday. The Getaway was in port with approximately 3700 passengers and 1600 crew, and St. Maarten was the vessels first port of call.

To welcome the Norwegian Getaway, a delegation boarding the vessel on Tuesday morning was led by Hector Peters, Port of St. Maarten General & Governmental Affairs representative. Peters presented a plaque of the vessel – an engraved photo of the Getaway as it docked at Pier 2 early Tuesday morning - to Captain Rune Myre. Capt. Myre visited the Port of St. Maarten before as Capt. of the Norwegian Dawn. St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies Supervisory Board member Renald Williams observed the plaque exchange and was delighted that another new ship would be calling at the destination.

New vessels calling at the Port will add to the existing fleets of cruise vessels that visit the destination thereby increasing cruise passenger numbers for 2014.

Capt. Myre said he was happy to be back in St. Maarten and thanked Peters for the warm welcome that was extended to him, his passengers and crew, adding that St. Maarten is a great place to be and that all ships should come to the island.

Capt. Myre who will be leaving the Getaway on Saturday also introduced the new Captain who will be taking over, namely Capt. Tommy Stensrud, who has visited the destination before as Capt. of the Norway and Norwegian Sun.

Capt. Stensrud said that St. Maarten had changed a lot over the years especially since he 1993, and was very pleased with the developments in the city, referring to the boardwalk beach promenade and the renovations of Front Street.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is very proud of its latest addition to its fleet, weighing in at 146,655 gross tonnage. The vessel has a capacity for 4,900 cruise passengers and 1,600 crew and is sailing out of the Port of Miami to the Eastern Caribbean. The vessel was constructed at the German Meyer Werft shipyard.

NCL accepted delivery of its most innovative ship to date on January 10, 2014. Its maiden voyage was on January 16, 2016 out of Southampton, London. The Norwegian Getaway was christened by World Famous Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders on February 7, 2014.

Norwegian Getaway will sail seven-day cruises from Miami to the Eastern Caribbean beginning on February 1, 2014, with ports of call including St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and The Bahamas.

The ship has many new features which cruise passengers will very much welcome besides visiting the beautiful destination of St. Maarten/St. Martin.

Norwegian Getaway features a dazzling display of fireworks on every cruise. As guests dance the night away under the stars in the open-air Spice H20 venue at the aft of the ship, a mesmerizing color-filled fireworks show will light up the night sky, right above the ship. The fully-produced show is a visual masterpiece that is set to music, creating an incredible finale to the cruise.

Aqua Park is one of Norwegian's biggest features, a five multi-story water slide. Norwegian Getaway and her sister-ship, Norwegian Breakaway, are the first cruise ships to feature the Free Fall two side-by-side slides where guests will stand up and have the floor drop from underneath, propelling them into a thrilling loop. Offering another first with a twist are two additional side-by-side twister slides called The Whip – that deliver an unforgettable adrenaline rush as they plunge guests on a spiral race to the finish line.

The inaugural welcome committee comprised of staff from the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies, TELEM and members of the Cabinet of the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Readers are Leaders Club will be presenting a cultural evening to celebrate Black History Month in song, poetry and dance at the lobby of the Philipsburg Jubilee Library, Thursday, February 13, 2014 at 6pm.
Readers are Leaders is a reading program organized and supported by the Library and the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise. The goal is to promote literacy, specifically among high school students, and to encourage readers to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas through writing.
Club members are challenged to read at least two books per month and submit reports about the books they have read. Prizes will be awarded to the students who read and submit the most book reports during the annual Award Ceremony in March.
During the cultural evening, there will also be a Book Quiz on three books authored by St. Maartiners namely, "Brotherhood of the Spurs" by Lasana Sekou, "Brother Rich, Nana Sweetie edited by Rhoda Arrindell", and "Rainy Season" by Deborah Jack.
The Readers are Leaders board has been working hard to make the evening a success. Snacks and drinks will be available to the audience directly after the presentation.
Students interested in joining Readers are Leaders can contact the library at 542-2970 or join its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/readers.a.leaders.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Fun Miles can look back on another successful end-of-year campaign, which was all about the bingo game 'Fungo'. Tens of thousands of people were on the hunt for the winning bingo numbers. By popular demand, special swap days were organized that drew large crowds. The winners of the grand prizes and 'Lucky Shapes' have been announced today (see below). Thanks to its enormous popularity, it is quite possible that Fungo will return in the future. Meanwhile, Fun Miles has various other attractive campaigns lined up for 2014.

Remaining Lucky Shapes-prizes raffled off
Fungo provided several different ways to win. Firstly, there were the instant prizes, of which thousands were claimed. Then there were the larger prizes, which required gluing the bingo numbers onto special bingo cards. Players who managed to form, a specific shape, such as a diamond or a letter, were eligible to win a 'Lucky Shapes'-prize. Lastly, there were the regular grand prizes, which were raffled off among everyone who had submitted a Fungo card with at least 15 correctly applied numbers (no particular shapes required). On the campaign's closing date, several Luck Shapes prizes remained unclaimed. These too, have been raffled off among the participants who were playing for the grand prizes.

The winners!
Fun Miles congratulates the winners and thanks both them and the other participants for making Fungo such a huge success.

Ms. Vania Hodge has won the Grand Prize: a Hyundai I10 from Motorworld.
Mr. Michael Seebaran has won the first prize: 150.000 Fun Miles.

The other Lucky Shape winners: Ellen Knoppel, Elginasher York, Yakelyn Brand Pabon, Judy Fitzpatrick, Conrad Roberts and Rodger Lidstone won a Kooyman gift certificate of ANG 1,000. Elizabeth Wilson, Abel Dupuis, Dientje Muller and Valerie Pantophlet-Giterson won an Indulgence by Sea Lover's Spa Package. Atlen C. Pitman, Rita Pantophlet, Debra Farrell, Pertulan Mauvais, Esmeralda Maria, Ernie Rombley and Jazmin Maria won a gift certificate of ANG 250 from St. Maarten Veterinary Clinic.

PM: "This is indeed very important news for the development of the Dutch Quarter District specifically and St. Maarten in general."

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams will be heading into the community of Dutch Quarter to give residents information on the 11 EDF recently signed into effect by the PM during her working visit to Europe last November. During her working visit to the Netherlands and Belgium the Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams signed into effect the tenth European Development Fund (EDF) project for the wide scale infrastructural upgrading of the Dutch Quarter District in Brussels on Friday. The Prime Minister, as Territorial Authorizing Officer, has been engaged in wide scale negotiations with the European Union to fund the improvement of the Dutch Quarter District, which will greatly enhance the infrastructure and social upgrading of the area. The European Union will provide 4.750.000 Euro for the project. "After lengthy negotiations and discussions we have successfully managed to sign the funding agreement with the European Union for the upgrading of the Dutch Quarter District. With the signing of the European Development Fund agreement St. Maarten will be expected to manage its own 10th EDF execution with as mentioned the designated project being the upgrading of Dutch Quarter. The management structure that will be put in place is a critical component to ensure that the project is executed within the parameters and guidelines of European funding. In order to inform the community of the project I will therefore be heading into the Dutch Quarter community to give an explanation regarding the upgrading of this very important district," stated the PM.

The Prime Minister, as Minister for General Affairs and as Territorial Authorizing Officer (TAO) responsible for the proper execution of the EDF programs and projects on St. Maarten, was the chief negotiator for the funding which will see large scale multi-million Euro infrastructural upgrades to one of the more challenged districts in the country. "There is still much work to be done before the actual work on the project for Dutch Quarter can begin, but securing the funding before the end of 2013 is a major accomplishment, especially given the difficulties which have previously existed between (U)SONA and the European Union. This is indeed very important news for the development of the Dutch Quarter District Specifically and St. Maarten in general," stated the Prime Minister.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Permanent Committee of Justice and a Central Committee meeting will be held on February 13th regarding small claims court and the General Audit Chamber.

The Committee of Justice is set to meet on Thursday at 10:00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg. At 2:00pm a central committee meeting is scheduled.

The agenda point for the Committee of Justice is discussions with Lawyer R.A. Groeneveldt regarding a Small Claims Court for Sint Maarten.

The agenda for the Central Committee is the selection of a deputy member for the High Council of State General Audit Chamber of Sint Maarten.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com, and also via www.sxmparliament.org.

Endorse efforts to seek service from London

SIMPSON BAY:--- Considering that effective connectivity is a critical factor in increasing the hub function of the Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), members of the Air Service Development Committee (ASDC) have called on regional airlines, LIAT and WINAIR to work together to achieve this goal. They made the call at the inaugural meeting of the Committee set up to further develop air service to SXM.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the country partners, St. Maarten, St. Martin, Anguilla, St. Barths, Dominica, St. Eustatius, Nevis, as well as regional carriers LIAT and WINAIR, and St. Maarten Immigration officials.
The country partners said they recognize the importance of SXM Airport's contribution to the success of their respective economies and agreed to work with SXM to make it an effective hub.
The ASDC meeting further concurred that service to and from London would be a welcome addition and pledged to cooperate with SXM Airport to make this a reality.
While the airport is not responsible for the physical movement of passengers, it is part of its tasks to create an environment that would encourage airlines to provide the much needed connectivity.
In addition, the ASDC members agreed to the following joint activities:

• Obtaining primary and secondary data to support market development and access
• Increasing existing airlift and improving connectivity
• Joint marketing to maximize airline seating capacity to ensure profitability for airlines.

The ASDC is in the process of creating a complementary brand that would reflect the partnership among all participants and country partners. The next meeting is scheduled for mid-March.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prosecutor's Office finally decided to prosecute the four police officers who allegedly took monies from the United People's Party in exchange for their votes in 2010 when St. Maarten held it first election to become a country within the Kingdom.
SMN News broke the story on September 29th, 2010 when Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte confirmed that the police internal affairs were busy conducting an investigation when they got word that four officers allegedly took a police vehicle and went to the United People's Party headquarters in Pointe Blanche and collected monies in exchange for their votes.
Ever since the investigation started, the Prosecutor's Office kept saying they did not have sufficient human resources to further investigate the case and to finally prosecute even though KPSM had conducted an indepth investigation and submitted its findings to former Chief Prosecutor of St. Maarten Hans Mos.
The officers that were involved in the investigation were identified as as C.L.R.C. and A.M. from KPSM and R.J. Sr. from the VKS. These officers allegedly went to the UP head office to pick up four envelopes containing $300.00 each. A dispute broke out inside the police station when one of the persons found out that the envelope that was sent for her was opened and the monies inside was shared up among the other three persons that went to pick up the envelopes. The fourth person who created a scene was identified as G.W.
Since 2010 when SMN News reported that police officers were involved in selling their votes and an investigation was conducted by KPSM, it appeared as though the case went dead while Hans Mos was sitting on the main seat at the Prosecutor's Office.
On Tuesday February 11th, 2014, Press Prosecutor Tineke Kamps informed members of the media that the election fraud case "Masbangu" will be tried on Monday February 17th, 2014 at 1:30pm. The release further states that the four cops have been summoned to appear in court for the hearing while a representative of United People's Party identified as R.H. is also summoned to court. Below is the press release issued by Prosecutor Tineke Kamps.

Courthearing regarding Election fraud

The Prosecutors Services has decided to submit the investigation "Masbangu" to the judge. The Court hearing will take place on February 17, 2014, from 1:30pm in the Courthouse of Sint Maarten. The investigation concerns possible irregularities in the first elections of the country Sint Maarten on September 17, 2010. The Landsrecherche completed the investigation on February 14, 2013.
Four (former) officials from the (then) Korps Politie Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, and Saba are summoned. They are suspected of voting for the United People's Party (UP) in exchange for money, or trying to receive money for their vote. A representative of the UP, suspect R.H., will be in trial as well. He is accused of giving money to those police-officials in exchange for their votes.

Press Release from the Public Prosecutor's Office

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Honorable Minister Ted Richardson, responsible for Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications, met with the management team of Ving -Thomas Cook Northern Europe.
The management team of Ving - Thomas Cook Northern Europe is conducting final hotel site inspections as they will be launching their charter to St. Maarten on November 10, 2014 and operate through March 2015. The flights will start in Stockholm, Sweden and make an intermediate stop in Gothenburg (Sweden) before arriving in St. Maarten. An Airbus 330-200 with 324 seats will be utilized for the journey. The flights will operate every 2 weeks, as such, visitors will stay 2 weeks on the destination. Hotels in the Ving-Thomas Cook Northern Europe program on the Southern side of the island are Divi Little Bay, Holland House Beach Hotel, Princess Heights, Sonesta Great Bay, Sonesta Maho and the Westin.
The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau started working with Ving -Thomas Cook Nordic in 2011. As a result, there was a soft launch of the destination in 2012. Considering the increasing sales volume, Ving – Thomas Cook Northern Europe expressed interest in operating a charter service to St. Maarten. In April 2013, the product-, sales- and marketing manager conducted site inspections at various hotels to explore additional properties for their product line up. In October and November, various technical persons, such as photographers, videographers and writers from Ving – Thomas Cook Northern Europe traveled to the destination to get a better feel of the destination and hotels in order to better describe them in the brochures and video. St. Maarten as a charter destination was launched in December 2013.
Thomas Cook Northern Europe which is the parent company of tour operators: Ving, Spies, Tjäreborg, Globetrotter, and airline Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia and the hotel chain Sunwing Family Resorts. Thomas Cook Northern Europe is part of the Thomas Cook Group which is active in 19 countries with 23 million customers annually and employs 29,000 people.

HARBOUR VIEW:--- Governor Eugene B. Holiday paid a working visit to Washington D.C. from February 4th till February 8th. The Governor was invited to and attended the 62nd National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton on February 6th. The National Prayer Breakfast has a long tradition since 1953 and is attended every year by the President of the United States. The National Prayer Breakfast is hosted by members of the United States Congress and organized on their behalf by the Fellowship Foundation, a Christian organization more widely known as "The Family". It is designed to be a forum for US and International government, political, social, and business leaders to assemble and build relationships.
Governor Holiday kicked off his visit with a courtesy visit to the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Washington, Mr. Bekink. In addition to attending the National Prayer Breakfast, the Governor held meetings with officials of the US State Department, the Organization of American States (OAS), and the International Monetary Fund to discuss and be informed about issues that are important for the governance of Sint Maarten. Ambassador Bekink hosted an official lunch meeting in honor of Governor Holiday at the "Ambassador's Residence" with the Ambassadors from the Bahamas, Canada and Trinidad and Tobago to the OAS and the Ministers Plenipotentiary in Washington of Aruba and Curacao. The discussions of the Governor during his visit centered on topics such as US – Sint Maarten relations, opportunities for sustainable development, regional security, capacity building and access to available programs. Governor Holiday underscoring the importance of education in development and governance concluded his visit with a meeting at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University.

From the Cabinet of the Governor of St. Maarten

SIMPSON BAY:--- With effect from Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, transit passengers on flights to destinations in the USA will be allowed to carry duty free Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs) over 3.4 ounces as carry-on items.
This allowance in effect is based on TSA Security Directive #1544-14-01. These LAGs, however, must be transported in the sealed ICAO approved bags, also referred to as STEBs (Security Tamper Evident Bags).
SXM Airport Security at the Departure and Transit screening areas will permit these items beyond the security checkpoint after the required inspections.
This amendment ONLY applies to transit passengers who have purchased duty free items at the airport upon their departure, Jerry Sprott, Manager of the Security Department at SXM Airport further clarified.
Transit passengers with LAGs above 3.4 ounces, which do not meet the criteria mentioned above, will have to hand these items over for confiscation at the screening checkpoints.

Concerned at the sharp rise in the number of Complaints of Nuisance Monkeys in the Community

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Nature Foundation has been conducting baseline surveys in order to determine the abundance and level of threat posed by the invasive monkey population on the island. The Nature Foundation has increasingly been receiving complaints and reports of monkeys causing problems for residents in various districts. The Nature Foundation has been researching extensively on what can be done to control the population and will be providing a report as such to Government.
Many residents have been contacting the Nature Foundation regarding large groups of vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus), acting aggressively towards residents and pets, overturning garbage bins in numerous districts, destroying gardens and garden furniture and defecating on people's property. The Monkeys have been known to act aggressively if they feel threatened and can also have a negative effect on our local flora and fauna. Monkeys are not picky eaters and will eat anything from bird eggs to ornamental and fruit plants and trees. During the research into the monkey population various breeding individuals and numerous young monkeys were observed. This is worrying since this may lead to a sharp increase in the number of the Monkeys

The Nature Foundation urges residents to not approach these animals and to contact the Nature Foundation so that the animals can be recorded. In the coming weeks there will be various exchanges with experts in various locations who are used to dealing with monkeys and other exotic invasive animals in order to come with recommendations to the authorities as to what should be the best way to approach this problem.

If a monkey, raccoon or any other unusual animal is observed contact the Nature Foundation at 5444267 or via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake says he was pleased to take note that the contract has been signed for the Down Street Cruise Heritage Development.

