Articles

PHILIPSBURG:---  Prime Minister Hon. Marcel Gumbs on Saturday evening attended the 16th Annual ‘Walk for God’s Mercy and Protection’ that was organized by the St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in collaboration with the Divine Mercy Charismatic Prayer Group.
Citizens of the country took part in the walk which was organized in connection with the 2015 Atlantic Hurricane Season and any other disaster or calamity that may occur during the remainder of the year.
Prime Minister Gumbs told the gathering during the praise and worship session to stay focused on God; to pray for tranquillity and stability; to always be civil with one another; and to seek God’s protection for the hurricane season and any other disaster that may occur.
Participants met at the Cyrus Wathey Square in front of the Courthouse in Philipsburg. After praise and worship, those in attendance walked through Front and Back Street and back to the Square.

My fellow Sint Maarteners: June 1 st marked the beginning of the 2015 Atlantic Hurricane Season. The season begins June1 st and ends November 30 th
.
Forecasters have said that it is going to be a quiet season, but this year, 2015, the season took off to an early start when Tropical Storm Ana became the first named storm of the 2015
Atlantic Hurricane Season.
I call on the nation to be vigilant and to be prepared. This is a call to action!
Remember, it only takes one hurricane strike to make it a bad season for us. Last October 2014, Sint Maarten was struck by Hurricane Gonzalo, despite predictions for a below-normal
2014 hurricane season.It was an eye-opening experience after not being affected by a hurricane system in several years.
Therefore, I reiterate by calling on the nation to  be vigilant and be prepared!
Start to increase your pace of preparedness and be prepared to take action when called upon to do so to secure life and property.
Everybody has an individual responsibility to be prepared. If we all maintain a level of preparedness, it will reduce material losses and th
e loss of life. It will also allow us as a nation to jump back as quickly as possible should a storm system impact
our nation.  We must always remain mindful that for six months out of the year, we live in the hurricane season. Hurricanes can cause serious damage result
ing in a setback to our national economy. As a nation, the majority of us have experienced hurricanes and know what to do. However, there are those who have just moved here, and are unaware and inexperienced. As a good neighbour, help them, by informing them on what has to be done in preparation for a storm strike.
My fellow Sint Maarteners, do not be lulled into a sense of false security. At the beginning of every hurricane season, prepare yourself and your family.
It only takes one hurricane to make it a bad season for us.
Be prepared.
May God Bless and keep us all safe during the 2015
Atlantic Hurricane Season.
Thank You

{saudioplayer}pmhurricanenationaladdress31052015.mp3{/saudioplayer)

Introduction
The St. Martin Nation Building Foundation (2003) and its twin organization, the Association L’ Esprit de Concordia (2005) are both also officially registered under the name of the St. Martin Grassroots people Movement.
This collective body representing all native, St. Martiners, regardless of race, creed or religion has a its main objective the following;
To promote the recognition, preservation etc. of the native, indigenous St. Martin people to come first at home, as the foundation for the St. Martin nation building process which also strongly promotes the inclusion of people of all ethnicities legally residing on the island and who are of an ‘added value’ to the process.
Considering that;
Our movement hereby recognizes the role the Haitian People played in the pre-colonial era, that eventually resulted in the abolition of slavery....
Our movement will always be mindful of that role and will always be grateful to the Haitian people for such back in the day.
Our movement however also recognize that times have changed and are continually changing...
Our movement recognizes that our native, indigenous St. Martin People have now also joined the league of freedom fighting nations...
We hereby move to proclaim;
The native, indigenous St. Martin People to be the post-colonial ‘Freedom – and economic Deliverers’ of the Caribbean.
We look forward to all relevant entities taking careful note of this.
In addition – we look forward to all Governments in the region - not only to display a level of gratitude to all native, indigenous St. Martin People (St. Martin ID-card holders), but to effectively start putting policies in place to reciprocate the role St. Martin people have played in liberating our Caribbean brothers and sisters from economic hardship and consequently giving real meaning to their political independence.
Long live the native, indigenous St. Martin People and may their role as ‘Deliverers’ in the Caribbean be acknowledged in the annals of history- along with that of the former Haitian ‘Freedom fighters’.

Drs. Leopold James
President of the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement – the inclusive one.
Copies to UN, Caricom, US- State-Department etc. etc.

OPEN LETTER

It was not always the case.....
Researching- and documenting our history, our past....
Too long- and still to quite an extent - others wrote and continue to write our past for us...
In doing so - they in fact continue to tell us who we are, what we as a people are capable - and especially are NOT capable of doing....
Needless to explain how that indoctrination shaped and molded our self-image and self-confidence for ages..
Then – fortunately we started producing our own native researchers, historians and authors....too many to mention...
One however, we cannot NOT mention – Danielle Jeffry – who has done a remarkable and consistent job documenting our history.
Together with others her work constitutes a veritable treasure of our past experiences as a people and it has allowed us to much better understand many WHY’S...and HOW’s happening to us today...
Over time many of us have excelled in that field of historical analysis, of in fact living in that past.
But – isn’t it time to take our consciousness to the next ‘level’ ?
Passing and letting go the level of EXPLAINING the PAST ?
Of even DWELLING in the PAST ?
Of getting STUCK in the PAST ?
Of LIVING in the PAST ?
Isn’t it time to realize that there is also a FUTURE ?
To PREPARE for the future ?
To CHART the FUTURE before it too disappears into the annals of the past ?
We believe- that if we as a people would only focus on the PAST – OTHERS might make use of that shortcoming and start charting the FUTURE ...
A FUTURE not necessarily in OUR favor – and why should they ?
In that case - we will indeed continue to excel in RECANTING what happened to us in the past and continue to cry, to blame, to re-act and to accuse others who simply took it upon themselves to focus on charting the FUTURE....
Isn’t that the reason, why increasingly St. Martiners are being left behind in the overall development of their own country ?
Lack of being PRO-ACTIVE ?
An interesting case in point.
Our plans to start a St. Martin nation building television program with a broad-based, multi-ethnic input is not (yet) understood by some of our people.
Would they prefer to wait until some-else takes the initiative to produce- and host such a program and perhaps even leave St. Martiners out, so that once more they will be on the outside complaining ?
Or would they assume their morally legitimate role as HOST of this country and be the one doing the inviting, selecting and setting the rules of engagement ?
Our Grassroots movement is not going to belong to the group of St. Martiners, who always re-act, complain and accuse – we will be pro-active and let the ‘clock’ do its best to keep up with us.
In ending we call on all conscious St. Martiners to complement the work of our historians by now becoming ARCHITECTS of the future, by becoming the new Jules Vernes of our time.
Let us now start DESIGNING the FUTURE St. Martin mindful of our past and being aware of the great foundation laid and invaluable contributions made by our historians.
Create a culture of bold, intelligent imagination and force Father time to work to keep up with your powerful vision.
One love,

Leopold James,
President St.Martin Grassroots People Movement – the inclusive one.

Dear Editor,

OPEN LETTER

Seems like – once more – the role of outside investors in re-creating- and re-designing the very face of our country is becoming evident to many St. Martiners.
In addition – it seems that our St. Martin people are increasingly realizing that they may be left out of the picture....
Case in point – Marigot to be re-shaped, ‘de –St.Martinized’ - under the theme of ‘Revival’
Surprise, surprise...
Our grassroots movement is not one of those now expressing wonderment and surprise and shock...
How come ?
Well, it goes like this.
We did not wait until that reality smack in our faces....
We did not wait to re-act.....
We were pro-active in a timely fashion....
The record speaks for itself.
When many were complaining about the fact that Marigot was becoming a ‘ghost-town’- I called a meeting at my home in Friar’s-Bay for us to find ways to capitalize on that apparent crisis.
Instead of focusing on the ‘ghosts’ - we saw – REAL opportunities for St. Martiners willing to be pro-active, creative and bold...
Present during the meeting I called, were among others; Albert ‘Jesse’ Adams, X Rey, Freddy Richardson, Horace Whit, Jean Maccow, Louis Maccow, Miguel Arrindell, Etienne van Heyningen.....
Topic ?
Let us set up as association to come up with a project on how to revitalize Marigot, making sure to ‘re-brand’ it with our own, native St. Martin image.
After all – it was BECAUSE of the hospitable and friendly charact- and traditions of our native St. Martin people the island was BRANDED the ‘Friendly-island’ which then became a MAGNET for people of every hook and nook of the globe.
My motivation to those present to start taking initiatives at the time was the following.
The best time to invest in Marigot is NOW – when it seems abandoned and no-one seems interested.
I strongly cautioned, that if we waited only to RE-ACT – others would then have the upper hand and it would be much more difficult for us native St. Martiners to get a piece of the ‘Marigot pie’.
During one of those meetings, I shared some creative ideas in terms of us as natives making a proposal to the Collectivity for the overall revitalization plans of Marigot.
Because Mr. Horace Whit showed very strong ‘interest’ in presiding over the association to be set up – I had no problems giving him that opportunity.
And with that – we never saw what Mr. Whit ever achieved towards that goal of preparing a project on how to re-vitalize Marigot to be presented to those relevant authorities.
Below listed are some events with dates for the record.
??????, 2013 Our first meeting. (Must confirm exact date)

October 8, 2014 In email to Mr. Horace Whit by Leopold James, he was reminded ‘not to lose the opportunity to reclaim and revive Marigot’. (Others also received that email)
October 12, 2013 ; Grassroots meeting reminding group of the importance for presenting project to re-vitalize Marigot.
October 17, 2013; Letter sent by Leopold James to Mr. Alain Richardson (Former president COM-St. Martin) pertaining to our willingness- and readiness to participate in planning for the revival of Marigot. (Of course we never got any response)
On December 2, in a meeting with Vice-president Mr. Wendell Cocks, Mr. Albert ‘Jesse’ Adams and Leopold James presented him with a Draft position-paper on the basic concept for our input in the process of re-vitalizing Marigot.
Mr. Cocks promised to get back to us – we are still waiting.
In ending.
A people without a vision is lost.
Reacting based on entitlement only when faced with an imminent situation might not be the best way for people to survive in this our very competitive society and world.
Being pro-active and taking bold, consistent initiative on the other hand might prevent people from been caught ‘flat-footed’, or with their ‘pants down’.
On the other hand, we urge those in charge of this project and of the Collectivity in general NOT to proceed with any planning for Marigot WITHOUT consulting and INVOLVING ALL the St. Martin families, who have historically built Marigot.
Failing to do such is a HUGE risk not worth taking.
There is NO way under the sun, that there can be ANYTHING St. Martin without native, indigenous St. Martiners at the very core......
As far as our St. Martin Grassroots People Movement is concerned – we lend our support to people like Daniella Jeffry, Aline Choisie, Jules Charville and all others who are expressing the sentiments of the majority of the St. Martin people to go back to the drawing board and to make sure that it will be the St. Martiners whose voice will be the one counting most.
At the same time we once more implore on St. Martiners to stop using entitlement to progress.
Progress also requires developing a strong sense of personal responsibility, being pro-active as well as other qualities.
If we do not play our role – should we then blame others for the opportunities and chances they see us neglecting ?

One love,

Leopold James
President St. Martin Grassroots People Movement – the inclusive one.

Dear Editor,

Okay, I have read the document on the establishing of the Integrity Committee and I must say that I CANNOT DISAGREE MORE with my good friend MP Christopher Emmanuel. I do not think that the establishing of this Committee is "bad for business" unless it is the business of nepotism and corruption that have plagued us for the last 25 years.
I also believe that some of the comments made by many members of Parliament misrepresent what is actually in the document. I am not saying they are lying but they are taking a very extreme view of what powers the Committee actually have. MP William Marlin in his comments stated that a simple relationship with a Minister or MP can disqualify you from a contract or job, which according to me is really stretching the meaning of the document. Article 1 specifically states what aspects the Committee can look at. It does not look like a baseless witch-hunt in my opinion.
The United People’s Party in the person of MP Frankie Meyers, submitted some amendments to the document which I can agree with but I most definitely can’t agree with the ‘pleading the fifth’ comment. I think that this should be valid for private citizens but once you put yourself in the public office this rule should not apply to you. You want to plead the fifth you should HAVE TO resign from your position. I must mention that I do agree with the UP that in the first instance the advice from the IC should NOT be binding but in the case that the Ministers of Parliament do not act on the advice, it should after a specific period of time become binding.
I also agree with MP Sarah Wescott-Williams that an Integrity Committee HAS TO be established. If you listen MP Christopher Emmanuel and MP Silveria Jacobs, they do not see the Committee as being necessary as they feel that the current High Councils of State should suffice in controlling Government decisions. In practice this is however not the case, Government continuously does whatever it wants with decisions and especially with the Government owned companies and other semi-private organizations.
Article 21 clearly states that the IC before making any advice has to first do a preliminary investigation and in this preliminary investigation they will check a. the validity of the complaint, the truthfulness and the position of the whistle blower; b. The professionalism, consistency, completeness, independence and impartiality of the investigation; c. the proportionality and substance of the investigation and the procedures and methods used; d. The way external experts can be used if the knowledge does not exist in the IC. So there is a specific process that needs to be followed, a witch hunt is very difficult if these rules are followed.
Article 22 states that once the investigation is complete the IC has to report to the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister then reports to the Governor. The report is then published in the ‘Landscourant’. Again this is a normal process and the ghost stories about the IC making ‘decisions’ that cannot be viewed or challenged is just wrong.
Article 23 establishes the secrecy of the investigation which protects those being investigated in case nothing is found that they are not wrongly affected by being investigated.
Article 24 is to me a strange article because even though the advice of the IC is binding, the Council of Ministers have 4 weeks to respond as to how they will remedy the situation. Sub 2 of this article states that if the COM disagrees with the advice they have to motivate this in writing within the 4 weeks.
In conclusion, I must say that with the small changes I mentioned above had I been a Member of Parliament I would have to vote for this motion. Maybe that is the difference here, maybe the MP’s feel that they will be investigated just for the fact that they are MP’s. Why would they feel this way? MP Christopher Emmanuel mentioned on the floor of Parliament that he hasn’t done anything so if this is the case I expect him to vote for the IC since if it remains this way, he has nothing to fear.
Who I think should definitely vote for an amended motion are the ones whose names come up in rumors of serious wrongdoings in the form of using their positions for personal benefit and the benefit of their friends and family. These MP’s should be the first to vote for the IC motion if they are doing nothing wrong. I would think they would want to clear their name. If these MP’s vote against this motion, we can only assume that there is something they are hiding. At least that is what I will be thinking.

Kendall Dupersoy

Dear Editor,

Recently  again - one of our local, native young man had a ‘run-in’ with some members of the Gendarmes and with members of the French immigration-service.
The young man in question - by all accounts - is a very friendly, respectful, professional individual hailing from an equally respected, proud and conscious traditional St. Martin family.
It is not the first time St. Martiners have endured extremely negative, and humiliating experiences with members of the Gendarme.
In fact - many people experience the general attitude of the gendarme vis a vis Black people as if it were some occupational force, having absolutely no respect or regards for them.
As such, we too express our dissatisfaction and condemnation with the way the young St. Martiner was treated, after it became clear that he had his ID-card in his possession, which was the reason in the first place for him being pulled off the bus he was traveling in as passenger.
It appears that when first asked by the authorities for his ID, the young man thought that he did not have that document on him, there and then.
Consequently - he felt that saying that he was a St. Martiner would have sufficed the request of the immigration - officer – it clearly did not.
We will not elaborate on the wisdom of his assumption and of him then trying to leave the scene.
Unfortunately – the situation escalated, the Gendarmes were called to the scene, the young man was roughly hand-cuffed and taken into a holding cell for a number of hours.
This all led to a small blockade by supports of the young men and of his subsequent release.
Thank God, it did not end worse.
But, we believe we all should try to learn from every experience.
What our Grassroots Movement thinks is more important than being led by emotions, is is that we educate our young people to make sure to walk behind the law when such is required.
Trying to take for granted that the Gendarme has to accept them saying they are St. Martiners, unfortunately does not have to ‘cut it’.
In EVERY law-abiding society it is MANDATORY at all times to be able to properly identify oneself when in the public square – period.
Especially in a society where crime, illegal immigration and even terrorism are factors – this should not even be a discussion.
After all, one’s identity, or one’s status is not written on one’s forehead.
And engaging in any confrontation under those circumstances might in fact be an act of KAMIKAZE - using suicide as a weapon.
But, guess what ?
In the worst case the KAMIKAZE soldier is assured of death as the outcome of his/her bravery.
In the best case scenario, he/she becomes the victim of some sorts- and the loser.
Therefore - instead of encouraging our youth to use KAMIKAZE as a means to fight injustice as a first option is not something we would do, because it sets them up to get hurt or worse.
We would advise people in general in such case when one does not have the required document at hand, to start by humbling one-self and acknowledge such.
Also, politely ask if the officer would allow you the opportunity to - for instance make a call to some-one at your home to see if that document can be brought to the site.
Whatever the case- do NOT argue when you are wrong.
That will be just exactly up the alley, if the officer already has a prejudiced mindset.
Better yet perhaps.
It is time, that all Police- and Gendarme cars are equipped with computerized systems hooked up to a data-bank containing information on residency, outstanding taxes, crime-record – you name it.
This way, in the case some-one is pulled over by law-enforcement and they do not have certain documents – the on-board computer can easily and quickly verify the status of the person.
So, instead of blocking roads and using other, in-effective, outdated means of protest, our St. Martin Grassroots Movement would prefer to an intelligent method to protect our youngsters from resorting to using KAMIKAZE to prove a point.
Therefore - we hereby offer those in authority this concrete proposal to prevent unnecessary confrontations on the island.
We are prepared to meet with all relevant authorities to thrash out many contentions within our society.
In ending – another alternative as opposed to simply emotion-laden reactions.
A simple call to our movement would allow our data-bank to verify if the person pulled on the side is registered as an ID-Card holder /St. Martiner on the island.
Promoting the KAMIKAZE approach we will respectfully leave up to others.
One love,

Leopold James,
President St. Martin Grassroots People Movement – the inclusive one.

By sticking to shadow boxing - or by venturing into 'full body contact' at a given point in time ?
There are those, who fight for a noble cause - a just cause - a very legitimate cause.....
Week-in, week-out....talking, talking and talking even more....
In their 'secluded' quarters, they preach to ‘the choir’ which responds....hallelujah.....
It is so interesting to hear how they try to convince each other of how they are winning the fight...
Alas – only they believe they are winning - or at least they try hard to convince themselves, that they believe it...
And then there is another set of 'soldiers' out there, fighting that same, noble cause, that same just- and very legitimate cause ....
The stark difference however between the two ‘camp’ is, that one has got stuck in ‘shadow-boxing’, with their own ‘sparring partners’, who make them feel that they are real champions...
The other camp conversely, has long since moved away from the friendly, self-serving ‘shadow-boxing’ matches...
They realize that the proof of the pudding and the test of how best to champion one’s cause - is to do that in the REAL world, overcoming all kinds of ‘booby-traps’ and enduring hostility.
To keep it all in understandable boxing-terms – the latter camp has decided to engage in ‘full body contact’ against all the able- and aggressive ‘contenders’ in the entire world...
Of course - the risk of getting licks and seriously beaten up is real – but then again – so is also a victory under these circumstances – for real...
Case in point.
The St. Martin Grassroots People Movement is more than ready, prepared and eager to champion the cause of St. Martin nation building - not by excluding others, not by shadow-boxing – but through direct, honest and critically constructive engagement with others.
We therefore look forward to our new St. Martin nation building television program, in which we will promote the participation of people representing all ethnic communities on the island.
Only mature people- and nations, are able to sit around the table with others with whom there might be issues.
It is not about liking- or not liking each other – it is about forward thinking...
About realizing that - if there is to be peace, justice, stability, harmony and sustainable growth- and development – we must leave the ‘shadow –boxing’ behind in the gym and enter into the roped ring and prove ourselves in the real world.
It will require engaging in ‘full body -face-to-face’ contact with the world – engaging in talking St. Martin nation building with all ethnic communities on the island and taking a lead role in the process.
Of course -the ‘Soualiga exclusion Camp' is free to continue its weekly ‘shadow-boxing’ matches – why not ?
That is the right thing to do for those who are not yet ‘up-to par’ to put their pre-match rhetoric to the test – in the ring.
But - if they ever manage to see the light – there will be a very legitimate role for them to play in our new program - alongside all other stakeholders in the ring.
Until such time – the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement will forge ahead towards inclusion of all non-native St. Martiners, who have a LEGAL status on the island and who are of an added value and are willing to sign a pledge of allegiance in which reciprocity toward St. Martin is a condition sine qua non.
One love,
Leopold James
President of the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement – the inclusive

Dear Editor,

Trying to turn back the (hands of the) clock – or forcing the clock to keep up ?
Granted – most people often react – yes – after the fact.....
Specifically – once they are personally affected.....
Granted too – they also come into action, once they realize, they had conveniently- and opportunistically ignored the many warning signs and – the messengers of the message, back in the day.....
And granted indeed – once they see they diminishing light - they start to preach to the very choir that in fact even composed the ‘hit-song’ they now are marketing.....
Granted alas – in panic they now resort to attempting to stop and to turn back the hands of the clock....
To be clear – the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement is not in the business of turning back the hands of the clock – any clock.......
Nor are we in the business of living in denial of the hardcore reality of life.
Accepting ‘It is what it is’ – is the premise we build on.
And certainly – we have no intention to getting – and wallowing in the business of self-pity, structural complaining and blaming – we respectfully leave that up to those who excel in that field...
Quite to the contrary- our movement has always been about positioning itself and its views AHEAD of ’Father time’........ AHEAD of the clock.
In our thinking – it is the (hand of the ) CLOCK that will do the catching up with us and certainly not us trying to desperately hang on and to stop the hands of the clock......
A word that captures our approach relevant to ‘Father time ‘ ?
What about creative –intelligence ? Out-of-the-box thinking ? Pro-actively thinking ? Change-agents ? Who knows ?
For now we will settle with ‘visionary’ thinking.
Not waiting until the ‘Tsunami’ is upon us and then trying to stop it with our shoulders and big pot bellies.
No- not us -we have already planned the provisions for it – ahead of its arrival.
So, when it comes – it fills our catchment-systems, flows through our elaborate network of canals, runs over of bridges, turns our turbines and generates energy, other valuable substances and services.
Over time, our movement has been recognized as to represent such ‘forward thinking’.
Consequently, while there are those, who oppose our actions to hand out St. Martin ID-cards to non-native St. Martiners, who we consider to be of an ‘added value’ - there is an even greater and growing number, who understand the concept.
And just for the record.
Any non ‘blood-loin’ St. Martiner can only qualify for our card, once at least two criteria have been met.
In the first place, that person must have LEGAL status on the island.
No criminal record and that person must have been passed our basis norm of being of an ‘added value’ to the nation building process.
So, without at least a legal status – such a person can not even qualify for our card.
The last time we checked – WE were not the ones giving out this official LEGAL documents.
Therefore, those who ‘valiantly’ oppose these people even qualifying for our card – please go knock on the doors, where it matters – if you have the courage that is.
As far as anyone having genuine-, legitimate- and constructive – even hard-core criticism on any part of our policies, actions etc. – by all means – make them known –publicly and we will take them into serious consideration.
On the other hand - trying to be cute, or simply being personal – sorry – read what the sign says ; ‘Nobody home – gone fishing’. Ok ?
And in ending.
As far as those St. Martiners, who just woke up out of eternal mental hibernation and are now desperate to survive –point well taken – but the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement did not hibernate, when it was freezing cold winter – we were providing for the spring.
Consequently, we are not now with a sense of panic and un-deserved feeling of entitlement trying in vain to stop the hands of the clock, like many others .
Thanks, but no thanks - no station passee - WE are way ahead of the clock whose hands they are trying to stop now .
Good luck.

Leopold James,
President of the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement – the inclusive one.

In the paper last week, USP's President Nicholas defends his meandering boss MP Frans Richardson. I get that...that's his job! However in doing so, he engages in political Hocus Pocus, a phenomenon that sadly has become typical of St. Maarten politricks. I didn't get a measly 128 votes as he wants the readers to believe....I got 129 votes! 129 REAL votes at that! Unfortunately these 129 votes ended up contributing to that other not-so-honorable MP getting a four plus two year almost Fls. 18,000.00 a month job. And that guy never even said thanks, while his example-setting-uncle continues to owe big bucks advanced for part of the LdW/DP election campaign in 2010. But that's a whole other chapter. To get back to the original story, what is truly important is the fact that MY 129 votes were EARNED.....not BOUGHT. Can President Nick say the same about the 722-Frans-Richardson-votes he brags about? EARNED votes versus BOUGHT votes; the difference between a true Democracy and fake one. It is a public secret how some of our "Honorable" MP's got "elected". Let's see what what kind of Democracy we will get in 2018.
I continue to have faith in the voters of St. Maarten in spite of the 821 other voters who post last year's election guaranteed me they too had voted for me!

Michael J. Ferrier
June 14, 2015

“Statia needs me and I am now heading home!”

With these words, Statia Commissioner of Finance Astrid McKenzie-Tatem stormed out of her meeting with the Dutch Government because of the imposition of higher financial supervision. It was all rather reminiscent of a Miss Piggy fight with Kermit the frog!
However, whereas the Muppets are puppets and we expect them to behave like puppets, politicians are not. But they do have a political stage. How you say something and how you do something is just as important as what you say and what you do.
In the case of our new commissioner of Finance, she has done very little. The prospect of a significant budget overrun was evident by the second quarter of last year. To plug the hole in her finances, she should have implemented the harbor ordinance immediately and taken steps to get rid of government waste.
Brotherly love
What did she do? She got rid of her non-local finance director and gave the keys of the Government safe to her brother! And that without advertising the position or asking approval of the Kingdom Representative. Her brother has now been discharged of this illegal appointment.
“I am now heading home!” she says. Yes in total disgrace!
Good thinking Astrid! Bad behavior! Perception is reality. She should have stayed in The Hague to listen and learn. Any Agony Aunt will tell you that when you walk out of a relationship (unless abusive) make sure you do not need that relationship.
By running away from her Dutch government partners to occupy the first business class airline seat she can find, her behavior is noted. It will be the last business class seat she enjoys. All business class travel has now been stopped by the Island Secretary.
She has demonstrated that she is not an equal partner and has deserted a few important issues. There is for example, the matter of delaying a two per cent hike in the sales tax per January next year. What steps are the Dutch government taking as shareholders of Winair to reduce the cost of air tickets? How can the local government promote private and public investment on the Historical Gem? What economic synergies can be derived by working closer with the governments of Saba and Bonaire?
My list is endless but her patience clearly was not. Not a good example of representing the people of this island! We can excuse Miss Piggy for her glamour and pretentions. How should we excuse McKenzie-Tatem?
Very difficult. Especially since Minister Plasterk mentioned that “repeated appointments were taking place for which there was no basis in the budget.” Ouch!
“More black faces”
Perhaps we could excuse her behavior given a rather loud party boss in the form of Clyde Van Putten. His bursts of racial rhetoric have not been well received by The Hague. His desire to have “more black faces” around him are viewed as being ignorant and discriminatory. In the Netherlands, his remarks are rightfully illegal. And when he blabbers on about “my country” and my “nation”, you really wonder upon which planet he resides?
But behaving badly is what Commandant Van Putten does well. His voters may have forgotten the fiasco of dipping into government coffers for USD 35,000 to send a family member to Venezuela for health treatment. That money has still not been repaid.
Then there is the matter of community commissions paid by NuStar to promote a new oil terminal in the middle of the island. And what about the land ear-marked for a new prison but given over to his brother for his cows to graze?
Reputation is a rare commodity. As PLP leader, Van Putten should have coached his Finance Commissioner to do the responsible thing and hang in there and not send her back to Statia as he did.
“Statia needs me!” What a joke!
Statia needs open government, vision and financial responsibility. Not a culture of favors. That behavior belongs to the last century. How could the Finance Commissioner step onto that flight to Schiphol knowing that she had, in one act of nepotism, put the reputation of her party, leader, Executive Council, Island Council and that of the whole island in jeopardy?
The DP party of St. Eustatius will no doubt move a motion of no confidence at the next Island Council Meeting. Dishonest politicians always cover their backs and the motion will be defeated. But where does that leave the people’s trust in the people they elected? McKenzie should now do the honorable thing and resign. Her salary at the tax office is far more interesting than the pressure of political responsibility.
So it is back to the Tax Office from whence McKenzie-Tatem came. That way she gets to collect the people’s money, not spend it. And I hope she does it wisely without any preference to family, friends and their families.
Even Miss Piggy had a more realistic grunt when it came to pig politics: “Style is about expressing your inner self, capturing your personal ethos, and, most importantly, spending someone else’s money!”
Oink- Oink!
Name withheld.

Dear Editor

Here is my issue; I am a proud mother of a 16 year old girl who will be graduating this year. That’s not the issue, that’s a blessing. I am therefore preparing her to go to prom for the very first time. I am excited because I think prom is a good initiative to signal the beginning of graduating and moving on to the next chapter in someone’s life. Back to my daughter, I know that the event is at Westin Resort as previous years and I am ecstatic. I bought her dress off island and plan to make her up myself and prepare her for what is supposed to be a classy, well put together event. So I thought, my daughter asked me permission to go to the after party to prom. I asked her to explain and give details, allowing me to make preparations for this last minute request.

She uttered the words “is at Tantra mommy, all my friends going”, with a grain of salt; I looked at my daughter and asked if she is out of her mind. I wanted to know if I heard her correctly, seemed to me that my 16 year old girl wanted to go to Tantra night club for her prom after party. Here is my issue, I am sure that Tantra night club means well but what is on the minds of the organizers to have an after party at an adult night club for teenagers. What excuse do you have? Let’s pretend for a second that the organizers have good intentions in mind. Mind you, I said pretend, my child will be allowed in Tantra and the club will serve water to the hundreds of kids, yes kids at the wee- hours of the night. Let me paint a picture, couple of months ago Teen times, the organizers of prom, called for the legal alcohol drinking age to go from 16 to 18. This took place in our new penal code as of June 1. Now, they announced Prom after party at Tantra Night club. I don’t get it, am I missing something. Teen Times is being anchored and headed by a responsible man, I would think Mr. Michael Granger, I appreciate the organization for organizing prom but I think this is a step back. Stick to your words, you cannot on one side say, “raise the legal age of drinking alcohol and on the other side, young people after party will be at Tantra. It just makes no sense to me. As a concerned parent, I hope I am not overreacting by saying my daughter will not be attending the after party. I would like her to go to clubs when she is the age of 18, like it should be. My issue is, Adult night club being used for a party for our teens and what will be served to them?

I am not a complainer, so here are my thoughts, get a nice big location like the Bellaire Community center or any hall and do the after party for them there if you must have one. I never could understand a party and another party right after anyway. Serve the teen’s water, juice or soda. Please consider my request.

I might seem harsh but as parents, we need to look after our own. It looks like the mighty dollar sometimes gets the best of us. To the police, I do hope you will check out this after party, please be there to guide our young people, and they are all we have. Shame on Tanra Night club for even allowing for such an event. Parents please pay attention to your kids. I will pay attention to mine! God bless St. Maarten

Concerned Parent

 SMN News contacted Michael Granger about the after party that will be held at TANTRA NIGHT CLUB Granger said TEEN TIMES is not organizing the After Party that it is done by TANTRA NIGHT CLUB.

However on TEEN TIMES FACE BOOK PAGE GRANGER POSTED THIS ANNNOUNCEMENT 0n June 6th 2015@ 6:38pm

There will be just ONE Prom After Party sanctioned by Teen Times and that will be at Tantra. Any other announcement is either fake or does not have our blessing. Prom Night 2015 - Sunday, June 28 - Westin Resort!

 A statement from the marketing manager of Tantra Night Club Rolando Brison said that Tantra Night Club is organizing the after party for the graduates on June 28th 2015. Brison said that Tantra is opened on Sunday's during the summer and students that are under the age of 18 years old will not be allowed to enter Tantra Night Club. Brison said that the night club will be executing the law of the land and the police will be assisting them on that night to make sure that no minor/graduate that is under the age of 18 enters the club. Asked if alcohol will be served at the after party Brison confirmed that they will be serving alcohol as prescribed by law to persons over the age of 18.

It should be noted here that Rolando Brison is a former employee that worked for Michael Granger, he is also the marketing manager for the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) where Granger is the President.

SMN News contacted the Head of the Simpson Bay police divsion Carlyle Rogers to see if TANTRA Night Club requested assistace from the police for the night of June 28th to screen students that will  be attending the after party. Rogers said that no request was submitted to him and he is not aware if such request was made directly to the Acting Chief Commissioner of Police Carl John. Rogers made clear that night clubs have to abide by the law and that clubs are not allowed to entertain underage students.SMN News also contacted Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson to verify if any request for assistance was submitted to KPSM by TANTRA. Henson said that so far nothing of that sort was done and he will have the CPO for that area look into the matter.

There they went again yesterday during one of their ‘National Services’ on the radio – yawwwwn.....
Twisting facts to hide their total in-ability to inspire other ‘Soualigans’ – despite having the power of the ‘mike’ twice every week during their long drawn-out taaaaaaaalk- and more taaaaaalk shows.
In their futile- and infantile effort to dis-credit the so coveted St. Martin ID-card, they lied saying that it is ‘dropped all over’ and being given out to EVERY non-St. Martiner – that is ABSOLUTELY NOT the case and they KNOW it
But, if they are so courageous to bark up this tree – they once more have put their paws in their mouth.
First of all, all those who have received one of those very coveted ID-cards from us and were not a ‘Blood-loin’ St. Martiner, went through two screenings – at least.
First - they were all LEGALLY on the island, meaning being granted legal status such as residence-, work permits etc. by one of the two GOVERNMENTS on the island.
WE did not bring them in.
Besides – before they received a card from us - which has for now only a symbolic value – they were also screened in terms of their contributions to our island.
If that is ‘giving away’ let the ‘Blood-loiners’ explain what THEY have done, other than talk, talk, blame, accuse and complain about others.
So, if they so want to bark up a tree – any tree – not this one ok ?
If you’ve really got ‘cojones’ – then go and take away all legal documents from the ‘non- blood-loiners’, so that automatically the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement will not be able to give out one single ID-cards to non-natives, because for us to do that, they must FIRST be LEGAL residents on the island.
And oh – by the way – many of our critics are married to non -’blood-loiners’ and have made children with them.
In addition - those who feel that they should cut up the ID-card they got from us with and put that picture on Face-book – please do not threaten – DO it if that is what you want.
But, then also have the courage, the pride and intelligence to also cut with a scissors your Dutch- and French passports, because many ‘ non-blood-loiners’ also have those and those are not just symbolic documents – they have real LEGAL and CONSTITUTIONAL powers.
In ending.
If it is up to us – eventually EVERYBODY who wants, deserves and qualifies for our IC-Card WILL get one – in their due time, once they meet the criteria such as pledging allegiance to St. Martin and its people.
We are completely open for constructive criticism and for suggestions to make it all better.
One love.

Leopold James

Dear Editor,

The dump (aka Mount Garbage) caught fire on May 2nd, 2015 and since then it has been emitting toxic smoke every day. That is well over 1 month (!) ago. Like many persons living and working in the greater Philipsburg area, I have also been suffering from frequent headaches and sore throats since the big fire. Depending on the wind direction, it can affect the entire Philipsburg area. On bad days, the smoke can even be smelled as far away as Caribbean Cinemas in Cole Bay/Simpson Bay.

It's therefore mind-boggling (but very telling) that up to now, no MP has raised the issue in Parliament and earmarked it has priority number 1 as the smoke is poisoning a large part of the St. Maarten community.

Apparently what MP’s do care about regarding our health care is travelling with sizable delegations to an irrelevant health care conference in Aruba last week (MP’s Lloyd Richardson, Cornelius de Weever, George Pantophlet and Silveria Jacobs). To these MP’s I say: if the dump situation is not tackled urgently, the health care crisis will be right here on St. Maarten! Stop travelling around on our expense and start doing your jobs right here on St. Maarten.

For now, I pray that the wind shifts direction so that the leader of the UPP, whose residence is relatively close to the dump but is fortunate enough to be located on the windward section, will ‘wake up and smell the coffee’ too. Was it not his campaign promise that a contract was ready to sign for a Waste-to-Energy plant during last year’s elections? How strange then that the Waste-to-Energy project has gone quiet ever since.

It’s time to put the interest of the people first and make this health crisis, priority number one sir. We, the people choking on smoke daily, urgently need an update on the Waste-to-Energy plant including a plan for execution with firm deadlines. The time to act is now. Are you ready?

Kenneth James

When a linguistic marvel like MP Frans Richardson, who has proven to be a man of super integrity, high intelligence and an unwavering conviction regarding what path to follow when it comes to the future of Country St. Maarten, can almost single handedly decide that a man of the caliber of our present Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson has to be replaced, we know that we live in a true democracy!

God bless St. Maarten.

Michael J. Ferrier.

Never mind that there are those - who in vain try to plagiarize the name – they can only fool themselves.
The following is an update of recent developments on the island dealing with nation building in general.
With the ‘brand-name’ the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement becoming one of increased importance and attraction – let its profile and reputation be made very clear – just for the record.
Back in 2003 and 2005 two organizations were officially established – the St. Martin Nation Building Foundation, in Philipsburg and the Association L’Esprit de Concordia in Marigot (Paris)
Quite a lot of thought went into the reason for the establishing of these organizations as well as in their main objective.
Because, both organizations were intended to address and serve the best interest of ALL St. Martiners on BOTH sides of the island, as well as those in the diaspora – both were administered by the same board-members.
In addition, both organizations championed the same cause.
All of this was done in order to define, recognize, protect and preserve the native-indigenous St. Martiners to come first at home and along with their cultural-heritage to form the foundation for inclusion of others in a process called the St. Martin nation building process.
Consequently, both movements de fact functioned as one ‘body’ – which we later officially added as name to indicate such – the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement.
Because, as founders we realized the importance of this process, as well as the many challenges and hurdles before us, we formulated a number of very clear provisions in our articles of incorporation.
One being that its members, should not be politically associated with any political party.
In addition, when WE speak of St. Martiners – we do NOT refer to race, color, creed, or religion.
Therefore - our organization is against any form of racial discrimination.
Also – from day one - as is formulated in our constitution and in all our documents – for us the nation building process has two main components.
First of all the protection, preservation of the St. Martin people and making sure they come first at home.
At the same time – we proudly - and without any reservations and/or apologies have always stated and continue to state that our movement as part of the nation building process emphatically is in favor of INCLUSION of residents of ALL ethnicities (races) who are of an added value to the process.
Whoever feels that this position is one of ‘selling out’ the St. Martin people – they might soon wind up in the ‘foot-in-mouth’ position if a mirror is held before their own faces.
For us - we realize that the nation building process as we set out to promote is not an easy one, it is very delicate, fraught with complications and can easily be distrusted by people, who might – legitimately so - feel that it is yet another political movement.
We have - from day –one vigorously maintained our political independence and neutrality and therefore under no circumstances can we allow our hard work to that end be compromised.
So, while we welcome the increased interest in joining the movement, certain position in our movement can only be occupied by people who understand this critical criterion and would be willing to pledge to uphold it.
In the best interest of peace, tranquility, harmony, sustainable socio-economic growth, safety and security – we are convinced of the importance for our movement NOT exclude people based on race, or ethnicity – but to reach out, far and wide but to set clear rules, conditions such as reciprocity.
Those, who want to build the St. Martin nation solely on their ‘Souliaga -blood-line’ basis and on exclusion of others – bon voyage.

Leopold James
President St. Martin Grassroots People Movement

Pendant que certains fêtent le trentenaire de leur présence à Saint-Martin, d’autres déplorent les signes inquiétants d’une cassure progressive, mais réelle, des relations entre la collectivité, les forces de l’ordre, en principe sous l’autorité du représentant de l’Etat, et la population autochtone de la partie française de Saint-Martin. Si le respectueux Chef de la Gendarmerie des années 50 et si le bien-aimé Juge Bernard Brangé, arrivé à la même époque, devaient ressusciter de leur sépulture ou de leurs cendres pour voir ce qu’est devenu Saint-Martin, ils n’en croiraient pas leurs yeux. Saint-Martin partie française a régressé. Saint-Martin partie française ressemble plutôt à l’un de ces pays actuels où sévissent la ségrégation ou l’apartheid.

Nous, les autochtones de cette « Friendly Island », nous ne pouvons, ni ne devons, accepter cette détérioration. Elle doit être stoppée par tous les moyens et par toutes les âmes de progrès, de justice et de fraternité qui sont venues d’Europe et de la Caraïbe, depuis bien plus de trente ans déjà, partager avec nous la tranquille convivialité, la saine liberté et l’amitié contagieuse, qui caractérisent notre culture. C’est pourquoi, nous ne dénierons pas notre identité. Nous en sommes fiers et nous mourrons pour la défendre, si c’est nécessaire.

“Une forme de contestation s’est élevée, invitant à un rejet des lois de la République française (et des directives européennes).
Elle a été véhiculée par quelques individualités non représentatives de l’ensemble du tissu social et économique de Saint-Martin, emportant parfois cependant, l’adhésion d’une partie du public exprimée par de bruyants applaudissements.”
Ce texte se trouve dans le rapport pour la délibération n° 4 qui sera votée par le conseil territorial le 25.06.2015.
Incroyable mais vrai! De qui s’agit-il? Des individualités (plus abstraits qu’individus) qui contestent en rejetant les lois de la république et les directives européennes, qui ne représentent pas le tissu économique et social de Saint-Martin et un public qui s’exprime par de bruyants applaudissements. Qui sont ces gens? Ils sont venus d’où? par bateau ? par avion? des boat people ?

Un exécutif qui considère ses administrés, de surcroît propriétaires terriens, avec tant de mépris ! Quel excès de rhétorique!!! J’ai fait partie du dernier conseil municipal de 2001 à 2007, représentant activement et respectueusement la minorité et je n’ai jamais lu ce genre de rhétorique dans les textes de délibération. Pourtant, il y a eu des moments d’échange très houleux avec le public concernant l’évolution statutaire, où les élus et les socio-professionnels ne pouvaient répondre aux questions qui leur étaient posées.

Où est passé le respect de l’autre, même de celui qui n’a pas la même opinion que soi - heureusement d’ailleurs - même de celui qui conteste une mesure? Où est la démocratie ? Et la démocratie participative, tant prônée par le parti au pouvoir? Ne serait-ce pas le signe d’une impuissance de l’exécutif à ménager les ambitions pressantes de ceux qui, à leurs yeux, constituent “le tissu social et économique”, et à décrier les autochtones qui défendent leur patrimoine foncier?
Je crains que cette rhétorique frise l’incitation à la haine. C’est dangereux.

Daniella JEFFRY

J’ai lu quelques éléments de votre message de départ dans le St. Martin Week du 19 juin dernier, avec une curiosité pressante, puisque j’entendais des critiques de la part de plusieurs Saint-Martinois, qui se sont sentis insultés que vous avez qualifié la violence trouvée à Saint-Martin “socialement, voire culturellement enracinée”. Pour eux, c’est faux, dans la mesure où ils font référence à la société saint-martinoise, alors que vous, vous avez été confronté à la société nouvelle qui date d’environ une vingtaine d’années, après l’arrivée de la Caisse d’Allocations Familiales de la Guadeloupe sur notre île, pour diminuer surtout les chiffres excessifs du chômage au début des années 90, entre autres.
Le système pratiqué, caractérisé par les effets pervers de la défiscalisation et la création de la SEMSAMAR appliquant des politiques publiques en faveur des immigrés, ont créé de toutes pièces une société nouvelle, bénéficiant d’allocations de toutes sortes, de regroupement familial et d’augmentation exponentielle d’une population régularisée en grand nombre, qui s’est greffée sur la nôtre.
Comme la société saint-martinoise ne créait pas de problèmes aux autorités, elle devait disparaître et être réduite au silence, coûte que coûte. Il fallait faire croire officiellement que les Saint-Martinois qu’on a trouvés chez eux n’existent plus, et que tout le monde était saint-martinois, donc fondu et confondu dans la société nouvelle. On a créé une identité nouvelle, on a distribué la nationalité française, et la partie était gagnée, puisque les élus ont trouvé leur compte en voix supplémentaires aux élections et en augmentation de la dotation globale.
Cher Commandant, c’est ce “nid de fourmis” dans lequel vous vous êtes trouvé à votre arrivée à Saint-Martin. Les chiffres de la délinquance de cette société nouvelle vous “donnent le vertige” et nous aussi, à certains moments, nous avons plus que le vertige. Les responsables de cette société nouvelle qui veulent nous faire disparaître, vous ont donné des médailles, qui ont sans doute un goût amer, car le “sentiment d’inachevé” que vous avez ressenti, vous ne l’avez partagé qu’à votre départ, ce que certains regrettent, mais moi, je vous comprends et vous remercie de votre honnêteté. Le “tonneau”, tout au long de ces trois années passées au milieu des responsables, condamnés à le garder plus ou moins rempli en y versant sans cesse des seaux d’eau sans résultat positif, n’a sans doute pas donné le vertige aux responsables de cette situation.
Notre Patriarche des Jardins de Bellevue a utilisé une image correspondante, bien à nous, lors d’une émission radio, non pas uniquement en référence à la délinquance, mais particulièrement en référence à la situation générale subie par la société saint-martinoise, à laquelle il appartient, bien distincte à ses yeux de la société nouvelle. C’est l’image du canot de pêche qui prend de l’eau au large et du pêcheur qui essaie en vain de vider l’eau sans que ses efforts, de plus en plus vigoureux, ne changent en rien ni la situation, ni son état de désespoir, car il sait qu’il va couler.
Cette image et la vôtre contiennent, cependant, la solution à cet état de travail incessant, voire inutile, de disponibilité, d’engagement, de détermination dont vous avez fait preuve, selon vos amis. Vous avez donné l’impression de vous y adapter, selon les élus, mais nous savons aujourd’hui qu’après le vertige, “vous êtes heureux de retrouver votre famille”, car c’est là “l’essentiel” pour vous. Vous laissez derrière vous une société saint-martinoise meurtrie, mais qui connaît la solution à cette situation, et des autorités locales et nationales qui préfèrent continuer à faire la sourde oreille et à jouer à l’autruche.
Saint-Martin, c’est aussi l’essentiel pour nous. Contrairement à vous, nous n’avons nulle part allé. C’est nous, les Saint-Martinois, qui devrons trouver comment retourner à l’essentiel ici sur notre rocher. Ou bien nous coulerons ou bien nous survivrons.
Daniella JEFFRY

Vu la loi organique n°2007-223 du 21 février 2007 portant dispositions statutaires et institutionnelles relatives à l'outre-mer,
Vu le Code Général des Collectivités Territoriales, notamment l’article LO 6352-10 selon lequel «En vertu d'une délibération du conseil exécutif, le président du conseil territorial intente les actions et défend devant les juridictions au nom de la collectivité »,
Vu le Code pénal, notamment les articles 432-11, 432-14, 432-15,
Vu le Code de procédure pénale, notamment les articles 418 à 426,
Vu les actions en justice en cours à l’encontre de la SEMSAMAR, prise en tant que personne morale,
Considérant qu’une information judiciaire a été ouverte à l’encontre de la SEMSAMAR, personne morale, des chefs de détournement de fonds publics et de favoritisme,
Considérant qu’il est dans l’intérêt de la Collectivité de se constituer partie civile dans cette affaire,
Considérant en conséquence qu’il appartient au Conseil Territorial d’autoriser expressément la Présidente à se constituer partie civile au nom de la Collectivité de Saint-Martin dans l’instance pénale ci-avant rappelée.
Après délibération, le Conseil Territorial,

DECIDE :

ARTICLE 1 : D’autoriser Madame la Présidente à se constituer partie civile au nom de la Collectivité de Saint-Martin dans les instances pénales ouvertes contre la SEMSAMAR.

ARTICLE 2 : D’autoriser Madame la Présidente à désigner les conseils à l’effet de représenter et défendre les intérêts de la Collectivité de Saint-Martin à l’appui de sa plainte avec constitution de partie civile, jusqu’à l’issue de la procédure ouverte devant le Tribunal correctionnel compétent et pour exercer le cas échéant, les voies de recours, contre ces décisions.

ARTICLE 3 : D’autoriser Madame la Présidente à signer tout acte afférent à ce litige,

ARTICLE 4 : La Présidente du Conseil Territorial, le Directeur Général des Services, sont chargés chacun en ce qui le concerne, de l’exécution de la présente délibération qui sera publiée au journal officiel de Saint-Martin.

La Présidente du Conseil Territorial

Aline HANSON

Intervention de la Présidente Aline HANSON
Point 9 de l’ordre du jour
Conseil Territorial du 25 Juin 2015

La Collectivité de Saint Martin, par décision du conseil exécutif du 9 juin 2015, a mis à l'ordre du jour du conseil territorial d’aujourd’hui la résolution permettant à la Collectivité de se constituer partie civile dans l’affaire de la SEMSAMAR.
La Collectivité entend d’abord rappeler qu’elle apporte tout son soutien à sa SEM d’aménagement et à son personnel.
Il s’agit essentiellement pour la Collectivité d’avoir accès au dossier instruit contre la SEMSAMAR, dont la Collectivité est l'actionnaire majoritaire.
En effet, sur le plan judiciaire, les instructions pénales sont en cours suite aux mises en examen prononcées par le juge d’instruction en charge du dossier, notamment à l’encontre de la SEMSAMAR en tant que personne morale.
La Collectivité prend acte de cet état de fait et s’en rapporte à la justice.
Néanmoins, à titre de précaution, par cette délibération, il s’agit de me donner la possibilité de nous constituer partie civile et de pouvoir le faire à tout moment pour avoir accès au dossier si on le juge utile au regard des chefs d’accusation portés à l’encontre de la SEMSAMAR.
Il s’agit bien de cela, et rien d’autre.
Cette démarche dont l’objectif est de protéger les intérêts de la collectivité ne consiste pas à marquer une quelconque défiance à l’égard de la SEMSAMAR, mais bien de permettre à la Collectivité d’être directement et réellement informée, sur les éléments ayant justifié la mise en examen de celle-ci.
En attendant, les projets et les engagements de la SEMSAMAR sont cruciaux : ils doivent être résolument poursuivis et la Collectivité assure ses partenaires, et le personnel de la SEMSAMAR, de sa parfaite détermination à soutenir les programmes de développement engagés.
Il s'agit également pour la Collectivité d'affirmer sa volonté que toute la transparence soit faite au terme de l'instruction en cours.
Nous tous, ici réunis, avons le devoir de prendre toutes dispositions afin d’assurer la transparence et la sauvegarde de l’intérêt général en toute circonstance.
La présente délibération a donc pour objet d’autoriser la Collectivité à se constituer partie civile. La démarche initiée étant destinée à être actionnée qu’en cas de nécessité au vu des éléments constatés.
Je vous remercie.

Recouvrement des dettes sociales : La CGSS veut travailler en transversalité avec la COM et l’Etat

Vendredi 12 juin 2015, le sénateur Guillaume Arnell et la vice-présidente Ramona Connor, en charge du pôle Solidarité & Familles, ont reçu en Collectivité le directeur national de l’Agence Centrale des Organismes de Sécurité sociale (ACOSS), monsieur Jean-Louis Rey, également en charge du recouvrement social.

Le directeur national de l’ACOSS a effectué une visite de terrain aux Antilles, l’objectif de ce déplacement étant « d’autoriser à innover et de mettre en place un plan d’action avec un recouvrement plus visible et plus qualitatif dans les territoires ultramarins », a-t-il expliqué aux deux élus de la Collectivité, après avoir eu un échange similaire avec la Préfète Anne Laubies, un peu plus tôt dans la matinée.
En effet, les instances métropolitaines de la sécurité sociale s’inquiètent d’une situation insulaire publique et privée atypique et tendue d’un point de vue financier : « Nous parlons d’une crise financière majeure de la sécurité sociale, avec des enjeux de plusieurs centaines de millions d’euros. Une crise que l’on sous-estime et qui pourrait conduire à termes à des conséquences graves pour vos territoires », a indiqué le directeur national.
Car comme l’a précisé Henri Yacou, directeur général de la Caisse Générale de la Sécurité Sociale (CGSS) de Guadeloupe, qui accompagnait monsieur Jean-Louis Rey, de nombreuses entreprises saint-martinoises ne remplissent pas leurs obligations sociales auprès de la CGSS et au vu des faveurs consenties par le passé, « il n’est plus question aujourd’hui d’effacer les dettes ou bien d’alléger les cotisations, mais au contraire d’accentuer les contrôles et d’instaurer plus de rigueur », a insisté monsieur Yacou, qui a en sus proposé de partager les informations avec les services de l’état et la Collectivité, dans le but de réduire les risques de fraude sur le territoire.

Au 31 mars 2015, selon les données chiffrées de la CGSS, la Collectivité de Saint-Martin compte 6 029 cotisants actifs dont 3 805 sont redevables de cotisations en 2015. Dans le détail, on dénombre 1 324 établissements du secteur privé et 2 150 travailleurs indépendants pour lesquels des cotisations ont été appelées.
Le taux d'impayé est de 31,8% pour un montant total de créances de 6,7 millions d’euros à recouvrer.
Tous exercices confondus, la dette totale de cotisations à la sécurité sociale s’élève à 179 millions d’euros à Saint-Martin, dont 25 millions de cotisations ouvrières et 46.4 millions de cotisations patronales.
Fin décembre 2014, plus de 6100 emplois salariés étaient dénombrés dans la sphère privée. Le secteur des services concentre l'essentiel des cotisations appelées, avec 8.2 millions dans le privé (soit 66 % des cotisations du secteur privé) et 2.3 millions pour les travailleurs indépendants (soit 54% des cotisations des indépendants).
Fin mars 2015, 42 demandes de moratoires ont été reçues à la CGSS pour un montant de 724 498 euros.

« La Collectivité de Saint-Martin qui est exemplaire sur ses obligations déclaratives en matière de paiement des charges salariales, joue un rôle fondamental d’exemplarité envers les entreprises de la place. Ce n’est pas le cas en Guadeloupe où la situation est beaucoup plus dégradée pour les collectivités », a également précisé monsieur Rey.
Le directeur national de l’ACOSS prévoit donc d’innover dans nos territoires, avec la possibilité d’explorer des voies inédites, mais aussi de renforcer la présence de la CGSS à Saint-Martin, notamment en ouvrant un poste d’inspecteur des entreprises.
La création d’un guichet unique (Sécurité Sociale - RSI) a également été évoquée, « un enjeu important » selon Henri Yacou, qui estime que les métiers de la médiation doivent être développés à Saint-Martin, et pourquoi pas via des emplois jeunes formés à l’ensemble du champ de la protection sociale.

Un travail en transversalité auquel les élus de la Collectivité se sont montrés attentifs, tout en gardant à l’esprit que les entreprises saint-martinoises ont aussi besoin de conseils et d’accompagnement pour mieux s’acquitter de leurs obligations sociales.

MARIGOT:--- Trois de nos plages ont récemment été récompensées par Tripadvisor. A l’occasion de la 22ème édition des World Travel Awards, Saint-Martin se retrouve une nouvelle fois nominé dans les catégories suivantes:

•  Première destination de la Caraïbe
• Meilleure destination pour les lunes de miel
• Destination la plus romantique de la Caraïbe

Les World Travel Awards ont été crée en 1993 dans le but de récompenser l’excellence dans l’industrie du voyage, de l’hôtellerie et du tourisme dans le monde. On peut dire au bout de cette 22ème édition que les World Travel Awards sont un gage de qualité mondialement reconnu, les lauréats fixant ainsi un point de référence pour l’Industrie touristique.

Votez pour Saint-Martin: www.worldtravelawards.com/vote les votes sont ouverts jusqu’au 23 Août prochain.

22nd World Travel Awards : Saint-Martin vying for three awards

Recently three of our beaches were awarded in the Best Beaches 2015 People’s choice award by Tripadvisor. Saint-Martin is once more nominated in the following categories for the 22nd World Travel Awards :

1. 1.  Caribbean’s leading destination
   2.  Caribbean’s leading honeymoon destination
   3. Caribbean’s most romantic destination

Founded in 1993 the World Travel Awards were created to acknowledge and reward excellence in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry worldwide. It is safe to say that after 22 years, World Travel Awards is recognised globally as the hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

Vote in full force for Saint-Martin: www.worldtravelawards.com/vote voting end on August 23rd, 2015.

Le Conseil territorial de Saint-Martin, conduit par la présidente Aline Hanson, s’est rendu au Parlement de Sint Maarten, mardi 23 juin 2015, à l’invitation de son président Loyd Richardson.

Cette première rencontre entre le conseil territorial de Saint-Martin et le nouveau Parlement de Sint Maarten (élu en octobre 2014) a été l’occasion d’évoquer des préoccupations communes, telles que le reversement des pensions de retraite, la gestion des déchets, l’échange des permis de conduire, le contrôle des plaques d’immatriculation, les réseaux d’eau et d’électricité, et le développement géothermique.

Compte-tenu des dysfonctionnements existants eu égard au reversement des retraites aux salariés domiciliés sur la partie française ayant travaillé et cotisé sur la partie hollandaise, le Parlement a proposé que la commission « Public Health, Social Development, Labour » travaille en collaboration avec le pôle Solidarité & Familles de la Collectivité, dirigé par la vice-présidente Ramona Connor, afin de dégager des solutions.

La commission « Inter parliamentary affairs et Kingdom relations »a également été sollicitée par le Parlement pour travailler avec la partie française sur l’échange des permis de conduire entre Sint Maarten et Saint-Martin, et sur le contrôle du défaut de plaque d’immatriculation sur les deux parties de l’île.

La gestion des déchets a fait l’objet d’une discussion approfondie. Le premier vice-président Guillaume Arnell, en charge du développement durable du territoire, a mentionné les efforts considérables de la Collectivité de Saint-Martin en matière de recyclage des déchets, de sensibilisation au tri-sélectif, et de mise aux normes l’écosite de Grandes Cayes. Dans ce domaine, comme l’a précisé le MP Théo Heyliger, la partie hollandaise cherche toujours des solutions.

Les deux entités ont également évoqué la question de l’autonomie en eau et électricité de l’île. Aux questionnements des parlementaires, la présidente Hanson a du rappeler le fonctionnement du réseau électrique français géré par EDF, qui construit actuellement une nouvelle centrale à Galisbay. Le développement de l’énergie géothermique pourrait faire l’objet d’un projet de coopération en s’inspirant des travaux réalisés sur les îles environnantes (Dominique, Ste Lucie, Guadeloupe).

En conclusion de cet échange fructueux, la présidente Aline Hanson a confirmé la nécessité de se réunir plus souvent et de travailler en partenariat sur ces problématiques bilatérales. La présidente a également suggéré la mise en place d’un plan d’action commun sous la supervision des commissions de travail.

Une centaine de jeunes présents au recrutement de l’armée et du RSMA

Le Régiment du Service Militaire Adapté (RSMA), l’Armée de Terre et l’Armée de l’Air étaient à Saint-Martin, du 15 au 19 juin 2015, pour le recrutement de jeunes saint-martinois souhaitant s’inscrire dans une carrière militaire. Une centaine de jeunes s’est spontanément présentée au recrutement, parmi lesquels beaucoup ont pu trouver des perspectives de carrière.

La Collectivité de Saint-Martin travaille en étroit partenariat avec le RSMA de Guadeloupe grâce à la convention « Objectif 100 », signée en octobre 2014, et avec l’Armée de Terre et l’Armée de l’air qui proposent aussi des postes à nos jeunes.
Dès le lundi 15 juin, jour de l’ouverture du recrutement dans les locaux de la Collectivité, 46 jeunes gens ont suivi la session d’information collective du RSMA avec l’objectif de rejoindre le centre d’apprentissage du service militaire adapté en Guadeloupe. Les candidats ont ensuite passé un entretien individuel et un contrôle médical auprès du Centre Médical Inter Armée (CMIA).
« Une grande partie des jeunes testés rejoindra les rangs du RSMA à la fin de l’année 2015 », a indiqué l’adjudant BONAFOS, recruteur pour le RSMA.

Selon l’adjudant-chef DEVAUX de l’armée de terre, quarante jeunes ont déposé une demande lors des recrutements à Saint-Martin, le 15 juin dernier. Parmi eux, seize se sont déjà inscrits et ont passé les sélections psychotechniques, médicales et sportives. Six sont d’ores et déjà retenus et rejoindront différents régiments en métropole pour un premier contrat de 3 à 5 ans renouvelable. L’armée de terre recrute 10 000 soldats chaque année au sein de 400 spécialités différentes.
L’adjudant-chef GUYON de l’armée de l’air a indiqué avoir instruit une dizaine de dossier lors de sa venue à Saint-Martin ; l’armée de l’air sera à nouveau présente à Saint-Martin en octobre prochain pour poursuivre les sélections. L'Armée de l’Air, qui sera désormais présente à toutes les sélections réalisées à Saint-Martin avec l’armée de Terre et le RSMA, a reconsidéré les niveaux d'entrée et propose des postes à partir du niveau CAP (agent de restauration, conducteur routier, agent de magasinage, etc.).

Comme l’a indiqué Corine PINEAU, en charge du service AIO de la Collectivité, cette session de recrutement a été particulièrement fructueuse, en offrant une vraie perspective de carrière militaire à une cinquantaine de jeunes.
La Présidente Aline HANSON soutient avec ferveur ces débouchés pour la jeunesse saint-martinoise. C’est elle qui avait signé en octobre dernier la convention « Objectif 100 » avec le RSMA, offrant 100 places de formation aux jeunes de l’île au sein du RSMA de Guadeloupe.

Zumfit : la dernière session de l'année vendredi à Marigot !

La Collectivité de Saint-Martin vous invite à participer à la dernière séance du ZUMFIT saison II, qui aura lieu ce VENDREDI 26 JUIN à 18h30 précises, près du KIOSQUE de MARIGOT (Front de Mer).
Dans l’attente de vous voir BOUGER pour votre SANTE, en compagnie de votre famille et de vos amis, pensez à votre tenue de sport car ça va ZUMBER !

MARIGOT:--- Rosette Gumbs-Lake, vice-présidente de la Collectivité de Saint-Martin, s’est rendue en Martinique les 16 et 17 juin derniers, où elle a participé aux 4e Floralies Internationales, organisées par la mairie des Trois-îlets.

La commune des Trois-îlets est le chef de file d’un projet de coopération inter-îles, financé par les fonds européens INTERREG CARAIBES, visant à développer un réseau horticole caribéen. Ce réseau horticole intitulé « La Caraïbe, un bouquet de fleurs » va permettre à moyen terme de valoriser les fleurs des Caraïbes (anthuriums, alpinias, héliconias, etc.) et de créer de nouvelles variétés, pour ensuite les vendre dans toute la zone, et ainsi créer des emplois sur chaque territoire.

La Collectivité de Saint-Martin, à travers sa Présidente Aline Hanson et sa vice-présidente Rosette Gumbs-Lake, a reçu le maire des Trois-îlets, Arnaud René-Corail, en décembre 2014, venu présenter les enjeux de ce projet de coopération.
Partie prenante du réseau, ce fut au tour de notre Collectivité d’être représentée aux Trois-îlets, en ce début de semaine, et de porter la voix de Saint-Martin au sein de la manifestation « Les Floralies Internationales », qui comme l’a expliqué le maire des Trois-Ilets, est l’une des actions du projet « La Caraïbe, un bouquet de fleurs ».
Une manifestation qu’il a lui-même qualifiée de « prestigieuse et qualitative, réunissant des pays de la Caraïbe et de l’Amazonie, et les professionnels et les amateurs passionnés de la Martinique ».

En présence des officiels de la Martinique, la vice-présidente de Saint-Martin, Rosette Gumbs-Lake, a choisi d’intervenir sur le potentiel de la Caraïbe en matière de développement durable :
« Que nous venions d’une des îles de l’Archipel de la Caraïbe, que nous venions de l’Amérique Centrale ou de l’Amérique du Sud, c’est la Grande Caraïbe qui est rassemblée ici et qui célèbre ensemble ce qui la rapproche, ce qui la caractérise : la beauté de ses paysages, la beauté de sa végétation et la richesse de sa nature », a t’elle indiqué dans son allocution.

La vice-présidente a également rappelé que ce type d’initiative partenariale vise également à « atténuer l’effet frontière existant entre les territoires de la région Caraïbe ».
« Ces floralies démontrent aussi que nous sommes capables ensemble de répondre à nos défis communs, qu’ils soient territoriaux, économiques ou sociétaux. Elles œuvrent en faveur de la sauvegarde de nos identités culturelles », a - t’elle conclu.

Ces 4e Floralies de Martinique ont remporté un très beau succès avec une possibilité nouvelle pour les pays participants de présenter leur savoir-faire en matière d’horticulture. Des atouts que la Caraïbe compte bien mettre en avant dans le cadre de ce projet de coopération inter-îles.

Le 17 Juin prochain, l’Office de tourisme de Saint-Martin et son partenaire CAP AMAZON organisent à Sao Paulo une soirée évènement.
S’il est vrai que les Caraïbes comptent de nombreuses destinations touristiques, Saint-Martin a résolument l’ambition de se démarquer. C’est au près des brésiliens dont les exigences vont croissantes, que l’Office de Tourisme de Saint-Martin compte positionner l’île comme destination de choix, à la fois festive, chic et romantique. Les brésiliens, très francophiles, trouveront en Saint-Martin un petit bout de France à portée de main, qui a su cultiver le raffinement, le goût du bon vin et de la haute gastronomie. Encore une fois, Saint-Martin a toutes les cartes en mains pour séduire.

Au programme de cette soirée de lancement, une collaboration culinaire entre Frank GUILLEMIN, le chef du restaurant « Ocean 82 » de Grand-Case, et Christian FORMON, chef étoilé établi au Brésil depuis plusieures années. Une liste d’invités composée d’agents de voyages, de tour-operators, de leader d’opinion et de la presse brésilienne et internationale. A ces divers médias s’ajoutent des personnalités telles que le Consulat et l’Ambassade de France au Brésil et l’Alliance Française à Sao Paulo. Mais également l’exposition de toiles d’artistes locaux ambassadeurs de la culture de l’île, comme la plasticienne Cindy CHOISY, et un tirage au sort pour remporter un séjour à Saint-Martin offert par nos partenaires (Hôtel Mercure Saint-Martin Marina and Spa, Esmeralda Resort Hôtel, Belmond La Samanna Resort, Alamanda Resort Hôtel), le tout dans un décor de rêve au cœur des Jardins Europa à Sao Paulo.

On June 17th, the Saint-Martin Tourism Office and CAP AMAZON its marketing firm in South America hosted an amazing event in Sao Paulo.
The Caribbean counts numerous tourist destinations, but Saint-Martin really has the ambition to distinguish itself. The Saint-Martin Tourism Office plans to position the island as the perfect festive, smart and romantic destination. Brazilians are well-known French-lovers. They will find in Saint-Martin a little piece of France at hand, through its gastronomy and good wine. Once again, Saint-Martin has everything in its favor to please.

The Launching Event featured a culinary collaboration between Franck GUILLEMIN, the Chef “Ocean 82” restaurant in Grand-Case, and Christian FORMON, a chef established in Brazil for several years now. The guest list is composed of travel agents, tour-operators, opinion leaders, and Brazilian and international press. To these diverse media are added personalities such as the French Consulate and Embassy in Brazil, and the “Alliance Française” in Sao Paulo. Another highlight of the evening was the exhibition of local artists, ambassadors of the island’s culture, such as Cindy CHOISY, and a raffle to win a stay in Saint-Martin courtesy of our partners (Hotel Mercure Saint-Martin Marina and Spa, Esmeralda Resort Hotel, Belmond La Samanna Resort, Alamanda Resort Hotel), all of this in a dream like set up in the heart of Europa Gardens in São-Paulo.

Pendant ces quatre derniers jours, le parc des Floralies des Trois-Ilets a été le théâtre des expositions, démonstrations, ateliers et animations qui ont remis en lumière le pouvoir des fleurs tropicales et les possibilités multiples que permet leur exploitation. En effet, les exposants et les artistes de renom qui ont participé à cette édition on su nous montrer que la filière horticole a de belles perspectives de développement, que ce soit dans l’art et le design floral, l’architecture, la mode ou encore dans la pharmacologie (rimèd razié) et l’écologie capillaire.

Les deux jours de séminaire réservés aux professionnels du secteur ont en ce sens renforcé la volonté des pays de la Caraïbe et de l’état du Para au Brésil de s’unir pour que le projet d’envergure « Caribbean Bouquet » prenne toute son ampleur. Les Floralies représentent en cela une vitrine encourageante du devenir de l’horticulture dans nos îles, seule ou associée à d’autres secteurs d’activité.

En ce dernier jour de Floralies Internationales de la Martinique, couplé à la 34ème édition de la Fête de la Musique et à la Fête des Pères, l’humeur est donc à la joie et la gaieté.

La citation d’Aimé Césaire « Que par ces temps qui ne sont ni à l’idylle, ni à la bucolique, un pays choisisse pour s’exprimer le langage de la fête et des fleurs, voilà ce qui me paraît un signe avant tout important » prend alors tout son sens.

Car c’est en dans une ambiance festive que se clôture cette 4ème édition, riche de la redécouverte des fleurs et compositions florales originales de nos îles, avec de 14H à 17H Guy Vadeleux, Bwa Mabwi, Eighteen Day / Eklektik Mizik live et Wélélé Bann, dans un mélange de musique traditionnelle et de musique du monde. Pour une journée de fête, la célébration est à son comble.

« Le constat est fait depuis quelques années de l’abandon progressif du centre-ville de Marigot de la part des commerces et des activités tertiaires. L’activité économique principale sur Saint-Martin est le tourisme, essentiellement nord- américain et caribéen; cette activité se trouve confrontée aujourd’hui à une réalité de centre vieillissant, aux façades et équipements dégradés, saturé par l’automobile et sans réel attrait. Un phénomène d’insécurité aggrave la tendance à la désaffection ».

Voilà la justification de la redynamisation de Marigot pour la délibération N° 6 du Conseil Territorial du 25.06.2015.
Je suis profondément interpellée par ce genre de constat qui occulte comment Marigot en est arrivé là. Ce n’est sans doute pas l’objet de cette délibération. Il est évident que la personne qui a rédigé ce texte ne connaît rien de l’évolution de Marigot, ayant dégradé Marigot encore plus et semble laisser croire que tout cela s’est fait par une inspiration divine ou par le simple hasard. Je recommande à cette personne la lecture de « Saint-Martin : Déstabilisation dans la Caraïbe française » si cette personne vient d’arriver sur l’île, ou si elle est là depuis trente ans au moins, ce texte semble avoir pour but de volontairement masquer la vraie réalité et de vouloir encore manipuler l’opinion territoriale en empêchant de réfléchir.
Qui a détruit cette magnifique « Main Street » bordée de magasins de luxe et remplie de visiteurs haut-de-gamme souriants et se sentant en complète sécurité, toujours disposés à s’entretenir avec les passants, et heureux d’être sur notre île ?
Ce texte irresponsable et trompeur ne peut convaincre personne que l’agrandissement continu de Marigot sur la mer est le seul objectif de cette redynamisation. Qui sont les maîtres du commerce et de l’économie à Saint-Martin ? Comment est apparu l’insécurité qui depuis 30 ans ne trouve aucune solution, mais se perpétue avec plus d’acuité ? Sommes-nous tous dupes ? Y a-t-il encore des touristes haut-de-gamme à Marigot ? Quel tourisme ? C’est l’échec de qui ? Le hasard peut-être ? Soyons sérieux, pour un projet de tant de millions !!!

Daniella JEFFRY

La Présidente Aline Hanson et le 1er vice-président Guillaume Arnell, en charge du développement durable, tiennent à remercier publiquement les autorités de Sint Maarten, en particulier le premier ministre Marcel Gumbs, pour l’aide octroyée à la partie française dans la lutte contre l’incendie qui s’est déclaré le 16 juin au soir à l’écosite de Grandes Cayes, et qui s’est propagé sur le mont Red Rock, ravageant une quinzaine d’hectares.

La Collectivité de Saint-Martin remercie les sapeurs-pompiers de Sint Maarten qui ont prêté main forte aux sapeurs-pompiers de la partie française pour combattre l’incendie attisé par le vent et menaçant certaines habitations. Présent sur les lieux du feu, mercredi 17 juin, le vice-président Arnell a pu mesurer l’importance de la coopération Nord Sud et l’excellent travail réalisé par les sapeurs pompiers des deux parties de l’île, qui ont mobilisé une vingtaine d’hommes et 6 engins incendie pour venir à bout des flammes. Une solidarité fortement appréciée.

La sécheresse qui sévit actuellement sur le territoire est particulièrement propice au développement des incendies, la population est donc appelée à la plus grande vigilance. La Présidente rappelle, par ailleurs, que l’écobuage est strictement interdit sur le territoire.

Le 1er vice-président Guillaume Arnell a reçu en Collectivité, mardi 16 juin 2015, la directrice exécutive de la Poste outre-mer, Pascale Scoarnec, et la directrice régionale Michèle Paolini. Le but de cette visite de courtoisie : Informer la Collectivité des projets de l’établissement bancaire à Saint-Martin et discuter de la mise en place d’une convention de partenariat Collectivité/La Poste pour améliorer l’adressage.

Pascale Scoarnec a tout d’abord présenté au vice-président de la Collectivité le plan de réhabilitation de La Poste de Marigot, qui sera en travaux de septembre à décembre 2015. Il s’agira de repenser l’accueil du public dans le bâtiment, avec une organisation mieux adaptée aux besoins de la clientèle. Comme l’a précisé madame Scoarnec, la continuité du service sera assurée pendant toute la durée des travaux. La Poste prévoit par ailleurs de rééquilibrer les tournées des facteurs, une refonte qui vise à améliorer la performance des tournées, et qui sera effective dès janvier 2016.
La question de l’adressage a fait l’objet d’une discussion approfondie et le vice-président Arnell s’est montré très attentif à la nécessité de signer une convention avec La Poste, dans le but d’améliorer la qualité de l’adressage à Saint-Martin.
En effet, selon Pascale Scoarnec, il y a 571 voies à Saint-Martin, et les facteurs se plaignent souvent de l’imprécision de certaines adresses. « La Collectivité devrait revoir la nomination des rues, tout comme la numérotation qui fait défaut dans certains quartiers, La Poste est prête à l’accompagner dans ce processus ».
« Améliorer l’adressage est une urgence pour la Collectivité, je suis donc très heureux de cet échange car il y a une proposition concrète de partenariat. La Présidente Hanson a toujours une oreille attentive lorsqu’il s’agit de travailler en transversalité, et elle ne manquera pas de soutenir ce projet de convention », a souligné Guillaume Arnell, lui-même en charge du Pôle de Développement Durable dont dépend le service Adressage.

Une réunion de travail entre les techniciens du service Adressage de la Collectivité et les responsables de La Poste a eu lieu, mercredi 17 juin, afin de mettre à plat les problématiques d’adressage et dessiner les contours de ce partenariat qui devrait prendre effet rapidement.

La Collectivité de Saint-Martin informe la population que l’opération « Ticket Sport » pour les enfants de 7 à 14 ans se déroulera du lundi 06 au vendredi 31 Juillet 2015. Il reste encore quelques places pour vous inscrire avant le 26 juin.
Chaque année, la Collectivité de Saint-Martin met en place l’opération Ticket Sport afin de permettre à des jeunes qui ne partent pas en vacances durant l’été d’avoir accès à différentes disciplines sportives.
Seize disciplines sportives sont mises à disposition sur les stades de Marigot, tout au long des quatre semaines que dure l’opération Ticket Sport, sans oublier les activités nautiques et les activités de plage le vendredi.
Les dossiers d’inscription (50€ pour les enfants de 7 à 10 ans et 60€ pour les enfants de 11 à 14 ans pour toute la durée de l’opération) sont disponibles au Service « Jeunesse et Sports » de la Collectivité, situé à l’ancienne école bord de mer, rue de la Liberté à Marigot. Les inscriptions débuteront le Lundi 1er Juin 2015 et prendront fin le vendredi 26 Juin 2015.
Pour l’inscription, merci de vous munir des pièces suivantes :

• Copie d’une pièce d’identité
• Certificat Médical de – 3mois
• Copie d’attestation d’assurance RC activité extrascolaire couvrant le mois de Juillet 2015
• Une photo récente de l’enfant (photo d’identité)
• Copie du carnet de santé (vaccinations)

Pour être accepté, le dossier devra être complet.

MARIGOT:--- La Présidente Aline Hanson adresse ses chaleureuses félicitations au club cycliste VCG de Grand Case et à son coureur vedette Ludovic Turpin, qui a été sacré champion de Guadeloupe, samedi 13 juin, à Sainte Rose.

Grâce à une course exemplaire, le champion Saint-Martinois a su s’imposer devant les plus grands coureurs guadeloupéens, et ainsi offrir le titre de champion de Guadeloupe au vélo club de Grand Case.
En son nom personnel et au nom de l’ensemble du conseil territorial de Saint-Martin, la présidente Aline Hanson tient à saluer la performance de Ludovic Turpin et le travail des encadrants du VCG, qui ont, grâce à un bel esprit de compétition, rapporté cette victoire à Saint-Martin en portant haut les couleurs de l’île et du cyclisme saint-martinois.

ENGLISH VERSION

President Aline Hanson warmly congratulates the cycling club VCG of Grand Case and its rider Ludovic Turpin, who was crowned champion of Guadeloupe, Saturday, June 13, at St. Rose.

The St-Martin champion did a perfect race and won ahead of the best riders of Guadeloupe. He offered the league tittle to his club of Grand Case.
In her own name and on behalf of the territorial council of Saint-Martin, President Hanson salutes the performance of Ludovic Turpin and the work of his coaches.
Thanks to a beautiful spirit of competition, Ludovic Turpin and his club reported this victory in Saint-Martin and have shone the colors of the island and Saint Martin cycling.

Le service Adressage de la Collectivité de Saint-Martin sera fermé au public, du 16 au 19 juin 2015, en raison de travaux et de formation des agents pendant cette période. La réouverture du service sera effective le lundi 22 juin 2015 aux horaires habituels. Pendant cette période, les personnes qui en ont déjà fait la demande, pourront récupérer leur attestation d’adressage auprès de l’accueil du Pôle de Développement Durable (Immeuble ancien hôpital, route du Fort Louis).

La Collectivité de Saint-Martin vous remercie de votre compréhension.

Organisée par la SEMSAMAR (qui fête ses 30 ans), en partenariat avec la Collectivité de Saint-Martin, la fête de la musique 2015 promet une belle soirée tout public, sur le Front de mer de Marigot, dimanche 21 juin.
Les festivités débuteront à 16 heures avec la prestation de la chorale périscolaire.
A 16h30, le Ti fey la ka soné, Orchestre traditionnel gwo ka,
A 17h30, l’association ACED viendra présenter une comédie musicale.
A 18h, ce sera au tour des Gunslingers, orchestre de steal pan célèbre à Saint-Martin, de venir faire danser le public sur la scène de la fête de la musique.
Notez également que dès 18h, et jusqu’à 20 heures, le groupe TJT mettra une belle ambiance, avec des rythmes caribéens (zouk, reggae soka...).
A 20 heures, Claudette Peters, l’artiste vedette d’Antigua, viendra enflammer la scène de la fête de la musique 2015, en invitée d’honneur.
Venez nombreux !

« Un village de pêcheur du Néo indien à Grand-Case »,
Présentation des résultats des dernières fouilles de Grand-Case
Le vendredi 19 juin à 18 heures.
(6e édition des Journées nationales de l’archéologie)

Clara Samuelian et Nathalie Sellier-Segard, responsables d’opération à l’Institut national de recherches archéologiques préventives (INRAP), présenteront aux Archives territoriales de Saint-Martin une conférence et une visite commentée de l’exposition-dossier (bilingue, français/anglais) sur les résultats des dernières fouilles de 2014 à Grand-Case.
Cette conférence et cette exposition sont organisées dans le cadre des Journées nationales de l’archéologie (19, 20 et 21 juin) auxquelles se sont associées les Archives territoriales de Saint-Martin (Collectivité de Saint-Martin) en accueillant pour la première fois des activités dans le cadre de cette manifestation nationale (577 évènements à travers la France métropolitaine et les territoires d’Outre-Mer).

Résumé

En 2014, l’INRAP a réalisé deux fouilles archéologiques sur le site d’habitat précolombien de Grand Case Nord. Ce site est localisé au nord-ouest de l’île de Saint Martin, à l’extrémité orientale du bourg actuel et en contrebas du morne First Stick Hill. Il s’étend sur un cordon sableux entre le littoral et la lagune. Les premiers résultats présentent des niveaux et des structures anthropiques liés à un habitat amérindien. La grande quantité de matériel archéologique récolté lors de la fouille indique d’anciens dépotoirs. Ces zones de rejets sont généralement situées en retrait des maisons. Des trous de poteaux attestent d’ailleurs la présence de ce type d’habitat en carbet. La découverte d’une sépulture témoigne des gestes rituels et indique que les amérindiens enterraient leurs morts dans l’enceinte du village. Les travaux archéologiques ont également permis la reconnaissance de structures fossoyées servant à la production de chaux. Ces vestiges attribués à la période coloniale montrent que le site a été occupé par l’homme depuis la période amérindienne jusqu'à aujourd’hui.

Réserves méthodologiques

Les données utilisées ci-après sont celles tirées de l’exploitation des déclarations souscrites pour l’application de l’impôt sur les revenus de l’année 2013. Il s’ensuit que :

• le revenu retenu s’entend du « revenu net imposable », c’est-à-dire de la somme des différents revenus nets du foyer : traitements et salaires (après déduction de 10 % pour frais professionnels), pensions, revenus fonciers, bénéfices industriels et commerciaux... ; à l’inverse, il n’est pas tenu compte des revenus exonérés (heures supplémentaires, RSA et autres prestations sociales...) ;
• les données retenues sont celles qui ont été déclarées puis saisies par les services de
• l’État au 15 mai 2015. Elles ne reflètent donc pas nécessairement la réalité ;
• la catégorie des « non-résidents » regroupe non seulement des véritables non-résidents comme des personnes vivant aux États-Unis et ayant des revenus fonciers tirés de la location d’un immeuble situé à Saint-Martin mais aussi (et surtout) des personnes qui, bien qu’installées à Saint-Martin, sont réputées fiscalement domiciliées en Guadeloupe à défaut de satisfaire à la règle particulière des cinq ans (CGCT, art. LO6314-4).

Important : les informations contenues dans la présente fiche n’ont fait l’objet d’aucun retraitement et n’ont pas vocation à se substituer à d’éventuelles études des services spécialisés de l’État (INSEE), à qui il incombe en principe de réaliser des études à caractère économique à Saint-Martin, notamment pour élaborer des indicateurs détaillés sur les revenus déclarés par les ménages saint-martinois, sur les revenus disponibles par unité de consommation et sur les inégalités des niveaux de vie.

Hôtel de la Collectivité de Saint-Martin - Pôle Fiscalité - BP 374 – 97054 SAINT-MARTIN CEDEX
Téléphone : 05 90 87 50 04 – Télécopie : 05 90 87 88 53  Site internet : www.com-saint-martin.fr

1. Au 31 décembre 2013, il existait 17 247 foyers fiscaux dont 15 834 avaient leur domicile fiscal à Saint-Martin (principalement les personnes ayant leur foyer à Saint- Martin ou y résidant plus de 183 jours par an ou y exerçant une activité professionnelle) et
1 413 étaient considérés comme des « non-résidents » saint-martinois (principalement des personnes, venant d’un département de métropole ou d’outre-mer, installées à Saint- Martin mais ne justifiant pas d’une durée de résidence au moins égale à cinq ans).

impot sur le revenue 2013

Dans le cadre de l'élaboration du Schéma Directeur Territorial d’Aménagement Numérique (SDTAN) de la Collectivité de Saint-Martin, deux journées de travail consacrées à la mise en œuvre de ce schéma directeur ont été organisées à l’hôtel de ville, les 21 et 22 mai derniers.

Ce Séminaire a débuté par une réunion du groupe technique composé des acteurs locaux pouvant contribuer directement au bon déroulement de l'élaboration du SDTAN, des représentants des acteurs publics du territoire, ainsi que des membres des services du maître d'ouvrage.
Dans un second temps, la réunion du comité de pilotage composé des élus, des représentants de l’état, des cadres territoriaux concernés et de représentants du groupe technique, a été l’occasion d’échanger sur le développement du numérique à Saint-Martin.

Cette phase de concertation a ainsi permis de mieux appréhender les enjeux et de s'approprier la question du développement du numérique, afin de bâtir un schéma d'aménagement qui conduise aux objectifs fixés, soit la couverture maximale du territoire en haut et très haut débit.

Ce schéma directeur est initié et supervisé par le pôle de développement Economique de la Collectivité, via la Direction du Numérique et de l’Audiovisuel. Pour favoriser la cohérence des initiatives publiques ainsi que leur bonne articulation avec les investissements privés, la Collectivité de Saint-Martin s’est attaché les services du Cabinet indépendant TACTIS.
Ce dernier a procédé à l'audition des opérateurs, dans le but d'estimer l’attractivité d’une infrastructure mutualisée, d’établir un état des lieux des offres de services, de faire un bilan des usages en matière de technologies de l'information et de la communication, d'identifier les diverses technologies disponibles et de recenser les projets de déploiement de la fibre optique et d'infrastructures, les schémas directeurs territoriaux, les projets d'aménagement, les travaux d'aménagement routiers, les projets d'extension des zones d'habitat, les projets de zone d'activité, etc.

Un premier bilan de ces travaux sera présenté aux élus le 25 juin 2015, lors du conseil territorial, ce qui permettra de poursuivre la mise en œuvre de ce schéma directeur sur notre territoire.

ENCADRE

Qu’est-ce que le SDTAN ?

Le SDTAN est un référentiel à caractère opérationnel, qui vise à mettre en place des synergies entre l'action publique et les investissements privés sur le territoire. Il est à noter que la loi n° 2009-1572 du 17 décembre 2009 relative à la lutte contre la fracture numérique donne un socle législatif au SDTAN, en l'inscrivant dans un nouvel article L.1425-2 du Code Général des Collectivités Territoriales (CGCT).

Le conseil territorial de Saint-Martin se réunira en séance plénière le jeudi 25 juin 2015. L’ordre du jour a été établi comme suit :

1. Schéma directeur territorial d’aménagement numérique (SDTAN)
2. Modification du Code de l’Urbanisme
3. Projet de dispositions pénales du Code de l’Urbanisme de Saint-Martin
4. Bilan de la concertation et arrêt du projet de P.L.U.
5. Aménagement de la baie de Marigot
6. Redynamisation de Marigot
7. Nomination des membres de la Commission Administrative Paritaire (CAP)
8. Mesures fiscales diverses
9. Mise en examen Semsamar : Constitution de partie civile et mesures conservatoires.
10. Rapport d’activités des services de la collectivité
11. Avis de la Chambre territoriale des comptes - saisine n°15005971 du 22 avril 2015.

Questions diverses.

Considérant la volonté de la Collectivité de faciliter l’aménagement d’équipements touristiques, ou économiques légers sur la frange littorale classée en zone N.D.a., notamment pour son projet d‘aménagement de la parcelle AW34 sur le site de la Baie Orientale, le conseil Exécutif de la Collectivité de Saint-Martin a décidé, lors de la séance plénière du 26 mai 2015, de lancer une procédure de Modification simplifiée du Plan d’Occupation des Sols de la Collectivité de Saint-Martin. Les modifications porteront sur le règlement de la zone N.D.
A cet effet le dossier du projet de modification simplifiée est mis à disposition du public au pôle Développement Durable « Service Urbanisme », du lundi au vendredi de 9h00 à 14h00, à partir du 05 juin 2015 et pendant un mois. Le projet de Modification simplifiée sera également notifié pour avis aux personnes publiques associées (Le représentant de l’Etat, Le Président de la C.C.I.S.M, Le Président du C.E.S.C).
Pendant cette durée, les observations sur le projet de modification simplifiée du Plan d’Occupation des Sols pourront être consignées sur le registre déposé au pôle Développement Durable « Service Urbanisme ».

Les travaux de démolition des anciens carbets débuteront le 22 juin 2015

Les occupants de la parcelle AW34 ont été notifiés par courrier de la Présidente Hanson daté du 02 juin 2015 du démarrage des travaux de démolition des anciennes installations à partir du lundi 22 juin 2015. Les occupants ont été invités à prendre leurs dispositions afin de libérer les lieux de toute activité commerciale et de procéder à l’enlèvement de leurs équipements.

Dans un communiqué adressé aux contribuables fin mai, la Présidente Aline avait rappelé l’importance pour le bien collectif de contribuer à l’impôt. « Il s’agit d’un acte citoyen dont les conséquences impactent directement l’avenir de notre territoire dans le cadre de la mise en œuvre des projets de développement. La contribution de chacun à l’effort collectif permet la réalisation des grands travaux que nous initions, et qui n’ont d’autres objectifs que de servir l’intérêt général. Je pense notamment à la Cité scolaire de la Savane, aux carbets à la Baie Orientale, à la réhabilitation du stade Vanterpool et aux travaux d’éclairage public et d’électrification rurale », avait-elle alors déclaré.
Le délai de rigueur pour remettre au service fiscal votre déclaration d’impôt sur le revenu concernant les revenus de l’année 2014 a été fixé au 15 juin 2015, soit dans quelques jours. Après cette date, l’impôt éventuellement dû sera majoré de 10%.
Il est rappelé que le barème de l’impôt sur le revenu qui comporte une réduction spécifique de 40% a été maintenu par la majorité, afin que les Saint-Martinois puissent bénéficier d’une fiscalité sur le revenu plus attractive qu’en métropole ou Guadeloupe.
Les personnes qui n’ont pas encore souscrit leur déclaration, peuvent télécharger sur le site internet de la Collectivité (www.com-saint-martin.fr), l’ensemble des imprimés et notices utiles pour déclarer les revenus perçus au cours de l’année 2014 ou se rapprocher rapidement du service fiscal de Saint-Martin (Concordia – Résidence Santa-Monica) qui a mis en place un dispositif spécial pour les aider à remplir leurs obligations déclaratives.

Le Régiment du Service Militaire Adapté (RSMA), l’Armée de Terre et l’Armée de l’Air seront à Saint-Martin, du 15 au 19 juin 2015, pour le recrutement des jeunes saint-martinois qui souhaitent s’inscrire dans une carrière militaire.
La Collectivité de Saint-Martin travaille effectivement en partenariat avec le RSMA grâce à la convention Objectif 100 signée en octobre 2014, mais aussi avec l’Armée de Terre, et l’Armée de l’Air qui se déplace pour la première fois sur notre territoire.
Pour pouvoir prétendre au recrutement de l’armée et du RSMA, il faut être âgé de 18 à 25 ans. Les personnes souhaitant participer à l’information collective prévue le 15 juin 2015 sont priées de se présenter au service AIO de la Collectivité de Saint-Martin, situé dans les locaux de l’ancienne école Evelyna Halley à Marigot, à 10h30 (l’information a lieu de 10h30 à 12h30).
Il est à préciser que l'Armée de l’Air a reconsidéré les niveaux d'entrée et propose désormais des postes à partir du niveau CAP (agent de restauration, conducteur routier, agent de magasinage, etc.).

La Collectivité de Saint-Martin invite tous les jeunes gens du territoire intéressés, à venir découvrir l’ensemble des postes à pourvoir par le RSMA, l’Armée de Terre et l’Armée de l’Air.

Service AIO Tél. : 0590 27 94 81 / Cell. : 06 90 33 61 06.

La réunion annuelle de préparation de la saison cyclonique 2015 a eu lieu ce matin à l'hôtel de ville, sous la présidence de madame Aline Hanson, présidente du conseil territorial de St Martin. Il s'est agi pour les acteurs présents autour de la table de faire un état des lieux des moyens à disposition et des besoins pour la saison. Monsieur Emmanuel Effantin (chef de cabinet du préfet) pour la préfecture et madame Charlotte Terrac pour la Collectivité ( chargée de mission Cellule des risques naturels) ont présenté les phases de vigilances et les consignes à respecter par la population en cas de phénomène. L'expérience du cyclone Gonzalo en octobre 2014 était sur toutes les bouches, elle a notamment permis d'ajuster certaines procédures afin d'améliorer la gestion de crise.

N'hésitez pas à solliciter le service communication si vous souhaitez que l'on vous renvoie certains documents. Vous avez déjà reçu la liste des abris cycloniques, les consignes d'utilisation d'un abri, les consignes générales en cas d'ouragan, ainsi que les communiqués destinés aux professionnels (commerçants, hôteliers, garagistes, etc. et plaisanciers).

La Préfète déléguée auprès du représentant de l’état dans les Collectivités de St Barthélemy et Saint-Martin, madame Anne Laubies, a pris ses fonctions, ce lundi 08 juin 2015, lors d’une cérémonie officielle de dépôt de gerbe devant le monument aux morts, comme le veut la tradition républicaine, en présence de la présidente Aline Hanson, du sénateur Guillaume Arnell, des élus du conseil territorial, des anciens combattants et des forces de l’ordre.

Au préalable, la préfète Laubies a été reçue par la présidente Aline Hanson, dans son bureau pour un entretien d’une trentaine de minutes. La présidente a tenu, lors de ce premier tête-à-tête, à aborder avec la préfète les dossiers majeurs de la Collectivité.
Après lui avoir présenté le territoire et ses enjeux immédiats, Aline Hanson a évoqué l’une de ses grandes priorités, la Jeunesse, et les divers projets dans ce domaine, à l’instar de la création d’un foyer éducatif fermé à destination des primo délinquants et de l’aide à la réinsertion engagée sur le territoire.

Le fonctionnement administratif de la Collectivité a également été présenté à Anne Laubies lors de cet entretien, tout comme les besoins du territoire et certains enjeux importants tels que le développement du réseau routier secondaire ou encore la nécessité d’enfouir les câbles électriques à moyen terme.

Une rencontre avec les élus du conseil territorial était ensuite programmée dans la salle des délibérations. La présidente Hanson a souhaité officiellement la bienvenue à la préfète Anne Laubies : « Notre territoire a de nombreuses priorités et nous souhaitons travailler avec vous, comme nous l’avons fait avec votre prédécesseur Philippe Chopin », a t-elle déclaré en préambule.

Les vice-présidents Guillaume Arnell, Wendel Cocks et Rosette Gumbs-Lake, présents pour l’occasion, ont présenté leur portefeuille respectif et les principaux enjeux de leur pôle de compétences. Un tour de table a également permis à la préfète de faire la connaissance des autres élus présents et de leurs prérogatives.

La préfète Laubies a assuré l’assistance de son désir de « s’inscrire dans la continuité et de « travailler comme l’a fait le préfet Chopin ».
« Je suis consciente des difficultés, des dossiers et des questions qui vous préoccupent. Le représentant de l’état est là pour vous aider, vous accompagner, pour faire l’interface avec les interlocuteurs nationaux, et je serai à votre écoute »a-t-elle conclu.

La Collectivité de Saint-Martin a lancé à la mi-janvier la deuxième édition de la manifestation Zum’Fit. Organisées en partenariat avec l’association Jeunesse Soualiga et la Semsamar, les sessions Zum’Fit se déroulent tous les vendredis dans un quartier différent.

ZUMFIT, c’est une heure de zumba gratuite destinée à tous les publics, avec un focus tout particulier sur les jeunes, afin de les inciter à la pratique régulière d’une activité physique. Comme lors de la première édition en 2014, le programme Zum’Fit viendra à votre rencontre dans les quartiers de Grand-case, Orléans et Sandy Ground et à Marigot, jusqu’au 26 juin 2015.

La Collectivité vous invite nombreux à participer aux dernières sessions de Zum’Fit, tous les vendredis soir, une occasion de se réunir en plein air dans une ambiance sportive et ludique et de partager un moment convivial et salutaire.

Les Archives territoriales de Saint-Martin ont eu l’honneur d’accueillir, du mardi 2 juin au vendredi 5 juin, une formation organisée par CARBICA, l’association des archivistes de la Caraïbe, dans le cadre du projet MIGAN.

Le projet MIGAN est une plateforme mutualisée d’accès aux différents sites internet des services d’archives partenaires, offrant au public un point d’accès central et partagé aux richesses archivistiques de la Caraïbe. Les Archives territoriales de Saint-Martin vont ainsi bénéficier pleinement de ces expériences en prévision de la construction de sa propre base de données et site internet en 2016.

Cette formation a ainsi accueilli une quinzaine d’archivistes, directeur d’institutions nationales d’archives ou archivistes en charge de l’accès aux documents numérisés, de Curaçao, de Surinam, Guyana, Trinidad et Tobago, Sainte Lucie ou encore la Guadeloupe et la Martinique, venus se professionnaliser à la construction d’un site web pour les archives.

La Présidente Aline Hanson a reçu les responsables de l’association CARBICA, vendredi 05 juin, à l’hôtel de ville. Il s’est agi lors de cette rencontre d’échanger sur l’intérêt de la mutualisation des archives de la Caraïbe dans le but d’offrir au public une base de données complète sur les documents d’archives de la région Caraïbe.

Ainsi, mesdames Rita TJIEN-FOOH, Présidente de CARBICA (Archives du Surinam), Avril BELFON, vice présidente (Archives de Trinidad & Tobago), Karla HAYWARD, secrétaire (Bermudes) et Dominique TAFFIN, chef de projet MIGAN pour CARBICA (Archives départementales de la Martinique et ancienne présidente de CARBICA 2011-2014), ont pu s’entretenir avec la Présidente Aline HANSON, et lui faire part des problématiques rencontrées dans le domaine de l’archivage des documents historiques dans la Caraïbe, mais aussi des avancées notables réalisées ces dernières années.

La Présidente Hanson a salué l’initiative de cette formation CARBICA qui avait lieu pour la première fois à Saint-Martin et qui a permis au territoire de se faire connaître dans ce domaine précis et de présenter ses archives territoriales et le travail réalisé depuis leur ouverture dans le nouveau bâtiment de la médiathèque en 2014. Dirigé par Stéphanie Dargaud, ce service de la Collectivité, a pris une ampleur considérable en quelques mois en collectant un grand nombre d’archives et en offrant ainsi la possibilité à la population de venir se renseigner sur bien des aspects liés à l’histoire de l’île et aux nombreux documents existants.

Les Archives territoriales de Saint-Martin, sises Bâtiment de la Médiathèque, rue Jean Luc Hamlet, à Concordia, sont joignables par téléphone : 0590 87 66 60 et par mail : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Marigot le jeudi 04 juin 2015 : « J’apprends la mise en examen de la Directrice Générale de la SEMSAMAR et de son prédécesseur. J’en prends acte. Toutefois, la mise en examen également de la Société d’économie mixte en tant que personne morale, m’oblige à examiner les conséquences de cette affaire pour la Collectivité en sa qualité d’actionnaire majoritaire. Au travers de la Société, les actionnaires étant susceptibles d’être mis en cause, je serai amenée à communiquer à nouveau sur la position de la Collectivité dans cette affaire. »

Aline Hanson, présidente du Conseil territorial de Saint-Martin

ENGLISH VERSION

"I heard about the indictment of the Director General of SEMSAMAR and its predecessor. I take note of this decision. However, the indictment of the Société d’économie mixte as a moral entity obliges me to consider the implication of the Collectivité of St-Martin which is the major shareholder of the company. Through the company, the shareholders might be involved and I will have to communicate again on the position of the Collectivité in this matter. "

Bonjour à tous,
Nous sommes ici tous réunis pour l'inauguration d'un projet (enfin) réalisé et opérationnel, dont la naissance a été le fruit de très longues années de travail et de discussions, mais où la volonté farouche de voir éclore ce nouvel outil l'a emporté.
C'est en effet le 13 décembre 2001 que le Conseil municipal de l'époque votait en faveur d'une délibération approuvant le principe de la construction d'un abattoir à Saint-Martin.
Jusqu'à ce 02 juin 2015, il a fallu acquérir un terrain, obtenir des subventions, délivrer un permis de construire, attribuer le marché pour l'exploitation et la gestion, et obtenir l'agrément sanitaire pour l'exploitation.
Il faut, à ce titre, saluer l'ensemble des porteurs de ce projet qui ont pris part à cette réalisation, les élus comme les techniciens de la Collectivité, ainsi que les partenaires financiers sans qui le projet n'aurait pas été envisageable :
L'Europe (FEOGA), l'Etat, la Région et le Département de la Guadeloupe, et la mairie de Saint-Martin ont ainsi participé au financement de l'abattoir, pour un coût total de 1 070 000 millions d'euros. Leur engagement sans faille et leur sens des responsabilités ont permis l'aboutissement d'un abattoir moderne.
Le territoire de Saint-Martin est désormais doté d'un outil efficace qui répond aux obligations sanitaires en termes de salubrité, puisqu'il est interdit d'abattre les bêtes soi-même, comme vous le savez.
Dorénavant, les éleveurs saint-martinois pourront commercialiser leurs bêtes dans les conditions sanitaires aux normes européennes, ce qui induira le développement du nombre de têtes sur le territoire, et la vente d'une viande de qualité « made in Saint-Martin ».
Je voudrais enfin saluer la SEABAT et l'ensemble des personnes qui vont œuvrer pour l'exploitation et de la gestion de l'abattoir, qui est un atout pour la Collectivité de Saint-Martin en termes d'emploi, de traçabilité des produits et de promotion de la qualité.
Nous sommes confiants sur votre professionnalisme et votre capacité à mener à bien les missions qui vous incombent, dans le respect des normes d'hygiène alimentaire, sanitaire et environnementale, et pour l'intérêt de la population.
Cette valorisation de la filière agro-alimentaire saint-martinoise est une première sur notre territoire, et constitue une garantie pour les consommateurs, ainsi qu'un levier commercial non négligeable.

Je salue ici l'implication de tous, l'Europe, les élus locaux, les services de l'état, la CCISM, la SEABAT, les éleveurs de Saint-Martin, et les services de la Collectivité grâce à qui ce projet a pu voir le jour.
Je vous remercie de votre attention.

La Collectivité de Saint-Martin informe la population que la prochaine capture de chiens errants sur la voie publique aura lieu du lundi 15 juin 2015 au mardi 30 juin 2015.

Tous les propriétaires d'animaux sont priés de les garder attachés et de les surveiller, même après la phase de capture. Pour toute information complémentaire, merci de contacter la Direction de l'Environnement et du Cadre de vie au 0590 52 27 30.

Dans l'intérêt de tous, la Collectivité de Saint-Martin vous remercie de votre compréhension.

Pour rappel : Arrêté de la Présidente

La Présidente du Conseil territorial, Aline Hanson, a pris un arrêté (n°033-2014) portant règlement des conditions de détention des animaux de compagnie et de leur circulation sur la voie publique.
Cet arrêté stipule qu'il est interdit de laisser divaguer les animaux sur le territoire de la Collectivité. Pour éviter tout accident, les chiens doivent être tenus en laisse, les chiens dits dangereux doivent être muselés. Par ailleurs, les propriétaires de chiens sont tenus de ramasser les déjections de leur animal sur la voie publique, y compris dans les caniveaux, sur les plages et dans les espaces verts publics. A noter que cet arrêté stipule également qu'il est interdit de déposer de la nourriture sur la voie publique pour attirer les animaux errants ou sauvages.

La Collectivité de Saint-Martin fait appel à votre civisme et vous demande de bien vouloir respecter la propreté de l'île en période cyclonique.
En effet, suite au passage des cyclones précédents, de nombreux déchets verts et encombrants avaient été déposés sur la voie publique au détriment de toutes règles de sécurité routière et de salubrité publique. En cas d'un nouvel épisode cyclonique, il incombera à chacun de prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires pour évacuer ses déchets. Afin d'éviter qu'ils ne s'envolent et causent des accidents, les déchets verts et encombrants devront être déposés à la déchetterie de Galisbay ou à l'éco-site de Grandes Cayes à Cul de Sac. Aucun dépôt sauvage ne saurait être toléré à l'annonce de l'avis de passage d'un cyclone.
Les contrevenants seront verbalisés et mis en demeure d'évacuer leurs déchets sur l'éco-site de Grandes Cayes ou la déchèterie de Galisbay-Bienvenue.
La Collectivité vous conseille de procéder aux travaux de tailles, d'élagages des arbres et arbustes et d'évacuation de vos encombrants dès maintenant.

Horaires de l'éco- site: du lundi au vendredi : 07h00-16h00 / samedi : 07h00-14h00.
Horaires de la déchèterie : du lundi au samedi de 10h à 18h. (Sites gratuits pour les particuliers).

Communiqué à l'attention des hôteliers, des syndics de copropriétés et professionnels

La Collectivité de Saint-Martin fait appel à votre professionnalisme et vous demande de bien vouloir l'aider à faire respecter la propreté de l'île, en engageant d'ores et déjà les travaux d'élagage et de coupe des végétaux en prévision d'un phénomène cyclonique, et en transportant les déchets verts à l'éco-site de Grandes Cayes.

En effet, lors des cyclones précédents, il avait été constaté que de nombreux hôtels et copropriétés avaient jeté de très grandes quantités de déchets verts et d'encombrants sur la voie publique au détriment de toutes règles de sécurité routière et de salubrité publique. Pour éviter que cela ne se reproduise, la Collectivité de Saint-Martin vous demande de procéder aux travaux de coupe, de tailles, d'élagages et de nettoyage, dès maintenant. Il incombe aux professionnels de prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires avec leurs prestataires de services pour évacuer les déchets verts et encombrants vers l'éco-site de Grandes Cayes.
Déchets verts, gravats, encombrants et autres détritus déposés à proximité des abris poubelles ou en bordure de route ne seront en aucun cas tolérés et ramassés par les services de la Collectivité. Les contrevenants seront verbalisés et mis en demeure d'évacuer leurs déchets sur l'éco-site de Grandes Cayes.
Horaires de l'éco-site: du lundi au vendredi : 07h00-16h00 / samedi : 07h00-14h00.
La Collectivité de Saint-Martin vous remercie de votre compréhension.

Communiqué aux gérants de garages et mécaniciens

En ce début de saison cyclonique, des mesures d'hygiène et de sécurité s'imposent. La Présidente et son Comité d'Organisation des secours rappellent aux garagistes, mécaniciens, tôliers, que l'enlèvement aux environs de leur établissement de tous déchets métalliques pouvant être dangereusement mortels, en cas de vents forts, est un geste essentiel.
Ces mesures préventives doivent être prises dès les premières phases de vigilance dans l'éventualité du passage d'un phénomène cyclonique.
Il est fait appel au civisme et au sens des responsabilités de toutes les personnes concernées par la mise en œuvre de ce nettoyage.

La Collectivité de Saint-Martin vous remercie de votre compréhension.

Communiqué aux gérants de stations-service

Il est porté à l'attention des propriétaires et gérants de stations-service que dès la phase de vigilance rouge, il leur appartient de procéder à la fermeture de leur établissement et à la mise hors service de tout distributeur automatique de carburants.
Par ailleurs, pour des raisons de sécurité, la vente d'essence en jerricane doit être limitée et ne pas dépasser les 10 litres.
La sécurité publique ainsi que l'organisation du Plan Territorial de Sauvegarde relèvent de la coopération et bonne volonté de tous. La Collectivité de Saint-Martin vous remercie de votre compréhension.

Le jeudi 04 juin 2015, la Médiathèque Territoriale accueillera la Cérémonie d'ouverture du 13ème Salon du livre « Book Fair ».
A cette occasion, l'horaire d'ouverture au public se fera exceptionnellement de 09 heures à 14 heures ce jeudi.

La Médiathèque territoriale vous remercie de votre compréhension.

Les élus de la collectivité seront sur plusieurs événements cette semaine :

- Lundi 1er juin : Lancement officiel du programme européen FEDER/FSE (en matinée à la CCISM)
- Inauguration de l'abattoir (Grand Case), mardi 02 juin à 14h.
- Inauguration du salon du livre Book Fair 2015, à la Médiathèque, jeudi 04 juin à 20h.
- Réunion ORSEC préparation saison cyclonique, organisée par la Collectivité, vendredi 05 juin à 10h, salle des délibérations (la presse est conviée).

A noter que la Collectivité de Saint-Martin participe cette semaine aux 4e rencontres des collectivités des outre-mer, à Nancy. Les vice-présidents Guillaume Arnell, Ramona Connor et Rosette Gumbs-Lake représenteront la Collectivité de Saint-Martin qui est à l'honneur cette année. (communication prévue en fin de semaine).
Notre territoire accueille cette semaine une formation des archivistes Carbica (association des archives antillaises), aux archives territoriales de Saint-Martin. (communication prévue en fin de semaine).

Le Club SOROPTIMIST de St Martin remercie tous les fidèles marcheurs et sponsors ainsi que tous ceux qui ont participé d'une manière ou d'une autre à la réussite de la traditionnelle Ballade Dînatoire du vendredi 6 Mars 2015, à l'occasion de la Journée Internationale dédiée à la Femme.
Le départ a été donné sur le parking près de l'Office de Tourisme à 18h30, pour un parcours à travers les rues de la ville de Marigot, en passant par Bellevue, St James, pour un 1er arrêt au Collège Mont des Accords, où une pause « soupe locale » a pu être appréciée. La ballade s'est poursuivie dans la bonne humeur, après un détour par le rond point d'agrément, jusqu'au Kiosque de Marigot. Nos marcheurs ont pu se reposer et se détendre autour d'un repas partagé dans une bonne convivialité.
Encore une fois, vous avez été nombreux à nous apporter votre soutien aux œuvres de notre club en faveur de l'amélioration de la vie des femmes, ici à St Martin et dans le monde. Nous vous en remercions.
La Présidente Marlène PETIT.

AM SXM donates to Island Hoops

PHILIPSBURG:--- I AM SXM Foundation made a donation to Island Hoops “GLOBALL” for both the U20 and U16 excursions. The U20 Selection will travel to Pennsylvania on July 11 for the four-day intensive basketball exposure camp. The U16 selection is scheduled to depart July 31.

I AM SXM, aka “Bush-T” is proud to support this grassroots initiative that provides St. Maarten youngsters with education opportunities and new experiences through travel and the sport of basketball.

Tamara Leonard of I AM SXM says the foundation is extremely proud to be part of furthering the future and broadening the horizons of the country’s youngsters. “We must invest in our own. We must plant the seeds we want to see flourish and blossom in our future.”

“The basketball camps may just be four days, but those days will have a lasting impact on all of the young players. Their experiences will stay with them for a lifetime and they will undoubtedly use them to elevate their future. Hopefully, they will also see the need to share skills learned with their peers on St. Maarten,” says Leonard.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Monday June 29th at approximately 09.40 a.m. police patrols and detectives were sent to MILAN jewelers on the Cyrus Wathey Square to investigate an armed robbery which had occurred shortly before. On the scene the investigating officers learnt that two or three, possibly more persons were involved in the robbery. One robber went into the establishment while one robber stood at the entrance. At least one firearm was involved. After robbing the establishment of some jewelry they fled the scene on two motorized vehicles. Detectives and Forensic department were on scene speaking to witnesses and collecting evidence. More details in regard to this investigation were not released by the Detective Department because of the seriousness of the case.
If you were a witness to this incident, and you haven’t spoken to the detectives yet, please contact the police force on telephone number 542 2222 or stop by the station to talk to the detective that’s handling the case.

KPSM Police Report

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):---  In most parts of the world, health outcomes among boys and men continue to be substantially worse than among girls and women, yet this gender-based disparity in health has received little regional or global acknowledgement or attention from health policy-makers or health-care providers, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Including both women and men in efforts to reduce gender inequalities in health as part of the post-2015 sustainable development agenda would improve everyone’s health and well-being.

That men tend to be in worse health than women has now been made clear by robust evidence from various sources. The Global Burden of Disease study led by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation in 2010 (GBD 2010 study) showed that throughout the period from 1970 to 2010, women had a longer life expectancy than men.

Over that 40-year period, female life expectancy at birth increased from 61.2 to 73.3 years, whereas male life expectancy rose from 56.4 to 67.5 years. These figures indicate that the gap in life expectancy at birth widened between the sexes to men’s disadvantage over those 40 years.

By 2010, on the whole women were outliving men by an average of almost six years. In the region with the lowest life expectancy at birth − central sub-Saharan Africa − men were living 5.3 years less than women on average.

Eastern Europe showed the biggest difference in life expectancy between men and women: women in the Russian Federation were outliving men by an average of 11.6 years. According to the Global Health 2035 report, published in the Lancet in 2013, in countries classified as “least developed” and “less developed” by the United Nations adult mortality fell faster among women than among men between 1992 and 2012.

In many societies, men generally enjoy more opportunities, privileges and power than women, yet these multiple advantages do not translate into better health outcomes.

What explains this gender disparity? According to the WHO European Region’s review of the social determinants of health, chaired by Sir Michael Marmot, men’s poorer survival rates “reflect several factors – greater levels of occupational exposure to physical and chemical hazards, behaviours associated with male norms of risk-taking and adventure, health behaviour paradigms related to masculinity and the fact that men are less likely to visit a doctor when they are ill and, when they see a doctor, are less likely to report on the symptoms of disease or illness”.

How much more likely to die are men than women as a result of risk-taking behaviours? In 2010, 3.14 million men − as opposed to 1.72 million women − died from causes linked to excessive alcohol use. For many men, excessive consumption of alcohol is linked to notions of masculinity.

For example, a study of men in the Russian Federation showed that heavy drinking of strong spirits “elevates or maintains a man’s status in working-class social groups by facilitating access to power associated with the hegemonic ideal of the real working man”.

Of 67 risk factors and risk factor clusters identified in the GBD 2010 study, 60 were responsible for more male than female deaths and the top 10 risk factors were all more common in men.

Concerted global action to reduce this burden could have a transformative social, health and economic impact. According to the WHO, it is time to not only acknowledge the benefits of such action to men, but also to recognize and measure its potential benefits to women, children and society as a whole.

Men’s physical illness, for example, can impair the psychological health of their female partners; when men are sick, injured or die, households and female partners suffer a loss of income. Closing the men’s health gap can benefit men, women and their children.
Sint Maarten’s calendar of health observances is to promote particular local or global health issues, and encourage the population to Get Checked. As of Tuesday, June 16, the Ministry of Public has been observing Men’s Health via various public awareness mediums/activities.

In connection with the aforementioned, the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department with the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, is calling on the nation’s men and boy’s to take their health serious and to take care of themselves by living and promoting healthy lifestyles, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet; engaging in regular physical activity; avoiding tobacco use; and avoiding harmful use of alcohol.

The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour is calling on the Sint Maarten populace to ‘Get Checked,’ and know your risk factors.

Man gets stabbed in eye during fight'

PHILIPSBURG:---- On Sunday afternoon, June 28th, around 4:30, a major fight took place at a residence on Middle Region Road. The parties involved were severely under the influence of alcohol.
During the fight a 23-year old man was stabbed in his eye with a sharp object. The victim needed to be transported to the hospital for medical assistance. The police were called and a patrol and detectives to the scene to investigate the case. An 18-year old woman, the suspect of the stabbing, was taken into custody. She will be questioned later today by the detective department of the Police Force of Sint Maarten. The woman couldn’t be questioned earlier, because of her condition. (She was still under the influence of alcohol.)
If you were a witness to this incident, and you haven’t spoken to the detectives yet, please contact the police force on telephone number 542 2222 or stop by the station to talk to the detective that’s handling the case.

Attempted armed robbery on Backstreet

Friday afternoon, June 26th, an armed and masked man entered a house in Backstreet. A woman and her 9 months old baby were threatened by the armed man with a gun. The man kicked the baby and the mother started a fight with the man. A next person, who was in the house but in another room, came to the rescue and the robber took off running. Nobody was injured during the fight. The robbery was unsuccessful. A police patrol and detectives went to the scene to search for evidence. An official complaint was made up by the police who are investigating the case.

2 young suspects arrested for theft of 2 scooters

On Friday afternoon June 26th on Welfare road, in the vicinity of Tropicana Casino, the Police Patrol stopped two young men, 15 and 17 years old. The 2 men were riding on scooters of which they did not have any proof they were the official owner. The 2 youngsters were arrested as suspects of theft. Both of them were taken into custody and will be questioned. The scooters were confiscated by the police officers, who are investigating the case. The prosecutor will make a decision if and when the scooters can be returned to the rightful owners.

Former marital partners arrested

On Friday June 26th of, around 3:25 pm, a former couple was arrested in St. Peters by police for destructing, threatening and attempted man slaughter. The couple had a fight and a lot of violence was used at the scene. A Police Patrol was called to help out and calm the situation but then the suspects became aggressive towards the police. The police officers needed to call for assistance from their colleagues.
Eventually both suspects were arrested, brought to the Police Station and questioned by Detectives. They confessed to the acts they were charged with. After questioning the couple was sent home.

Car stolen on Union Road

On Saturday night June 27th a car was stolen in the vicinity of ACE Mega Center on Union road in Cole Bay. An unknown man asked the owner of the car for a ride. The driver refused to give this unknown man a ride. Suddenly the suspect pulled out a sharp object, threatened the driver and forced himself into vehicle and ordered the driver to drive into the direction of Philipsburg. During the ride the suspect forced the owner of the car to get out of his own vehicle. After forcing the driver out of his vehicle the suspect then drove off with the victim’s car. The police were called to the scene. The victim was taken to the police headquarters to file a complaint. The Detective Department is investigating the incident.

Suspect caught in the act

On Saturday June 27th at approximately 01.45 a.m. a patrol was sent to a snack bar opposite “Jump up” casino to investigate a break-in in progress. On the scene the investigating officers noticed that the suspect had gained access via a window on the side of the building. While the officers continued with their investigation they noticed that the suspect was still in the building. The 47 year old suspect who is well known by police was arrested on the spot and taken to the Philipsburg Police Station for questioning.

Car overturns slightly injuring passenger.

On Saturday June 27th at approximately midnight police patrols and traffic department were sent to the A. J. C. Brouwers road in the vicinity of the “Look out Point” (Harold Jack) to investigate a traffic accident. On the scene the investigating officers encountered a vehicle which had landed on its roof. The passenger of the vehicle was lightly injured and was taken to the Sint Maarten Medical Centre to be treated. According to the traffic officer the driver was traveling at a high speed and lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle then hit the side of the hill causing the vehicle to overturn and land on its roof. As a result of the accident the vehicle was severely damaged. The Fire department was called in to assist with the clearing and cleaning of the street.Man gets stabbed in eye during fight

Fight in Middle Region

On Sunday afternoon, June 28th, around 4:30, a major fight took place at a residence on Middle Region Road. The parties involved were severely under the influence of alcohol.
During the fight a 23-year old man was stabbed in his eye with a sharp object. The victim needed to be transported to the hospital for medical assistance. The police were called and a patrol and detectives to the scene to investigate the case. An 18-year old woman, the suspect of the stabbing, was taken into custody. She will be questioned later today by the detective department of the Police Force of Sint Maarten. The woman couldn’t be questioned earlier, because of her condition. (She was still under the influence of alcohol.)
If you were a witness to this incident, and you haven’t spoken to the detectives yet, please contact the police force on telephone number 542 2222 or stop by the station to talk to the detective that’s handling the case.

Attempted armed robbery on Backstreet

Friday afternoon, June 26th, an armed and masked man entered a house in Backstreet. A woman and her 9 months old baby were threatened by the armed man with a gun. The man kicked the baby and the mother started a fight with the man. A next person, who was in the house but in another room, came to the rescue and the robber took off running. Nobody was injured during the fight. The robbery was unsuccessful. A police patrol and detectives went to the scene to search for evidence. An official complaint was made up by the police who are investigating the case.

2 young suspects arrested for theft of 2 scooters

On Friday afternoon June 26th on Welfare road, in the vicinity of Tropicana Casino, the Police Patrol stopped two young men, 15 and 17 years old. The 2 men were riding on scooters of which they did not have any proof they were the official owner. The 2 youngsters were arrested as suspects of theft. Both of them were taken into custody and will be questioned. The scooters were confiscated by the police officers, who are investigating the case. The prosecutor will make a decision if and when the scooters can be returned to the rightful owners.

Former marital partners arrested

On Friday June 26th of, around 3:25 pm, a former couple was arrested in St. Peters by police for destructing, threatening and attempted man slaughter. The couple had a fight and a lot of violence was used at the scene. A Police Patrol was called to help out and calm the situation but then the suspects became aggressive towards the police. The police officers needed to call for assistance from their colleagues.
Eventually both suspects were arrested, brought to the Police Station and questioned by Detectives. They confessed to the acts they were charged with. After questioning the couple was sent home.

Car stolen on Union Road

On Saturday night June 27th a car was stolen in the vicinity of ACE Mega Center on Union road in Cole Bay. An unknown man asked the owner of the car for a ride. The driver refused to give this unknown man a ride. Suddenly the suspect pulled out a sharp object, threatened the driver and forced himself into vehicle and ordered the driver to drive into the direction of Philipsburg. During the ride the suspect forced the owner of the car to get out of his own vehicle. After forcing the driver out of his vehicle the suspect then drove off with the victim’s car. The police were called to the scene. The victim was taken to the police headquarters to file a complaint. The Detective Department is investigating the incident.

Suspect caught in the act

On Saturday June 27th at approximately 01.45 a.m. a patrol was sent to a snack bar opposite “Jump up” casino to investigate a break-in in progress. On the scene the investigating officers noticed that the suspect had gained access via a window on the side of the building. While the officers continued with their investigation they noticed that the suspect was still in the building. The 47 year old suspect who is well known by police was arrested on the spot and taken to the Philipsburg Police Station for questioning.

Car overturns slightly injuring passenger.

On Saturday June 27th at approximately midnight police patrols and traffic department were sent to the A. J. C. Brouwers road in the vicinity of the “Look out Point” (Harold Jack) to investigate a traffic accident. On the scene the investigating officers encountered a vehicle which had landed on its roof. The passenger of the vehicle was lightly injured and was taken to the Sint Maarten Medical Centre to be treated. According to the traffic officer the driver was traveling at a high speed and lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle then hit the side of the hill causing the vehicle to overturn and land on its roof. As a result of the accident the vehicle was severely damaged. The Fire department was called in to assist with the clearing and cleaning of the street.

KPSM Police Report.

Cole Bay"---  Motorworld Sint Maarten will be supporting the Sint Maarten Nature Foundation in bringing awareness on the importance of protecting Sint Maarten’s unique flora and fauna. The public will be shown a specialized public service announcement in the preview sections of cinema features at Caribbean Cinemas showcasing St. Maarten’s unique nature and the need to protect it.
The Sint Maarten Nature Foundation, in cooperation with the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance, developed a two-minute minute video clip highlighting some of Sint Maarten’s natural treasures. However due to the costs associated in showing the clip in the cinemas the Foundation struggled to have the clip aired. “We have been working on this for some years now without much success until Motorworld, in a prime example of Corporate Social Responsibility, graciously suggested that they sponsor the showing of the video, something which we were elated about to say the least,” commented Tadzio Bervoets, Manager of the Sint Maarten Nature Foundation.
In 2013 world renowned wildlife photographer Mauricio Handler spent two weeks on St. Maarten filming and recording St. Maarten’s Nature and the work being done in order to protect it. The visit resulted in the making of a brief, two-minute video highlighting the beauty of nature on St. Maarten and the need to protect it; “This video clip highlights the beauty of St. Maarten Nature both on land and below the sea. The images were recorded by the very famous Mauricio Handler and we were able to make an excellent short video. The idea now is to get as much community support through showing the video in the preview section of the movies in order to educate and enlighten the community of the need to protect the beautiful nature surrounding us,” continued Bervoets.
Reza Amjad, Managing Director at Motorworld, stated that it was the company’s pleasure to support environmental awareness through the program; “It is part of our corporate vision to support environmental awareness amongst the community of Sint Maarten and through this medium we think we will accomplish just that. It has been our pleasure to support such a highly visible and well-made video which we hope will spur the community to take action and protect their unique environment here on Sint Maarten. We hope that as many people in the community will be exposed to the video and we look forward to, as is said in the clip, Nature being our Future here on Sint Maarten,” commented Amjad.
The conservation video clip will be shown in the preview section of most theatre halls at Caribbean Cinemas Megaplex for a duration of four months.

 St Peters:--- There occurred a major GEBE leak which called for immediate attention. The trench work will be carried out from the intersection of Pumpkin Road and Reward Road ending in the area of the LB. Scot Rd and Reward Road Intersection.

Roads users must be aware that there is heavy machinery operating on this road and are advised to drive with caution. Works are estimated to be finalized by next week Friday.
The Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.

MARIGOT:--- While some of us are celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of their presence in Saint-Martin, others are lamenting the disquieting signs of a progressive, though real breakdown of relations between the collectivity, law enforcement bodies, in principle under the authority of the representative of State, and the native population of the French side of Saint-Martin. If the respectful Chief of the Gendarmerie of the 1950s and if the beloved Judge Bernard Brangé, who arrived at the same time, had to rise from their grave or their ashes to see what Saint Martin has become, they would not believe it. Saint-Martin French side has regressed. Saint-Martin French side rather looks like one of these countries today where segregation and apartheid are rampant.

We, the natives of this “Friendly Island” we cannot -and must not- accept such breakdown of human relations. It must be stopped by all means and by all the progress-minded, justice-loving, friendly, good people who came from Europe and the Caribbean more than thirty years ago now, in order to share with us the peaceful friendliness, the healthy freedom, and the contagious fondness that characterize our culture. That is why we will not deny our identity. We are proud of it and we shall die for it, if necessary.

“A form of protest arose, inviting the rejection of the laws of the French Republic (and European regulations).
It was conveyed by a few individualities, not representative of the social and economic fabric of Saint-Martin, who were able to muster the support of a portion of the audience, expressed in loud rounds of applause.”

This text can be found in the report introducing Deliberation n° 4 which has been voted by the territorial council on 25. 06. 2015.
Incredible but true! Who are these people? Individualities (more abstract that individuals) who contest by rejecting the laws of the republic and European regulations, not representative of the economic and social fabric of Saint-Martin and an audience expressing their support with loud applause. Where did they come from? by boat? by plane ? Are they “boat people”?

An executive addressing citizens, furthermore landowners, with such scorn! What an excess of rhetoric!!! I was a member of the last municipal council from 2001 to 2007, representing actively and respectfully the minority faction and I have never read this kind of rhetoric in any deliberation, although there were very heated debates during the town hall meetings concerning the change of status, when elected officials and socio professionals could not answer the questions posed.

There is no respect anymore, even for the person with a different opinion - how fortunately so! – or for the person contesting a measure. Where is democracy? What about participative democracy, advocated by the party in power? Is it a sign of executive powerlessness, to avoid ruffling the pressing ambitions of those who, in their eyes, constitute the economic and social fabric, and to denigrate the natives who are defending their landed interests?
I am afraid that such rhetoric verges on inciting to hatred. How dangerous!!!

Daniella JEFFRY

MULLET BAY: After another successful St. Maarten Open Golf Tournament which was held in April of this year, the St Maarten Golf Association SMGA was able to donate a total of USD 9,000 to three well deserving community organizations. These were:

1.  No Kidding With Our Kids Foundation
2.  LAB Sports Academy
3. Junior Golf Foundation of St. Maarten

Each community organization received USD 3,000 to help each foundation in further achieving their goals and to increase the development of children in St. Maarten through after school activities focused on education and sports.

The donations were the result of the very successful 23rd annual St. Maarten Open Golf Tournament that was hosted by the SMGA from April 17 – 19, 2015 at the Mullet Bay Golf Course. The SMGA donated the net proceeds of the two day tournament to these charity organizations and the SMGA is hoping to add additional donations later this year.

The success of the tournament was largely due to the tremendous support that the SMGA received from the Mullet Bay Golf Course, sponsors from both the local and international business community, the 97 participants from all over the World, and the numerous volunteers. During the 2 day tournament wonderful prizes were raffled and auctioned off that helped greatly with raising extra money for the selected community organizations.

The No Kidding With Our Kids Foundation has an afternoon school program that caters to approximately 150 children and has been receiving donations from the SMGA for several years. From those donations, they recently built a greenhouse to educate the children on growing their own fruits and vegetables and with the funds that they received this year they are looking into the possibilities to extend their accommodation with a pergola that gives the children some shade while enjoying outdoor activities.

For the LAB Sports Academy, which is led by the always enthusiastic and upbeat Les Brown, the donation will be used for additional track and field material as well as for the coverage of rental fee to use the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex. The LAB Sports Academy organizes track and field training, swimming and outdoor sports activities at no charge for youngsters from all neighborhoods in St. Maarten.

The Junior Golf Foundation of St. Maarten is the organization that helps the SMGA to spread awareness of the beauty of the game of golf under the youth of St. Maarten / St. Martin. Led by Jim Rosen and golf pro Howard Hobgood, interested youngsters receive free lessons in golf at the Emilio Wilson Estate and the Mullet Bay Golf Course. The Junior Golf Program also teaches children some key principles of life like honesty, sportsmanship, respect and perseverance.

Each of the organizations were involved during the tournament, with volunteers helping out on the course as golf marshals as well as in the hospitality area and assisting during all the activities that made the tournament such a great event.

The SMGA is a non-profit organization of avid golfers that promotes the practice of the game of golf and to foster community sense. The SMGA organizes golf matches and tournaments for its members and non-members and donates proceeds that are made through membership fees and during these events like the St. Maarten Open to multiple community organizations on the island.

If you like more information or schedule an interview with the SMGA President Mr. Keith Graham, please call Marc van Iersel at +1721-5202901 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The board of the SMGA consists of:

• Keith Graham : President
• Marc van Iersel : Vice-President
• Mark Hanauer : Treasurer
• Rodney Tackling : Tournament Director
• Ricardo Perez : Director of Fundraising
• Jan-Peter Holtland : Secretary
• Ivan Havertong : Member

MULLET BAY: After another successful St. Maarten Open Golf Tournament which was held in April of this year, the St Maarten Golf Association SMGA was able to donate a total of USD 9,000 to three well deserving community organizations. These were:

1.  No Kidding With Our Kids Foundation
2.  LAB Sports Academy
3. Junior Golf Foundation of St. Maarten

Each community organization received USD 3,000 to help each foundation in further achieving their goals and to increase the development of children in St. Maarten through after school activities focused on education and sports.

The donations were the result of the very successful 23rd annual St. Maarten Open Golf Tournament that was hosted by the SMGA from April 17 – 19, 2015 at the Mullet Bay Golf Course. The SMGA donated the net proceeds of the two day tournament to these charity organizations and the SMGA is hoping to add additional donations later this year.

The success of the tournament was largely due to the tremendous support that the SMGA received from the Mullet Bay Golf Course, sponsors from both the local and international business community, the 97 participants from all over the World, and the numerous volunteers. During the 2 day tournament wonderful prizes were raffled and auctioned off that helped greatly with raising extra money for the selected community organizations.

The No Kidding With Our Kids Foundation has an afternoon school program that caters to approximately 150 children and has been receiving donations from the SMGA for several years. From those donations, they recently built a greenhouse to educate the children on growing their own fruits and vegetables and with the funds that they received this year they are looking into the possibilities to extend their accommodation with a pergola that gives the children some shade while enjoying outdoor activities.

For the LAB Sports Academy, which is led by the always enthusiastic and upbeat Les Brown, the donation will be used for additional track and field material as well as for the coverage of rental fee to use the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex. The LAB Sports Academy organizes track and field training, swimming and outdoor sports activities at no charge for youngsters from all neighborhoods in St. Maarten.

The Junior Golf Foundation of St. Maarten is the organization that helps the SMGA to spread awareness of the beauty of the game of golf under the youth of St. Maarten / St. Martin. Led by Jim Rosen and golf pro Howard Hobgood, interested youngsters receive free lessons in golf at the Emilio Wilson Estate and the Mullet Bay Golf Course. The Junior Golf Program also teaches children some key principles of life like honesty, sportsmanship, respect and perseverance.

Each of the organizations were involved during the tournament, with volunteers helping out on the course as golf marshals as well as in the hospitality area and assisting during all the activities that made the tournament such a great event.

The SMGA is a non-profit organization of avid golfers that promotes the practice of the game of golf and to foster community sense. The SMGA organizes golf matches and tournaments for its members and non-members and donates proceeds that are made through membership fees and during these events like the St. Maarten Open to multiple community organizations on the island.

If you like more information or schedule an interview with the SMGA President Mr. Keith Graham, please call Marc van Iersel at +1721-5202901 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The board of the SMGA consists of:

• Keith Graham : President
• Marc van Iersel : Vice-President
• Mark Hanauer : Treasurer
• Rodney Tackling : Tournament Director
• Ricardo Perez : Director of Fundraising
• Jan-Peter Holtland : Secretary
• Ivan Havertong : Member

PHLIPSBURG:--- In remembrance of our late founder Erika Cannegieter-Smith, Be The Change Foundation is offering a scholarship award to an eligible student of St. Maarten /Martin. Applications for the first Erika Cannegieter “Dream Big” scholarship award is now available on the foundation’s web page at http://bethechangesxm.com/scholarship-application/

As many know,after Erika passed, there was money raised and donated to Be the Change through a GoFundMe campaign. This campaign was generously started by Jeffrey Sochrin and Bruce Park.
Be the Change decided the monies raised from this campaign should be used for something educational in Erika’s name.
Education was near and dear to Erika’s heart.

Therefore, we will be awarding a small scholarship this year up to the amount of $1500.00 to a student, in order to help pay for part of any educational expenses. Interested students must be legal residents of the island and can apply by filling out the online form at the link shown above.
The applications must be submitted by July 20th and the winner will be announced on July 27th, which is the birthday of Erika Cannegieter-Smith.
In this way we honor our founder’s memory and we help a worthy student.
We are very excited about being able to do this and we hope that many students who are in need will apply.

PHILIPSBURG:---The tour was done as part of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau’s Tourism Awareness Programme. The Methodist Agogic Centre at John’s Estate school is one of the many schools annually the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau provides island tours.

PHILIPSBURG:---- WIFOL union won the referendum held at the Divi Little Bay resort on June 26. 94 workers were eligible to vote. According to a press release issued by the union on Sunday, The International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions section 87 state that the "Freedom of Association and the Right to Organise. This establishes the way for all employees to have a collective representation and section 98 state "employees have the power to negotiate their working contract".

By law WIFOL must acquire 48 votes in order to be recognised by management as the representative of the employees. Out of 94 employees 73 exercised their right to vote. 61 workers voted for the WIFOL and 12 workers voted for no union representation.

The workers exercised their rights by voting for WIFOL according the release. WIFOL will now negotiate a Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) which will outline the workers’ rights to decent work.

How does St. Maarten screen civil servants coming from the Netherlands?

PHILIPSBURG: --- The head of the Cadastre Office Clemens Roos who was arrested last week Wednesday based on a request from the Netherlands was convicted to 22 months imprisonment for defrauding the social welfare system.
Prosecutor Tineke Kamps said on Sunday that Roos was convicted in the Netherlands for fraud. When asked to elaborate on what really “Social Premiums” meant Kamps further explained that Roos collected monies for childcare that he was not entitled to. SMN News asked Kamps when Roos committed the crime and when exactly he was convicted. Kamps said she could not provide a timeline as when the crime was committed neither can she say when Roos was convicted. “The only people that can give those details is the Dutch court where Roos was convicted.”
Roos is the second person that came from the Netherlands and worked on St. Maarten for several years before it was discovered that they are either wanted or either convicted in the Netherlands. The first being an IT technician that worked for government.
It is clear that persons coming from the Netherlands escape thorough screening whenever they come to St. Maarten to work either for government or the private sector.

Roos taken to the Netherlands on Sunday to sit out Jail time.

Clemens Roos the head of the Cadasre office who was arrested on Wednesday was transported to the Netherlands on Sunday confirmed Prosecutor Tineke Kamps. Kamps said she was informed on Monday morning that the evacuation took place on Sunday and Roos will be heading to prison to serve the 22 months he was convicted of.

Failure to cooperate with curator – Prosecutor Tineke Kamps.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Andrew Erato who was arrested on Friday in the Cole Bay area has been released from police custody on Saturday Prosecutor Tineke Kamps told SMN News on Sunday. Kamps said Erato was arrested because he did not cooperate with the curator who is handling a bankruptcy of one of the Erato’s businesses. Kamps said that there was an arrest warrant to arrest Andrew Erato based on civil law and not criminal law.
Kamps refused to say if there are arrests warrants out for Jhonny and Mark Erato.

Pond Island:---- TelEm Group will once again be transforming the company grounds and parking lots into another fun-filled Family Fun Day event – July 5th.

Organizers say they have put everything in place for best event yet.

There will be cartoon characters for the youngsters, and lots and lots of water rides for older children. But this year, the organizers are teaming up with activity planners, Funtopia, for a more complete package of activities.

TelEm Group says this year’s event will be focusing on children having fun – in keeping with the new title for the family fun day – “I’m a TelEm Kid”.

“We are booking magicians, jugglers, mimes, clowns, fire shows, statues, slides and the regular collection of face painters, games organizers, obstacle course organizers etc. will all be there making it an afternoon to remember,” said coordinator, Angel Richardson.

She said the Family Fun Day will be extended for a couple of extra hours to accommodate the large number of children who wish to enjoy several rides and most, if not all of the activities.

“Last year we ran out of time and some of the youngsters did not get to do all that they wanted,” explained Angel.

She said this has been corrected this year with the additional opening hours and also with the number of food and drink stalls that are being set up so that children and their parents/guardians do not have to leave the premises is search of food and drink.

“As usual we are asking responsible adults to remain with their children at all times and to remember that the entrance fee is $1 and children have to pay for their rides,” continued Angel.

She said parents are also advised to bring a fresh change of clothes for their children if they will be taking part in the water ride activities.

In order to create a buzz for the upcoming event, parents and guardians can text their child’s name and age to 3329 for a chance to become a TelEm Kid for the day – complete with tickets for free rides and activities – All day long.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The Rotary Club of St. Maarten Mid Isle will be having its Change of Board ceremony on July 4, 2015 from 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm at the Holland House Beach Hotel.
During this Change of Board dinner event, the current president, Mr. Wayne Wilkie will step down and the incoming president Mr. David Antrobus will assume the presidency for the 2015-2016 Rotary year.
President Wayne Wilkie can look back at a very successful year in which Rotary Club of St. Maarten Mid Isle not only won ten regional awards in the district but also contributed significantly to the community through various projects.
Included in the list of 10 awards are the "District Governor’s Award for Excellence", "Club of the Month Diamond Award", "Membership Development Award" and "Outstanding Service Award". The Club also received the “Rotary International Zone 34 Public Image Citation”, “Areas of Focus Silver Award”, and Certificates of Merit in recognition of "Maintaining Outstanding Facebook Page" and their participation in a “Club Video Contest”, of which Second Place was received. From the District's Club of the Month Committee, Rotary Mid Isle won the "Shooting Star Award" for outstanding effort in reporting their activities to District 7020 for the required ten months. District Governor Paul Brown also presented his “Special Recognition Award” posthumously to Rotarian Ramesh Manek, who championed the End Polio Program for the entire district but passed away tragically two months ago.
Some of the projects from which the community benefitted were the Annual Scotia Bank Bright Future Rotary-Rotaract Spelling Bee where all participating schools received items of their choosing from a wish list. Some schools received water coolers, printers, computers, a PA system, a fridge etc. The annual Rotary Youth Table Tennis Tournament and the Rotary Youth Soccer Tournament were also organized this year to encourage the youth of St. Maarten to participate in sports. One school benefitted from a breakfast program. Rotary Club of St. Maarten Mid Isle was able to fundraise via its Motor Treasure Hunt and donate a significant amount to the DigiKidz program to make technology accessible to our youth in schools.
Incoming president David Antrobus has pledged to continue with the projects for the community and is already looking at adding a number of new projects and new ways of securing funding.
All interested in joining us for an evening of fun in celebration of our rotary year are welcome to attend the dinner on July 4, 2015. You can contact us for tickets via our facebook page at www.facebook.com/rotarysxmmidisle . Like us on Facebook for regular updates of our activities.
Rotary Club of St. Maarten Mid Isle takes this opportunity to thank all our sponsors and supporters for a great year and we look forward to working with you in the coming Rotary year. Together we can all make our community the best place to be.