The cruise heritage development will be constructed near the Walter Plantz Tender Jetty and would be completed in August 2014.

"This will be a very positive development for the Down Street community. I would like to commend the Harbour Group of Companies with respect to this project.

"I am looking forward to the involvement of the young people of Philipsburg and Down Street with respect to the construction phase of this US$2 million project. They must be a part of the project and I will be looking for a guarantee that this will take place,"Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Monday.

The new cruise development entails the construction of approximately six to eight booths that will provide various types of products and services to cruise passengers who disembark the tenders at the Walter Plantz Tender Jetty along with much more. The center of the development will have a water fountain. There will be toilet facilities and the development will be accessible to seniors and the disabled.

The country's newly formed Down Street Business/Community Association met with Minister Lake and St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies early December where the plans were presented to the community organization.

The organization area of focus within their community is from L'Escargot to the old Paper Garden.

"The new cruise development for Down Street will enhance the area and bring life to Down Street. We need to get back to basics and start showcasing the cultural heritage of our country, the food, drinks, arts and crafts and folkloric dance for residents and visitors to enjoy. This is also one of the reasons why tourists come to our island to learn about the heritage,"Minister Hon. Maurice Lake concluded.

~ ASL 2014 promises to continue inspiring St. Maarten youth ~

SIMPSON BAY:--- Local Award winning dancer Nicole C. De Weever, founder of Art Saves Lives foundation was pleased to welcome Bree Branker, Dancer of Memphis and Big Fish the Broadway musical to St. Maarten as part of the pre-registration and screening event held at Maho Convention Center over the weekend. Students were screened for placement in the upcoming workshops for ASL Summer Intensive 2014 which will be held from June 23-June 28. Young dancers from Anguilla also participated and together with their St. Maarten counterparts were given the opportunity to experience how auditions are conducted in the dance segment of the program. Persons interested in attending ASL 2014 Summer Program are encouraged to contact Ms. De Weever at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information on the next registration event.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Statistics (STAT) and its 25 interviewers during the first week of the household listing survey have visited over 1000 addresses after starting on February 1.

STAT is of the opinion that a good start has been made. Based on interviewer feedback, most persons have been willing to cooperate thus far, and are pleasantly surprised by how quickly the interview can be completed, due to the shortness of the questionnaire.

The main challenges during the first week has been, a few households refusing to participate and interviewers not being able to gain access to some homes.

In some areas with large properties, the interviewers are having trouble getting the attention of persons living on the property, due to high walls, big gates and the building being a far distance from the gate.

STAT continues to emphasize to the general public, the information being asked will be held in strict confidence and will be used to update the number of households and population within households on Dutch Sint Maarten.

Also important is that this exercise will assist both STAT and the Civil Registry Department to explain the large gap that currently exists between its population figures. An accurate population size of Sint Maarten is crucial for policy making in the coming years.

The entire Sint Maarten community, including gated communities/condominium complexes are encouraged to extend their full cooperation with STAT interviewers, in order for this basic information to be gathered from all residents on the island. The success of this survey and its outcome can only be guaranteed through the participation of all rather than some.

STAT falls under the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication.

L.B. SCOTT ROAD:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams attended the annual Art in the Park Artistic Fair at the Emilio Wilson Estate on Sunday. The PM supported various local handcrafters and artists and encouraged them to continue with their vocation. The Prime Minister also enjoyed local food and drink that were on sale at the event. In this picture Prime Minister Wescot-Williams and Ruby Bute pose in front of the Grande Dame of St. Maarten Arts' creations.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- Foster Families Central contributes to child protection on St. Maarten by providing protection, assistance, and equal development to all children by matching them with a foster family that suits their needs.
For many years, the Foundation Judiciary Institute Windward Island has been working with and for the youth, to provide them with the opportunity to grow up in a better environment. The Foster Families Central was established in august 2008 to support these efforts and assist with achieving this goal.
For all the foster children that are on the island of St. Maarten, an attempt will be made to match the foster child with the appropriate foster parent. These families will provide a (temporary) supportive and safe environment for foster children, who unfortunately are not able to live with their biological parents. The foster family provides a home where the child can be given stability; receive affection and consistency, in a nurturing environment for their optimal development. Foster parents are monitored by the Foster Families Central and guided by the Family Guardian from the inception up to when the child is free to go back to their respective home.
For the foster parents to be able to provide all the above mentioned, the Foster Families Central had its first Selectie Training Aspirant Pleegouders (STAP) for all the potential Foster families. With this training the Foster Families Central is doing their utmost best to give the foster parents the tools they need to be able to care for a foster child.
The training took place in the month of October and November 2013, twice a week in the evening.
Topics that were discussed during the training were:

• Foster care system
• Self-image and self-worth
• Abuse
• Neglect
• Communication
• Beliefs and attitudes
• And more

After the training the participants have undergone a psychological assessment (January and February 2014).
The foster parents will also start participating in the foster care support group where all their day to day experiences can be shared and jointly discuss different solutions.
For more information on how you can become a foster parent and participate in the STAP training, please contact the F.J.I.W.I. or Foster Families Central, Drs. R. Hanze, at telephone number (721) 542-3468 or by emailing us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . You can also visit our websites at www.sjib.net, www.sjib.net/fosterparenting and www.caribbeanfostercare.com.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A Central Committee meeting of the House of Parliament is scheduled for February 12th regarding electoral reform.

The public central committee meeting is set for Wednesday at 3:30pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is a discussion with the Minister of General Affairs Hon. Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams on the paper, "Reforms in the Electoral System of Sint Maarten, an initiative of the People."

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com, and also via www.sxmparliament.org.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Last week Friday the Collective Preventive Services (CPS) of the Ministry Public Health, Social Development and Labour organized a meeting with cadets from the Justice Academy who were recognized and thanked by the Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labour Hon. Cornelius de Weever, for their cooperation and assistance with a field survey which is being carried out to determine a baseline on risk areas for mosquito breeding.

"I know the cadets were faced with and saw first-hand the infrastructural challenges and lack of proper addresses. When they graduate they must understand the reality in the field and the role they will be playing in making Sint Maarten a better place," Minister Hon. Cornelius de Weever said on Monday.

The cadets assisted in surveying several districts that included St. Peters, South Reward, Ebenezer, Betty's Estate, Saunders and Mary's Fancy, A.Th. Illidge Road, Belair, Fort Willem, Pond Island, Sucker Garden, Madame Estate, Bush Road, Long Wall Road, Walter Nisbeth Road, Cannegieter Street, Backstreet and Front Street.

Minister De Weever would also like to thank Head of the Department of Inspections Martha Thewet for arranging the transportation logistics as well as bus drivers Connor, Van Putten and Bell for transporting the cadets to the different areas.

A thank you also goes out to Heavenly Water for providing water; Carl & Sons who provided snacks and lunches, and the media for creating awareness surrounding the survey.

The results of the survey will allow for additional attention to be paid to those risk areas by vector control staff. The Government has been working with public health officials from the French side as well to eliminate mosquito breeding areas due to the presence of dengue and chikungunya on the island.

MARIGOT/GREAT BAY:--- Participants in the 23rd annual Black History Celebration (BHC) quiz will get a chance to win a new car, said Shujah Reiph, president of Conscious Lyrics Foundation (CLF).
The quiz is made up of eight historical and contemporary figures or personalities. The three top quiz winners will qualify for a chance to win a new Hyundai Tucson, said Reiph, organizer of the island-wide BHC month of activities, including the quiz.
A copy of the quiz is available at SOS radio in Marigot; Philipsburg Jubilee Library; and at the Facebook page of Conscious Lyrics Foundation.
To win, each quiz personality photo must be identified by first and last name; and a short biography of no less than 30 words has to be written about the person, said Reiph.
The completed quiz, along with the name and contact information of the person who took the quiz, should be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The completed quiz and contact information can also be delivered in a sealed envelope, addressed to Conscious Lyrics Foundation, to the Philipsburg Jubilee Library, C. Voges Street 12 or SOS Radio, 197 rue de Hollande, Marigot – by Friday, February 28, 2014. The first, second, and third prize winners will be announced on Saturday, March 1, live on SOS Radio 95.9 FM, said Reiph.
SOS 95.9 FM and House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP) are the quiz sponsors for BHC 2014, said Reiph.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The management of KPSM suspended a Community Police Officer (CPO) last week for allegedly touching his 16 year old minor daughter inappropriately. SMN News learned that the man's wife filed a complaint against him for sexual abuse with her 16 year old daughter. After the complaint was filed and actions were taken, a source close to KPSM said that the officer's wife wanted to withdraw the complaint she filed against her husband.
According to reports reaching SMN News, the management of KPSM took away the CPO's firearm and suspended him pending the investigation. The CPO is known as a Juan Staphie aka Juny, the CPO for the Dutch Quarter community.
Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte confirmed that a report was filed against the CPO and an investigation is ongoing. De Witte said pending the investigation the officer has been suspended. The top cop said it is not possible for him to release more information as the investigation is in its early stages.

Criminal Investigation Against Police Officer.

The Police Internal Affairs and Juvenile Department in collaboration with the Public Prosecutor's Office is presently conducting a criminal investigation against a police officer/CPO with the initials J.S. for allegedly committing an immoral offense. At present the officer in question has been suspended and denied access to all buildings occupied by the Police Department. The area which is the area assigned to the CPO under investigation, will be taken care of by the other CPOs. This investigation is quite sensitive and no further comments or reports will be given at this time regarding this case until the investigation has concluded.

KPSM Press Release

 

PM: "It is because of the hard work and dedication from our youth that St. Maarten was able to gain the recognition that they deserved."

BELAIR:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams and representatives of the National Organizing Committee held a special thank you and appreciation evening at the Belair Community Center honoring the young participants, teachers and choreographers who produced the awe-inspiring youth showcase presented to the Royal Couple during their visit to St. Maarten in November. The Prime Minister, who hosted the event, thanked each and every student and their teachers, including Clara Reyes and Arlene Halley from the National Institute of Arts, the students and staff of the Charlotte Brookson Academy and Nicole De Weever from Art Save Lives, for participating in the event and making it one of the most memorable youth showcases in the history of the country: "We wanted to show our appreciation for the program that was shown and presented to the Royal Couple when they where here on St. Maarten last November. It is because of the hard work and dedication from our youth that St. Maarten and her people where able to gain the recognition that they deserved from the Royal Couple. Your performance was overwhelming and made each and every St. Maartener proud and it is therefore that we decided that it is a must that that we show our gratitude and express our thanks to all of you for giving St. Maarten a boost thanks to your presentation," stated the Prime Minister to a full house of young, cheering students at the Belair Community Center.

During the thank you event a video was shown from the Youth Showcase to much applause and appreciation from the crowd of students who relived the evening when they were able to showcase their talent to King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. The Prime Minister acknowledged their hard work and dedication in making St. Maarten proud: "I know it must have been long and hard training for all of you but at the end of the day your presentation came off so beautifully that you must have forgotten all of that. St. Maarten is proud of you and I personally want to encourage you to continue giving everything that you have to your talent. I also want to especially thank the teachers for molding our young people in being all the best that they can be. To the students I would like to encourage you not to give up. Hard work pays off and I would like to thank, on behalf of Government, each and every one of you and express how proud we are of you for having made such a special and historic evening," commented the Prime Minister.

The PM personally thanked every student and presented him or her with a framed photo and DVD of the Youth Showcase.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

ST. PETERS:--- The OSPP is proud to announce that the long awaited raffle took place on Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 4:00pm at the Rupert I. Maynard Community Center. This raffle took place under the supervision of a member of the Department of Economic Affairs. The following tickets holders have won their prizes as follows; #13711, third prize a Z10 Blackberry phone, #00142, second prize a 42" flat screen TV and #00746 first prize a Hyundai i10. We are asking all the winners to please contact Lenny Priest at 586-6018 or the OSPP at 526-7880.
Many persons have participated in this raffle in order to assist in financing the One St. Maarten People Party to contest their first election during this year 2014. Everybody knows that running a campaign is very costly and the input of the general public is always required. We have set up bank accounts at Windward Islands Bank Ltd for any person to make donations to our dollar account #81001306 and guilders account #81001404. Remember the OSPP is a party for the people, by the people and with the people. In making that donation think about the future of this young nation and the livelihood of so many that are looking for ways to improve the quality of their lives.
We want to thank all of those who donated in the past directly to our bank accounts and those who participated in one way or the other in our previous fundraising activities. We are also thanking those in advance who will continue to support the One St. Maarten People Party. Together we will make St. Maarten S.H.I.N.E.

OSPP Press Release

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Josianne Fleming Artsen attended the Amsterdam Theatre on February 9 on invitation of the "Julius Lives" Foundation, to see the KAIN PILUK II Play, directed and produced by John Leerdam, former Dutch Member of Parliament for the Labor Party and Founder and Director of the Julius Lives Foundation.

The story reflects the history of the Netherlands and Indonesia which had a special relationship and common trade interest. They moved from a friendly to an enemy state, from distrustful to alienation to dialog. The relationship got more complex.

KAIN PIKUL II – in blindfolded stories reviews the collective, but loaded history between the Netherlands and the Mollucan society, the forgotten Papua's who still live in the Netherlands. These blindfolded stories are about promises, belief, and relationships but also about the sorrow and the hate.

Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Josianne Fleming Artsen: Congratulations John Leerdam for presenting such a courageous play of consciousness! Congratulations to the cast and the Board for such an outstanding performance.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Leader of the Democratic Party and Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams emphasized that the focus of the Democratic Party of St. Maarten in taking part in the 2014 elections will be on quality rather than on quantity and will place service to the country on the fore-front. During a recent press conference, when asked, the Prime Minister reiterated this point: "Let me put it as clearly and as concise as possible: the Democratic Party will not be breaking its neck just to full a list, something which other parties are doing with some individuals, whom I am afraid will place their own interest above that of the people. Maybe yes, we will have a full slate, but that will not be our focus. The focus of the Democratic Party, going into the elections will be on persons who want to contribute to this process; the process of being elected by the people for all of the right reasons. Stability, knowledge and a realistic hopefulness will be key themes going forward," stated Wescot-Williams.

The leader of the Democratic Party also reiterated that the Party is refocused and resolute about moving away from the usual political rhetoric of campaign promises that cannot be fulfilled: "Where we stand today as a political party and a country is extremely important and indeed 2014 is a pivotal year for both. 2014 will mark 60 years of the existence of the Democratic Party of St. Maarten, twenty of which I have been at its helm. 2014 will also see the election for the second Parliament of the country of St. Maarten. The DP is poised to be the first one to move out of the "starting gates" with a clear vision, not only with regard to the election but also with regard to how we should govern the country that we love so much. I want the Democratic Party to remain the party that is in tune with the people; one, which people will ask to be affiliated with. And for this to become a reality, a lot of serious work needs to be done," continued Sarah Wescot-Williams.

"We had our challenges in the 2010 elections, but as far as I am concerned, it is time to move on and truly mean something for all of the people of St. Maarten.

"We have also heard the passionate presentations from the Party's young people to address the issues which they find important. I believe that we have to pick up the proposals of the young people and re-establish the Party's Political Youth Forum, to educate young people about politics and the political system, and also to encourage young people to vote in order to combat the global phenomenon of voters' apathy," concluded the DP Leader .

Prime Minister Wescot-Williams also stated that for the Democratic Party, partnerships should be about the people, not the persons.

The DP will be holding various seminars on political topics including electoral reform, governance, as well as sustainable development and other topics geared towards especially the young guard of the party:

"Saying that you have young people on your list but not educating and informing them of the way forward in the interest of St. Maarten and its people will only result in seeing some of the same irresponsible actions that we have seen within and outside of political parties."

Primary attraction is Cultural and Heritage Awareness

POINTE BLANCHE:--- St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo on Friday signed a contractual agreement with Windward Roads Infrastructure Director Jan Hendricks for the construction of Down Street Cruise Heritage Development. Also present for the signing was Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, and Transportation & Telecommunications Hon. Ted Richardson.

The approximately US$2 million project entails the construction of a square with six cabanas to be used for a bar/restaurant, the selling of arts and crafts and other tourist related goods; toilet/bathroom facilities; lockers; the square will be disabled accessible; parking for five taxi's; parking for approximately 50 vehicles on the beachside; and one of the main features will be a water fountain. The new square will also have 24-hour security.

The square is strategically located next to the Walter Plantz Tender Jetty which connects to the boardwalk/beach promenade, Down Street and Front Street. The project is expected to be completed in August 2014 well in time for the 2014/2015 cruise season.

The square will be fully equipped for local musicians, artists and bands with a 'plug and play entertainment' feature. Entertainment is an important part of heritage square which will also feature a stage, speakers and a generator.

The plans for the Down Street Cruise Heritage Development go back to 2008 when the Walter Plantz Tender Jetty materialized. Studies carried out pointed to this being the best concept for the Down Street area.

CEO Mark Mingo says that the support services to be offered by the Down Street Cruise Heritage Development are necessary in order to drive business from cruise tourists and locals to this part of the Great Bay beach and Down Street area.