PHILIPSBURG:---Seven members of the Voluntary Korps (VKS) were awarded on Saturday afternoon for the time they took every weekend to train as officers of the VKS. The seven members were selected over a period of seven and half years of training.
The ceremony held in front of the Government administration building started off with the marching of the various troops including the officers of the Royal Anguilla Police Force, the Police Territorial, KPSM, prison guards and others. As the march and line up completed the ceremony commenced and was cut short due to inclement weather. Former Commander Jean Illidge was given much credit for a job well done when he spearheaded the VKS and brought to what it is today. Now commander of the VKS Antonio Rogers in his speech called on the officers of the VKS to bind their wounds because there are many of them that were severely hurt internally and to forgive those that hurt them. Rogers went on to say that its been 29 months and 29 days since he took over the helm of the VKS and many persons still do not want to accept that he is in charge for now he will let them know that he is indeed the one in charge of the VKS.
Rogers also lamented the fact that the VKS needs more monies to do the things they need to do to better serve the community but the monies they need are not forthcoming.
He thanked the management of KPSM especially Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte and Acting Chief of Police Carl John for allowing the VKS to participate in the Hurex training. “I want to personally thank you Mr. Peter de Witte, and John for allowing the VKS to be part of the HUREX, if it were not for the police the VKS would have heard of the training from third parties but you the police have made it possible for the VKS to participate and for that I am grateful.” When it comes integrity Rogers said he has divided integrity in two, one being to be judged by man and the other by the Almighty, as for him he said he preferred to be judged by the Almighty.
Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs the only member of the Council of Ministers that attended the short ceremony thanked the VKS officers for their work, he thanked the officers of Anguilla and those from the French side for attending the ceremony on Saturday.
It was clear on Saturday that many persons that were invited to the 18th anniversary of the VKS did not show up for one reason or another. Not even the Minister of Justice was in attendance or any Member of Parliament. Among the small crowd were former Lt. Governor Franklin Richards who is part of the VKS board, Vice President of the French Executive Council Wendell Cocks, retired police officer Martina and his wife Sylvia Gibbs Martina, and the Royal Marechaussee and members of the management team of KPSM led by its Chief of Police Peter de Witte.
After the official ceremony the troops marched through Philipsburg while those that attended the official ceremony went to the Roman Catholic Church for the ecumenical service, then to the Festival Village for the real celebration.

Click here to view photos of the VKS 18th anniversary celebrations.

PHILIPSBURG: --- Residents of Guana Bay, Red Pond, Tamarind Hill, Dawn Beach, and Oyster Pond areas are now on high alert as they are preparing to catch a lone gunman who have been entering homes during the high daylight hours and attack residents. The residents of the area have been using WhatsApp, emails and other source of communication to keep residents aware of the amount of armed robberies that took place in that area in recent weeks. One resident told SMN News that on Monday a female resident was attacked and robbed in her home. “The gunman placed his gun on the victim’s forehead as he proceeded to rob her. Several other neighbors had to console the woman who was seen crying outside of her home after the robbery.”
On Friday afternoon residents of Tamarind Hill reported an armed robbery while there was a break-in on Mandara with similar incidents in the Oyster Pond area.
An email sent to the residents stated that there was an attempted break in by three people at the arches at 11pm the night before. This attempted break in took place while guests were inside the premises. The residents of the area said that the bandits cut the alarm system before the attempt and they attempted to break into the master bedroom where the guests were but they were unsuccessful.
“There was an actual armed robbery at the Lovisi (Oyster Pond) on Friday afternoon in broad day light while owners were present. The description is of a young dark skinned man with a backpack dressed normal. He does not speak French and has tape and rope with him. He targets occupied villas where the owners are present to rob them. Please be aware and put your neighbors on this distribution list. Make sure you have the number of the security gate at hand. Can someone circulate the current numbers of our security and let us know if there is something odd to report.”
One of the residents who spoke to SMN News said that while police are present on the scene when these robberies takes place they are not reported in the media so that the community can assist them in catching the person or persons responsible for these armed robberies. The resident said that based on the current trend there will be a killing in Guana Bay and other areas because its either residents will protect themselves or the intruder will kill someone while in the process of committing a robbery.”
It should be noted that while this has been going on for weeks and latest on Friday KPSM did not report these incidents.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament George Pantophlet states that while it is always positive to see that the economy seems to be heading in the right direction, he is wary as for whom the economy is improving. He is remarking on the articles appearing Friday’s edition of the Daily herald which states in its heading “Local Economy resilient in 2014 , outlook 2015 positive and also the recent editorial of Saturday entitled “ What matters most”. His question is what does this translate into and whether persons working in these related sectors will also enjoy this growth or will they continue to be underpaid overworked and immorally but legally given short term labor contracts which by the way the draft ordinance to deal with its abuse is 4 years in the making? Government revenues will continue to be down as long as many who can afford to find loopholes or get preferential treatment when it comes to taxes; case and point the AUC deal of $68 million which would have completely wiped out the deficits of the accumulated over the last 3 or 4 years. The ruling went in their favor of AUC. Government has to find 40 million guilders in its budget per year for 2016, 2017 and 2018. The member of Parliament advices the Minister of Finance to have the legal affairs Departments speed up the process with regards to the dividends policy, the Sintax (alcohol and tobacco), the Casino Fees and Lottery Fees just to name a few. Finally on the issue of the 2000 permits, it will be interesting to get a break down as to how far back these permits go. Some of the questions the MP has are the following: Were the persons notified that their permits are ready? Are the persons still on the island or have they left? Are persons operating without a business license? There were always complaints about to the department being understaffed which caused much delay in processing these permits. Government has to be fair in executing its task.

Andrew Erato Arrested, while warrant is out for his father and brother.

PHIILIPSBURG:---- Information reaching SMN News states that a large amount of police officers swarmed around a school building in Cole Bay in the vicinity of Island Water World Friday afternoon and arrested the son of a well-known businessman. According to information provided to SMN News police are working on an investigation involving the Rainbow Hotel located in Red Pond Guana Bay.
Efforts made to reach police spokesman Ricardo Henson and the press prosecutor Tineke Kamps Friday evening proved futile as none of them did not answer their telephones.
Several persons that are close to police said that at least one person that was arrested on St. Maarten this week refuses to go down alone and this person has been providing police with valuable information. However, the information SMN News received could not be confirmed by law enforcement. An eyewitness told SMN News that a number of law enforcement officers surrounded the Cole Bay School and arrested the businessman son.
SMN News learnt that police arrested Andrew Erato the son of Johnny Erato a well known businessman. The source said that there are  warrants out for Jhonny Erato and his son Mark Erato as they are being investigated for several crimes such as tax evasion and other crimes related to Rainbow Hotel and other businesses on the island. When contacted on Saturday morning police spokesman Richardo Henson said he was not aware of the raid and arrest that took place in Cole Bay Friday afternoon, Henson said he is of the opinion that the Chief of Police Peter de Witte and the team hid the information from him because they did not want the information to be made public. He even questioned if SMN News contacted the Chief of Police Peter de Witte for information on the raid and arrest. It should be noted that SMN News did contact De Witte and he too could not be reached by telephone but incoming Chief of Police Carl John who is currently off island answered his phone when he was called Friday night and he said he will message Henson in order for him to contact the press. Howevevr, Henson never made such effort. He said he was already sleeping when he was called Friday night.

It must be noted that members of the media are having a hard time getting information from the police even when it relates to preventable crimes. Henson told some reporters that he will not answer his phone after 7pm, therefore reporters must not contact him after that hour because he too has family. It must be noted that due to the lack of information from KPSM several insurance companies on the French side are losing monies when vehicles are stolen on the French side and recovered on the Dutch side. One insurance agent said he tried to meet with the police to discuss their predicament because insurance companies are obliged to pay off vehicle owners within a specific time frame when they reported their vehicles are stolen. The agent said that on several occasions these vehicles are recovered by the Dutch police and is taken to 'pound yard' of varoius towing companies and they are only informed long after the payout time elapse. The insurance broker said that when they are finally informed they are handed  huge bill for the storage of the stolen vehicle and in most cases the vehilcle are fully stripped by the time they are informed. "Once a vehicle was recovered in good order, the theives did not get to strip the car but when I went to the towing company to recover the vehicle not only I was handed the huge bill for storage but the vehicle was fully stripped, which gave me no choice but to leave the vehicle with the towing company."

A few minutes after this article was published Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson called SMN News and confirmed that Andrew Erato was arrested on Friday because the judge of instruction issued a warrant for his arrest. Henson said Andrew Erato was arrested and taken to the Pointe Blanche prison.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The theme for this years "Emancipation from Within - The Voice of Our People." The festivities will start on June 30 to July 1 Emancipation Day. Minister of Culture Rita Bourne-Gumbs invited all to come out and take part in the celebration, which is promised to be a cultural manifestation at Emilio Wilson Estate.

The Voices Foundation in collaboration with the Culture Department will organize a re-enactment of the Diamond Hill Estate Run on Diamond Hill, in Cole Bay. National Institute of Arts (NIA) co-Founder Clara Reyes and President of the Conscious Lyrics Foundation Shujah Reiph, said the run is historical. 26 slaves escaped from a plantation on in 1848, when news got out that slavery had been abolished on French St. Maarten.

The Slaves took the opportunity and ran for their freedom through the bushes and hills to get to the French Side. Those who want to take part in the classes can come to the John Larmonie Center at 7.30 p.m daily. The run will start at 11pm on Tuesday June 30 and will run into Midnight July 1st. Persons are asked to come barefoot or wear sandals to the event.

Director of the Philipsburg Cultural Center Urmain Dormoy will be responsible for a culture parade through the streets of St. Peters. Resident of St. Peters are requested to decorate their homes to show solidarity with the parade and the meaning of emancipation day.

The program includes an ecumenical service at St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church on Front Street, Wednesday at 9 a.m.

Wreath laying ceremonies at One Tete Lokhay and Freedom Fighters monuments between 10.15 and 11 a.m.

The Emancipation Day celebration and cultural manifestation at Emilio Wilson Park organized and hosted by the Voices Foundation, starting at 1pm to 6:30pm.

A cultural parade, starting at the entrance of Marigot Hill Road at 2.30 p.m., will lead through St. Peters to Emilio Wilson Estate. The activities for the Emancipation Day celebration will end at 8 p.m.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Permanent Committee of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs (CECYSA) of Parliament, will meet in public session on June 29 with Minister of Education Hon. Rita Bourne-Gumbs.

The Permanent Committee meeting is set for Monday at 10.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is an update with respect to developments at the National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA).
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 via www.sxmparliament.org.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will meet in a public plenary session on June 29th. The shareholder representative Acting Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Hon. Marcel Gumbs will be present for the session.

The reconvened plenary session is set for Monday at 2.00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg. The initial session was held on June 26 and adjourned.

The agenda point is developments related to NV GEBE and the position of the Managing Board and the position of the Chief Operations Officer.

This plenary session was requested by the National Alliance (NA)in Parliament, namely Members of Parliament (MPs) Hon. William Marlin, MP Hon. Silveria Jacobs, and MP Hon. C. Emmanuel.

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 via www.sxmparliament.org.

PHILIPSBURG: --- Members of the public and the media almost got shut out of the urgent meeting that was called by the National Alliance Faction to discuss the developments at GEBE when the shareholder representative Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs asked that the meeting be held in closed doors due to a court decision that will be forthcoming on July 9th 2015. Leader of the National Alliance Faction William Marlin objected to the request stating that his faction requested the meeting since June 10th 2015 and only on Friday June 26th an urgent meeting could have been scheduled. Marlin further explained that due to the information they are picking up on the streets and in the media they asked for the meeting because as Members of Parliament they simply don’t know what was taking place at the government owned company. Shortly after Marlin made his statements, MP Franklin Meyers said that his faction has no problem with having the meeting open (public) because they do not want to give anyone the impression that they have anything to hide. The only Member of Parliament who voted for the meeting to be held in closed doors was MP Cornelius de Weever. MP Frans Richardson said it is a shame that Members of Parliament had to vote on whether or not to keep a meeting open, because he felt that the Prime Minister could have met with Members of Parliament prior to the starting of the meeting and made his position known.
Of the 13 votes cast, 12 voted for the meeting to be held as a public meeting while the one was against.
Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs in his brief remarks told Parliament that there were a number of correspondence between the shareholder, the supervisory board and the Chief Operations Officer. Gumbs said that the Supervisory board sent a letter to the Council of Ministers in February 2015 asking that the shareholder extend the contract for the COO Romelio Maduro for two years with two months bonus since his work was outstanding and thus should be rewarded. He said in the letter sent to the Council of Ministers by the Supervisory Board they stated that the COO Romelio Maduro is the best thing that ever happened to GEBE. Gumbs said the Council of Ministers took a decision on March 25th 2015 to grant the supervisory board their request which was to extend the COO contract by two years with the two months bonus. Prime Minister Gumbs said both the Supervisory Board and the COO were informed of that decision. Prime Minister Gumbs said after that there were a series of correspondence from the Supervisory Board to the shareholder representative and from the COO. He said on May 15th the Supervisory Board sent letter to the shareholder requesting that they withdraw the decision they took on March 25th and requested that the contract be extended without the bonus because of “gross misconduct.” Prime Minister Gumbs further explained that on May 29th the shareholder again complied and extended the contract as requested by the supervisory board since the supervisory board indicated to the shareholder that they could not find an immediate replacement. He said immediately following that the Supervisory Board started a court case against the COO and the hearing was on Thursday. He said that government was summoned by the court as the judge wanted to hear from government and when that was done, the judge asked both parties to come to an amicable decision but that was not possible therefore the judge will render his verdict on July 9th. After the information was given to Parliament Member of Parliament William Marlin said that prior to them calling for the meeting they as Members of Parliament were already confused but the information the Prime Minister shared made matters worse because they are more confused than before. He said in his opinion the situation at GEBE warrants an investigation. Marlin asked the shareholder to provide parliament with the communications he had with both parties and to inform parliament of the type of communication the supervisory board has with the COO. He asked the shareholder to tell parliament explicitly the status of the COO, does he have a contract with GEBE or has he been suspended because the COO was locked out of his office, the keys, car and telephone have been taken away. Marlin said the impression he is getting is that there is some sort of power play taking place between the supervisory board and the shareholder. He asked the shareholder representative to also inform parliament on the Memorandum of Understanding with the purchase of power. Marlin then raised questions on the contract GEBE signed with St. Maarten Service Provider owned by Alfred Harley. He asked the shareholder to inform parliament what kind of services this company will provide to GEBE and what is the amount of the contract since he heard the contract is over $250,000.00. Marlin then asked about the check the COO wrote out to that company in the sum of $68,000.00 while his job was in limbo. Marlin asked the shareholder to provide parliament with the decision the Council of Ministers took to extend the COO contract and also for the procedures that are being followed to appoint CEO, CFO and COO’s of government owned company.
MP Silveria Jacobs cautioned in her statements that there needs to be openness and transparency in government to avoid the hearsays on St. Maarten. MP Jacobs said that there must be transparency and accountability in government and government owned companies. She asked if the shareholder has the rights to circumvent decisions taken by the supervisory boards. Further to that she asked if the supervisory board ever retracted their letter of February where they asked that the COO’s contract be extended with two months bonus. MP Jacobs said she wants to know if the rules on corporate governance were applied in this case both by the shareholder and supervisory board.
MP Christopher Emmanuel was much more prepared as he had more information and documents while he was asking his questions to the shareholder representative. “Situations such as these are the cause that the Dutch is pushing the integrity chamber down the throats of the people on St. Maarten.” MP Emmanuel then turn to his colleagues in parliament and said that the MP’s that were present in parliament on Friday are the MPs that are working while the others are out wheeling and dealing. He said that there are elected officials that have their hands in the daily operations of GEBE. MP Emmanuel then went into the check that the COO wrote out for St. Maarten Service Provider to the tune of $68,000.00 on May 31st 2015. MP Emmanuel said that the company that is owned by a former journalist has to do with the making of a brochure for GEBE which has no more than 30 pages. He said when the COO was informed that he cannot sign checks that surpasses $50,000.00 he then cancelled that check and on June 2nd 2015 wrote another check for $48,000.00 then one day later he wrote a third check for $20,000.00 while the COO did not seem to have a working contract with the company. Emmanuel said that when his colleague William Marlin mentioned the check that was written out by the COO he saw the astonishing look on the Prime Minister’s face, therefore he wants to know if the Prime Minister is aware of what really happened at GEBE. MP Emmanuel asked the Prime Minister if the COO had a contract or not when he signed the checks. Emmanuel then pulled out a letter that the WIFOL/ASWE wrote to the Prime Minister on June 1st 2015 requesting a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss what is going on with the workers and management of GEBE, but to date the Prime Minister did not respond to the union. Emmanuel said if the Prime Minister was interested in knowing what is happening at the government owned company he would have met with the representatives of the workers some of whom are working for GEBE to get proper information. MP Emmanuel then asked the Prime Minister if the Supervisory Board got the decision taken by the Council of Ministers that was taken on May 20th 2015 when they decided they will not renew the COO’s contract at that time instead they would wait and see how the supervisory board and the COO would work out their differences.
With the questions posed and requests for documents the meeting was adjourned to Monday in order for Government to gather its information and documents to submit to Parliament.

St. Johns:---A team  of detectives from the Landsrecherché, the public prosecutor’s office and the judge of instructionconducted a raid at the home of the Buncamper’s in St. John’s Estate. The current raid has to do with the ongoing investigation and court case against the Buncamper’s and the added charge that the public prosecutor added during the performa hearing some weeks ago.
Prosecutor Tineke Kamps confirmed that a raid is indeed took place on Friday afternoon and it relates to the court case against the Buncampers'.
The case against Maria and Claudius Buncamper started since 2011 when it was discovered that the Buncampers' sold the economic rights of government long lease land to a company called Eco Green owned by a former Public Works employee. The latest charge added by the public prosecution is money laundering since the economic rights of the land amounts to some $3M.

The sale of the Economic Rights of the Government leased land cost Maria Buncamper Molanus her seat as Minister early 2011. Maria Buncamper was the Minister of Health, Labor and Social Affairs, she was forced to resign from when she was faced with a motion of non-confidence. The Buncampers waited for five years to get answers from the prosecutor's office on whether or not they would prosecute the ousted Minister. In 2014 Maria Buncamper Molanus ran on the United Peoples Party slate, just after postulation she took the prosecution to court for them to render a decision on whether or not they will prosecute the couple. The case which sat at the prosecutor's office for over over years only jump started when the prosecution informed the judge that they will prosecute the case and asked for time to do so. During the last hearing the attorney representing the Buncampers called several witnesses, including the notary, the owner of ECO Green who now say that the company belonged to the Buncampers and that he was only fronting for them.

“There is no question that the Caribbean is shouldering an unsustainable debt burden which compromises the capacity of the economies for sustained growth and restricts the options available to governments to introduce important social and welfare programmes” the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Alicia Bárcena, said via video conference in opening the 17th meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee (CDCC) on 26 June, during which Ministers and high-level Government representatives from the Caribbean gathered in Trinidad and Tobago to consider progress made in implementation of development strategies for the region.

Also participating in the opening ceremony of the Monitoring Committee on the 40th year of the CDCC was the current Chair of the CDCC, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, Arnaldo Brown; Trinidad and Tobago Foreign Affairs Minister, Winston Dookeran; Grenada Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Business, Clarice Modeste-Curwen; as well as senior officials of government and representatives of regional and international organizations.

The Monitoring Committee endorsed the key outcomes of the preceding two-day symposium that offered Caribbean policy makers and experts a forum to deliberate the region’s development priorities as the international community prepares to adopt a new set of global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Referring to the discussions of the symposium, Ms. Bárcena underscored that these represent “an important first step towards ensuring that the Post 2015 development agenda will work for the Caribbean; by identifying from among the 17 goals the ones that will best address the priority development needs of the region.”

The Monitoring Committee also focussed attention on strategies to address debt relief and to promote innovative financing in the Caribbean. Informing the discussions, ECLAC Deputy Executive Secretary, Antonio Prado, presented a proposal on a coordinated strategy to address debt reduction for sustainable development in the Caribbean. The timeliness of tackling this issue was underscored by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, Arnaldo Brown, who stressed that “the region needs a growth strategy to build productivity” and further underscored that “a major productivity drive is essential.”

The meeting further reviewed progress in implementation of the ongoing work programme of ECLAC in the Caribbean. Over the past 18 months, wide-ranging activities have been undertaken, including extensive research on the state of socioeconomic development in the subregion; strengthening the capacity of governments to assess and respond to disasters through the use of the Damage and Loss Assessment (DaLA) methodology; assisting governments with the development of national trade policies; enhancing the ability of national statistical offices to make most effective use of census data through training in the use of specialized (REDATAM) software; and introducing strategies to improve government efficiency by implementing e-government systems.

Trinidad and Tobago Foreign Affairs Minister, Winston Dookeran, praised these efforts and also thanked ECLAC for its contribution towards building models of Caribbean convergence.

The ECLAC subregional headquarters for the Caribbean serves as the secretariat of the CDCC. Regular sessions are held every two years, with meetings of the Monitoring Committee convened during the intervening years.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On June 25, nine volunteers from the U.S. Forward Operating Location (USFOL) spent two hours picking up trash and debris that washed up on the shores of the Koredor running trail on Curaçao. The Koredor is used by residents and tourists daily for recreational use.

The USFOL involvement with local organizations demonstrates their eagerness for community involvement and their long standing appreciation for the hospitality received from the citizens
of Curaçao.

Kralendijk:--- The budget of Bonaire is pretty much on track, but does not yet sufficiently have what it takes to be used as a steering instrument, since substantial adaptations are made throughout the year. This is why Bonaire has the task to bring its financial management in a good shape. With the Executive Council it is agreed that all bottlenecks will be resolved by the end of 2016, the latest.

On June 23rd the Board of financial supervision Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (Cft) had conversations with both the new Executive Council and the Island Council of Bonaire. The agreements made with Cft last year concerning the multiannual financial management improvement plan were discussed during said meetings. The 2014 budgetary result, the execution of the 2015 budget and the liquidity position of the public entity were also discussed.

Financial management
The annual report on 2014, which included a disclaimer of the accountant, was submitted on time, but took a lot of capacity and time, which caused delays in several other reporting procedures. The first execution report in 2015 was submitted with a delay of 5 weeks, because of which the government lacks for too long insight on the actual figures of the state of the public finance, making possible adjustments more difficult. In deliberation with Bonaire the Cft discussed how to improve this process.

An important instrument to reach this goal is therefore the financial management improvement plan, which has in the meantime been actualized. This plan will have to conduce to an approving accountant’s declaration over 2017. Bonaire has indicated that it will start an external improvement process to that effect, based on which by the end of 2015 the first results will have to be evident. The Cft has offered to advise on the matter, and to monitor the implementation of this plan in close consultation with the government.

Budget and liquidity
During the past year Bonaire had a positive result of USD 8 million which it was able to use to pay off according to scheme a number of loans taken out earlier. This result is somewhat higher than the budgeted result for 2014. For the current year Bonaire expects to end up with a positive result of more than USD 2,4 million, that can be used for paying off loans taken out at an earlier stage.

The first budget adaption shows substantial changes again for a total of USD 9 million (almost 20% of the budget). Changes of this size make the execution and the reporting process towards the Island Council more difficult. The Cft deliberated with the Executive Council about how to make the budgeting process more orderly so that the budget can indeed fulfill its role as a steering instrument. The Cft appreciates the ambition that the budget radiates.

In comparison with the beginning of this year, the liquidity position has somewhat decreased to a stand of USD 6,3 million as calculated per March 2015, which can be explained because of expenditures for projects financed with special payments (bijzondere uitkeringen). Bonaire was requested to monitor the development of the liquidity closely, allowing itself the space to intervene timely, should that be necessary. The Board has requested to be kept informed on a monthly basis. Good insight in the liquidity position is necessary before starting the implementation phase of new plans.

For the 2016 budget Bonaire has the challenge to timely submit the draft budget, in which the multiannual plans as agreed on during the Caribbean Netherlands week have been included. The multiannual program 2015 – 2018 agreed on may give an important contribution to durable reinforcement of the economic growth potential of Bonaire, and with that, to the improvement of the purchasing power and the decrease of poverty as well.

Overview St. Maarten's Economic Developments 2014/2015

PHILIPSBURG:-- For the year 2014, the economy of St. Maarten continued to show its strength and resilience despite the few global occurrences in its major source markets and from a domestic ( perspective, the passage of a category 3 hurricane and the uncertainty normally experienced in an election year. Activities in various sectors have been favorable for the 12
month period when compared to the year 2013 Given the developments for 2014, the Department of Economy, Transport and Telecommunication,have tabulated its preliminary GOP growth at an estimated 1.7 percent for 2014.

This growth is substantiated with the exemplary performance in the tourism sector that in turn triggered the hotel and restaurant sector and wholesale and retail sector among others. Stay-over arrivals to the island grew by 7.1 percent for the period 2014 when compared to 2013. This amounted to a near 500,000 visitors,which indicates 50,000 more visitors to the island when compared to average number of visitors over the past 20 years. Interestingly for the year 2014,visitor arrivals from all major markets to St. Maarten showed increased growth likewise. When compared to the previous year 2013,the North American region had an 8.6 percent increase, while Europe, Caribbean, South American region and the considered Rest of the World region showed increasing growth between 3 and 7.5 percent. In the cruise sector, St. Maarten was able to achieve the milestone of accommodating over 2 million cruise arrivals for the year 2014. This indicates a growth of  12.1percent when compared to the year 2013.

Indications from the Airport and Harbour, are that activities in the transport and communication sector grew in 2014 as against the year 2013. For the period activities regarding transport at the airport grew by 6.7 percent.This was notable with the increased number of commercial and chartered flights to the island, which also resonates with the growth in stay-over visitors' arrival. For the period there was a 6 percent increase in the number of aircraft arrivals,increasing from 28,590 in 2013 to 30,493 in 2014. This increase was notable in airlifts from the North American and Europe and South American region. From the Harbour, there was increased activity in all areas of transport for the year 2014 when compared to 2013; directly in the Harbour cruise ships arrivals increased by 10 percent while cargo ships increased 3 percent. Other arrivals to St. Maarten based on data collected from other berthing areas;indicates that ship arrivals also increased 4 percent.

Regarding the business sector,there was a notable increase in the level of investment from the private sector. For the period there was the issuance of 334 new business licenses against 282 for 2013. This represents 18.4 percent increase in possible new businesses for 2014. However,it should be noted that most of these businesses were service oriented that did not require heavy startup capita.l From the financial institutions, the value of business loans to local residents increased 1.7 percent for 2014, however there was an overall decreased of 2.9 percent value of business loans issued when compared to 2013. From the construction sector, even though the quantity of building permits issued in 2014 was less (than that of 2013,however,based on the information gathered from the Ministry of Public  Works (VROMI), the estimated value of the construction projects for the period of 2014 surpassed that of 2013.

Inflation recorded a decrease to 1.9 percent for 2014 down 0.6 percent from 2013. This decrease is substantiated with the drop in world oil price and inevitably the reduction in the cost of oil products, alike. Other indicators include: exports increasing by an estimated 9 percent moving from Naf 2.2 billion in 2013 to and estimated Naf.2.4 billion in 2014. On the other hand,imports are also estimated to have increase in 2014 by Naf 89 million. Again,a trade surplus is estimated for 2014, since the nominal value of exports is estimated higher than imports,as have been the experience over the last three years.

For 2014 government revenues amounted to an estimated Naf 430.2 million which is a Naf.61.3 million decrease when compared to the Naf 491.5 million collected during the
( same period for 2013. This reduction in revenues was mainly due on the part of fees and concession revenue and other income from business for 2014. Also should be noted,is that the revenues collected for 2013 includes concession of Naf 10 million that relates to the years 2015 and 2016.

With expenditures, this also decreased by 10.6 percent in 2014 when comparing the same period 2013. Total expenditures were Naf 438.4 million in 2014 compared to Naf 490.6 million in 2013. Analysis of the financial developments for 2013 indicates that there was a fiscal deficit of Naf 8.2 million,since the expenditures were more than the revenues.

Based on the department's research and analysis of the various economic developments within the region and on an international level,St.Maarten's economic outlook for 2015 is of a positive growth. Preliminary projections on key economic indicators are; real GOP growth of 1.1percent, inflation to decrease to 1.4 percent, cruise arrival to increase 1.8 percent,stay-over arrivals to increase 1.8 percent. The projected increase in growth and the ' Zaken, Verkeer en Telecommunicatie Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication tourism developments for 2015 are attributed to the projected growth in the U.S.and other major economies for 2015. Additionally,there is the continued intent of government and a number of other private entities to embark on activities that will further trigger the construction, transport, hotel and restaurant and telecommunication sectors. Inflation is projected to decrease for 2015.This will likely be attributed to continued drop in the world oil prices and oil products.From the trade sector,exports are projected to grow 3.4 percent, while imports are also projected to grow 1.4 percent for 2015.

As the year 2015 prolongs,EVT will continue its economic monitoring and updating where necessary with regards to these preliminary projections.

( Once again EVT would like to reiterate that the estimated forecasting figures are preliminary since they are derived from the economic developments of the various sectors during each quarter. EVT would also like to take the initiative to thank all the internal and external stakeholders who have been supportive with the provision of data. Therefore it is important to emphasize that this publication analysis is again reliant on the provision of up to date and timely submission of economic data. For further information on this Macro Monitor report, the Department of Economy, Transport and Telecommunication telephone number 1-721-549-0220. Inquiries may This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Copies of the report can can be contacted, via be made via
be obtained via the Government website www.sintmaartenqov.org, located under the Ministry of Tourism, via the Department of Economy, Transportation and Telecommunication.

Click here to the the 2014 overall outlook for the year 2014.

Puerto Plata:--- Over 100 FCCA Platinum Members and 25 senior-level cruise executives gathered today in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic for the FCCA PAMAC Meeting. The meeting joined these key executives and cruise tourism stakeholders to share and discuss the latest developments and issues in the industry-from the global and national level to individual members' questions and input.

"The PAMAC Meeting is extremely important, as it ensures that the communications between FCCA Platinum Members and the Member Lines remain open, allows the members to articulate their challenges face-to -face with the cruise lines, whilst also providing an opportunity to learn from each other, and discuss what measures might be required by either the members in their respective destinations or by the lines to ensure that the guest experience can be improved, along with the respective destination ratings," told Russell Daya, executive director global port operations & developments, Disney Cruise Line, and chairman of the FCCA Operations Committee.

A panel of pertinent executives representing different departments-from shore excursions to port and destination development-and knowledgeable private and public sector representatives led a panel to field the topics both planned for the meeting and brought up by Platinum Members in attendance.

Additionally, Platinum Members presented and announced new developments and ideas in order to gain input and exposure from the prominent audience of stakeholders and cruise executives who decide where ships call, what sells onboard and how to invest in infrastructure.

The PAMAC Meeting was just one part of the FCCA PAMAC Summit's three-day schedule chock-full of meetings and functions designed to foster Platinum Members' development of working relationships and exchange of ideas with and promotion of products and destinations to key players throughout the cruise industry.

PHILIPSBURG:---- A new Rotary Assistant Governor will be taking the helm on July 1 - the start of the new Rotary year. Former Assistant Governor, Louis Wever has been appointed for the 2015-16 year by incoming District Governor, Felix Stubbs from the Bahamas. Originally, Rotarian Ramesh Manek was to assume the role in July. Tragically he was killed in April while out for his morning exercise along Airport Road. The extremely popular Wever from the St Maarten MidIsle Club agreed to fill the role for the next Rotary year as a new Assistant Governor will be identified for the 2016-17 year.
Rebecca Low, the islands’ first female Assistant Governor, completes her second year as AG and assumes the challenging role of Assistant District Trainer for District 7020 which covers ten countries and sixteen islands of the Northern Caribbean. Rebecca Low said, “It has been a tremendous honour to serve the six clubs in our area and to see the growth of Rotary in our communities over the last two years. In particular, it has been wonderful to see the Family of Rotary grow through the creation of new EarlyAct and Interact clubs. One other standout memory is the fact we hosted one of the first Vocational Training Teams in the world in our area this March. Watching these Rotarians and non-Rotarians work with kids in and out of school really showed the impact that Rotary can make in young lives.” In her new role, Low will provided enhanced training in both English and French through seminars and webinars to the 84 clubs in the District.
The role of Assistant Governor (AG) is to represent the District Governor in their geographic area. In this instance, the AG works closely with clubs in Anguilla, St Barths, St Maarten and St Martin. The AG is appointed by each District Governor and may be re-appointed for up to three years

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Hon. Claret Connor announced on Thursday that Ministry TEATT will be purchasing two fuel calibration tanks that would be used to test and re-calibrate fuel meters to make sure customers are getting what they purchased from a petrol station.

In the meantime, the Public Entity of Saba will loan the ministry their calibrating tank until the Sint Maarten tank which is currently in Curacao is repaired. The calibrating tank from Saba should arrive sometime next week.

“I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the Government of Saba for assisting us on the short-term. This once again demonstrates the strong bonds that continue to exist between the islands despite the dissolution of the former Netherlands Antilles,” Minister Connor stated on Thursday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Detained police officer Rishmer York will have to remain in prison until his case comes up for trial. York appealed the decision of the judge of instruction who extended his pretrial detention to 60days on June 12th 2015. Prosecutor Lemmers confirmed to SMN News that York lost the appeal and he is currently in a prison in Aruba for his own safety and security.
York is the lone suspect who shot Akeem Isidora to death with his service weapon on March 4th 2015 in Happy Estate Belvedere. Besides shooting Akeem Isidora to death Officer York, a rookie cop also fired shots at the Junior Isidora but missed. Police found at least three spent shells on the crime scene, while one of the bullets were removed from a wall where the older Isidora was standing when the suspect fired one shot at him. After the fatal shooting York fled the scene and went to the Philipsburg Police Station where he told his colleagues that he fired shots and killed Isidora in self-defense.
So far it is understood that York was upset with Isidora whom he accused of ‘messing’ with his girlfriend an officer of the coast guards. Prior to firing the deadly shots that claimed the life of Isidora, York called an officer from the National Detectives and told him that he was going to ‘take out’ the victim. The officer whom he contacted about two hours before the deadly shooting is the cousin of the victim Akeem Isidora.

GREAT BAY:--- Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and a renowned campaigner for reparatory justice, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, will deliver a guest Emancipation Day lecture organized by the Independence for St. Martin Foundation, on Saturday, June 27, 2015. The lecture, on the topic of “Reparations,” will be held at 8 PM at the University of St. Martin.
Dr. Gonsalves, affectionately known as “Comrade Ralph,” is perhaps the longest-serving Prime Minister in the Caribbean, having been swept into office in 2001 and winning re-election at two subsequent general elections. He is a strong proponent of Caribbean unity, and an indefatigable advocate of reparatory justice.
“We have to be very focused so that the ‘new colonialism and imperialism’ now being practiced by Western nations cannot pick us off one-by-one,” he told a gathering of ambassadors, politicians, and activists at the Bedford Hall restaurant in Brooklyn, New York recently.
Speaking before the UN General Assembly a couple of years ago, Dr. Gonsalves alerted the international community regarding the 14-nation Caribbean Community (CARICOM) plans to pursue reparations. He informed the eminent personalities gathered in Brooklyn that the lawsuit against the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands was going forward; however, he said, “It needs to move faster.”
The awful legacy of the crimes against humanity (committed by these and other European nations during centuries of Slavery)—a legacy which exists today in our Caribbean—should be repaired for the development of our Caribbean peoples and societies, Dr. Gonsalves said.
The general public is invited to the Emancipation Day lecture at USM on Saturday, said the Independence for St. Martin Foundation. Admission is free.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Department of Economic Licenses from the Ministry Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT), hereby informs the general public that there are over 2000 approved licenses awaiting pick-up at the department.
As a result of this, the department has embarked on a project to clean up its database of uncollected licenses.
All uncollected licenses that were approved prior to January 1, 2015, must be picked up before August 1st 2015, after which the file will be discarded and applicants will have to re-apply and pay the applicable processing fee(s).
Effective August 1st 2015, the Department of Economic Licenses will keep all requests, including approved licenses, for a maximum of six months, after which the file will be discarded and applicants will have to re-apply and pay the applicable processing fee.
The aforementioned is applicable to requests for business, branch, director, amendments to licenses already issued, vending and operational licenses.

For more information you can visit the department at Zoutsteeg #3, Philipsburg or call 542-2986.

Caymanian students abroad who are training to be doctors are encouraged to get in touch with the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (HSA), to ensure the HSA is able to appropriately prepare for their return to Cayman to practice medicine.

Very involved with the development of Caymanian trainee doctors, the HSA has a robust internship programme which offers paid and unpaid work experience for medical students over the summer and Christmas university breaks, enabling them to gain valuable experience shadowing consultants throughout the Cayman Islands hospital.

Making the connection with soon-to-be Caymanian doctors as early as possible is very important to the HSA, as Lizzette Yearwood, Chief Executive Officer of the Health Services Authority, explained:

“The Cayman Islands Health Services Authority is committed to recruiting as many Caymanian doctors and medical staff as possible. Our student internship programme is an extremely useful way for us to develop a relationship with students which will hopefully last all the way through their studies and eventually result in them wishing to come back to the Cayman Islands and to work with us at the HSA,” she said. “We want all Caymanian students to feel a part of the HSA and we welcome them all.”

Dr Delroy Jefferson, Medical Director at the HSA, said that any medical students overseas planning a career in medicine when they return home in the Cayman Islands should get in touch.

“We are keen to get to know all students who are currently in school, wherever they are studying around the world, and we would like to know when they are planning to return back to Cayman for their professional career. This will allow us to anticipate and plan for the students’ return. If we can plan to expect a new doctor to return during a certain time, we can also plan and possibly help create more job opportunities for those newly qualified doctors and medical professionals,” Dr Jefferson said. “The more individuals we are aware of, the easier it should be for us to accommodate them, should they choose a career with the Health Services Authority.”

“One of the benefits when making contact with the office of the Medical Director is that this facilitates dialogue; the returning physician could gain insightful information as to the clinical fields with the most pressing needs,” Dr Jefferson said.

Any student wishing to participate in the HSA’s internship programme or those students who are in school and planning to return are encouraged to complete the online form in the Student Registration section of our website www.hsa.ky.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In connection with work which has to be carried out at Joe’s Jewelry on Wilhelmina straat on Friday June 26th 2015, this road will be closed to motor vehicle traffic from 05.30 a.m. to 07.00 a.m.

• In connection with a public event that will be held on Sunday June 28th 2015 from 11.00 a.m. to 05.30 p.m., at the Risen Christ Catholic Church on Carrot road in Reward, this road will be closed to all motor vehicle traffic.
•  In connection with celebration of Emancipation Day organized by the Department of Culture the following:
• The event will start on Tuesday June 30th at Diamond Estate at 10.00 p.m. to July 1st at 03.00 a.m. followed by a church service at 09.00 a.m.
• Wreath laying at 10.00 a.m. at the One Tete Lockhay round-a-bout followed by the Freedom Fighters round-a-bout.
• A parade will start at 02.30 p.m. at Marigot Hill road through Lemon road-Genip road-Water Melon road- L.B. Scot road and ending at the Emilio Wilson Estate.
• In connection with construction work to be carried out on Little Bay road, this road will be partially closed on July 1st from 08.00 p.m. to 09.00 p.m.
• All drivers should take keen note of these road closures to avoid any inconvenience and should use alternative routes to get to their destination.

St. Maarten Government needs to propose a member to be on CFT board.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The board of the CFT plans to send a letter to the Kingdom Council to advise them to impose targeted instruction on St. Maarten since the country did not meet its obligations to pay off its debts to SZV and APS by the end of May 2015. Chairman of the CFT board Age Bakker said that the Minister of Finance Maarten Hassink has had some setbacks with these payments since he had to try and determine exactly how much monies the government of St. Maarten owed APS and SZV. Bakker said at first they were given a figure of Naf.295M but after serious negotiations between the Minister and the two health care entities that amount dropped to Naf.189M. He said despite the CFT gave the provisional approval to the 2015 budget St. Maarten could not borrow monies. Bakker said one of the things the government of St. Maarten wanted to do was to use the Government Administration Building as collateral to settle their debts with APS but to date there is still no agreement with the two entities and government.
Bakker said that St. Maarten has to take care of its health care system since it is of uttermost importance, further to that he said the government of St. Maarten promised to increase the pension age to 62 which is lower than the other countries and to date that has not yet been implemented. Bakker told reporters all of the health care burden are on the people of St. Maarten because people live longer while the pension system is way too expensive. He said government indicated they were working on reforming the pension system but too has not yet been done. Bakker said of all this the government of St. Maarten had in its budget of 2015 but it was not executed. He did say that St. Maarten is making progress as the economy is growing slowly.  He made clear that the advice they intend to give the Kingdom Council will be targetted and not general. Further to that he advised the government of St. Maarten to ensure that the 2016 buget goes to the Parliament of St. Maarten on time for approval.
Besides that Bakker said that the parliament of St. Maarten has to take matters more serious because everything is in the hands of the highest legislative body. He said the board of the CFT met with various stakeholders including the finance committee of parliament where held some serious discussions.

Another concern for the CFT is for the government of St. Maarten to appoint a candidate to represent the country on the board of the CFT. Bakker said when asked if the government proposed any candidate he said so far that was not done and they were told that it is a bit difficult for them to find people. He said the CFT board have been patient because it’s been six months now St. Maarten does not have a representative on the CFT board. Bakker said that he hopes that they will not have to get to the point and post a vacancy on their doors because St. Maarten do need to have someone on the board.

Will be transported to the Netherlands as soon as the Dutch sends someone to get their prisoner.

PHILIPSBURG: --- The head of the Cadastre Office Clemens Roos who was arrested on Wednesday by police on St. Maarten at his Back Street office on the request of the Netherlands has been convicted to 22 months imprisonment in the Netherlands.
Prosecutor Lemmers told SMN News on Thursday when she was pressed for information that Roos was charged with some type of fraud relating to “Social Premiums”. Asked if Roos will be contesting his extradition Lemmers said there will not be any extradition hearing and that Roos will be transported to the Netherlands as soon as the Dutch sends someone to St. Maarten to pick him up.
In 2011, the Ombudsman of St. Maarten conducted a forensic investigation at the Cadastre Office due to a deed Roos altered on October 15th 2011 which was a national holiday. At the time this investigation was taking place the attorney that represented Roos and one particular newspaper ridiculed the Ombudsman of St. Maarten in several newspaper articles as they try to protect and defend the now convicted felon.
The Ombudsman submitted her completed report to the Minister of VROMI where she gave several recomendation on  how to take action against Roos who altered the deeds that were published on SMN News.

WILLEMSTAD:--- On June 18, nine volunteers from the U.S. Forward Operating Location Curaçao (USFOL) visited the Siloam Orphanage to deliver 45 kilos of donated goods. Also, the volunteers devoted three hours building a soccer field and interacting and playing with the children.

Siloam Orphanage provides for children with a variety of needs–from toddlers who have been abandoned to children who have mental and physical disabilities.

The USFOL involvement with local organizations demonstrates their eagerness for community involvement and their long standing appreciation for the hospitality received from the citizens
of Curaçao.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Rotary Club of Sint Maarten named Mr. Pierre DeCelles as its Rotarian of the Year during the Change of Board Celebration on Saturday, June 20th at Captain Oliver’s Restaurant.

Outgoing Club President Deepak “Danny” Ramchandani proudly recognized Pierre DeCelles as Rotarian of the Year. Mr. Ramchandani said, “Whenever or wherever I am, if I call Pierre and ask for guidance, ideas, direction or help, Pierre is always there. The word “no” is not in Pierre DeCelles vocabulary. Pierre is and has been the backbone of our Club ever since he joined Rotary and there is no one more deserving than Pierre DeCelles to be named Rotarian of the Year”.

Pierre DeCelles came to Sint Maarten in 1980 and joined Rotary in 1995. He has served the Rotary Club of Sint Maarten twice as President and Secretary, multiple times as Vice President and in Director level roles in the areas of the Rotary Foundation and Vocational Service. Mr. DeCelles works as a Project Manager and is also the Canadian Consul on Dutch Sint Maarten. Pierre and his wife, Micheline, have been married for almost 50 years.

Incoming President, Jeffrey “Dr. Soc” Sochrin added, “Pierre has not only been an advisor to me over the past several years, he is a role model, a mentor and most importantly someone I am proud to call a friend”.

Mr. DeCelles accepted the award of Rotarian of the Year and thanked President Danny
Ramchandani and the members of the Club for the honor.

For more information about the Rotary Club of St. Maarten, please contact the Rotary Club of St. Maarten Press Officer at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the website www.rotarysxm.org.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On June 4, I issued a statement that addressed several matters, including the following paragraph: "Medical coverage law: one would recall that during the budget debates, a motion was presented to authorize the Minister of Health to execute this law, which the Parliament had not even seen. Luckily, Parliament caught on in the nick of time. This important piece of legislation, offering coverage to presently uninsured groups and persons in our community, still has not reached parliament for debate. Where is the urgency?"

Actually the law is question is formally named: Landsverordening Bezuiniging en Beheer Sociale Zekerheid en Zorg. (National Ordinance Savings and Management Social Security and Care). This name is important, as the draft amends several other ordinances, not only one ordinance.

A socalled pre-draft (informal) of this law was presented to Parliament in December 2013, lacking the mandatory elucidation and financial paragraph. No further action on this law has been recorded in Parliament since.
In January of this year, a motion was tabled in Parliament during the budget debate to authorize the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor to execute a part(!) of this law.

As I mentioned about 3 weeks ago, luckily the Parliament agreed with me in January that without the entire law having been at least presented and debated in Parliament, it would be irresponsible to authorize any Minister to execute the same law and surely not parts of it without consideration for the other parts.

Furthermore, the same draft ordinance is also about cost savings in the area of public health, as the name of the law clearly indicates. As mentioned, no financial paragraph has (yet) been presented.

After the voting on the motion got underway, Parliament based on the above, suspended the voting and the motion.

Lo and behold, this motion reappeared on the agenda of the public meeting of June 22nd. Not only was this unrelated to the agenda point and motions must be tabled at the time of the debate on the topic, but a copy of practically the same motion was submitted, now dated June 22nd.

What I mostly objected to however, was the fact that the motion in its resolution, authorized the Minister to implement an Article V of the law, while the law which was presented to Parliament in December 2013, has no such article in it.
This I think is downright misleading and to have it presented as something that would offer uninsured persons immediate coverage is regrettable.

I close with the call I made on June 4th: "This important piece of legislation, offering coverage to presently uninsured groups and persons in our community, still has not reached parliament for debate. Where is the urgency?", was my question to the government.

And now to address the matter of Parliament authorizing a minister to execute a draft law or other regulations that are the domain of Parliament, but Parliament has not yet approved such, generally speaking.
This is surely possible, however, there must be evidence of the urgency, even crisis, the constitution must be observed (Ombudsman, Council of Advice, etc.), the authority must be well defined and for a specific period of time.

MP Sarah Wescot Williams press release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Statistics (STAT) is reminding the business community that this is the final week of the ongoing Business Cycle Survey.

The survey began 7 weeks ago on May 6th 2015, with a focus on the current performance of the business sector during the first half of this year.

Enterprises with 10 or more employees, and a sample of businesses with nine or less employees have received the questionnaire either from a STAT-interviewer or via email during the first 2 weeks of the survey period.

STAT urges all enterprises who have not yet completed and submitted the questionnaire to STAT, to do so on or before the ultimate close-off date of June 30th next week.

This half-year Business Cycle Survey asks for estimates of changes in the level of turnover and personnel compared to last year as well as the opinions of entrepreneurs as it relates to the investment climate, competitiveness and confidence in the economy.

STAT anticipates the full cooperation of the business community during this final week to ensure that any outstanding survey-forms are returned to the STAT-interviewer or sent directly to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

All information provided to STAT will be held strictly confidential, and will be used to monitor the most recent developments in the Sint Maarten economy.

Survey results are made available to respondents and the public via the Business Cycle summary Flyer and FACTors statistical magazine released in print and at www.stat.gov.sx

Willemstad:--- The budget realization figures of the first months of 2015 seem to be positive, however there are a number of developments that pose a risk to the Curaçao budget. The biggest risks concern the social funds, some government companies and the new hospital which is under construction: Hòspital Nobo Otrobanda. Moreover, a clear list of priorities should be drawn up for new government investments.

In the last week of June, the Board of financial supervision of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (Cft) visited Curaçao, where meetings were held with the Governor, the Council of Ministers, the Minister of Finance and the financial committee of Parliament. The Board also spoke with the directors of the Curaçao Drydock Company and the Analytisch Diagnostisch Centrum, as well as the responsible ministers.

Execution 2015 budget
The Board evaluated the budget execution report on the first quarter of 2015. These preliminary figures seem positive. The budget is balanced and there seems to be room for a reinforcement of the general reserves or an addition to the ‘schommelfonds’. This may in fact prove to be quite necessary, because although the government has control over its own budget, there are risks which in time may lead to extra expenditures. These include the persisting deficits of the social funds, some ailing government companies, the delay in the construction of the new hospital and the operational deficits of the Sehos hospital. The Board requested a substantiation of the dividend payments made by the Curaçao Port Authority (CPA), as included in the draft of the first budget amendment.

Capital service and lending
The Board requested the drafting of a realistic capital account, with a clear list of priorities that is also more in line with the existing execution capacity. The investment amount of almost ANG 500 million (9% of GDP) which is included in the budget 2015 is not realistic and rather resembles a wish list. The planning of investments and the monitoring of their progress should be intensified. The borrowing room of the government, however, is limited by the financial norms. Still, considering the current historically low interest rates on government bonds, when new loans are issued, a sustainable debt position should be taken into consideration, besides the interest burden norm. This is quite crucial, seeing that Curaçao currently has a public debt of around 40% of its GDP, which the IMF deems as an upper limit. Caution is thus advised when issuing new loans. Therefore, an agreement was reached with the Minister of Finance that the upcoming petition for the issuance of a new loan will be harmonized with an realistic investment plan. This should create additional economic impulses.

SVB
Last year, the deficits of the social funds increased again which called for additional measures. Some of these measures have already been introduced, while others are delayed, which may potentially lead to less economization than expected. The implementation of the measures to make the AOV fund sound again, is the area that is most delayed. This is very cumbersome, considering that the exhaustion of the 'schommelfonds' is nearer than was initially assumed. Hence, it is of the utmost importance that all proposed measures are implemented as soon as possible, and that the situation is closely monitored, so that, if necessary, additional measures can be timely prepared.

Public companies
Some public companies pose a risk to the budget. However, the plans of action that are in place seem to be executed in an expeditious way. In the coming period, it will become clear whether the steps included in the action plans are sufficiently adequate to make the public companies sustainably sound. On a brighter note, some public companies are performing well. The timely submission of annual reports remains crucial, especially in light of the intentions of the government to include dividend income in the budget. A dividend policy is necessary to that effect.

Hospital Nobo Otrobanda/Sehos
Progress is noticeable in the construction of the new hospital. However, the Board also identifies a number of risks. The delays in the construction process may lead to setbacks with regard to the total costs. The Board therefore requested an update of the business case. In addition, Sehos has an operational deficit, which underlines the fact that affordable and qualitative healthcare is not only a matter of infrastructure but also of effective management. The Board advised the Council of Ministers to encourage the ministerial steering group led by the Prime Minister to take charge and proactively monitor the progress of the new hospital. Further pressure on the budget should be prevented in any event.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Hon. Marcel Gumbs chaired his first Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Meeting last week Thursday.
Coordinators from the 10 Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) of the country’s disaster management system were present.
The two main agenda points was the Hurricane Exercise 2015 and preparedness for the season.
The 10 ESFs are: GEBE/ESF-1, TelEm Group/ESF-2, Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI)/ESF-3, Fire Department/ESF-4, Police Department/ESF-5, Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour/ESF-6 and 7, Department of Communication/ESF-8, Ministry of General Affairs/ESF-9, and Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT)/ESF-10.
The 2015 Atlantic Hurricane season has already seen two storms form namely Ana and Bill.
Prime Minister Gumbs, reminds the Sint Maarten community to be prepared for the season which commenced on June 1st.
The remaining storm names for the Atlantic season are Claudette, Danny, Erika, Fred, Grace, Henri, Ida, Joaquin, Kate, Larry, Mindy, Nicolas, Odette, Peter, Rose, Sam, Teresa, Victor, and Wanda.

The 2015 hurricane season officially runs through November 30.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications Hon. Claret Connor recently met with Boxing Promoter of B.O.S.E. Promotion Milton “Bobby” Ottley regarding the upcoming PRO-AM Boxing Event “Eruption in Paradise” which is scheduled for July 4th.

Sports tourism is a significant element in world tourism, and has become highly competitive niche business for various tourism destinations. As interest and participation in sport grows within the leisure industry, the desire of people to travel to compete or to spectate has grown and will continue to grow.

“I would like to congratulate Milton Ottley on his upcoming boxing event and wish him much success. With different boxers from within the region participating, the event should attract supporters from the surrounding islands. I commend the promoter for taking the initiative in organizing this regional sports tourism event,” Minister of Tourism Hon. Claret Connor said on Wednesday.

The L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium will come alive on July 4 when B.O.S.E. Promotion presents 42 rounds of boxing.

In the male division, Sint Maarten’s own Sidney Maccow, Tija Stanley from St. Kitts, Claude Lesperance, Mikeal Merlin, and many more from Aruba and the Dominican Republic will be on hand.

I.B.F. Intercontinental Bantamweight World Title features French national champion Karim Guerfi vs Mexican Javier Franco. I.B.O. female world title, featuring Sonya Lamonakis from Greece vs Gwendolyn O’Neil.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will meet in a public plenary session on June 26th. The shareholder representative Acting Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Hon. Marcel Gumbs will be present for the session.

The plenary session is set for Friday at 1.00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is developments related to NV GEBE and the position of the Managing Board and the position of the Chief Operations Officer.

This plenary session was requested by the National Alliance (NA)in Parliament, namely Members of Parliament (MPs) Hon. William Marlin, MP Hon. Silveria Jacobs, and MP Hon. C. Emmanuel.

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 via www.sxmparliament.org.

Whisle Blower helps SZV with catching internal scammer.

PHILIPSBURG: ---SZV came out victorious on Wednesday when the judge in the Court of First Instance rendered its verdict. SZV was taken to court by the employee they suspended after they discovered she was involved in some sort of scam selling SZV medical cards. The SZV card selling saga was discovered earlier this year when the new management team took office. According to the court the employee has to pay SZV all its court costs and she was not entitled to benefits and that SZV has all rights to terminate the employee based on the evidence they provided to the courts.
As soon as the verdict was rendered SZV management team took the decision to terminate their working relationship with the employee.
Besides the court case, SZV management filed an official complaint against the employee with the prosecutor’s office. Chief Prosecutor Ton Maan confirmed on Wednesday that they are busy conducting an investigation that involved one employee of SZV.
SMN News has learnt that when the new acting CEO took office in December 2014, he immediately created an internal auditing department where they hired expert auditors to work with the ones that are employed by SZV. It is understood that when the auditors started their work a whistle blower provided information about the notorious SZV card selling. This it is understood prompted an internal and external investigation in January 2015. When SZV auditors found enough evidence that implicated the employee she was suspended in January pending further investigations. SZV auditors (investigators) went as far as interviewing people that operated on the outside to corroborate their case prior to filing an official complaint with the prosecutor’s office on St. Maarten.
Besides that SZV is undergoing a massive restructuring which might land more people working at the medical insurance company in trouble if not prison.
SMN News understands that the judicial system on St. Maarten are currently conducting a widespread investigation to see how many persons and bogus companies are involved in the scam. A source told SMN News that the card selling at SZV started in 2008 to 2009 when the Brooks Tower (BTA) started. Several persons on St. Maarten created bogus companies and charged foreigners as much as $5000.00 to sign for them and through these bogus companies the foreign workers obtained SZV medical coverage and permanent residency. The source said with the investigation SZV conducted both internally and externally is tantamount to human smuggling if the justice system work correctly to capture and prosecute the perpetrators.

PHILIPSBURG: --- Reginald Willemsberg a long time employee of SZV will take up a new position as strategic officer as of July 1st 2015 at SZV. Willemsberg is the Chief Operations Officer, prior to being the acting Chief Executive Officer.
SMN News learnt that Willemsberg applied for the position which was vacant, however prior to him taking up his new role as a staff member of SZV Willemsberg had to resign from his position as COO.
Currently SZV is looking for someone to fill the position of COO. An internal memo was sent out on Wednesday to members of the staff so that those who might be interested could apply for the position.

Currently SZV is looking for someone to fill the position of COO. An internal memo was sent out on Wednesday to members of the staff so that those who might be interested could apply for the position.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Symposium is being held in Trinidad and Tobago organized by the UN Commission, with the support of the Caribbean Development Bank.

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) subregional headquarters for the Caribbean remains committed to providing assistance to Caribbean countries, as the region prepares a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be included in the United Nations Post-2015 Development Agenda, declared today its Director, Diane Quarless.

The head of the ECLAC Caribbean office opened the Symposium on Sustainable Development Goals for the Caribbean within the Post-2015 Development Agenda in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, organized by the UN Commission, with the support of the Caribbean Development Bank. She noted that the timing was perfect for strategic action and regional introspection, ahead of the Conference on Financing for Sustainable Development set for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in mid-July.

Also at the opening, Arnaldo Brown, Jamaica Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, underscored that some of the important areas that need to be considered include vulnerability to natural hazards, the high indebtedness faced by many Caribbean countries, youth unemployment and high crime rate. In this regard, he called for Caribbean leaders to take action towards the development of their countries.

The Symposium (being held on 24-25 June) brings together Ministers and senior policy makers in the fields of planning and development, the environment, and social affairs, who will consider among the SDGs the goals that are central to the sustainable development needs of the Caribbean.

Specifically, the event aims to highlight and raise awareness of the challenges faced by Caribbean countries in pursuing sustainable development, and to provide a rationale for the selection of these priority goals.

Panel discussions will offer a forum for policy makers and experts to deliberate on the region’s development strategy as it transitions from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the SDGs. Discussions will take into consideration the immediate and medium term constraints facing the region and the resource gaps that need to be filled from both domestic and international sources.

Strategies and opportunities for Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to implement the SDGs including Financing for Development, as well as data and institutional capacity needs will also be taken into consideration.

Officials of the United Nations system, representatives of regional civil society organizations, academia, regional development institutions and international development partners will be actively involved, and will contribute to the discussions.

GREAT BAY:--- NAGICO Insurances will be hosting a grand Information Day this Friday from 9am-4pm in front of the NAGICO building in Philipsburg, where clients and prospective clients are invited to come by to get information on all our NAGICO products, policies and services.
The purpose of this event is to provide all clients and potential clients with information regarding all NAGICO policy, product and services, as well as safety and preventative hurricane tips.
"We want to extend an invitation to the community at large to visit our main branch tomorrow, where they can have all their questions, queries and concerns about our company, product and offerings addressed," Lisa Brown from the Marketing Department explained. "The idea behind this is to ensure that everyone, even those not insured with us are fully aware of the services we provide and the benefits to be had as a NAGICO client. In addition, we are already in hurricane season and many persons do not have insurance or are not sufficiently covered, so we are encouraging each and everyone to come out and be informed."
Booths will be set up outside the NAGICO office and with insurance experts at your service representing the following departments: Life, Customer Service, Medical and Claims department. Refreshment will be provided.

PHILIPSBURG:---The head of the St. Maarten’s Cadastre Office Clemens Roos have been arrested on Wednesday morning. The motive for the arrest is not known. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said he had no knowledge of the arrest when he was contacted for confirmation. However, several persons saw when Roos was taken into custody at his Back Street Cadastre Office.SMN News further understands that the Supervisory Board of the Cadastre Office officially suspended Roos Wednesday morning when he was placed under arrest.
SMN News contacted the press prosecutor on St. Maarten Prosecutor Lemmers for an official comment but she refused to confirm or deny the arrest. Prosecutor Lemmers who was overly hostile even refused to give her first name when she was asked to provide her name. SMN News further contacted Norman Serphos of the Attorney General’s Office and he also said he was not informed and that SMN News should insist for confirmation at the St. Maarten’s Prosecutor’s Office for a comment.
This is another proof that there is some kind of class justice taking place on St. Maarten and that certain people are protected. Clemens Roos is good friend to several prosecutors on the island. He once hired the husband of a former prosecutor when the Ombudsman was conducting a forensic investigation at the Office of the Cadastre.

After this article was published Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson called SMN News to confirm the arrest of Roos. Henson said that St. Maarten got a request from the Netherlands (Rechthulp Verzoek) to arrest Roos who is under investigation there.

PHILIPSBURG:---- Niagara Bottling located in Pennsylvania USA issued a voluntary recall of bottled water manufactured only in
Pennsylvania between June 10-18th 2015.

The Niagara bottled water also goes by the following name: Niagara Spring Water. (*)

The Best By codes on the outer-wrap shrink-film or on the bottle for the affected cases would be in the range of: F# BEST BY 08DEC2016 to F# BEST BY 16DEC2016
OR

# BEST BY 08DEC2016 to A# BEST BY 16DEC2016

(F# indicates the Hamburg plant and line number A# indicates the Allentown plant and line number See below for
Best By dates specific to Wegmans brand).

The Food Safety division of the Inspectorate is conducting the necessary inspections to verify if such a product is in the local Mini-, and Supermarkets. When found these will be confiscated and destroyed.

(*) In some countries Niagara spring water is also sold under the following brand names: Acadia Spring
Water, Acme Spring Water, Big Y Spring Water, Best Yet Spring Water, 7-11 Spring Water.

St. Eustatius:--- On Monday, June 22nd at about 9.15 PM, a man with initials R.R.S.S. was held on the De Graafweg on St. Eustatius for not being able to show an identity card, for failing to comply with a demand and for rebellion.

Aanhouding
Op maandag 22 juni werd omstreeks 21.15 uur een man met initialen R.R.S.S. op de Graafweg op Sint Eustatius aan gehouden ter zake het niet kunnen tonen van een identiteitsbewijs, voor het niet voldoen aan een vordering en wederspannigheid.

KPN Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG: --- The management team of GEBE headed by the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Rene Gartner appointed Iris Arrindell as Commercial Manager of the company. The position has been open since January 2014 when the former Commercial Manager Steve Duzanzon was suspended and then left the company when they gave him a proposal if he resigned. During that period Franz Clark was the acting commercial manager until Arrindell was appointed. It is not known why Clark was not appointed Commercial Manger.
Arrindell was working in the finance department, and was head of that department and also would fill in for the finance manager Andrew Zagers when he is absent. While Arrindell is very qualified in finance and was asked to be the Minister of Finance because of her strength and qualification in financing her appointment as commercial manager leaves many questions as to why she was promoted and placed in the commercial sector of GEBE and not in the area where she is obviously strong.

PHILIPSBURG: --- Raphael Boasman the policy advisor and acting mediator of the Department of Labor and Social Services will be leaving government function at the end of June 2015. Boasman has been a civil servant since January 1st 1979 and is now leaving on pension after giving 36 years of service to the government of St. Maarten.
SMN News understands that Boasman will be entering the private sector as a businessman and consultant, whether he will continue to provide government with his services that is not yet known. When asked recently he said as long as he is paid properly he will continue to work as a consultant but certainly the price for his services has to be right. “I have worked for years for a minimal wage and has given my best in various areas. Now that I am leaving on pension I have to ensure that I do something that will allow me to earn something more.” Boasman may not have a huge smile on his face for everyone but one thing he does have is a wealth of knowledge regarding labor and social affairs.
As Boasman leaves office then there will be no labor mediator to work for government. According to information SMN News received is that Derie Leonard the former president of the WICSU/PSU who is an employee in the Ministry of Justice is still fighting to get the promised position of mediator, but Boasman already gave negative advice towards her appointment since she is not qualified for the position, and certainly her attitude towards people is not one that will fits a mediator’s position. Besides Leonard several persons applied for the position but none was selected for the position which becomes vacant on June 30th, this of course leaves another hole in the Ministry of Labor, already the country St. Maarten do not have a Minister of Labor in its office since November 2014, yet the office of that Ministry is fully equipped with the staff that worked for former Minister of Labor Cornelius de Weever, some of whom are politically appointed.
With the current trend one has to ask if those in government is taking the country in the right direction. Since September 2014, there is a coalition government in place with a ten seat majority yet two Ministers are missing from the executive branch while some senior posts are open.
Efforts made to reach Boasman on Wednesday for a more information on his departure proved futile as he is not willing to make further comments at this moment.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The Permanent Committee of Finance of Parliament will meet in a closed door session on 25th of June with the Committee of Financial Supervision (Cft).

The permanent committee meeting which is not open to the public, is set for Thursday at 1.30pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

Members of the committee will have a discussion with the Cft concerning the financial situation of Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:----The Permanent Committee of Petitions of Parliament will meet in a public session on 25th of June.

The permanent committee meeting is set for Thursday at 9.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The first agenda point is approval of the decision lists for the parliamentary year 2014-2015; and the second point is Petition “Patrol to Eradicate Paedophilia.

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 via www.sxmparliament.org.

PHILIPSBURG:---- -Police officially announced the opening of the Central Dispatch Center linking the ambulance department and the police to one communication line. The fire department is not part of the system according the Benjamin Gout Head of the Police Traffic Department. Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson and Minister Claret Connor were among the dignitaries at the police headquarters in Philipsburg on Tuesday afternoon.

Inspector Gout explained in a brief power-point presentation that the Police started to work on centralizing the system in 2009. Fast track to 2012, funding agency USONA made financing available to fund the building and equipment for the Central Dispatch Center located upstairs the Philipsburg Drug store. 24/7 the center will be manned by personnel from the police service.

Director of NAGICO insurances Eric Ellis spoke as the new chairman for a recently established foundation called P3 which stands for Public Private Partnership Foundation. Illis said that the foundation is to assist the community especially the financially tight-strapped police force. He called for the community to come forth as cooperate citizens and join the foundation, which consist of professionals. P3 will provide hurricane shutters for the Central Dispatch Center and pay for travel and transportation expenses when attending training sessions.

Justice Minister Dennis Richardson said “I congratulate the police force of St. Maarten. We plan to do much more”. special mention was made of a Drone project and setting up surveillance cameras at strategic areas. Commissioner Carl John thanked the staff for their dedication and commitment to improving the police Central Dispatch Center. He said “the good we do is overlooked but we are not going to stop, we are going to keep going said the police official.

You can now call the police on Dutch St. Maarten at 911 and get assistance for police and ambulance services. Click for the audio of Tuesday’s ceremony.

PHILIPSBURG:---- During the Flinx Recruitment Expo Dutch Caribbean (FRED) Job Expo held earlier this month in Rotterdam, Minister Plenipotentiary Josianne Fleming-Artsen invited all Sint Maarten companies and institutions to Sint Maarten House where the minister gave a presentation about the tasks and role of the office of representation in the Netherlands.
Angelique Romou gave a presentation about the BrainGain project.

The companies and institutions that attended the information session by the minister were: United Telecommunications Services (UTS), TelEm, SXM Airport, Social & Health Insurances (SZV), St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), White & Yellow Cross Foundation, Mental Health Foundation, and the SLS Laboratory.

The main sponsors of FRED were: KLM, Air France, TRAKX, I LOVE SXM, and the Government of Sint Maarten.

The fourth FRED Expo brought together professionals, graduates, and pre-graduates and more than 30 companies including a number from Sint Maarten.
Flinx Recruitment acts as a bridge between Dutch Caribbean professionals and local employers.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Collective Preventive Services (CPS) department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, says even though chances of a human rabies infection is very small, pet owners are advised to make sure their dog gets a rabies vaccination, as this is the best strategy to prevent human cases.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in a June epidemiological alert recommends to Member States of the Americas to strengthen prevention and control activities of the canine variant rabies virus in order to reduce the occurrence of human cases.

Member States are also reminded to ensure access to the vaccines and post-exposure prophylaxis for exposed persons.

While human rabies transmitted by dogs is in the process of being eliminated in the Americas, some countries in the Region continue to register human rabies cases transmitted by dogs.

Since the beginning of 2014 to date, the following human cases of canine origin rabies were reported: six cases in Bolivia, three cases in Haiti, two cases in Guatemala, one case in Brazil, and one case in the Dominican Republic.

In addition, canine rabies cases have been reported in places that had previously not recorded cases such as northern Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and in areas declared free of canine rabies more than 10-years ago, such as in a part of Peru, the Arequipa region.

This is the first occurrence of the reintroduction of canine rabies in an area that was previously officially declared free of canine rabies.

Rabies is caused by the rabies virus, which belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family, within the Lyssavirus genus, which infects domesticated and wild animals and is transmitted to humans through rabies infected saliva (through skin and mucous membranes, by bites and scratches).

MADAME ESTATE:--– Mr. Jason Rogers from Hoeve & Rogers Attorneys, Mr. Glenville Blake from FIRM Associates, Mrs. Marlene Mingo from Mingo Civil Law Notary and Mr. Neil Henderson from Henderson Insurances will be addressing attendees of the Financial Planning Conference tomorrow, Thursday at the Belair Community Center. The conference organized by Henderson Insurances starts at 5:30pm and will focus on acquiring, protecting and transferring wealth to the next generation.
The four speakers serving on the panel of experts will share insights on ways to acquire wealth whether through inheritance, marriage or otherwise, how to draw up a will, what must you do today to make a positive impact in the financial position of your family and how to invest wisely.
The conference will be an educational experience, which is accessible to everyone interested in financial planning. Find out more on what you can do differently to achieve financial success. We look forward to making this into another learning opportunity for our community.

Registration fee is only $10. Should you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (721) 542 4911 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register today. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday.

Deadline for applicants is June 25, 2015!

Great Bay:--- For the upcoming St. Martin Emancipation Day festivities, the Africa Caribbean Heritage Alliance (ACHA) in collaboration with the Department of Culture and VOICES Foundation will be hosting a poetry competition. The deadline for all entries is June 25, 2015. Students are especially encouraged to take part in this competition.
Under the theme, “Africa in Me”, contestants have the opportunity to creatively express themselves while exploring St. Martin’s heritage as it relates to Africa and its current relationship with Africa. By doing so, this competition aims to bring more awareness to Africa and highlight the similarities between Africa and the Caribbean.
Poets and spoken word enthusiasts get to express the historical and present-day relationship which exists between Africa and the Caribbean. One way to do so is to artistically answer such questions as what would you like to experience from Africa? What do you find interesting about Africa? What does the Caribbean have in common with Africa? Matters such as tourism, business opportunities, historical links, fashion, and entertainment, to name a few can all be reflected in the entries.

Winners of the competition will be announced during the Emancipation Day festivities on July 1, 2015 and will also be featured in ACHA’s upcoming projects in the Caribbean and in Africa. In addition, all winning entries will be available at the Africa Resource Center at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library.

Those who are interested in participating in the poetry competition may do so by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. no later than June 25, 2015. For additional information, visit at www.afrocaribbeanalliance.org or like their Facebook page under the name Africa Caribbean Heritage Alliance.

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – The Central Committee of Parliament will meet in a closed door session on June 24.

The public Central Committee meeting is set for Wednesday at 9.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is the approval of the function book for the Secretariat of Parliament.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Permanent Committee of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs (CECYSA) of Parliament, will meet in public session on June 24 with Minister of Education Hon. Rita Bourne-Gumbs.

The Permanent 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 point is a presentation to the permanent committee members on the vision and mission of Minister Bourne-Gumbs as well about the strategic objectives, policies and programs of the Ministry for the governing period 2014-2018.
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 via www.sxmparliament.org.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The government of St. Maarten would do well to respond to Parliament's recommendations and amendments to the national Integrity Chamber Ordinance AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and not take its time, given the timeframe of one month that was mentioned by parliament.

If the whole matter is indeed that we want to establish our "own" integrity chamber, then we should proceed, and proceed with utmost haste.