"This new development will enhance the tourist product in Philipsburg. This will be a success for Down Street. It was a commitment made by the harbour and we are now living up to that by making this a reality. I would like to thank Minister Hon. Ted Richardson as shareholder representative and the harbour Supervisory Board of Directors for the role that they have played in this very important project.

"The harbour group of companies is not only about building bridges. The group's efforts are all around for everybody to see. The positive impact of the various projects on our product has led to the continual growth in our cruise tourism. The environment is very important to the harbour group as we operate under the premise of sustainable development.

"The harbour group which are all 100 per cent fully owned by Government and by extension the people of this country, has replenished the nation's beaches when that was required and continues to do so today.

"The focus of the Down Street project is about our culture and heritage. Each cabana will be named after one of our beaches. Cultural and heritage organizations will have the opportunity to showcase to our guests and locals what we are all about and I look forward to these groups making use of the opportunities that will be presented by having heritage square at the cross roads of Down Street.

"The tender jetty was named after Walter Plantz a former fisherman. The harbour group is connecting back to the heritage of the country and being part of that awareness building," CEO Mark Mingo said on Sunday.

Minister Hon. Ted Richardson thanked Windward Roads and the Harbour Group for partnering adding that the project once completed will have a positive economic impact for the island.

Minister Richardson added that that it will have a local flavor offering local vendors and small business operators an opportunity to start in this area of town; taxi drivers will also be accommodated and it will be a new area of business activity.

The Minister concluded by saying once heritage square is completed; it will be a bridge bringing locals and tourists to Down Street where everybody will be able to learn what Sint Maarten is all about.

The next step after the contract is the signing of lease agreements with the individuals or companies that will be renting the Cabanas.

The Harbour Group of Companies is also interested in acquiring additional property in the area for parking etc.

The architecture renderings and drawings are being handled by DAM and Partners Caribbean.

AIRPORT:--- Some 270 students spread across the seven public schools on St. Maarten will benefit from the Princess Juliana International Airport's (SXM) HealthFast Breakfast in a Box pilot program, which was launched at the Prince Willem Alexander School last Friday morning. "A Serving of Smarts" is the theme of the program.
The project, conceived as part of the ongoing celebration of the airport's 70th anniversary, is expected to cost over a quarter of a million dollars (exactly US$271,338.80) in its first year or US$1,214.35 per day including delivery.
Three cabinet ministers attended and spoke at the event. Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, Hon. Patricia Lourens-Philip, Minister of Health, Labor and Social Welfare, Dr. Cornelius de Weever, and Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications, Hon. Ted Richardson, who also has responsibility for the airport.
Also in attendance were president of Parliament, drs. Gracita Arrindell and MP Romain Laville, who addressed the gathering, reading from the motion he had tabled on the floor of Parliament a long time ago concerning a breakfast program for schools.
While the ministers expressed satisfaction that the pilot program was getting off the ground, they also praised the management and board of SXM for their initiative, which shows that they take their corporate social responsibility seriously, and called on others to jump on the bandwagon so that the program could become permanent and expand to include all the schools on St. Maarten.
Drawing a parallel with a similar program in the USA that started as a pilot project and which is federally-funded, and has since 1975 become a permanent entitlement program, Managing Director of SXM Airport, Regina LaBega said: "We at the Princess Juliana International Airport also strongly believe that ALL St. Maarten children should begin school every day with a nutritious breakfast. In other words, no St. Maarten child should start school on an empty stomach."
"This is why, as part of the celebration of our 70th anniversary, we decided to launch a program entitled 'HEALTHFAST: Breakfast in a Box' for public schools as a pilot program, which we hope will eventually become permanent, with the collaboration and participation of other government-owned companies and private sector entities," she added.
Eating a nutritious breakfast at school, LaBega continued, "improves health and learning especially for children from low-income homes."
"However," she said, "regardless of income, we all know that families nowadays have such busy lives that it has become often difficult for them to sit down at home in the morning for a nutritious breakfast. How many parents have the time to wake up, prepare a proper breakfast and sit down with their children to enjoy it before taking them to school? In fact, how many parents eat a nutritious breakfast at home every day? Yet, we all agree that breakfast is the most important meal of the day!"
At the end of the speeches, the SXM Managing Director distributed branded gift items to the managers of the seven public schools who were all present and proceeded to cut the ceremonial cake. A short reception followed, with several attendees congratulating the management and staff of SXM Airport for a well-organized and enjoyable event.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake announces that a zoning plan public hearing for the Simpson Bay area will be held on February 25.

The public consultation will take place Tuesday, February 25 at 7:00pm at the Allen Halley Sports & Recreation Center, Simpson Bay.

The public hearing will be followed by the placement of the draft development plan for a period of 30 days for public review. Everyone can send their objections and concerns regarding the draft development plan in writing to the Minister of VROMI. An independent committee of experts will advise on the objections and concerns. The public review for Simpson Bay and public hearings and public reviews for the others areas will be announced accordingly.

Minister Lake regards the planned public hearing and public review for the development plan for the Simpson Bay area a milestone.

"It took a lot of effort and discussions to come to draft development plans that meet the shared desires of residents, tourists and investors who want to work, do business, live and play.

"The input of the community is considered paramount in this process in order for the right choices to be made. In my back to basics approach, the people have to have a say by giving their views with respect to the spatial development of the country," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.

The aforementioned plans will guide the future spatial development of the country where it relates to government and private land.

The town hall meetings is part of the process of drafting of development plans/ "zoning plans" for country Sint Maarten which was initially started back in the first quarter of 2012 under former Minister of VROMI Theo Heyliger.

GREAT BAY:--- St. Maarten is the venue for the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA) Caribbean Chapter for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Professionals from February 12-14 at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort.

The URISA Caribbean Chapter in collaboration with the Government of Sint Maarten and the International Cartographic Association is hosting its first regional workshop on Modern Cartography.

Registration is still open and additional information can be found at the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org; go to "Special Campaigns" in the red block and you will see the program and contact details for registration.

URISA is a multidisciplinary association where professionals from all parts of the spatial data community come together to share concerns and ideas.

Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Hon. Maurice Lake is very pleased that Sint Maarten was selected as the venue for the workshop.

Minister Lake is encouraging all local interests in the aforementioned discipline to sign-up for the workshop.

URISA is a leading provider of learning and knowledge for the GIS community. URISA connects ideas and great people to inspire leadership and achievement.

URISA has presented several successful conferences focused on the effective application of GIS and other information technologies within the Caribbean.

Previous conferences have taken place in Jamaica (2001), Barbados (2004), the Bahamas (2006), the Cayman Islands (2008), Trinidad & Tobago (2010) and Montego Bay, Jamaica (2012).

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister Hon. Maurice Lake of Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) last week met with St. Maarten Seniors and Pensioners Association (SSPA) where he updated them about the public housing effort to provide affordable housing for seniors, as well as his efforts to have utility company GEBE provide lower electricity and water rates for the country's senior citizens.

Minister Lake informed SSPA board members that he had invited them because he read about some of their wishes and he wanted to let them know that he has been working on similar initiatives.

"I always listen, respect and do whatever I can for our seniors. We can talk but then we walk the talk and get it done. When I first took office, I got my Ministry to upgrade the John Larmonie Center for the seniors, which is not my portfolio.

"Then I signed the building permit to build senior citizen homes. During the Christmas season I got the contractor to give back to the Red Cross senior's residences in Belvedere by giving gift vouchers of Naf.270 to shop at Sunny Foods. This was followed by getting GEBE to put lights for the seniors under the Gazebo by the Red Cross homes in Belvedere. There should never be any politics in health care, education and issues that concern our senior citizens.

"I have advised the GEBE supervisory board and management to consider cutting electricity and water utilities for our seniors and to take away payment of the late fee because they didn't get a chance to pay their bills on time," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.

SSPA points of interests are housing, energy costs, health care, and agriculture (locally produced food).

Minister Lake explained about the 24 senior citizen homes that will be available this year, and about steps that have been taken to buy land in order to build additional homes in the near future for the country's elderly.

With respect to utility rates, the new supervisory board of utility company GEBE has already taken the decision to study the possibility of offering the country's seniors a reduced rate once they meet certain criteria. The SSPA was asked to assist in identifying the seniors for this upcoming project.

Minister Lake provided information with respect to GEBE's efforts of exploring alternative energy sources as a means of reducing utility rates for the entire population.

SSPA during the meeting spoke about the quality of healthcare on the island as being worrisome, and said a new hospital should not only be built from a structural perspective, but that the quality of health care should also be improved at the same time.

SSPA also shared their view about backyard farming and that there should be a Government Agri-station where unemployed young people could work and the community would reap fresh produce.

Minister Lake said he was in agreement of backyard farming and creating opportunities for nation's populace and pointed out that he had already identified land for agriculture development which has already been utilized by several local agriculturalists.

Minister Lake assured the senior representative body that he would continue to work in their benefit, and that he would assist in the SSPA being able to meet with the Council of Ministers so they can formally update the Council with respect to their concerns in 2014.

"Everything goes back to basics. Basic health care, a basic level of income, a basic level of education that allows people to be employable, and contribute to the national development process, are all essential to moving our country forward and upward. I am committed to seeing that the country meets the individual needs of our society whereby everybody is given the tools to develop themselves and move upward.

"Our seniors are the building blocks of our society. They are the ones, who have developed the foundation of what we enjoy today, and therefore their interests must be looked at, and they must be provided for in their old age.

"The expansion of the St. Maarten Medical Center is on the move. I will continue to work in the interests of our seniors to make sure that they get what they deserve, and several initiatives catering to their interests are currently underway," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.

The First Vice President of SSPA Raymond Jessurun gave a synopsis of his presentation to Minister Lake and members of his Cabinet that he had given to seniors at their New Year's Congress which recently took place.

The presentation highlighted many statements made by politicians recently and in the past, and the plight of the country's seniors as they lobby for increases in their pension; recognition from government and equality in the Kingdom. The overall conclusion was that many politicians talked but don't do the walk where there is no action, and SSPA would like to see a change where this is concerned.

ABC (Acquiring Basic Competency) Literacy Program

PHILIPSBURG:--- Community Outreach Mentoring and Empowerment International (C.O.M.E.) Center, in collaboration with Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise, has recently begun the second year of its Acquiring Basic Competency Literacy Program on February 4, 2014. Presently, there are twenty (20) persons participating in the program and we are expecting more. This year's cohort of students is motivated and enthusiastic about the prospect of finally being able to read; becoming functionally literate. They have realized that in order to improve their lives they must improve their literacy skills. For some, enrolling in the program meant overcoming the embarrassment of admitting that they cannot read and write.
ABC Literacy program is aimed at persons in the community who would like to improve their literacy skills; reading, writing, comprehension and communication.
The program is designed for individuals 18 years and older, and consists of individual and small group sessions. A group of dedicated tutors will provide a one-on-one approach, using a wide range of recognized teaching materials, as well as other materials geared to the student's particular needs and interest.
C.O.M.E. Center and Rotary Club Sunrise have joined forces to combat illiteracy in St. Martin. Our aim is to have every member of our community educated.
C.O.M.E. Center would like to thank the Rotary Club Sunrise for their contribution of materials, sponsorship of some students and volunteer tutors.
Classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday, from 7:00 - 9:00 pm, at the Center situated in the Maynard Building, opposite FW Vlaun & Son on the Longwall Road, Philipsburg. For more information on Community Outreach Mentoring and Empowerment International (C.O.M.E.) Center, please call 542-2575, 526-4236, 520-0432, 523-0901 or 556-8306 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:--- A plenary public meeting of the House of Parliament is scheduled for February 11th regarding the Government Organization and the National Security Service.

The public plenary session is set for Tuesday at 2:00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The first agenda point is incoming documents, followed by changes to the National Ordinance Organization National Government, followed by the third agenda point, draft Ordinance to change the National Ordinance Security Service in connection with the composition of the Supervisory Committee.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com, and also via www.sxmparliament.org.

PHILIPSBURG:--- SXM Toastmasters Executive officers have successfully completed the second round of club officers training. The training took place at the Training and Development Center (TDC) on Wednesday February 5th, 2014.
The objective of the training was to assist officers to better monitor and track their progress towards the Distinguished Club Program (DCP), to enhance their strategic planning capabilities and to share best practices. The four hours of training was very interactive and informative. Officers shared their successes and challenges and discussed tactical ways of overcoming the few hurdles faced. There was also quite son incidental learning that derived from the group activities. A power point presentation titled: 'How to be distinguished', was presented by the Area Governor for Area 24, Malcolm Jacques as a prelude to the training. Each participant gave an update on their personal goals and a timeframe in which the goals will be accomplished. A clear correlation between individual goals and that of the club was highlighted through a group activity.
The Distinguished Club Program and Club Success Plan helps clubs promote quality, ensure productive meetings, provide structure and guidance and increase the enthusiasm of the club. The Distinguished Club Program includes 10 goals that each club strives to achieve each year.
Every year, high-performing clubs are well recognized for their performance. There are three categories: Distinguished Club (5 of 10 goals), Select Distinguished Club (7of 10 goals) or President's Distinguished Club (9 of 10 goals).
The purpose of a Toastmasters club is to provide an environment in which members learn communication and leadership skills.
The clubs are demonstrating great potential in accomplishing their goals. Further emboldened through this training, the area Governor will like to encourage all to continue in their quest for excellence.
"In closing, I will like to thank all attendees who made the sacrifice to be present at the training I will also like to express my gratitude to the management of the Training and Development Center for the venue" stated Area Governor for Area 24, Malcolm Jacques.

PHILIPSBURG:--- This Sunday, February 9, LA's own Minerva "Peachie" Smith will be performing live at Axum Art Café on Front Street at 7pm.
Peachie's performance will be a blend of R&B, Jazz and Neo-Soul themed "Smooth Love". She will be joined by local artists Shakiya Charles-Arrindell, Shawn Jacquet and Malaika Maxwell and poets Lysanne Charles-Arrindell and Rene Violenus.
Smith is a singer, actor, teacher and mother. She is a daughter of the Dutch Caribbean who began her love affair with music at the tender age of 6 when she shared her vocal gift with the appreciative ears of people beyond her family on Saba. She continued honing her skills performing in several productions as a teenager on Curacao and St. Maarten and later as a young adult in the Virgin Islands and again on St. Maarten.
More than a decade ago Peachie moved to Los Angeles where she never skipped a beat; performing every chance she got for the last 15 years. She added her distinctive vocals to several productions in LA and Chicago and was soon nominated for the prestigious NAACP theatre awards.
She has always felt it important to maintain the integrity of singing.
"Whatever song you choose to sing, sing it with the emotions due to it," Peachie says.
She and Mosera, curator of Axum Art Café, encourage all lovers of smooth love songs to come out and enjoy this one of a kind evening. The entrance fee is just $5 and drinks will be available for purchase at the bar.

ANSE MARCEL:--- The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) and L'Association des Hoteliers de St. Martin (AHSM) met with General Manager Mr. Jean-Marc Jalbert and Director of Convention Services & Catering, Ms. Fabienne Cartier to finalize details for the 2014 SMART Trade Show. The 13th St. Martin/St. Maarten Annual Regional Trade Show (SMART) will be held on May 14-16, 2014 at the Radisson Blu Resort, Marina & Spa St. Martin.
"The entire Radisson Blu Team is delighted at the opportunity to host, once again this year, the prestigious SMART conference. We are looking forward to welcoming back our friends and industry partners attending this very strategic event in May and as in previous years, there will be lots of rich experiences, great networking and fun!" said Mr. Jean-Marc Jalbert
Each year, AHSM & SHTA in conjunction with l'Office du Tourisme de St. Martin and the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, organize a one and a half day tradeshow which is a favorite with the Operators, Travel Agents, Travel Writers, and Event Planners from the US, Canada, Europe, and Latin America. Attendees to last year's event concurred that it was the best SMART so far and organizers are set on surpassing everyone's expectations with the upcoming event. The tradeshow provides a unique opportunity for local and regional hoteliers and activities providers to present their tourism product, network and negotiate prospective business opportunities.
According to Mr. Philipe Thevenet of the AHSM: "SMART has become an essential and major event in promoting the North East Caribbean Islands. It is also an opportunity for buyers from around the world to discover or rediscover the charms of our island as they will be enjoying its landscape, its people, and its culture during the four days they are here to attend the event. SMART is a reflection of what can be accomplished through the exemplary collaboration between tourism stakeholders from both sides of the island, united for a better future."
SMART 2014 starts on Wednesday May 14, 2014 with a Welcome Reception hosted at The Radisson Blu Resort, Marina & Spa, giving delegates the opportunity to meet and mingle with their peers before a full day of business. In addition to the networking, trading and pre-organized appointments, throughout the trade show, participants may also set up additional appointments.
Registration forms and details will be available on the SHTA website www.shta.com or by contacting the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 542-0108, Monday to Friday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake, is calling on residents of Cape Bay to assist their Community Council with a clean-up campaign that will take place on Sunday, February 9th from 6:30am.

The clean-up is an effort not only to beautify the neighbourhood by taking away old debris and other garbage, but also to improve public health within the district. The country is currently challenged by dengue fever and chikungunya, and all hands are needed on deck to eliminate these mosquito breeding sites.

The Sint Maarten community, organizations, social and civic, service clubs and community councils, individual household and property owners, are invited to participate in this cooperative effort to clean and beautify your neighbourhood. Your cooperation is needed in this campaign to protect our communities from dengue fever and chikungunya viruses that are spread by mosquitoes.

A country-wide clean-up is also underway and for the schedule in your area, go to the Government website. Go to www.sintmaartengov.org and select the link in the main bar titled "What's New," and you will come across 'Country-wide Clean Up Schedule;' select the aforementioned which will bring you to the page with the schedule that can also be downloaded.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Detectives at KPSM seem to be making headway in the drug bust investigation they started last week Thursday January 30th, 2014.
On Friday, detectives arrested a second customs officer identified as Alexander Luciano. Customs Officer Alexander Lucianio has been working at PJIAE for the past 26 years, sources close to the second suspect said he also has a severe medical condition.

Prosecutor Tineke Kamps said she will not confirm neither deny if a second customs officer was arrested in the case that is being investigated by KPSM. "We have agreed not to say anything for now so I will stick to the agreement we made," Prosecutor Kamps told SMN News when she was contacted on Friday.
However, Kamps said that the first senior customs officer Nestor Sanchez is now in pre-trial detention as the judge of instruction extended his pre-trial detention on Friday. On January 30th, 2014 police and customs officers searched an Insel Air flight that landed at the Princess Juliana International Airport and they found 270 kilos of cocaine. Shortly after police arrested customs officer Nestor Sanchez somewhere in Cole Bay. SMN News will bring you more information on the arrest of the second customs officer when it becomes available.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell would like to congratulate Tyrone Phelipa for his feat in climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,341 foot mountain) in Tanzania, Africa recently.

The report of this feat appeared in a daily newspaper on Thursday.

Phelipa it has been reported was representing Be The Change Foundation as well as Art Saves Lives Foundation, both Sint Maarten organizations that promote the well-being of the youth of the country.

"I read the story with great interests, and this is truly an encouragement for all young people, there's no mountain high enough if you want to excel and represent your country.

"I extend congratulations to Tyrone Phelipa, his family, the Be The Change Foundation and Art Saves Lives Foundation, on behalf of the Parliament of Sint Maarten.

"These organizations are doing a great job for our community and I encourage them to continue because the work that they do is very important for the development of the youth community," President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell said on Thursday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- To increase the quality of work carried out by STAT interviewers during the Household Listing Survey, the department held two evenings of training at the Claude Wathey Legislative Hall, on January 30th & 31st 2014. On the first evening, STAT provided a training manual to interviewers and gave instructions on how to administer the questionnaire on the tablet, what administration is necessary and carried out role plays.

On the following evening, Friday, January 31st, a communications workshop was given by Renaldo Baker, Communications Skills Consultant, to the participants. The focus was on ensuring the right approach and effective communication between interviewers and the public.

Data collection for the Household Listing Survey began last Saturday February 1st and will continue through the beginning of April 2014.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary Josianne Fleming-Artsen Visits ACE Foundation Tzu Chi Foundation, Methodist Schools, and St. Maarten Academy.

As a stalwart leader in education, Minister Josianne Fleming-Artsen was welcomed to several educational institutions during her visit to St. Maarten.

Included among these visits were Methodist Agogic Center, St. Maarten Academy, ACE Foundation, and the Tzu Chi Foundation.

"It's like coming home to visit family," shares Deputy Minister Fleming-Artsen. "Education has been my long-standing passion, and it's necessary that we continue to support and remain a part of the process to develop an effective system for everyone involved. It takes a strong village to raise up our future leaders."

Deputy Minister Fleming-Artsen took note of various areas of attention, as well as the advancements made. Among this was the work done by Claire Elshot, Principal of ACE Foundation, in partnership with the Tzu Chi Foundation to establish a school for students of diverse backgrounds from Kindergarten through Grade 6.

The Tzu Chi Foundation is an international humanitarian organization, founded by Master Chen Yen along with a group of 30 housewives to help others. The St. Maarten-based Chapter was established by one of their Commissioners, Ms. Karen ..., who also owns Cake House Bakery. It is the largest non-governmental organization in the Chinese speaking world, with a special consultative status at the United Nations Social Economic Council.

"The work done by our educators requires passion and personal commitment, which emanates from these individuals. In spite of our many other personal and professional demands, we must remain vigilant on our unending journey to properly prepare our students from St. Maarten to function well in the global market place" says Minister Fleming-Artsen.

SOUTH REWARD:--- The St. Dominic High School's P.T.A. in collaboration with the students, teachers and parents are organizing their annual BINGO on Saturday, February 15, 2014. The Bingo will be held in the auditorium and gym of the St. Dominic High School.

The price of the tickets are US $ 10.00 or ANG. 18.00 each. The Bingo will start at 8.00 p.m. sharp!!! The public is encouraged to purchase their bingo tickets in advance, from one of the PTA members, students and teachers or at the school office. The proceeds from this Bingo will go towards our long term goal to go green and become a more environmentally friendly and conscious school.

The lucky bingo players will have many chances to win fantastic prizes which include airline tickets, free weekend stays in luxury resorts, jewelry, household items, electronic equipment, gift certificates for dinners at well-known St. Maarten restaurants and lots more.

Snacks and drinks will also be on sale during the event. The PTA Foundation, parents, staff and students of St. Dominic High are looking forward to another successful bingo with the generous support of the general public.

POINTE BLANCHE:--- St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo announced on Thursday that the Port of St. Maarten will be the host of the Annual General Meeting of the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (P.M.A.C.) from June 25-27.

This is another major conference that the port will be hosting profiling the country to various delegates who will be attending. The P.M.A.C. is considered a very important organization with respect to port authority operations.

The country will also be the venue for the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) 21st Annual Conference & Trade Show in October that will bring more than 1000 cruise executives and conference attendees to the shores of the island.

CEO Mark Mingo stated on Thursday that his team along with other port officials is working diligently to make the annual general meeting of the P.M.A.C. a success for the destination.

Mingo added that 2014 is a special year for country St. Maarten since it also represents 50-years of the Port of St. Maarten.

The June meeting is expected to focus on strategic planning; administrative and reporting activities including presentation and discussion of the annual Financial Statement and Budget, Associate Members Report, Executive Report, Training Report and individual member Country Reports; technical sessions; and an awards dinner.

P.M.A.C. was founded in 1998 with the aim to improve the proficiency of member ports and the quality of services offered to their users. The aforementioned objective is to be accomplished by training.

The vision of the regional grouping of port authorities and other stakeholders is to be respected as the main voice of member ports; to advise on port management and port operations matters in the Caribbean; to facilitate further collaboration of as many of the regional ports in the development of training, including job exchange programs and sharing of human resources.

Also to be a leader in the promotion of professionalism in port administration within the region; to be a vehicle of integration for the development of a uniform and sustainable philosophy regarding the attainment of common objectives, within the framework of service excellence; to facilitate appropriate training which best meets the needs of member ports; and to establish mutually beneficial association/alliances.

Current membership of the P.M.A.C. are the port authorities of: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Saint Martin, Montserrat, Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname and St. Maarten. There are also a number of associate members.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams received an update on the progress of the Integrated Neighborhood Development Plan and the Community Helpdesk at the Prime Minister's Cabinet on Monday.

The Integrated Neighborhood Development Plan includes information and governments approach regarding issues related to the social makeup of the various districts and communities on St. Maarten. Previous studies as part of the INDP included information on the general population description in the various districts; the population makeup in terms of birthplace in the various districts; the gender and age bracket of citizens living in the districts based on extensive interviews which were carried out to gain information which formed the basis of the Report; the religious makeup of those living in the various districts; education level; the differences between the neighborhoods based on income level; unemployment level in the different districts; access to medical insurance; housing; the availability of services; and parenting.

The Prime Minister has previously discussed the various approaches her Government will take regarding how to address some of the social issues the INDP hopes to address. Previous discussions were also held on how foundations that are established to address social ills such as Community Centers should become financially self-sustainable and the possible funding opportunities that may become available in the near future.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

Supports showcasing talents of youth positively

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams joined Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Social Affairs and numerous young St. Maarteners over the weekend at the St. Martin Promoting Young Ambassadors Foundation Young Ambassadors Unity Walk. The walk, which was held in order to aid the St. Maarten Idol Interscholastic Idol Competition, featured segments ranging from the Causeway to the Belair Roundabout. The Prime Minister, who is no stranger to walk-a-tons as part of her U2 Can Move Fitness and Health Campaign, stressed not only the importance of the fitness side of the event but also for the goal of supporting the talent competition: "Of course I took the opportunity to purchase the tickets not only because I believe in the importance of exercising and staying healthy, but also because I believe that it is important that we support an initiative that will showcase the talents of our youths in a positive way. It is with that in mind that I would like to say thank you and congratulations to the St. Martin Promoting Young Ambassadors Foundation in organizing this event to support the St. Maarten Idol Interscholastic Idol Competition," concluded the PM.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

MARIGOT:--- A well known French Quarter youth identified as Z.W. was arrested at his home on Monday after he attacked a man in Grand Case with a firearm around 1am Sunday morning. According to information provided to SMN News, the crime involved a stolen motorcycle.
Captain of the Gendarmerie Sylvian Joualt confirmed that Z.W. was arrested on Monday and taken before the Judge on Tuesday. Joualt said the suspect refused to answer the questions posed to him by the judge. Joualt further explained that this is a known behavior of the suspect but the Gendarmes had enough evidence for the suspect to be tried immediately. Joualt said Z.W. was tried in a case of « comparu immédiat » and the judge sentenced Z.W. to five years imprisonment. Z.W. was transferred to Basse Terre on Thursday where he will spend the next five years of his life.

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao:--- The three suspects that were arrested based on a request from the DEA of New York to extradite three Curacaoleneans that they believed were involved in two huge shipments of drugs were released on Thursday, confirmed spokesman for the Attorney General of Curacao Norman Serphos.
In an interview with SMN News, Serphos said that the three suspects were arrested on October 3rd, 2013 after the DEA of New York requested that they be extradited to answer to charges related to the trafficking of drugs. The suspects are Ronchie Riatwijk (48), Gilbertico Felcia (35), and Rogelio Gregory Koeiman (45). The latter was the bodyguard of St. Maarten's Member of Parliament Romain Laville.
According to the decision rendered on Thursday, the panel consisting of three judges decided to release the suspects because the DEA infiltrated, investigated, observed, and used methods to find the suspects without informing Curacao's Prosecutor's Office or Attorney General. The second point the judges made in their decision is that after the arrests, the suspects were visited by agents of the DEA who offered them a plea bargain and that too Curacao's Prosecutor's Office had no knowledge about. The third reason for the immediate release of the suspects is that what was discussed with the suspects was not presented in a process verbal (PV) as required by Dutch law.
The judges ruled that since the three suspects are citizens of Curacao they should have been afforded more protection therefore they ordered the immediate release of the suspects wanted in the United States for shipping drugs to the USA, one of the shipments the DEA stated left from St. Maarten.

Free Zumba Sessions on for Friday

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams kicked off her U2 Can Move health and fitness campaign on Wednesday when she led some thirty Civil Servants and Citizens on a fitness walk around the Great Salt Pond. The event, dubbed the 3K 6K challenge, was also accompanied by the Minister of Health, Labor and Social Welfare the Honorable Cornelius De Weever and will be held every Tuesday. The PM reiterated the Importance of a healthy lifestyle to those present; "As we now enter into the second month of 2014, it is a fact that most persons usually make New Years resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle. The health of the St. Maarten Community, and that of the civil servants in particular, is a matter of great concern to me. During the course of 2012 and 2013 I have organized several events related to physical fitness and exercise and I would like to continue with these events in 2014 as well. I urge each citizen to be physically active during the New Year and beyond; especially considering that many of us lead a sedentary lifestyle so therefore movement is key along with a proper diet. What matters is that every attempt to exercise or to live a healthy life style by making the correct nutrition, care and movement choices, counts or rather adds up," continued Prime Minister Wescot-Williams.

The PM emphasized that every individual's competitor should be him or herself. "You need to be able to evaluate yourself based on what you were able to do before starting an exercise program and what you are now able to do. You never compare yourself with others. Max Ehrmann in his poem the Desiderata says that if you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, or always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

I urge the whole community, and not only Civil Servants, to join in on the walks on Tuesday and the Zumba sessions on Friday so that together we can reach our goals of living a healthier, happier lifestyle," concluded the PM.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

EBENEZER:--- The St. Maarten Tzu Chi Foundation is inviting the public to join its volunteers to show love and care to the island's seniors at the St. Martin's Home each month.

Every month a group of volunteers visit the St. Martin's Home to pamper the elderly by giving them gentle massages, exercise with them, polish their nails and spend quality time talking to them and occasionally even performing for them or having karaoke sessions.

The visit is made on the last Sunday of each month and is part of Tzu Chi's goal to pay homage to those who have already given of themselves to the community in their younger years. On special occasions such as on Mother's Day and Father's Day; Tzu Chi gives gifts to the seniors in the Home. Volunteers also visit the Home on New Year's Day each year and deliver gifts and host an entertaining programme for the seniors.

This is a tradition that Tzu Chi has been engaging in for the past ten years.

Eight volunteers spent quality time with seniors during the last visit on Sunday, January 26. Volunteers took time to teach seniors the "Three NOs" sign language song. The song sends the message that there is no one in the world that one cannot love, trust and forgive.

The seniors were happy with the visit and enjoyed the time volunteers invested in them.

Persons who are interested in joining the monthly activity can contact Tzu Chi Commissioner Sandra Cheung at tel: (+1 721) 586-3019.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Mathias Voges received a courtesy visit from the Ambassador of the Republic of El Salvador Hon. Vladimiro PVillalta. The Ambassador stated that it was the intention of his country to develop closer ties of friendship and cooperation with St. Maarten.

The Ambassador is also making preparations into the possibility for his Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Jaime Miranda to visit Sint Maarten.

On the 14th of February there will be a meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) that will be held in Trinidad & Tobago, where the Ambassador hopes to have a bilateral meeting with the representatives of Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten who are observers at the ACS.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon. Patricia Lourens-Philip on Tuesday attended the opening celebration of Catholic Schools Week which runs from February 3 to 7 under the theme "We are called to take care of God's creation."

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- On Friday morning, Head of the Statistics Department (STAT), Makini Hickinson, paid a courtesy call to the Minister responsible for Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic & Telecommunications (TEZVT) Ted Richardson to discuss the Household Listing Project.

Both the Minister and Hickinson discussed the upcoming survey, its importance, and the benefits to the community.

Minister Richardson indicated the benefits to the community and urged the public to partake.

"This survey is important for the data that will become available. This information can then be used by the ministry and policy workers to draft policy in the benefit to the community. As such," the minister said, "I urge the community to part take."

Also present at the meeting were two invited International Observers, Mr. Martijn Balkestein, Head of CBS Aruba and Mr. Andrew Simpson, Research Statistician at the Bermuda Dept. of Statistics. Their role is to observe and report objectively on the preparations and overall conduct of the Household Listing Project. STAT is very pleased that they have agreed to support St. Maarten in this capacity.

Head of the Stat Department said that with the presence of these two observers, the STAT Dept. hopes to show its transparency and coherence with international standards on survey- taking.

The observers will be on-island at the start of the project, mid-way through the data-collection and during the final week. The length of stay will be approximately for one week at a time.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Tuesday February 4th, 2014 at approximately 12:50pm, several police patrols were directed to the garbage dump on Pond Island where a man had been seriously injured during an accident. On the scene the victim (45) with the initials M.R. was found lying on the ground and was complaining of severe pain to his lower right leg and right hip. He stated that while passing at the rear of a garbage truck that at the time was busy dumping garbage he unexpectedly ended up under the large metal bin which landed on top of him pinning him to the ground. He was removed from under the bin by others in the area. The paramedics arrived on the scene and gave the victim first aid. He was then transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center where he was admitted for further treatment.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Tuesday, February 4th, 2014 at approximately 11:45am, a police patrol was directed to the Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard in the vicinity of the Sol Gasoline Station where it was reported that an accident had taken place between a motorcycle and a car. The report also stated that the situation between parties involved in the accident was getting out of hand and might break out into fight and that a firearm might be involved. On the scene the patrol spoke to a witness to the accident who stated that the motorcyclist fell to ground during the collision at which time a pistol fell from him. He picked up the pistol and handed it to another man who took the firearm to a nearby business and hid it. This suspect (22) with initials T.M. was approached by the investigating officers and questioned in connection with the firearm. The suspect immediately confessed to the officers that he had hidden the weapon on the request of the motorcyclist (46) with initials G.H. He immediately showed the officers where the weapon was hidden. The unlicensed pistol, a 9 millimeter Baretta, which was fully loaded, was confiscated for further investigation. Both suspects were arrested on the scene and taken to the Police Headquarter in Philipsburg where they remain in custody for further investigation.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Social Economic Council (SER) submitted their latest unsolicited advice entitled "Flexicurity for Sint Maarten" to the Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams last Friday. In the advice the SER offers an integrated approach to dismissal procedures, the use of short-term labor contracts and the introduction of unemployment insurance for Sint Maarten workers.