I am concerned that this delay is going to cost our country dearly. This will cost us in terms of the Kingdom government now having all reason to push through their initial intentions to force upon us an integrity chamber, established, managed and controlled by the Kingdom Government via a General Kingdom Measure.

Jump high or low, due process notwithstanding, the Kingdom Government can impose their will.
Neither the Minister(s) Plenipotentiary or the Kingdom Council of State can prevent this, if the Kingdom Government is bent on pushing this through.

Even if we are prepared and equipped to fight the imposition of a Kingdom Measure, if done against our will, the time and energy this will take, will be to the detriment of other local issues that urgently deserve the attention of government.
The current government since its installation has been primarily occupied or so it would seem with the matter of an integrity chamber, which by the way is only one aspect of integrity as a whole. We also have many legislative issues to deal with that also would advance integrity in government.
We have seen what it took, in terms of time and human resources to get where we are today and we have not scratched the surface yet of all aspects of integrity.

I, for one am prepared to deal with this matter, even if it takes meetings of Parliament during the recess, which starts on July 3rd.

I reiterate that the DP faction has been and remains a proponent of an integrity agenda for our country.
Our own integrity chamber with its checks and balances is not against the people as some claim, but rather FOR the people. So this DP faction is in favor of an integrity chamber and our criticism and amendments on the draft that is before parliament does not change this one bit. Further more, as Prime Minister I started the entire process, including making the commitment to carry out the recommendations of the several integrity reports.

I say to the general public that is being bombarded with claims that the integrity chamber (our own) is not a good thing:
"Imagine that the many allegations and claims of corruption, harassment, intimidation, favoritism that are made daily against the government and government departments and individuals can be either validated as facts and dealt with or discarded as rumors and put to rest. Would you say this is a good thing or a bad thing?"

I conclude with a call to government and parliament. " Finish "our story" and finalize our own integrity chamber law post haste and prepare ourselves for the fall-out which will surely come

DP Faction MP Sarah Wescot Williams press release.

What will this do to the MOU signed with GB Energy and GEBE?

PHILIPSBURG:--- Members of the French Executive Council met with members of Members of Parliament on Tuesday to discuss the usage of European funding that are available to both sides of the island.
Both President Aline Hanson and Vice President Guillaume Arnell told the Members of Parliament that the two sides of the island have to take matters seriously and work efficiently in order for the island to obtain the funding to construct some main projects, one being a waste management plant in the vicinity of Bellevue border. Arnel made clear that is the first time St. Martin is able to obtain these funds jointly, therefore both sides government should get on top of the matter in order to obtain the funding for projects that will benefit the two sides of the island.
President Aline Hanson said that the French side has rights to collect the FEDS funds while the Dutch side the FEDER both of which comes from the EU funding. She said that the two sides’ government do not have much time to obtain the funding because they must be able to submit their projects by December 2015. President Hanson said when the former Prime Minister was in office they met often to work on these projects but since the new Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs took office they have not met, however, there is a meeting is scheduled for some time soon. President Hanson said that bidding was conducted for the waste management plant since it has to be constructed by French company and the monies will be controlled by the Prefet, even though some of the funds will be given to the Dutch side to control; she said the reports on the those bidding process should be in by October 2015 in order for them to finalize their project by December.
Member of Parliament Theodore Heyliger said that since he was a commissioner (former member of the executive council) he was discussing all of this with the French side authorities and nothing got off the ground, he went on to say that the French side went ahead with their ‘dump’ and left the Dutch side behind. Arnel corrected Heyliger by informing him that the French side did not have a choice because France had threatened to close the French side dump and they would have had to find a solution for their garbage themselves.
Heyliger also suggested that the French and Dutch side begin discussions on barter deal on how they can exchange water for electricity. Other projects that will be financed by the EU funding is the cleaning of the lagoons. MP Maurice Lake a former Minister of VROMI felt that it is time for both sides government start working on an action plan as to how they will obtain the funding for these major projects. MP Lake said there is no need to establish any committee to handle these matters because there is already one in place.
While the EU funding is available to construct a waste management plant that will benefit both sides of the island the question that now surface is what will happen with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by GEBE and company (GB Energy) from the Dominican Republic.
The MOU signed by GEBE and GB Energy is a document that even Members of Parliament cannot obtain from the Government owned company.
Other topics the French Executive Council members discussed is the Treaty of Concordia. President Aline Hanson said that in the past the two sides worked hand in hand but since the French side falls under the France persons who want to work on the French side have to register at the “Pole Employ (Labor Office)”, she said persons who chose to do so will also enjoy the benefits such as social security.
As for the driver’s license problem that the French side residents are facing. Arnel thanked the former Prime Minister now Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams for her patience when she extended the grace period several times to facilitate the French.
Arnel said that the French side faced of some problems before they could do the exchange of the licenses. He said the French side could only exchange licenses that were issued from 1995 to 2005. He said that the French side is now issuing licenses based on the European format. Arnel said the French side cannot exchange licenses that were obtained in Saba. Those persons who obtained their licenses in Saba prior to 2005 and exchanged on St. Maarten they could have their licenses exchanged. Arnel said persons who obtained their driver’s license after 2005 on St. Maarten can have their licenses exchanged. Persons interested in exchanging their licenses have to apply for it and it will be granted to them.
Persons who obtained their licenses from Saba is still facing a predicament because they cannot exchange those licenses. He said at the moment the exchange process is taking place. Arnel also raised some of the problems that the French side are facing with persons using outdated Dutch number plates without any kind of repercussions. MP Leona Marlin said that the Dutch side is also facing the same problems with persons with French license number plates. She said that she strongly believe that the two sides needs to exchange information to combat the abuse.
Another issue the French delegation brought up is the abuse by residents from the French side that works on the Dutch side but still obtain unemployment benefits (RSA) from the French side. President Hanson said currently the CAF (Casse Allocations Familiales) owed the French state some Euros 35M.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Public Prosecutors Service has decided not to appeal against the verdict of the Court in the so called investigation “Piranha”. On May 28, 2015, the Court acquitted the suspects Gibbs and (former Minister) Shigemoto of fraud and forgery (amongst other crimes).

The Public Prosecutor accused the suspect Shigemoto of performing acts, as a civil servant (“Directeur Middelen”, Secretary-General, Minister of Finances) in a way that suspect Gibbs got paid while in fact, in the vision of the Public Prosecutors Service, he was not entitled to get paid.

During the two days court hearing, on May 6 and 7, both suspects gave alternative explanations for these actions and explained why, in their vision there was a right to payment. The Court judged that it doubts the vision of the Public Prosecutor and acquitted both suspects. Given the contents of the criminal file, the Prosecution sees insufficient ground to dispel those doubts after appeal. Above that, the lack of adequate legislation of Accountancy Rules provides little possibilities for a conviction.

Note: Accountancy Rules legislate the rules which the government and civil servants should follow regarding the payments of outstanding invoices. On October 10, 2010, these rules expired, while no new rules replaced them.

Het Openbaar Ministerie heeft besloten om geen hoger beroep in te stellen tegen het vonnis van het Gerecht in eerste aanleg in het onderzoek “Piranha”. Op 28 mei 2015 sprak het Gerecht de verdachten Gibbs en (ex-minister) Shigemoto vrij voor (onder meer) oplichting, valsheid in geschrifte en (voor verdachte Shigemoto) ambtsmisdrijven.

Het verwijt van het Openbaar Ministerie kwam er in de kern op neer dat verdachte Shigemoto een aantal (ambts)handelingen had verricht in zijn opeenvolgende functies als Directeur middelen, Secretaris-generaal en Minister van Financiën waardoor verdachte Gibbs facturen uitbetaald kreeg, waarop hij in de visie van het Openbaar Ministerie geen recht had.

Beide verdachten hebben gedurende de twee dagen durende zitting op 6 en 7 mei jl. alternatieve verklaringen gegeven voor deze handelingen en aangegeven waarom er volgens hen wel een recht tot betaling zou zijn. Het Gerecht heeft uiteindelijk geoordeeld dat er twijfel bestaat aan de visie van het Openbaar Ministerie en beide verdachten vrijgesproken. Gelet op hetgeen in het strafdossier aan bewijs voor handen is, ziet het Openbaar Ministerie onvoldoende aanknopingspunten om deze twijfel in hoger beroep weg te nemen. Het ontbreken van adequate comptabiliteitswetgeving biedt bovendien weinig houvast voor een eventuele veroordeling in hoger beroep.

NB: comptabiliteitswetgeving regelt onder meer aan welke (boekhoudkundige) regels de overheid zich moet houden bij het betaalbaar stellen van facturen. Op 10 oktober 2010 zijn deze regels voor het land Sint Maarten komen te vervallen, terwijl er geen nieuwe regels voor in de plaats zijn gekomen.

Press Release from Prosecutor's Office.

Club distributes over $60,000, New Paul Harris Fellows Named, Sochrin installed as President

PHILIPSBURG:---– The Rotary Club of Sint Maarten kicked off its new Rotary year on Saturday, June 20th at Captain Oliver’s Restaurant with a Rock
& Blues Celebration featuring master guitarist Gianfranco and Christine Gordon along with rock band Church on Monday. Outgoing President Deepak “Danny” Ramchandani thanked the
outgoing Board of Directors for their service and distributed more than $60,000 to worthy organizations on Sint Maarten, including the Catholic School Board After School Program, the
Art Saves Lives Foundation, the Senior Citizens Computer Literacy Program, Scouting Antiano, the Pre-University of St. Maarten initiative, The ACE School, the Digikids Foundation,
NewSTART for Children, the White & Yellow Cross, the Philipsburg Cultural Center and the
Sint Maarten Little League.

The Rotary Club of Sint Maarten also named Tom Burnett as a Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of his service to our youth on St. Maarten. Tom and his wife, Lisa Davis, run an after school program which uses the sport of Baseball as a way to help young adults focus on their academic studies through the Sint Maarten Little League. More than 50 young athletes from ages 8 to 18 participate in this after school program. The program was also the recipient of $6,000 from the Rotary Club of Sint Maarten to expand its facilities and accommodate more young athletes, as well as a donation of equipment including bats, two dozen baseballs and gloves.

President Ramchandani then officially turned over the reigns of the Club to Jeffrey “Dr. Soc” Sochrin. Sochrin went on to present three additional Paul Harris Fellows. Posthumously, a Paul Harris Fellow was presented to Charles E. Southworth, Jr, a Past President of the Rotary Club of Nauset (Orleans), Massachusetts, USA, that was accepted by his son, Charles E. Southworth, III, a Sint Maarten resident and Island 92 radio personality, known on air as “Mr. S”.

Sochrin then called upon the two men who taught him about serving others; his uncle, Gary Sochrin of the Rotary Club of Derby-Shelton Connecticut, and his father, Sumner Sochrin. He went on to present both men with Paul Harris Fellow Awards. To Gary Sochrin in recognition for his years of work with Rotary and to Sumner Sochrin, in recognition for more than 50 years of coaching young men in the sport of baseball at the high school and collegiate levels.

Newly installed President Sochrin introduced his new Board Members and Committee Chairpersons including: Secretary/President-elect Henna Budhrani, Immediate Past President Deepak Ramchandani, Vice President Rebecca Low, Vice President Robert Judd, Treasurer Junior Gumbs, Sargent-at-Arms Franklyn Maynard, Director Pierre DeCelles, Vrisha Motwani and Geeta Katnani (The Fun Committee), Larry Gregory (Public Relations), Bonita Hart (Membership), James Ferris (New Generations) and John Caputo (Service Projects).

Sochrin went on to say, “We have been asked by our District Governor and the Rotary International President to move from being successful to being significant and to be a gift to the world. We will do that together by continuing our focus on youth and continuing the great efforts that have become part of our local traditions. With this in mind and before we get started with the FUN part of the evening, I’d like to leave you with a few words that were shared with me from my very first boss in back in 1989. These words are attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson and they most fitting here. Let us together raise our glasses together”. Sochrin continued, “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; the leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know that one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded”.

For more information about the Rotary Club of St. Maarten, please contact the Rotary Club of St. Maarten Press Officer at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the website www.rotarysxm.org.

Cay Hill:--- The St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) received a donation of items for pediatric patients and their breastfeeding mothers from the Sister Marie Laurence Elementary School, Cycle One.
The theme for all Catholic Schools this year is “We are Called to Serve one another.” This aims to help students become aware of the need of others in the community who can benefit from their help.
The students held a two days bake sale from which approximately $500 was raised. Through this fund-raising, cycle one students were able to serve others; the children at the pediatric department and the mothers.
“This is a project we would like to continue each year, gradually helping to acquire all the items on the wish list of the ward” says Teacher Janet Deuzeman.
Several toys, books, blankets a breast pump and bottle warmer were purchased with the funds and donated to the Pediatric Ward at the SMMC.
“We appreciate this donation and are happy to see that young children are bringing smiles to other children faces,” said Nurse Gwen Arndell.
The SMMC express gratitude for the gift items and wish the students continued success in future community projects.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday June 19th at approximately 10.45 p.m. police patrols, police Traffic Department, paramedics and Fire Department were sent to the A.J.C. Brouwers road in the vicinity of the Harold Jack look-out Point for a serious traffic accident. On the scene the investigating officers encountered a head-on collision between two private vehicles P-5934 and P-7307. Vehicles in question were travelling in the opposite directions when they collided head on. As a result of the impact the driver of the P-5934 remained stuck in the mangled wreckage and had to be freed using the “Jaws of Life” from the Fire Department. Both drivers were injured and had to be treated at the Sint Maarten Medical Centre. The driver of the P-5934 was admitted to the SMMC for observation. During the investigation on the scene of the accident traffic on the A.J.C. Brouwers road was closed to all traffic. Traffic was diverted through hill behind the old Cake House. The traffic Department will soon finalize this investigation.

Traffic accident, one injured
The Police traffic Department is presently investigating a head-on collision which happened on Monday June 22nd at approximately 07.00. The accident between a private vehicle with license plate M-9123 and a bus with license plate P-3083 took place on the A.J.C. Brouwers road in the vicinity of Kooyman. Vehicles in question were travelling in opposite direction when impacted causing severe damage to both vehicles. The drivers of the P-9123 suffered a light concussion and wounds to his fore-head and arms. He was treated on the scene and then transported to the Sint Maarten Medical centre for further treatment. The cause of the accident is still being investigated by the traffic department.

Temporary road closure
The Wilhelmina Straat (Parliament Building Ally) will be closed on Wednesday June 24th from 05.30 a.m. to 07.00 a.m. in connection with maintenance work which has to done in that street. All motorists should take note of this information, to avoid any inconvenience and use alternative routes to get to their destination.

KPSM Police Report.

DUTCH QUARTER: --- On Saturday June 22nd, 2015 at approximately 8 pm, an unknown and armed man stormed into the Ken's Bar and Restaurant in Dutch Quarter and robbed the establishment of a sum of money. The cashier was hit with a solid object and got injured. He was brought to the SMMC for medical assistance.
According to witnesses another robber on a scooter stayed close to the entrance. He was on the look-out while the other emptied the cash register. After committing the act both suspects took off on the scooter in the direction of Belvedere.
Immediately after the robbery, the police was called via 911. The dispatchers informed a Patrol Unit and the Detective Department, to investigate the crime scene. Witnesses were questioned by the Police. The Forensic department came to the scene to look for evidence.
The Detective Department is investigating the case.

Civil servants go on pension
On Monday June 22nd 2015 during a small ceremony held at the Philipsburg Police Station two civil servants namely Sylvia Gibs and Laurence Blijden said goodbye to their colleagues working at the KPSM. Both Sylvia Gibs who was Head of the Personnel Department and Laurence Blijden who was Head of the Finance Department of the Sint Marten Police Force have been in Government respectfully 42 and 40 years.
The Management of the KPSM thank both civil servants for their dedication and contribution to the police force and wished them much success in their future endeavours.

KPSM Police Report

Will MP Meyers be living on his Knees or will he die Standing?

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Christopher Emmanuel did not mingle with words during the parliamentary debate on the establishment of an integrity chamber on St. Maarten that was held on Monday. MP Emmanuel said that people need to stop blaming the Dutch for everything and blame the person that places the country in the position it is now. Emmanuel said that it is the Minister of Justice of St. Maarten who flew to the Netherlands and signed the protocol that everyone are contesting. “It’s one of our own that did it to us.” Emmanuel then quoted former US President George Bush who once pointed to the twin towers and said they will get the guys that were responsible for its destruction. He asked who are the people that have St. Maarten where it is that now that everything is about integrity.
MP Emmanuel called on the Minister of Justice to do his job in the justice realm which is to go after the Dutch to ensure that they fully equip the Prosecutors Office and to ensure that the Prosecutors on St. Maarten do their jobs. He asked the Minister if he knows the name “Linden Lewis” Lewis is a detective who was suspended for alleged dereliction of duty after he gave a sworn statement in a murder investigation. “That officer did his job to best of his ability and reported something that is wrong and he was sent home, while another person Cynthia Hok A Hin who committed fraud when she wrote her own advice  and back-dated it to become a permanent employee of KPSM, yet that person is still working at the Police Station, all of which he said that the Minister of Justice is fully aware of.” Emmanuel said that when the Minister of Justice signed the protocol he "Emmanuel" was in Curacao at the time and the Members of Parliament of Curacao called an emergency meeting to vote on a motion to ensure that no Minister place them (bind their hands) in a position like the Minister of Justice of St. Maarten did to the Parliament of St. Maarten. Emmanuel said what the Minister did was tantamount to treason since it is an integrity breach. Emmanuel even mentioned the situation at GEBE where the Prime Minister overruled a decision that was taken by the Supervisory Board of Directors of that Government owned company, while they speak of hands off approach or body length approach. The National Alliance MP chastised the Minister of Justice for not returning to Parliament to debate the draft ordinance to establish an integrity chamber. “The people of St. Maarten did not vote for the two of you, they voted for this body and we are the ones that has the authority to decide what is best for the country and its people.” He said that the LLMA has lots of articles that deals with integrity and he also wants to know why those articles in the LLMA are not being used.
MP Frans Richardson in his remarks made clear that he never said that he had any intention to bring a motion of no-confidence against the Minister of Justice. He said that it’s the media that created that hype and for him the political party is basically vindicated. MP Richardson said that the two Ministers said that they do not need Parliament to sign any agreement or protocol. MP Richardson said that St. Maarten has several integrity organs and yet they are looking to establish another one which according to him will not serve any purpose. MP Richardson asked what is next in line for St. Maarten from the Dutch Government. He said that they built a country to reflect St. Maarten and its people but today the people and politicians on St. Maarten are pushed aside while the Dutch act.
MP Richardson assured the Minister of Justice that he has nothing personal against him but they do have political differences. He further stated that the Minister now has a huge shoes to wear because he will have to go back to The Hague to make the changes that the Parliament of St. Maarten wants in the protocol to establish an integrity chamber.
In responding to MP Frans Richardson Minister Richardson said that he wants MP Frans Richardson to know that Integrity does not fall under his portfolio. “Just for you to know that Integrity falls under the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister is responsible to the UPP party and not to anyone else. Secondly, I have to let you know that no Member of Parliament owns a Minister, Parliament has a majority that governs the Council of Ministers and not an individual Member of Parliament.”
As the Minister continues he also addressed MP Christopher Emmanuel whom he told that what he did by mentioning names of civil servants on the floor of parliament was not correct. Minister Richardson said that mentioning names of persons from the civil service only damages them. He said that if the MP has problems with what transpired in his Ministry he could always go to him directly and he will investigate and give him the facts on what transpired. In the cases you mention you have your facts wrong and you could come to me and I will give you the facts."
MP Frankie Meyers who acted like an outlaw during the Central Committee meeting when the draft ordinance was debated acted differently on Monday. He said that changes must be made but agreed that the Ministers does have the authority to sign off on protocols He said that he was a Minister in the past and he knows the authorities Ministers have. MP Meyers outlined the amount of changes that must the made to the signed protocol, one being that the protocol cannot be binding. Secondly, he felt that people that are being investigated have the right to plea the fifth and not be forced to incriminate themselves. The list of changes that MP Meyers announced could change the entire protocol and it should also be clearly stated that its a law from St. Maarten while the chairman must be from St. Maarten since St. Maarten people are the ones to decide their future. He spoke of the protection for whistle blower, he felt that if the whislte blower is protected then it is only fair that if the whilstle blower is caught falsely accusing people, then it must be punishable. He also felt that article article 7 must be removed which deals with foreign workers. He said that St. Maarten already have the LTU which deals with the regulation of foreign workers and the admittance and expulsion of foreigners. MP Meyers also announced that the Council of State did inform the Kingdom that what they were trying to do by placing the island under higher supervision was illegal since St. Maarten is busy working on establishing an integrity chamber.
Minister Richardson confirmed that changes can be made, but Parliament needs to take into consideration the risk they are taking when making changes to signed protocol. Minister Richardson said that he managed to take off invoking article 51 (higher supervision) off the table but he cannot guarantee that the Dutch will not issue an instruction depending on the changes that are being made.
MP Theodore Heyliger did not agree with what was explained he said that if that is how things will go then the Dutch will do as they wish and then the chips will fall where they have to fall.
A suggestion was made for the meeting to be adjourned in order to give the Ministers an opportunity to reflect on the changes. While the suggestion was seconded, MP Leona Marlin felt that St. Maarten should seek outside advisors to better structure the protocol. She suggested that the Council of Ministers should make contact with Professor Trevor Monroe the keynote speaker at the Governor’s symposium for guidance.
MP William Marlin considered the meeting of Parliament on the establishment of an integrity chamber as the making of history on St. Maarten. Marlin said that the draft ordinance and the protocol are Siamese twins.
The meeting was adjourned until further notice.

Click here to read the statements made by MP Franklin Meyers when the draft ordinance was first debated in a Central Committee meeting

PHILIPSBURG:---  The General Audit Chamber has submitted the annual report for the year 2014 to the President of Parliament. Each year the General Audit Chamber is required by law (National Ordinance General Audit Chamber – Landsverordening Algemene Rekenkamer) to present a report of its activities of the preceding year to the Governor and the Parliament.
An overview of audit work and other advisory activities conducted in 2014 is part of the annual report 2014. Auditing government in the broadest sense of the word, is the main task of the General Audit Chamber.
Reports issued by the General Audit Chamber are meant to support and facilitate Parliament in carrying out its supervisory authorities related to government’s budget and public expenditure.
The Annual Report of the General Audit Chamber is required to be presented to the Parliament as well as the Governor prior to July 1st of each year. The document was submitted to Parliament on Friday, June 19th. Subsequently, the document was presented to the Governor on June 22nd.
This is the fourth annual report published by the General Audit Chamber since its establishment on October 10, 2010.
The report is published in both English and Dutch and is available on the website of the General Audit Chamber (www.arsxm.org).

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Philipsburg Jubilee Library (PJL) would like to announce to the general public that it is adjusting its opening schedule for the summer months and is currently extending its annual summer grace period to its members.
In the period between the 7th of July through the 17th of August, the library will be closing its doors earlier than usual on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. On Mondays the library will be closed all day; on Tuesdays and Wednesdays the opening times will be 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm; Thursdays, the library will open at 2:00 pm and will close at 8:00 pm; the schedule on Fridays will be 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm; and on Saturdays the opening times will be 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Regular opening times will resume on August 18th, 2015.
During the summer, members of the library will also enjoy the special grace period, which runs from the 23rd of June through to the 4th of July. During this period library members can return all their overdue books without incurring any fine at all.
There will be plenty of things for you to do at the library during this summer vacation period. Be sure to visit your library and enjoy the new books and magazines on offer, have a snack at the library café, take part in computer courses or enroll in one of the summer camps for kids and young adults.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Canadian market continues to demonstrate a steady increase in visitor arrivals to the island. In 2013, the island welcomed 292,488 stay over visitors from this market. In 2014, the stay over visitor arrivals increase by 10% for a total of 317,757 visitors.

This increase can be contributed to the efforts of the marketing initiatives carried out by the Tourism Bureau and its partners, locally and internationally.

One such cost efficient and effective initiative of bringing about awareness to the destination is working closely with the airline partners.

From June 16 to 21, 14 WestJet reservation agents from Quebec, Canada were on island to learn about the island and what we have to offer their clients. The agents were given an island tour, visited several hotels that are in the West Jet program and sampled some of our gastronomic cuisines on the island.

Currently, West Jet provides service to St. Maarten from Toronto and Montreal twice per week.

West Jet is also adding airlift from Quebec this upcoming season hence the reason the agents visited St. Maarten to see the product to better sell the destination.

The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau had the pleasure of organizing a scavenger hunt in Philipsburg, for these agents. The highlights of scavenger hunt included our historical sites as well as several stores along Front Street, Back Street and the Boardwalk that participated in the program. The hunt concluded with a dinner at Holland house, where the winning agents was presented with a prize.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The first Sea Turtle nests of the season where laid last week when several nests were recorded by the Nature Foundation on Simpson Bay Beach. In response to the nesting activity students from the Milton Peters College, who are currently doing their summer job training with the Nature Foundation, cordoned off the turtle nests and built and placed warning signs along the beach informing beachgoers of the location and to keep clear of the nests.

The three students Christon Holiday, Maria Craane and Gregory Susana, also placed warning signs at the Simpson Bay Causeway urging people to steer clear of the twenty Tern nests located in the sandy area on the western end of the Causeway.

The sandy area at the western end of the Causeway has become a primary nesting site for terns over the last years and there have been incidents where the nests have been damaged or destroyed. With the signs people are now aware not to walk in the area until the nests have successfully hatched. “Christon, Maria and Gregory did an excellent job in creating and placing the signs for both the turtles and the terns and informing them to steer clear of the areas,” commented Nature Foundation Manager Tadzio Bervoets.

Sea turtle species are managed by the Nature Foundation and are protected under local and international laws and treaties. Based on ARTICLE 16 and 17 of the Nature Conservation Ordinance St. Maarten it is illegal to kill, wound, capture or pick-up sea turtles. It is also illegal to directly or indirectly disturb their environment resulting in a physical threat or damage or to commit other acts that result in disturbance of the animal. It is also forbidden to disturb, damage or destroy sea turtle nests, lairs, or breeding places. Also, it is forbidden to pick-up or to destroy the eggs of any species of sea turtle.

PHILIPSBURG: --- The chairman of Parliament MP Lloyd Richardson had to go back on his decision and remove an agenda point he added on Monday even though several Members of Parliament objected to the additional agenda point claiming that procedures were not followed.
MP De Weever asked the chair of Parliament to add the motion that was suspended in December 2013 which was to widen the scope of medical coverage for independent workers, namely bus drivers, taxi drivers and vendors.
When the motion was in parliament it had to be suspended when it became clear that there was no law in place to support the motion.
MP William Marlin was the first MP to object to the chairman’s decision citing that procedures were not being followed, Marlin even ask the chairman of parliament if the Parliament of St. Maarten would deal with the old motion or an amended version. He said if it’s the old motion then all Members of Parliament have to do was go ahead with the voting since five MP’s had voted when the motion was suspended. Marlin even suggested to the chair to seek legal advice from government legal advisors that were seated in parliament since he was sure that the chair was not abiding by its own rules of order.
MP Sarah Wescot Williams backed MP Marlin when she quoted articles of the rules of order and pointed out that if there are changes to the motion then it cannot be placed on the agenda of Monday’s meeting. Wescot Williams a former Prime Minister and chairlady of Parliament told the chair that she was in fact assisting him because it was clear he did not take the right decision.
MP Cornelius de Weever felt that Members of Parliament were not interested in the needs of the people of St. Maarten but he ended up retracting the motion he had placed on the agenda when they sought legal advice and realized that the motion MP de Weever had placed on the agenda on Monday was an amended version and not the same one that was presented in December 2013.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Three faculty members of the University of St. Martin (USM) Hospitality and Tourism Management program participated in an intense four-day training in Antigua, where they successfully passed their exams and received their certificate in Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE).
The CHE program was designed and offered by the American Hospitality and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). AHLEI is the only professional development opportunity designed primarily for post-secondary education Hospitality Educators worldwide.
USM’s Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) Division head, Mr. Erwin Wolthuis said that he was fully confident that his team would be certified due to the their qualification and enthusiasm in educating. Mr. Wolthuis further states that having CHE lecturers proves the quality of the HTM program and serves witness that USM is reaching the next milestone in its pursuit to having a fully accredited HTM program.
Persons interested in enrolling in the Hospitality and Tourism program may visit USM student service center or email go2usmonline.net

BONAIRE:--- Last Friday, members of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Bear assisted in two community relations projects during their stay on Bonaire.

In coordination with the Bonaire government, 11 USCGC Bear crew members helped with painting and planted several fruit trees at KIBOS (Keyboss) Children activity center in Nikiboko and painted the outer wall off the Rincon Community Center in Rincon on Friday, June 19,
2015.

“It was an honor to have the opportunity to participate in this event and help out the Bonaire community. I’d like to thank the people of Bonaire for their warm hospitality and for sharing their beautiful island with us. Our special thanks go out to Mrs. Silvana Serfilia of the Bonaire government who organized the projects. I know everyone who participated had a blast and I'm excited to see the development of the trees and the community center in the coming years,” ENS Aaron Davis said.

PHILIPSBURG:---- On Saturday June 20th, the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) students came out in full force to volunteer at the St Maarten Zoo for their Community Action Day. With over thirty (30) volunteers, the students of AUC came out to lend some helping hands to the St Maarten Zoo with various tasks such as board walk demolition, paint scraping, painting the animals’ enclosures and plant pots and assisting with the lifting and disposal of tree stubs in preparation for the Zoo’s brand new petting zoo area.

The volunteers began at 9am and concluded at 2pm. They were lead by the Zoo’s summer intern and project manager Ms. Stephanie Park. The groups were divided per task and given the necessary equipment to complete each project.

“On behalf of The Board and Staff of the St. Maarten Zoological & Botanical Garden Foundation, we would like express our sincere gratitude to the volunteers of the American University for thinking of the St Maarten Zoo for their community service,” said Amy Arrindell, President of the St. Maarten Zoological & Botanical Garden Foundation.

Samuel, Sabnani & Maidasani Now Rotarians

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Rotary Club of Sint Maarten inducted three new members at its weekly lunch meeting at the Divi Little Bay Resort on June
17, 2015. Club President Danny Ramchandani had the honor, along with President-Elect Jeffrey
“Soc” Sochrin of welcoming these new Rotarians to the wonderful family of Rotary
International.

President Ramchandani reminded the new members of their responsibility of service above self and presented Mr. Rodolphe Samuel, Mr. Anil Sabnani and Mr. Sunil Maidasani with their Rotary pins. Mr. Samuel and Mr. Sabnani were formally pinned by President Ramchandani, their club sponsor and Mr. Maidasani was pinned by Damu Ratwani, his club sponsor.

For more information about the Rotary Club of St. Maarten, please contact the Rotary Club of St. Maarten Press Officer at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the website www.rotarysxm.org.

Was St. Maarten’s Entities Consulted --- MP Leona Romeo Marlin.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of National Alliance and Member of Parliament William Marlin asked several questions regarding the protocol Minister Dennis Richardson signed on May 23rd with the Dutch Government on the establishment of an integrity chamber. The Parliament of St. Maarten met on Monday to discuss establishment of an integrity chamber on St. Maarten. During that meeting Marlin said that the Dutch announced that they will withdraw their proposal to institute higher supervision on St. Maarten.
MP Marlin asked the Prime Minister and Minister of Justice that appeared before parliament to defend and debate the establishment of an integrity chamber on St. Maarten.
Marlin said that he wants clarity on two articles in the protocol, namely article six and seven. MP Marlin said he wants to see exactly what the Government agreed to with the Dutch prior to signing the protocol. He said he wants to know if there was a mistake in article 6 that states that the parliament of St. Maarten must accept (Aanvaart) the draft protocol as is or can the Parliament of St. Maarten make changes to the protocol without repercussions. Marlin said suppose the parliament of St. Maarten changes the present protocol and inserted that there should be five persons on the supervisory committee or the three that is mentioned should all be appointed by St. Maarten and not by the Kingdom or the Dutch Government. He also mentioned that the protocol does not state how the integrity chmber will be financed? He asked if the Parliament of St. Maarten decides to insert that 95% of the cost will be taken up by the Dutch and 5% by St. Maarten. "I need to know what they mean by "Aanvaart" because the Parliament of St. Maarten makes decision that either affects or will benefit the people of St. Maarten and not the Dutch."

The National Alliance leader further asked if the government of St. Maarten met with the authors of the various integrity reports such as the PricewaterCoopers (PWC) and the Do it Right committee. He asked if the current government agrees with the contents of the integrity reports. Marlin said that the Minister of Justice have been crying out loud for years that the justice chain needs strengthening and nothing was done by the Dutch. He said there several cases lying at the Prosecutors Office and nothing happens with them because of lack of manpower. He said he wants to know why the strengthening of the justice chain had to be mentioned in the protocol on establishing an integrity chamber.
MP Leona Marlin, in her short presentation said he believes that there must be checks and balances like every other country. She said that while the Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson said that the protocol signed is St. Maarten’s draft ordinance. She asked if the Ombudsman, the Council of Advice and the High Council of State were consulted prior to preparing draft and signed protocol. She said she is of the firm belief that all stakeholders on St. Maarten must be involved, Romeo- Marlin said she wants to know if the signing of the protocol is not a hasty approach and if the country (government) is lagging behind.
In addressing the Parliament of St. Maarten Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson referred the Members of Parliament on a motion they passed on motion on October 26th 2014 where it states that the incoming government will execute the recommendations in the various integrity reports. Minister Richardson said that at no time did the Council of Ministers took away the right of the Parliament St. Maarten but he also warned the Parliament of St. Maarten to be cognizant of the consequences that the country would face if the signed protocol is not approved by the Parliament of St. Maarten.
Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs said St. Maarten fought long and hard to obtain its country status and ever since 2010 St. Maarten have been fighting to maintain its status. He said the country have been threatened on several occasions with higher supervision and or instructions from the Kingdom.

MP Sarah Wescot Williams also asked several questions about the signed agreement. She said made proposals to government one of which they have accepted. However, she wants more information on the protocol in order to further debate the signed agreement. MP Wescot Williams asked if the protocol that was signed if from other proposals made by the Dutch.

Is St. Maarten being blackmailed by the Dutch --- MP Silveria Jacobs.

MP Silveria Jacobs asked several questions on the signed protocol on the establishment of an integrity of chamber on St. Maarten. MP Jacobs outlined the various entities that St. Maarten already have as a country and their advices are not being implemented or taken seriously. She asked why should St. Maarten establish another establishment when there are so many when the country already does not have money to invest in its youths. She said when reading the signed protocol one can see how much effort is placed on the strengthening of the justice chain. She said that she is of the opinion that St. Maarten is being blackmailed by the Dutch. “As far as I can see is that in order for St. Maarten to get the necessary help to upgrade the justice chain then the country has to bend over backwards and signed the protocol the deputy Prime Minister signed on May 23rd. If that is the case then I believe that an investigation should be conducted because in her view this is a clear cut integrity breach.”

MP Theodore Heyliger also shared the same sentiments as the opposition MPs who questioned the intentions of the Dutch and the signed protocol. Heyliger said that the Dutch is always on St. Maarten’s back which is always against St. Maarten and its people. He said that he is of the view that all Members of Parliament should have discussed the matter prior to the meeting. Heyliger said he totally agrees with the sentiments shared by MP Silveria Jacobs.
MP Maurice Lake also shared the same sentiments when it comes to the Dutch he said that he met with MP Christopher Emmanuel where they discussed certain matters and he intend to continue that discussion. MP Lake said he will not say much in the first round but will wait for the second round when it comes to the changes and the motion has to go for a vote. MP Johan Janchi Leonard also sanctioned what MP Silveria Jacobs, he said that MP Jacobs was on point with her assessment of the signed protocol.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Attorney-general has issued a new directive for opium offenses for the Public Prosecutors (OM) of Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the BES islands. The new directive goes into effect July 1st 2015.

The new directive is focused on drug traffickers, intermediaries, street vendors, organizers of drug shipments, merchants, hemp farms and XTC affairs. The new directive takes account of all the above matters or the offender is a first offender or a repeat offender. In the case of a repeat offender, the demand in Court will be higher.

For the determination of the demand the OM bases itself on the gross weight of the drugs. Drugs are transported different ways, dissolved in liquid, soaked in garments, as a paste form. In such cases, the Public Prosecutor demands, as it was intended in the Opium Law, a penalty based on the gross weight of corresponding object in which the drug is dissolved.

In case of recidivism (if the last conviction for a similar fact is not older than 5 years) the demand is increased by 50 % to 100%. The time frame in which the crime was
committed / period, method and quantities seriousness of the offenses for which has previously been convicted are circumstances that will be taken into consideration.

In cases with more than 500 grams of drugs, the principle is that for first offenders a report to the Probation Office will be ordered, this to avoid repetition.

The new directive can be found on the website:
http://www.openbaarministerie.org/nl/curacao/publicaties

Click here to view law on opitium offences

PHILIPSBURG:---- Member of Parliament George Pantophlet says there are many pending matters that need urgent attention. The matter of the end of the Taliesin contract or early termination which appeared in the media two months ago is an issue that can have financial consequences for the taxpayers of St. Maarten. The Member of Parliament would like to know what has been done since. Terminating the contract means that a new contractor will have to be hired which translates into additional cost for the people. Another pending matter is the fuel prices and the control of gas stations. It is known that the measuring tank that is used to ensure that the gas stations are operating within the parameters set by government has been on the island of Curacao since last year. This means that no controls which according to the Minister of Economic Affairs Claret Connor are done every quarter are taking place. In 2014 before elections were held the SZV was instructed by the then Minister of Health Cornelius de Weever to and I quote facilitate the renovations and expansion of the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC). The instruction according to the article is required by law based on article 3 of the National Ordinance SZV) end of quote. What happened to this process or was it a campaign ploy? During election campaign there were large billboards with promises to the people of St. Maarten. But it seems this very important issue has been placed on the back burner until another election? Another important matter is that more than 3 months ago he had asked questions concerning persons referred by their physicians for overseas treatment who have not received a date from SZV and to date has not received answers.

PHILIPSBURG:---- First time job applicants may underestimate the importance of dress and appearance in making a positive first impression on a potential employer. This does not have to apply to you. Students are invited to a free workshop entitled, “Dress for Success” which will be held on June 24, 2015, from 5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. at the office of the Student Support Services Division (SSSD) of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports Affairs. Students in the last two years of secondary school or those who recently graduated from school are invited to this interactive workshop.
Dressing for success needs to be a conscious decision. Participants in the workshop will learn about the importance of dressing for the job that they will be interviewing for. Dressing for males and that for females will be addressed separately. Tips for dressing and proper hygiene will also be given. The importance of dressing appropriately for the job interview and after receiving the job will also be highlighted.
The SSSD office is located in the Amigo Building, across from the Police Station and next to the Windward Island Bank (WIB) in Philipsburg. Seating is limited, therefore, students are encouraged to contact the career guidance counselors at SSSD to reserve a seat. If there is enough interest in the workshop, then additional sessions may be organized. Students are encouraged to bring their own writing materials to the workshops and they are encouraged to be on time. For more information, please contact the Student Support Services Division at 543-1235.

Pond Island :---– A fleet of TelEm Group vehicles, joined family friends and many company personnel in an emotional ‘guard of honour’ to escort the body of their late colleague, Stella Aarndell, who passed away in Colombia recently following a period of illness.

The guard of honour escorted Ms. Aarndell’s body from the Princess Juliana International Airport to the Royal Funeral Home early Saturday morning.

On the way, they made an emotional and tearful stop at the TelEm Group branch in Simpson Bay, where Ms. Aarndell worked as a Lead Supervisor. They also made stops at the TelEm Group branch at Le Grand Marche and at the Main TelEm Group building on Pond Island.

Staff organized the escort as a mark of respect to the company’s longest-serving employee with more than 40 years of service.

Ms. Aarndell was the company’s first female employee when it was formerly Landsradio, and was the first Customer Service Manager when the company became the Sint Maarten Telephone Company N.V.

She has been described as a much-loved and dedicated employee who was especially sought out by customers because of the way she interacted with them and attended to their needs.

Close members of the family thanked all the TelEm Group staff who turned out Saturday and did not miss an emotional high-point or the morning when a shower of rain began to fall when the honor guard pulled up at the Simpson Bay Branch.

“She will be happy with the love that is being shown for her from everywhere,” one family member said.

Meantime TelEm Group staffers have set up a condolence book for their late colleague in the lobby of the TelEm Group main building on Pond Island and are inviting customers and friends who have known Stella over the years to pay tribute to her in words.

The condolence book will be presented to Stella’s family at a later date as a treasured keepsake to show that she was much loved throughout the company and also by the many, many customers she came into contact with.

The funeral service for the later Stella Aarndell will be officially announced by her family members.

PHILIPSBURG:---- St. Maarten was not surprised at all when the UP party told their coalition partner the US party of MP Frans Richardson to take a hike but Dennis stays. The US party should have drawn their conclusion from the statement made by the honorable Prime Minister that Minister Richardson isn’t going anywhere. According to the Prime Minister if Minister Richardson goes, then the entire cabinet is going and the Prime Minister would then have no choice but to dissolve the parliament of St. Maarten. It is one or two things either the US party didn’t get it that they were added to the coalition as an unnecessary spare wheel and as the old folks say more is more. Or as they have mentioned when they joined the coalition in order to help your people you must be in government. In my opinion the US party was approached to join the coalition to keep some of the other power hungry members intact and the coalition succeeded. Over and over the UP leader has been able to outsmart even some of the experienced leaders such as the DP leader and now it is US party turn to be humiliated. But the people of St. Maarten will expect them to outline in the public meeting on Monday to debate the Integrity Chamber what they have accomplished for the people in the period of time that they are part of the government. The people also expect them to shed some more light on the security contract at the harbour; the one hundred million dollar St. Maarten Quarter Dev. project to begin within short at the harbour; the relocation of the Ministry of Justice to the building on the entrance of the St. Johns Ranch and any other inside information that they acquired on the Rainforest Adventures for supporting the government. But most of all they must inform the general public how all these projects are going to benefit the ordinary people of St. Maarten. Remember this also has to do with Integrity, the buzz word in St. Maarten today.
It is a crying shame that after nine months in government the people continues to feel hopeless with no indication that things will ever get better during this UP lead government.
Let’s look at the various scenarios that can take place during the meeting to be held this Monday, June 22, 2015.
The government will make a presentation to the parliament of St. Maarten about the Integrity Chamber, the protocol that was signed by the Minister of Justice with the support of the UP party and the changes to the law to put this integrity chamber into practice.
There will be a lot of talk by the members of parliament mostly without any type of substance and those supporting the government will fall in line including the US party. I foresee the US party making a fail attempt to rip into the Justice Minister but they will remain within the coalition. Nobody will be going home and the changes to the law will be approved by the parliament of St. Maarten and at the end of the day the Integrity Chamber will be installed.
What does this mean for the ordinary people of St. Maarten? Absolutely nothing, the people will continue to suffer because of the high cost of living; unemployment especially amongst young people between the ages of 18 to 30 years is at an all-time high; no changes to the short term contracts; our education system is in shambles; our health system is none existence and our economy remains stagnant.
After the meeting of parliament, the members will continue collecting their high salaries and they go back to doing what they do best, doing nothing but enriching themselves at the same time.
St. Maarten we need a fresh start with different leaders and a different government make-up.

PHILIPSBURG:----  Minister Plenipotentiary, Hon. Josianne Fleming–Artsen received a courtesy visit from drs. Manus Twisk recently who was appointed as Secretary to the Board of Financial Supervision (Cft) as of August 1st, succeeding Kees van Nieuwamerongen.

Twisk gave a brief explanation of his new role as secretary to Cft and the tasks of his secretariat.

He emphasized that the Cft is meant to be in place temporarily. However, once the countries prove that they are able to consistently handle their own finances in a sustainable manner, the Cft will have fulfilled its task.
The Minister Plenipotentiary and Twisk also talked about future cooperation between the Cabinet and the Cft Secretariat, as well as issues concerning the current planning and control cycle and the sustainability of financial management on Sint Maarten.
In mid-August, the new Secretary to the Cft board will begin his first working visit to the countries and public entities to meet with their respective governments.

PHILIPSBURG:---- United People’s (UP) party Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. Maurice Lake, says he has drafted a legislation agenda which he will be working on during the second half of 2015 after parliament returns from recess.
“Government has already started working on abolishing the Expat law in the public sector and making changes to the law for the private sector, and this will save Government approximately one million guilders. This is a cost savings measure for the people and I commend the Minister of Finance with respect to this.
“I stated during the budget debate 2014 that the law on this topic is incomplete, no limitations on how far back one can claim, and therefore persons were employed without this agreement are now requesting it retroactive in court.
“I am looking forward to see the final changes made to the law by Fiscal Affairs and the Minister of Finance. I am also looking forward for Government to look into improving their "instroombeleid" incentives policy to encourage our young professionals to return home to work.

”Presently, the National Ordinance Amending the Ordinance on Admittance and Expulsion (LTU) and Fee Ordinance (AB 2014, no. 23) which I brought up during the Budget 2014 debate is by the Council of Advice to be reviewed, and then to be sent back to the Council of Ministers and back to Parliament.
“We need to amend this law because an application or processing fee should be non-refundable. Nowhere in the world is an application or processing fee refundable to the applicant. The ministry has to do administrative work whether you get the permit or not and government saves money.

”It's good to see Government is working on the recognition of the University of St. Martin this year and to increase their subsidy on the Budget 2016. I am very pleased with this development as it will benefit our youth and the country overall.

”I plan to schedule a meeting with the Police Department to start looking into amending the law into noise levels at bars and night clubs, as well as the breathalyzer test and other legislation that just needs to be amended in the interests of the people. I have been busy since January working on some amendments.
“Another piece of law change is abolishing the land tax article in the law. Land is an asset to native Sint Maarteners and certain articles need to be eliminated because they do not fit into the Sint Maarten situation.
“There are laws on the books that are outdated and don’t serve the interests of the Sint Maarten people,” MP Lake said on Sunday.
“I am very pleased to see the Ministry of VROMI has carried out a public bid for trench cleaning for a period of two years for local contractors in the different districts. This has been a very successful project which creates work for the boys in the different districts to provide for their family, and at the same time our environment looks better and cleaner.

”I however would like to see more Capital Investment projects on the budget for 2016 to stimulate economic development in the community. This is very much necessary.

”As a member of parliament, I would continue to legislate and amend laws and educate the nation in the best interest of our people. MPs have to know and understand their roles as well as the powers that they have as Parliament.
“The focus now must be more on legislating rather than asking all the time questions. We need to get serious with the people’s business and show more political maturity,” UP MP Maurice Lake said on Sunday.

“The gradual withdrawal of businesses and service activities from Downtown Marigot has been observed for quite some years now. The main economic activity in Saint-Martin is tourism, essentially supplied by North American and Caribbean visitors; this activity is confronted today with an aging town, deteriorated storefronts and equipment, saturated by cars and without any real attractiveness. The threat of insecurity has reinforced this downward trend.”

MARIGOT"--- This is the argument used to justify the necessity for the revitalization of Marigot in Deliberation N° 6 of the upcoming territorial council of 25.06.2015.

I am deeply disturbed by this type of rhetoric that is overlooking how Marigot reached that deteriorated state, which is undoubtedly not the purpose of this deliberation. Obviously, the person who drafted this text knows nothing of the evolution of Marigot, having depicted an even more degraded image of what it really looks like, leaving the impression that all of this happened by divine intervention or by some trick of fate. I would suggest that this person read “Saint-Martin: Destabilization of the French Caribbean” if this person has just arrived on the island, or if that person has been living here for the last thirty years at least, this text is intended to disguise reality and once more willfully manipulate territorial opinion, stopping people from thinking.
Who created the demise of our magnificent “Main Street”, lined up with luxury stores and filled with high-end smiling visitors, who felt completely secure, always open for a pleasant chat with passers-by, and obviously happy to be here on our island?
This irresponsible and misleading text cannot convince anyone that the continual filling of the Bay is the only reason for revitalizing Marigot. Who are the masters of business and economic development in Saint Martin? How did insecurity sprung up since no solution was found yet in the last 30 years to curb its growth, but is self-perpetuating even more acutely? Are we all buying this? Do we still have high-end tourists in Marigot? Is there still a tourism industry on this side? Who has failed this island? Did it just happen by chance? Let us be serious, for a project costing so many millions!!!
Daniella JEFFRY

 PHILIPSBURG:--- Young St.Maarteners Max Loubser (Captain), Kippy Gilders and Laura Bijnsdorp are amongst the crew on the Corina IV, a 52-foot sailboat that embarked on a journey to circumnavigate the world on June 11th 2013. They have sailed over 35.000 miles, visiting 45 countries sailing through the Pacific, South East Asia, Indian Ocean, Atlantic and Caribbean.

Some of their numerous adventures include diving with schools of hammerhead sharks in the Galapagos, standing on the edge of an active volcano in Vanuatu, hunting wild boars in Papua New Guinea, running from Komodo Dragons in Indonesia, swimming with whales in the Indian ocean, sailing the dangerous waters around South Africa, exploring the remote river areas of Brazil and tasting all the various rum the Caribbean has to offer! They have met many amazing people and learned about an array of different cultures along the way.

On Friday June 26th the Corina IV will be back home in St.Maarten. The public is invited to greet them as they sail through the Simpson Bay Bridge at 5pm as they officially complete their circumnavigation.

The crew would like to thank Budget Marine for their continued support, The St.Maarten Yacht club for hosting them, Antillean Liquors for getting their parties started and all their other supporters and friends who have made the trip possible.

For more information, stories, pictures and videos about the trip surf to www.readysetsailnow.com and www.facebook.com/readysetsail

PHILIPSBURG:---- The Permanent Committee of Country’s Expenditures (CLU) of Parliament will meet in a session on the 23rd of June with the Minister of Finance Hon. Martin Hassink.

The permanent committee meeting is set for Tuesday at 2.00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is a presentation to members of the CLU committee by the Minister of Finance regarding the measures taken by Government recommended by the General Audit Chamber in its report on Compliance Audit of the 2012 Financial Statements of the General Pension Fund St. Maarten (APS).

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 via www.sxmparliament.org.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Sint Maarten – The Central Committee of Parliament will meet in public session on June 23rd.

The 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 first agenda point is a discussion between the Saint Martin Territorial Council of the Collectivity and Members of Parliament (MPs) on topics of mutual interests with specific attention on: the position of residents of the French side that are on pension that have been employed on the Dutch side in the past; possibility of joint waste management; possibility of joint water and light management; development of geothermal energy.

The second agenda point to be handled in the Central Committee meeting of Parliament on Tuesday is an invitation for the House to send a delegation of MPs to attend a solemn public meeting of the Parliament of Curacao on the occasion of Curacao Flag Day which is observed on July 2nd.

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 via www.sxmparliament.org.

POINTE BLANCHE:--- Port St. Maarten – Students and teachers of the HAVO/VWO Department of the Milton Peters College (MPC) have embarked on a unique Science/Technology project called the N.S.E. “Near Space Experience.”
Port St. Maarten is supporting the project financially as a partner during the pre and post phases which includes video and graphic productions, launch, along with rendering technical support to help guarantee the success of the project.
This is the first time known so far that this exciting initiative is being realized in the Caribbean by High School students. Information Technology and Science teachers are supporting twenty four (24) students, of which five (5) of them are in the coordinating team overlooking the project progress conform the learning objectives.
“It is a great pleasure that Port St. Maarten can be a part of this innovative project. As a former student of MPC, I am proud to be able to be a part by supporting this initiative. At Port St. Maarten we look at innovation, strategic planning, in order to be ahead of the competition.
“This project by MPC students demonstrates the same philosophy and tenants that we pursue. It is part of our strategy to embrace these types of projects that are designed and developed by our youth. In order for our country to continue to move forward, we have to think as though there isn’t a box and be innovative and take calculated risks in order to excel.
“This is definitely a moment in history that we are proud to be a part of. It will stimulate other young people to also reach for the stars as the sky is the limit. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the students and teachers for embarking on this one of a kind mission.
“I also take this opportunity to thank Minister of Tourism and Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications Hon. Claret Connor for his support by attending the initial presentation given by the students,” Port St Maarten Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo said on Sunday.
The learning objectives for the students are Research based learning, Critical thinking, Collaboration and Engineering amongst other.
The project’s general objectives are to release a science/technology payload into the higher stratosphere, up to 40 km* with calculated Helium in a helium-weather balloon; to make still and moving images of Sint Maarten, the Caribbean and beyond; to measure various Earth’s natural conditions, air pollutants; to observe the Earth’s curvature and the blackness of the universe.
Prior to the launch, permission has to be requested from the Department of Civil Aviation, Shipping and Maritime Affairs as part of compliance and certification as required by international aviation safety regulations.
Realizing a live video streaming up to 20 km and live tracking via a Global Positions System (GPS) sensors, is also part of the project at the MPC students want to give the public at large a real near space experience as well.
For additional information you can follow the NSE project on twitter @NSE_StratosX and on FaceBook at www.facebook.com/NSE.StratosX.

PORT OF SPAIN (ILO News){--- Thirty-four representatives from nineteen Employers’ Organizations from the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean will participate in a regional Forum entitled “Facilitating Participation of CARIFORUM Civil Society in Regional Development and Integration Processes”, to be held at the Accra Beach Resort in Christ Church, Barbados, from 22-24 June 2015.

As part of an EU-funded Project*, implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to strengthen the capacity of the Caribbean Employers’ Confederation (CEC) to play a greater role in regional policy making, participants at the Forum will identify key issues of importance to Employers’ Organizations at the national and enterprise levels, so that CEC can effectively lobby an advocacy strategy on their behalf.

Each organization will present one key area of particular concern or importance to their country/territory, such as:

1. • Legislative focus to support the implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Social Chapter, which incorporates the core ILO Conventions;
   • Review of regulatory barriers, to develop an enabling environment for sustainable enterprises;
   • TVET institutions – matching skills training to employment needs;
   •  Climate change and enterprise resilience;
   • Migration issues in relation to building a Caribbean Single Market Economy;
   • Institutionalizing tripartism at both a national and regional level, to ensure a systemic approach to input from Employers' Organizations on social and economic policies; and
   • Productivity and competitiveness, particularly in small and medium enterprises.

Other topics to be discussed at the Forum include Migration and Free
Movement of Labour; International Trends Affecting Employers and their
Organizations; and Social Dialogue Mechanisms. Findings from a recent
study tour to Brussels will be presented on the subject of Regional
Tripartite Good Practises and Strategies for National Input.

Minister of Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development for
Barbados, Sen. the Hon. Dr. Esther Byer-Sukoo is carded to speak at the
Opening Ceremony, along with Ambassador Mikael Barford, Head, European
Union (EU) Delegation to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean; Ms. Anne
Knowles, Senior Specialist, Employers’ Activities, ILO; Mr Wayne Chen,
President, CEC; and Mr Ian Gooding-Edghill, President, Barbados
Employers’ Confederation.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will meet in a public plenary session on June 22nd. The Minister of General Affairs Prime Minister Hon. Marcel Gumbs will be present for the session.

The plenary session is set for Monday at 10.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The first agenda point is incoming documents; the second agenda point is a draft National Ordinance to establish the Integrity Chamber; and the third agenda point is a motion regarding the Social & Health Insurances (SZV).

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 via www.sxmparliament.org.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Eight USM students carried out a study tour in New York City. The tour was coordinated in close cooperation with Monroe College, New York and was an integral part of the student’s curriculum.

Apart from experiencing the city life and attractions such as the subway system, visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art, etc... the students also followed an intense study program with Monroe College.
The students were very grateful for the experience, some commented that after visiting the Monroe College campus they are happy that they have chosen there to further their studies, all were overwhelmed with the hospitality they received from the officials of Monroe College and having the opportunity to follow workshops and classes.
Mr. Erwin Wolthuis, Division Head of USM’s Hospitality and Tourism Management program escorted the students on the trip, he commented that he was contented with the trip and deemed it a success.

The students would like to thank everyone who contributed to making this trip a reality, especially the main sponsors: the Princess Juliana International Airport and the Windward Islands Bank.

PHILIPSBURG:--– A delegation from Sint Maarten was in Brussels to attend the Summit of the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) Energy Ministers from June 16 to 18, 2015.
The OCT Sustainable Energy Roadmap was signed by Minister Plenipotentiary Artsen on behalf of Sint Maarten.
At the Overseas Countries and Territories Ministerial Conference, held on February 26th, 2015 in Tortola, sustainable energy was identified as an essential area of cooperation.
During this conference OCT governments agreed to support the development of an OCT Sustainable Energy Roadmap to help reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and improve their energy efficiency.
The Summit of the OCT Energy Ministers was the setting for the adoption of this OCT wide Sustainable Energy Roadmap, facilitating and supporting the path towards lowering fossil fuel dependency and increasing energy efficiency to further assist OCTs in the transition to sustainable energy.
During the Summit, Sint Maarten as Regional Authorizing Officer (RAO) for the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Caribbean Regional Program (€ 40 million) presented an update on the progress made during the programming phase and outlined the proposed actions and way forward for the coming four years.
In addition, a selection of the identified sustainable energy priority areas for the Caribbean OCTs and a proposal for a possible joint project were shared with the participants.
The Energy Summit also gave OCTs the opportunity to provide guidance regarding sustainable energy priorities for the Thematic Program (€16-18 million) under the 11th EDF.
The Sint Maarten delegation comprised of the Hon. Minister Plenipotentiary Josianne Fleming-Artsen, Olivia Lake, Policy Advisor Donor Coordination and EU Relations, Claire Hooft-Graafland, Senior Policy Advisor Nature and Environment and Carol Voges, Sint Maarten Representative in the Netherlands for EU Relations.

AIRPORT:--- A delegation of TLC-Aviation will go to an aviation conference to promote St. Maarten and aims to attract more and new visitors. This time the meeting is held in Teterboro, in the New York vicinity. Promotion of airport activities of any kind aims to have a positive impact on St.Maarten’s economy. Steven Kong, the Managing Director of TLC Aviation points out that there is an urgent need for more aircraft parking area at our airport to meet the needs of additional aviation traffic.

“The meeting in New York is important because the East Coast of the United States bring us traffic, especially around the period that they call ‘Spring Break’; usually in March. It is the third out of four conferences that we are attending this year. We spend a significant dollar amount this year alone trying to attract clients from abroad. We do all our promotional work that benefits St.Maarten without the support from any hotel, tourist or government organization. We are trying hard to bring in new clients. A problem that we are facing though, is insufficient parking space when the aircraft are actually coming.”

Especially during the peak season it creates a significant problem. Several trip planning companies abroad are urging the aircraft operators and owners to make early arrangements. In their communication with their clients, they try to make them aware of St.Maarten’s problem.

“Look at it from their perspective,” Steven explains. “They plan early and have to make reservations for high cost hotels far in advance. It also means making deposits accordingly with the reservation. Once they arrive in St.Maarten airspace, they may experience a congestion at the airport because of high air traffic or the ramp being filled with commercial airliners. So, they are either put in a hold pattern and have to circle around in the sky, or they have to fly to their alternate airport.”

Prior to the departure abroad pilots or flight dispatchers have to file a flight plan. Part of required flight planning involves the identification of one or more airports which can be flown to in case of unexpected conditions at the destination airport. Alternate airports are the ones that can be reached with the anticipated fuel load. Circling too long may create a fuel problem and the decision will be made early to fly elsewhere.

“If the aircraft is getting into a situation that it will have to fly to the alternate airport which may be St.Kitts or Antigua, they lose the high hotel deposits that were paid in advance, not to mention the inconvenience,” Steven explains. “So, what will happen next time? They may not plan on SXM in the first place, but rather immediately plan to fly elsewhere. And the word spreads among pilots and dispatchers at international conferences. It is not the just the aircraft and hotel business that we are losing. Mind that the aircraft crew on average stays seven to fourteen days in a luxury hotel. The aircraft owners are often yacht owners and they may decide to have their yacht and arrive where there is an airport with less congestion. Once that decision is made, they may not come back the next time. Trying to attract new clients is an expensive undertaking, but trying to get a lost one back, is more costly. It is not just a matter of lost business but also a lost reputation.”

Aviation activities contribute directly to employment and the general economy. It is called ‘Economic
Impact’. The three major components of economic impact are direct, indirect and induced impacts. Direct economic impact measures the employment directly associated with the aviation activities on the airport and includes private aircraft handling and other support staff. Indirect impacts include employment in businesses that supply or provide services to the aviation activities. Induced employment is employment created because of expenditures by individuals employed both directly and indirectly by businesses directly related to aviation activity on St.Maarten. Economic impact ads together the direct, indirect, and induced impacts. It should not be underestimated.

“TLC-Aviation, is a wholly owned St.Maarten company that means all our revenues stay in St.Maarten,” says Steven Kong. “We don’t pay franchise fees to a company abroad for instance. You might say that all we do is by St.Maarteners for St.Maarten. We employ fourteen people who have their families; they pay rent, buy food, etc. When we are bringing in new clients, it also means additional business for hotels, car rentals, and yes, for whatever yacht owners may spend here from supplies to harbor fees. Crews enjoy parking at our airport, for one because of the ease of Government formalities. In case of mechanical aircraft problems SXM has the advantage over other airports that the needed parts are brought in import tax free. But also mechanics have to be flown in who have to stay somewhere. They all like accommodations here; the restaurants, beaches, casinos, night clubs. There is something for every crew to enjoy. Every crew would rather stay in St.Maarten for all these reasons mentioned. It is our goal to promote that at conferences and provide it here. Yet, we have to find a solution for aircraft parking needs. The reason that we are traveling to these conventions is to attract additional business. So when the time comes and a request comes in for parking, TLC-Aviation needs to comply based on promises we have made at those conferences.”

MARIGOT:---- The 4th Annual Sunday Best Gospel Song Competition has taken up momentum just a few hours before the competition. This annual gospel singing competition organized by Professor Salt in collaboration with SOS Radio 95.9FM has become very popular over the years.
This year the competition has taken on two categories, a junior and senior. The finalists in the junior segment are Daniel Gardner, Beyonce Williams, Shanda Browne and Celina Paul. In the senior segment, Karel Eusebius, Nicolette Jederon, Dwain Bethel, Jacqueline Woods and Mariska Emmanuel.
Each finalist went through and elimination round, and will be presenting one song on Saturday June 20th at 7:30pm at Port de Plaisance (Under the tent).
The MC for the night is Bro Blessed and other performers for the evening is the bright, talented 5 year Ciara Boston from the Blessed Bright an Bold kids club, Shanda Webster and the Christ Ambassador Mimers.
The audience is out for a special treat after Winners will be announced. Gospel Artist Monodel Ollivierre from St. Vincent will grace the stage with her popular hits often heard on SOS Radio Morning Program. The event is one which is highly attended by gospel music lovers and the Christian community on St. Maarten.
That same evening the winner of the SOS Radio 95.9FM father’s day letter writing competition will be announced. Lots of surprises are in store. Tickets for the event can be purchased at the gate.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday June 18th at 02 p.m. the Honorable Minister of Education Mrs. Rita Bourne-Gumbs, the Honorable Minister of Justice Mr. Dennis Richardson and representatives of the School board for secondary education came together at the Philipsburg Police Station for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the soon the implemented “Student Identification Card”.
The project for the implementation of the “Student Identification Card” has been on the drawing board for quite a while and has been spearheaded by Inspector Felix Richards the Community Police Officer for the Sint Peters, Reward and surrounding areas and a committee that was put together to make the project a reality. The “Student Identification Card” will be taken up into the school rule book of every secondary school on the Dutch Side of the island and will be enable authorities and school management to better monitor the students on different levels during school hours and school events.
Then introduction of the “Student Identification Card” is the first faze of this project which consists of several stages. One of these stages include the upgrading of the bus drivers who drive the children to school on a daily basis, creating a new sense of safety and security when travelling to and from the school districts By creating safety and security on the school busses parents will again allow their children the catch the bus to school and in doing so alleviate the traffic congestion in the school districts.

KPSM Police Report.

PHILIPSBURG: ---The Governor’s Symposium held on Friday at the Westin Resort with the theme “Governance, The Value of Checks and Balances” could be viewed as an eye opener for government, foundations and government owned companies.
Besides several speeches there were video clip focusing on the topic at hand. Almost all of the speakers mentioned how important are the media on St. Maarten and the need for more investigative journalism to further investigate things that seems wrong or smells like corruption. The social media which many on St. Maarten criticize were dubbed as being a very important means of getting information to the people, while the people themselves have an opportunity to voice their opinions and even shed more light on certain topics. Another concern shared which the speakers believe should be established and protected is an entity for ‘whistle blowers” that are afraid of giving information to law enforcement or anyone and be guaranteed protection.
Miguel Alexander, zeroed in on the way government set up government owned companies and foundations. Alexander said government basically relinquished their rights when they hand over government owned companies to Supervisory Board of Directors whom he said are appointed by government and can be dismissed by government. “Placing government owned companies the way they are set up now allows them to be governed by private laws and not public law.”
He made clear that members of the supervisory boards of these government owned companies is to supervise and not to micromanage the companies. The management of those company lies with the managing director whom he said sits in the driver’s seat. Persons that are appointed to positions at government owned companies should be persons of integrity.
Alexander said that appointments of members to supervisory boards and management should be done as stipulated by law, meaning that prior to anyone being appointed to any of the positions an advice should be sought and gotten from the Corporate Governance Council which shows responsibility and accountability. Alexander further stated that government distanced itself from the Corporate Governance Council and the council was not even taken seriously and the first Corporate Governance Council was not even given a fair chance even though that council was legally established and the body only serves as an advisory body to government.
Jan Beaujon also placed focus on the way appointments are done and he said that the organizations that are established have to be trusted. Beaujon also made clear that the media has a vital role to play and since St. Maarten is a small community he warned that foreign journalists might be coming to St. Maarten to conduct investigative journalism. He cautioned that persons within the public spectrum should not take offence when they are criticized or highlighted instead these persons should become more transparent. Beaujon said government on the whole should be open and transparent to avoid having the wrong information in public domain
Keynote Speaker for the event Professor Trevor Monroe, the director of integrity action of Jamaica said that government agencies including the police should have a website where people could find information. Information he said must be available to people in order to curb corruption. “There should be openness in government and a free flow of information, a separation of powers, based on the country’s constitution.”
Monroe said that while this is the first time he is visiting St. Maarten he cannot speak too much about what is taking place on the island but generally he said the Caribbean is lacking behind when it comes to transparency and openness and they should place focus on building awareness to eliminate corruption. He felt that every country should get to the point where political parties have to register, submit detailed financing which would help eliminate vote buying and or vote selling. Monroe said that there should also be amount set as to how much political parties could spend on political campaigns, how much donations they received and from whom. He said there must be a deep understanding on the role of the media in society and the respect for ‘freedom of the press”
Monroe said globally for things are much more open, information can be found on websites but in the Caribbean that is not the case. He said based on initiatives he has taken the people of Jamaica has more access to information.

Checks and Balances, A Societal Imperative
Opening Address
By The Governor of Sint Maarten
His Excellency Drs. Eugene B. Holiday
Delivered at the
Governor’s Symposium 2015
“Governance: The Value of Checks And Balances”.

June 19, 2015

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Morning,
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the fourth annual Governor’s Symposium to deliberate on “Governance: The Value of Checks and Balances”. In the next few minutes I shall develop this symposium’s theme by drawing your attention to the societal imperative of checks and balances.
It is commonly said that ours is a government of the people, by the people and for the people. Some persons would say that, that is what it is supposed to be. Without taking sides I wish to draw your attention to the opening words of the preamble to our constitution and I quote:
“ WE THE PEOPLE OF SINT MAARTEN ....... ........ Declare that we wish to create a constitutional order based on an open and approachable government AND THEREFORE to record these objectives ........, the following provisions shall enjoy the force of law as the constitution of Sint Maarten”. Unquote
I quoted the preamble to emphasize the principal and initiating role of THE PEOPLE in the creation of government. I do so to underscore that our constitution dictates that governance in Sint Maarten must be first and last all about the wishes and interest of the people of Sint Maarten. And to make that happen it is imperative that we as a people, as a society play our respective roles. [IT IS THEREFORE GOOD TO SEE SO MANY OF YOU HERE THIS MORNING]
As Governor, governance as a practice to advance the well-being of the people of Sint Maarten, is the domain of my activities, and it is therefore in keeping with my pledge to uphold our constitution, my aim to foster and encourage excellence in governance in all its facets. It is for this reason and considering the ongoing governance debate on our island that I have chosen the topic of this symposium.
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Governance in its core refers to the way in which our society is managed and controlled by decision-makers and decision-brokers based on formal arrangements as well as on traditions, customs and attitudes. Essential principles in that regard as established in our constitution are: democracy, the rule of law, separation of powers, transparency and accountability. These are important checks and balances principles because they hold within them immeasurable societal value. They do so because they, among others, provide:
a. for the democratic freedoms you and I enjoy;
b. for the protection of our fundamental rights; and
c. for the curtailing of concentration of decision-making powers.

History has taught us that failure of governance through a breakdown of checks and balances invariably results in the weakening and collapse of businesses and countries. And that such situations always come with high costs to the people. It is therefore in our individual and collective interest as a society to guard against such situations. It is in other words a societal imperative to have effective controls i.e., checks and balances through among others functional accountability, transparency and enforcement mechanisms to ensure that decisions are made effectively, efficiently, fairly and with integrity. To further emphasize the need for and value of checks and balances I have paraphrased the words of Thomas Hobbes as follows; checks and balances is a societal imperative not because man is naturally bad, but because man is by nature more individualistic than social.

Checks and balances is as such a societal imperative because it is required to promote and frame decision making to benefit the public good or the interest of the people. It does so because it promotes decision making based on laws, regulations, policies, governing programs and business plans and in doing so it builds trust and confidence of the people in government and the managements of corporations. Such trust and confidence represents significant value to the community because it provides the order and stability required for planning, investments and sustainable development.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As a small young country with a one pillar tourism economy, Sint Maarten is susceptible to the impact of global events and developments over which we have no control. To chart a balanced and sustainable future for our people, it is imperative that we have effective national governance responses. Responses that are anchored in a comprehensive national development strategy that includes well-functioning checks and balances within our governance infrastructure. For at its best governance anchored in checks and balances, is an interactive partnership of trust and confidence between civil society, corporations and government.

Experience has taught us that that partnership is not automatic and that it requires work. And I sure you would agree that we have our fair share of challenges and work to do in that respect. To meet this challenge I invite you to inform yourself about the many forces and complex realities that influence checks and balances in governance.

It is with a view of this ongoing challenge and the societal imperative of checks and balances in mind that I – with the assistance of the Organizing Committee – organized this symposium.