The term 'Flexicurity' was coined in Europe in the 1990s and signifies a balanced approach to the reform of labor relations with on the one hand breaking the deadlock on needlessly complicated dismissal procedures that are felt by many to make employers reluctant to hire new personnel and on the other hand offering the worker more security in the event of unemployment in addition to more opportunities to quickly find a new job.

The present Flexicurity advice is a follow-up to the 2012 SER advice on short-term labor contracts, which at that time was requested by Parliament. The SER felt the use and possible abuse of short-term contracts can not be seen in isolation from existing dismissal laws and from the social security system for workers, especially in light of St. Maarten's seasonal tourism-driven economy. For that reason, an advice with a broader scope was initiated, resulting in the present 'Flexicurity' proposal.

The SER is convinced this advice will contribute to further debate and policy making on dismissal rules and social security. The council is confident the government will be able to use this advice to its advantage, and is looking forward to the government's response to its proposals.

After publication in the National Gazette the advice of the SER will be available for downloading at www.sersxm.org together with all SER advices published so far.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

Urges Teammates and SXMNBA League to Continue on in His Memory

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams Expressed her sincerest condolences to the family, friends and teammates of Jean "Jimmy" Touze who passed away tragically at the opening of the SXMNBA Tournament on Sunday. Touze passed away while warming up with his team the Cay Hill Blazers before they were set to play the second exhibition match of the day.

"I was very saddened to learn of the passing away of Jean yesterday at an event where I was present in order to attend the opening of the newly established SXMNBA League," commented the Prime Minister. "Firstly to the Friends and Family of Jean I would like to extend my most heartfelt condolences and I would like to ensure that you know that you are in my thoughts. I would also like to wish Jimmy's Teammates much strength and courage during what must be a very difficult time for them. However I would like to encourage you all, in memory of your loved one, friend and teammate to continue playing the sport that you love and continue with the SXMNBA," urged Prime Minister Wescot-Williams

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Finance Martin Hassink called on former Minister of Finance Roland Tuitt to issue an apology to the civil servant he attacked in the media late last week about breaking government policies. Minister Hassink said he is not a politician but he strongly felt that if the former Minister has concerns he could have gone to court or to the Ombudsman but going to the media (public) is too farfetched. He said the action was cowardice and even childish.

The Minister of Finance further explained that the former Minister left a policy behind which both government and civil servants have to follow. He said there was no law made and he wanted to make that clear. When asked if the policy that is in place is adhered to, Minister Hassink said based on what he knows the policy is fully respected. He said everyone he spoke to told him that the policy is applied at the Receiver's Office. SMN News asked the Minister of Finance if he believes that government is about continuity and if he found a draft law that had to be taken to parliament when he entered office. The Minister of Finance said he does believe in continuity in government and he did find a draft law and that draft law had to be worked upon. He further stated that he will be taking that draft law to Parliament by March. He admitted that it is a bit late but when he took office he needed some more information to see why the law was set up the way it was set up. He further explained that there were also some problems with the 2013 budget and this took priority and took up his resources.

No Extension on Road Tax Payment --- Controls will start March 2014.

Minister Hassink announced at the Council of Ministers' weekly press briefing that he will not be extending the period to pay for number plates. He said that he is seeking far too many "yellow" plates on the road and controls will begin soon. Minister Hassink said there are no lines at the Receiver's Office and he has no reason to issue an extension. He said the persons who did not pay their 2013 road tax should not laugh as yet because measures are being taken. He said that when the controls are done they will be working in collaboration with the French side to catch drivers that are using old French number plates. These controls will begin in March 2014 which gives the people enough time to comply.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams in her presentation at the Council of Ministers' weekly press briefing on Wednesday dealt with the unsolicited advice of the SER "FLEXICURITY" that also had in it the issue of short term labor contracts. Wescot Williams said this is an election year and while she agrees with the premise of the advice given by the SER with regards to labor contracts and labor arrangements, all parties need to be involved and make their position clear.

She said St. Maarten is in an election year and just like all previous years the issue of short term contracts will be raised again and it is important that government and political factions make their position on this issue clear. She said they recognized the need to peruse the labor contracts from a broad perspective and to take into consideration the flexiblization of the labor market. Therefore, they are convinced that the amendment to the civil code to address short term contracts has to be looked at in a more comprehensive way. She said the advice of the SER gives the basis for just that. Shortly government will be giving its reaction to the advice of the SER which she said is the right approach.

As for the draft law on the civil code that will address the abuse of short term contracts, Minister of Labor Cornelius de Weever said that the draft law submitted by the National Alliance faction of Parliament to curb the abuse of short term labour contracts is in its final process. The Minister further stated that the draft law was amended and revised by the labor Ministry and it is now by the Ministry of Justice for finalization. He said he believes that they had to deal with all the issues with short term contracts simultaneously in order to block loop holes such as the abuse of employers who use job placement agencies to hire workers.

PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Maarten will fiercely contest the Bosman Law announced Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson on Wednesday at the Council of Ministers' weekly press briefing. The Bosman Law deals with the admittance and expulsion of people of Afro-Caribbean descent. Minister Richardson said St. Maarten will invoke article (11-6) of the Kingdom Charter. He said that article states that when any law that would impact the countries in the Kingdom is being passed those countries can contest the law and that would bring the law into discussion in the Kingdom Council. He said when that is done then the matter (law) would have to be discussed in the Kingdom Council of Ministers and the Council of State would have to render an advice. Richardson further explained that the Bosman Law can be considered a national law and since that is the case then it has to be discussed in the Kingdom Council of Ministers.

Minister Richardson did not mingle with words when he said that the law is discriminatory and it is aiming at people of color living in the countries Curacao, St. Maarten, and Aruba. He said he is currently working on a position paper where they will attack every article in the law. "St. Maarten rejects this law and we will fight it to the very end."

The Minister of Justice of St. Maarten also stated that St. Maarten will seek cooperation from Curacao and Aruba in contesting this law because it also affects them. Richardson said that the Government of St. Maarten is somewhat surprised by Bosman's actions because this comes in the same year when the late Nelson Mandela was lauded for his efforts and fight against discrimination and now the Netherlands is trying to impose a law that has outright discriminatory implications against people of color. "This is a shame to the country and the Kingdom. This law does not meet the test as I far as I am concerned because it has no basis." Minister Richardson said that while Bosman is saying the law is not discriminatory, he knows for a fact that the people that will be affected by this law are of Afro-Caribbean descent.

Another point the Minister of Justice tackled is the argument Bosman used which is, "that people from the Caribbean do not contribute to the social system". The Minister of Justice said this is another false argument and people need to know the history of the Netherlands and how they attained their wealth.

St. Maarten Requested Technical Assistance for the Prosecutor's Office Twice --- Denied Once by the Netherlands.

The Minister of Justice further explained that St. Maarten submitted a second request to the Netherlands requesting technical assistance for the Prosecutor's Office and other justice departments. Minister Richardson said the first request which was submitted by the former Minister of Justice Roland Duncan was denied but when he took office last year he submitted a second request in late 2013. When asked why St. Maarten took this long to request support because of the number of cases that are stacked up and are not being prosecuted, Minister Richardson said he is only responsible for the time that he is in office but made clear that a request was submitted before by the former Minister of Justice and it was denied. He said that prosecuting cases is not just about having sufficient prosecutors but it's also about doing proper investigation.
The Minister of Justice said that the Prosecutor's Office on St. Maarten has five prosecutors and to him that is enough but if it turns out that it is not sufficient then St. Maarten will do what is necessary to get more prosecutors. The Minister of Justice further stated that the request they submitted is specifically for the Prosecutor's Office and if granted it will assist greatly. He also requested assistance for the Landsrecherche and he is hoping that the Minister of Security and Justice of the Netherlands will respond to St. Maarten's request in a positive way since his colleagues are on his back.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon. Patricia Lourens-Philip visited the Youth Baseball Camp over the weekend that was organized by Rene Leveret and Friends.

Rene Leveret is a local turned professional player for the Canadian League.

The group of players is professionals from Sint Maarten and other countries catered to 200 youthful enthusiast.

Minister Hon. Patricia Lourens-Philip was very proud to see the professional athletes especially Leveret who attended the St. Maarten Academy School where the minister at one time was Principal.

Ministry ECYS assisted with the purchasing of lunch packs for the youths in attendance over the two-day camp.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Tuesday February 4th, 2014, representatives of the Dutch Marines who are permanently stationed on Sint Maarten met with representatives of the Sint Maarten Police Force. The Dutch Marines was represented by Major Patrick Wokke and assisted by Sergeant-Major Martin Mulder. The Sint Maarten Police Force was represented by Acting Chief of Police Commissioner Carl John assisted my Inspectors Benjamin Gout, Rudolph Bloeiman, Michael Petronilia, and Ricardo Henson. The meeting was to exchange information on how to structure a good working relation between both organizations. During the meeting an extensive presentation given by major Wokke outlining the rotation of well trained marines to the island, the equipment that they have at their disposal and the possibilities of both organizations conducting certain training-programs together. Commissioner Carl John then gave a presentation of the structure of the organization, the direction the organization is heading and the complete willingness to form a good working relationship. The entire meeting was quite successful and informative and a follow-up meeting is scheduled for the near future.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister Hon. Maurice Lake of Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), is planning to introduce a pilot competition for districts as an incentive for residents and Community Councils to do their utmost in keeping their community clean and in order.

The stakeholders to be involved in the pilot competition would be neighborhoods, Non-Governmental Organizations, Community Councils, neighborhood businesses and residents.

Companies can become sponsors of neighborhoods which fall in line with corporate social responsibility. Prizes would be given at the end of the completion which would entail repairs to a community center or sports field or providing supplies for the latter.

The goal of this initiative is challenging communities to get involved in the cleaning up of their neighborhood. The objectives are to stimulate; raise the level of environmental awareness; enhance social responsibility, through active participation; stimulate contact with Ministry VROMI; engaging residents; improving the quality of life; promoting citizen ownership; building cross-generational and cross-social bonds between communities; and developing partnerships.

"As part of the nation building process, you have to have pride in the neighborhood where you live, work and play. As a people we need to do more to keep our districts clean and tidy. As they say, first impressions count.

"Our districts should be seen as an extension of our home and backyard. Tidy up and have pride in where you live. We can do this together, district by district. A clean and tidy neighborhood is a healthy neighborhood," Minster Hon. Maurice Lake said on Tuesday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), over the weekend was busy carrying out a number of road safety enhance measures such as the application of road markings; repair of potholes and repairs to bridges.

Minister of VROMI Hon. Maurice Lake says the maintenance works underway is part of his back to basics approach of making sure the country's infrastructure is up to par. "We shouldn't wait for things to break; we need to be pro-active because by being pro-active we save the tax payer money," Minister Lake said on Monday.

"Invest in our future leaders now," says Lenny Priest.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In all good intention we have sent a letter on January 7, 2014 to NV GEBE Shareholder Representative, Mr. Maurice Lake proposing that the company invest in the installation of solar panels in our schools. This investment will cause a reduction of energy cost by some 60% to 65% according to information receiving us. Considering that most of the school boards pay a monthly energy bill of approximately 26,000.00 guilders, this savings of roughly 16,000.00 guilders should be invested in upgrading of the information technology at the various schools and to reduce the annual school fees that is already burdening so many of our family that are earning the minimum wages. This investment would be a major boost for the schools and our students and not mentioning those families that are having it very difficult to make ends meet financially on a monthly basis.
Just recently the nation was informed by Member of Parliament, Mr. Theo Heyliger during the inauguration of the Causeway Bridge that NV GEBE is sitting on a cash reserve in excess of 60 million dollars. The investment in these solar panels would not hamper the company cash flow position in any way. However, if we refuse to invest in our future leaders in the form of education then we have no good intention for the further development of our country even if we continue to invest in concrete. Education is a life time investment and if we don't invest now that the funds are available then when will we see it fit to do. Invest now and reap the harvest in the near future, says Lenny Priest, otherwise we will have to continue to import business leaders and other professionals.
Today we have sent a mail to NV GEBE Supervisory and Management Boards requesting a meeting to discuss this very important proposal. We believe that now is the time to make that investment. Only the prepared will inherit the future, the next generation.

OSPP Press Release

PM: "St. Maarten is not a Banana Republic; there are rules that govern the country and govern the electoral process"

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams confirmed that she has been invited to Parliament in order to give elucidation on her work towards Electoral Reform. The Prime Minister commented that during the course of the eleventh or twelfth of February she has been invited to Parliament to explain matters related to Electoral and Campaign Reform: "I received an invitation from the Secretariat of Parliament to have a meeting during the course of the 11th and 12th in order for me to address some matters that pertain to my Ministry. One of the matters that will surely be discussed during those days will be the item of electoral and campaign reform. I will be addressing specifically the motion of Parliament as well as the items that are already regulated in the law," commented the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Wescot-Williams also emphasized the legal consequences for Political Parties, Individual Candidates and Voters if rules regarding campaigning and elections are not followed closely: "There has been a lot of talk lately regarding vote buying and people need to know that this is punishable by law. People need to know that these laws do exist and that there are legal consequences attached to them. Again there is a need to inform candidates on political slates on what their responsibilities are. There needs to be a whole new thinking in place because of the new laws that exists since 101010; the kind of looseness between parties and candidates should be something of the past. Persons contemplating to run on a list should be aware of these requirements and responsibilities as far as politics are concerned.

Within the context of informing the People the Prime Minister also highlighted that within the Democratic Party and within her political responsibilities she will be putting a high priority on informing candidates and the electorate what can and should be expected from them: "While I preach that we should be informing the people it has always been my opinion that we should all practice what we preach. I am preparing the candidates that will be running with the Democratic Party so that they can have a clear understanding and overview of how this process takes place. There have been too many allegations that are very serious which came out of the last campaign where people do not consider what their vote should mean in electing the right representative for the right reasons. We all have a responsibility to turn things in the right direction and all political parties need to be prepared so that candidates are well groomed and comfortable postulating themselves. It is important to remember that we are electing representatives on behalf of the People and I think an important word in this context would be coercion or force. To give someone something in order to coerce that person to vote a certain way is not allowed by law. Candidates need to draw the line between marketing themselves and their political party and should ask themselves the question as to where the limit is and where the breach in the law comes up. St. Maarten is not a Banana Republic; it is not a wild wild west and there are rules that govern the country and govern the electoral process," stressed the Prime Minister.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

SOUTH REWARD:--- A group of students of the St. Dominic High School would like to thank the public of St. Maarten for their support during the Christmas holidays as they sought donations to fund their trip to The Netherlands. A special thank you goes to the manager of Klass Electronics for sponsoring all the materials and for rendering the work space.
The students, in collaboration with Klass Electronics, participated in the annual 'gift wrapping for a cause' activity, an ongoing event for the past nine years. The collected funds are usually given to a charity or a non-profit organization on St. Maarten, but this year, the students collected donations to aid them in their 'Kansproject trip' to The Netherlands in February.
Many persons gave generously towards this worthy cause and the students are very grateful.
They have collected $ 1,560 during the Christmas break and this money will help them tremendously as they have been working very hard selling meals in the school's canteen to reach their target goal of $5,000,- . They are still working on obtaining this goal in the little time that they have left before their trip. This trip means a lot to them as they are quite interested in meeting the students who they have been corresponding with online. Once in The Netherlands, they will go to school and stay at the homes of these students and their families.
The Kansproject is a two-year program, guided by the European Platform in the Netherlands, which aims to connect students and teachers from different countries. Teachers and students from both schools carry out various projects that help to improve language proficiency, teaching skills and the use of technology. In the first year of the project, teachers got the chance to visit and teach in the Netherlands as well as on St. Maarten. In the second year of the project, students receive the chance to visit a school in the Netherlands and partake in the Dutch culture and educational system for one week.
The students are quite excited and we thank all those who have dedicated time and funds towards this project.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister Hon. Maurice Lake of Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) who is also responsible for Energy Affairs, met with the two unions that represent GEBE employees last week Thursday, namely the WIFOL and ASEWI, and advised them to present their plans for the country's utility company to management and the supervisory board of directors.

"Management and the supervisory board are the organizational entities responsible for the running of our utility company GEBE. These two entities are first and foremost where the employee representative organizations should deliberate with respect to their views.

"I told both unions that I will bring forth their concerns also to the two organizational entities, and I appreciate them keeping me in the loop with respect to their views and concerns," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Tuesday.