At this symposium regional and national speakers will speak to you, on the value of checks and balances, each from their own perspective. I hope that these speakers will cause you to reexamine how decisions and actions by government, by civil society, by the private sector and by the media have shaped and continue to influence our society. It is my hope that they will inspire and help you to identify opportunities for you to play your role in enhancing checks and balances as a part of our governance infrastructure.
It is against that background and considering the many discussions about governance and checks and balances in newspapers, on radio, television, and social media that I wish to remind you to act on checks and balances as a societal imperative. I do so because I am convinced that it is our obligation to strengthen checks and balances as an essential public, corporate and civil governance pillar for the overall functioning of our society. And to reinforce that I wish to leave you with the following thought:

Imagine
there are no laws, policemen or judges,
there are no shared values, churches or media, and
that there is no government of, for and by the people
Imagine
Ladies and Gentlemen,
With that thought I hereby declare this symposium on “Governance: The Value of Checks and Balances OFFICIALLY OPEN and wish you an enjoyable and fruitful symposium.

Click here to read the full text of the speech given by Miguel Alexander.

Click here to view more photos of the Governor's Symposium 2015

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Supervisory Board of Directors of GEBE met with the Council of Ministers on Thursday to provide information government requested from the government owned company.
SMN News learnt that the board met with government mostly to give full explanation as to why they took the decision not to renew the contract for the Chief Operations Officer Romelio Maduro and also why they sought legal representation.
The Prime Minister of St. Maarten indicated earlier that he will be ordering a forensic investigation at GEBE. On Wednesday night Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs stressed at the opening of the renovated departure lounge at PJIAE that there will be some major changes at government owned companies. He said two weeks ago these companies do not only have government at arms-length but they have government at body length and this he said has to change.
It is understood that at the meeting with the Supervisory Board of Directors of GEBE the Council of Ministers made clear that government will take the necessary measures to ensure that proper procedures are followed and persons are not being victimized. Efforts made to reach Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs on Thursday proved futile.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- In an effort to support and stimulate Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs), the Department of Economy, Transportation and Telecommunication will be hosting a workshop to assist entrepreneurs interested in applying for direct grant funding from the European Union funded COSME Programme.

The COSME Programme, which was established with the aim of Strengthening the Development of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises of the Overseas Countries and Territories of the Caribbean Region, includes a Direct Assistant Grant (DAG) Scheme which allows for entrepreneurs and Business Support Organizations (BSOs) to apply for an interest free grant to help support their business ventures.

Small businesses and Business Support Organizations eligible to apply for grant funding must be legally established and operational for at least one year with financial statements to support operation, potential applicants.
Maximum award amount has been set at 12,000 Euros and applicants must be able to contribute 30% of funds necessary to execute their intended project.

As grants and space are limited, SMEs and BSOs interested must register with EVT by 12pm Monday June 22nd to be able to attend.
More information on the Direct Assistance Grant can be found at www.bit.ly/COSMEGrant Persons interested can contact EVT via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via phone at 549-0220.

POINTE BLANCHE:---- Port St. Maarten – After the conclusion of the largest and best ever 21st Annual Florida Caribbean Cruise Conference & Exhibition (FCCA) in October 2014 in St. Maarten held under the banner of Re-inventing Cruise, Port St. Maarten management have taken the necessary strategic steps to ensure that Sint Maarten as a mature cruise destination will continue to prevail in the decades to come.
Port St Maarten Chief Executive Officer Mark Mingo and Bertrand Peters, Business Intelligence, recently met with Cunard, P&O Cruises, and Carnival Group United Kingdom (UK) officials Steven Young, Director Port Services and Governmental Affairs, Claire Foote, Port Services Development and Planning Manager, in South Hampton.
The approach being taken by Port St. Maarten is in preparation for the European Road Show and preparations for Seatrade Europe in September 2015.
Port St. Maarten will also be collaborating with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in order to strengthen the cruise destination’s position with European brands.
European cruise lines are constructing ships and Port management is poised to make inroads and gain market share with respect to the European market.
In the five years from 2008-2013, the total output of the European cruise industry has increased by 22 per cent to over 39 billion Euros while the number of European-sourced passengers has grown by 44 per cent to 6.4 million in 2013, according to the CLIA Europe Cruise Industry Report.
One of the points discussed with Cunard, P&O Cruises and Carnival Group UK was destination marketing which Port St. Maarten is willing to play a role. One of the main points brought forward by the cruise line reps is that European passengers were very interested in St. Maarten’s duty free shopping.
Customer centricity was another area of focus during the discussions which is about creating a positive consumer experience at the point of sale and post-sale. A customer-centric approach can add value to a company by enabling it to differentiate itself from competitors who do not offer the same experience.
“Customer centricity reveals how to increase profits from your best customers and find more like them and avoid overinvesting in other customer market areas.
“Re-inventing cruise St. Maarten is all about strengthening our relations with the cruise line industry. We have taken the opportunity to enlighten our partners and in this case Cunard, P&O Cruises, Carnival Group UK about our strategic business plans which includes destination enhancements such as the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line St. Maarten Quarter, Walter Plantz Heritage Square and Rain Forest Adventures to name a few.
“These new projects that offer additional tours and opportunities for cruise guests will entice the European cruise customer market who are into eco/nature and heritage tours,” CEO Mark Mingo said on Thursday.
Carnival Cruise Lines is a global cruise company and one of the largest vacation companies in the world. Its portfolio of leading cruise brands includes Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, and fathom in North America; P&O Cruises and Cunard in the United Kingdom; AIDA Cruises in Germany; Costa Cruises in Southern Europe; and P&O Cruises in Australia.
Headquartered in Miami, Florida, U.S.A., and Southampton, England, Carnival Cruise Lines operate a fleet of more than 100 ships, with another seven ships scheduled for delivery between January 2015 and March 2017.
With approximately 200,000 guests and 77,000 shipboard employees, there are more than 277,000 people sailing aboard the Carnival fleet at any given time.

CAAYMAN ISLANDS:--- Cayman Finance is disappointed to read that the Cayman Islands has today been included on a list (based on the views of 11 EU countries with which Cayman does little international business) implying that we might be non-compliant regarding tax good governance.
It is not clear what standards have been used by these 11 countries to come to such a conclusion, in particular when the Cayman Islands has exchange of information mechanisms in place with all but one of these countries.
The Cayman Islands has consistently evolved and maintained its international tax cooperation practices to meet robust, balanced and globally implemented standards for regulation and cross border cooperation that apply equally to G20 countries and all International Financial Centres. This has been consistently reaffirmed in FATF and Global Forum assessments.
In addition, the Cayman Islands has consistently acknowledged its important role in the global financial market by signing up as an early adopter of Automatic Exchange of Information arrangements such as the OECD’s Common Reporting Standards and UK and US FATCA.
We are confident that if these 11 EU countries transparently and objectively evaluate the Cayman Islands robust international tax cooperation regime against global standards that the Cayman Islands will be promptly removed from this non-compliant list.

 PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament George Pantophlet is still waiting on answers to questions posed to Ministers Marcel Gumbs and Marten Hassink respectively. These questions were submitted through the President of Parliament in his letter of May 19, 2015. Almost 1 month has passed and to date no answers have been forthcoming. The questions submitted to the Minister of General Affairs Marcel Gumbs are as follows: 1. A list of the different Ministries that were filled in the last 2 years and by whom? Are they on contract or are they permanent? 2. Have all civil servants been placed in their rightful scales in accordance with their qualifications and function? 3. How many civil servants have left government in the last 3 years, from which departments and what were their reasons for doing so? Were they on contract or permanent? 4. Are there any pending court cases between civil servants and government? How many are there and how far back do these court cases go and what are the reasons for such? 5. Is it true that although we have attained country status, there are still civil servants with an island resolution of island territory St. Maarten instead of a National resolution of country St. Maarten? The questions posed to Minister of Finance Marten Hassink: 1. Has any agreement been reached between government and the Social Health Insurance (SZV) and the General Pension Fund (APS) with regards to the outstanding debt owed to these institutions? 2. How much is owed to the Social Health Insurance (SZV)? 3. When was the last time payments were made to these institutions? 4. What years are these arrears referred to? Please indicate per institution. 5. Are there any payments being made presently to these institutions? 6. Please provide me with copies of the verdict of the ruling relating to the court cases between the St. Maarten Receivers and the AUC and the Inspectorate and AUC.
The Member is aware of the article appearing in the Daily Herald of Saturday June 13 2015 where it states that AUC won its tax appeal and it goes on to mention the Inspectorate of Taxes. What the Member is waiting on is the ruling on the case between AUC and the St. Maarten Receiver’s. Also of much importance to the Member of Parliament are the following documents:
1. Copy of the management contract between AUC and the holding with a cost plus compensation based in the Cayman Islands, 2. What law of 2000 as admission to an economic zone are they referring to? 3. Copies of Tax Agreement 1 and Tax Agreement 2, 4. A copy of the ruling of the High Court in the Hague on December 9, 2005. A copy of the minutes of the meeting if such exists between AUC and the then Ministers Theo Heyliger, Franklin Meyers and Hiro Shigemoto as to their role in coming to as the newspaper puts it and he quotes an amicable or a relatively advantageous settlement end of quote.

MARIGOT:---The Saint-Martin Tourism Office attended the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Caribbean week 2015. This event focuses the attention of the media, actors of the tourism industry, artists and political personalities on the touristic, economical and cultural assets of the West Indies. Being part of an organization like the CTO guarantees a special place on the regional and international touristic market for Saint-Martin, while distinguishing itself from other destinations. During this tradeshow, the president of the Tourism Office Jeanne ROGERS-VANTERPOOL, and the director Kate RICHARDSON, followed numerous seminars and met diverse personalities all dedicated to value the dynamism and the attraction of the Caribbean.

The Island was rewarded as the 5th most attractive island of the Caribbean for the duality of its culture and its landscape. Tripadvisor hosted the Travelers’ Choice Best Islands for 2015 award ceremony on the evening of June 4th during which symbolic places of the island were awarded, such as the beach of Orient Bay for its paradisiac setting and its panel of activities, as well as the district of Grand-Case as the third best place to hang-out for gastronomy lovers, diving and West Indian rhythm of life.

Valerie Brazier to conduct registration presentation this Saturday

Statia – The Windward Islands Bank Ltd has thrown its support behind the chartering of a brand new Toastmasters Club on the island of St Eustatius. The Bank has sponsored the charter fee for the administrative paper work to be processed at Toastmasters World Headquarters. St Eustatius is one of the newest territories in which a Toastmasters club will be formed.

Distinguished Toastmaster Valerie Brazier who oversees the Caribbean in the capacity of District Governor will be on St. Eustatius this Saturday June 20th, where she will conduct a presentation on what the organization is all about. After the presentation, interested persons will be allowed to register as charter members of the new Toastmasters Club. Elaine Cuvalay, Nora Sneek-Gibbes and Marinda Obispa are the contact persons who are organizing the meeting for Saturday at the Flamboyant training center.

“There was a Toastmasters Club on St. Eustatius years ago sand we believe it is time for a new club to be formed”; stated District Governor Valerie Brazier. Distinguished Toastmaster Rolando Tobias, who had conducted a keynote address for the opening ceremony of the Daughters of the King back in March 2015, spoke with several individuals and recognized that the community is ready for a Toastmasters Club. “Communication & effective leadership are cornerstones of any great society and I am excited about traveling to Statia in support of the Club; Tobias was quoted as saying.

When approached, the Windward Islands Bank was happy to assist with the charter fee. Sharon Hassell, Branch Manager of the Statia branch was really pleased to present the sponsorship to Elaine Cuvalay. As a good corporate citizen, we are happy to support these types of initiatives to make a community better through communication and leadership; Sharon Hassell explained while presenting the sponsorship to Mrs. Cuvalay.

Persons who are interested in self-development in a friendly and encouraging learning-by-doing environment are welcomed to attend this Saturday’s presentation and be prepared to sign up and join the world’s leading Communication & Leadership organization.

Toastmasters International is the world’s leading Communication and Leadership organization for the past 89 years. Founded in 1924, the organization now boasts 280.000 active members in 14.000 clubs throughout 116 countries around the world. District 81, which is one of 97 Districts of Toastmasters International, comprises 143 clubs in 21 territories throughout the Caribbean.

PHILIPSBURG:----This 2014-2015 Lionistic year, St. Maarten Lions Club President Mr. Sunil Khatnani came up with the idea of budgeting $200 per club member to be spent on an individual community service project of their choice. Club members have given to projects of their church, to service projects of the Leo’s Club, and to projects involving children and the elderly, ranging from eye-glasses to contributing to home-repairs of the less-fortunate. This week 11 members of the club joined forces by putting their $200 together in order to donate to a joint individual project focusing on art, the elderly, and the physically and/or mentally impaired. Local saxophonist Mr. Connis Vanterpool was invited as a guest to the club’s last social event of thIS Lionistic year, where he received a check to go to the replacement of the vintage saxophone which was stolen from his car in May of this year. There was one condition, the 11 Lions’ club members asked Connis to provide a service to his community in return by giving a 30-minute concert for our elderly in the St. Maarten Senior Citizens’ Home and a 30-minute concert to the clients of the Sister Basilia Center with Ms. BettyV. Both Connis Vanterpool and BettyV were more than willing to give the concerts and are currently in discussion with Mrs. Brechje Boetekees of the White and Yellow Cross to set up the date of the two concerts, which will take place within the next three weeks. Vanterpool had already accumulated about half of what is needed to get a new saxophone, and thanks to the donation of the St. Maarten Lions Club he now has approximately 80% of the funds needed to purchase his replacement vintage saxophone.

PHILIPSBURG:----The Philipsburg Jubilee library is organizing a vigorous and entertaining summer camp for teens aged 14 to 20, with several weeks packed full of fun-filled activities. If you don’t want your teenaged child to stay at home during the summer or if you’re a teen who wants to do something cool during your summer vacation, come and enroll yourself or your child for the library’s teen summer camp.
The summer camp will have such activities as: poetry evenings, a game night, computer classes, reading books and watching movies. There will also be a chance to get active with Zumba classes and a grand hike.
At the summer camp, before taking part in the poetry evening, the campers will spend time learning about poetry, as the expression of feelings and ideas through words, and embracing the meaning of those words. The artistic expressions will culminate in a poetry evening where teens, whether they are just beginning to write poetry or are more advanced, are welcome to partake in and enjoy the experience of sharing their poetry with one another.
The summer camp’s game night will provide a space for teens during the summer to engage in an entertaining and amicable tournament. Those taking part can exhibit their game talents at monopoly, checkers, chess, dominoes, connect 4, playstation 3 and much, much more.
During the computer courses, teens can learn how to create videos and presentations. At these workshops you can learn how to produce impressive works of digital art that you can use for your presentations at school next school year or you can post them on your Facebook page and impress all your friends.
After a month packed with activities and learning new things, the schedule of events will lead up to a grand nature hike. At the end of a morning of hiking, the campers will also enjoy the pristine waters at Little Bay and make a stop at Tiki Hut Snorkel Park. The Red Cross will be on hand at the activity to ensure that it is safe. The day after the grand hike the camp activities will come to a close with a movie viewing at the Megaplex.
The library’s summer camp will be a great opportunity to broaden your horizons, make new friends and share a wonderful experience with other teens. During this summer, aside from the program for teens, there will also be the regular summer camp geared toward a younger group of children aged 6 to 13. The schedule of events for the summer camp for the younger children is currently in the making and will be announced shortly. Registration for the teen summer camp and the children’s summer camp is currently open. Sign up now by calling librarian Maryland Powell at 542 2970 or email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:---The Public Prosecutor (OM) can ask the Common Court of Justice, in the public interest, to execute a civil investigation, an inquiry to companies when there is suspect of mismanagement. The prosecution wants the make use more often of these powers offered by the Civil Codes of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. It can initially be given to investigations into government companies, but also other legal entities may be subject
to such an investigation.

Mismanagement in particular at large companies can cause major social costs. A survey may serve to create openness in situations where mismanagement is suspected. Those responsible can be identified. Where necessary, the Judge can take the right measures. The prosecution expects that the structural performance of the survey competence can create a preventive effect. Mismanagement does not have to go hand in hand with crime, but it can. If the OM encounters in the context of a survey on suspicions of criminal offenses, then obviously it can have consequences.

Prior to the submission of an inquiry request the Public Prosecutor makes his objections to the policies or affairs of the corporation known. That might be after a preliminary investigation, possibly with the help of experts, which the Public Prosecutor questions about the policy and the course of events to notify the legal entity. The prosecution confronts the legal entity and lets this legal entity take the appropriate action. If the
legal entity does not take the necessary actions, then the OM can request for an inquiry.

The prosecution has once previously filed a request in Curaçao. That led in 2013 to a study of three Curaçao governmental companies. That investigation is ongoing.

Longwall Road, Philipsburg, Friday June 12th and Saturday June 13th –

PHILIPSBURG:---- “You guys did it again!” exclaimed some parents after they saw their children perform in the annual end of year presentations of the National Institute of Arts.

On Friday June 12th and Saturday June 13th, the National Institute of Arts (NIA) held their end of year presentations at the John Larmonie Center. Celebrating the ending of their year, one hundred eighty (180) students performed five shows in two days.

This year, the presentations were entitled “Informances”, which is the combination of the words information and performance. NIA used this formula as a platform to inform parents about the process of their children’s journey in the arts. Throughout the end of year “Informance”, parents were brought up to date with innovations in art education and the benefits to their children.

Many students engage in multiple classes, while others still in the embryonic phase attend a minimal of 1 hour per week. During the five shows, NIA’s students were able to share their progress with their audience.

This year again, NIA was confronted by the reality of creating Art on St. Maarten without a designated performance Arts space. NIA’s staff has done a great job of camouflaging the short comings and challenges they face yearly in putting on productions in the L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium, Philipsburg Cultural & Community Center, Maho Casino Royal and Westin Ballroom.

For the last 2 years NIA’s creative team have modified, transformed and used creative means and countless dollars to make even the John Larmonie Center transform into a performance space. Despite that or in spite of all that, the NIA staff perseveres. At NIA our motto is “We believe in the talents of our students and are committed to seeing them realized”

NIA’s students performed a repertoire of hip-hop, jazz, tap, ballet, Barathanayam and modern, Caribbean folk and African dances. The stage was also graced by the vocal students under the tutelage of noted St. Maarten Opera singer LaVaune Henry. Covering wide variety of musical genres from jazz to Broadway and pop music students, Jazmin Eigermans, Termica Casimir, Lisha Maduro, Clifford Henry, Fernando van der Kraats premiered this year’s vocal class. Also new this year to the schedule at NIA was tap dance reintroduced to St. Maarten by tap dancer, Frances Nielah Bradley. The highlights of the evening were the theatrical performances presented by drama teachers Albina Matuzko and Loes Nauta. With this performance, NIA closes off their calendar year of 2014 to 2015.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Statistics reminds the general public that the Household Budget Survey is still ongoing, and households selected in the sample will continue to be approached by STAT throughout the next months. The survey began on April 1st 2015. Given the nature of the data-collection, it is scheduled to take place in 2-week cycles until mid-December this year.

To date, STAT is pleased with the level of cooperation received from participating households as well the efforts of its interviewing staff and entire team. Overall the project is 25% complete, STAT urges residents to comply with this important survey, as it is conducted only once in 5 to 7 years and the collected data is the basis to renew Cost-of-Living calculations, more in-line with the current market situation.

The Household Budget Survey is being carried out amongst a random- sample of approximately 1,000 households on Dutch St. Maarten. It captures data on income within the household in addition to past & present

expenditures. Selected households can expect to give a thorough account of their expenditure on several categories of goods & services, this data is being collected via tablets, STAT will also provide an Expense Diary where households are asked to monitor their spending for a period of 14 days and save their corresponding receipts.

STAT is also reminding the public as with each of its statistical enquiries, participation is mandatory by law (Statistics Ordinance AB 2013, GT no.450). All data provided to STAT will be handled in strict confidence, and for the sole purpose of producing statistical information.

STAT is depending on the continued support of residents to successfully complete the survey, and emphasizes to participants that their full 2-week cooperation is necessary in order for the household’s input to be valid.

Lastly, STAT thanks its partners Le Grand Marche, Sunny Foods, Cost-U- Less, TelEM & UTS for the opportunity to offer households a redeemable voucher following their successful completion.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister Plenipotentiary, Hon. Josianne Fleming–Artsen headed the Sint Maarten delegation to the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) Extraordinary Ministerial Conference on June 17th, 2015 in Brussels, Belguim.

The OCT British Virgin Islands Political Declaration of 26th February 2015 called for the development of an OCTA strategy aimed at establishing the strategic response required to address key issues regarding the future of OCTs and the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) for the period 2015-2020.

As a result on June 17th, The Executive Committee of OCTA, in agreement with the OCTA Chair presently Curacao, presented an Interim Strategic Plan 2015-2020 to the Extraordinary Ministerial Conference in accordance with art.25 of the Association, for approval.

The proposed strategic orientation focuses on three pillars, namely, policy dialogue, strategic partnerships and the sustainable development of OCTs.

Furthermore, OCT members committed to ensure the sustainability of the work done by the Technical Assistance to OCTA project under the 10th European Development Fund by using the OCTA financial provisions accumulated since 2008, as well as other OCTA resources, to initiate the setting-up of an OCTA secretariat in Brussels during the second semester of 2015.

The long-term structure of this secretariat will be determined according to the final strategy to be agreed upon during the 14th Ordinary Ministerial Conference to be held early 2016 in Brussels.

Besides the structure of the OCTA secretariat, members assembled also committed themselves to fully address other outstanding issues of the strategy in the lead to the 14th Ministerial Conference.

Outstanding questions on which OCTs will have to continue to exchange and come to a decision in order to complete the reflection initiated under this new Strategic Plan include, the governance structure of the organization, the revised structure and level of membership fees, and the Articles of Association and status of the organization.

GREAT BAY(DCOMM):---  The Baby Clinic and Section Youth Health Care at the Vineyard Office Complex, will be closed on Thursday and Friday June 18 and 19 during the afternoon hours from 1.00pm to 5.00pm.

The closure is related to training that staff will be attending at the Baby Clinic. On Thursday afternoon staff will be trained in the subject, ‘Events Supposedly Attributable to Vaccines and Immunizations.’

On Friday afternoon, the subject is ‘Cold Chain.’ The training is facilitated by Dr. Karen Lewis-Bell, Sub-Regional Advisor for the Expanded Program of Immunizations (EPI) Program from the Pan American Health Organization Office in Jamaica.

Willemstad/PHILIPSBURG:--- It is important to be reserved when it comes to taking out new loans. The Board of financial supervision issues this word of caution in its annual report for 2014. ‘The public finance of Aruba have worsened quickly in the recent period, whilst Curaçao and Sint Maarten had a relatively sound position which allowed them room to invest’, according to Chairman Age Bakker in the preface. ‘Even though the debt of Curaçao and Sint Maarten is at a level that is both historically and internationally low, it remains necessary to cherish this position, as it regards a condition for economic growth’.

Economic development
In the annual report the Board gives an image of the reluctant recovery of the world economy after the financial crisis and the crisis in the Euro zone. Aruba and Sint Maarten have experienced growth again in 2014, even though the economical development was still cautious with respectively 1 and 1½%. The economy of Curaçao has contracted for the third consecutive year, but there is a change becoming visible towards a light positive growth as per the third quarter of 2014. Meanwhile the pressure caused by an ageing population is increasing in all three countries. Structural reforms are necessary to get the economy going again. Less regulation, a better functioning free-market system and a more flexible labor market are key. With regard to the public entities, the Board recognizes that a lot is being invested in education and health care. The economic development however remains weak on these islands. Positive is however, that after the prices have been rising strongly for years, as of 2014 inflation is under control.

Deficit and debt
All countries closed off 2014 with a deficit on the total budget, including social funds and capital investments. In Curaçao this was primarily caused by ongoing deficits at the SVB, which were paid out of the fluctuating fund (‘schommelfonds’) and because of extensive investments in primarily the new hospital. In Aruba this is a result of government consumption that still remains high, but also because of a onetime deposit into the pension fund. In Sint Maarten the reason lays in tax incomes that continuously stay on a low level, and because of various investment projects and the purchase of a new government building.

As a result, all deficits in all countries lead to increasing debt quotes. The debt of Curaçao has reached the internationally considered acceptable limit of 40% of the GDP, particularly as a consequence of a onetime big investment in the construction of the new hospital; Sint Maarten’s debt is just slightly lower. In both countries the room for new loans is thus limited and needs to be seen in proportion to the economic growth, in order to keep the debt proportion manageable. In 2014, Aruba exceeded the 80% limit and even if the agreed goals are reached, the debt will keep on increasing in the short run, before at the end of the decennium a cautious decrease sets in; the public finances van therefore no longer be considered sustainable.

Supervision
In the annual report the Board gives a broad analysis on the different ways how supervision can be fashioned. It is remarkable that in many countries some kind of independent financial supervision is applied. For a supervisory organ to function well, broad support is essential and therefore it has to be established based on consensus. The organ needs to be truly independent and professional, but does not need to overlap other organs such as accountants. In conclusion, transparency is of great importance for the success of supervision. The Board differentiates itself from other forms of supervision in the fact that it is not only focused on giving advice regarding the budget, but also on monitoring the execution thereof. Therein lays an important added value, since experience testifies that deficits and debts primarily arise because of less deficient budget execution.

Airport:--- Dignitaries from both sides of the island including Anguilla attended the opening ceremony of the renovated departure lounge at the Princess Juliana International Airport on Wednesday evening. Special Projects Coordinator Robert Brown gave an outline to the large gathering how management of PJIAE decided to upgrade the airport beginning with the departure lounge. He said the idea came from the managing director Regina Labega shortly after she took up her post at PJIAE. With that initiative he said several studies were conducted and all the reports concluded that with a modern departure hall PJIAE will indeed better service its passengers, while bringing in more businesses to the vendors and the airport. Brown said Labega brought out the best in them, they managed to do things that they did not think they had the ability to do. He however, did not forget to mention the challenges the airport spent and how many contractors, subcontractors and other professionals worked on getting the job done which could only be done at nights.
Brown said right now passengers are more comfortable, they have more shops at the departure hall which allows them to make their last minute shopping before boarding.
Managing Director Regina Labega in her speech spoke of how one passenger expressed his experience while travelling through St. Maarten to his final destination Dominica, the satisfied customer gave break down in his email how many passengers use PJIAE as an in-transit airport to get to Dominica and he felt that PJIAE (SXM) should be renamed to Dominica’s Airport.
Labega said the departure lounge is just the first part of the project which is aimed at enhancing the airport to further satisfy its passengers, making the airport friendly and which would also increase business in several ways for PJIAE. She said the airport already broke ground for the cargo building and they are hoping to begin work with the Fixed Based Operations (FBO) soon.
Other speakers include Minister of Economic Affairs Claret Connor, and Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs who stressed that PJIAE should focus on building an in-transit hall because he got correspondence where people had to return from where they came because there is no in-transit hall at PJIAE.
In a video-taped message John Kasarda, Director Center for Air Commerce.UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School said that the plans SXM has for its airport will bring the airport among the highest ranked airport since SXM is the hub for the Caribbean, North America and Europe.
Apart from the speeches management of PJIAE had some wonderful display for those that attended the opening ceremony, students from the Charlotte Brookson Academy performed for the audience. The official ribbon cutting was done by Minister of Economic Affairs Claret Conner and Clara Conner, while Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs assisted in making sure the ribbon were properly cut and distributed. Those that attended the ceremony were members of the board of directors, Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, Deputy Prime Minister Dennis Richardson, MP Cornelius de Weever, MP Theodore Heyliger, and MP Frans Richardson Acting Governor Reynold Groenveldt, dignitaries from the French side Senator Daniel Gibbs and Guillaume Arnel, Territorial Councilor Louis Fleming and Ramona Connor.

Click here to view photos of the opening ceremony of the renovated departure lounge of PJIAE

MULLET BAY:----  Frank Carter and Trevor DaCosta took top honors during the annual two person’s Summer Scramble at the Mullet Bay Golf Course. This event organized by the St. Maarten Golf Association SMGA drew 14 teams of 2 golfers to the course during last Saturday.

On a golf course that’s regaining its beauty and shape after some rain during the last couple of weeks, Carter and DaCosta shot a stunning 50 stroke net score after deduction of their 28 average combined handicaps and beat the runner up team of Gitte Poulsen and Frank Jespersen by 2 strokes net. Third place was won after a match of cards by the team of Jan Peter Holtland and Edu Denkelaar who carded 54 strokes net.

Afterwards lunch and drinks was served to all participants, courtesy of the SMGA and B&C Beverages, annual platinum sponsor of the SMGA.

The SMGA is a non-profit organization that welcomes all beginning and experienced golfers, tourists and St. Maarten / St. Martin residents alike to become members and join them during tournaments and matches. For more information about the SMGA, please contact the Golf Shop at the Mullet Bay Golf Course or like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/St.MaartenGolfAssociation

Today the examining magistrate in St. Maarten, in the absence of the examining magistrate on Bonaire continued the provisional detention of the suspect previously held by the initials O.J.E. with 8 more days. Last week, the examining magistrate on Bonaire already ordered a provisional detention for the period stipulated by law of 8 days. In this phase, provisional detention for up to 8 days each time are applied.
Suspects who are on provisional detention are detained in the detention center on Bonaire and cannot stay for too long in police cells. Because the police cells on Saba do not meet the requirements of a house of detention, the suspect is detained on Bonaire.
The investigation meanwhile continues. It obviously involves the interrogation of the suspect, but also things like research on digital information devices, research in collaboration with the US and Canadian authorities, analysis of the ever increasing amount of research information and interviewing witnesses.
Previously, most of the research team Hector along with a prosecutor focused on Saba to hear a large group of witnesses there. That took a lot of detective work on Saba. Witnesses on the island have now all been heard and thereby eliminates the need to have many detectives on Saba. The majority of the team will also leave in a few days to Bonaire. There they have more facilities for example for the analysis and technical research. Furthermore, the research team will then be on the same island as where the suspect is detained.
In the interest of the investigation no further statements can be made about the results of the investigation. But at every stage of the research tips are always useful. For this, last week the investigating team requested with a flyer the student community to provide information. No statements on the results of this call can be made at the moment.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Wednesday June 17th the Police Arrest Team including the graduating candidates and instructor paid a visit to the office of the Honorable Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson. The minister welcomed the entire team and congratulated the graduated candidates as well as the instructor for making Sint Maarten proud. He also stated that he was quite impressed and happy to meet with the entire team and wanted to encourage them to continue to do what they do best which is to protect and serve the community of Sint Maarten.
In recognition for their hard work the Justice Minister then handed each member of the team a medal of honor from the Ministry of Justice.

Nearly $26,000 USD in prizes and scholarships awarded to participating students and schools.

PEMBROKE PINES:--- Each year, the FCCA Foundation Children's Environmental Poster Competition awards Caribbean and Latin American students' efforts to create a poster depicting ways to protect the environment and promote awareness in their country.

This year's competition featured finalists from 12 destinations ranging from juniors (ages 12 and younger) to seniors (13-16), with nearly $26,000 awarded to the participants and schools.

Though all participating students learned a valuable lesson, the finalists and first- to third-place winners took home a prize to and for their country. First-place winners earned a $3,000 scholarship for themselves, along with an equal donation for their schools to purchase art supplies; second-place winners and schools received $1,500 each; third-place winners and schools were awarded $1,000 each; and all finalists and schools received $200 each.

Omario Kelvin of Chetwood Memorial Primary from Jamaica took the junior division gold for "My Jamaica, Our Environment to Protect and Preserve," which showcased recycling, reforesting, utilizing renewable energies and preserving marine ecosystems. Chloe Stuart of Eight Mile Rock High School from the Bahamas won the senior division for showing how the Bahamas can clean the coast, recycle, conserve water and reuse renewable energy by taking advantage of northeast trade winds and ocean currents in "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle."

Other winners included Diya Sachdev from St. Maarten taking second in the junior division; Nisa Olesya Sanchez from Belize winning second in the senior division; Homayra Nawar Sarah from Belize collecting third in the junior division; and Anissa Hoyte from the Cayman Islands placing third in the senior division.

About the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association
Created in 1972, the FCCA is a not-for-profit trade organization that provides a forum for discussion on tourism development, ports, safety, security, and other cruise industry issue and builds bilateral relationships with destinations' private and public sectors. By fostering an understanding of the cruise industry and its operating practices, the FCCA works with governments, ports and private sector representatives to maximize cruise passenger, crew and cruise line spending, as well as enhance the destination experience and increase the amount of cruise passengers returning as stay-over visitors. For more information, visit F-CCA.com, the FCCA on Facebook, and @FCCAupdates on Twitter.

Transferable skills to be highlighted at “Crafting a Resume” workshop

PHILIPSBURG – “Resumes have become a common way of introducing yourself as prospective employer to employers and that is why it is important that this document is properly reflective of you, your skills, and experiences,” say Student Support Services Division (SSSD) officials.
This statement was made in relation to the upcoming “Crafting a Resume” workshop hosted by SSSD for students in their last two years of school or those who recently completed secondary school. This free workshop is scheduled to be held on June 22, 2015 at SSSD’s office from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
According to SSSD officials, not all students graduating high school are leaving the island to continue their studies or leaving immediately after graduation and these graduates need to be properly equipped with the knowledge to get jobs. The workshops will be conducted by SSSD’s Career Guidance Counselors Mr. Michel Chance and Ms. Sanjana Manek.
“Many students have transferable skills or skills/knowledge acquired from the classes they took but they have difficulties highlighting these in their resumes. With this workshop, this aspect will be highlighted,” SSSD officials noted.
This is the second year that this workshop is being offered. SSSD officials added that in the “Crafting a Resume” workshop participants will learn how to list their educational background information and skills in a presentable and professional way so they can get noticed by employers. This workshop will also help participants sharpen their resume writing skills in order for them to showcase their skills and abilities to potential employers. Participants will also create their own draft resume during the workshop. If participants already have a draft resume, they are encouraged to bring copies to the workshop so these can be improved.
Since space is limited, persons interested attending the workshop are urged to register at SSSD for such.
Workshop participants are also urged to be on time. Participants are also urged to bring their own writing utensils. If parents or students have any questions on these workshops, they can contact the Student Support Services Division at telephone 543-1235 for more information.

St. Peters:---  Positive thinking was the topic of Jonny Joe’s tenth (10th) speech project as he inspired the audience during the club’s bi-weekly educational meeting. The meeting was held at the academic section of the St Maarten Academy this past Sunday. In his inspiring presentation, he appealed to the noble motives and challenged the audience to achieve a higher level of belief in the power of positive thinking. He used examples of his own life and how he has made the power of positive thinking work for him.
With his tenth presentation, Jonny Joe achieved the distinction of Competent Communicator and took the Disciples Toastmasters club to the highest distinction of President Distinguished by achieving 9 out of ten goals. Each club is required to achieve a certain amount of goals ranging from adding new members, achieving educational distinctions, training club officers and remitting dues to world headquarters.
Club President Linda Moise-Flanders expressed her appreciation to the club for the hard work and dedication in achieving the goals and bringing the club to the President Distinguished club status. Disciples Toastmasters club is one of five clubs on St Maarten with two additional clubs being planned.
Jonny Joe is a relatively new Toastmaster, who has demonstrated the commitment and perseverance towards the club and in achieving his goals. As a young dynamic presenter, he has been growing in his presentation skills and served as a great inspiration for the membership.
Disciples Toastmasters Club has faced several challenges and the club has demonstrated its commitment to Toastmasters and the membership has good reason to celebrate. Disciples Toastmasters club meets every second and fourth Sunday at 4.45pm at the St Maarten Academy. The club is open to the public and anyone can join.

PHILIPSBURG/MARIGOT:--- Technicians of Bureau Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten joined forces with the French Telecom Regulator (ANFR) and Gendarmerie for the detection of Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) phones that are interfering with 3G mobile phone networks in St. Martin.

The use of DECT 6.0 phones causes disruption and performance issues to mobile phone networks which was the reason for ANFR to conduct an active campaign on French territories. They reminded the public that DECT phones do not conform to European Union (EU) standards are banned in St. Martin and St. Barths.

Similar problems can occur on the Dutch Side, and thus the reason for technicians of BTP to be actively involved in this campaign on the French Side. According to Head Technical Department Mr. Sidney de Weever, ‘It’s of great importance that St. Maarten & St. Martin join forces and work diligently together to combat issues that form a threat to Telecoms services on both sides of the island. We can learn from each other, share resources and we are confident that by working together we can achieve more’.
Bureau Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten hereby reminds the retailers and residents of St. Maarten that the following electronic wireless devices are not in compliance with the rules and regulations concerning the import and sale of wireless electronic communication devices on St. Maarten:
• Cellular range extenders/ repeaters
• Cellular blockers
• Cordless phones operating in the 900 and 1800MHz band
• DECT Phones operating in the 1800, 1900 and 2100MHz band
• WIFI boosters/range extenders
• Long range WIFI systems

If caught selling, distributing, owning or operating such device(s) it will be confiscated and the person or entity will be fined based on the Telecommunication act of 1995 No.196 art.15 sub1. and art. 20, which carry a penalty of maximum of six (6) months imprisonment or an administrative fine of Twenty Five Thousand Guilders (Naf. 25.000).

END

PHILIPSBURG:--- Be the Change recently presented a $1000.00 check to Merlyn Schaminee of No Kidding with Our Kids Foundation.
The funds will be used to help build a shaded outdoor area for the children to use in the afternoon.

No Kidding with Our Kids is an afterschool care program, operating since 1996, for underprivileged children from the ages of 4 to 14. They offer creative, recreational and educational activities, to help children get better acquainted with proper, constructive, and active ways of using leisure time.

Being able to sit in an outdoor shaded area for discussions, reading sessions and other activities will not only benefit the children to participate in a more concentrated and focused manner, but it also will give them the opportunity to enjoy being outdoors instead of always being inside.

Be the Change is proud to support such a worthy organization that is committed to helping the less fortunate children in our community.
We wish them luck in the future endeavors.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Several School bus drivers were seen at the Government Administration Building on Wednesday morning to meet with the Minister of Finance or the Minister of Education to seek clarity on why they were not paid for the month of May 2015. The bus drivers who spoke to SMN News said that they normally get paid by the 15th of each month and when they checked their accounts no payments were made to them for last month. They said they have their mortgages and other financial commitments to meet and it is not possible for them to work all month and when they approach their accounts they were not paid and no one told them anything on the lack of their monthly payments.
SMN News will be bringing you an update on this story when more information becomes available.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of the Democratic Party and Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams expressed her concerns on several issues that are playing out in the media and the community at press conference on Wednesday. The most disturbing for Wescot Williams is the ongoing saga at NIPA and the dismissal of the director Vernon Richards. Wescot Williams said when she read the letter sent to Mr. Richards she asked herself several questions especially on the reasons given by the board to dismiss the director. Wescot Williams further explained that she could not understand why the Minister of Education was not contacted prior to the board taking their decision. She lamented on the way foundations operate on St. Maarten. Another issue that Wescot Williams said is bothersome to everyone is what are taking place at GEBE, and the Princess Juliana International Airport PJIAE.)
As for GEBE she said that the supervisory board was appointed by the shareholder representatives (government) and for its amazing to see how much internal fighting is taking place at the government owned company. “One day a member of the management team is fired by the supervisory board, then that person is reinstated by the shareholder and then the supervisory board who was appointed by the shareholder does something else and now the matters have to be trashed out in court.” There is a lot taking place with government owned companies and foundations and is simply not good Wescot Williams said. Wescot Williams also mentioned that the National Alliance Faction called an urgent meeting of Parliament to discuss the issues taking place at GEBE and that meeting is scheduled for Tuesday June 23rd.
Integrity Chamber and Removal of Minister Dennis Richardson.
On the ongoing issue of the protocol signed by deputy Prime Minister Dennis Richardson, Wescot Williams said that she saw the accord that the UPP/De Weever/LRM/USP coalition have since she joined that coalition for a few weeks and then jumped back into opposition. Wescot Williams said based on that accord it clearly states that the coalition will appoint the Ministers together, meaning that they will all take a decision on appointing the Ministers. She said Members of Parliament who believes they can send home of Minister single-handedly have to realize that St. Maarten has a constitution and Ministers are sent home by the majority in Parliament. The DP MP said that she will not meddle in the issues of the current coalition but it is clear that they will have to sort out their problems.
On the signed protocol Wescot Williams said she does have some issues with the protocol, one being the deadline date that was placed on parliament to ratify the protocol as is, since no amendments can be made to what the Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson signed. “Changes can only be made to this protocol after it is ratified by parliament and those changes have to be approved by the Dutch. When the Minister of Justice came to Parliament he received quite some resistance from those supporting the government, but it is left to be seen if the majority will approve what was signed or if they will reject it and face the consequences like having a Kingdom measure imposed on St. Maarten. Another issue Wescot Williams said she has is that the Minister signed the protocol without consulting with Parliament even though he was binding parliament to that protocol. However, she made clear that the Minister of Justice who is also the Deputy Prime Minister signed the protocol on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Government of St. Maarten. “When one reads the protocol they will see that most of the issues in that protocol relates to justice that falls under the Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson.”
Wescot Williams also stated that she sent several letters to government and parliament to deal with several issues one being the amending of the civil code, the amendments that has to deal with Electoral Reform. She said since April 2013 when she was Prime Minister she took a “discussion paper” to parliament and while that paper was discussed nothing happened after that and no decision was taken on it. She said just recently she asked the Parliament of St. Maarten to send that discussion paper to the advisor of Parliament Mr. Ralph Richardson and asked that he study the document and draft a document so that parliament could further discuss the matter of Electoral Reform which will include the registration of political parties and it’s financing. Advisor to Wescot Williams Emile Lee in his short statement said that people are very concerned over the state of affairs of the country. Wescot Williams also announced that the countries within the Kingdom did not even touch on establishment of a dispute committee she said the Prime Minister of St. Maarten informed her that during the meetings he attended in Curacao that agenda was not touched even though a decision was taken by the various parliaments to establish this committee during the IPKO meetings that was held in the Netherlands. She said that this matter will only come up in another year where they may decide to establish a committee to work on establishing dispute committee.
Most people he said is questioning why the coalition can’t appoint the two other Ministers that are missing from the Council of Ministers.

Pond Island:---– TelEm Group flags are flying at half-mast as a tribute to the company’s longest-serving employee, Stella Aarndell, who passed away Monday, June 15, following prolonged illness.
Management and staff on Monday sent messages of condolence to family and friends upon hearing of the passing.
The late TelEm Group worker has been described by many as motherly, soft-spoken, easy going and a loyal employee over more than four decades.
Ms. Aarndell joined the company when it was then called Landsradio, as one of its first employees, working in the Telegram department. She officially became a St. Maarten Telephone Company worker in August, 1997 and rose to become a Lead Customer Services Representative in the Simpson Bay branch.

Her immediate manager, Veronica Browne said Ms. Aarndell recently marked a milestone in the company only this year, when she celebrated 40 years of service with a token presentation from management and staff.
“Stella was very popular with staff. She was a part of the Personnel Association for many years and a keen supporter of our telecom companies sports exchange meets. She was always there to lend a helping hand in the workplace or at social events. She was a favourite with customers because she always did her best to leave a positive impression by resolving their problems in any way she could,” said Ms. Brown.
She said on behalf of all of the staff of the Customer Service Department, there is heartfelt sadness at their colleague’s passing.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mrs. Helma Etnel, also expressed sadness on behalf of the management team, at the loss of a close, dedicated and much-loved member of staff.
“We have much to be thankful for from workers like Ms. Aarndell who have given all of their working years to the company. There is little difference to losing a member of your family, because she has always been an important part of the TelEm Group family and will be missed by all of us and also by the customers that she has bonded with over so many years,” said Mrs. Etnel.
The late Stella J. Aarndell leaves to mourn three children, family in St. Maarten and Aruba and many dear friends at her TelEm Group home away from home.
TelEm Group management and staff wish all family and friends of their dear late colleague much strength and courage at this time.

GREAT BAY/MARIGOT:--- Registration is now open for girls, ages 7 to 12, to take part in the popular Little Miss St. Martin Pageant 2015, said Nzinga Lake, the pageant organizer.
Following her coordination of the junior Carnival queen pageant last April, parents repeatedly contacted Lake for information about the Little Miss St. Martin Pageant, causing the pageant founder to open the registration process on June 10.
Registration will run until August 7 for the Little Miss St. Martin Pageant, which is scheduled to take place on St. Martin Day, November 11, 2015, said Lake.
“For the past four years I announced the start of registration in August but over the last year more parents and school directors have been telling me that the August registration did not give them enough time to prepare their daughters in particular and students in general to participate in the Little Miss St. Martin Pageant,” said Lake.
With the 2015 mid-year school vacation approaching, “parents can start early to discuss the pageant with aspiring contestants. There will be much more time to prepare their budget, sponsorship letters, and the princess wear,” said Lake.
The Little Miss St. Martin Pageant is an island-wide event “for the St. Maarten/St. Martin Day calendar, and the main idea for the beauty and talent contest is twofold,” said Lake.
“Firstly, the pageant is a motivational event to inspire positive activities for young girls. Secondly, the pageant honors the traditional sense of unity of the whole island of St. Maarten/St. Martin. The historic and cultural unity of the St. Maarten/St. Martin people is also the main symbol that ‘St. Martin Day’ was founded on. That is why we are using the traditional spelling of our island’s name in identifying the pageant,” said Lake.
The reigning “Little Miss St. Martin” is Trinity Christina of the Sister Borgia School. Trinity captured the crown at the pageant in 2014. The first runner-up was Inaya Richardson and Laetitica Cozier was the second runner-up. Aaliyahe Harrigan placed third.
Early registration for the 2015 contest will not, however, stop Trinity from carrying out her royal duties, said Lake. “In July, Queen Trinity will host the Princess Summer Camp, geared toward ‘Everything Princess’,” said Lake.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been contributing to the ongoing success of the Little Miss St. Martin Pageant,” said Lake.
The pageant application and additional information can be obtained from Nzinga Lake, pageant organizer, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

GREAT BAY (DCOMM)"---- Sint Maarten’s calendar of health observances is to promote particular local or global health issues, and encourage the population to Get Checked. As of Tuesday, June 16 and until the end of June, the Ministry of Public will observe Men’s Health.

In connection with the aforementioned, the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department with the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, is calling on all fathers’ to cut salt intake which in turn reduces blood pressure to normal levels.

Hypertension also known as High Blood Pressure is a chronic medical condition that is preventable and treatable. It is possible to develop high blood pressure at any age and anyone can get high blood pressure especially if they have a family history of it. It is the major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, two of the main causes of illness and death in the Caribbean and the Americas.

The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour is calling on the Sint Maarten populace to ‘Get Checked,’ and know your risk factors.

In the “How Healthy is St. Maarten?“ study in 1998/1999, hypertension was the second most common chronic disorder and became worst as people grew older. More than twice as many elderly people suffer from high blood pressure compared to younger age groups. Having ones blood pressure checked regularly is very important, especially in light of the fact that 13% of the participants in Sint Maarten reported suffering from high blood pressure.

Although high blood pressure affects some 30 per cent of the adult population, a third of them do not know they have the condition.

Hypertension often has no symptoms, which means adults need to take every opportunity to get their blood pressure checked. The health risks of hypertension are even higher for people who also smoke, are obese or have diabetes.

Hypertension can be prevented by consuming less salt; maintaining a healthy and balanced diet; engaging in regular physical activity; avoiding tobacco use; and avoiding harmful use of alcohol.

THE HAGUE:---  Stichting Ocan is urging youngsters who have ties to the islands of Saba and Statia and who currently reside in the Netherlands to partake in a group discussion in which they have the opportunity to voice their opinion on current affairs within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and make known their vision for the Kingdom. The group discussion has been organized together with the directorate of Kingdom Relations of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties) and is slated for the 23rd of June 2015 at 3 p.m. at said ministry.
The group discussion follows sessions already held with the remaining four islands of the Dutch Caribbean in May and June of this year. The composition of the groups have thus far been diverse; from students who have recently moved to the Netherlands, to professionals, to persons who were born and raised in The Netherlands - both who travel to the islands frequently and infrequently. What the participants all have in common are ties to the islands and a displayed interest in keeping abreast of the developments on their respective islands.
A registration form together with an impression of previous group discussions can be found on .
The directorate of Kingdom Relations director Erwin Arkenbout is interested in hearing directly from the Dutch Caribbean community what its views on the Kingdom are, how it keeps abreast of developments within the Kingdom and what its outlook is for the Kingdom. The group discussions take place in an informal and open setting where participants are free to introduce their own topics. Ocan considers this session to be a golden opportunity to not only let the Ministry get closer to the people, but also the people to get closer to the Ministry. Both the directorate and Ocan feel that it is imperative that all islands have the opportunity to be represented. Persons who have partaken in the sessions in May and June of this year have been provided with further understanding and new insights into the workings of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Wednesday, June 10th at approximately 08.40 p.m. police arrested two young men 21 years and 27 years old on the Welfare road in the vicinity of Tropicana Casino. Both men are suspected of breaking into a vehicle on the Welfare road and stealing items from the vehicle. Both suspects were taken to the Philipsburg Police Station where they remain in custody for further investigation.
Man arrested for gun possession.
On Monday June 15th at approximately 11.00 a.m. police arrested a 25 year man after he was stopped for a routine traffic control. When the officers asked the driver to open the window they immediately smelled the strong scent of marihuana. They suspect immediately became very nervous. During a search of the suspect the officers found a loaded black pistol which immediately confiscated for further investigation. The suspect was immediately arrested on gun charges and taken to the Philipsburg Police Station where he remains in custody for further investigation.

KPSM Police Report

Recipients Pursuing Higher Education, Professional Development in Hospitality & Tourism

MIAMI, FL– The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF) has awarded a record number of scholarships to 36 Caribbean-based students for a total of US$141,800 in funding to enable Caribbean nationals to pursue a higher education in hospitality and tourism fields.

The one St. Maarten student receiving a scholarship, Ms. Caroline Nolasco will, be attending the University of St. Maarten for Hospitality Management. “The St. Maarten Hospitality & trade Association – SHTA - extends their congratulations to Ms. Nolasco and wishes her much success in her studies. This is only the beginning of great things to be achieved from the signing of the MOU with the University of St. Maarten. Hospitality Education is of utmost importance in providing quality professional service within the industry. ” said SHTA.

“This year’s applicant pool was so strong that the Board of Trustees had a difficult time in choosing who to provide funding for scholarships," said Richard S. Kahn, chairman of CHTAEF. "Most of the 85-plus applicants deserved to receive funds towards their education so they may become productive individuals working in the vital Caribbean hospitality industry,” Kahn said, adding: “We are only limited by the funds we’ve been able to generate from corporate donors such as Interval International and Virgin Holidays as well as The New York Times Travel Show auction where hotel stays are donated from across the Caribbean and purchased by consumers thereby providing funds for scholarships.
“We congratulate all of our scholarship recipients and thank our generous corporate sponsors and the many hotels and resorts and individuals without whose contributions these scholarships would not be possible.”
Scholarships were awarded based on prior academic achievements, previous work or internships in the Caribbean hospitality industry and economic needs.

CHTA Education Foundation
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF) was established in 1987 as a stand-alone (501c3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization, through which scholarships and special assistance would be made available for the education of Caribbean hotel industry personnel and students pursuing careers in hospitality and tourism.
Since 1987, the Education Foundation has awarded more than US$2 million in scholarships and grants to applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to the hotel and tourism industry. For more information, visit www.chtaeducationfoundation.com or www.Facebook.com/CHTAEducationFoundation, call (571) 436-4386 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILPSBURG: ---- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten Marcel Gumbs and the leader of the UPP Theodore Heyliger seems to have more problems on their hands now that the Supervisory Board of GEBE made it clear that they will not vacate their positions.
SMN News learnt that the leader of the UPP contacted the board members and asked them to make their positions available, the contact it is understood was made on Thursday last week, by evening that same day the chairman of the supervisory board Rene Richardson sought legal representation and basically sent out a press release stating that the company’s COO Romelio Maduro does not have any contract with GEBE and is currently on non-active duty.
The supervisory board of directors sent out a four-page memo to the staff and other stakeholders of GEBE informing them that they sent a report to the shareholder representative informing them why they took the decision not to renew Maduro’s contract.
The memo basically states that the internal auditor found a number of irregularities when an internal investigation was conducted on the COO. They also mentioned in the memo that Maduro does not have any rights to be on GEBE’s property since he does not have a valid contract to represent the government owned company.
Presently GEBE is busy conducting another investigation on the bidding process at the company. SMN News learnt that bids for projects at GEBE are done by invitation and there are a number of instances where certain contractors would provide GEBE with an estimate and when the contract is awarded to them the cost of the project would increase by 50% or more. It is not yet known if the investigation on the bidding process has been completed and if the supervisory board will be taking measures against the department that deals with the bids at GEBE.

On June 9, 2015, nine volunteers from the U.S. Forward Operating Location (USFOL) visited the Siloam Orphanage to deliver 100 pounds of donated goods. The volunteers devoted three hours clearing ground to build a soccer field, as well as interacting and playing with the children.

Siloam Orphanage provides for children with a variety of needs–from toddlers who have been abandoned to children who have mental and physical disabilities.

An activity such as this demonstrates USFOL’s eagerness for community involvement and their long standing appreciation for the hospitality received from the citizens of Curaçao.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Nature Foundation will once again start its popular Nature Education Snorkel Club Program from Wednesday July 8th to Saturday August 8th 2015. The Nature Foundation, in a continued effort to educate and stress the important role the youth plays in the future of nature conservation on this island, established the Snorkel Club program with the aim of educating local youth in both marine and terrestrial nature conservation. Children will be given a total of ten lessons with each lesson consisting of both theory and practical elements.
Lessons will include snorkeling skills, marine naturalist courses, and introduction to SCUBA diving, hiking tours, information on trees and terrestrial nature conservation and a special closing activity. Children who attend the Snorkel Club are given a copy of the How to Snorkel Manual, a Nature Foundation T-shirt, Fish Identification Cards and wetsuits for sun protection, all of which they can keep.
An extra activity this year centered on Nature Education is again a program focused on at risk and troubled youth. “There is a whole group of kids that come from a troubled background but that are fascinated by our Nature and would love to get exposed to nature and nature conservation. Oftentimes these children are forgotten when it comes to environmental education activities and therefore we wanted to specifically include them in this year’s program,” commented Tadzio Bervoets, Nature Foundation Manager
This year’s Snorkel Club was in a large part made possible through the support of the Scuba Shop, Divi Little Bay Beach Resort and Dive Adventures who teamed up with the business community in organizing the annual Underwater Easter Egg Hunt.
Interested parents and adults can contact the Nature Foundation at 5444267 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for Information on both programs. The Snorkel Club for kids will be held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from nine to eleven a.m. and costs only twenty five guilders for the ten lessons to cover the end event. Those who wish to sponsor a child from a less fortunate background are urged to do so by contacting the Nature Foundation. Parents are urged to register their children early due to limited space.

WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:--- Representatives of the aviation company AVA Airways Curaçao have presented, for the third time, the relevant documents for its economic permit to the Minister of Traffic, Transportation and Urban Planning, Mrs. Suzy Camelia-Romer.
The Minister has also received the Legal Declaration of Invested Capital from Grace Aviation Holding LLC, which is a Private Venture Capital Firm based in the U.S. and Capital Partners, which is also a Private Equity Capital Firm also based in the U.S.
Once again, this will be the third time that the representatives of the aviation company have complied with the petition from the Minister and the Government of Curaçao to give clarity on the groups that will be investing in the aviation company.
AVA Airways applied for an economic permit in December 2013. This request is to operate scheduled and unscheduled air transport of passengers, cargo and mail. This permit is also necessary to start the process for the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC). AVA has already completed all of its manuals, which were cross referenced to Curaçao’s regulations. This means that the aviation company is ready for their AOC process.
Why there is so much delaying of the granting of Ava’s economic permit. One reason could be that Ava’s business plan indicates they will use modern airplanes such as Airbus 319/320 and CS100. This makes the certification process very complicated for the CCAA. The CCAA does not have inspectors who are capable of certifying these types of aircrafts. The Curaçao Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) headed by Oscar Derby, who was hired by the Minister of Transportation, Earl Balborda, as a consultant who is now working as the Director of CCAA in a Government post job to recover the Category 1 status of the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), the US aviation authority.
AVA Airways hopes that now that they have complied with the government for the third time, the Minister will make the right decision to grant them the economic permit to make it possible for the airline to start its process to receive the Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

PHILIPSBURG:---- Minister of Justice Hon. Dennis Richardson recently received a courtesy visit from U.S. Consulate General James Moore who will be leaving his post in July. Moore has been US Consulate General for Curacao, Sint Maarten, Aruba and the BES Islands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba).
James R. Moore is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with nearly 30 years of experience as a U.S. diplomat. Mr. Moore, who holds the rank of Minister Counselor, assumed his duties as Principal Officer of the U.S. Consulate General in Curacao and U.S. Chief of Mission to the Dutch Caribbean in June 2013.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Diya Sachdev, an 11 years old from the Rev. John A. Campus, Methodist Agogic Center, (MAC) places second overall in the Junior category of the annual FCCA Poster Competition.
Her poster was forwarded to FCCA for further judging on May 18, and once again she has made St. Maarten proud by placing 2nd overall in the Junior Division.
The posters were to depict three ways in which the destination can make a difference in preserving the environment and each poster were to have a title. The title of the contest was “My Caribbean, Your Caribbean, To Protect and Preserve.”
This year’s winners are as follows:

Junior Division:
1st Place Omario Kelvin – Jamaica
2nd Place Diya Sachdev - St. Maarten
3rd Place Homayra Nawar - Sarah Belize

Senior Division:
1st Place Chloe Stuart -Bahamas
2nd Place Nisa Olesya Sanchez -Belize
3rd Place Anissa Hoyte- Cayman Islands
The FCCA will award cash scholarships to the first, second, and third place winners and their schools from the two age categories as follows:
• 1st place US$3,000.00 – for the student and US$3,000.00 for the school
• 2nd place US$1,500.00 – for the student and US$1,500.00 for the school
• 3rd place US$1000.00 – for the student and US$1000.00 for the school

All other entries who made it as a finalists will also receive a cash award of US$200.00 for participating. This year’s poster contest attracted entries from 12 nations!

The FCCA poster competition is part of St. Maarten’s Tourist Bureau’s Tourism Awareness program targeting the in school population.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Last week sixth grade students from the Seventh Day Adventist Primary School in Cole Bay visited the House of Parliament.

The 27 students and two teachers were given a tour of the House of Parliament besides receiving a power-point presentation from Parliament’s Administrative Assistant Cheryl Dangleben York with respect to the role of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Ministers, and the purpose of the House of Parliament within society.

Students also get the opportunity of role playing where seven act as members of the Council of Ministers while another 15 as Members of Parliament. An issue is then selected and debated. This takes place under the President of Parliament or Vice Presidents who form the presidium of parliament.

Vice President Hon. Cornelius de Weever provided students with information and about the role of the House of Parliament. The students also sat in on the Ad Hoc Committee of Integrity meeting which was chaired by MP De Weever, receiving a first-hand view of how MPs debate an issue.

The Presidium of Parliament are of the opinion that it is important to continually engage the country’s youth in learning about the important role of the House and how it impacts the way of life of citizens with respect to the drafting of laws.

In May, two additional schools visited the House of Parliament, namely the Sister Magda Primary School, grade five with 38 students and three teachers.

The St. Dominic High School second form of 60 students and three teachers also visited the legislative body.

Schools that are interested in visiting the House of Parliament should contact the parliamentary secretariat via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 542-0812.

PHILIPSBURG:---- Minister Plenipotentiary, Hon. Josianne Fleming–Artsen last week received a courtesy visit from Kingdom Ambassador to Washington Henne Shruwer.
Ambassador Shruwer visited the Sint Maarten House in order to introduce himself to the minister.

“It was a pleasure to meet the Ambassador who will be taking up his official appointment in Washington. We discussed a number of things and I wished him all the best with respect to his tenure in the U.S.,” Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Josianne Fleming-Artsen said on Monday.

Ambassador Shruwer was Deputy Ambassador in Washington prior to his present appointment. Shuwer has a background in law and politics.

Since 1997 he worked as Head of Political Affairs of the Kingdom Embassy of the Netherlands in Washington. He also worked in Brussels, Belguim at the European Union.

In 2010, Shruwer was appointed Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Brussels.

PHILIPSBURG: --- The USP board will be holding a board meeting on Tuesday to determine whether or not they will continue to support the current coalition or if they will leave and go back to the opposition benches.
SMN News understands that Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson informed the Council of Ministers and members of the coalition on Friday during the coalition meeting of the letter he received from Member of Parliament Frans Richardson also on Friday who asked him to resign effective immediately.
According to information SMN News received it appears as though several members of the coalition will not be voting for the motion if MP Frans Richardson brings it to the floor of Parliament. “It is clear that several members of the coalition will not show up to the meeting when it is called, and that only leaves to USP with two choices, either he accepts to work with the current Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson or he leaves the coalition and return to the opposition benches, that decision will be taken on Tuesday when the USP board meets.”
SMN News further learnt that Minister Richardson, the author of St. Maarten’s constitution referred the members of the coalition to the constitution which governs the country. Further to that he informs the coalition that the current government has a majority and they simply have to say whether or not they will support the move by the leader of the USP. It should that Minister Richardson has the full support of Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs and the other Ministers from the Council of Ministers. Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs said last week that if Parliament brings a motion of non-confidence against Minister Richardson then he would consider it as a motion against the Council of Ministers because not only did Minister Richardson signed the protocol to establish an integrity chamber on his behalf but the Council of Ministers also approved the signed protocol that has to be ratified by the Parliament of St. Maarten.
According to well-placed sources the leader of the USP Frans Richardson met with the leader of the UPP Theodore Heyliger with MP Franklin Meyers and their coalition partner MP Cornelius de Weever, it is not yet known what is the outcome of that meeting.
Efforts made to reach MP Frans Richardson proved futile on Monday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Over the weekend, Kooyman announced the winner of their “Dad Is So Cool” Father’s Day Facebook Promotion. Kooyman Facebook fans were asked to submit a picture of their father with a description of why their dad is so cool.
Kooyman received a number of entries from May 1st through May 20th, two finalists were then selected based on the most touching description selected, Ryan Williams and Domingo Blijden.
Kooyman fans were asked to vote up until June 11th for the winner through facebook post likes. The winner with the most Likes is Mr. Domingo Blijden. Mr. Blijden was awarded with a 26inch WEBER BBQ GRILL and a Dinner for 4.
“Participation exceeded our expectations and your submissions were a wonderful collage of storytelling about the loving relationships we all share with the people who raised us, said Kooyman Commercial Officer, Evencia Carty-Seabrookes. Thank you all for offering your personal and heart-felt stories about why your Dad Is So Cool.”
The winner is posted on the Kooyman Facebook page: Kooyman.St.Maarten. Be sure to check out our facebook page for exclusive promotions, where you have to join in to win.

PHILIPSBURG:--- For the past 12 weeks, with the blessings of the Honorable Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson and in collaboration with the other police forces in the Dutch Caribbean, a group of 25 police officers from the police forces of Bonaire, Curacao, Aruba and Sint Maarten took part in an intense training provided by the D.S.I. (Dienst Speciale Interventies) from the Netherlands. The training was very intense for the participants and required much of their physical, intellectual and psychological capacities. The training took place on the island of Aruba and coordinated by the police Academy on that island together with D.S.I. With the good cooperation from the Military Base on the island which allowed the physical training and use of the facilities the receive instructions on combating terrorism, to be a success. The training that these police officers received was a specialized training qualifying them to become a member of the “Arrest Team” on their respective islands and also be able to function on the other islands within the Kingdom when they are requested, once they have successfully finished the training. On Friday June 12th during a ceremony held at the Military Base in Savaneta and in the presence of the Honorable Minister of Justice of Aruba Arthur Dowers and other dignitaries, the officers who successfully finished this intense training received their diploma and their “Blue Barrette” which symbolizes an officer qualified to be a member the “Arrest Team”. Officers from Sint Maarten who also finished this training successfully have already returned to Sint Maarten. The Acting Chief of Police Commissioner Carl John also attended this ceremony and is quite contented with the results.
Road Closure
In connection with the 2015 hurricane season a HUREX- training exercise is scheduled take place on Tuesday June 16th from 06.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. In connection with this training the section of Sucker road between Guana Bay road and Arch road will be closed to all motor vehicle traffic. All motor vehicle operators should take good note of this information and take alternatives routes to get to and from their destination.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:---- The Sint Maarten Nature Foundation was contacted by the VROMI Ministry to respond a pelican which was found to be trapped and injured at the Public Works Yard at Pond Island on Monday. Upon arrival the distressed animal was found to be wrapped up in fishing line and one of its wings caught in the pump-house at the Great Salt Pond. Nature Foundation Manager with the assistance of the work crew from the VROMI Ministry managed to free the animal which was then transported to the Sint Maarten Veterinary Clinic.

The Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is one of St. Maarten’s national symbols, the depiction of which can be found on the island’s Flag and Coat of Arms. The bird also lends its name to various businesses and institutions on the. The health of St. Maarten’s pelicans also reflects the general health of the marine ecosystem; with more pelicans present the better the environment.

“This is the second time this year that we had to free a bird entangled in fishing line and marine debris such as plastic bags and other garbage. The Nature Foundation often responds to incidents where pelicans are caught in fishing line or hooks, fishing nets, plastic bags, or soda can holders. Steps are therefore currently being taken by the Nature Foundation to introduce a line recycling program which the Foundation hopes will reduce incidents of Marine Entanglement to not only Pelicans but numerous other Marine Wildlife,” commented Nature Foundation Manager Tadzio Bervoets.

Bijgaand bieden wij u het Jaarplan 2016 van het OM BES aan.
Onze instroom in de afgelopen jaren is nagenoeg verdubbeld en het OM zag zich geconfronteerd met een toename van onderzoeken naar zwaardere en ondermijnende vormen van criminaliteit. Er is sprake van een zeer hoge werkdruk en een verhoogde kwetsbaarheid.
De kleinschaligheid van de organisaties in Caribisch Nederland speelt een uiterst belemmerende rol in het functioneren van de diverse organisaties in de justitiële keten en leidt tot capacitaire beperkingen en gebrek aan flexibiliteit binnen de formatie.

Het OM BES wil zichzelf en de keten in de komende jaren verder professionaliseren langs drie –met elkaar verband houdende- lijnen:
1. het inhoudelijk en procesmatig ondersteunen van het primair proces;
2. het verminderen van kwetsbaarheid van het proces, en
3. het aanbrengen van een meer informatiegerichte sturing op de keten.

Onze speerpunten op het gebied van zware criminaliteit worden mensenhandel, witwassen en internationale drugshandel; dit laatste ook in relatie met Bonaire International Airport en de blauwe grens. De outlaw motorcycle gangs houden ook onze nadrukkelijke aandacht. Natuurlijk hebben we vooral belangstelling voor de overlap tussen deze verschijningsvormen van criminaliteit.
Mede door signalen van investeringen van crimineel geld in vastgoed willen we meer aandacht voor financieel-economische criminaliteit /witwassen en wordt de samenwerking voortgezet/geïntensiveerd met onder meer de Belastingdienst en de FIOD.

Verder willen we (meer dan nu) subjectgericht (dadergericht) gaan werken om de veel voorkomende- en middencriminaliteit aan te pakken en richten we ons hierbij primair op geweldscriminaliteit (incl. zedenzaken en atrako’s), jeugdcriminaliteit, woning- en bedrijfsinbraken en lokale handel in verdovende middelen.

Jaarverslag 2014

In dit Jaarverslag over 2014 wil het OM BES inzicht geven en verantwoording afleggen over wat in dat jaar is verricht en opgepakt. Van strafzaken tot beleidsmatige thema’s als de werking van de strafrechtsketen, onderzocht door de Raad voor de rechtshandhaving. Ook besteden we aandacht aan outlaw motorcycle gangs en de problemen rondom handhaving van de leerplicht .
In 2014 was een belangrijk gegeven voor ons zelf, maar zeker ook voor de opsporingsdiensten, dat in januari het onderzoek Country Garden moest worden opgepakt. Een onderzoek dat het hele verslagjaar heeft doorgelopen. Iedereen besefte dat Country Garden naar zijn aard een onderzoek was dat gedaan moest worden. En waarin amper concessies aan de orde konden zijn. Het primair proces van het OM raakte in de 2014 –mede door Country Garden- in de gevarenzone. Daarmee werd Country Garden in 2014 ook een katalysator voor het intensiveren van het al eerder in gang gezette keuzeproces. Noodzakelijkerwijs moeten wij, samen met partners, kijken naar wat we wel en niet kunnen doen. Daarbij komt de grens aan beschikbare capaciteit aan de orde.

Plan Anual 2016

Ministerio Públiko BES ta presentá e plan anual di 2016. E kantidat di kasonan ku Ministerio Públiko mester a atendé e último añanan aki lamentablemente a dupliká i Ministerio Públiko a hañé konfrontá ku un oumento di investigashon di formanan di kriminalidat mas pisá i nobo. Ta trata di un preshon di trabou hopi haltu. Tambe e vulnerabilidat a oumentá. E eskala chikí di e organisashonnan den Hulanda Karibense ta un estorbo den e funshonamentu di e diferente organisashonnan den e kadena hudisial i ta kondusí na limitashon di kapasidat i falta di fleksibilidat dentro di e formashon.

OM BES ke profeshonalisá su mes i e kadena den e añanan benidero via di tres liña (ku tin konekshon ku otro):

•  Sostené e proseso primario riba nivel di kontenido i proseso;
•  Minimalisá e vulnerabilidat di e proseso, i
•  Trese mas maneho basá riba informashon kompilá den e kadena

E puntonan di enfoke riba e tereno di kriminalidat pisá ta bira trafikashon di hende, labamentu di plaka i trafikashon di droga internashonal; e delaster aki tambe en konekshon ku Bonaire International Airport i e frontera blou. E gèngnan di motosaikel ‘outlaw’ tambe tin hopi atenshon di OM-BES. Naturalmente OM-BES tin interes spesialmente den e koinsidensia entre e diferente formanan di kriminalidat aki. Ministerio Públiko ke mas atenshon pa kriminalidat finansiero–ekonómiko/ labamentu di plaka a konsekuensia di señalnan di invershonnan di sèn prosedente di kriminalidat den propiedat inmóbil i lo kontinuá i insentivá e kolaborashon ku entre otro Belastingdienst i FIOD.

Tambe OM-BES ke bai traha mas dirigí (mas ku awo) riba temanan spesífiko pa asina atendé ku e kriminalidat mediano i ku ta sosodé regularmente. Ku esaki e ta enfoke ta primeramente riba kriminalidat violento (inkluso delitonan kontra moral i atrakonan), kriminalidat di hubentut, kiebronan den kas i negoshi i negoshi lokal di supstansianan ilegal.

Relato Anual 2014

Den e Relato Anual di 2014, OM BES ta duna un bista i splikashon tokante di loke a realisá i detenshonnan hasí den e aña tras di lomba. Di kasonan penal te ku temanan riba nivel di maneho manera e funshonamentu di e kadena hudisial, investigá pa e Komishon pa supervishon di derecho. Tambe OM ta duna atenshon na e gèngnan di motosaikel ‘outlaw’ i e problemanan rondó di mantenshon di enseñansa obligatorio.

Un echo importante den 2014 pa Ministerio Públiko mes, pero sigur tambe pa reshèrshi, ta ku den yanüari mester a atendé e investigashon Country Garden. Un investigashon ku a dura hinter e aña di e relato anual. Tur hende a realisá ku Country Garden tabata un investigashon grandi ku mester a wòrdu hasí i den kua difísilmente por a yega na akuerdonan. E proseso primario di OM a drenta zona di peliger den 2014, tambe dor di e kaso Country Garden. Ku esaki Country Garden tambe a bira un katalisadó pa intensivá e proseso di eskoho ku anteriormente kaba a keda inisiá. Indispensablemente Ministerio Públiko, huntu ku su partnernan, mester wak kiko por i kiko no por hasi. Ku esaki e límite di e kapasidat disponibel ta bini na remarke.

Annual Plan 2016:

Hereby we offer you the Annual Plan 2016 of the OM BES.
Our inflows in recent years has almost doubled and the prosecution was faced with an increase in investigations into more serious and debilitating forms of crime. There is a very high workload and increased vulnerability.
The small size of the organizations in the Caribbean Netherlands plays a very negative role in the functioning of the various organizations in the justice system and leads to capacity restrictions and lack of flexibility within the formation.

The prosecution BES itself and the chain wants to professionalize in the coming years with three interrelated lines:
1. the content and process supporting of the primary process;
2. reducing vulnerability of the process, and
3. applying a more information-oriented control in the chain.

Our focus in the field of serious crime is on human trafficking, money laundering and international drug trafficking; the latter also in relation to Bonaire International Airport and the blue border. The outlaw motorcycle gangs also keep our explicit focus. Of course we are particularly interested in the overlap between these forms of crime.
Partly because of signals from investments of dirty money in real estate, we want more attention to economic and financial crime / money laundering. The cooperation with the Belastingdienst Caribisch Nederland and the FIOD continues /is intensified.

We also want to work (more than now) more subject-oriented (perpetrator directed) to address the many - and middle crime and hereby focus primarily on violent crime (incl. Sexual offense crime cases and atrako's), juvenile crimes, home and business burglaries and local drug trafficking businesses.

Annual report 2014

In this Annual Report for 2014 OM BES will give insight and accountability for what has been done and undertaken in that year. From criminal to policy issues such as the functioning of the criminal justice system, examined by the so called ‘Raad voor de rechtshandhaving’. We also pay attention to outlaw motorcycle gangs and the problems of enforcement of compulsory education.
An important fact in 2014 for ourselves, but also for the investigative services, is that the investigation named Country Garden had to be picked up in January. An investigation that lasted the whole year. Everyone realized that Country Garden was an investigation of a nature that had to be done. And in which concessions could hardly be put on the agenda. The primary process of OM hit – also because of Country Garden - the danger zone in 2014. While this Country Garden investigation also became a catalyst in 2014 for intensifying the already initiated process of making choices. Necessarily, we must, together with partners, look at what we can and cannot do. Doing so the limit of available capacity is put on the agenda.

Click here to view the BES Islands Year Plan for the year 2016

Is it really the signing of the Integrity protocol why Minister Richardson must go!
I can imagine all of those voters of last election holding their head and bawling with shame knowing that they put this government in place. Don’t blame the politicians, blame yourself. You knew that if you put the same leaders back in office you could not have expected different results than what we are getting today.

Philipsburg:--- Many persons have not being paying much attention to the back and forth discussion regarding the establishment of an Integrity Chamber, especially not those ordinary citizens who are unemployed and those others who can’t make ends meet because of the high cost of living. They would have preferred to see our elected and appointed officials put more energy in those issues that affecting their daily lives. Nevertheless, integrity on the island has been at an all-time low and seems to be getting worst every day. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that we establish this Integrity Chamber and try to root out the corruption that exists in government for so many years. But somehow our elected officials have not learned from previous mistakes and continue to want to put their hands in the cookie jar.
It is very surprising to hear that the US party is calling for the head of the Minister of Justice because he signed a protocol and didn’t inform the party. It is not the first time that a minister has signed a protocol if my memory serves me right. It is my understanding that the Chef de Cabinet of the Ministry of Justice is a member of the US Party. Where was this Chef de Cabinet when all of this was going down? Didn’t he have any knowledge of this document and wasn’t he part of the delegation that travelled to the Netherlands to negotiate this protocol? If he wasn’t part of this delegation to negotiate such an important document then the US party has no one to blame but themselves. How can you be a Chef de Cabinet of a ministry and not be part of all such important negotiations that are taking place within a ministry? Now, we know for a fact that in many cases persons that supported a party or were on a list are rewarded with positions in government. But we hope that that is something of the past and that there appointments have to do with their capabilities to take this country to the next level. Nobody should be placed in a position just for their looks, they must be able to contribute and be respected by the minister in charge.
The OSPP is demanding that the US party come out and tell the people the truth why Minister Richardson must go. Is it really because he signed the protocol, nothing unusual about a government signing such a document? It has been done by a previous minister before on behalf of the government? Doesn’t the parliament of St. Maarten have the final say to approve or disapprove the changes that would have to be made to the law? If those changes to the law are not approved by the Parliament of St. Maarten then how can the content of the protocol be enforced? It is rumored that the US party wanted the minister to place a section of the Ministry of Justice in a particular building under construction? Is this true? And if yes, which building and why? How much will be the rent for this building?
But where do we go from here? Our Prime Minister has indicated that if a vote of non-confidence is tabled against the Minister of Justice it would mean that there is no confidence in the entire Council of Minister. A very strong statement from an appointed official, but to make this statement he must have had the support of the leadership of the UP party that put his name forward to become Prime Minister. While some of the members of parliament of the UP are speaking out against the statement of the Prime Minister, when push comes to shove all of them will fall in line including the US party. It is not about what’s best for St. Maarten; it is what is best for their pockets and to hell with the people.
St. Maarten, an Integrity Chamber is long overdue, we need it now. Let’s root out corruption for once and for all.

GREAT BAYDCOMM):--- Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA), is calling on the population to use the current Hurricane Pre-Clean-Up campaign to remove mosquito breeding grounds in order to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

This activity is twofold in that as the garbage is removed it also contributes to the elimination of mosquito breeding sites and therefore impacting the mosquito population. If there are no containers with water for mosquitoes to lay the larvae there will be no adult mosquitoes.

Make use of the clean-up efforts by waste disposal companies in your districts to get rid of possible breeding sites keeping your environment mosquito free. Remove items that you no longer need that are in your yard and can hold water becoming a breeding ground for mosquitos.

Persons are recommended to keep their homes, yards, neighborhoods and work environment free from mosquito breeding sites.

Homeowners can reduce the number of areas where adult mosquitoes can find shelter by cutting down weeds adjacent to the house foundation and in their yards, and mowing the lawn regularly.

Check around construction sites or do-it-yourself improvements to ensure that proper backfilling and grading is realized to prevent drainage problems which can be a source for standing water.

Dengue Fever is transmitted by the female vector Aedes Aegypti mosquito. The clean-up will prevent the mosquito from finding a place to lay its eggs. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito is distinguished by its markings. The body of the mosquito has alternate black and white horizontal stripes. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito lays her eggs in clear (clean) stagnant water.

Within eight days the mosquito can complete its life cycle from egg, to larvae to pupae and to and adult mosquito.

An increase in the mosquito population puts residents at risk. For information about dengue fever prevention measures, you can call CPS at 542-2078 or 542-3003.

Harbour View:--- Final preparations are being made for the 4th Annual Governor’s Symposium entitled “Governance: the value of checks and balances” hosted by the Governor of Sint Maarten, His Excellency drs. Eugene B. Holiday, on upcoming Friday, June 19, 2015 at the Westin Dawn Beach Resort.
“This year’s symposium wishes to highlight the value and encourage the strengthening of checks and balances as an essential public, corporate and civic governance pillar for the overall functioning of Sint Maarten’s society”. says Governor Holiday. Aiming to foster and encourage advancement in the well-being of the people of Sint Maarten the theme for this year was selected by the Governor, hoping not only to inspire those attending, but also to help identify opportunities for enhancing checks and balances within Sint Maarten’s society.
The Governor’s Symposium will feature both national and regional speakers who will lend their vast knowledge and expertise to the theme. The keynote speaker will be Professor Trevor Munroe, the Executive Director of National Integrity Action, a Jamaican civil society organization. The program of the symposium also includes well-known speakers Mr. Miguel Alexander and Mr. Jan Beaujon as well as a round table discussion with all speakers, moderated by Mr. Jason Rogers, to exchange ideas on the theme.
The event is for invitees only and invited guests are encouraged to RSVP no later than Tuesday, June 16, 2015. Additionally, invited guests are requested to bring along their invitation as this is required for the registration process.
The annual Governors Symposium is considered to be a supportive platform for all invited stakeholders to focus, raise awareness and, hopefully, function as a catalyst for best practices within the community of Sint Maarten. This will be the fourth Symposium the Governor has organized. Previous themes included National Heritage, Sustainable Development and Education for Democracy.
For more information on the Governor’s Symposium, please visit http://www.kabgsxm.com/

St. Maarten has a Constitution that must be respected.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The current coalition government have a real problem on their hands to solve, now that MP Frans Richardson has asked the Minister of Justice by way of letter to resign effective immediately.
Political pundits says that MP Frans Richardson is getting ahead of himself and that he needs to know that St. Maarten has a constitution that must be respected. The first being the legislative body (Parliament) who could send home a Minister by way of a majority and not single-handily.
Secondly St. Maarten does have executive powers (Council of Ministers) and then comes the judicial powers. It must be clear that in principle all three powers are equal and none of them supersedes the other. The question now remains is if MP Frans Richardson has the backing of his coalition partners who would have to bring a motion of non- confidence against Minister Richardson. Already the Prime Minister of St. Maarten Marcel Gumbs said last week when asked by SMN News if he intends to resign if Minister Richardson has to go, the Prime Minister said that if the current coalition brings a motion of non-confidence against Minister Richardson he will view that motion against the Council of Ministers.
One must also remember that the current coalition formed their government since September 24th 2014 and took until December 9th 2014 to install a partial cabinet with five Ministers. To date the coalition cannot fill the other two Ministries with Ministers and this has created enormous pressure on the current Council of Ministers.
MP Sarah Wescot Williams in a statement said that the UP/UPS+2 governing coalition agreed in their governing accord that ministers are a joint responsibility of all coalition partners. So to ask a minister to resign would have to be done by all of the coalition partners. Wescot Williams said she have not seen the USP letter, so she could only go by media reports. “Neither do I know of the agreement between the earlier coalition of 9 and the USP. We seem again to be heading to a stand-off. The coalition sends home the ministers by way of motions of no confidence OR the government dissolves parliament with as a result a new election? Which will it be?? Any which way, who stands to lose are the people of this country, because the taxpayers will have to pay for the decisions and whims of these politicians. (An ousted minister or MP not yet 60 years, will have to be paid at least an extra year; elections cost money etc.)” Wescot Williams said at this moment she cannot say where the island is heading.

 THE BOTTOM:--- Refreshment. Revolution. Remembrance. If you think you know the heart of Anguilla, maybe you don’t. This euphonious collection of multigenerational voices in the new anthology Where I See the Sun Contemporary Poetry in Anguilla (2015) is the buffet readers — both local and international — will enjoy during their morning reflections. It is the electric town hall meeting readers will want to attend for the midday lunch smile; readers will want to share this collage of jigsaw puzzle pieces with their loved ones during an intimate supper.
Most people in St. Martin, where the anthology was published by House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP), can point to the direction where the 35-square-mile island of Anguilla basks in the glorious Caribbean sun, the same that trails its gentle rays, rising and falling over Guana Bay into Great Bay; rising and falling over St. Peters or Cay Hill; placing tiny diamonds in the Simpson Bay Lagoon waves; still pressing onward past St. James; short-cutting through Grand Case; and frolicking across the sea. That same sun has caressed Anguilla’s beaches, land, and people, for centuries.
However, since the island’s poets and wordsmiths rallied to the battle cry that was sounded for crafted products, the resulting creative expressions yielded a totally different, but enriching, experience of the sun in Anguilla. In this 2015 collection edited by Lasana M. Sekou, the works of all 43 poets and lyricists, individual pieces with mild details that willingly adhere to one another, evoke Anguilla’s muscles, bones, and soul.
If you think you know Anguilla’s roads, coves, and hot spots, maybe you don’t. These things are complexly layered with capital H for history and other people’s stories. If you think you know Anguilla’s people, the women and their beauty, the men and their heart stories, maybe you don’t.
Maybe you know how Anguillians cook their food, but do you know how fiercely they love, or how openly they lament the crumpling corners of their society? The women, some fashioned in African fabric, hoist fists to their hips and confront racism. Then, no sooner, they delicately confront their inner quarrel with their unique beauty. The men, some love strong and others pimple-popping, cut their hearts into shapes of letters and doggedly continue to fill in the potholes in the roads, in the community, in the memories. Experienced wordsmiths bad-mouth societal ills, and a youngster, hand-snatched from freedom, reaches out from Her Majesty’s prison to thank his mother, taking a moment to feel her pain.
Although a few of the enclosed poems from those imprisoned began to clot in the middle, rewarding are the facts that no one or no experience is ostracized; no one is too young to share the way the sun touches the skin of his or her life. No one wants to forget. All want to reach ahead; taking inventory of their hearts and memories, lifting samples of Anguilla from every possible source — “After the UDI (1967),” the family, the road crew, the prison, the crown, carnival, elections — shouting, “Here is what we have to say about ourselves, to ourselves, for ourselves!”
In this collection, you’d find akimbo feistiness, whispered intimacies, spit-flying raves, lavender talks of confidence, and, before the end, you’d develop nostalgia and long to hear these voices come alive on the stage. No wonder the Singapore-born American author Wena Poon, in her critique of this newest Anguillian title, wrote that, “This may be your only chance to hear them speak like this.”
Among the wordsmiths in Where I See the Sun that are competitive with dynamic poets in a Caribbean region known for its chorus of great literatures, are, Rita Celestine-Carty, Bankie Banx, John T. Harrigan, Patricia J. Adams, Fabian Fahie, Dr. Oluwakemi Linda Banks, and Reuel Ben Lewi. But watch out for the younger writers, most making their publishing debut in this “crop of poets of uneven literary talent, ... voices intent on entering the choir that would intone a new song for Anguilla” (p. xiv).
Sekou, a St. Martin poet and author, has gathered what might be for those of us outside of Malliouhana (p. 153), a rare find of a nation, an Anguilla that is yet a territory of the United Kingdom but with a “poetry rooted in a strong desire for real freedom,” according to the Guadeloupean poet Steve Gadet. Sekou himself broaches, irresistibly, a few peel-back skin issues in his introduction to Where I See the Sun – Contemporary Poetry in Anguilla. But he leaves the poets and spoken word artists as the ones “better to tell the Anguillian story” (p. xxi) in this collection.
Where I See the Sun should probably not be read in one sitting, for it may not digest properly, and the power in the words becoming flesh, the resurrection, shall be missed. Although the poems are cluttered by name, take your time. As one poem makes you light with laughter, the other might dig a grave for you to sit and contemplate.
HNP has met a challenge to publish a much needed, and what might become a cornerstone work, perfect for non-Caribbean tourists, for visitors and readers from neighboring islands, and for Anguillians. In addition to the 93 poems, there’s a preface by literary critic Fabian Badejo–a gateway brief that would serve students and scholars interested in developments in seminal literatures. There are nine pages of biographical sketches of the writers. A five-page glossary rounds out the book’s 184 pages. The cover, with fold-in flaps and designed by Sundiata Lake, features photographs of the poets.
Where I See the Sun – Contemporary Poetry in Anguilla is available at Amazon.com, SPDbooks.org, Van Dorp and Arnia’s bookstores, and in Anguilla at IrieLife and Coral Reef Bookstore.

Great Bay:--- ndependent Member of Parliament, Van Hugh Cornelius De Weever on June 8, 2015 signed the approval of a draft ordinance amending the Ordinance limiting tobacco use.
MP De Weever clearly stated that this ordinance is in the interest of public health. This will ban tobacco use in public places, workplaces and public transport. When MP De Weever was Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor he already brought light to this ordinance. During that time MP De Weever asked the business community to do the right thing and ban smoking in their establishments and launched the Clean Air For All policy banning smoking in all Government offices.
With the transition to Country status in 2010, St. Maarten took over many of the former Netherlands Antilles laws/ordinances, one of them being the ordinance of May 23, 1996 on measures to reduce tobacco use. MP De Weever has been able within short to have this ordinance of the amending of the ordinance restricting tobacco use.
Many countries within the Caribbean have tobacco control laws mainly banning smoking in public places and the workplace. Tobacco control measures can save lives as tobacco is the leading cause of cancers and heart disease.
MP De Weever stated that studies prove that by having these measures in place you promote public health by eliminating illness and death caused by tobacco and second hand smoke. “It is also important to note that this law is based on Curaçao and Suriname's laws as well.”

Great Bay:--- Independent Member of Parliament, Cornelius De Weever stated that an important piece of legislature will soon come to the floor of parliament, which will improve the lives of our people.
This important piece of legislation is the fixed-term employment contract (article 614a); pregnancy and childbirth (article 629a); equal treatment (article 646 to 653) and transfer of undertaking (articles 662 to 666).
“It is my understanding that the Council of Advice has finalized their part and has sent this valuable piece of legislation to the Labor Policy Department for its nader rapport,” said MP De Weever.
MP De Weever further stated that once this is completed it will be sent to the Council of Ministers and then to parliament for them to do their work and approve this long awaited legislation for the people of this country.

PHILIPSBURG"--- The Sint Maarten Nature Foundation has received assistance from the Royal Dutch Navy in placing ten three-ton mooring blocks in waters both outside and inside of the Marine Park, creating mooring possibilities at ten new dive sites with the help of Naval Supply and Disaster Relief Ship the Zr. Ms. Pelikaan. With the support of the Cabinet of the Governor, the Royal Dutch Marine Detachment on Sint Maarten, the Royal Dutch Navy Command of the Dutch Caribbean based in Curacao, Windward Roads and the Sint Maarten Harbor Group of Companies the ten new operational moorings will protect both fragile coral from being damaged by anchors as well as increase tourism revenue through providing new dive sites for visitors to the island.
“This was the perfect example of a project which was quite complex but in which many stakeholders from both the public and private sector cooperated in ensuring that our ocean environment is protected. With the help of the Cabinet of the Governor and the Marine Base here on Sint Maarten we were able to apply for support to the Royal Dutch Navy Command in the Dutch Caribbean for support in placing these moorings. At the same time Windward Roads graciously donated ten three-ton blocks for us to use as mooring anchors. When we finally got the go-ahead for the project the Sin Maarten Harbor Group of Companies also provided logistical support and security clearance for the placement of the blocks. Now with the additional dive moorings we are able to protect fragile coral from anchor damage while enhancing our tourism product, further ensuring the conservation of our ocean ecosystem,” commented Tadzio Bervoets, Manager of the Sint Maarten Nature Foundation.
The waters surrounding Sint Maarten are home and migratory stop over or breeding site various endangered and critically endangered species. It is an area with a relatively healthy population of marine mammals including migratory whales and dolphins, numerous species of shark, sea turtles and numerous fish species. Studies have shown that in some areas coral reef density is high and the economic goods and services that the ecosystem provides are in excess of sixty million dollars annually. The Man of War Shoal Marine Park also has significant economic importance as diving in Marine Parks is globally on the rise and generally accepted by the diving tourist as a “must do” vacation activity. Local fisheries are also being enhanced through environmental protection in the waters surrounding the island. Marine Protected Areas increase fish populations and fish size of commercial species in nearby fishing grounds.
“With the help of the Commander and Crew of the Zr. Ms. Pelikaan we were able to complete what was really a complicated project both in terms of logistics and manpower and one which we have been working on for a couple of years now. The Nature Foundation expresses its deep gratitude to all who played a crucial part in this project, ensuring that Marine Conservation Activities coupled with the development of eco-tourism initiatives continues for the island,” concluded Bervoets.

The consumer price index for Sint Maarten has decreased in the month of April 2015 by 1.0 percent compared to that of February 2015. When comparing average consumer prices over a twelve month period (Apr. 2014 to Apr. 2015), an increase of 1.5 percent was recorded compared to the same period one year earlier.

This is evident from the data released by the Department of Statistics (STAT)
today. Price changes between April & February 2015 .The consumer price index for Sint Maarten has decreased in the month of April 2015 by
1.0 percent compared to that of February 2015. The price index recorded in April 2015 is 126.3.

Expenditure Category

WEIGHT INDEX FEBRUARY
2015
INDEX APRIL 2015
% CHANGE
Food 10% 186.6 189.1 1.3
Beverages and tobacco 1% 146.3 146.3 0.0
Clothing & footwear 7% 116.0 115.7 -0.3
Housing 39% 124.5 123.0 -1.2
Household furnishing & appliances 6% 142.8 145.2 1.7
Medical care 3% 114.7 115.0 0.3
Transport & communication 20% 111.9 106.6 -4.7
Recreation & education 6% 108.1 107.8 -0.3
Misc. 8% 120.5 120.1 -0.3
TOTAL 100% 127.6 126.3 -1.0

Expenditure Categories – overall modest increases

In April 2015, four of the nine expenditure categories became cheaper, whilst three became more expensive and one remained unchanged. Amongst the more expensive were the categories; ‘Food’ (+1.3%), ‘Household Furnishing & Appliances’ (+1.7%) and
‘Medical Care’ (+0.3%). Whereas decreases were recorded for the expenditure categories ‘Clothing and Footwear’, ‘Housing’, ‘Transport & Communication’, ‘Recreation
& Education’ and ‘Miscellaneous’; -0.3%, -1.2%, -4.7%, -0.3% and -0.3% respectively. The expenditure category ‘Beverages and Tobacco’ remained unchanged.

PHILIPSBURGL---- The Secretariat has commenced with the process related to the Annual President of Parliament Award whereby nominations can start as of June 15.
The application documents are on the parliament’s website. Persons have until August 15, 2015 to submit their nominations.
The website address is: www.sxmparliament.org and can be found under the documents section of the site. Select the link and you will be able to download the application form.
The purpose of the award is to honour young persons on Sint Maarten that are a great example to the youth and who have contributed positively to the community and the country.
Nominations can be submitted by any citizen of Sint Maarten who believes that the individual that he/she is nominating meets the criteria.
The eligibility criteria are: the candidate must have the Dutch nationality and/or has been legally residing in Sint Maarten for 10-years or more consecutively, and has been registered in the Civil Registry for that period of time; must be between the ages of 15-24 years; has made a worthwhile contribution to the development of the community and the country; these contributions/achievements must have taken place within the last three years; contributions/achievements must have been made while the individual was acting as a private citizen, not as an appointed or elected government official; and must have demonstrated capacity for leadership and ability to motivate.
An award committee will be established each year consisting of three members of Parliament. Members of the committee will review the nomination documents prior to the selection meeting and select three nominees.
During the selection meeting, the President of Parliament selects the recipient of the award based on the recommendations of the award committee.
The award will be presented yearly to the recipient during the reception ceremony at the Opening of the Parliamentary Year.
Nominations for the Annual President of Parliament may be submitted to The Parliament of Sint Maarten, attention, Annual President of Parliament Award Committee, Wilhelminastraat 1, Philipsburg.

PHILIPSBURG: --- St. Maarten was labelled as the island that gives class justice in the Masbangu investigation, the prosecution has lost almost all the cases they took to court that were investigated by the Landrecherché, the most recent is the one against former Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto and Roberto Gibbs who were both acquitted of all charges brought against them. Most recently after years of waiting for justice the prosecution have decided to add a second charge against the Buncampers two weeks before the trial date. Absurd to say the least because the Landsrecherché had this case almost five years, yet the last charge was brought in at the ninth hour.
Speaking about justice is something one has to basically fight for and when they do there is no guarantee that victims will really get the justice they deserve, instead victims are victimized.
A few years ago a veteran detective was and still is suffering from severe victimization when he solved a double homicide that involves the son of detective that was working at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). That detective was denied promotion even though he has the qualifications necessary for certain positions, the prosecutor’s office chose not to work on any case he investigated simply because he has given the relatives of two gas station attendants justice by getting the killer arrested and prosecuted. However, the suspect was the son of a detective that had connections so while his son had to do the time for the crime he committed, the detective in question suffered for doing his job.
One would think that St. Maarten has passed that phase and that all people will be treated equally. SMN News got information that victimization in the justice chain still do exists and officers that work with their heart and soul to give others justice are either suspended, sent home or even victimized by remaining at the bottom of the line.
The most recent case of victimization, is the case involving a young detective (inspector) who was sent home on April 23 2015 by the head of the Landsrecherché Ademar Doran. It is alleged that Doran told his subordinate that he should not report back to work because he is involved in an ongoing murder investigation that involves another police officer.
On May 19th 2015, the detective in question received a letter from the Minister of Justice informing him that he is suspended with pay, as there is an ongoing investigation against him for alleged dereliction of duty.
Upon hearing about this case SMN News reporter have decided to dig deeper to see exactly what is happening at the office of the National Detectives where cases takes years before they are investigated or even taken to court while the main excuse is the department lacks human resources.
In investigating SMN News learnt that the detective in question held a meeting with three members of the management team of the National Detectives and informed them that they were not abiding by their policies and that the work that has to be carried out by that department is stagnated for no apparent reason. This of course did not sit well with those that sits on the high chair and think they are untouchable. Therefore, the department head waited for the right moment to victimize this detective, who is the youngest police inspector on St. Maarten and one that is constantly upgrading his skills and is even a member of the union.
Victimization for telling the truth... will the court ever see the detective statement?
As SMN News did it research it was discovered that the detective in question is a relative of murder victim Ackeem Isidora who was gunned down by a police officer on March 4th 2015, That officer remained a free man for weeks even though the detectives at the Landrecherche knows that he is the one that fired the deadly shots.
SMN News learnt that the mother of slain Isidora contacted the detective after her son was arrested in the vicinity of his home for not having his identification card on him. The detective then contacted the now murder suspect to try and mediate and to find out exactly what was the problem the officer was having with Isidora, however, the officer now murder suspect told him it was nothing personal, instead he was only doing his job.
On the afternoon of March 4th 2015, shortly after 5pm the detective received two phone calls from the officer now murder suspect who told him that he “was going to take out Isidora” because he was messing with his girlfriend. SMN News learnt that the detective spoke to the young officer and even asked him to leave the Belvedere area since he was not living there. He even told him that he was going to visit his relative and put an end to whatever dispute he was having with the officer. At no point did the detective thought that an officer of the law was going to take matters in his own hand and it does not seem as if he knew what ‘taking out” meant at the time but by 7pm that fatal night he received information that the officer who called him earlier fired two shots and killed his relative and third bullet was fired towards his other cousin all from a police service weapon.
As SMN News continues to investigate it turned out that the detective informed two of his colleagues from the Landsrecherche at the crime scene that the victim was his cousin and also informed them about the two phone calls he received from the officer who is now in police custody for the murder of Ackeem Isidora.
The following day, the detective informed his superiors and even made a statement, his phone records were checked but little did he know that telling the truth would cause him undue stress and victimization from left to right. He was sent home on April 23rd, one month later he got a letter to say he is being investigated for alleged dereliction of duty, his lawyer wrote the Minister of Justice and to date they got no response. To make matters worse before the officer was sent home he visited the Philipsburg Police Station and was basically chased out by a senior member of the management team, who told him that he should get out of his police station because no officer should ‘snitch’ on their colleagues. SMN News was told a CPO then opened the door and told the detective in question to get out and if he did not hear what their “Captain” said.
With all of the information SMN News gathered it seems as though people are being punished for telling the truth, while criminals are allowed to go free depending with whom they are connected and certain law enforcement agencies are busy running with people of unsound mind.
While SMN News did all its research it must also be made clear that KPSM pulled away from this murder investigation the moment they were informed that the suspect is one of their officers. Shortly after KPSM management suspended the officer pending the outcome of the investigation.
The prosecutor that was handling the case wanted to arrest the suspect one week after the investigation started but was not allowed to do so because her bosses in the Prosecutor’s Office said no it was not time, no one can really say what they were waiting for and of course when they were asked if a detective made a statement in the Isidora murder investigation they denied it.
It took several media reports before a decision was finally taken to arrest this officer. If justice was about equality one would expect that the most recent murder suspect who surrendered to police after shooting to death a taxi driver in St. Peters would have be out as a free man since he did the moral and right thing by turning himself in to police shortly after shooting to death his friend but obviously this murder suspect does not have friends in the right places.

PHILIPSBURG: --- Reliable information reaching SMN News states that the leader of the United Peoples Party Theodore Heyliger contacted each of the members of the Supervisory Board of GEBE and asked them to make their positions available. A member of the board said they received the call on Thursday and immediately after that the chairman of the board hired of a law firm to defend their interests and to also inform the general public that the COO Romelio Maduro does not have a legal contract with the company and has been placed on non-active duty.
SMN News reported several discrepancies that are taking place at the government owned company even to the extent where members of the supervisory board are engaged in micromanagement.
SMN News also reported that the shareholder ( government) have decided to conduct a forensic investigation at GEBE.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A brand new, state-of-art building will be erected in the coming months on the site that formerly housed the Motorworld sales department on the Welfare Road in Cole Bay, the Motorworld Group of Companies recently announced.
The investment in a brand new building reinforces Motorworld Group’s confidence in St. Maarten and its people. The group is already one of the largest employers on the island and expects to employ additional workforce to complete the project.
While construction will take approximately one year to complete, Motorworld remains open and entirely committed to offering the same great customer service and vehicle pricing at the temporary showroom at the current location.
“We are still very much open for business at the current Motorworld location and will continue to offer our clients the best car buying experience on the island, which will be further enhanced when we open the brand new building”, said Mrs. Rena Amjad, CEO of the Motorworld Group of Companies. “Offering our customers the best brands, price and customer service has always been our objective and therefore we continue to make investments to be able to do so. Our major car brands have been urging us for years to upgrade and improve our showroom and facilities and we are finally able to do so with the kind assistance of a local bank,” according to Mrs. Amjad.
Since its inception, Motorworld has been continuously giving back to the St. Maarten community through their annual donations and sponsorships and insists that this will continue despite the sizeable investments this year.
“Although we are undertaking significant capital works, the Motorworld Group will continue to engage in our usual donations and sponsorships as we are committed to fulfilling our corporate social responsibilities to the island and people of St. Maarten. We sincerely thank our dear customers and look forward to your continued support and patronage as we strive to improve the way we do business with our most important asset, our customers”, concluded Mrs. Amjad.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Rishmer “Red Rum” York who was arrested for the murder of Akeem Isidora in March 2015th  in Happy Estate Belvedere, appeared before the Court of Appeals on Friday afternoon as he is seeking to have the courts overturn his 60 day pre-trial detention. The Court of First Instance arrested York months after he fired two bullets and killed Akeem Isidora across from his Belvedere home. York was sent to Aruba for his own safety just after he received the 60 days pretrial detention.
On Friday afternoon York arrived at the Court House under high security, he was shackled, wearing  prison garbs when he was  escorted inside the court house. York was represented by Attorney at Law Shaira Bommel while Solicitor General Taco Stein represented the Prosecution. The Court of Appeals should render its verdict in a few days.

PHILIPSBURG:---- Kambui James came to the Department of Labor Affairs and Social Services as a participant of the SEI (Social Economic Initiative) Employability through Training Project (ETTP). His primary goal in seeking the assistance of the Department was to find sustainable employment.

Mr. James wanted to develop his skills and advance his training. He felt as though he had great potential and was capable of doing much more than the jobs he was able to get with his present credentials. Therefore, in the hopes of gaining further knowledge and job related skills, he submitted himself to the process prescribed by a Social Worker and Job Coach at the Department of Labor Affairs and Social Services.

After completing the SEI ETTP, Mr. James enrolled in the volunteer program spearheaded by the Department of Social Services. He was assigned to the ASA “No Kidding with Our Kids” Foundation where he was a reading and crafts volunteer. It was during this time at ASA that the greatest improvements were seen in Mr. James in terms of his character, work ethic and potential. Mr. James blossoms as a reader for young kids. He even participated in the Family Reading Night Program by the Philipsburg Jubilee Library where he was a volunteer reader.

Mr. James has aspirations of becoming a teacher. He believes he can be a good example and that others can learn from his trials as well as his triumphs. He is most concerned with teaching young children a trade that they can always use their skills and talents as a means of livelihood. He believes this way no matter how the economy looks, persons will be able to work hard and support themselves with their craft.

Mr. James said the following of his experience:
Serving my community is a pleasure. Working with Labor Affairs and Social Services enabled me to perform my duties in a suitable environment which in turn stimulated a positive attitude towards my job and endeavors. Being a client of Social Services has sharpened my potential and taught me how to be a better team player.
In closing he states, “I now realize how much more we can get done together rather than alone.”

As a person of strong determination in persevering through adversity, Mr. James stands as a success story for the Department of Labor Affairs and Social Services. His praises are also sung by the ASA Foundation. Both organizations would like to salute Mr. James on a job well done and encourage him to continue on this new found path to destiny and purpose.

It is our collective hope that our clients benefit in like manner from their decision to seek help from the Department. For an appointment with the Social Worker or the Job Coach, contact the Department of Labor Affairs and Social Services today!

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Wednesday June 3, 2015 the Head of the Department of Labor Affairs, Peggy-Ann Dros-Richardson, representing Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) signed a Service Level Agreement with representatives of Enable NV represented by their Occupational Therapist, D’Antoinette Sorton, and the General Manager, Michel Roger. This signing occurred in the presence of the Senior Job Placement Officer, Sharon Fleming.

The Service Level Agreement was signed to finalize the handing over of a tailored assessment tool to be utilized by the department moving forward and to ensure that the proper elements and commitments are in place to provide delivery and consistent service support.

The tool will be used to assess the more vulnerable persons in our society in order to determine their immediate readiness for the labor market. It is not the intention that this tool will be utilized to assess all clients, however the tool will be used as a means to standardize and upgrade current assessments of particular clients who will benefit from this new tool.

The department hopes that once implemented hard to employ cases will be identified much more quickly. The team will also be better able to cater to each client’s need and ultimately provide quicker job placements while being more valid and reliable. Further to the above, the assessment tool promises to be a rich source of data which can be used to create statistics for Country St. Maarten.

The Department of Labor Affairs is sincerely looking forward to a fruitful working relationship with Enable NV with the acquisition of the assessment tool. The cooperation from the general public and our clients will be needed to make this initiative a success.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday 5 June, 2015 representatives of Prominent Women, Apostle Alicia Liverpool and Ms. Ramona Riley, together with Head of Department, drs. Peggy-Ann Dros-Richardson, and Social Workers, Ms. Rachel Doorson-Gefferie and Ms. Naila Carty, signed an agreement for a partnership and joint working relationship in the interest of empowering marginalized women within society.

The idea is to offer a more holistic approach with regards to helping disenfranchised women within the community by implementing a three phase process of intensive workshops.

During phase one, participants of the workshops will explore the question “Who am I?” The women will explore all aspects of themselves such as their values, their potential and their opportunities. The hope is to encourage women to see beyond their present circumstance to the greater possibilities for greatness within them.

Phase two will then focus mostly on their hindrances, boundaries and threats on their way to becoming who they truly are. The goal is to give the participants a realistic view of where they are, who they would like to become and what it will take to get there.

The final phase is the practical application phase where each participant will be expected to map out a realistic approach to restructure their lives. During this phase it is expected that the participants will participate in volunteer and other outreach programs that will assist with implementing a new way of thinking.

Prominent Women and the Department of Social Services are very much looking forward to beginning this initiative. If anyone is interested in further information concerning this collaboration, please visit the Department of Social Services to speak with a Social Worker.

Please follow both the Department of Labor Affairs and Social Services and Prominent Women on Facebook!

PHILIPSBURG:--- June 13th is National Flag Day. The movement for Sint Maarten to have its own flag started in August 1983. Two years later, the design of the flag that was presented was proclaimed the national flag by the Island Council on June 13th, 1985, and was inaugurated on the same day at an official ceremony in the presence of the official representatives of the people, invited guests and the general public.
“I take this opportunity to wish all Sint Maarteners Happy National Flag Day. Fly your national flags, and reflect upon what our flag means to each one of us. Our flag is an integral national symbol that proclaims our identity as the Sint Maarten nation.
“Let us use this National Flag Day weekend to reflect on our country, and how proud we are to be living in a peaceful land where there is no war. The world is an unstable place. We have a lot to be thankful and grateful.
“Take time out to spend with your family and reflect on the values of national identity and allegiance to country. The flag represents our unity as a people, and reminds us about our forefathers who played a role in building our country.
“We must be thankful for the work and sweat that our forefathers persevered for the betterment of our country and the welfare of its people. This inspires us as a nation to continue to move forward and achieve in all areas.
“On behalf of the Council of Ministers, I would like to wish the people of this great island nation Happy National Flag Day,” Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports Affairs Hon. Rita Bourne-Gumbs said on the eve of Flag Day.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister Plenipotentiary, Hon. Josianne Fleming–Artsen accompanied Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Hon. Rita Bourne-Gumbs, to the Flinx Recruitment Expo Dutch Caribbean (FRED) website (www.fredexpo.com) that took place from June 4-7 in Rotterdam at the Beurs World Trade Center.
The fourth FRED Expo brought together professionals, graduates, and pre-graduates and more than 30 companies including some from Sint Maarten.
Flinx Recruitment has been acting as a bridge between Dutch Caribbean professionals and local employers.
“I was impressed with the professional organization of the Expo. It was impressive to see Sint Maarten companies and institutions present seeking out our young professionals.

“We need our young professionals more than ever now to come back home to help build Country Sint Maarten. Our country has experienced ‘brain drain’ over the years, however, there is so much to be done, and we need ‘brain-growth’ where our young professionals return to help the country grow,” Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Josianne Fleming-Artsen said on Friday.
Minister Bourne-Gumbs who was in the Netherlands on a working visit took the opportunity to attend the Expo.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The leader of the United Saint Maarten Party (USP) Frans Richardson hand delivered a letter to Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson on Friday when he met with him at his office around 1pm.
SMN News understands that the USP leader made clear that as a coalition partner he got that Ministry and since he formed part of the coalition he is not informed on how the Justice Ministry functions.
After the meeting with the Minister of Justice MP Frans Richardson showed up at the Government Administration Building where members of the coalition met.
Attending that meeting which lasted over three hours were the leader of the UPP Theodore Heyliger, MP Franklin Meyers, MP Silvio Master, MP Maurice Lake, MP Leona Marlin, MP Cornelius de Weever, and MP Johan Janchi Leonard.
Also in attendance was Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson and the other members of the Council of Ministers.
When the meeting ended all Members of Parliament left stating that nothing happened and that the coalition meeting was called to discuss the budget. Some of the MP’s said that the budget has some serious issues and as Members of the current coalition they have to find solutions to the problems facing the country. Asked if the protocol on the establishment of an integrity chamber was discussed and the removal of the Minister of Justice from his office was discussed the MP’s said that they did not have time to discuss those issues since the budget issues are greater and as Members of Parliament they are not being updated by the Council of Ministers even though they are the ones that formed the government.

However, SMN News understands that the coalition did discuss the removal of the Minister of Justice Friday afternoon. According to information reaching SMN News Minister Richardson feels that he is being the “sacrificial lamb” for the protocol he signed on behalf of Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs since the portfolio to deal with the Kingdom falls under the Prime Minister. It is left to be seen if Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs will stick to his words and resign now that Minister Dennis Richardson has to take the fall for him.

SIMPSON BAY:--- The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority for the past two days has been busy shifting sand next to the Simpson Bay Causeway Round-a-bout in order to enhance the aesthetics of the area that is frequented by joggers, walkers and bird watchers.
Some benches will be placed in the area for pedestrians who frequent the Causeway every day to have a place to relax and enjoy the ambiance. Families are also seen on weekends having an outing at the Causeway.
Some debris has been removed by a backhoe and the works continue with levelling the sand in the area.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Supervisory board of directors of GEBE means business and they are sticking to the decision they have taken not to renew the contract  Romelio Maduro’s  as the Chief Financial Operations Officer of the Company.
Shortly after Maduro was officially informed by two of the board members in writing that he was not to be on the property as his contract expired on May 31st 2015, he retained attorney at law Peggy Ann Brandon to represent him. Not long after that the Prime Minister of St. Maarten  Marcel Gumbs revoked the supervisory board’s decision and reinstated Maduro on the job without giving him a contract. Last week Monday Maduro showed up to work and the same day met with owner of St. Maarten Service Provider Alfred Harley at a restaurant in Orient Bay, later that same day Maduro, wrote out a check to St. Maarten Service Provider to the tune of $68,000.00. SMN News broke all of the mismanagement and micro-management that is taking place at the Government Owned Company. Even though several articles were written the Supervisory Board of Directors never made any official statement.
However, they have retained the services of Attorney at Law Jairo Bloem who sent out a press release on behalf of the company. The letter reads as follows:-

N.V. GEBE and the Supervisory Board of Directors of N.V. GEBE want to hereby inform the general public that Mr. R.A. Maduro is not legally entitled to represent and thus take any action in the broadest sense of the word on behalf of N.V. GEBE, because:

1. Mr. R.A. Maduro has not been legally appointed into any function with N.V.

GEBE and consequently does not have any corporate or contractual relationship with N.V. GEBE;

2. Mr. R.A. Maduro was conditionally, insofar as might be required, suspended and placed on non-active duty by the Supervisory Board of Directors of N.V. GEBE, starting June 11th, 2015.
(/#

Rene A. Richardson
Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Directors N.V. GEBE

Click here to view letter Attorney at Law Bloem sends to the media on behalf of GEBE

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):---  NV GEBE is supporting the department of Collective Prevention Services (CPS) of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, with respect to water bottles for the Mobile Health Clinic Bus.

Water is a nutrient that your body needs which is present in liquids, plain water, and foods. Drinking water helps maintain the balance of body fluids; water can help control calories; water helps energize muscles; water helps keep skin looking good; water helps your kidneys; and water helps maintain normal bowel function.

NV GEBE is the supplier of fresh clean water throughout Sint Maarten, and with public health promoting the drinking of tap water which is accessible to all; the collaboration was identified between the Ministry and NV GEBE in the promotion of this vital resource to human health.

Safe and readily available water is important for public health, whether it is used for drinking, domestic use, food production or recreational purposes. In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly explicitly recognized the human right to water.

Everyone has the right to sufficient, continuous, safe, acceptable, physically accessible and affordable water for personal and domestic use.

NV GEBE on Monday afternoon donated 500 water bottles and will do so annually. The water bottles will be given out to persons who visit the mobile health bus for screening opportunities.

The mobile bus of the Ministry of Public Health is designed to deliver a pro-active approach in providing lifesaving vaccinations, screening services for early detection of diseases, and to deliver information and education on health topics that are prevalent throughout the Sint Maarten community.

The goal of the mobile bus is to also promote a healthy lifestyle which entails eating healthy and well balanced meals, increased physical activity and the importance of drinking water, which is displayed as running tap water on the sides of the bus.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The Film Course, entitled, An Introduction to Film Studies: Activism, Caribbean Nation Building, and the Politics of Filmmaking for Social Work, has been completed at the University of St. Martin.

The course, taught by Sharelly Emanuelson, lasted for 4 months and participants covered the history and fundamentals of films, the intricacies thereof—forms, styles, genres, and the creation of a short film dealing with socio-cultural issues.

Participants used what means of video recording they had, so they used their cell phones, cameras (video), or camcorders. Then they had to down load the recording, organize such, and edit accordingly. In the end, a short film was produced and watched by all in the class.

Interim President of the University of St. Maarten Dr. Francio Guadeloupe was pleased with the course to the NGO participants and praised the students for their commitment and hard work.

“I would like to commend all the participants. They participated actively during the entire course, completed take home assignments and an exam, but also had to write an essay on filmmaking, and make the short film. This is a lot. So I want to laud them for their discipline and creativity,” Guadeloupe said.

The course is also part of the USM vision and strategy of having an Associate’s degree in every house hold on St. Maarten.

Course Instructor Emanuelson said that the experience was stimulating and valuable. “The course was very interesting from my point of view. I think we both learned from each other in different respects. I was a pleasure for me to pass on the knowledge and experience I have to the participants. I look forward to doing so again once USM will have me.”

Emanuelson has her Bachelor’s degree in Audiovisual Media from the School of the Arts, Utrecht, and a Master’s degree in Artistic Research at the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague. She recently completed two documentaries on the Dutch Caribbean: Calypso (Aruba) and Su Solo I Playanan (Curacao). She is based in the Dutch Caribbean and the Netherlands.

The Film course is part of a pilot program to upgrade the capacity of NGO organizations, an initiative of the former Minister of Health, Social, and Labor Affairs, the Honourable MP, Dr. Cornelius de Weever. The program is managed by Aida Holaman, Head of Community Development at the Ministry of Health. This course is part of 3 courses meant to stimulate participants to further their education.

After the Film Course, a book is being planned which will include essays by the participants, the film instructor Sharelly Emanuelson, and President of the University of St. Martin, Francio Guadeloupe.

WILLEMSTAD:--- From June 3rd to June 5th, part of the SXM DOET Project Team attended the evaluation meeting hosted by the Oranje Fonds for the entire Koninkrijk Doet ('Kingdom Does') initiative in Otrabanda, Curaçao, which is the largest volunteer initiative in the Dutch Kingdom. Organizers from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten and the Netherlands attended the conference in order to evaluate and analyze the successes of ARUBADOET, BONDOET, CURADOET, STATIADOET, SXMDOET and NLdoet, respectively, and to identify any challenges and possible solutions to the challenges faced. This in turn will lead to an even better turn out and result for the 2016 DOETs.

At the conference, each organizing team was responsible for identifying any obstacles or bottlenecks experienced during their version of DOET, along with the successes and solutions to any challenges faced in their DOET program. “Overall, the experience was a very valuable one. I gained great insight into how the other islands execute their programs and returned home full with ideas,” said Melanie Choisy, president of the Be The Change Foundation.

Earlier this year in March, Be The Change Foundation, under the direction of the Oranje Fonds, executed for the first time SXM DOET, the St. Maarten version of a popular Kingdom-wide community service event held annually. Over 1.000 volunteers came out to lend a helping hand to one of the 39 projects, hosted by 27 NGO's, held over two days, around the island to emphasize how together we achieve more.

Next year, SXMDOET will take place on March 11-12, 2016. Visit their Facebook page (facebook.com/sxmdoet), as well as their website www.sxmdoet.com, to stay updated with the latest news on how you can do your part in giving back to the SXM community, and to see the brand new promotional video! For more information on the program visit www.sxmdoet.com or call 580-1437.

Since the beginning of this week, military personnel has arrived on the islands of Sint Maarten, Saba and Statia. They are preparing for the annual hurricane relief exercise. Yesterday, the Commander Netherlands Forces in the Caribbean, commodore Hans Lodder, visited the support ship HNLMS Pelikaan and the operations room in the Asha Stevens Hillside Christian School.

Cooperation
“The military troops are here to support local authority in case of a hurricane passage or another disaster. This exercise is good training to get to know the islands and to get to know their counterparts. Good cooperation is the key to success, so I think it is very important train together annually.” Commodore Lodder stresses that one of the main tasks of the military forces in the Caribbean is humanitarian aid after a hurricane passage of a disaster of another kind. “Let’s hope it will never be necessary, but if it is, we can better be prepared.”

French troops
The marine detachment on Sint Maarten is ready to receive troops from Curacao and Aruba. The support ships HNLMS Pelikaan and Karel Doorman will attend the training. This year, for the first time, the French ship Dumont D’Urville and French military personnel will be also part of the training.

Saba and Statia
Also on the islands of Saba and Statia, Dutch marines have arrived. They will get acquainted with local authority and infrastructure. On Saba, there will be no disaster relief exercise until october. Nonetheless, it is important for the marines to get to know the island. On Statia, there will be a disaster relief exercise with local authority.

 On the eve of the 2015 UEFA Europa League Final between FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk and Sevilla FC at the National Stadium in Warsaw, Poland, Global Partner of the UEFA Europa League, the Western Union Company (NYSE:WU), a leader in global payment services, and the Western Union Foundation, announced that their PASS initiative has reached its goal of one million passes to support better education for children globally.
Launched in September 2012, the PASS initiative has turned every successful pass made during the Group and Knock Out Stages of the 2012/13, 2013/14 and 2014/15 UEFA Europa League into funding that supports secondary education for young people in key markets. With the goal of supporting the delivery of one million days of education by the end of 2015, Western Union committed to a $1.8 million, three-year grant through the Western Union Foundation to support UNICEF’s secondary education programs for youth in 10 countries (video).
“Moving money for better is at the heart of what we do, and education is one of the main reasons Western Union customers send money,” said Patrick Gaston, president, Western Union Foundation. “According to UNICEF, 63 million adolescents globally are not enrolled in secondary or vocational education. It’s a tremendous loss of economic and human potential, since each extra year of school can increase an individual’s potential economic opportunity.
“Three years ago, at the start of the Western Union sponsorship of the UEFA Europa League, we set out to deliver on our commitment. Today, I am proud to say that we have delivered on that commitment to provide access to better education and the projects supported by PASS funds are already making a difference. I’d like to express my thanks to all those involved in the initiative, particularly UNICEF, which has been implementing critically-needed education programs to help children complete school and have a brighter future, as well as all the players, fans, customers and staff who have all contributed.”
The PASS initiative is supporting educational projects including: teacher training and curriculum development, financial literacy, vocational and life skills training for adolescents; school improvements; and more. PASS funding has already been delivered to support UNICEF education programs in Brazil, Jamaica, Senegal, Nigeria, China, Morocco and Turkey, with funding scheduled to be delivered to programs in Colombia, Mexico and Romania this year.
The PASS initiative is a key part of the Education for Better program, a three-year commitment launched at the UN General Assembly in September 2012 by Western Union and the Western Union Foundation, which includes philanthropic grants from the Western Union Foundation, advocacy, products/services, volunteer and marketing support for secondary and vocational education around the world.
Whilst players on the field have contributed the majority of passes, PASS has also been supported with communications programs off the field which have allowed soccer fans, Western Union customers and staff to play a part.
During its three seasons, the PASS initiative, has also attracted some high profile support within the sport. Global PASS ambassador Patrick Vieira launched the initiative at the start of the 2012/13 UEFA Europa League season and more recently travelled to Senegal, the country where he was born, to see for himself the work being done by UNICEF (video).
Other players who have lent their support during the initiative include: USA and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard, who led a campaign calling on fans to PASS For School (video); Nigerian soccer international Jay Jay Okocha, who went back to former club Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany to meet with fans; and Brazilian soccer legend Roberto Carlos, who met students benefiting from UNICEF programs in Istanbul, Turkey, in February 2014.
Marc Audrit, Vice President, Global Brand at Western Union, also commented, saying, “Soccer is a global language and we wanted to tap into that as a fundamental part of our sponsorship. By harnessing the power of soccer to raise awareness, and funding, for the unmet educational needs of young people, PASS has helped us deliver a message to the world that passes make a difference both on and off the field.”

Statistics on the global education challenge:

• An estimated 250 million children in the world cannot read, write or do basic math
• 58 million children around the world lack access to primary education and 63 million young adolescents are out of school1
• 85% of people globally say ‘creating equal educational opportunity’ is a top concern2

About Western Union
The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a leader in global payment services. Together with its Vigo, Orlandi Valuta, Pago Facil and Western Union Business Solutions branded payment services, Western Union provides consumers and businesses with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, to send payments and to purchase money orders. As of March 31, 2015, the Western Union, Vigo and Orlandi Valuta branded services were offered through a combined network of over 500,000 agent locations in 200 countries and territories and over 100,000 ATMs and kiosks. In 2014, The Western Union Company completed 255 million consumer-to-consumer transactions worldwide, moving $85 billion of principal between consumers, and 484 million business payments. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com.
About the Western Union Foundation
The Western Union Foundation is dedicated to creating a better world, where the ability to realize dreams through economic opportunity is not just a privilege for the few but a right for all. Through its signature program, Education for Better, and with the support of The Western Union Company, its employees, Agents, and business partners, The Western Union Foundation works to realize this vision by supporting education and disaster relief efforts as pathways toward a better future. Our combined social ventures efforts make life better for individuals, families and communities around the world. Since its inception, The Western Union Foundation has paid more than $101.1 million in grants and other giving. These funds have been pledged to more than 2,739 nongovernmental organizations in more than 135 countries and territories. The Western Union Foundation, is a separate §501(c)(3) recognized United States charity. To learn more, visit www.westernunionfoundation.org, or Follow us on Twitter @TheWUFoundation.
About Western Union’s UEFA Europa League Sponsorship
In July 2012, Western Union announced a three year deal as the new Global Partner and the Presenting Sponsor of the UEFA Europa League. This sponsorship of the world’s largest club competition, comprising 192 professional soccer teams from 54 countries, provides Western Union with a unique opportunity for worldwide brand visibility, with the competition broadcast in more than 200 countries and territories, and enjoying a global live match unique reach of 634 million per season. This will allow Western Union, with its extensive network of approximately 515,000 Agent locations in over 200 countries and territories, to engage its customers and Agents in the excitement of the UEFA Europa League. The agreement also provides video, digital and social media content opportunities, and use of the UEFA Europa League brand assets. This partnership runs to the UEFA Europa League Final in 2015.
About UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. For more information about UNICEF and its work visit: www.unicef.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Where PASS funding is being delivered:

Brazil – UNICEF and its partners are training 1,000 teachers to integrate sports as an educational tool to increase engagement and school attendance.

China - UNICEF and its partners are implementing a pilot program in China to benefit 30,000 children from 100 remote schools in ethnic minority areas. The program is providing learning opportunities including, online courses and networking projects to help better prepare young people for the school to work transition.
Colombia - UNICEF education programs in Colombia focus on protecting children and adolescents from violence and natural disasters by reinforcing that schools are safe spaces. Activities include helping to improve the quality of education, teacher training and emergency preparedness in Colombia.
Jamaica – UNICEF and its partners are working to increase attendance rates and educational opportunities for young people who are not in school. UNICEF is working in 9 schools to improve students’ nutrition and life skills, in addition to providing support to children with disabilities. UNICEF is also training teachers to strengthen the overall classroom experience for students, while helping them to develop life skills related to money management, working in teams, and decision making.
Mexico - UNICEF education programs in Mexico focus on inclusive learning; strengthening intercultural and bilingual education for indigenous children and adolescents; and emergency preparedness and risk management in schools.
Morocco - UNICEF education programs enhance the quality of learning for children in Morocco by providing a healthy, safe and protective educational environment; working closely with the Ministry of Education to develop school programs and curriculum that makes quality education available to every child; and teacher training to ensure every child has access to qualified educators, even in the most remote areas of Morocco.
Nigeria – UNICEF and its partners are working to improve the quality of teaching by providing scholarships to hundreds of women who want to become teachers in rural schools in order to help increase enrollment and retention of girls in northern Nigeria. UNICEF is also conducting a public awareness campaign highlighting the importance of girls’ education.
Romania - UNICEF Romania’s main priority is ensuring that Roma and other vulnerable children attend school. UNICEF Romania aims at getting 300,000-400,000 Romanian children who are not in school regularly, back in the classroom. Activities include interventions at school, with families and communities, teaching Roma language and traditions, and training for Roma school teachers.
Senegal – UNICEF and its partners are providing support to hundreds of adolescents to enable them to attend junior secondary school. UNICEF is also conducting a public awareness campaign to educate young girls on the importance of going to school to help increase the transition rate from primary to secondary school.
Turkey - UNICEF Turkey conducted research to better understand the educational obstacles children face in Turkey that prevent them from completing school. With PASS support, UNICEF launched a pilot program to address barriers identified in the research to help increase school access and attendance for disadvantaged youth in Turkey. The after-school program is training youth on skills such as information and communications technology (ICT), teambuilding, analytical thinking and problem solving.
1 Source: UNICEF
2 Source: 2009 Global Edelman goodpurpose Study

PHILIPSBURG:--- Honorable Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs on Wednesday administered the oath to a number of civil servants in the A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall at the Government Administration Building.
Prime Minister Gumbs spoke to the civil servants about integrity and being productive while carrying out their duties to the nation.
The oath taking is part of the integrity compliance within the Personnel & Organization Department. The law acknowledges that and as a result requires that all public servants upon employment, upon changing of function or when acting in another function must take an oath.
The oath taking is part of the standards of conduct within the civil service organization of the Government of Sint Maarten. They are standards for ethical conduct that promote common values and define the behavior and performance expected of a civil servant.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister Plenipotentiary, Hon. Josianne Fleming–Artsen on Tuesday met with representatives of the Social and Health Insurances (SZV) at the Sint Maarten House in The Hague, the Netherlands.
The objective of the meeting was to discuss a number of issues that Sint Maarteners living in the Netherlands and those who travel on a short-term basis are experiencing in connection with certain services provided by the SZV.
The two main issues were pensions; and the transfer of SZV clients to the Netherlands for medical care.
At the end of the meeting, it was agreed that a policy document would be drafted by SZV that would outline its procedures and operational guidelines.
The Cabinet Minister Plenipotentiary would be provided with this document that would facilitate its contact with SZV clients in the Netherlands whereby assistance can be rendered in an efficient and professional manner.
Another point agreed upon, the Cabinet would have an SZV representative in Sint Maarten whereby the former can approach for additional information or advice with respect to SZV matters in the Netherlands.
The SZV delegation comprised of Ruth Boyrard-Brewster, Oriander Rooijer and Carlanie Rombley. Members of the Cabinet, Carol Voges and Perry Geerlings were present in the meeting at the Sint Maarten House.
“The meeting with the SZV representatives was very fruitful, and we now have more clarity on a number of issues, and the Sint Maarten House is now better prepared to handle matters and assist where possible with respect to Sint Maarteners who experience certain challenges, whether it be related to their pension or those who are sent to Holland for medical care,” Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Josianne Fleming-Artsen said on Wednesday.

CAY Hill:--- Some months ago students that were attending NIPA brought their predicament to the forefront and basically blamed the director of the school Vernon Richards. Richards who was fired on Wednesday caused SMN News to dig deeper and to find out what exactly what is taking place at NIPA, an Advanced Vocational School that is supposed to provide higher education to young adults.
Speaking to some staff members they said in the beginning they thought that Richards was the problem for the stagnation of NIPA ever since it was opened in January 2014. The staff members who spoke to SMN News on the condition of anonymity to safeguard their jobs said they met with the board with their concerns because the school was not serving its purpose and it is only then they realize that Vernon Richards was following orders given to him by the board who was micromanaging the school. The staff said that resources were not given to the school in order for programs to be completed in a timely manner, this they said caused huge drop out leaving many students on the streets.
The concerned staff members said that after the students spoke out Richards decided to make changes so that the school could really function and serve its purpose, thus he installed a committee to assist him in managing the school where they could strive on building the nation since that was the core reason for opening the Advanced Vocational School (NIPA).
“Ever since the director chose to do that the board have been trying to get rid of him because they are no longer getting their way to continue stagnating the school, the board members tried everything possible to cancel the first ever open house which is held today (Thursday June 11th). We have decided to hold this open house to attract the business community because they are needed if NIPA is to achieve its goals, the businesses on St. Maarten have to show their willingness to give students the opportunity to do their job trainings in order for them to complete the courses. While dignitaries such and MP’s have to be there because they are the law makers and NIPA has to work based on the SBO law.” One of the biggest problems NIPA is facing is that the board is not fulfilling its responsibilities in providing much needed resources so that programs could be completed on time, while management of NIPA was fully disorganized.
The staff members said that the open house is taking place today and they are urging everyone to come out because its about building St. Maarten and not about the board members who believe they could hold a school hostage.
SMN News also tried to reach Richards for a comment but he could not be reached since he is now seeking legal advice to go after the board.
SMN News also learnt that the Minister of Education is fully behind the ongoing saga and are looking to bring about a peaceful solution.

PHILIPSBURG:---The Government of St. Maarten regulates the prices of petroleum products by imposing a maximum price at which wholesalers and retailers can sell these products on St. Maarten. Due to the ongoing developments on the international level. the prices of crude oil have experienced adjustments. Given

the aforementioned, the general public is hereby informed that as of Thursday ll 1

June 2015,

6:00am the maximum consumer prices of ULG and Diesel (gasoil) is adjusted as follows:

UGL
Diesel

Current Price
2.036 Naf/liter
1.545 Naf/liter

New Price
2.115 Naf/liter
1.618 Naf/Uter

Below is the complete price buildup showing all components that result in the new prices. All numbers are rounded to three decimal places.

Price buildup

Effective date
Petrotrin Posted Price USc/AG

L-- ;;; -....1

25-May-15
206

ULG Gasoil

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Permanent Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Inter-parliamentary Relations (CKAIR) of Parliament will meet in an informal closed door session on June 12th.

The Permanent Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Inter-parliamentary Relations meeting is set for Friday at 9.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

An informal meeting will take place with the Department of Foreign Affairs which falls under the Ministry of General Affairs.

A presentation will be given to Members of Parliament about treaties as well as the status of certain international treaty agreements.

Board did not want dignitaries to their open house to be held on Thursday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The board of Advanced Vocational and Adult Education dismissed the Director of NIPA Vernon Richards on Wednesday. SMN News received a copy of the dimissal letter that was sent to Richards on Wednesday June 10th 2015.
According to information provided to SMN News the school wanted to invite several dignitaries to their open house which is scheduled for July 11th 2015 but the board members informed him (Richards) that he must pull back all invitations that were sent to the dignitaries. SMN News further learnt that Richards then contacted the Minister of Education Rita Bourne Gumbs who told him she intended to attend the open house and she has no problem with dignitaries attending the open house. Richards then wrote a letter to the board and copied it to the Minister which led to his immediate dismissal. In the letter sent to Richards the board cited that he was dismissed due to non-compliance with regards to the open house which is scheduled for June 11th. The letter send to the NIPA director can be viewed below.

Click here to view letter sent to NIPA Vernon Richards who was dismissed by AVE Board

Board Members now being paid, Granger denies.

PHILIPSBURG: --- President of the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation Michael Granger on behalf of the board of SCDF amended the articles of incorporation in order to appoint a director of the Foundation and to allow members of the board to receive salary. SMN News understands that the articles of incorporation was recently amended.
When contacted on Wednesday Granger confirmed that the articles of incorporation was amended and does allow the foundation to appoint a director. He said the board of SCDF took the decision during the year 2014. “While the articles of incorporation states that SCDF can appoint a director, no director have been appointed as yet.” When asked if the members of SCDF is receiving a stipend Granger said that was in the old articles of incorporation which dates back to the 1990’s and it is also in the amended version. Asked if members of the foundation is collecting a stipend now, Granger became somewhat hostile and said that they are all volunteers but then said that as a foundation they do not have to answer to anyone, furthermore he wants to know if the law applies to all foundation that can withhold information even from government then why is it different from for the SCDF. SMN News learnt that the SCDF financials are in shambles and that is one of the main reasons several troops were not paid in 2014 and 2015.
When Granger was asked if the SCDF financials are in order he became even more hostile by stating that the SCDF has a board and he cannot give out certain information to the general public. He was even asked if the vehicle that was donated to SCDF is registered in his name or in the name of the foundation because both Granger and his wife have been using the vehicle as their personal vehicle, but this of course agitated Granger who said that St. Maarten and its people lives by rumors.

The international office of the Union Postal Universal (UPU) and the Secretary General of the Postal Union of the Americas, Spain and Portugal (UPAEP) had the honor in inviting our Chairman of the Board, Mr. Stuart A. Johnson to its Regional Strategic Conference, which is presently taking place in the Dominican Republic on June 10th and June 11th 2015.

The St. Maarten delegation besides Johnson also comprises Interim-Directors of PSS Ms. Antonia Wilson. Both Johnson and Wilson left on Tuesday, June 9th 2015 to attend the conference.
The conference which is currently underway is critical for the strategic planning of the Postal Services St. Maarten (PSS) N.V. and also to define the principal areas of intervention for the Strategic Development Plan for 2017 - 2020.

“We are grateful to be a part of this strategic postal planning conference which is vital for the further growth of PSS, “remarked Ms. Wilson. “Our country is a member of the UPAEP and our attendance at this Conference for the Latin American Region is very important,” added Ms. Wilson.

“Attendance at strategic conferences such as this one is beneficial for the continuity of our young postal organization. On the regional and international level we are networking and fostering working relationships with our colleagues which can only yield to a positive outcome for the further growth of PSS,” remarked Johnson.

A subsequent strategic conference catering more specially for the Caribbean territories will be held in the month of September in Tortola.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Tuesday June 9th at approximately 09.50 p.m. police patrols, Traffic Department and paramedics were sent to the Walter Nisbeth road in the vicinity of Plaza China to investigate a traffic accident involving a pedestrian that was struck by a motor vehicle. On the scene the investigating officers encountered a small SUV with license plate P-249 parked in the middle of the street with damage to front, the bonnet and the windshield. The victim was found lying in the middle of the street at a short distance from the vehicle in question. The male victim was bleeding from a wound to his head and complained of pain in his body. He was treated on the scene by paramedics and then transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for further treatment. The traffic department is still investigating this case to determine exactly what caused this accident. In the meanwhile the victim was released from hospital and allowed to go home

Martinique:--- From June 17th to 21st 2015, Martinique will host the fourth edition of the International Floralies in Trois- Ilets, as part of an innovative concept called «Caribbean Bouquet».

Twenty (20) Caribbean countries including Barbados, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Trinidad & Tobago, French Guiana, Suriname, Brazil, St. Martin, St. Vincent, Guyana, St. Kitts, Grenada, Montserrat and Haiti, will take part in the «grand eco-cultural flourishing garden» to be presented to the Martinican public at the site of the historical La Pagerie Floral Park.

The Floralies Park of Trois-Ilets, dedicated to this vocation since 1979, is spread over three hectares and is located on a portion of the former «Domaine de la Pagerie», property of the family of Empress Joséphine. It houses around a hundred identified plant species, aviaries, picnic areas, shelters and a theatre of greenery.

This magnificent site will be restored to its original splendour to host horticultural professionals (nursery growers and horticulturalists, landscapists, seed producers, manufacturers of gardening equipment, amateur gardening associations, green contractors, horticultural schools, horticultural societies, research institutions, ...) highlighting their expertise.

This event, organised by the municipality of Trois-Ilets, is a major step in the « Caribbean Bouquet» project* financed jointly by the territorial authorities, Europe and long-standing partners, the Regional and General Councils of Martinique. It pursues an overall objective of setting in motion a single Caribbean marketplace.

As such, the structuring of the Caribbean horticultural industry is of particular interest because its success prefigures and guarantees possible economic development with our natural geographical neighbours.

Caribbean Bouquet offers an unprecedented and informative programme for this event, based on an exchange of knowledge regarding the horticultural industry in the Caribbean: a seminar in advance of the event, an exceptional animation at the site of the International Floralies, high quality floral exhibitions, a prize competition and a floral digital photography competition sponsored by the Soroptimist Club of Fort-de-France, and many other attractions to be unveiled during the week dedicated to horticulture.

Thus, during this grand horticultural event, the seminar titled «Can scientific research stimulate the development and economic enhancement of the horticultural industries and their co-products? » will take place from June 18th to 19th at the Carayou Hôtel in Pointe du Bout, Trois-Ilets. Renowned personalities, researchers, local and regional scientists from the Caribbean, will be in attendance.

This discussion space will enable professionals to intersect the results of their scientific and economic research in order to construct or structure together a purely Caribbean industry capable of competing in global markets.
The Municipality of Trois-ilets hopes that this new edition of the Floralies of Martinique integrated into the «Caribbean Bouquet» concept will achieve its key objectives namely, facilitating circulation within the Caribbean region, pooling ideas and experiences, to create a single Caribbean market conducive to our development and in particular, the horticultural industry.

SEMINAR AGENDA
Can scientific research stimulate the development and economic enhancement of the horticultural industries and their co-products?

From June 18 to 19th, at the Carayou Hotel located in Pointe du Bout, Trois-Ilets, from 8:30am to 6pm, the Municipality of Trois-Ilets will welcome horticultural professionals to discuss themes which will lay the foundations and conditions for the creation and structuring of a single Caribbean horticultural market.

The main themes to be addressed are as follows:

• Current state of the horticultural industry in the Caribbean
• Current state of research conducted on flowers and plants in the Caribbean
• Definition of the perimeter of the network (tropical ornamental flowers, plants, medicinal plants, for example)
• Proposal for the construction of an information management and knowledge sharing system concerning horticultural research to which all participants of the network would contribute
• Resolutions- Establishment of the programme for the subsequent seminar
• Final declaration
• Renowned panellists including Mrs. Claire Amar, Research Engineer at CIRAD (Centre for international cooperation in agronomic research for development); Mr. Guy Anaïs and Mr. Harry Ozier-Lafontaine, Research Engineers at INRA (National Institute of Agronomic Research); as well as researchers from the University of the West Indies and the PAR (Regional Agribusiness Pole), will gather to exchange ideas among industry professionals from the sector in the aim of advancing the «Caribbean Bouquet» project.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Recently Oysterbay Beach resort (OBBR) owners and managers showed again their support for the DigiKidz Project by donating US$ 5,000 towards the next DigiKidz School. Management said they like this project because everybody can see immediately where the money goes. The donation is spent directly in the schools and you see the kids in the classroom working with the technology. They see the donation as a great return on investment in the children of St. Maarten, who somehow are all connected through the jobs of the parents, friendships, family relations.
Anne-Marie Brooks, Assistant General Manager explained: “We get many sponsor requests from the community, but this one stood out as it has a snowball effect, where through a single donation everybody learns from each other; kids teach kids, kids go home and teach parents, employees at our resort see that their children are part of this program and in a kind of way we as adults all have young children that we need to support and are responsible for.”
OBBR is no stranger to the DigiKidz project. From its launch in October 2013 Ricardo Perez, general Manager OBBR, and Brooks have given their full support to the project. Perez, being the former manager of a major resort in Anguilla, was already familiar with the work of WIndsong Foundation, who had made large donations towards several educational projects in Anguilla. He was very excited to hear that Windsong was willing to also contribute to St. Maarten education through Foresee’s DigiKidz project and gave his full support. In October 2013 Foresee Foundation launched its DigiKidz project at BeauBeau’s restaurant, sponsored by OBBR.
The donation is part of a comprehensive IT/Technology project to equip St. Maarten schools not only with hardware and software, but also train teachers on how to integrate Technology in the teaching of the FBE curriculum.
Foresee Foundation expressed its sincere thanks to the Owners and Management of Oysterbay Beach resort and promised to keep them updated on the progress of the project.
Persons interested in the DigiKidz project can visit the website or facebook page www.digikidzsxm.com.