The union representatives informed Minister Lake who is also shareholder representative about personnel issues, future of GEBE's worker's; guarantee letter similar to what the workers of Saba and St. Eustatius have received; alternative energy, sewage, solid waste, waste to energy plant; production and distribution of water; storage of fuel; commercial utility rates being charged to schools; and current issues with the company.

The unions are also ready to recommend a person to the Board of Supervisory Directors. On this point Minister Lake informed them that he is committed to appoint their candidate as long as that person meets the set profile as prescribed in the articles of incorporation of GEBE and approved by the Good Governance Council.

The unions would like to be informed about the policy plan and vision related to the future of GEBE. The mission of the employees can be summed up as: having all efforts of management and workers contribute towards the betterment of the company. The workers would like to be active participants in shaping the companies vision of the future.

The union reps are of the opinion that all decisions related to personnel should be discussed in an open manner. They would also like to see a blend of seniority and youth in different positions; and to offer young people who went away to study over 10-years ago, to be contacted and offered a job if they are interested in coming back.

The union was very critical of the GEBE Human Resources Department, and is of the opinion that the staff should receive training in order to meet the challenges of the new vision of GEBE.

Where it concerns the filling of vacancies, the unions would like to see the vacancy first and foremost being filled from within the company, and if not from within the country.

Minister Lake was very pleased with the outcome of the meeting and the deliberations that took place, adding that the unions are very important stakeholders whereby they represent the employees of the company which is the backbone.

"As shareholder representative it is very important to listen to your workers and give them the opportunity to grow within the company. A company is only as good as its employees.

"We need to get back to basics and train and develop our own in order to take GEBE to the next level in serving our country. There are a lot of things that GEBE has to undertake in various areas that will require all hands on deck.

"The company's employees need to be trained and upgraded and put in charge of these new areas and responsibilities once they are undertaken. Working together is the only way to move forward and upward," Minster Hon. Maurice Lake said on Tuesday.

Minister explained to the union representatives that the rights and benefits of the workers remain the same, and that nothing has changed with respect to that. The only thing that changed was St. Maarten purchased the shares of Saba and St. Eustatius in order for country to become 100 per cent shareholder in GEBE.

Minister Lake informed the union reps about the proposed waste to energy plant and the possible granting of the related concession within short; about the energy policy that is just about to be finalized; and the street light management agreement between the Government and GEBE.

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao:--- The U.S. Consulate General Curacao, in cooperation with the organizers of the Curacao International Film Festival Rotterdam (CIFFR), is organizing a series of workshops February 5-11, 2014. The workshops will focus on showing students how they can become filmmakers themselves.
The U.S. Consulate has invited Carmen Marron, a successful Mexican-American filmmaker and the founder of Sparkhope Productions, to direct the workshops. Sparkhope is dedicated to creating films that bring awareness to women's issues and support cultural diversity. Ms. Marron is also a popular motivational speaker and experienced youth counselor.
Ms. Marron will lead various workshops, classroom presentations and screenings together with students and teachers at Albert Schweitzer Havo\VWO, Skuchami, Maria Immaculata Lyceum, St. Paulus VSBO, The International School of Curacao, and the U.S. Consulate.
Carmen Marron grew up in the inner-city of Chicago as one of ten children of immigrant parents from Mexico. She earned a Bachelor's in Business Administration from DePaul University and a Master's in Educational Psychology from the University of Arizona. Carmen began her filmmaking aspirations in Arizona while she was a guidance counselor for high-risk elementary school children in South Phoenix. It was then that she began writing the screenplay, "GO FOR IT!" as a response to the disparity in role models for minorities and their reverence for violence on TV and in film. "GO FOR IT!" represents the reality of socio-economically disadvantaged youth and addresses the societal issues they face while integrating the cool underground world of street dance.
After completing her screenplay, she moved to Los Angeles and worked relentlessly on turning her script into a feature film. She wrote, directed and produced the feature in Chicago and Los Angeles. Completing her goal in 2010, "GO FOR IT!" is now doing the festival circuit and has recently won two Audience Awards. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1307926/
As moves on to new projects, Carmen Marron's goal continues to be to create inspirational and multicultural works such as "GO FOR IT!" which focuses on women and their societal struggles.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams in observance of World Cancer Day stressed the creating of awareness about the disease, a healthy lifestyle and early treatments in combating Cancer on St. Maarten.

"I always mention when the subject of cancer arises that my mother, who is ninety-three years old, is a breast cancer survivor. You may ask why I always mention this along with her age? it is because she is a survivor for approximately fifty years and the treatment she has received is also that old. If back then the treatment was successful how much more advanced are we today in terms of treatment. I have also lost my Husband approximately Eight years ago to cancer; after diagnosis it only took a couple of weeks before we lost him. Similarly someone who I consider one of my daughters was diagnosed with cancer some time ago and because of the proper treatment she is fighting it and fighting it well. So it is important that we realize that we are all affected by this disease and that we should extend the care which is provided to not only those going through their fight against cancer but to their friends and family as well," continued the PM.

"As a small country we have limited resources and we need to set priorities with regards to providing the adequate treatment and care for the people of St. marten. I hope that we can get the support to develop a wider national program to continue to fight against this disease that has affected so many lives within our community. World Cancer Day, as the program clearly outlines in its manifesto, is a chance to raise our collective voices in the name of improving general knowledge around cancer and dismissing misconceptions about the disease. It is equally important that we stress a healthy lifestyle including exercise and diet, early detection and adequate care to combat this disease that has effected us all," emphasized Prime Minister Wescot-Williams.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PM: "The reduction of the burden that energy costs put on the population is a high priority"

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams further elucidated on the Motion that was passed by the Democratic Party Faction in Parliament calling for the lowering of electricity and water costs for the population of the Country. Prime Minister Wescot-Williams stressed that a reduction in energy costs coupled with the use of sustainable energy essential in providing release with regards to energy costs: "The Motion that was passed in Parliament initiated by the Democratic Party Faction stressed that in some way the connection needs to be made in order to explore a relief by GEBE for the people of St. Maarten with regards to their utility bills. For many years GEBE St. Maarten supported and subsidized the operations of GEBE on Saba and Statia. Now that St. Maarten operates independently money should now be saved since we no longer subsidize Saba and Statia. The request from the Democratic Party is that that saving be emphasized to reduce the cost to the people of St. Maarten and I would think it logical to have that saving be applied to the population. My suggestion to the Democratic Party in Parliament was firstly to with GEBE and flesh out the financial components to make this possible," explained Prime Minister Wescot-Williams.

The Prime Minister also emphasized that it is necessary to also explore ways in which Government can support in the investment of alternative energy and means of energy production that will further reduce energy costs. "Secondly, I believe that the Government should increasingly be looking at ways to assist citizens to get alternative sources of Energy. For the average person this would involve an investment and Government needs to look at how we can promote and assist that process. The reduction of the burden that energy costs put on the population is a high priority," stressed the PM.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

Keeping ahead of the competition

POINTE BLANCHE:--- St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo stated from Dusseldorf, Germany that St. Maarten Harbour Crane Company will be investing in new crane technology in order to continue to offer highly efficient cargo operations at the Port of St. Maarten.

"The cargo facilities at our national port need new efficient cranes that can continue to meet our high operational demands, while at the same time looking at the long-term by able to service the larger vessels. I want to be ahead of the competition," CEO of the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies Mark Mingo said on Monday.

Crane 1 at the cargo facilities of the Port of St. Marten was purchased in 2001, or 13-years ago. The cargo port currently uses the older model – 260 – which is less fuel efficient, handles less load capacity and is relatively more expensive to maintain.

The St. Maarten harbor Group of Companies has been upgrading its facilities in order to offer the best of services to cargo lines and clients who use the cargo terminal area on a daily basis. Close to 100 per cent of the country's produce and products comes through the cargo section at the port.

Maintenance dredging is done on a regular basis in order to keep the water depth at a safe level for cargo vessels. Additional crane operators have been hired in order to meet the cargo sectors growth spurts while there has been an increase in mechanical and electrical support that would enhance safe operations.

"Having a professional team at the cargo operations is necessary when you cater to these international vessels. We have increased crane operators from three to six. They are all locals, well trained and highly motivated: Ramses Flanders, Romeo Gumbs, Jerry Nicholson, Andy Daflaar, Erick Evertsz, and Michael Edwards," Port of St. Maarten CEO Mark Mingo said on Monday.

Mingo visited a factory of crane manufacturer Gottwald in order to look at new crane models and to find out what new innovative technologies exist. The cargo port would like to improve performance.

Mingo said on Monday that he was very excited after receiving a presentation about the efficiencies of the new crane. The crane is also a hybrid whereby it can also work on electricity allowing for late night operations because it's so silent to operate.

"The new crane model that we are looking at is also environmentally sound which falls into our philosophy as a port with respect to green thinking and being innovative by using green technology in order to have a sustainable port. The crane uses hybrid technology that reduces the level of energy, cuts or avoids completely exhaust gas emissions and minimizes noise emissions," Port CEO Mark Mingo said on Monday.

The Gottwald Model 6 crane from a technology perspective is more advanced than the current models in use at the Port of St. Maarten, which uses old technology and software. Model 6 also offers larger lifting capacities; maximum hoisting speeds; maximum radius speeds; has more reach and is more efficient resulting in a saving in operational costs for the port.

Gottwald is the market leader in Mobile Harbour Cranes with over 1400 machines in more than 100 countries around the world.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise welcomed Janine Vos to its membership with an induction held on Tuesday, January 28, 2014, at its weekly breakfast meeting.
It is the duty of Rotary clubs to add new members from time to time so that Rotary may not only increase its usefulness and influence as a club, but also to extend the spirit of Rotary throughout the community. President Angela Gordon states, "it is my privilege and pleasure to call forward and welcome into membership Janine Vos". Janine Vos a Human Resource officer was introduced to the club by Secretary, President – Elect Dr. Virginia Asin-Oostburg
Janine Vos became the newest Rotarians in the world on January 28, 2014, she is now a members of the world's largest service organization, founded in 1905 by attorney Paul Harris and three other businessmen in Chicago, Rotary's mission of "service above self" has inspired its members to give freely of their talents and resources to serve local, national and international communities in need for the past 108 years.
Rotary sunrise is a nonprofit organization that collaborates with stakeholders to assist with the needs of the community. Members of the organization congregate at Air Lekkerbek Restaurant on Tuesday mornings at 7:00am for fellowship and breakfast.
For more information on Rotary Sunrise, please visit us at sxmsunrise.org or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., you can also visit our Facebook page: Rotary Club of Saint Martin Sunrise and Tweet us: @RotarySunSXM

BAIE-MAHAULT:--- On Saturday, February 1st, 2014, Sareena Carti, of Avenir Sportif Club de Saint-Martin, beat the record of Guadeloupe for the 300m cadettes, in 38 " 55, during the championship of Intermediate of Guadeloupe which is kept at the stage of Baie-Mahault. The former record was held by Sylvanie Morandais since 1996. We remember that last week, during the 2nd tour of the Intermediaries, Sareena missed the record by a few tenths of a second. However, in spite of the rain, on Saturday, it was decided to battle it when she took the departure of the 300m in Baie-Mahault. Besides this performance on 300m, Sareena only went as far as reaching the highest step of the podium on 150 m cadettes in 18 " 36 , showing the second best performance on this distance of the competition, any merged category.

Good performances are still to come in Carifta Games which will be held in Martinique in April.

PHILIPSBURG:--- While completing surveys for wetland birds on St. Maarten, Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) documented low numbers for various bird species. Working in its 14th year documenting bird diversity and monitoring population trends on St. Maarten, EPIC has found substantially reduced numbers of wetland birds on the island, specifically for smaller wading species.

Adam Brown, Senior Biologist for EPIC, has led the wetland bird monitoring effort for the organization since the project started in 2001. Brown remarked on the apparent lack of birds on the island, "In years past, we typically recorded healthy numbers of wading birds using the ponds and shorelines on St. Maarten/St. Martin. This year, wading bird numbers island-wide have been down and in some cases no wading birds have been recorded on certain ponds. Species such as the Greater Yellowlegs, Black-bellied Plover, and Semi-palmated Sandpiper require shallow areas to wade in while in search for food as well as to rest. Numbers of these species are notably down."

There is some speculation among the Caribbean bird conservation community that wetter than normal conditions throughout the Caribbean during the past few months led to ponds that are fuller than in an average year. EPIC reports that pond levels on St. Maarten/St. Martin are higher than normal and this condition led to fewer resting and feeding areas for wading birds. However, EPIC can report that numerous swimming and diving species of wetland birds are doing well in the higher water conditions and populations trends in those species is consistent with years past. Regarding what high water levels mean for the long-term health of Caribbean bird populations, Brown noted, "Water levels are variable within the Caribbean among years. These changes are part of long-term cyclical trends and the lower wading bird numbers are a reaction to those trends. Studies such as this one are valuable because they shed light on bird reactions to possible climate shifts."

For more information on EPIC's bird surveys on St. Maarten/St. Martin, please visit www.epicislands.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/epicislands.

Johan Cruijff Court, Belvedere

7+U age group category
In the 7+U category Learning Unlimited Strikers played its second match versus Sr. Regina. Both teams put on an entertaining display for the spectators. Sr. Regina was however more successful in finding the back of the net. Top scorer for Sr. Regina was Kars Kerssies with 3 goals. Ronil Garcia also put one between the posts. The final result was Learning Unlimited Strikers 0 – 4 Sr. Regina.
The second game in the 7+U category was between Sr. Magda Greenboys and Sr. Magda Rockstars. It was a close game. Sr. Magda Greenboys enjoyed a 1 – 0 lead at halftime after a goal by Joshua Galimon. Sr. Magda Rockstars regrouped during the break. The players of Sr. Magda Rockstars were completely focused on scoring the equalizer and Amilcar Doran did just that. Both sides created more goal scoring opportunities but the goal keepers Stijn Boetekees of Sr. Magda Rockstars and Emma Croes of Sr. Magda Greenboys defended their goals well. It was again Amilcar Doran who managed to find the back of the net for a final result of Sr. Magda Greenboys 1 – 2 Sr. Magda Rockstars.

11+U age group category: results group A
Leonald Connor faced Genevieve de Weever in the 11+U group A. It was Genevieve de Weever's first game this tournament. Leonald Connor made a convincing start in the first half by scoring 7 goals. Genevieve de Weever regrouped and was able to slow down Leonald Connor in the second half, allowing only two more goals. The final result was Leonald Connor 9 – 2 Genevieve de Weever. Top scorers for Leonald Connor were Jonie Zephir with 4 goals, Yoshua Fabre Zarzuela and Bashaar Molero both with 2 goals.
The second game in the 11+U group A was between Sr. Magda FC and Learning Unlimited. This was a hot game from the start with the score tied at halftime 4 – 4. The difference was made in the second half. Learning Unlimited took an early lead bringing it to 4 – 5. Sr. Magda FC struggled to regain momentum. It was Ernie Rombley, with a long distance shot, who brought his team back in the game by scoring his first goal playing soccer, surprising himself and delighting his teammates. The game was tied again at 5 – 5. However, this feel good moment gave Sr. Magda FC that extra that was needed. Quincy Wijngaarde succeeded to put the winning goal between the posts. The final result was Sr. Magda FC 6 – 5 Learning Unlimited. Top scorer for Learning Unlimited was Noah Ledee with 4 goals and 1 assist. Top scorers for Sr. Magda were Paul Speetjens and Jeahru Richardson both with 2 goals.

11+U age group category: results group B
In the 11+U group B Hillsides Christian played versus Charles Leopold Bell. It was Charles Leopold Bell's first appearance in this year's tournament and the relatively young group of players showed promise. Nevertheless, Hillside Christian proved too strong. Hillside Christian scored twice in the first half and again in the second half for a final result of Hillside Christian 4 – 0 Charles Leopold Bell. Top scorer for Hillside Christian was Cameron Potmis with 3 goals and 1 assist. The fourth goal was scored by Jeremiah Flanders.
Sr. Regina faced Sr. Borgia in the second 11+U group B game of the day. Sr. Borgia put up a good fight in the first half, but the constant pressure on the defense resulted in 3 goals for Sr. Regina before halftime. In the second half Sr. Borgia attempted to break out of their defensive position to try to even the score. Sr. Regina made good use of the extra free space, putting 6 more goals past Sr. Borgia's goal keeper D'Naida Panthier, who managed to stop a lot more from going in. She showed great promise, but with the barrage of shots taking at her goal it was impossible to stop them all from reaching the back of the net. The final result was Sr. Regina 9 – 0 Sr. Borgia. Top scorers for Sr. Regina were Milan Huyghue with 6 goals and 1 assist and Kevin Tjaden with 2 goals and 3 assists. Sr. Regina's defender Matteo Piscionne had a unique way of celebrating the Sr. Regina's goals by polishing the shoe of the goal scorer. His clear elation with his team's performance was wonderful to watch.