Starting on Monday Brussels is hosting a new meeting between leaders from Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean, a positive sign of the shared will to bolster bridges and consolidate ties that have profound roots in our past and significant possibilities for the future.
Currently, the European Union has trade agreements with 26 Latin American and Caribbean countries, which makes it the partner with the biggest set of trade agreements in the region, followed by the United States, which has free-trade agreements with 11 countries.
Although the European Union continues to be the second destination market (after the United States) for regional exports, since 2010 it has been displaced by China as the second source of its imports. In parallel, Latin American and Caribbean participation in the bloc’s foreign trade is still very modest, both in goods and services: in 2013 the region was the destination for 6.6% of goods exports from the European Union to the rest of the world and the origin of just 5.7 % of its imports. What's more, the region’s exports to the bloc continue to be concentrated in commodities and derivatives that have low technological content.
The dialogue of policies between the most representative institutions from Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean will address a rich agenda of bi-regional and global matters. This will be an opportunity to underline the importance of cooperation between the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), marked by the complexity and speed of ongoing technological, economic, social, environmental and cultural changes. We are confident that this dialogue will spur initiatives oriented towards citizens, designed to foster innovation for sustainable growth, ensure a quality education for all, guarantee safety and combat climate change.
The last decade and a half shows a significant difference in the growth dynamic between both regions. While the European Union grew on average 0.8% annually in the 2003-2014 period, Latin America and the Caribbean did so at an average rate of 3.6%. Additionally, after a contraction of -1.3% in 2009, this region recovered quickly and expanded 6.1% in 2010, marking an annual average of 3.4% between 2010 and 2014. Meanwhile, the European bloc suffered a contraction of -4.5% in 2009 and has shown low growth rates since then, with an average of 0.7% between 2010 and 2014.
In the midst of a change in the external context, characterized by the end of the commodities supercycle, growing volatility and financing costs, and limitations on aggregate domestic demand in several countries, Latin America and the Caribbean shows a significant deceleration. For its part, Europe - boosted by significant monetary stimulus - has begun a slow recovery in its growth dynamic.
In this way, both regions are expected to face a period (of uncertain duration) of slow growth and renewed pressures to increase their competitiveness. In this scenario, with its similarities and differences, it is urgent and necessary that Latin America and Europe articulate efforts to confront inequality, guarantee universal social rights and ensure the centrality of citizens' dignity. These are all aspects upon which a rich exchange of experiences, learned lessons and good practices already exists.
This summit, where 61 countries will be represented (one third of the United Nations Member States and nearly half of the members of the Group of Twenty, G20), will be one of the biggest global forums to be held before the international community approves the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, the results of this bi-regional meeting take on added significance in terms of discussing new ways of organizing our States, economies and societies.
*Alicia Bárcena is the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
By Alicia Bárcena

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):---  Collective Preventive Services (CPS) department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, supports the recommendation of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for travelers to the 2015 Americas Cup to get their measles and rubella vaccinations.

The vaccinations will ensure that persons are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, especially measles and rubella. The region of the Americas has eliminated rubella and is close to being declared free of measles.

The continued circulation of both diseases in other regions presents a risk of imported cases, especially during mass international events.

Persons traveling to the 2015 Americas Cup will travel throughout the period of June 11 to July 4 to Chile.

Intensified international travel and population movement associated with mass events increase the risk of imported cases of measles, rubella and other vaccine-preventable diseases. For this reason, PAHO/WHO is calling on travelers to make sure they are up to date on their vaccines and, if not, to get vaccinated against measles and rubella, ideally at least two weeks before traveling.

In late April, the Americas became the world's first region to be declared free of endemic transmission of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome. The region is also on track to be declared free of measles, after interrupting endemic (local origin) transmission of the disease in 2002. However, measles continues to circulate at the global level, and some countries in the Americas have reported imported cases.
Between 2003 and 2014, countries in the Americas reported a total of 5,077 imported measles cases. During 2015, 499 confirmed measles cases have been reported in the region up to the third week of May.
While travelling and for two weeks upon return, travellers should be alert for symptoms that include fever, skin rash, cough, joint pain or swollen glands. Anyone who thinks they might have measles or rubella should remain in their lodgings except to go to the doctor, and should especially avoid travelling or visiting public places.
If symptoms appear after their trip, travellers should follow the same advice, seek medical attention and inform their doctor about their travel history.
These recommendations are aimed at protecting the region's achievements in eliminating rubella and at further advancing toward the elimination of measles.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can be prevented with vaccination. It affects mostly children and is transmitted via droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of infected persons. Initial symptoms, which usually appear 10–12 days after infection, include high fever, runny nose, bloodshot eyes, and tiny white spots on the inside of the mouth. Several days later, a rash develops, starting on the face and upper neck and gradually spreading downwards.
There is no specific treatment for measles, and most people recover within two – three weeks. However, particularly in malnourished children and people with reduced immunity; measles can cause serious complications, including blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhea, ear infection and pneumonia.
The disease caused an estimated 145,700 deaths worldwide in 2013, most of them children under 5 years old.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister Plenipotentiary, Hon. Josianne Fleming–Artsen accompanied Sint Maarten’s Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Hon. Rita Bourne-Gumbs, to visit Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science Hon. Jet Bussemaker, where a number of related portfolio matters were discussed.

The topics discussed at the Dutch Ministry of Education were: vocational and higher education; accreditation matters; studying in the region; supervision and inspectorate education; exams in secondary education; cultural heritage; monument care; youth employment; Fort Amsterdam; and student support services in the Netherlands.

Minister Fleming-Artsen said the meeting was a success and a follow-up will take place via Skype.

“No financial commitments were made, however, the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science Hon. Jet Bussemaker, did indicate her willingness to offer expertise for cultural heritage,” Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Josianne Fleming-Artsen said on Tuesday.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee Integrity will meet in a House session on June 11th.

The Ad Hoc Committee meeting is set for Thursday at 10.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is related to a discussion on topics proposed in connection with setting the parameters for the Permanent Committee Integrity.

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 via www.sxmparliament.org.

GREAT BAY:--- National Disaster Coordinator/Fire Chief Clive Richardson and the Office of Disaster Management (ODM), is calling on the Sint Maarten community to be prepared for the Atlantic hurricane season which commenced on June 1st.

“We are reminding the Sint Maarten public to make the necessary preparations. Advance planning by making sure hurricane shutters and windows close properly; checking your roof etc., means that you have less to do when the hurricane is knocking at our door.

“Trim trees around your property, and get rid of un-necessary loose items in and around your yard that could become a hazard to your own home and that of your neighbors.

“At the same time, I take this opportunity to commend those who have already taken measures to be prepared in the event of a hurricane strike. Neighbors assisting neighbors, and family members doing the same by going the extra mile, is always helpful and further ensures that we are a prepared nation for such an eventuality.

“We can all recall Hurricane Gonzalo and the damage that it caused in certain neighborhoods with loose roofing material etc flying around. Gonzalo strengthened rapidly catching many off guard. Always be prepared for a much stronger storm system because it’s better to be safe than sorry.

“Therefore, it is very important that you examine your roof and make the necessary adjustments and carry out other preparations as recommended here and where required instead of waiting for the last minute to run around and do things when time is not on your side.

“A quiet hurricane season doesn’t mean that you do not have the possibility of being Avoid the aforementioned by utilizing the time now to make sure you are prepared and ready,” Disaster Coordinator/Fire Chief Clive Richardson said on Tuesday.

The first tropical storm of the season, Ana, formed during the latter half of the month of May.

Colorado State University (CSU) hurricane team Philip Klotzbach and William Gray have forecasted in their June report for a well-below average season. An El Nino is to influence the hurricane season this year according to forecasters.

CSU forecasts eight named storms, three hurricanes, and one major hurricane with over 111 miles per hour winds. The forecast is well below the long-term average of 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes each season.

Persons living along coastal areas as well as those in flood prone areas should start looking at what measures they would take in the event of a hurricane strike which could cause flood challenges leaving them inundated.

Mariners who are seeking shelter in the Simpson Bay Lagoon or Oyster Pond should also make plans to stay with friends or at a hotel until the storm has passed. Remaining onboard a vessel comes with risks.

The remaining storm names for the Atlantic season are Bill, Claudette, Danny, Erika, Fred, Grace, Henri, Ida, Joaquin, Kate, Larry, Mindy, Nicolas, Odette, Peter, Rose, Sam, Teresa, Victor, and Wanda.

The 2015 hurricane season officially runs through November 30.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The United Peoples Party (UPP), the National Alliance (NA) and the Democratic Party (DP) were informed by the Electoral Council last week that they have to return the excess monies they received from at least two donors for the 2014 Parliamentary Elections. The Electoral Council stated that in a press release last week Sunday that some political parties had to return monies. However, SMN News understands from a source within the council that the parties were officially informed and they have agreed to return the monies to the donors. The excess monies ranges from Naf.4,500 to Naf30,000.00. The council also intends to meet with the donors to officially inform them why they were getting back the extra monies and both the political parties and the donors would have provide proof to the Council that the excess monies were returned.
.Article 41 section 4 of the National Ordinance registration and finances of political parties “donations in excess of the maximum set in paragraphs 1, 2 or 3 shall not be accepted or shall be returned to the donor”.
The source said that the three parties received more than the allotted amount of Naf30,000.00 and also several candidates received more than individual candidates are allowed to accept. Last week the Council issued a press statement where they said they issued a fine to the USP for not submitting their financial statements to the Council. The USP did submit their files the following day but no decree was issued so that the party could actually pay the fine.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Sunday June 7th 2015, between 9 and 10 p.m. a 49-year old man from Saint Martin was assaulted by an unknown man. This happened in the vicinity of the Diamond Casino close to the ATM.
A little earlier that evening the Saint Martin inhabitant had a heated argument with a woman. The argument was about money. When the victim went to the ATM he was attacked by this unknown male. The victim sustained injuries to his head and face.
The police are investigating this case, but would really appreciate if any witnesses who saw or heard anything that could be related to this case, to come forward and let our detective department know what they witnessed.
They can come to the police station in Philipsburg to talk with the detective that’s handling this case in person, or they can call the police on telephone number 542 2222.

Arrested for domestic violence.

A 32-year old man, originally from the Dominican Republic, was arrested by the police on Monday morning at 01 a.m.
He came to the Philipsburg police station to claim he had been shot in the leg. His injury was examined by a doctor, but the doctor couldn’t find any evidence that the wound was caused by a fire arm. Police officers were sent to his house on Easter Cactus Drive to find out what the situation was. They discovered a completely destroyed household and a woman who was in great panic. The woman claimed the man had committed domestic violence and that he was possibly under the influence of drugs, which caused him to commit this act. Witnesses confirmed her story, because they came to assist the woman when they heard the loud noises and screams coming from the house.
The man was arrested by the police and taken to the Philipsburg police station. A machete was confiscated for further investigation.

PHILIPSBURG:---  On May 22, 2015, the employees of RBC were once again honored with the most prestigious international prize that Retail Banker International (RBI) can bestow at its annual awards competition - Global Retail Bank of the Year. RBC is the only Canadian bank to capture RBI’s top honor, and the only North American bank to earn the distinction two consecutive years in a row - an unprecedented achievement in a competition that attracted close to 400 nominations from the world’s most successful banks.

“We are very proud of this award,” said Rob Johnston, Head, Caribbean Banking (or local Managing Director). “It reflects the dedication and passion of our employees – their commitment to our clients and to the communities we serve. It is also about our clients, who put their trust in us to help them create the future they want and inspire us to reach new heights every day.”
Over the last several years, RBC Caribbean Banking has delivered a number of attractive products and services for its retail clients, which includes the seven-year car loan, competitive mortgage loans, as well as offering highly interactive and informational sessions with clients to assist and support them in making responsible financial decisions based on their unique dreams. With the support of our employees, we have also made significant investments in our communities’ right across the Caribbean – from our Young Leaders program which has helped young people across the Caribbean develop leadership skills for more than 30 years, to our commitment and sponsorship of the Little League foundations across the Dutch Caribbean which has enabled thousands of youngsters to play baseball and softball, and as such creating young leaders in our communities through sports.
Over the past 5 years RBC arranged/co-arranged in excess of USD 250 million in structured transactions for the Financial Services, Infrastructure, Energy and Telecommunications sectors of the Dutch Caribbean, ensuring continuous growth and innovation.
This year’s RBI awards program marks the fourth year in a row that RBC has been among the most recognized banks – in the history of the RBI Award’s, no other Canadian-based bank has ever achieved this level of international recognition.

“Rock & Blues” Change of Board Celebration Fundraiser at Captain Oliver’s on June 20th at 7 PM

PHILIPSBURG, SINT MAARTEN – June 8, 2015 – The Rotary Club of Sint Maarten, announces its Annual ROCK & BLUES Change of the Board Celebration Fundraiser on June 20th at the Captain Oliver’s Restaurant. This year’s event is sponsored by the letter “F” for FUN; bring your dancing shoes and be ready to rock all night with Gianfranco, Christine Gordon and St. Maarten’s favorite rock band, Church on Monday. There will be an Open Bar and Grand Buffet for all to enjoy, along with a Blue Water Rum tasting. Proceeds from the evening’s event will support Rotary initiatives in areas of youth, health, education and community development programs on Sint Maarten.

The Rotary Club of Sint Maarten has had a fantastically successful year making contributions to the betterment of the island, with projects ranging from school tuition scholarships, improvements to school facilities to spending time with our senior citizens and providing breakfasts to young students in need. Outgoing President Danny Ramchandani said, “this year has been a historic year for our Club with the recent raffle of a beautiful Audi Q5 being the single largest fundraiser in our history. Come to our Change of Board Celebration Fundraiser to learn more about some the exciting projects that will be funded by this initiative”.

Incoming President, Jeffrey “Soc” Sochrin continued, “the success of the recent car raffle will uniquely position our Club to make a difference in the community in the coming year. It is my intention to continue so many great initiatives, but also find a way to involve more young people in our service activities by introducing an element of FUN and FELLOWSHIP in everything we do as a Club. So please contact any Rotarian or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to purchase a ticket to our Rock & Blues Change of Board Celebration on June 20th at Captain Oliver’s. The fun starts at 7 PM sharp and the entertainment will be great with Gianfranco, Christine Gordon and Church on Monday. Tickets are just US $100 and include an OPEN BAR and the full Captain Oliver’s GRAND BUFFET. This is going to be a night to remember”.

For more information about the Rotary Club of St. Maarten, please contact the Rotary Club of St. Maarten Press Officer at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the website www.rotarysxm.org.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Trouble seems to be stirring up in the United People’s Party camp now that it is highly rumored that MP Tamara Leonard is working on forming her own political party which will be called the “Bush Tea Party.”
SMN News learnt that MP Leonard was called in by the UPP board to discuss any grievances the UPP Members of Parliament are having with the party and its leadership. A source close to the UPP said that each of the MP’s that were called in individually were asked what is their loyalty towards the UPP and when this question was posed to MP Tamara Leonard she lashed out that the board members whom she said does not want her to speak out. The source said when the UPP board members asked MP Leonard if she was working on forming her own political party she denied it but later told some of the board members that she is indeed working on forming her own political party.
SMN News contacted a board member of the UPP who confirmed that they met with the UPP Members of Parliament and each of them were asked the same question. The UPP board member said when MP Tamara Leonard was asked that question she got on very badly, but later apologized to the chairperson of the board.
Efforts made to reach MP Tamara Leonard on Tuesday proved futile as she is currently on vacation in the Dominican Republic with members of her family.

GREAT BAY(DCOMM):--– The World Health Organization (WHO) is carrying out a joint mission with the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Health & Welfare in South Korea, in light of a recent outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

WHO remains vigilant and is monitoring the situation. Sint Maarten’s Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labour, is also monitoring the situation closely and looks forward to the findings of the WHO mission.

MERS-CoV is a relatively new disease and information gaps are considerable. The joint mission will bring us a step closer to gaining a better understanding of the nature of this virus.

The team will comprise of experts in epidemiology, virology, clinical management, infection prevention and control, as well as public health officers who have previously handled other MERS-CoV outbreaks in the Middle East.

The pressing objective of this joint mission is to gain information and review the situation in the Republic of Korea including the epidemiological pattern, the characteristic of the virus and clinical features. The team will also assess the public health response efforts and provide recommendations for response measures going forward.

Since the outbreak, WHO has been working closely with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on response measures. WHO appreciates the Government's cooperation in sharing up-to-date information and facilitating the joint mission.

Based on current data and WHO’s risk assessment, there is no evidence to suggest sustained human-to-human transmission in communities and no evidence of airborne transmission.

Given the lack of evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission in the community, WHO does not advise special procedures at points of entry, or travel or trade restrictions with regard to this event.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Philipsburg Jubilee Library is looking for volunteers willing to lead a group of babies and toddlers during the weekly Rhyme Time sessions and is providing a training workshop for those interested. Every week, at Rhyme Time, the Philipsburg Jubilee Library hosts a fun-filled hour for children under 4, where children sing along to popular children’s songs. Rhyme time incorporates song with actions, props, etc. to provide a fun-filled and highly energetic activity crucial to children’s development at this age.
The aim of the Rhyme Time sessions is to enrich the childhood experience of babies and toddlers. This initiative strives to enhance children’s development through interactive play, learning, and physical activity.

Zahira Marmar will provide a workshop at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library on June 16th from 9:30 until 12:30 for volunteers willing to do the Rhyme Time sessions. The participants will be invited back on June 17th to witness Rhyme Time and get an idea of what the session entails. At the volunteer workshop those taking part will learn: the art of positive interaction with children, imaginative interaction with puppets, varying vocal intonation and facial expression and how to deal with all kinds of children in a constructive way.
Persons interested in volunteering at Rhyme Time and attending the training workshop can contact the Philipsburg Jubilee Library via telephone number 542 2970 or via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:---  United People’s (UP) party Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. Maurice Lake, visited grade 5 students at the Sister Magda Primary School last week Friday as a guest speaker.

Sister Magda Primary School Grade 5 students were given an educational tour of the Parliament Building. The class and teacher Noortje Pennings invited MP Lake to be a guest speaker at their school for a class project in which he gave them some good tips on how to be a successful student.

MP Lake stated he is very proud of both 5th grades of the Sister Magda Primary school.

“The first time I visited the school, most of the students didn't know much about Government and Parliament and the names of their public officials.

“During my follow up visit to the school last week, the students were sharp. After reading the newspapers, they now know mostly everything about Government and Parliament, and it’s have a positive influence on their grades good in class.
“I promised them I will follow up to see how they are doing in class, and encouraged them to read, read and read and do their homework in class,” UP MP Hon. Maurice Lake said on Monday.

MP Lake added: “One of the tasks of Parliament is to educate the general public on the functioning and task of Parliament, and the best way to start is at the elementary level in the different schools.

“The only way to instil that will of leadership is through prevention, education and family values by teaching the children what is right and wrong and getting them to know their representatives of the people,” MP Lake concluded.

The students thanked the MP for taking the time to visit their school and sharing his knowledge with them.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Justice Hon. Dennis Richardson recently attended a presentation at the Pointe Blanche House of Detention.
Certificates were given out to several of the inmates at the prison for their participation and completion of a sewing course.
The sewing course is one of the programs that the prison system has in place to help with the rehabilitation and community re-entry by providing them with various skills in order for them to have a more productive life after prison.

GREAT BAY(DCOMM):--- Ten civil servants from the Government of Sint Maarten has completed five days of training in a Basic User and Database Administration workshop. The workshop started June 1st and concluded on June 5th.

Organized by the National Development Plan (NDP) team from the Department of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BAK), the implementing agency for NDP project, the 10 civil servants now have the knowledge to work with the country databases SintMaartenInfo and CensusInfo Sint Maarten.

A follow-up training will be the next step – training the trainers – that will enable the 10 civil servants to assists others in learning how to utilize the database system.

Representatives from the Department of Statistics will also in the near future travel to the United States (New York) for a more advanced training at a Learning Lab.

Representatives of the various ministries now know how to create and manage databases within their ministry and how to upload their processed data into SintMaartenInfo for all stakeholders inside and outside of government to use - search for data, produce objects like tables, graphs and maps for presentations and reporting purposes to regional and international entities.

The Secretary Generals of the seven ministries were given a presentation on Wednesday morning and they were pleasantly surprised by what SintMaarteninfo looked like and the amount of data that was already in the database.

The information included Millennium Development Goals (MGDs) data as well as population and housing census data. The system ties close to the NDP and with the enhanced systems in place; it can be used to monitor the country’s NDP.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications Miguel De Weever, pointed out the importance of having a government taskforce that would continue to take the lead in making this database a success by taking initiatives in determining the way forward after implementation.

The formation of this taskforce is already set in motion and they will be responsible for further planning and making decisions on for example which country specific indicators should be used besides the global ones MDGs and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).

The data will help Government policy developers and planners to use evidence based information for policy development which is necessary to implement the NDP.

The workshop was a basic level training that took place at OSSEM Solutions.

The introduction of this database will further consolidate Governments efforts in evidenced based sustainable development planning. It establishes a national database that enables Government to monitor the developmental progress of the country.
Department of Statistics within the Ministry of Tourism, Economic affairs Transport and Telecommunication, will oversee the implementation of the SintMaartenInfo database in Sint Maarten with the assistance of key personnel from the other government ministries.
Only through a process of collecting, digitalizing and confirming data validity is government able to truly measure progress in achieving the policy results that are expected to be accomplished.

PHILIPSBURG: --- The Ministers of Justices of St. Maarten, Aruba, Curacao and the Netherlands signed an indefinite Memorandum of Understanding on Monday to work on combatting human smuggling/trafficing within the countries.
The Minsters namely Minister Navarro from Curacao, Minister Dowers from Aruba and Minister Van der Steur of the Netherlands joined St. Maarten Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson over the weekend where they discussed matters relating to justice. The four day meeting ended on Monday where the Ministers signed the agreement they reached. One on the strengthening of the justice chains in each country, and the combatting of human trafficking/smuggling.
St. Maarten’s Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson told reporters they managed reach agreements on all eleven points that were on the agenda. He described the meeting as being successful, he gave credit to the new Minister of Justice of the Netherlands Minister Van der Steur who fully participated in the meetings. Minister Richardson said the most important point for him is the fact they have reached an agreement on the strengthening of the justice chain on the three countries namely St. Maarten, Curacao and Aruba. Minister Richardson further stated that they agreed on several other things including the budget, and the court for law and order will visit the prisons.
Asked by SMN News if the strengthening of the justice chain would be done based on the police law where each country will have one police force and not separate justice entities. Minister Richardson said that there will be one police force and that the assistance will be given to the police force, the RST will have to work along with KPSM, while the office of Attorney General and Prosecutor Office will be strengthened. Also asked if St. Maarten will regain access to the Border Management System (BMS) and Foreign Management System (FMS) since they signed an agreement to combat human trafficking and smuggling Minister Richardson said St. Maarten already have limited access to the system. Minister Richardson said that St. Maarten is working on its own information system on own system the Justice Immigration System (JIS) which should be completed by August 2015.
SMN News understands that St. Maarten is connected to the BES structure and not the entire structure that will give access to all information.
Another point discussed during the meetings is the evaluation of the Kingdom laws which is expected to take place sometime this year. The consensus they agreed upon was to reach agreements after the evaluation, especially establishing the route the countries would like to take, the Ministers also agreed to leave room for the opinion of others. Minister Richardson said the intention of the Ministers are to reach agreements before presenting the positions they have each taken to the various parliaments. Minister Richardson said as soon as the results of the evaluation is known Parliament will get that along with the general public.
Minister Van der Steur described St. Maarten as being very hospitable while the people he said are friendly, he gave lots of credit to Governor Eugene Holiday who gave him a two-hour tour of the island on Sunday. Minister Van der Steur said it is regretful that he has to leave the island so quickly because he would have like to stay a bit longer. Minister Van der Steur said he made specific call to the Minister of Justice of Curacao to try and control the influx and transhipment of drugs to the other countries especially to the continent.

PHILIPSBURG:---- Taking part in the Health Care Conference Aruba 2015 hosted by Aruba’s Minister of Health was an eye opening experience. The conference which was held as a result of decision made in IPKO meetings by the Health Committee of Parliaments of the Dutch Kingdom and had as its goal bringing cooperation and collaboration in Health Care in the Dutch Kingdom in order to optimize patient care and reduce the rising costs of Health Care.
Many stakeholders from the various islands and the Netherlands came together and shared their ideas, while the lectures by professionals from the Latin American and Caribbean Region, representatives of WHO and PAHO as well as other international presenters provided a global perspective.
The most thought provoking presentation was that of Dr. Stanley Lalta of the University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago whose lecture on Integrated vs Compartmentalized Health Norms in Small Countries utilized regional statistics from the PAHO and others to drive home the need to close the resource gap via integrated approach being further explored by the Dutch islands.
During break-out sessions the importance of on island communication between Health stakeholders was highlighted as a requirement before any talks of collaboration could take place. Good Communication on an inter-island level between health care professionals and between departments, Ministers and Parliament must be in place in order to facilitate the cooperation. Another requirement which came out of that discussion was the need to know per island exactly what services were available, and to come to an agreement as to what area each would specialize in or offer to the others.
An also inspiring principle which coincides with the MPs vision for health care on St. Maarten saw a commitment by all to create an overarching vision for Health Care with a renewed focus on the well-being of the patient, the quality of Health care being provided to the patient and the support being provided to the family of the patient.
MP Jacobs sees this conference as a very important step forward in cooperation for the islands in the Dutch Caribbean, it will require a collective vision, commitment, and cooperation within all sectors of health care. The MP further states that the cooperation in the interest of quality patient care and the reduction of costs should not be limited to the Dutch Caribbean, but should also include other islands and nations within the Caribbean with established strengths in the health care, especially in the short term until more services can be developed within the islands themselves.
Furthermore, after the professionals have assessed the situation, the commitment of government and Parliament to follow up with the assessment and amendment of the necessary ordinances, policies and awareness programs to facilitate and regulate the cooperation will be needed. Parliament will also have the responsibility to monitor and promote the progress of any and all cooperation between the countries of the Dutch Kingdom. This cooperation will require the commitment and respect on all levels.

PJIAH has to send letter of Apology to COM in order for them to continue processing the file.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs who is the acting Minister of VROMI said that he was accused of holding up the building permits the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) submitted for the Food Based Operations and fire station building. Gumbs said when he took office and heard the rumors and subsequent news articles he began looking and enquiring for the file. He said at the time the file was at the Fire Department for Inspection and when it returned to VROMI they discovered that PJIAE submitted an incomplete file meaning the operating company did not get a signature from the holding company. The Acting Minister of VROMI said that when PJIAE was informed of the error they tried to get the signature and other documentation from PJIAH which is the shareholder representative. “This is a mother and daughter operation and it seems as though there are problems between the two and they are not communicating well.” Minister Gumbs said he also asked for information on the project because they found some information that warranted questioning. One of the questions they had was the cost to build the FBO shell which he said is set at NAF10M each, he said based on what they see PJIAE will be paying Naf10, 000.00 to build one square meter, while the tenants would have to spend S1M to construct the interior.
The acting Minister of VROMI further stated that he is still awaiting documents and even a letter of apology from PJAIE. Unless all the documents are submitted to the department then they cannot continue with the processing of the building permit request. Apart from that problem Prime MInister Gumbs said that government is looking at the structure of all government owned companies which he said has government at 'body lenght" he said needs to break the walls that are put up around these companies so they know exactly what is taking place at the governmeht owned companies.
As for the deadline that PJIAE is facing on June 15th 2015 the acting Minister said that the PJIAH informed them that there is no fear when it comes to the bonds and that is only the two tenants that had to rent the FBO section has the June 15th deadline. He said the tenants had a MOU with PJAIE and one of those tenants travelled to St. Maarten and requested to meet with Council of Ministers and they met with the two tenants and have showed them all the documents that was submitted to the department of VROMI.

Should a motion of no confidence be brought against Minister of Justice then it’s a motion of no confidence against the Council of Ministers--- PM Gumbs.

PHILIPSBURG: --- At a press conference held by Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs and Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson on Sunday on the protocol Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson signed two Saturday’s ago in the Netherlands on behalf of the Prime Minster Marcel Gumbs, both Ministers said that the Parliament of St. Maarten were fully aware that government was negotiating the draft law to establish and integrity chamber on St. Maarten.
Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson broke down the details of document he signed on Sunday, he made clear that the Dutch Government signed off on the proposal St. Maarten gave them and not the other way around. Minister Richardson also explained that the discussion was intense but he managed to get the Dutch to remove the possibility of placing higher supervision on St. Maarten. He also said that the parliament of St. Maarten was fully aware that government was still discussing the draft law and moreover they got a copy of the protocol after it was approved by the Council of Ministers. Minister Richardson said that the government wanted to meet with coalition partners on May 25th but most of them were off island, therefore the Council of Ministers approved the document on May 26th while it was sent to Parliament on May 27th. He said that he cannot say if the Members of Parliament got the signed protocol because that is something the secretariat of parliament has to deal with. Furthermore, the Minister of Justice said that he had to put an end date as to when the Parliament of St. Maarten would deal with the signed protocol because the Dutch wanted to ensure that the process is not stagnated by a lack of quorum or any other excuses. Minister Richardson further stated that government cannot take away the rights of parliament and as such the Parliament of St. Maarten still has the right to either accept the signed protocol, reject it or make changes to it. Furthermore, the Parliament of St. Maarten said that they are in favor of the recommendations given in the various integrity reports, such as the one from the “Do it Right Committee” PricewaterhouseCoopers Report and the one from the General Audit Chamber.
He said he want to make clear that it is the Dutch that has committed themselves to the solutions St. Maarten placed on the table while they also accepted the way St. Maarten would like to see the offer of the Netherlands to help strengthen the justice chain is used and implemented.
He said with the signing of the protocol St. Maarten achieved the following:--

• The Dutch intention to appoint all members of the Integrity Chamber is off the books.
• The Dutch intention to send their civil servants and National Security Services officers as support staff for the integrity chamber is not possible anymore.
• Their intention to give the Integrity Chamber vast discretionary powers has been curtailed. The chamber has to work according to the format our (St. Maarten’s) law.
• The intention to allow the integrity chamber to operate completely unhindered in the interest of so called “efficiency and effectiveness”, thereby skirting the rule of law is not possible anymore.
• The intention to eliminate any form of protection for persons who might be subjected to an investigation has been rejected.
• The proposal to bypass the governor and our own screening agencies (Public Prosecutor and National Security Service) with the screening of ministers, directors of government owned companies and civil servants and have that done by the integrity chamber has been eliminated. The crazy thought to have the ones advising St. Maarten to be also at the same time the ones who will screen persons to see if they can hold a function is also off.
• The general Kingdom measure of higher supervision on integrity matters is now off the table.
• In the area of justice the intention to make the RST and KMr super independent investigative agencies is no longer an option.
•  The intention to expand their tasks to practically speaking all areas of police work has been thwarted.
• The intention to increase control of the Attorney General on Curacao on investigations has been limited to the possibilities present legislation allow.
• The intention to strengthen only the office of the Attorney General in Curacao and increase direction of the OM from there has been blunted due to the obligation to consult more intensively with the local offices.
• Strengthening of the justice chain includes also helping local law enforcement agencies: KPSM, Prison, FIU, National Detective Agency; to obtain the necessary support and training that have been limited due to budgetary constraints of St. Maarten. A plus in view of the recent development in crime.
• For three years the pressure on the budget of St. Maarten for law enforcement and integrity chamber will be shared

When asked by SMN News if the Minister of Justice is removed from office because he signed this document or because MP Frans Richardson wants him out. Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs said that if a motion of no confidence is brought towards the Minister Dennis Richardson who signed the protocol on his behalf then they will consider it as a motion of no confidence against the entire Council of Ministers.
Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs said that he was in contact with Minister Richardson while he was negotiating with the Dutch and he is the one that gave Minister Dennis Richardson “the green light” to sign the protocol.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Permanent Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Inter-parliamentary Relations (CKAIR) of Parliament will meet in session on June 9th.

The Permanent Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Inter-parliamentary Relations meeting is set for Tuesday at 10.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The two point agenda for the meeting is approval of the decision list regarding committee parliamentary business for the 2014-2015 period; and a debriefing with respect to the recently concluded Tripartite and Inter-parliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO) that took place in The Hague, the Netherlands from May 25-29.

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 parliament’s website www.sxmparliament.org.

PHILIPSBURG:---- Interpol St. Maarten as part of the St Maarten Police Force, in cooperation with the St. Maarten office of the Attorney General Mr. Taco Stein, made 2 arrests on Friday June 5th 2015 around 03.50 p.m. in the area of Cole Bay.
On request of the Department of Justice in Miami USA, two British citizens were arrested in a case of involuntary manslaughter and false official statements, committed in the period of 2011/2012.
The arrested suspects are a 50 year old man with initials C.J and a 47 year old woman with the initials A.G. Investigations by members of Interpol St Maarten revealed that the 2 suspects were living and working on the Dutch side since the beginning of 2015.
Apparently after the fact, both suspects left the USA and could not be traced by US officials. As a result of this two red notices (international arrest warrants) were issued by Interpol Washington.
Interpol has 190 member countries. These member countries actively assist each other in global crime fighting. The red notice is one of the tools used by Interpol to track down, locate and arrest fugitives in criminal cases. Interpol St Maarten is investigating these notices on regular bases to be able to help the other member countries. Interpol St. Maarten states that St. Maarten is not a country were internationally wanted fugitives are able to hide and live a normal life. Interpol St. Maarten asks the general public for assistance in their work. Relevant information is welcome via the Tip Line 9300 or direct via 5422222.
Because the arrests were made on request of another foreign law enforcement agency, Interpol St. Maarten is not authorized to provide more information in this case at this moment in time.

On Saturday June 6th 2015 a follow up meeting was held by the Police Department (KPSM) represented by the Community Police Officer Felix Richards in partnership with NAGICO represented by Mrs. Lisa Brown and Mr. Terrence Dublin at Sint Dominic High School in Reward. This meeting was organized to once again bring the home owners and residents of Weymouth Hill and surrounding together to discuss the developments of that area after the first town hall meeting. Residents of Weymouth hill and surrounding during that time had become victims of numerous break-ins and home invasions and had come together to formalize plans how to combat the situation.
During this meeting the residents shared their experiences about coming together as a community, looking out for each other and taking the necessary precautions to prevent becoming a victim of a crime. They have also noticed a major decline in the amount break-ins, home invasions and criminal activity in their neighborhood and will continue to maintain this type of communication among each other.
Other town hall meetings in the different districts on the island are being planned by the other community officers and will soon take place.
Also present during this meeting were the Acting Chief of Police Commissioner Carl John, the Chief of police from Curacao Mr. Sambo who is on Sint Maarten on a working visit, Chief Inspector Rudolph Bloeiman (Head of Philipsburg police station) and Chief Inspector R. Henson (P.R.) (See pics attached.)

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT (Community Bill board)
The police department is informing the general public and in particular the residents of the Sucker garden, Middle region, Mount William Hill, Dutch Quarter and Belvedere areas that the Community Police Officers for those areas namely inspectors Helen Romeo (588-2932) and Arcella Leonard (Cell: 588-4037) can be located from at the Police Sub-station located on Mount William Hill (Building of the Justice Academy) from Tuesday to Friday from 10.00 a.m. to 02.00 p.m.

KPSM Press Release

 Academy Sweeps Young King Awards!

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten:--- The third SXM Weekend of POWER was exactly that, powerful! The team of GIFTED and the artistes on the Caribbean Gospel Music Tour held entertaining motivational talks in seventeen schools in two days. These were followed by two free concerts in the Belvedere community –Daughters of Zion, and the Sons of Thunder concerts. The finale, ‘A Betta Tomorrow SXM’ Concert and Young King Awards was held at Port de Plaisance on Sunday. This was the first event for the A Betta Tomorrow project outside of Jamaica. Of the five trophies awarded that evening, all went home with the St. Maarten Academy.
The foundation honored eleven nominees from Sundial School, St. Maarten Academy PSVE and St. Maarten Academy (Academic). The winners in their respective categories were: for Young King of Academics - Clifford Francois; for Young King of Athletics - Joshua Bowers; for Young King of Community Service - O’Heny Loredent; for Young King of Expressive Arts - Jabari York; and for Young King of Leadership Shakir Peterson. They commended their fellow nominees for the work they are doing and thanked the public for the show of support on GIFTED Foundation’s Facebook and Youtube pages.
Member of Parliament Christopher Emmanuel, in his address, commended G.I.F.T.E.D. Foundation for the work they are doing in the community, bringing such positive messages to the young people and encouraged all to support these efforts. President of G.I.F.T.E.D. Foundation, Lenworth Wilson Jr. said the GIFTED Young Kings will be involved in projects as role models and mentors for the 2015/2016 year. He invited members of the social and business community to be part of the Young Kings Advantage Program, giving their support to these upstanding young men at an important stage of their development.
GIFTED Foundation seeks to impact the youth of St. Maarten and the region through providing positive influential social enhancement through music and other platforms by networking with local, regional and international partners. For more information, visit and like their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GIFTEDLIGHT. The Caribbean Gospel Music Tour continues on to St. Kitts and other islands.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Several Members of Parliament that have family members that have garbage collection contracts with government met sometime last week to discuss how they will by-pass the bidding process this year for the collection of garbage, a source close to the MPs told SMN News.
SMN News learnt some Members of Parliament wants to remove Claudius Buncamper from his post because he is the one that has to put the collection of garbage on bid, which Buncamper intends to do because that is what the law dictates.
However, certain MPs that are related to the persons who hold garbage collection contracts do not want to go through the bidding process but simply extend the contracts that were issued in May 2011, those contracts will expire in May 2016. Because of that the bidding has to start now in order to have garbage collectors in place when the current contracts expired.
Those persons that currently have contracts to collect garbage are “All Waste in Place” which is owned by James Richardson, his brother is the current chairman of Parliament, Clean St. Maarten owned by Boykie Mendez a close friend to MP Theodore Heyliger, Leonard’s Enterprises, the father of MP Tamara Leonard and Meadow Lands N.V that is owned by Godfrey Richardson. These persons had a five year contract that will  expire next year and the bidding must take place soon. By extending the current contracts other garbage collectors will be left out and the process will not be free and fair for all persons doing that type of business.
SMN News learnt that the decision on whether or not to put to the garbage contracts has to be taken by the Minister of VROMI and not the department heads.
When contacted Buncamper said he is not aware of any changes and he is not the one that has to decide on the bidding process. Buncamper did not make any further comments on this issue claiming he is not aware of what is taking place behind close doors.

LOPEZ Resigns as GEBE Consultant

PHILIPSBURG: --- The shareholder representative (government) plans to have a forensic audit conducted at GEBE in order to have a sound report on the spending at the government owned company.
SMN News understands that government will be conducting the forensic audit to get a clear picture as to how much monies members of the supervisory board have been spending on themselves and to also see exactly what members of the management team have been spending.
The issue of the misuse of the credit cards, by the CFO Romelio Maduro and CFO Rene Gartner will also be investigated. The hiring of St. Maarten Services Provider which is owned by former journalist Alfred Harley.
Another issue that government want to investigate is the function of the internal controller who recently had an accident and total loss GEBE vehicle. SMN News learnt that the internal controller had an accident and GEBE covered the cost of the claim even though the driver did not have a valid driver’s license at the time of the accident. Besides that GEBE then rented a Wrangler Jeep for the controller instead of a smaller vehicle like the one she had the accident with.
While the Prime Minister and the leader of Government seems to be protecting the COO Romelio Maduro who recently signed off check for $68,000.00 in the name of St. Maarten Service Provider and signed the MOU with GB Energy, it appears that their main goal is to get rid of certain employees they have a ‘beef’ with or believe is leaking information to the media.

Now that all the irregularities at GEBE are being published one of the consultants that were located in an office upstairs of the Windward Islands Bank have submitted his resignation to GEBE stating that he does not like what is taking place at GEBE. A source within GEBE said a former employee of VROMI  Lopez who went on pension was hired as a private consultant for special projects by GEBE. However, since SMN News started to expose the irregularties that are taking place at GEBE it is understood that Lopez tendered his resignation last week, while the COO Romelio Maduro is on sick leave after it was made known that he wrote and signed a check to St. Maarten Service Provider to the tune of $68.000.00 while he does not have a valid contract to work at the government owned company.

Where is the Supervisory Board?

Airport:--- Ten more days to go and the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) may have to face serious penalties if they defaulted on the bonds they have secured for various projects. The bonds SMN News understand stands at $160M which had to be used up since 2014, but the lack of the building permits for the Food Based Operations (FBO) and fire station may well place the government owned company in a real predicament. One of things that can happen the bonds can be recalled because the funds were not used during the time frame in which it had to be used and PJIAE will also have to pay the interests and face a penalty while losing its financial credibility.
According to information SMN News received PJIAE signed a number of agreements and concessions with several stakeholders in order to recoup the cost of the FBO project. If the project is not completed then PJIAE will again be in default and can be held liable towards the stakeholders.
Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs dispatched a letter to PJIAE on May 29th asking a number of questions on the bidding process while Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs who is also the acting Minister of VROMI is using the power of the holding company to stagnate the issuance of the building permit for the two projects. Even though it’s clear that the tactics are being used to stagnate the process, PJIAE submitted the answers and relevant documents to the Prime Minister since the ending of May and to date PJIAE have not heard from the department of VROMI, or the Prime Minister. Clearly there is a lack of communication between government and management of PJIAE.
It is clear that the Prime Minister is violating the articles of incorporation of PJIAE since they are clearly interfering in the daily operations of the government owned company. While the shareholder representative has the right to request information from the company they surely cannot jeopardize the operations of the government owned company.

Supervisory Board --- What are they doing as the clock ticks away?

While all of this is happening the Supervisory Board who was appointed by the current leader of government sits back and does nothing. If the supervisory board was working in the interest of PJIAE then they would have gotten their lawyers to take the shareholder representative to court. Based on the information and documentation that was provided to SMN News on this current saga it’s clear that both the supervisory board, shareholder representative and the leader of the UPP has something they are cooking up against the Managing Director Regina Labega.

On Friday, June 5th, mrs. mr. M. Boheur was sworn in as Prosecutor at the Public Prosecution Office BES on Saba. With the swearing a Royal Decree comes in force with which she is temporarily appointed to that job.

Mrs. Boheur works at the Public Prosecution Office in Rotterdam but came to Saba to cooperate in the Hector investigation together with mrs. mr. Overmeer. Mrs. mr. Overmeer is the prosecutor within OM BES and is charged in particular with Saba and St. Eustatius and thus the obvious person to handle the investigation Hector.

The Prosecution Office BES is a small office and investigations with a scope and intensity as the Hector investigation should be done in addition to the already crowded usual work. To do both the one and the other well, assistance is required.

Next to Mrs. Boheur also a senior public prosecutor from Rotterdam arrived this week to assist. This concerns Mrs. C. Sterk. Because of the arrival of Mrs. Sterk the workload -caused by investigation Hector- for the prosecutor secretaries of the Public Prosecutor’s Office BES is manageable.

For the purpose of investigation Hector both on the police side and the Public Prosecutor side there is assistance available from the Prosecutors Office and National Police from the European Netherlands, besides the support for the team from the RST.

The responsibility for and management of the investigation still lie of course with the Prosecutor’s Office BES and KPCN.

Assistance for the Public Prosecutor’s Office BES in large investigations is not new. Recently, for the purpose of the Country Garden case, mr. R. Rammeloo has been working -next to mr. Hambeukers from the Public Prosecutor’s Office BES- on Bonaire. Mr. Rammeloo will soon arrive again to collaborate with the local Prosecutor’s Office since not all court sessions of the investigation Country Garden have been completed.

As is well known assistance of the National Police, the RST and other forces from the region were given to KPCN in Country Garden also.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office BES is very satisfied with the support from the Netherlands because it allows the local Public Prosecutor’s Office not only to fulfill the tasks in such large studies adequately, but also to keep working on other regular tasks and studies on the three islands.

Di dos fiskal den investigashon Hector

Riba djabièrnè 5 di yüni huramentashon di señora mr. M. Boheur komo fiscal a tuma lugá na Saba na Ministerio Públiko BES. Ku e huramentashon un dekreto Real ta drenta na vigor ku kua ela keda nombra den e funshon ei temporalmente.

Señora Boheur ta traha na Ministerio Públiko na Rotterdam pero a bin Saba pa traha huntu ku señora mr. Overmeer den e investigashon Hector. Mr. Overmeer komo fiskal ta enkargá spesífikamente ku Saba i Sint Eustatius dentro di Ministeri Públiko BES i p’esei ta e persona adekuá pa atendé ku e investigashon Hector.

Ministerio Públiko BES ta un parkèt chikitu i investigashonnan ku un dimenshon i intensidat manera e investigashon Hector mester wòrdu hasi banda di tur e trabounan drùk usual. Pa por hasi un ke otro bon, mester di asistensia.

Banda di señora Boheur, un sekretario senior di parkèt tambe a yega for di Rotterdam komo sosten e siman aki. Ta trata di señora C. Sterk. Dor di binida di señora Sterk e preshon di trabou - ku e investigashon Hector ta okashoná pa e sekretarionan di parkèt di Ministerio Públiko BES - ta bira manehabel.

Na fabor di e investigashon Hector, tantu na banda di polis komo na banda di Ministerio Públiko, tin yudansa presente for di Ministerio Públiko i Polis Nashonal for di Hulanda Oropeo, banda di e asistensia di RST pa e tim.

E responsabilidat pa i e maneho general di e investigashon naturalmente ta keda serka Ministerio Públiko BES i KPCN.
Asistensia na Ministerio Públiko BES den investigashonnan ekstensivo no ta nada nobo. Resientemente mr. Rammeloo a traha - huntu ku mr. Hambeukers di Ministerio Públiko BES - den e investigashon Country Garden na Boneiru. Pronto mr. Rammeloo lo regresá pasobra den e investigashon Country Garden ainda no a finalisá tur e seshonnan den korte i e lo bolbe traha ku e Ministerio Públiko lokal.
Manera ta konosí, den e kaso Country Garden tambe KPCN a risibí asistensia/yudansa di Polis Nashonal, RST i kuerponan den region.
Ministerio Públiko BES ta hopi satisfecho ku e ayudo for di Hulanda komo ku esaki ta sòru pa no solamente e Ministerio Públiko lokal por desempeñá e tareanan den sorto di investigashonnan grandi asin’aki na e manera adekuá, pero ku tambe nan por sigui traha riba otro tareanan i investigashonnan regular riba e tres islanan.

Tweede officier van justitie in onderzoek Hector
Op vrijdag 5 juni is op Saba mw. mr. M. Boheur beëdigd als officier van justitie bij het Openbaar Ministerie BES. Met de beëdiging treedt een Koninklijk besluit in werking waarmee zij tijdelijk in die functie is benoemd.
Mw. Boheur werkt bij het Openbaar Ministerie in Rotterdam maar is naar Saba gekomen om in het onderzoek Hector samen te werken met mw. mr. Overmeer. Mr. Overmeer is als officier van justitie die binnen OM BES in het bijzonder belast is met Saba en Sint Eustatius en daarmee de voor de hand liggende persoon om het onderzoek Hector te behandelen.
Het OM BES is een klein parket en onderzoeken met een omvang en intensiteit zoals het onderzoek Hector moet worden gedaan naast het al drukke gebruikelijke werk. Om zowel het een als het ander goed te kunnen doen, is bijstand dan nodig.
Naast mevrouw Boheur is deze week ook een senior parketsecretaris vanuit Rotterdam ter ondersteuning gearriveerd. Dat betreft mevrouw C. Sterk. Door de komst van mevrouw Sterk is ook de werkdruk -die onderzoek Hector veroorzaakt- voor de parketsecretarissen van OM BES beheersbaar.
Ten behoeve van het onderzoek Hector is nu zowel aan politiezijde als aan OM-zijde hulp aanwezig vanuit het Openbare Ministerie en de Nationale Politie uit Europees Nederland, naast ondersteuning voor het team vanuit het RST. De verantwoordelijkheid voor en de leiding van het onderzoek blijven natuurlijk liggen bij OM BES en KPCN.
De bijstand voor het OM BES in omvangrijke onderzoeken is niet nieuw. Recentelijk is ten behoeve van het onderzoek Country Garden mr. R. Rammeloo -naast mr. Hambeukers van OM BES- aan het werk geweest op Bonaire. Mr. Rammeloo zal binnenkort opnieuw arriveren omdat in het onderzoek Country Garden nog niet alle zittingen zijn afgerond en zal weer met het lokale OM samenwerken.
Zoals bekend heeft in Country Garden KPCN ook bijstand c.q. ondersteuning van onder andere de Nationale Politie, het RST en korpsen uit de regio ontvangen.
OM BES is erg tevreden met de hulp uit Nederland omdat dit zorgt dat het lokale OM niet alleen de taken in dergelijke grote onderzoeken adequaat kan vervullen maar ook bezig kan blijven met andere/reguliere taken en onderzoeken op de drie eilanden.

KPNC Police Report

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – The House of Parliament will meet in a public plenary session on June 8th. The Minister of General Affairs Prime Minister Hon. Marcel Gumbs will be present for the session.

The plenary session is set for Monday at 10.00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The first agenda point is incoming documents; the second agenda point is a draft National Ordinance to change the Stamps Ordinance for Increases in Stamp Fees related to Passports; approval of an Advice on Travel Guidelines for Members of Parliament; and approval of the Regulation for the Committee of Petitions.

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 via www.sxmparliament.org.

Party remains steadfast on their decision to remove Minister of Justice from Office

PHILIPSBURG:--- The members of the USP board headed by MP Frans Richardson have decided that the party leader MP Frans Richardson will meet with the Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson early next week as SMN News reported earlier. The decision was taken by the board Thursday night when the board met to discuss the grievances they have with the current Minister of Justice.
According to the information SMN News received is that MP Richardson will meet with the Minister of Justice after the tripartite conference that is currently being held on the island.
The USP board believes that they must be respected and be involved with how he manages the Ministry of Justice.
According to information SMN News received is that the leader of the USP who has the justice portfolio for some time now even though they are the ones in charge of the Justice Ministry. SMN News further understands that the main reason MP Richardson will be meeting with the Minister of Justice is to inform him personally that they will remove him from his post as Minister of Justice.

PHILIPSBURG:----  Minister Plenipotentiary, Hon. Josianne Fleming–Artsen on Wednesday met with the Mayor of the City of The Hague, the Netherlands Jozias van Aartsen.
The one hour meeting between Minister Fleming-Artsen and Mayor Van Aartsen took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Both dignitaries discussed cooperation in the area of Culture. Sint Maarten students studying in The Hague and throughout the Netherlands was also a topic of discussion which the Mayor showed great interests in.

At the end of the working visit, Minister Plenipotentiary Fleming-Artsen, expressed her gratitude and presented a plaque of Sint Maarten to Mayor Van Aartsen which was highly appreciated.

Van Aartsen has been Mayor since March 2008. Prior to that he served as a Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Food Quality, and later became Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Van Aartsen also served as a member of the House of Representatives for a number of years.

The meeting took place at The Hague City Hall.

GREAT BAY(DCOMM):--- The Control Unit of the Inspection Department Ministry Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT), carried out traffic controls during a three day stretch on May 18th, 19th and 22nd, 2015.
A total of 208 vehicles and 59 fines were issued by the Control Unit officers.
The breakdown of the violations were as follows: 47 fines were for driver not wearing a seatbelt; two fines were for drivers not having a driver’s license; two fines for the driver not being able to hand over the driver license when stopped; three fines were issued for not wearing a helmet; one fine issued for a vehicle not insured; three other traffic violations were detected and addressed regarding public transportation.
The Control Unit will continue with its control on traffic and public transportation as part of responsibility under the Ministry.
The Inspection Department TEATT advises all public transportation operators to ensure that they are in possession of a valid driver’s license, valid insurance according to minimum limits established by the Public Transportation Ordinance, a valid permit or in the case of help/assistance driver a valid help/assistant driver permit, and a valid inspection card for the motor vehicle being used to carry out public transportation services.

These controls will continue and the cooperation of the general public is appreciated.

Complaints or suggestions regarding public transportation operators can be emailed to IDEZ: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 542-4509. You can also stop by the office at The Yellow Building, Tamarindesteeg #16, Philipsburg.

Staff members of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) subregional headquarters for the Caribbean worked side by side with communities in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, to protect and preserve the local environmental heritage, in a special commemoration of the United Nations World Environment Day 2015.

Under the theme “Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume With Care”, World Environment Day was celebrated this year on Friday 5th June. ECLAC staff partnered with two local non-governmental organizations, the Volunteer Centre of Trinidad and Tobago (VCTT) and the Fondes Amandes Community Reforestation Project (FACRP), and contributed by cleaning up 1800 ft along the Fondes Amandes River in Saint Ann’s, Port of Spain.

This effort was aimed at supporting the work of the FACRP. This Community project has had significant success over the years in the reforestation and watershed management in Saint Ann’s, by transforming the land area of the watershed from a fire climax zone to one with green, leafy vegetation, resulting in the enhanced growth of flora and fauna species and increased rainfall in the region.

At the opening ceremony, ECLAC Director Diane Quarless delivered the Message of UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon for World Environment Day. She reminded the participants that this year was particularly important, since the international community would adopt a new set of Sustainable Development Goals, to ensure that we can achieve inclusive, sustained economic growth and shared prosperity for all peoples, while protecting the resources of the planet for present and future generations.

Ms Quarless paid tribute to the work being done by the FACRP, which she described as an exemplary model of sustainable development in action in Trinidad and Tobago, for its commitment to promoting community awareness and action towards protecting and conserving the environment of which they are a part. In this they exemplified the interdependence of people, planet and prosperity through partnership, central to the strategy for transformation needed to restore the world to more sustainable footing.

Underscoring the importance of activities such as the one held today, the Director encouraged the attendees to become more involved in similar projects aimed at protecting the environment of their respective communities.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday May 30th , the patrol of KPCN on Saba was called to a bar/restaurant located in Windwardside for a problem between a couple. At the arrival of the patrol, a man with the initials A.C.M., was caught being abusive to his wife and was taken into custody. After investigation he was released pending his appointment in court the next day.

On Sunday May 31st , the KPCN department on Saba also received a call where a female had allegedly threatened a couple with a machete. When the patrol responded to this call, a woman with initials C.D.H. was taken into custody. The machete was also seized. The police is conducting this investigation and will hand it over to the public prosecutor for the further handling of this case.

 CAYMAN ISLANDS:--- Following a long and distinguished career with the Cayman Islands Government’s Public Health Department, and the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority’s Dr Kiran Kumar will be retiring in July this year.

Arriving in the Cayman Islands in 1982, Dr Kumar first took up the post of Medical Officer of Health of the Cayman Islands, leading the Public Health Department from the very beginning of his career in the Cayman Islands; his retirement marks an incredible 33 years at his post.

In addition to his roles as Medical Officer of Health and Director of Primary Health Care, Dr Kumar has also held many other vital positions within Cayman’s medical field. He has served as Chief Medical Officer from October 1992 to May 1995, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Health Services Authority from October 1992 to April 1993, Chairman of the Health Practitioners Board from October 1992 to May 1995 and again Acting Chief Medical Officer from July 2007 to July 2008.

Dr Kumar said it was difficult to pinpoint any one single change in healthcare that he felt had been the most significant during his illustrious career.

“I have seen many changes, so it is difficult to say. First and foremost, we have enhanced the specialist services with state of the art equipment, a modern hospital and new health centres. These were built from 1995 to 1998 and were a huge investment that paved the way to meet the needs for the community,” he said.

Professionally, Dr Kumar has achieved tremendous success over the years.

In 1992, while attending a meeting in Barbados, the World Health Organisation announced the Macedo World Health Day Award for Cayman’s health promotion programme, ‘Heartbeat Cayman’, on World Health Day April 7th, 1992. This was in recognition of Cayman’s unique approach dedicated to the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

“It was a proud moment to receive such recognition for a small country like ours among the entire region of the Americas,” Dr Kumar recalls. “Thereafter we were commended and recognised for our disease surveillance and immunisation programmes.”

In addition, Dr Kumar said that he was very happy to oversee the development of the primary health care services in the districts and fortunate to be given the chance to develop and implement the first National AIDS Programme plan in 1989 and the Influenza Pandemic Plan in 2007. He also played an integral part in the Health Practice Law in 2001 to 2004 and the tobacco legislation during 2003 to 2010.

Lizzette Yearwood, Chief Executive Officer of the Health Services Authority, said it had been a privilege to work alongside Dr Kumar.

“Dr Kumar has been a pillar of the Health Services Authority community and the driver of so many important health initiatives for the Cayman Islands. We wish him every happiness in his retirement,” she said.

Premier Alden McLaughlin, who is also the Minister of Health, said that all Cayman residents owed Dr Kumar a huge debt of gratitude.

“For 33 years Dr Kumar has been at the forefront of the Cayman community’s health and for that we are deeply grateful,” Premier McLaughlin said. “Throughout his long and distinguished career, the Cayman Islands Government has acknowledged the impressive service that Dr Kumar has given to the Cayman Islands, recognising him for his services to the medical field with a Certificate and Badge of Honour in 2007 and, most recently, being named Pioneer of Health Services this year. There is no-one who deserves these awards more than Dr Kumar. We hope he has a long and happy retirement.”

Dr Kumar expressed his thanks to those who made an impact on his career. “My sincere appreciation goes to Nurse Jossie Solomon who was instrumental for my being in Cayman. My family and I are grateful to the Cayman Islands Government at large, the Ministry of Health, the Health Services Authority and Cayman’s public for the opportunity provided to me to serve as the Medical Officer of Health for the Cayman Islands for 33 years and the confidence they have placed on me. I am thankful for the support I have received throughout the years from my public health team as well as various public and private organisations. I have had excellent staff and I wish them success in their endeavours and my best wishes for good health to Cayman’s community.”

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- On Saturday, May 30th officers from the Control Unit of the Inspection Department Ministry Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT), conducted a five hour special control on public transportation operators at various locations throughout the country.
Between the hours of 2.00PM and 7.00PM two groups of Control Unit officers executed controls in the vicinity of the A.C. Wathey Cruise Terminal in Pointe Blanche, in Philipsburg and in the Maho area.
Drivers were fined for obstructing traffic, parking in a bus stop or in a prohibited area.
Public buses were controlled and the major violations found were namely, driving without a permit and drivers improperly dressed.
Those drivers found to be engaging in public transportation services without a permit received a fine and had their vehicles towed as they were operating illegally. Two buses were towed and 14 buses were controlled.
The Control Unit will continue to execute irregular controls on public transportation operators outside of normal office hours to ensure that permit holders abide by the laws and to protect the general public from unsafe or illegal operators.
All public transportation operators must carry with them at all times valid vehicle insurance, inspection card and a valid driver’s license for the vehicle that they are operating.
In addition the driver must be in possession of a valid permit from the Minister TEATT or in the case of a help/assistant driver a valid help/assistant driver permit issued by the Minister TEATT.
According to article 3 of the Public Transportation Ordinance 21-02-2013 AB 2013 GT no. 118, it is prohibited to engage in public transportation services without a transportation permit from the Minister TEATT.
This will be strictly enforced during our controls.
For any inquires, the Inspectorate can be reached by calling 542-4509/4511 or stop by Tamarindesteeg #16, (The Yellow Building) or via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHILIPSBURG :---- The Committee on the Rights of the Child considered the fourth periodic report of the Netherlands on its implementation of the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its initial report under the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict.
Due to the absence of Dutch State Secretary for Health, Welfare and Sport Hon. Martin van Rijn as delegation leader, Sint Maarten’s Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports Affairs Hon. Rita Bourne-Gumbs, who traveled to Geneva, Switzerland to fulfil the reporting obligations of country Sint Maarten with respect to Children’s Rights, was selected to deliver the opening and closing remarks at the meeting on behalf of the Kingdom.
In her opening remarks on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Minister Bourne-Gumbs said that following the 2010 constitutional reforms within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Kingdom now constituted of four countries which she mentioned, which had equal status within the Kingdom, and each was responsible for its own internal affairs.
Minister Bourne-Gumbs as delegation head for country Sint Maarten provided the committee with a synopsis of what the country has achieved such as a separate department for Youth Affairs being established as the leading structure to facilitate the formation of legislation and policies regarding children and youth affairs.
Another key development by Sint Maarten was the amendment to Book 1 of the Civil Code prevented discrimination of children by equating the position of those born out of wedlock with that of legitimate children, while corporal punishment was prohibited in the law.
Minister Bourne-Gumbs also pointed out that Sint Maarten is establishing the Action Plan Children Rights, and had set-up a Children’s Committee for its implementation.
The Civil Code has also been amended and a Centre for Registration of Child Abuse had been set up, while in January 2014, an Inter-Ministerial Working Group had been established to draft a national protocol for child abuse, Minister Hon. Rita Bourne-Gumbs added.
In her concluding remarks, Minister Bourne-Gumbs thanked the committee and said that the Kingdom of the Netherlands would give further thought to ensuring participation and involvement of children in a systematic manner, and that the Kingdom looked forward to receiving the concluding observations and reiterated its commitment to the rights of the child.
The Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur Olga Khazova, stated that despite the progress, there was still room for improvement in the situation of children in the Netherlands, and that one of the concluding observations the Committee would be making would refer to decentralization with the hope that the new system would indeed work for the best interest of the child.
It was encouraging to learn about many positive programmes in the Caribbean countries and municipalities addressing violence against children and domestic violence, and a healthy lifestyle. Finally, the Committee hoped that the Government would positively consider the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on a communication procedure.
The Netherlands was represented by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports, Ministry of Security and Justice, Ministry of Interior and Kingdom Relations, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Sint Maarten was represented by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (Jorien Wuite, Secretary General; Shermina Powell Richardson, Department Head Youth Affairs), Ministry of Justice (Richelda Rodriquez Emmanuel, Head of the Court of Guardianship), Ministry of General Affairs (Danae Daal, Directorate of Foreign Affairs), and Cabinet of the Minister (Ursel Biabiani, Senior Policy Advisor).
Representatives of Curaçao included the Ministry of Social Development, Labour and Welfare, Ministry of Health, Nature and Environment, and Ministry of Justice, and Aruba was represented by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Youth and Labour and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Minister of Justice took seven months to respond to proposal that was submitted to his Ministry.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Indebt investigation as to really why certain politicians wants to get rid of the current Minister of Justice showed that certain politicians wanted the Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson to rent some buildings that are being constructed in St. Johns area.
SMN News learnt that the politicians that were behind the Minister of Justice to rent these buildings that presently being constructed were to house the MOT, National Archives, a Police Sub-station and the Landsrecherche.

Further research showed that the developer was supposed to construct a building on a parcel of land that belonged to Claudette Labega on L.B Scot Road which is located opposite the De Weever’s property. SMN News further learnt that this project was approved by the former Minister of Justice and management of KPSM but the project fell through when the developer and the land owner had some disagreements. According to the research conducted by SMN News the developer then found a parcel of land in St. Johns where he decided to construct several buildings, some of those buildings were to house the police substation and the National Archives, the Landsrecherche and the MOT. Even though the developer had an approved agreement with the former Minister of Justice and KPSM he submitted a new proposal to the current Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson who never responded to his request. SMN News understands that the second proposal had a lower price than the first one but the Minister of Justice never responded to the proposal that was submitted to his Ministry. It is understood that the developer met with the management of KPSM who agreed to have the police sub-station in St. Johns but they felt that the building that the developer was constructing for the police sub-station was too big and the rent was somewhat too steep. The source said that the developer then met with the Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson to further discuss the plans and to submit a new proposal to the current Minister of Justice. Documents showed that the proposal that was submitted to Minister Richardson has much lower price than the one that was signed off by the former Minister of Justice. However, even though meeting the developer in person and receiving a proposal the current Minister of Justice did not respond to the request for about seven months.
SMN News learnt that the developer held consultations with several persons and he was advised to resubmit the proposal but this time with the prices that were approved by the former Minister of Justice. SMN News were told that when the developer did that the Ministry immediately responded to the developer informing him that they are no longer interested in doing any business with him because he submitted two proposals to the Ministry with different prices.
While persons from the Ministry is saying that the Landsresearche and the MOT was not interested in changing their locations because they already have lease obligations with their current landlord, and the Ministry thinks it’s better to have police sub-station in South Reward or St. Peters where there are more students that are prone to get into problems, it is understood that management of KPSM are not in favor of having a sub-station in those locations because it might not work in their best interest in the event of any riot or protest.
Another hindrance the developer faced when was negotiating the projects is not getting a letter of intent from the former Prime Minister to say that government has committed itself in renting the properties.
While all of this prompted the removal of the current Minister of Justice from his office another sore issue for MP Frans Richardson is the fact his party joined the coalition and got the Ministry of Justice and while he is the MP over that Ministry the current Minister of Justice does not consult with him managing the Ministry of Justice.
The source said that several members of the UPP are in favor of removing Minister Richardson but they were not telling it him directly, however, since Minister Richardson signed the agreement with the Minister of Kingdom Relations Ronald Plasterk to establish an integrity chamber on St. Maarten they felt that the time is right to remove Minister Richardson.
SMN News further learnt that while all of this is going on, the current five member government are making their own plans by contemplating to resign from their position and dissolve the parliament of St. Maarten and call for new elections.
Several efforts made to contact MP Frans Richardson on Thursday evening proved futile as he seemingly prefers to lie low and do what he has to do next week after the conference with the Ministers of Justices on the island is finished.

DAWN BEACH:--- Last month, Princess Heights Luxury Boutique Hotel (www.princessheights.com) in St. Maarten was officially awarded the “Certificate of Recognition for Exceptional Guest Ratings and Reviews” by the international online travel agency Hotels.com, part of Expedia Inc., one of the most important online travel corporations in the world.
This certificate recognizes accommodation properties which receive the highest guest reviews and ratings as part of the feedback that guests leave at Hotels.com regarding the service provided by the property they booked.
“This latest award is an affirmation of the commitment and dedication of every staff member at Princess Heights. This award wouldn't have been possible without the consistent efforts of every team member,” said Ms. Van Mameren, Princess Heights Operations Manager.
General Manager Emil Lee, received the award from Expedia representatives Brett Minzner, Area Manager of the Dutch Caribbean; Minu Thawani, Market Manager for St. Maarten; and Steven Landau, Associate Manager for St. Maarten, who visited the hotel personally to congratulate the team. Miss Thawani is the first St. Maarten-based Expedia market manager, which has resulted in better communication and relationship between Expedia and hotels on the island.
During the meeting, Lee stated: “As a top producing tour operator, Expedia has been an essential and supportive partner over the years for Princess Heights. Their exponential growth as a company is not only to their benefit, but to all its partners,” adding: "Having knowledgeable and committed Expedia representatives based locally on St. Maarten like Ms. Thawani is a huge step towards understanding our market and challenges. It is wonderful to be dealing with someone based in St Maarten, the personal and regular face to face communication is a great way to strengthen our partnership and grow our businesses together."
“Adding to Princess Heights Hotel recent recognition by world travel awards, green key and TripAdvisor, this continued recognition of our commitment to providing world class service is a great motivator for our staff to continue to excel,” mentioned Lee.
This family-operated luxury property is located on a hillside overlooking Dawn Beach, right on the border of the Dutch and French sides of the island. Princess Heights Hotel offers magnificent ocean view studios, one bedroom and two bedroom suites.
“Our luxurious suites are perfect for couples and our large suites and full kitchens make us perfect for families and groups of friends wanting to relax and enjoy in a home away from home environment,” said Jorge Diaz-Granados, director of sales and marketing for Princess Heights. “Princess Heights is arguably the best value for money around St. Maarten,” he added.

Will Council of Ministers be getting a motion of non-confidence?

PHILIPSBURG:--- The removal of Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson by Member of Parliament Frans Richardson will bring about a possible shake up in the five member Government. SMN News has been reliably informed that Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs already indicated to several persons that should Minister Richardson be removed from office he will tender his resignation. Several efforts to reach Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs by telephone on Thursday proved futile.
SMN News further learnt that Minister Dennis Richardson will be replaced by USP candidate Ruben Thompson who is currently the Director of the Justice Ministry.
The UPP source said that the UPP plans to replace Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs with Minister of Economic Affairs Claret Conner. However, this information seems very confusing because the agreement the Minister of Justice signed in the Hague on May 23rd 2015 was done with the blessings of Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs, moreover, the five member council of Ministers approved the agreement Minister Richardson signed on behalf of St. Maarten on Tuesday May 26th 2015 in the Council of Ministers weekly meeting. That agreement which was approved by the Council of Ministers was sent to the Parliament of St. Maarten on May 27th 2015.
While several persons have been beating up on the Minister of Justice whom they believed signed a agreement on his own accord  which have saved St. Maarten from having higher supervision imposed on the country it is left to be seen if the majority in Parliament will be brave enough to bring a motion of no-confidence against the entire Council of Ministers. When Minister Richardson and and the Prime Minister presented the draft document to establish an integrity chamber on St. Maarten he was given a verbal motion of no-confidence by the Members of Parliament that are part of the current coalition. MP Franklin Meyers flew back from Colombia where he was taking medical treatment to lecture the two Ministers on the draft document that was discussed in the Central Committee meetings. MP Meyers said he would rather die on his feet rather than living on his knees. He furher stated during that meeting that it was time for St. Maarten to call for Independence to get away from the Dutch.
It must be noted that the leader of the United Peoples Party Theodore Heyliger met with the leader of the USP and some of his board members on Thursday May 21st 2015 to discuss the removal of the Minister of Justice. When SMN News contacted MP Richardson on the meeting he held that day he said that he will deal with the removal of the Minister of Justice when he returned from the Netherlands.

The USP board is meeting tonight (Thursday) to further discuss the removal of the Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson while coalition partners are currently discussing the predicament they are facing.
Last week Member of Parliament William Marlin stated that since the Minister of Justice took it upon himself to sign an agreement with the Minister of Kingdom Affairs Ronald Plasterk without consulting with Parliament then it is only fitting that both the Minister of Justice and Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs should do the honorable thing and resign since the agreement that was signed by the Minister of Justice was done on behalf of the Prime Minister.
SMN News further learnt that the Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson is the one that have been holding the government together since he is the only one that was running the affairs of government especially when dealing with the Kingdom Government to ensure that the Kingdom did not impose higher supervision on St. Maarten. The Kingdom had mentioned several times that they were ready to issue another KB to the Governor of St. Maarten and the latest one was to impose higher supervision on the country.