13+U age group category: results group A
In the 13+U group A Hillside Christian played versus Sr. Regina. It was a close match, even though Sr. Regina took a 1 – 7 lead in the first half. Hillside Christian managed to shut down Sr. Regina in the second half and scored 4 more goals of which two were penalty kicks. The final result was Hillside Christian 5 – 7 Sr. Regina. Top scorer for Hillside Christian was Khalid Tavernier with 4 goals. Top scorers for Sr. Regina were Aichelle Peters with 3 goals and 1 assist, Kerese Bazil and Nathan Charlie both with 2 goals and 1 assist.
The second 13+U group A game was between Sr. Magda and Leonald Connor. Leonald Connor overwhelmed Sr. Magda in the first half scoring 6 goals. At halftime the score was Sr. Magda 1 – 6 Leonald Connor. The Sr. Magda side had a good talking to at the half time break. In the second half it was Sr. Magda who controlled the game, but it was a little too late to have an effect on the final result. Leonald Connor won the game with the final score Sr. Magda 2 – 8 Leonald Connor. Top scorer for Leonald Connor was Marlon Lopez, who seemed unstoppable scoring from all angles, with 5 goals. Scoring for Sr. Magda were Lennie Modeste and Jadon Gumbs both with 1 goal.

13+U age group category: results group B
St. Dominic High School faced M.P.C. in the 13+U group B. The experienced players of M.P.C. scored 6 goals in the first and in the second half. St. Dominic High School managed to put one between the posts for a final result of St. Dominic High School 1 – 12 M.P.C. Top scorers for M.P.C. were Andre Knol with 4 goals and 1 assist, Diaro Forsythe with 3 goals and 2 assists, Jose Cortes and Darrian Holaman both with 2 goals.
The second 13+U group B game was between debutant Sr. Marie Laurence and Dr. M.L. King Jr. Both teams played their first game in this year's tournament. The first half remained scoreless except for an own goal by Sr. Marie Laurence giving Dr. M.L. King Jr. a 0 – 1 lead at half time. In the second half both teams stepped up their game, but it was Dr. M.L. King Jr. Which managed to find the back of the net four times for a final result of Sr. Marie Laurence 1 – 5 Dr. M.L. King Jr. Top Scorer for Dr. M.L. King Jr. was Brandon Milton with 4 goals. The lone Sr. Marie Laurence goal was scored by Shielding Peters after an assist by Eoin Conway.

The SMSEF Interscholastic Soccer Tournament will continue next week:

PHILIPSBURG:--- Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), has been busy with road markings in order to enhance road safety for motorists and pedestrians. Over the weekend personnel were busy at the W.A. Nisbeth (Pondfill Road).

Minister of VROMI Hon. Maurice Lake says road markings are essential for the free and orderly flow of traffic on our road network.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The judge of instruction confirmed on Friday that senior customs officer Nestor Sanchez was arrested in accordance with the law and he will remain in police detention for the next ten days which ends either on Thursday or Friday. Chief Prosecutor Hans Wesslink said some 270 kilos of cocaine was found on Insel Air on Thursday when police and customs searched the aircraft when it landed at the Princess Juliana International Airport.
Wesslink said that in the first press statement made by police on Thursday night they indicated that drugs was also found at the home of the senior customs officer but that was not true. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson made that rectification on Friday stating that the latter part of the information he released late Thursday night was incorrect.

Nestor Sanchez is a well-known customs officer who was holding a senior position and was stationed at the Princess Juliana International Airport.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Chief Prosecutor Hans Wesslink confirmed to SMN News on Monday that the body of the robbery suspect Michael Carty who died while he was held under restraint at 162 Oyster Pond was released to his family for burial. Wesslink said that the Prosecutor's Office intends to make a statement later in the week regarding the three tourists that were in the home when Carty and two other persons tried to break into the home they are staying at. Wesslink said his office will state in their press release what will become of the tourists that are on the island vacationing.

According to information released by Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson last Tuesday, three suspects tried to break into the home while the tourists were at home. Henson said the tourists managed to hold on to one of the suspects now known as Michael Carty who died after putting up a strong fight with the persons that held on to him and subsequently tied him up.

The two other suspects Henson said threw stones at the tourists leaving them with bruises and other minor injuries before they escaped to the French side leaving the third suspect who died before police reached the scene.

CAY HILL:--- On January 20, 2014, a class of thirty-three (33) students started the Licensed Practical Nursing Course offered by the St. Maarten Medical Center.

The ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­course will continue until April 2015 under the instruction of Brunilda Illidge, Practical Instructor and Nursing Educator and Antonio Pantophlet, Manager Patient Care/Education.

The LPN course is organized by the SMMC Education Department and falls under the auspices of IFE nursing school in Curacao.

The LPN diploma is an accredited diploma that qualifies persons to work in the Dutch Caribbean and the Netherlands.

Students in the LPN course hail from Saba (6), St. Eustatius (3) and locally; Mental Health Foundation (3), White and Yellow Cross (9) and St. Maarten Medical Center (12).

Besides being certified to provide training and internships in various levels; nursing assistants, licensed practical nursing and registered nursing programs, the SMMC is accredited by ECABO and CALIBRIS. In 2012, the SMMC obtained its status as a Certified Learning Institution.

ECABO is a learning center for vocational studies in the Netherlands, and is responsible for placement of interns from the Netherlands in recognized learning institutions around the world. Being ECABO certified, the SMMC can provide internship to students from the Netherlands in the financial, secretarial, and ICT university programs. Calibris is the learning center for training and internships in various levels of nursing and healthcare.

Last year the education department offered internships to 13 students from the Netherlands, 16 from Curacao and 22 from St. Maarten. They also offered 2 courses; nursing assistant and registered nursing, to a total number of 30 students. The nursing assistant course was done on the island of Saba and the registered nursing in St. Maarten with students from St. Eustatius. A nursing upgrade course was also done in Saba and St. Eustatius. The sharing of educational resources, through training and instruction, between the three islands is part of the 'We Care Together' collaborative agreement implemented last year.

The SMMC looks forward to great outcomes from the LPN course and wishes each student success.

SMMC Press Release

POND ISLAND:--- TelEm Group will be carrying out a range of software and hardware upgrades to its core telecommunication network starting Monday night.

Network consultants BTI are conducting the upgrades along with TelEm Group personnel. The upgrades will take place each night starting at 11:00 pm and ending at 6:00 am the following morning.

According to TelEm Group Network Engineer, Jed Carty, the upgrades are necessary to bring the company's core network into line with updated patches and the latest system software.

"We are doing the upgrades to the core network nodes in the night and in the early morning hours in order to have the least impact on customers, but while the upgrades are taking place any of the services, including data, ADSL, SHDL and E1, landline and international voice, 2G and 3G mobile and roaming will be affected at different times," said Mr. Carty.

He assures that all services will not be down at the same time noting that the priority of the engineers and technicians is to restore services as quickly as possible once the new software is installed on each core network node.

The upgrades began Monday and will continue Tuesday night and every night until Thursday. Friday is reserved for any additional maintenance work that may be required.

"The end result of these upgrades will be to enhance our core network so that we can utilize many new features and improve the overall quality of service to all our valued customers," said Mr. Carty.

On behalf of TelEm Group management Mr. Carty has apologized in advance to customers for any inconvenience that may be caused by the core network upgrades.

An SMS message was also sent on the TelCell mobile network yesterday informing mobile customers about the upgrades and the possible effect on service.

TELEM Press Release

DAWN BEACH:--- A large number of people attended the meet and greet organized by the National Alliance on Sunday at the Westin Resort.
Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin said the message they want to send is that the National Alliance ship is not sinking, instead it is safely anchored in the harbor getting ready for the rough political seas of 2014.
Present during the meet and greet was the interim president of the National Alliance board Cedric James and some of the candidates that will be contesting the parliamentary election in the coming months. Marlin lashed out at some of the ship jumpers who said they wanted a stable Government for St. Maarten yet they cross over to join a party that is riddled with scandals and corruption. He said the people of St. Maarten have heard enough and they know for sure being part of the other parties is not a safe place for anyone.
Marlin further stated that the National Alliance has one agenda and that is the agenda of the people of St. Maarten. "The only business the National Alliance has been into is the business of the people. Those that wanted to enter any type of business when the National Alliance was in government for one year got their licenses and or permits." He said government is about the people and it is not to be used to enrich one particular family or their friends.
As Marlin addressed the crowd there were loud cheers and claps from his supporters. As for those persons that want to leave the National Alliance because the pastures over there looks greener and there is more opportunities for themselves, all he has to say to them is "May God be with you". For those that stay, the National Alliance will be working for St. Maarten.
Marlin introduced some of the candidates at the meet and greet to let the people know that he is not alone. He said that their commitment is to work together for St. Maarten.
After the official speeches, the National Alliance had a band in place to sing "Marching the White Line" and they maintain the objectives and beliefs of the National Alliance.

PHILIPSBURG:--- UTS has committed to supporting a substantial portion of the expense of the 1st Annual Pro Baseball Camp. The camp will commence, February 1st and feature various international professional baseball players from St. Maarten and abroad. The camp is organized by local Pro player, Rene "El Big Papi" Leveret, and the goal is an opportunity for local young athletes to get professional guidance and instruction from local and international professionals. "It is our pleasure to support Mr. Leverets initiative as this will benefit a large group of local youngsters that are enthusiastic about baseball." said UTS Marketing and Communication Officer, Ivy Lambert. "It is our way of giving back and supporting local athletes in improving their skills and broadening their prospects for an international career in future. We wish all our young local athletes that will be attending the camp over the weekend a good time and hope that they will be able to hone their skills as well." Lambert continued.

UTS Press Release

"The health of the St. Maarten Community is a matter of great concern to me"

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams is encouraging the community of St. Maarten that U2 Can when she will be joining the Young Ambassadors walk over the Simpson Bay Causeway this Saturday. On Tuesday, the 4th of February, the Prime Minister will kick off her weekly Soualiga 6K and 3K Challenge walk which will be held every week as well as the restarting of free Zumba classes at the parking lot behind the Government Administration Building on Friday February 7th. During an address geared towards those who are looking to shed extra pounds, the PM reiterated the Importance of a healthy lifestyle; "I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a Happy, Healthy and Productive Year. As we now enter into the second month of 2014, it is a fact that most persons usually make New Years resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle. A recent article on MSN news indicated that most resolutions that are made pertain to achieving a healthier lifestyle and losing weight during the course of the year. I believe that many of us have made that same resolution," commented the PM.

"The health of the St. Maarten Community, and that of the civil servants in particular, is a matter of great concern to me. During the course of 2012 and 2013 I have organized several events related to physical fitness and exercise and I would like to continue with these events in 2014 as well. I urge each citizen to be physically active during the New Year and beyond; especially considering that many of us lead a sedentary lifestyle so therefore movement is key along with a proper diet. What matters is that every attempt to exercise or to live a healthy life style by making the correct nutrition, care and movement choices, counts or rather adds up," continued Prime Minister Wescot-Williams.

The PM emphasized that every individual's competitor should be him or herself. "You need to be able to evaluate yourself based on what you were able to do before starting an exercise program and what you are now able to do. You never compare yourself with others. Max Ehrmann in his poem the Desiderata says that if you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, or always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

So plan this year plan to walk X more miles than you did last year, add one more green vegetable than you ate last year, practice ZUMBA or any other exercise a little bit more intensely than you did last year, get more rest than you did last year and be less stressed than you were last year and become more healthy than you were last year! Let's do it together!" Concluded the PM.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister Hon. Maurice Lake of Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), says he would like his Ministry to have closer contact with the community and will be looking into Ministry VROMI having its own website.

"The objective is to have a closer relationship with the people in the districts and with the community councils by using information technology such as the Ministry having a website and using social media.

"It is important for Ministry VROMI to have a close relationship. We need to get feedback about problem areas in order to be able to deal with them efficiently.

"The community feedback is important to us and we place a high value on this. Community Councils can also utilize this form of communication as well as other social clubs and groups, but most importantly are the people who live in the neighborhoods.

"We have to have pride in our neighborhoods and continue to work together in making them better places to play, work and live. And this can only be achieved by working together hand in hand. It's also all about nation building and feeling patriotic to the country," Minster Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.

GREAT BAY:--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labor, Cornelius De Weever recently handed over an audio meter, a screening tool used to monitor the hearing of clients of the White & Yellow Cross. By this gesture Minister De Weever is showing his support to Non- Governmental Organizations (NGO's) to improve their services to the community.
"It is important that our institutions have the equipment that is necessary in order to provide optimal service to their clients," said Minister De Weever.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Ombudsman Dr. Nilda Arduin of Sint Maarten and Curacao's Ombudsman Attorney at Law Alba Martijn paid a courtesy call to the Sint Maarten House this week while in the Netherlands to attend the farewell reception of the National Ombudsman of the Netherlands, Dr. Alex Brenninkmeijer.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The President of Parliament Hon. drs. Gracita Arrindell recently received a visit from the Integrity Pilot Group that has been installed by His Excellency Governor drs. Eugene Holiday.

Chairman of the Integrity Pilot Group M. Oosting introduced his fellow members, namely, Professor J. Saleh, and M. Alexander, and members of his Secretariat S. Ricardo and P. Benschop.

The meeting was very informative and enlightening.

Oosting reiterated the content of the Royal Decree signed by the King and pointed out that the House of Parliament as a High Council of State is excluded from the research that is being carried out, however it doesn't mean that there can't be discussions related to integrity.

The Integrity Pilot Group aims to have their research completed within six months.

President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell stated that she looks forward to the outcome of the research which will help to solidify the way forward in dealing with integrity issues in our young country, and in building the country's institutions of governance.

"The process will require the input of all those involved as well as of the general public. A change in mind set is necessary for integrity to become a way of life," President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell stated.

GREAT BAY:--- Minister of Public Health, Cornelius de Weever (DP) in a press release stated that he applauds the efforts by the Minister of VROMI, to commence discussions with the Management of St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) on the expansion of the SMMC, to ensure the timely processing of the permits that fall within the purview of VROMI.
"In my opinion", Minister de Weever said, "a well-equipped hospital on St. Maarten is in the interest of not one Minister or one political party but in the interest of every St. Maarten resident and every visitor that comes to the shores of our beautiful island."
The Minister continued to say that in light of the hospital expansion plans, indeed the government of St. Maarten reserved on the capital budget of 2014, an amount of Naf. 35 million.
This is however dependent on the structure that will be put in place between the Government and the SMMC. The structure that will be put in place must be able to withstand scrutiny in terms of complying with the norms as laid down in the Kingdom Law on Financial Supervision and for St. Maarten being able to borrow on the capital market. "We can't have our hospital embroiled in any controversy regarding its much needed expansion".
"As Minister of Public Health, I am responsible for general healthcare on St. Maarten and I am totally committed to see the expansion of the SMMC through, in collaboration with the Minister of Finance whose role it is to make sure that the budgetary process is followed correctly, and with of course the Central Bank under whose responsibility the issuance of a bond will have to take place to secure the financing. "
The Democratic Party has ensured that this commitment to the SMMC expansion was part of every governing agreement to which it has affixed its signature.
Other options of financing the SMMC expansion are also being explored in collaboration with the board and management of the SMMC, and the board and management of the SZV, that have a vested interest in a well functioning hospital.
With an expanded facility and the necessary specialists and human resources in place, the level of health care services being offered by SMMC will be taken to a new level. As recently as this past week discussions took place with the SMMC, the SZV and the Ministry of Public Health to further explore the participation of the SZV in making funding available for the hospital expansion. A two-prong approach is being pursued, as it is important that all parties are involved, to ensure that if a (in)direct relationship with government is not permissible, other options are available.
In addition to the expansion of the SMMC, also comes the discussion on the tariffs that the SMMC is allowed to charge for services rendered. This discussion and agreements are necessary in order for the SMMC to comply with its debtors when the expansion takes place, and keep SMMC on a healthy financial footing.
Any expansion of the SMMC without agreements between the Ministry of Public Health under whose responsibility the setting of tariffs falls and the SZV as the largest health care provider, can jeopardize the expansion plans whether these are financed through a bond issued via Government or through external financing.
"In addition it was indicated by the SMMC and agreed upon in the meeting that the current expansion plan requires some updating, which the SMMC has already embarked on," Minister de Weever continued to say.
Minister de Weever further stated that the SMMC has already received the blessing from the Ministry of Public Health in terms of the necessary license for the expansion of its facilities, designating the SMMC as a Central Hospital and approving the tariffs, which included new services not previously offered by SMMC, such as cardiology.
"Under my guidance and with the involvement of all stakeholders, the new tariff structure study has been completed and I look forward to getting the ball rolling on the expansion of the SMMC and thank all who have so far given their selfless contribution to making the SMMC what it is today," Minister de Weever concluded by stating.

By: Roland Tuitt

General
Presently, there is a disgruntled civil servant at the St. Maarten Receivers Office who is terrorizing senior citizens, individuals and businesses. She is giving her own interpretation to the Law that is incorrect.
In May 2013 the Minister of Finance Mr. Roland Tuitt issued a "ministriele beschikking" outlining that no amounts prior to the year 2007 should be collected by the Receiver. The present Receiver takes it upon herself to give a different interpretation to the law and is collecting taxes prior to the year 2006 and even goes back to the year 1997. This is contrary to the published law.

Published Law
The Law was published in the Landscourant of St. Maarten, year 2013, no. 11 dated May 24, 2013. In summary it states that as of February 1, 2013 the Receiver is not allowed to collect taxes pertaining to the years 2006 or before.

Active Collection
No reminders nor collection assessments (navoerderings en naheffingsaanslagen) should be sent to taxpayers pertaining to 2006 and before. The receiver is not allowed to send reminders, collection- notices nor are they permitted to put or execute liens for those amounts.

Active Payments
If a taxpayer comes to make a payment relating to the period prior to 2007 then the following will be done: firstly, the amount will be booked to assessments of the year 2007 and thereafter, secondly, If the person does not have any assessments for years 2007 and thereafter the money will be given back.

Payment Arrangement
If the taxpayer has a payment arrangement for the year 2006 and before the payment arrangement will be terminated if there are no amounts included for the period 2007 and thereafter (2007 going forward). If the payment arrangement includes 2007 going forward then the payments will be booked to the years 2007 and 2008 etc and not to prior years.

Compensation
The Receiver can compensate refunds and other refunded amounts with tax assessment and AVBZ assessments that are not paid. There is no time limitation thus it can be applied to amounts to 2006 and before. Once the write off law is passed by parliament then the amounts are written off.

Illegality
The Receiver is giving her own interpretation to the law and the present Minister of Finance Mr. Hassink is allowing her to do as she pleases. The Minister of Finance is responsible for the actions of the Receiver. In this case the Minister of Finance should send an instruction to the Receiver to not collect the amounts prior to 2006 and cease and desist from putting liens for those amounts.

Conclusion
The Receiver is interpreting the law wrong. She is compensating salaries and payments for products and services to the written off amounts. This is not in accordance with the law.
Let me give 2 examples. If the Receiver were correct in her interpretation, she would have to withhold the salary of all civil servants who received a write off in accordance with the law.
She would have to withhold monies payable to contractors for services rendered from all suppliers who received a write off in accordance with the published law.
Furthermore, the Parliament of St. Maarten which is the highest body in the country gave their intention twice to write off these amounts in motions. Thus she is also going against the will of parliament.

Recommendation
The Minister of Finance should issue the correct interpretation of the law this week and mandate the Receiver to follow his directions. That entails that all tax assessments, fees and AVBZ assessments prior to 2006 cannot be collected unless there is a refund. The refund can be compensated with the written off amounts until the write off law is passed by Parliament. Then compensation will cease also.
All senior citizens, individuals and businesses that were wrongfully collected by the Receiver after February 2013 should write a protest letter to the receiver demanding a refund for collected amounts for the years prior to 2007.
The Minister of Finance should send the draft law to write off the taxes, fees and AVBZ for 2006 and before to the Advisory Counsel and then to Parliament for approval. The law was written prior to my departure as Minister of Finance.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a government agency under the Ministry of Public Health, is advising residents of Belvedere, Dutch Quarter including Union Farm and Garden of Eden, and Middle Region that a cycle of emergency mosquito fogging will start on Wednesday, 5th February.

Homeowners during the time of the spraying should open all doors and windows. Dishes, bowls, pots and pans, fish tanks and bird cages should be covered. Stay away from open windows and doors during the spraying.

The fogging exercise is an effort by Government in fighting the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes which can transmit Dengue and Chikungunya viruses if infected. Chikungunya is similar to dengue.

Residents must bear in mind that fogging is not a total solution to eliminate mosquitoes. Fogging activity is kept to a minimum in order to prevent the mosquito population from developing immunity to the chemicals that are deployed.

Residents are strongly advised to continue to step up measures at homes and businesses to mitigate the rise in the viruses carried by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes lay their eggs in clean stagnant water. The diseases attributed to the mosquito are dengue and chikungunya. In order to mitigate the number of cases, elimination of mosquito breeding places and preventing mosquitoes from feeding are priority actions. "All, against Mosquitoes."

Minister of Public Health Hon. Cornelius de Weever, "Get Checked" campaign, is in line with the urgent efforts currently on-going eliminate breeding sites of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is most active at dawn and dusk, but residents and visitors should use mosquito repellent throughout the day in order to ward off mosquitoes.

An increase in the mosquito population puts all residents and businesses at risk. Call for information on the Aedes Aegypti mosquito breeding sites and respective preventive measures at 542-2078 or 542-3003 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Consult your physician to ensure proper diagnosis, registration, treatment and follow-up.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister Hon. Maurice Lake of Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), reported on Sunday that his Ministry is busy working on a number of road repair programs.

On Sunday work started on Bush Road in the vicinity of Burger King, KFC, and Cost U Less.

"Parts of the road were bumpy and you had issues with water creating potholes. An entire section has to be dug up and resurfaced in order to correct the current situation.

"I am appealing to motorists to exercise caution while driving along this section of the Bush Road and I apologize on behalf of the Ministry for any inconvenience that this may cause.

"We are trying to improve road safety for both vehicles and pedestrians and some inconvenience will be incurred," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.

In the vicinity of the L.B. Scot Gas Station, a road marking project will get underway shortly as well.

The Coralita Road has several potholes and the current frequent rain showers have been preventing the contractor from making the necessary repairs. Minister Lake hopes that the potholes will be repaired this week.

Minister Lake added that he is looking into the placement of road reflectors at certain junctions and roads in order to improve road safety.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams attended the annual meeting between her and the Advisory Board of the Council of Advice at the offices of the Council on the E.C Richardson Street in Philipsburg. The Council of Advice, Vice-Chaired by Mavis Brooks-Salmon, has as its constitutional duty to advise Government and Parliament on items of legislation as outlined in Article 69 of the Constitution. The Council can also advise Government under the same in cases where it considers it necessary, a process called unsolicited advice.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams was joined by Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport's Affairs the Honorable Patricia Lourens-Phillip in receiving a courtesy visit from Board Members of the S4 Foundation at her Cabinet on Thursday. During the courtesy meeting various items concerning the interests of St. Maarten's Students living abroad were discussed.

The S4 Foundation was established In November 2004, being incorporated by the Prime Minister who was then Commissioner of education to ensure the proper guidance and supervision of St. Maarten students in the Netherlands. The tasks duties and responsibilities of S4 are stipulated in a Service Level Agreement or "Samenwerkingsovereenkomst" between the Government of St. Maarten and S4. Our primary task is to provide the necessary support & assistance to our students in the Netherlands and to monitor and report the progress of these students to the Government of St. Maarten.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- UTS has stepped up to support the Saba Cultural Foundation in its endeavor to organize a fundraising bingo. The bingo will be held on Saturday, February 2nd, 2014 and will feature a large range of attractive prizes. UTS has provided 3 Smartphone devices as prizes during the evening. "It is our pleasure to support the Saba Cultural Foundation once again," said UTS Marketing and Communication Officer, Ivy Lambert. "We have a long-running relationship with the foundation and fundraising efforts such as these allow the foundation to continue in its important work in organizing celebrations such as carnival and Saba Day festivities. We wish all members of the community that will be attending the bingo an enjoyable and fun filled evening," Lambert continued.

UTS Press Release

It is indeed an honor to stand here as the Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labour to congratulate and acknowledge the Windward Islands Civil Servant Union/ Private Sector Union (WICSU/PSU) and its members on their 35th year Anniversary.
Today we celebrate the many struggles endured and accomplishments achieved since the official establishment of the WICSU on the 1st January, 1979. This establishment solidified the need for social dialogue, even amongst civil servants, advancing the standards & conditions of work, promoting equality, security, promotion and defense of their occupational interests.
By promoting open labour discussions it stimulates industrial peace, encourages foreign investments and has a positive impact on the labour productivity of a country. Proper social dialogue encompasses the existence of open communication, democratic representation, collective bargaining and peacefully reaching a consensus. It is the goal of any enterprise to acquire the highest level of productivity from its workers, which in some cases can only be achieved through unionization, fair agreements and proper social dialogue, all of which I endorse.
The formation of the Tripartite Committee, initiated by my Ministry, is a perfect example of efficient social dialogue. This body allows for healthy open discussions between Government, the worker's representatives and the employer's representatives. Today, with constant economic instability, it is extremely important to be able to sustain a balance between the wishes of workers and the expectations of employers.
WICSU/PSU is an active part of this tripartite body, in the person of your President Miss Derie Leonard. The expectation is that WICSU/PSU continues to support the Tripartite in this endeavor as the success of this body depends on the quality and consistency of all parties involved.
WICSU/PSU represents the wishes/concerns of civil servants of country Sint Maarten, civil servants on the BES Islands and workers of various prominent companies within the private sector. WICSU/PSU has and will always have an influential role in the local labour market. The influence of the union and the collaboration of all stakeholders, promotes an environment in which freedom of association, the ability to bargain openly and independently have become a fundamental part of our social fabric.
I once more congratulate you on this milestone of celebrating your 35th anniversary. May God bless you all.

I would like to specially acknowledge the efforts of the following WICSU presidents from 1981-present:
Mr. Edgar Lynch
Mr. Rafael Boasman
Mr. Pricio Mathilda
Mrs. Prudence Hodge
Miss Patricia Pantophlet
Mr. William Reed
Ms. Derie Leonard

Three Days of Competition, Concerts, Events and Island Fun

PHILIPSBURG:--- Sailors and enthusiasts: get ready for some yacht racing and fun in the sun during the 34th Annual St. Maarten Heineken Regatta taking place March 6-9, 2014, with musical performers LMFAO, of "Party Rock" fame, headlining the event.
The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is an annual competition that has become a world-wide and one-of-a-kind sailing event with exciting entertainment, musical performances and parties that have attracted thousands of sailors and enthusiasts to the island over the years. The actual competition consists of round-the-buoys contests and point-to-point destination races against the backdrop of St. Maarten's breathtaking coastal views.

Each night during the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta there is a veritable battle of the bands, with the celebration ending with an awards ceremony on Sunday night. LMFAO, famous for their hit songs "Party Rock Anthem," "Sexy and I Know It" and "Shots," will be headlining this year's event. Famous previous headliners have included The Black Eyed Peas, Ziggy Marley, The Wailers, Shaggy, The Marley Brothers, Jimmy Cliff, Wyclef Jean and The Commodores.

The yearly three-day event gets the racing season under way with two pre-events, the Budget Marine Match Racing Cup, a one-day match racing event on March 4 which will bring the world's best match racers to the island for a day of intense sailing, and the Gill Commodore's Cup on March 6, a one-day race for spinnaker classes only. Both events take place just prior to the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta to excite race-goers for the main event.

St. Maarten has it all, from cafés and sizzling beachside barbecues; boutique hotels and high-rise resorts and some of the best shopping and nightlife in the Caribbean, there is truly something for everyone.

For more information on St. Maarten visit the official site of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau at www.VacationStMaarten.com.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Philipsburg Jubilee Library held its Open Day Reception last week Friday, January 24, 2014 at 6pm for invited guests, including the Minister of Education Patricia Lourens-Philip, Minister of Health, Cornelius de Weever, Minister of Infrastructure, Maurice Lake.
The evening started off with a cocktail reception, followed by a presentation by Library Director, Monique Alberts in which the library's goals and activities for 2014 was presented, to over thirty current and potential financial partners, funding agencies, service clubs and members of the business community.
"In recent years, the Philipsburg Jubilee Library has organized events at the library but without first presenting those plans to the business community and funding agencies at the start of the year. These financial groups are important to the success and longevity of our projects. It is with this in mind, that this event was organized to present our plans for 2014 to our valued financial supporters, as early possible, in order for us to garner their financial support", stated Morenika Arrindell, Library Public Relations & Activity Manager.
During the presentation, Alberts outlined a few of the activities and projects that the library would like to carry out for the New Year with the financial assistance of the business community. Alberts discussed phase two of the "Library Goes Green" project, which would allow the library to switch completely to LED Lights and also install inverter air conditioners for the entire building; continuation of the annual "Baby & Toddler Week", a reading workshop for parents and their babies or toddlers; the annual Summer Musical for teenagers; Children's Book Week 2014; the need to finalize the new shelves and furniture project; renovation of the children's corner; new furniture for the Baby & Toddler room, construction of a ramp and special parking space for senior citizens, and the installation of the Digikidz-medialab.
After the presentation, visiting guests took a tour of the library's facility, including the Baby & Toddler Room, Youth and Adult Sections.

Library Director Alberts thanked all invited guests for attending and encouraged them to support their library.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), hereby announces that there will be interruption to the traffic flow on the Bush road in the vicinity of Burger King, KFC and Cost U Less on Sunday.

On Sunday, 2nd February from 7:00am to 7:00pm, part of the road will be closed to vehicular traffic on the side of Burger King and Le Grand Marche, Bush road.

Vehicular traffic can use G.A. Arnell Blvd (Link 1), L.B. Scot road and Coralita road to get to Philipsburg.

The road closure is in connection with repairs that need to be carried out to the road surface in the aforementioned area.

Motorists are requested to be vigilant and observant for the traffic directional signs indicating what works are underway in the respective area.

Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconvenience that this may cause.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Statistics (STAT) and its 25 interviewers are ready to hit the road on Saturday February 1st to carry out a nation-wide household listing survey.

The public's full cooperation is needed in order to make the survey a success.

The household listing survey aims to collect the most recent number of households and residents on Sint Maarten while also providing a basis for comparison with the registered population of the Civil Registry Office.

The 25 experienced professional interviewers will be in the field visiting every household for a period of 10 weeks. The interviewers will count all private and commercial establishments and will ask household members just basic questions.

The questionnaire is short and direct, and will cover the following limited questions: number of persons in the household, and from each person their age, gender, country of birth, nationality, if they are registered at the Civil Registry on the Dutch or French side, and at which address.

Lastly persons will be asked to verify the number of units existing within each building.

Depending on how many individuals are living at an address, the interview should take no more than five to 25 minutes.

A certain number of interviewers will visit apartment buildings, assisted living and other institutions, gated communities, and marinas.

STAT falls under the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication.

PHILIPSBURG:--- An autopsy was conducted on the robbery suspect identified as Michael Carty who died while held under restraint and it does not outline the exact cause of death, Prosecutor Tineke Kamps told SMN News on Friday. Prosecutor Kamps said the autopsy was conducted on Thursday afternoon but the body has still not been released to the family because the report on the cause of death is not clear. When asked if strangulation was completely ruled out, Kamps said that too was not ruled out therefore further analysis has to be conducted to determine the exact cause of death of Michael Carty (22) of French Quarter who died while trying to break into a home at 162 Oyster Pond on Tuesday January 28th, 2014. Prosecutor Kamps said the prosecutor dealing with the case did not indicate when the body will be released to the relatives of the deceased. "Right now a decision has to be taken on who exactly will conduct the further analysis to determine the exact cause of death."

The tourists that were in the home at the time of the incident held on to Carty who died before police reached the scene, the two other culprits that were with the suspect at the time of the robbery managed to escape towards the French side of the island. SMN News learnt that police are busy looking for the two other suspects whom they believe could shed more light on the incident. When asked where the tourists are from and if they have to remain on St. Maarten while the analysis is conducted, Prosecutor Kamps said they were interrogated as suspects in the ongoing investigation but they were not arrested. This means the tourists whom she said are Swedish can leave the island pending the investigation, the public prosecutor said the police will make some arrangements with the tourists prior to them leaving the island.

While the young man is well known in French Quarter, several residents of the area said that what happened to Carty was something waiting to happen. Some said Carty was part of gang that were busy committing a string of robberies on both sides of the island. However, his mother is refuting the allegations because her son was never arrested by law enforcement on neither side of the island. The bereaved mother is also saying that her son and Charles Robinson are not friends but mere acquaintances yet Michael Carty's Facebook page states otherwise.

One of his good friends Charles Robinson whom several residents said robbed them, died in a motorcycle accident last Friday in French Quarter. "The two deaths caused some concern among family members of both youngsters that died. They said statements were made by someone that this will coming to pass and that is not something the families of the young men will accept," one resident told SMN News.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The President of Parliament Hon. Gracita Arrindell is currently in the Netherlands representing the country in connection with Her Royal Highness (HRH) Princess Beatrix farewell celebration on Saturday, February 1st in Ahoy, Rotterdam.

President Arrindell arrived in The Netherlands on Friday, the 76th birthday of HRH Princess Beatrix – January 31 – who celebrated the day with her family.

The farewell party will also celebrate the over 30-year reign of the former Queen.

The programme has been arranged by Bart Schneemann, oboist and music director of the Netherlands Wind Ensemble.

There will be musical renderings by members of the general public accompanied by the Netherlands Wind Ensemble, and a performance by Corpus Acrobatics.

The other countries within the Kingdom will also have representatives at the national farewell celebration.

The logistics for the celebration is being handled by the National Investiture Committee.