Click here to read article on MP Meyers statements in Parliament when the draft document was discussed.

PHILIPSBURG:---The Attorney General (PG) of Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the BES islands, mr. Guus Schram, was Thursday, June 4th, 2015 hosted the kingdom PG-consultation, which took place in St. Maarten.

Twice a year the kingdom PG consultation (KPG-consultation), which addresses the PG of Curacao, St. Maarten and the BES consultation with the PG from Aruba and the Dutch chairman of the Board of Procurators General. Besides the preparation of the Judicial Four Parties Meeting (this year on June 8 in St. Maarten), also come in the KPG consultation other topics discussed. These primarily concern the alignment
of investigation and prosecution and mutual cooperation. The KPG- consultations thus aims the prosecutors of having the different countries as possible benefit from the fact that they operate within the Kingdom.

This edition is particularly discussed the strengthening of law enforcement for the purpose of tackling crime in undermining the Caribbean. The PG of the different countries have talked about the way of strengthening the
law enforcement can be completed and how the approach of subversive crime should be concentrated.

Around the KPG consultations are working visits to the Land Investigation and the Coast Guard. When visiting the Landsrecherche were the heads of the Landrecherches of Curacao and Aruba is present and discussed included the last first year of the improvement program. The Coast Guard gave a presentation on the organization and the way of work, followed by a boat ride across the lagoon and along the coastline.

PG’s uit Koninkrijk bijeen in Sint Maarten Versterking rechtshandhaving en aanpak ondermijnende criminaliteit hoog op de agenda

De Procureur-generaal (PG) van Curaçao, Sint Maarten en de BES-eilanden, dhr. Guus Schram, was donderdag 4 juni 2015 gastheer van het Koninkrijks PG-overleg, dat plaatsvond in Sint Maarten.

Tweemaal per jaar vindt het Koninkrijks PG-overleg (KPG-overleg) plaats, waarin de PG van Curaçao, Sint Maarten en de BES overleg pleegt met de PG van Aruba en de voorzitter van het Nederlandse College van procureurs- generaal. Behalve de voorbereiding van het Justitieel Vierpartijen Overleg (dit jaar op 8 juni in Sint Maarten), komen in het KPG-overleg ook andere onderwerpen ter sprake. Deze hebben veelal betrekking op de afstemming
van opsporing en vervolging en de onderlinge samenwerking. Het KPG- overleg heeft daarmee tot doel de Openbaar Ministeries van de verschillende landen zoveel mogelijk te laten profiteren van het feit dat zij opereren binnen het Koninkrijk.

Deze editie is in het bijzonder gesproken over de versterking van de rechtshandhaving ten behoeve van de aanpak van ondermijnende criminaliteit in het Caribisch gebied. De PG’s van de verschillende landen hebben onder meer gesproken over de wijze waarop die versterking van de
rechtshandhaving kan worden ingevuld en hoe de aanpak van ondermijnende criminaliteit moet worden geconcentreerd.

Rondom het KPG-overleg zijn werkbezoeken afgelegd aan de Landsrecherche en de Kustwacht. Bij het bezoek aan de Landsrecherche waren ook de diensthoofden van de Landrecherches van Curaçao en Aruba aanwezig en is onder andere gesproken over het afgelopen eerste jaar van het verbeterprogramma. De Kustwacht heeft een presentatie gegeven over de eigen organisatie en de manier van werken, waarna een boottocht over de lagoon en langs de kustlijn volgde.

PHILIPSBURG:---- On March 27th a burglary was reported in a house on Fan Coral road in Beacon Hill. Several items were stolen by an unknown person. Detectives and the Forensic Department of the St. Maarten police force were called to the scene to investigate the burglary. Fingerprints were found on the crime scene. They were examined by the Forensic Department. It turned out that the fingerprints belonged to a known burglar that had committed other burglaries in the past. During the further investigation the male burglar, was arrested by the police on May 14th. He confessed to committing the burglary while he was being interrogated.

On May 18th a suspect in an assault case was arrested. The Prosecutor’s Office gave out a warrant for his arrest because he threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend and started stalking her. The 20-year old male suspect was arrested and put in custody for further investigation.

On May 22nd a suspect was arrested by the St. Maarten police force. This man was suspected of arson and threatening a person in Christiansted drive in Dutch Quarter on February 16th 2015. He was put in custody for further investigation. This male suspect from St. Maarten was seen by witnesses when he set a car on fire. Three other cars were damaged by the fire.

On May 22nd a suspect was caught red handed when he was dealing marihuana on Cay Bay road. The male suspect, that’s originally from Jamaica, had about 16 small packages containing marihuana on him. The drugs were confiscated for further investigation. The suspect was put in custody.

An 18-year old male suspect was arrested last week on charges of burglary. The police have found concrete proof (fingerprints) that he broke in to two houses at Wellington road. During these burglaries the suspect stole two cars. The vehicles were relocated on the French side of the island. The owners of the cars were informed about this by the police. The 18-year old suspect was put in custody. He was already known by the police for committing similar crimes.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:---- Given this fact, I have now turned to the Chair of the Parliament for his intervention. Make no mistake, the Chairperson of Parliament was appointed to serve in that position as part of the political agreements between those parties and factions that support the government. That is an acceptable practice.

However, once in that position, the chairperson represents the entire parliament and should in my opinion act as a bridge between Parliament and the Government. The Chairperson of parliament should also guide and provide leadership to Parliament.

I have therefore turned to MP Dr. Lloyd Richardson, Chairman of Parliament to impress upon the government that responding to the members of Parliament is a constitutional duty of the members of government.

In my letter to the chairperson, I have listed some of the outstanding matters that I have queried and on which government has remained mum.
These topics are:
February 10, 2015, IS 410 TEATT Minister (St. Maarten Tourism Authority)
February 12, 2015, IS 411, TEATT Minister (Developments in Simpsonbay)
March 6, 2015, IS 488, TEATT Minister (Security Contract Harbor)
March 12, 2015, IS 519, VROMI Minister (Petition by residents of Simpsonbay)
March 23, 2015, IS 547, VSA Minister ( Appointment board members SLS)
March 3, 2015 IS 468, TEATT & VROMI Ministers (Dredging in the S’Bay Lagoon)

Note: the IS number is the registration number at Parliament.

What can individual members of Parliament do?
Not much more. At least not without majority support of Parliament. When a member of government is considered out of line or derelict, the only avenue open to Parliament is a motion of no-confidence.
However, that requires a majority vote in Parliament.

I therefore want to reiterate my call for a paradigm shift in the house of Parliament. A new way of doing business, a new way of doing the people's business.

Parliament can and should have its own agenda. If members of the coalition wish to align this with government's agenda (if they have one), so be it.

But what prevents Parliament from establishing its own agenda of priorities and go after those issues collectively? Nothing does!

Should not health and the environment be 2 of these issues?
Economic growth, creation of jobs and poverty alleviation as well?

Here are 2 glaring examples of lack of coordination and lack of urgency from Parliament's side:
Labor contracts: talked about for as long as I can remember. There is a draft ordinance to address some of the pertinent labor issues. Parliament was assuaged months ago with an informal copy of the draft law. Why has it not yet officially reached parliament for debate?

Medical coverage law: one would recall that during the budget debates, a motion was presented to authorize the Minister of Health to execute this law, which the Parliament had not even seen. Luckily, Parliament caught on in the nick of time. This important piece of legislation, offering coverage to presently uninsured groups and persons in our community, still has not reached parliament for debate. Where is the urgency?
The Law on public transportation will not reach parliament until 2016, we have been told.
Are these matters not important to Parliament?

The increase in pension age. Another pending matter of importance to many civil servants and others.

And so there are more. With all the commotion surrounding government-owned companies, the competency that parliament DOES have and that is to scrutinize the annual reports of these companies, is ignored and the 2013 reports of these companies are somewhere in a drawer at Parliament.

Parliament should stop trailing behind government and lead on a set parliamentary agenda for this country, because like this we are going nowhere and this country deserves better.

DP Press Release

Harbour View:--- Today, the Governor of Sint Maarten, His Excellency drs. E. B. Holiday, announced details regarding the 2015 Governor’s Symposium. The theme for this year’s event is Governance: The Value of Checks and Balances.
The symposium will be held on Friday June 19th, 2015 at the Westin Dawn Beach Resort and Spa. Preparations for the symposium started several months ago and are in the final stages. Professor Trevor Munroe, the Executive Director of National Integrity Action, a Jamaican civil society organization, is scheduled to provide the keynote address at the symposium. Mr. Munroe also serves as a visiting Honorary Professor at the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute at the University of the West Indies. In addition to the keynote address, the program for the 2015 Governor’s Symposium includes featured speakers Mr. Miguel Alexander and Mr. Jan Beaujon. Both gentlemen are known for their vast contributions to Sint Maarten’s public and private sectors and remain active in the benefit of the social development of the island.
The theme: “Governance: The Value of Checks and Balances” encompasses the public and private sectors, as well as civil society. The Symposium Organizing Committee installed by Governor Holiday to prepare the Symposium is comprised of Ms. Casandra Janssen as chair, Mr. Bastiaan Bolt as secretary, Mr. Ajamu Baly, Mrs. Joane Dovale-Meit, Ms. Nancy Joubert, Ms. Patricia Philips, and Ms. Astrid Plantz. With the diversity of speakers, as well as a panel discussion, the 2015 Governor’s Symposium aims to intellectually engage the invited guests and stimulate thoughtful debate.
The annual Governors Symposium is considered to be a supportive platform for all invited stakeholders to focus, raise awareness and, hopefully, function as a catalyst for best practices within the community of Sint Maarten. This will be the fourth Symposium the Governor has organized. Previous themes included National Heritage, Sustainable Development and Education for Democracy.

PHILIPSBURG:---The Police Union NAPB section Sint Maarten held a general election on Wednesday June 3rd 2015. These elections were held after the former president Inspector E. Josepha resigned from this position on March 29th 2015. After the resignation of Josepha the Acting President Mrs. Janine Peterson temporarily took over the presidency until new elections for a new board were held. The main voting station was located in the Walter R. Kramers Building on the E Camille Richardson Street. (Police head Quarters)
Persons postulating themselves in this election were:
Presidency: Mrs. Janine Peterson and Mr. Daryl Chandler
Board member: Mr. Rumini Rogers, Mrs. L. Christian-Piper, Mrs. S Crispulo and Mrs. V. Euson.
Congress: Mr. Alfred Leito, Mr. John Boyrard and Mr. Dairon Every.
The elections started at 08.00 a.m. and ended at 05.00 p.m. with following results:
A total of 142 ballots were received.
A total of 83 votes were casted
A total of 79 votes were valid
A total of 04 votes were invalid
A total of 00 votes were blank
As new president for the NAPB section Sint Maarten was chosen Mrs. Janine Peterson with a total of 48 votes defeating Mr. Daryl Chandler with 30 votes.
As new congress members were chosen Mr. Alfred Leito and Mr. Dairon Every.
As new board members were chosen Lisa Christian- Piper, Mr. Rumini Rogers, Mrs. Veta Euson and Mrs. Shawn Crispulo.
The new elected members will join together with the existing board members Janice Philips and Fabiola Brown to form the new NAPB section Sint Maarten.

As of August 1st, 2015 Kees van Nieuwamerongen will bid farewell as the secretary of the Board of financial supervision (College financieel toezicht - Cft). On that same date Mr. Manus Twisk will succeed him.

Manus Twisk has broad experience in the area of public finance. He has worked at the Dutch Ministry of Finance as well as at the municipalities of Rotterdam and Amsterdam. At the municipality of Amsterdam he was responsible for the complete Finance portfolio. In Rotterdam at first he was responsible for the finance policy and planning and control of the municipality as the head of the department of Budgeting Affairs, in a later position he was head operations/controller at the Development Company Rotterdam (land issues, real estate and economy). Up till the summer Twisk will be the secretary of the Rinnooy Kan Commission. The commission ‘Financial space for municipalities’ was introduced by the Association of Dutch Municipalities and will present propositions for improvements of the finances of the municipalities, which will contribute to more flexibility (amongst others by increasing the local fiscal territory) and to economic growth. These are topics that are very current for the Caribbean part of the Kingdom as well.

Kees van Nieuwamerongen has held the position of the secretary of the Board as of July 2011. He was closely involved in the shaping of the financial supervision and has contributed as Cft secretary in the advising of the governments of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, and the executive councils of the Caribbean Netherlands.

During the first half of August, the new secretary Manus Twisk will present himself to the governments of the countries and the public entities.

Search and Road Block called off at Plaza Casino, No suspects captured

PHILIPSBURG:--- Police surround the Plaza Casino located next to Ennia Insurances, opposite Lekkerbek Restaurant  Thursday morning as they comb inside of the building to look for possible suspects that tried to rob the casino. According information SMN News recieved the bandits entered the casino through the roof as they gain acess they stabbed up one person, while tying up the security guard as they proceed to execute the robbery.  However, police was called before the robbery suspects could have fled the scene and they managed to surround the area around the casino in an effort to capture the robbers.Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson confirmed that the police have blocked the area as they continue to search for the suspects. Henson said traffic coming from the Philipsburg cannot pass the area as they have stepped up the security around Plaza casino with the hopes of catching the possible suspects that are hiding inside the casino. SMN News learnt that the swat team just moved inside the casino as police is doing everything possible to capture those involved in the early morning attempted robbery.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said police called off tge search around midday after a special team of officers entered the building and conducted a thorough search and did not find any suspects hiding in the building. The police spokesman also confirmed that one person was injured and that person was taken to the St. Maarten Medical Center for treatment. Henson said even though the road's were reopended detectives were still at the location conducting the investigations.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Division of Study Financing hereby cordially invites all students who have been awarded study financing to pursue their studies in the Netherlands to a very important information session.
The information session will be held on:

Date: Friday June 5, 2015
Place: AC Wathey Legislative Hall, Government Building
Time: 7 pm – 8.30 pm

During this information session the following topics will be discussed: The new way forward with care, guidance and supervision in the Netherlands, travel dates, preparation, study checks, intake interviews, entrance exams, housing matters, preparatory workshops to study and live in the Netherlands, etc.
All students who have been awarded study financing and their parents/guardians are requested to make a special effort to attend this information session.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM) :---  The Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, is appealing to garage owners and tire repair shops to take measures to remove mosquito breeding sites from their establishments and to maintain on a daily basis control measures to eliminate any standing water on their premises.

Accumulation of rainwater in tires provides breeding space for mosquitoes that carry the dengue/chikungunya-causing virus.

Residents, and business owners, need to check-in and around their homes, and businesses in order to reduce breeding sites of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, making them mosquito-free zones.

The design of tires makes them ideal breeding sites for several species of mosquitoes, some of which are very important vectors of disease. Since they are easily filled by rain and collect leaf litter, they provide an ideal incubator for mosquito larvae.

By taking action, one will eliminate a prolific mosquito habitat and the associated disease risks. When discarding tires, ensure that they cannot hold water by puncturing holes in them or cutting them up into pieces before throwing them away.

Dengue fever and chickungunya is transmitted by the female vector Aedes Aegypti mosquito. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito is distinguished by its markings. The body of the mosquito has alternate black and white horizontal stripes. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito lays her eggs in clear (clean) stagnant water. Within eight days the mosquito can complete its life cycle from egg, to larvae to pupae and to adult mosquito.

Even after you have cleaned-up your garage/tire repair shop and surroundings, it is recommended for owners and staff to walk around the place on a weekly basis especially after every rain event to eliminate all possible breeding sites.

An increase in the mosquito population puts all residents and businesses at risk.

Inform CPS about your challenges in eliminating mosquito breeding sites in and around your homes/establishments to collectively seek a solution.

Call CPS at 542-2078 or 542-3003 or visit the Facebook Collective Prevention Services or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for mosquito prevention measures.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA), the largest private business representative on the island, representing a broad range of companies in many sectors of the economy is calling for the release of the governing plan and an end to the debate of shifting existing Ministers to fulfill coalition promises in order to finally get on with doing the people’s business. In addition clarity is sought on the open priorities of the 2nd Parliament.

It is June 2015, the newly installed Government has been present for 6 months and the country has yet to see or hear of the direction it is headed. As of today, there has been no public record of the Governing accord, a Governing plan, a Marketing plan and very limited Parliamentary meetings; which have mostly been of the nature of fact-finding research. The economy is stagnant and the highly desirable and highly competitive Foreign Direct Investors pass us by, due to lack of clarity and straight-forwardness in our policies. The precious local investors are not rewarded for their efforts. In fact, they are chastised as non-compliant, while their already high cost of doing business increases.

The long drawn out process of installment of Government, after the August 29th Elections have left us still with several vacancies to be filled. We have 5 Ministers instead of a full Council of Ministers. This has resulted in new Ministers having to take on the additional oversight of 2 ministries, when one is already a large job. Considering the lack of tangible output at this stage one wonders how effective they can actually be.

We have a tourism based economy and are a Tourist Destination; our image is everything. Constant stagnation and indecision by its very nature damages our collective image, subsequently reducing our appeal to our clientele and diminishing investor confidence. As we have not had a consistent government for more than 2 years since 2008, our island has been in a perpetual state of instability. Each time a Government has changed, the country has been set back to zero in terms of making progress. This constant instability has resulted in the country being on a ‘‘standstill’ regarding challenges such as:

- The proposed legislation of the Integrity Chamber as campaigned during the 2014 elections, yielded an evident lack of support for the submitted legislation.
- Constant talk about a change to the tax code and reform of various policies and practices has yet to be put in action.
- What little labor policy has been discussed was derisive; it succeeded in bringing down the first coalition even as it floundered to get established.
- The Justice Ministry is embroiled in heated dialogues with the Netherlands.
- The prosecutor’s office continues to be behind in its case log.
- Hurricane Season is upon us and the trenches in many communities are still clogged as the community waits in fear of another flooding of our Capital, because of the possibility of no one being there to make the decision to open the flood gates and start the pumps.
- Lack of a cohesive direction and updated legislation for Education.
- No concrete, executable plan for the off-season, increasing the concern about the sustainability of some businesses and their chances of survival through the off-season.
- Crime is again increasing at a steady level, despite recent statistics.
St. Maarten is lucky in spite of itself. We have managed to retain arrival levels and hold steady our occupancy numbers, despite not having any international marketing for more than 18 months. In truth, this retention of our client base was somewhat at the expense of the smaller businesses. Unfortunately, due to St. Maarten becoming even more of a regional hub, many arrivals have passed through instead of stayed over.

In order to move the islands economy and living standard forward, SHTA suggests that the following should be given top priority:

A National Development Plan that is achievable and sustainable. An overall governing plan, which does not change each time a new government is installed, should be presented to the population, in order for all to be aware of what the priorities and the subsequent plans are. This will ensure that we are all “rowing in the same direction".

Vision and action plan
As we have ascertained that Tourism is the main pillar of our economy, we anxiously await the urgently needed vision and action plan to market the island. In order to be able to continue to be competitive the aforementioned is imperative. The SHTA believes that a short term action plan to attack the low season (if is not too late already) and a Master plan of where we want to take our tourism product should be drafted. It should be noted that several plans such as "Tourmap" and "Save the summer” from SHTA have already been written. All that is required is updating, direction, funding and the will to put them into order. As always many of the members of SHTA are willing to provide their time, knowledge and expertise at no charge in order to achieve the suggestions stated above.

We all have a common goal; to make St. Maarten the best place to do business and live in the world. SHTA believes that the people of St. Maarten should be able to hold their elected representatives to the highest ethical and moral standards. The country deserves much needed clarification and direction. “We have a long road ahead of us, therefore it is a vital necessity to start moving!” said SHTA.

The SHTA is dedicated to bringing quality to all aspects of life on St. Maarten by promoting sustainable economic development for its members in cooperation with the social partners and the creation of a fair marketplace. For more information please contact our offices at 542-0108 or visit our website at www.shta.com.

COO working without contract, promised contract till 2017.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The legal rumble and deal making continues at GEBE while the COO Romelio Maduro does not have a contract but signed a check on Tuesday June 2nd for over $60,000.00 for Alfred Harley who got a contract from GEBE which was not approved by the Supervisory board. Based on information SMN News received is that Alfred Harley a former journalist on St. Maarten secured a contract with GEBE through his company “St. Maarten Service Provider” which is in excess of $200.000.00, this contract was signed by the COO Romelio Maduro without the approval of the Supervisory Board, thus the board rejected the contract which they held over Maduro’s head when they decided not to renew his contract which expired on May 31st 2015. While Maduro secured the services of Attorney at Law Peggy Ann Brandon to file an injunction last Friday, leader of the United Peoples Party Theodore Heyliger instructed Prime Minister Marcel Gumbs to reinstate Maduro at his job without a valid contract. SMN News learnt that Heyliger told Prime Minister Gumbs to use the fact that the Supervisory Board did not consult with the shareholder representative (government) before issuing their termination letter to Maduro last Friday.
SMN News learnt that Maduro was promised a contract that will last until 2017 by Prime Minister Gumbs and Heyliger but he does not have the contract in his hands while he is working at GEBE.
A source on the supervisory board told SMN News that on Tuesday the COO Romelio Maduro met with Alfred Harley at a restaurant at Orient Bay and by 4:30 pm Tuesday afternoon Maduro wrote a check to St. Maarten Service Provider to the tune of $68,000.00. The board member said that Harley submitted several invoices to GEBE for his services but none of them were paid, but the UPP leader told Maduro that he is reinstating him back to his position in order for him to “take care of Alfred Harley” since he has employees to pay and that he Maduro has to also work on the MOU that he signed with GB Energy in the Dominican Republic.
The supervisory board member said that the board now wants to know on what legal basis is Maduro working at GEBE since his contract has expired, and under what power he signing off checks? SMN News further learnt that Maduro is not on speaking terms with the supervisory board because he alegedly stated that he is protected by Heyliger and the Prime Minister.
SMN News also learnt hat while the supervisory board are up in arms with government for reversing the decision they took with Romellio Maduro, government on the other hand is busy working on sending home some of the board members, one being the chairman of the board Rene Richardson. It is clear that the current situation at GEBE is a tug of war between the supervisory board, the COO and the shareholder representative.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Sunday June 7th the yearly International Triathlon race organized by the “Friendly Island Cycling Association” will be held. In connection with this race a meeting was held at the Philipsburg Police Station between this association represented by Mr. Juan Pablo Piscione and representatives of the KPSM. The main topic of this meeting was to discuss the route of the race, the alternative routes that can be used when the race is taking place and the safety and security of the participants.
The race will commence at 07.00 a.m. and end at approximately 10.00 a.m. at “Taloula Mango’s” on the Board Walk. A total of approximately 100 participants will be taking part in this event. The race will consist of three different events namely a swim race in Great Bay, a cycling race to Cole bay and back to Philipsburg, and will end with a running race.
The route of the cycling race is as follows: Sint Rose Arcade - Front Street - Welvaart brug - Ch. E. W. Buncamper Road - Freedom Fighters Round About - W.J.A. Nisbeth road - Salt Pickers Round About -W.J.A.Nibeth road - Prins Bernard Brug - Bush road - Churchill Round About - A.J.C. Brouwers road- Round About top of Cole Bay hill - A.J.C. Brouwers road - Osborne Kruythoff the Traffic Man Round About - A.J.C. Brouwers Road - Round About top of Cole Bay Hill - A.J.C. Brouwers Road - Churchill Round About - Bush road - Prins Bernard Brug - W.J.A. Nisbeth road - Salt Picker Round About - W.J.A. Nisbeth Road- Freedom Fighters Round About - W.G. Buncamper Road – Welvaart Brug – Ch.E.W. Voges Street – Back Street – D.C. Steeg – Front Street and end at Sint Rose Arcade.
During the swimming race in Great bay Harbor the Coast Guard will be on patrol monitoring the situation to make sure that everything ends without incident.
During the cycling race members of the Harley Davidson Club will be assisting, while the police and volunteers will be at the intersections regulating and diverting traffic. Some intersections that are not manned will be barricaded. The Police Department warns that the removal of these barricades is strictly forbidden.
All drivers should take keen notice of this information and use alternative routes to get to and from their destination as this event may cause some minor delays. The entire community is asked to give all the necessary cooperation to make this international event a successful one. ( See pic attached)

Bicycle Treasure Hunt

On Sunday June 7th between 09.00 a.m. and 12.00 p.m. a “bicycle treasure hunt” organized by the “Strive 2 Thrive Foundation” will be held in the area of Bellevedere for children between the age groups of 4-9 years and 10-14 years old.
On Wednesday June 3rd a meeting with Ms. M. Lake-Bass representing the “Strive 2 Thrive Foundation” and representatives of the Police Force was held at the Philipsburg Police Station was held to discuss the route and the safety and security of the event.
The starting point of this event for the age group 10-14 years old will be at the Iguana Park/Lucian bar on the Oyster Pond road and turning right onto the Bishop Hill road, making two laps around the Tata the Bus driver Round About and then making a right towards French Quarter followed by a right turn into Golden Grove Estate Road and then making another right turn onto Sugar Mill Estate Road and stop at the Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church where the age group from 4 to 9 years old will join the older group and start the “ bicycle treasure hunt”. The event will have a large amount of young children riding through the streets of Bellevedere between the hours mentioned.
Police officers and volunteers will be regulating and directing traffic during this event. The event may also cause minor traffic delays. The police department is therefore asking all drivers to take good note of this information, use alternative routes to come and go to their destination and give all necessary cooperation to make this event a safe and successful one.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:---  On June 1, 2015 the new Penal Code (AB 2013, no. 2) came into effect in country Sint Maarten. As of that date the outdated Penal Code of the Netherlands Antilles has been revoked and thus is no longer valid. Still, to a person who already was a suspect before June 1, 2015 the most favorable provision of the two laws will apply.

The new Penal Code is published (in Dutch) on the official website of the government of Sint Maarten: www.sintmaartengov.org (go to Official Publications>2013). It should be read in conjunction with the Implementation ordinance Penal Code (AB 2015, no. 9). This is due to the fact that this implementation ordinance did some repair work on the new Penal Code as a consequence of the decision of the Constitutional Court of November 8, 2013. In this first ever decision of the Constitutional Court some provisions of the new Penal Code were deemed unconstitutional and therefore needed to be revised.
A consolidated text of the new Penal Code (i.e. as amended by the Implementation ordinance Penal Code) will soon be published in the Laws Database of Sint Maarten , which also can be found at the Government’s website mentioned above.

The coming into effect of the new Penal Code was long overdue. The Penal Code of the Netherlands Antilles was archaic and dated. The existing penalties had to be revised and adjusted to the needs of current times. New and alternative penalty modalities had to be regulated and archaic crimes had to be scrubbed. National needs and international developments and obligations made it necessary to better regulate ‘new’ crimes e.g. (financing of) terrorism and money laundering with the requisite penalties and to pay more attention to juvenile delinquency and juvenile criminal law.

Listed below are the most important changes in relation to the old law and policies:

• Capital punishment has been formally abolished. The death sentence cannot be passed on the basis of the new Penal Code.
• For serious crimes life imprisonment can be imposed. Under the new Penal Code life imprisonment means in principle imprisonment for one’s entire life. Only after having served 25 years of his life sentence the convicted person will be eligible for a first judicial review of his sentence.
• Community service has been regulated as a separate and full criminal justice sentence. Community service can consist of doing unpaid work for the public or its institutions or attending mandatory therapy sessions (e.g. anger management and drug and alcohol control) or a combination of both.
• The system of fixed fines, used in the Penal Code of the Netherlands Antilles, also has been abolished. The new Penal Code introduces six categories of fines, ranging from a maximum of ANG 500,- (category 1) to ANG 1.000.000,- (category 6).
• Not only suspects of misdemeanors, but also suspects of felonies may be offered a ‘transaction’: a term or condition proposed by the Public Prosecutor which the suspect has to fulfill in order to have his case dismissed.
• On the basis of the new Penal Code a judge may convict an offender without imposing any penalty, taking into account the nature of the offense or the offender.
• The rules on conditional release are simplified. In order to be eligible for conditional release, all detainees have to serve in principle at least two thirds of their jail sentence, unless that time is reduced because of a shortage of detention capacity. There are no longer special provisions for recidivists (repetitive offenders) or detainees who have no legal residence within the Kingdom. The Constitutional Court found these provisions to arbitrarily and therefore in violation of the Constitution. These new rules on conditional release are also applicable to detainees who were already incarcerated before the new Penal Code came into effect.
• The juvenile criminal law has been completely revised and is regulated separately. Titel X of the new Penal Code contains some new sanctions for juvenile delinquency (age 12 till 18) and provisions on the implementation of these sanctions. An institutional placement order (PIJ-measure) can be administered by the court if for a crime a precautionary detention is warranted and if the measure is in the best interest of the future development of the youth involved. Juvenile detention, can be administered for a maximum of 24 months, or in serious cases even up to four years, to 16 or 17 years old youth. These youths may also be sentenced according to adult criminal law taking into account a) the nature and seriousness of their crime, b) their personality and c) the circumstances under which the crime was committed. The new Penal Code opens also the possibility of a ’police transaction’ (HALT-measure) for a juvenile to have his case dismissed.
• Organizing all forms of animal fights without a permit issued by the Minister of Justice is illegal and therefore a criminal offence. (The legal framework and procedures for issuing such a permit are not yet in place.)
• Exploitation of prostitution without a permit issued by the Minister of Justice is illegal and therefore a criminal offence. (The legal framework and procedures for issuing such a permit are not yet in place.)
• As a direct consequence of the implementation of anticorruption treaties in the new Penal Code the bribing or favoring of government officials is deemed as a crime.
• Squatting of a house or building is punishable as a crime.
• Secretly filming and photographing of visitors in (inter alia) restaurants, shops and hotels is prohibited. The public must be made aware of any CCTV (surveillance) in those buildings.
• The age limit to sell alcohol to minors has been raised from 16 to 18 in the new Penal Code.

Ashley Everett and Shakira Marshall teach final placement audition

Cay Hill:--- Over one hundred dance enthusiasts packed the School Gymnasium of the Hillside School Gymnasium to participate in the final audition for ASL 2015 Summer Intensive which will be held from June 29-July 4th 2015.
Shakira Marshall, a returning teaching artist from ASL 2013 and 2014 and choreographer taught the first segment which featured St. Maarten's own King Vers' hit: Getting on Bad.
Ashley Everett, a renowned dancer, performer and Beyoncé's Dance Captain taught the second segment of Sunday's event to Beyonce's "Flawless"
SHTA, Holland House Hotel, Sound Masters, Nzinga Lake, Sweetie Pops (Shasca Lake), Print-Tees, Clara Reyes, Lori Drouin Le May, Purfect (Kaishah Peters), B & C Beverages (Powerade), and Ristorante Al Dente were all sponsors of the event.
Founded in 2013, Art Saves Lives continues to use art as a bridge to education. Their annual Summer Intensive will be held from June 27th-July 4th in St. Maarten. The last opportunity to register for ASL 2015 will be at Orientation on June 27th at Port de Plaisance, students are encouraged to visit ASL's Facebook Page for more updates or contact the organization at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

GREAT BAY/MARIGOT:--- The "Economic Models in the Caribbean" presentation by Luiz Bernardo Pericás from Brazil, will take place at Mr. K Cigar Lounge on Sucker Garden Road (entrance to Guana Bay), on Wednesday, June 3, between 6 pm and 7:30 pm, said Shujah Reiph, book fair coordinator.
Dr. Pericás is a well-published Brazilian intellectual, historian, social critic, translator, and a guest of the 13th annual St. Martin Book Fair (June 4 - 6). "The pre-Book fair activity is geared to all interested persons and probably will attract more from the side of our business and political thinkers and leaders," said Reiph.
The presentation will cause discussion about economic models in the region and will highlight some effects that the new USA-Cuba tourism and trade opening could have on business in St. Martin, said Reiph.
Pericás is the author of Che Guevara e o debate econômico em Cuba (Che Guevara and the economic debate in Cuba), published by Cambridge University Press.
Another pre-Book Fair activity, also on Wednesday at 6 pm, is the presentation and book signing of Dix jours au pays de la Négritude debout by Steve Gadet.
Gadet is a poet, hip hop artist, and university lecturer from Guadeloupe who works in Martinique. The book signing takes place at the Chamber of Commerce building in Spring Concordia, Marigot, said Reiph. This is Gadet's second consecutive participation in the St. Martin Book Fair.
On Friday, during the visits by St. Martin writers and guest authors to some 18 schools throughout the Island, Gadet will speak with inmates about life issues, furthering their education, hip hop music, and literature, at the House of Detention in Pointe Blanche, said Reiph.

PHILIPSBURG:---  A delegation from Sint Maarten's Parliament is currently in Aruba attending the Health Care Conference Aruba (HCCA) which is being held from June 1-3 at the Renaissance Convention Center.

President of Parliament Hon. Dr. Lloyd Richardson, Vice President MP Hon. Cornelius de Weever, MP Hon. George Pantophlet and MP Hon. Silveria Jacobs, are attending HCCA on behalf of parliament.
The HCCA initiative came out of one of the Inter-parliamentary Kingdom Consultations (IPKO), and is being executed by the respective ministers of public health within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in collaboration with stakeholders.

The main goal for the conference is to achieve/and or reinforce collaboration between the different Dutch Kingdom partners leading to the solution of common health care challenges.

The HCCA offers an opportunity to hold a broader discussion about health care, and to put questions and challenges in a broader perspective. It is also a good opportunity to bring together health care professionals, policy makers and politicians in the hope to find each other and help each other to achieve the best solutions.

The four main areas under discussion during the three-day conference is a health care system in small communities, and the Caribbean region is used as the case example.
From production driven to quality driven health care; from compartmentalized to integrated care; and collaboration within and between the Dutch Kingdom partners.

BRIDGETOWN:--- The first-ever Caribbean Peering and Internet Connection Forum (CarPIF) successfully concluded with commitments from Internet companies Akamai Technologies and Google to pay closer attention to the needs of Caribbean Internet service providers and consumers.

More than 40 regional and international technology experts met in Barbados on May 27 and 28 to discuss strategies for improving the economics and technical efficiency of Internet content delivery in the Caribbean.

The meeting, organised by the Caribbean Network Operators Group (CaribNOG), explored the state of Caribbean Internet infrastructure, the impact of local Internet exchange point (IXP) deployment in the region, and practical steps for improving the quality and cost-effectiveness of Internet service across the region.

The gathering was supported by two non-profit Internet organisations, Packet Clearing House (PCH) and the Internet Society (ISOC), along with the Caribbean Telecommunications Union.

It attracted Internet service providers, including Cable & Wireless and Columbus Networks, as well as telecommunications regulators and IXP operators from across the Caribbean. International participants included the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) and the Internet Registry for Latin America and the Caribbean (LACNIC), search-engine giant Google, and Akamai, the world's largest content delivery network provider.

"The success of the region's first peering forum is testament to the increasing maturity of the Caribbean Internet community, and the increasing regard for that community by international players in the Internet space," said Bevil Wooding, Internet Strategist with PCH and a main organiser of the event.

He said that while the region recently made "positive strides" in establishing critical Internet infrastructure, there was still "considerable room for improving the reliability and efficient delivery of content to Caribbean consumers."

Wooding, one of the co-founders of CaribNOG, is responsible for establishing the peering forum, together with Shernon Osepa, Regional Outreach Manager for ISOC, an organisation that encourages and supports peering forums in other parts of the world.

"ISOC was pleased to be able to work together with the CaribNOG community and Packet Clearing House to stage this first peering forum in the Caribbean," Osepa said.

Arturo Servin, who works on content delivery and peering for Latin America, the Caribbean and the Iberian Peninsula at Google, shared on the megacorporation's experience in bringing its content closer to Caribbean customers. Google Inc. is the company behind popular Internet services such as YouTube and Gmail.

"Google wants to bring its content as close as possible to Caribbean audiences," Servin said. "We are currently exploring options that will allow us to better service Internet service providers and IXPs in small markets like those in the region."

Google committed at the meeting to support IXPs in the Caribbean, and used the opportunity to meet face to face with IX operators and regulators from across the region.

"This was a great opportunity to meet our customers in the Caribbean and establish new connections," said Martin Hannigan, ‎Director, Networks and Data Center Architecture at Akamai Technologies.

"These types of gatherings are commonplace in other regions, so it's great to see the Caribbean establishing CarPIF and putting things in place to make it possible for consumers and businesses to have a better Internet experience. That improved customer experience is the real point of peering and it's what matters most."

Organisers announced plans for the second CarPIF event to be staged in Curacao in June 2016.

GREAT BAY(DCOMM):--- The Department of Economy, Transportation and Telecommunications would like to remind taxi and bus drivers, to attend a meeting on Thursday, 4th June regarding a consultation on the country's public transportation system.
The invitation is being extended by the Minister responsible for Transportation, and the Policy Department. Help, assistant drivers and permit holders are also invited to the Thursday evening meeting.
The aforementioned public transportation sector stakeholders will also have the opportunity to present the challenges that they face.
The public transportation meeting will take place at the Cultural Center on Back Street from 7.00PM to 9.00PM.
Those in attendance will get information with respect to steps being taken to upgrade legislation and policy.
The input of those in attendance in the meeting next week Thursday is most welcome as it will only further improve the public transportation system of the country.
For those seeking more information can contact the Department of Economy, Transportation and Telecommunications at telephone number 549-0220 or visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/evt.sxm

Pre-Book Fair Activities

Tuesday, June 2

8pm – 11pm
The Poets Lounge
Guest poets: Rosabelle Illes (Aruba), Fola Gadet (Guadeloupe). Magueda Jackson (St. Martin/Anguilla), reads her poetry from the new anthology Where I See The Sun – Contemporary Poetry in Anguilla
Place: Q Lounge (Upstairs, McDonald's Restaurant)
Simpson Bay

Wednesday, June 3

6 pm – 7:30 pm
Economic Models in the Caribbean
Presentation/discussion with business and political leaders
Guest speaker: Luiz Bernardo Pericás (Brazil)
Historian, social critic, translator
Author of Che Guevara e o debate econômico em Cuba
(Che Guevara and the economic debate in Cuba)
Cambridge University Press

Place: Mr. K's Cigar Lounge
Sucker Garden Road (at entrance to Guana Bay)

Mercredi 03 Juin 2015

Heure : 18 heures (6 pm – 7:30 pm)
Présentation du carnet de voyage de Steve Gadet : Dix jours au pays de la Négritude debout.
CCISM à Concordia, Marigot

Thursday, June 4

9 am – 12 noon
Meet the Writers I
New writers and leading authors visit primary schools and secondary schools throughout the island to discuss their work, experience with writing books, and the value of reading and literature with teachers and students.

8 pm – 10 pm
Opening Ceremony

Place: Territorial Media Tech center
[Médiathèque Territoriale]
Rue J.L. Hamlet, Spring Concordia, Marigot

Words of Welcome
Mr. Shujah Reiph, President, Conscious Lyrics Foundation
Mrs. Jacqueline A. Sample, President, House of Nehesi Publishers
Dr. Francio Guadeloupe, Dean of Academics/Interim President University of St. Martin

Hon. Aline Hanson
President of the Collectivity of St. Martin (North)
Hon. Marcel Gumbs
Prime Minister of St. Martin (South)

Guest Recital
Dr. Oluwakemi M Linda Bank, poet, psychologist, educator (Anguilla)
Gisèle Pineau, novelist (Guadeloupe)

Keynote Address
Tishani Doshi
Poet, novelist, dancer, journalist, award-winning author (India)

New Books Launched
Featured book: The Adulterous Citizen – poems stories essays
by Tishani Doshi (India)
Introducing: Where I See The Sun – Contemporary Poetry in Anguilla
A New Anthology Edited by Lasana M. Sekou (St. Martin)

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The 13th Annual St. Martin Book Fair 2015 is declared open.
• Book Fair exhibitions. All authors present for book signings. Reception. Refreshments served.

Friday, June 5

9 am – 12 noon
Meet the Writers II
New writers and leading authors visit primary schools and high schools throughout the island, and the House of Detention, to discuss their work, experience with writing books, and the value of reading and literature.

2 pm – 4 pm
General Session
Place: University of St. Martin, Rm 202

"Word Up!"
An exciting discussion between important new-generation authors and hip hop artists and St. Martin teenagers, high school students, and rappers about the lyrics and expressions of today's popular song, music, and dance.

Faizah Tabasamu, poet, blogger, literary critic, teacher (St. Martin)
Fola Gadet, poet, hip hop artist, author, university lecturer (Guadeloupe)
Nikky MC (Guillaume Delannay), rapper (St. Martin)
Rumari Rogers, Road March winner, St. Maarten Carnival 2015 (St. Martin)

8 pm – 10 pm
Literary Evening & Jazz

Canoa restaurant
(Overlooking Oyster Pond lagoon)
Emerald Merrit Road 14, Oyster Pond

Poetry & Prose Recital
An evening of literary readings by new and distinguished poets, novelists, and short story writers, from St. Martin and around the world. The poets/authors may recite in various languages.

Admission $50
(Three course dinner and 1 drink)
Poets/Novelists/Authors
Tishani Doshi (India)
Faizah Tabasamu (Rochelle Ward) (St. Martin)
Gisèle Pineau (Guadeloupe)
Vladimir Lucien (St. Lucia)
Nicole Cage (Martinique)
Luiz Bernardo Pericás (Brazil)
Oonya Kempadoo (Guyana/Grenada)
Fola Gadet (Guadeloupe)
Rosabelle Illes (Aruba)
Carlos Wynter Melo (Panama)
Vanessa Croft Thompson (Anguilla)
Terry Daniel (St. Martin)
Doris Dumabin (Guadeloupe)
Joanne Hillhouse (Antigua)
Sjorensly R.R. Valies (St. Martin)
Dory SélèspriKA (Guadeloupe)
Andre Fouad (Haiti/USA)
Max Rippon (Marie Galante)

Jazz Interlude
Connis Vanterpool, musician (St. Martin)

Saturday, June 6

8 am – 4 pm
Main Book Fair exhibition, book sales, book signings,
workshops, panel discussions, all open to the public
Free admission
Place: University of St. Martin (USM)
Soualiga Boulevard 1, Philipsburg

9 am – 12 noon
Storytelling, workshop, book signings, open to the public
Free admission
Place: Territorial Media Tech [Médiathèque Territoriale]
Rue J.L. Hamlet, Spring Concordia, Marigot

9 am – 12:30 noon
I – In the Children's Room
University of St. Martin, Rm 104 (Philipsburg)

For Book Fair 2015, children's activities will include face painting by La Rich [9 am-9:45 am]. Thereafter the "Lil' chef" activities will take over In the Children's Room—centered around how children can prepare healthy snacks and gourmet bytes for themselves, their siblings, parents, and grandparents. Children can come dressed as little chefs for this unique activity, with Chef Maranatha of Maranatha Cuisine [10 am-12 noon]. There may also be storytelling in different languages. Ages: 4-12.
Coordinator: Nzinga Lake (St. Martin)

9 am – 10:30 am
II – The Arrowroot Workshop
University of St. Martin, Rm 102 (Philipsburg)

The Nature Valley association members will show the arrowroot plant and rootstock and discuss its history, cultivators, and uses in St. Martin; the traditional pounding method and companion songs; how the starch is made from the Caribbean herbaceous plant; and "medicinal virtues" and cooking uses of the fine-grained starch that is made from arrowroot in St. Martin and throughout the region.
Presenter: Association Nature Valley Colombier (St. Martin)
(Contact: Vernicia Brooks)

III – The Constant Blogger
University of St. Martin, Rm 103

How many times have you started something and stopped, or rather burned out because it became too overwhelming or time consuming, or you lacked inspiration? On one hand, you love writing and sharing your passion with people, but on the other, you have no clue where to begin or how to continue, or you may even find web design intimidating. This workshop will show you step-by-step how to set up your consistent blog and avoid burnout.
Presenter: Faizah Tabasamu (Rochelle Ward), poet, blogger, teacher (St. Martin)

Panel Discussion I: The sexualization of minor girls and boys in pop media
University of St. Martin, Rm 202

Authors discuss the increasing images and expressions of the sexualization of especially minor girls, and also boys, in song, dance, music video, tv/film, carnival, and fashion magazines, among other "media." Is there an economic relationship between the sexualization of minors, "the entertainment industry," and globalism as new form of "cultural imperialism?" How are the sexualization images and expressions imitated, tolerated, or combated in the homes, schools, places of worship, in the community, and by upcoming and major artists?
Panelists/authors: Oonya Kempadoo (Guyana/Grenada); Fola Gadet (Guadeloupe); Joanne Hillhouse (Antigua); Carlos Wynter Melo (Panama).
Moderator: Dr. Rhoda Arrindell, linguist, educator, author (St. Martin)

IV – Health and Banking
University of St. Martin, Rm 101
An L.B. Scott Lecture forum with experts in the subject areas.
Coordinator: Philipsburg Mutual Improvement Association (PMIA)

V – The Graphic Arts of Book Covers and CD/DVD Jackets
University of St. Martin, Rm 107

D Workshop will conduct this introduction to graphic design, with an emphasis on print and digital book cover and CD/DVD jacket designs and typography. The importance of using the right font to convey the feel you're looking for, along with the appropriate backdrop that will draw people to your message and product, and more will be discussed in this workshop.
Presenter: Sjorensly Valies, poet, graphic designer, owner of D Workshop (St. Martin)

9 am – 11 am (De 9 heures à 11 heures)
VI – Teachers Telling Stories
Place: Territorial Media Tech [Médiathèque Territoriale]
(Spring Concordia, Marigot)

Writers/teachers will read to children, ages 5-10, from their children's publications, in French—using island features such as the Lady Liberty statue at the Agrement roundabout; and animals that may be visible in the children's neighborhoods.
Presenters: Andy Armongon (Guadeloupe/St. Martin)
Regine Samson (St. Martin/Guadeloupe)

VII – The Poetry Workshop
Territorial Media Tech [Médiathèque Territoriale]
(Spring Concordia, Marigot)

A multilingual (English, Kwéyòl, French) workshop on writing and performing poetry by new-generation Caribbean poets. Are you writing, interested in writing, or wish you could write good or great verse for traditional poetry forms, hip hop, rap, reggaeton, or dancehall? Hear "the word" from successful young poets on how to get started, or discuss with them different ways of getting better at the poetry and spoken word craft.
Presenters: Vladimir Lucien, award-wining poet (St. Lucia), Dory SélèspriKA, slam poet champion (Guadeloupe)

9 am – 11 am (De 9 heures à 11 heures)
Conversation and book signing with Guadeloupean novelist Gisèle Pineau
Séance de dédicace du roman Les voyages de Merry Sisal de Gisèle Pineau (Guadeloupe), à la Librairie des isles, Concordia, Marigot.

10:35 am – 10:50 am
University of St. Martin (USM), Philipsburg

Coffee, tea, and pastries break

11 am – 12:30 noon
VIII – The Music Workshop
University of St. Martin, Rm 102

The life and work of Bankie Banx is "the lesson" of this music workshop. He rose from humble beginnings to international recording star, to producer of the annual Moonsplash, a unique Caribbean music festival that is the haunt of "Wall Street types." How does he do it? What does it take to keep going while staying true to your roots? Audience will be able to ask questions.
Presenter: Bankie Banx, international recording artist, poet, songwriter, music producer, Moonsplash founder (Anguilla)

IX – A Cross-Cultural and Multilingual approach to the Caribbean Community [A bilingual workshop: English/French]
University of St. Martin, Rm 103

Un approche transculturelle et multilinguistique de la communauté caribéenne
animée par Dr. Fabienne Viala (France/UK) [A Cross-Cultural and Multilingual approach to the Caribbean Community. Presenter: Dr. Fabienne Viala (France/UK)]. Informing the workshop will be Dr. Viala's newest book, The Post-Columbus Syndrome: Identities, Cultural Nationalism and Commemorations in the Caribbean (Palgrave Macmillan, New Caribbean Series, 2014). It examines the representation of Christopher Columbus in Hispanic, English, and French-speaking Caribbean Cultural production, with a focus on literature, music, and performance.

X – The Writing Workshop
University of St. Martin, Rm 107

The Writing Workshop is a discussion about the writing process, how to get started: poetry, stories, prose; when is your manuscript completed; what are some of the current ways to get your work to a publisher (e.g. via an agent)? Discussions and examples could include experiences with the author's newest book, The Adulterous Citizen – poems stories essays (House of Nehesi Publishers), and her other books and articles (e.g. in International Herald Tribune, The Hindu, The Weekend Financial Times, Vogue, Elle, and The New York Times).
Presenter: Tishani Doshi (India), poet, novelist, dancer, award-winning author

Panel Discussion II: Contemporary Developments in Caribbean Theater
University of St. Martin, Rm 202

Panelists: Nicole de Weever, dancer, international/Broadway star, founder/president, Art Saves Lives Foundation (St. Martin); Felix Fleming, playwright, theater director, actor, founder, Sunshine Theatre Company (Anguilla); Clara Reyes, choreographer, dancer, Ponum expert, founding director, National Institute of Arts (St. Martin).
Moderator: Dr. Rhoda Arrindell, linguist, educator, author (St. Martin)

Lunch break
12:30 noon – 1:55 am

12 noon – 1:30 pm
Open Mic Poetry
University of St. Martin (USM), Gazebo

Fyah "Under the Gazebo"
An out-door poetry reading by St. Martin's young poets and spoken word artists, and perhaps audience members, at the USM campus grounds.
by Soualigan Fyah: Youth Poetry
MCs: Sjorensly R. R. Valies, Glenda York

2 pm – 3:30 pm
Presidents Forum:
The Symposium of the St. Martin Book Fair
Place: University of St. Martin, Rm 202 (Philipsburg)

Challenges to Caribbean Unity: Immigration issues, denationalization of citizens, the new USA-Cuba relations, the remaining colonies in the Caribbean.

Introduction
Dr. Francio Guadeloupe
Dean of Academics/Interim President
University of St. Martin

Discussants
Luiz Bernardo Pericás (Brazil)
Historian, social critic, translator, author of Che Guevara e o debate econômico em Cuba (Che Guevara and the economic debate in Cuba)
Dr. Ayelezi Novivor (Guadeloupe/Togo)
Literary scholar and critic
Andre Fouad (Haiti/USA)
Poet, journalist
Rapporteur/moderator
Fabian Adekunle Badejo
Author, literary critic, journalist (St. Martin)

8 pm – 10 pm
Main Book Launch & Book Fair Closing Ceremony
Les Jardins de Bellevue
St. Martin Luxury Villa
Bellevue Road, Marigot

NEW BOOK LAUNCHED:

Columbus, the Moor | Colón, el Moro
Colomb, le Maure | Colombo, il Moro

by Charles Matz
Poet, renaissance scholar, professor, dramaturge, author (USA)

Guest Speaker
Dr. Fabienne Viala
Historian, researcher, professor, author (UK/France)

Special guest performance
Bankie Banx
Poet, international recording artist (Anguilla)

Presentation
The Presidents Award

Word of Thanks
Shujah Reiph
Coordinator
St. Martin Book Fair

Lima, Peru:--- The new Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) for Latin America and the Caribbean, José Manuel Salazar Xirinachs, who took office on 1 June, highlighted the importance of promoting inclusive growth and creating more and better jobs, not only as a short-term policy in the current economic slowdown but also as a means to close the productivity gaps and reduce inequalities in the region.

"Inclusive growth must be high and sustained for decades. It has a broad base of dynamic sectors that create productive employment, reduce poverty and informality. That is the way to move towards a future of greater prosperity and social justice," Salazar said in summarizing his vision of the major challenges of the region. "The economic and social achievements of the past decade will not be sustainable under current policies. It will require us not only to redouble our efforts, but also to adjust growth and policy models to maintain the achievements and avoid a reversal," he added. The Regional Director said that the economic slowdown will "without any doubt impact labour markets in 2015 and in the years to come."

Salazar, who is currently in Geneva to participate in the 104th Session of the International Labour Conference of the ILO, stressed that a priority of his leadership for the ILO Regional Office will be to contribute to the promotion of a productive transformation that allows for more broadly diversified economic growth, generation of more and better jobs, a reduction of informality and poverty, leading to a more inclusive and sustainable society.

He said it will also be important to help remedy the deficit of institutional mechanisms for social dialogue in order to promote collective action and meet the challenges of productivity, informality, inequality and social exclusion.

Prior to assuming his role as Director of the ILO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean on Monday, Jose Manuel Salazar Xirinachs served as Assistant Director-General of Policy, at ILO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland

Salazar joined the ILO in 2005 as Executive Director of the ILO's Employment Sector in Geneva, at Assistant Director-General level, with overall responsibility for the work of the Organization on employment promotion.

His work at ILO headquarters covered areas such as employment policies, enterprise development, vocational training, labour market analysis, employment services, the transition from informality to formality, the relationship between trade and employment, promotion of youth employment, and related topics.

Prior to joining the ILO, Salazar served from 1998-2005 as Director of the Trade Unit of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington. The Unit worked with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) as the Technical Secretariat of the negotiations to create the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA).

From 1997 to 1998 José Manuel Salazar was Minister of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica, during which he presided over the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) process.

The new Regional Director of the ILO holds a Master's degree in Development Economics and a PhD in Economics from the University of Cambridge, England.

He is the author of numerous publications, most recently he co-authored a book entitled Transforming economies: Making industrial policies work for growth, jobs and development

For more information about the ILO Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, please visit: /americas/oficina-regional/direcci%C3%B3n-regional/

On Monday June 1st an arrest was made in the Hector investigation. A 27-year old student was arrested on Saba on suspicion of involvement in the death of the victim found in April.
In the framework of the investigation no further announcements will be made.
Op maandag 1 juni is in het onderzoek Hector een aanhouding verricht. Een 27-jarige student is op Saba aangehouden op verdenking van betrokkenheid bij de dood van het in april aangetroffen slachtoffer.
In het kader van het onderzoek worden verder geen mededelingen gedaan.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The request for funding submitted under the UNESCO Participation Programme for 2014-2015 by the Foresee Foundation (4C-Foundation) for the Digikidz project has been approved by the Director-General of UNESCO, Ms. Irina Bokova. The funds approved will be used towards the organization of a Regional ICT / Technology Conference for elementary and secondary teachers, and other local and regional educators.

The main objectives of the conference which will be held in October 2015 on St. Maarten will be to:

•  collaborate with regional and global partners and evaluate the use of

ICT/Technology and Open Educational Resources (OER),

• inform teachers and education officials about trends in ICT/Technology related to education,
• introduce teachers to the use, modification and creation of Integrated ICT teaching solutions and Open Educational Resources,
•  increase engagement and curiosity for learning by students using technology and OER by providing teachers technology linked teaching ideas,
• offer innovative, challenging and child-centered learning activities for
• students by organizing interactive workshops..
• share good practices (materials, lesson preparations, links, web pages etc.) with peer educators, locally and regionally.

The Participation Programme is one of the means employed by UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) to achieve its objectives, through participation in activities carried out by Member States or Associate Members, or by territories, organizations or institutions in its field of competence. Although, UNESCO is not a funding agency, subsidies can be granted every two or four years.
St. Maarten, like the other Member States or Associate members of UNESCO, can submit a maximum of seven (7) projects to UNESCO for funding.

A maximum amount of US $ 26.000 is awarded for national / local projects, whilst a maximum amount of US $ 35.000 is awarded for (sub-) regional and interregional projects. Funds can also be given for fellowships (study grants), which are specially tailored training which are designed to give qualified persons practicing or intending to practice a profession in the field of the UNESCO programme priorities an opportunity to receive additional and practical training.

GREAT BAY(DCOMM):--- The National Development Plan (NDP) team from the Department of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BAK), the implementing agency for NDP project, has organized a five-day Basic User and Database Administration Training Workshop that started on June 1.

The workshop will brought together stakeholders from the various government ministries with respect to the further development of the Government's newly developed SintMaartenInfo Database which compiles socio-economic data.

The data will help Government policy developers and planners to use evidence based information for policy development which is necessary to implement the NDP.

The training covers the concepts and features of the Database and an in-debt hands-on experience to the SintMaartenInfo Administration application.

Step by Step the attendees will be explained how to use all the features of the system. Users will be able to search for data, to produce presentation objects, and even to create and manage their own database for their respective Ministry.

It's a basic level training that will be facilitated by a trainer.
The training will take place at OSSEM Solutions.

SintMaartenInfo is a database system that focuses on promoting the use of national statistics in evidence-based policy and planning at global, regional and national level.

The introduction of this database will further consolidate Governments efforts in evidenced based sustainable development planning. It establishes a national database that enables Government to monitor the developmental progress of the country.
Similar database systems are used by numerous countries for this purpose. The Government of Sint Maarten, in particular the Department of Statistics within the Ministry of Tourism, Economic affairs Transport and Telecommunication and BAK, will oversee the implementation of the SintMaartenInfo database in Sint Maarten.
Only through a process of collecting, digitalizing and confirming data validity is government able to truly measure progress in achieving the policy results that are expected to be accomplished.

GREAT BAYDCOMM):--- On Thursday, May 28, 2015, the Council of Ministers (COM) met with the Social Economic Council (SER), which is one of the permanent advisory councils of St. Maarten in accordance with article 79 of the Constitution.
The aim of the SER is to facilitate and promote discussions between social partners in order to reach consensus regarding social economic issues before they are regulated in policy or law.
During the meeting the SER presented and informed the Council of Ministers of their work and the progress made since the first SER Board was appointed per national decree on May 1, 2011.
The SER has provided solicited and unsolicited advice to the Government and to Parliament as requested over the years and submitted advices on topics like the Monetary Union, Guest Tax, Counterpart article of the National Ordinance Foreign Labor and A mandatory pension for Sint Maarten.
As a result of the meeting, the SER and the Government will look into strengthening their cooperation and collaboration concerning social economic issues.
In addition, the SER presented the Council of Ministers with unsolicited advice concerning the eradication of poverty on St. Maarten.
It concerns a program called "Boost St. Maarten" which is a conditional cash transfer program aimed to reduce income poverty and increase human capacity development. A follow-up meeting will take place to provide the Council of Ministers with more insights regarding the proposed program.
The SER is an important partner supporting the government in the social economic development process providing advice on issues that affect many citizens, such as work, income levels, social security, taxes, professional education and the environment.
The SER was represented by a large delegation of its members under the leadership of its Chairlady Oldine Bryson-Pantophlet.
The SER Council comprises of nine members and nine substitute members. The SER members originate in equal proportion from the country's employer and employee organizations contributing three members each, as well as three independent (expert) members.
The independent members are appointed by national decree on the recommendation of the Minister of General Affairs. The division of equality in the representation is depicted in the SER's logo, a circle in the colors red, green and blue. The circle symbolizes the strong tie between the partners who are represented in the SER.
The SER Council is supported by a Secretariat headed by Secretary General, Gerard Richardson.

GREAT BAY:--- On Thursday, May 28, 2015, the annual Shareholders meeting took place between the Council of Ministers and the Supervisory Board of Directors of the Princess Juliana International Airport Holding Company N.V. (PJIAH).
The Supervisory Board of Directors of PJIAH was represented by its Chairman Michel Hodge, Vice Chairman Dexter Doncher, Board Member Ludwig Quenniche, Secretary Richard Gibson Jr. and Caretaker Joseph Peterson. Also present to provide support were Petra Pupping and Paul van Vliet of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
On behalf of the Council of Ministers, Prime Minister Hon. Marcel Gumbs, Minister of Finance Hon. Martin Hassink and Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications Hon. Claret Connor attended the meeting supported by Secretary General of the Council of Ministers Cassandra Janssen.
Two Ministers were not able to attend due to other engagements. The Minister of Education, Culture and Youth Affairs Hon. Rita Bourne-Gumbs was off island attending the 104th session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, organized by the International Labour Organization.
Minister of Justice Hon. Dennis Richardson was off island representing St. Maarten at the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFTAF) Plenary Meeting in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of the United St. Maarten Party (USP) Frans Richardson confirmed to SMN News that his party submitted their documents to the Electoral Council on Monday. Leader of the United St. Maarten  Party (USP) told SMN News that his documents were delayed because the accountant that were handling the accounting did not complete the accounting in order for the party to submit its information to the Electoral Council on time. Richardson who return to the island on Sunday from the IPKO meetings said when he was notified that the party was facing a deadline he took his information away from the accountant that had the job and gave it to another accountant so that it could be completed. Richardson said he was busy all morning on Monday with the accountant and the other members of the board of USP to ensure that all the necessary information was in proper order before it was submitted. SMN News received confirmation from the Electoral Council that the USP did submit a file to them which they will begin reviewing on Tuesday.
It is not clear if the USP paid the Naf. 3000.00 in fine on Monday or if they intend to make the payments at a later date.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Sunday May 31st at approximately 07.15 p.m. during an investigation by a police patrol on the Narrow drive in Cole Bay they were approached by an unknown man who stated that he is constantly harassed and threatened by another man for no reason. When the police approached the suspect to handle the situation they realized that the suspect was heavily under the influence of alcohol. Further investigations of the suspect lead the patrol to find a large kitchen knife hidden between the waistbands of his trousers. The knife was immediately confiscated. The 47 year old suspect with initials B.G. was arrested on the spot for public intoxication and carrying a concealed weapon and taken to the Philipsburg Police Station for further investigation.

Suspect arrested in ongoing investigation.

On Monday June 1st the 26 year old male suspect with the initials L.A.M.H. was arrested at the Philipsburg Police Station based on an arrest warrant the was issued by the Public Prosecutors Office. He is suspected of being involved in an ongoing burglary investigation. The suspect will remain in custody for questioning and further investigation.

Two arrested for armed robbery

On Monday June 1st at approximately 12.35 p.m. Bobby's Mini Market on Arch road was robbed by an unknown man dressed in dark clothing who was in the possession of a fire-arm. After committing this act the suspect fled in a small green colored vehicle driven by another unknown person. Immediately the Police Central Dispatch sent out an all police bulletin regarding the robbery. Shortly after, the vehicle in question was stopped by a police patrol in Cole Bay in the vicinity of the "Pet Shop". At time the vehicle was driver by a female driver with a male passenger next to her. During a search of the vehicle some cash and a pistol was found under the seat of the passenger. The suspects could not give an acceptable statement to whom the money and firearm belonged. These items were confiscated for further investigation. The female suspect with initials L.L. (23) and male suspect with initials J.J.B (26) were arrested on the spot and taken to the Philipsburg Police Station where they remain in custody for further investigation.

DP faction taking note of the developments at PJIAE.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament from the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams told reporters on Monday at a press conference that several topics were discussed during the IPKO meeting held in the Netherlands last week. She said that that one of the things the Kingdom has to deal with is the decision taken by the three countries to have a dispute committee installed. Wescot Williams said that they were told by Minister Plasterk that the Kingdom is working on this because it is in the charter. Another topic discussed is for students that are receiving Dutch study financing to have the opportunity to continue receiving those monies even if the students leave to study elsewhere. "We have been discussing this matter since I was the commissioner of education and one of the things we would like to see is that the funds follow the students. " At the IPKO meeting the Dutch Parliament said they will take the matter up with the Ministry of Education to see what is possible.
The next IPKO meeting will be held on St. Maarten in January 2016.

Agreement Signed by Minister of Justice.

Wescot Williams said they (Members of Parliament) including those supporting the government heard of the agreement signed last Saturday when they landed in the Netherlands. She said that she asked several questions on this matter and while the government of St. Maarten has shown total disregard to the Parliament of St. Maarten she wants to know what the government will bring to Parliament to debate in a public meeting. Wescot Williams also said that the Parliament of St. Maarten will lose the first week of June because there are no chairpersons of Parliament on the island to convene any meetings.
Wescot Williams said that Parliament got a letter stating that the government need a three week delay before they could have returned to Parliament to further discuss the draft law on establishing an integrity chamber on St. Maarten. She said at no time Parliament were informed that the only reason government needed the extra time was to continue discussing with the Netherlands to come to an agreement. Asked if she believe that the Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson signed the agreement in order to save the island from higher supervision. Wescot Williams said that is what they are hearing but they still have to wait and see what government will bring to Parliament for debate.
DP Faction taking note of the current situation at PJIAE.
Wescot Williams said that her faction is also taking note of the developments at the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) especially to the questions that were asked by the Prime Minister regarding the building permits that PJIAE requested. She said she wants to know if this is a new procedure and if the Prime Minister will do the same for all other requests, or is this simply a 'witch hunt."

Checkmate Security Contract.
Wescot Williams said that she discussed the meeting that was held on May 7th 2015 on the contract with Checkmate Security and the St. Maarten Harbor Group of Companies (SMHGC). She said that she had asked several questions on this matter and she was told that the answers were already provided to Parliament but since there is no chairperson this week in parliament the documents did not reach its destination. Wescot Williams said while a parliamentary inquiry is a heavy handed tool to use to obtain factual information in her discussion with other members of Parliament who have agreed to work with her in getting the General Audit Chamber to investigate the case for Parliament. Wescot Williams said she cannot say when she will get the answers to her questions regarding the Checkmate Security but as soon as she does a decision will be taken to move towards the next step.

Government and Residents asked to take necessary precautions this Hurricane Season.
The Member of Parliament also issued a call to government to ensure that all trenches are cleaned as the island prepare for this hurricane season. Wescot Williams also called on all residents to take the necessary precautions and not to wait until the last moment. "One hurricane is too much and while I am urging residents to be watchful and to take the necessary precautions to safeguard their homes, pets and families I am also calling on government to do what is necessary to properly prepare for this hurricane season.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In the weeks of the 18th and the 25th of May the Media Lab in the Philipsburg Jubilee Library had a full schedule of computer workshops where people could come and learn about a variety of multimedia applications. These courses were taught by instructor Pauline Maas of the Netherlands.
Pauline Maas has been working in the IT business for many years before becoming a media teacher. Since becoming an instructor Pauline Maas has developed a number of computer applications and wrote a series of books about the topics that she teaches. Some of the courses that she instructs include Gamemaker, Codekids and Media Literacy, just to name a few. After having taught at the Media Lab in Sint Maarten, Pauline Maas praised the island for its famous hospitality. She also noted the similarities between the younger generation in the Netherlands and Sint Maarten in their online use. "In both countries you see that children do the same things online and on their smartphones" she stated.
In the courses that were taught at the Media Lab participants could learn how to make games, play memory activities and make short film clips. In the course Codekids people taking part could also learn the basics of programming principles and explore their digital talents, using a tool that is easy to use and is yet very educational. Teachers from various schools also had the opportunity to learn in the Media Lab. During the Media Literacy course, teachers were educated about online safety. Aside from Media Literacy, teachers additionally learned about a variety of software applications that they could use in the classroom.
The Media Lab Sint Maarten is a part of the Digikidz project of the Foresee Foundation and is powered by foundation Cultuur Kameleon, coordinated by Mrs. Saskia Luckmann-Meijer.
If you would like any information about the upcoming courses you can contact the library via telephone number 542 2970 or visit the Media Lab website at www.medialabsintmaarten.com.

ST. PETERS:---- United People's (UP) party Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. Maurice Lake who just returned from overseas after attending an anti-corruption and integrity workshop on the island of Curacao says he was not surprised by certain statements and articles published in the media, but added that readers and listeners also need to know the other side of the story as well.
"A story is not solely based on one side alone. This is becoming a trend in St. Maarten where we just make statements or slander people name without holding the person accountable for their statement or actions. The only way we can address this is through education.
"As a representative of the people, I would like to set the record straight for the people and present the facts before these statements live a life of their own.
"The public statements made by Mr. H. Brookson are not true and far from the facts. It's a pity as St. Maarteners, we like to try to throw each other under the bus and put our own against each other instead of sitting down together and addressing the critical issues that is affecting our people and our educational system, and come with a plan of action to move St. Maarten forward.
"As the former Minister of VROMI, I was given the opportunity by the previous Council of Ministers who by national decree duly authorized my person as the former Minister of VROMI in conformity with the Table of Contents as mentioned in article 21 of the Kingdom Ordinance Financial Supervision Curacao and St. Maarten, to sign the settlement agreement for the sale and purchase of the Emilio Wilson Estate.
"The previous Council of Ministers made a decision to let the current Government decide what Government is going to do with the future development of the Emilio Wilson Estate. As the former Minister of VROMI, I would be going against the instruction by the previous Council of Ministers if I was to add something else other than the purchasing of the Emilio Wilson Estate.
"Mr. Brookson has to be honest with himself and let the people know that this was out of my jurisdiction to sign a lease agreement for the Charlotte Brookson Academy (CBA). Why didn't Mr. Brookson discuss with the present Council of Ministers to donate the remaining piece of land in his name to Charlotte Brookson Academy?
"Instead the good gentleman for whatever reason or ulterior motives preferred to lay blame elsewhere and slander my name, and suggested that I should go ahead and break the law based on an informal discussion in which he knows I only can sign based on the national decree by the previous Council of Ministers in which was to only purchase the Emilio Wilson Estate, nothing more and nothing less.
"I also would advise Mr. Brookson to retract his statement in the press in which he stated "Instead you peddle it off fast to RFT (Rain Forest Tours), which I find is of no significance to realize their attraction park". I find this an emotional statement made in the press and tend to tarnish my individual integrity as a person. Everyone knows the current long lease for RFT was signed by the current Prime Minster and Council of Ministers. Let me be crystal clear, as former Minister of VROMI, Maurice Lake did not sign any agreement with RFT!
"Mr. Brookson likes to go on a rampage when he doesn't get his way it seems, but he also has to understand that based on the draft zoning regulation, the Emilio Wilson Estate falls under the Monument's list as well, and one cannot do as is pleased with the estate. Why don't Mr. Brookson give the Charlotte Brookson Academy a piece of his property or donate to the school from the US$17 million dollars to purchase a piece of land to build a state of the art facility for CBA as his contribution to the educational needs of the children of Sint Maarten?
"As a representative of the people, I am going to make it abundantly clear that Maurice Lake has stopped taking blows for any one and playing petty politics. We need to raise the bar to take our Country to another level. We need to start making firm and unpopular decisions and addressing the priority projects that's going to move St. Maarten forward.
"I would like to advise the Charlotte Brookson Academy Board & Management to send a written request to the Council of Ministers asking for a meeting. It has to be a written request, not a verbal over the phone to address their current issues with the respective Ministers, instead of letting others twist their future around for ulterior motives. Imagine just returning to St. Maarten and the buzz word in the community is "they want to close down Charlotte Brookson Academy," and Maurice Lake had meetings with them and don't want to help CBA. I would like to know who I had meetings with about CBA.
"I advise all our citizens, to get the facts first before you judge the individual and slander a person's good name. I find those statements made by Mr. Brookson wrong and without merit, and he just wants to stir up confusion in the community once again by those who have an agenda. As an educator, I will always stand up for our educational institutions and show them the right procedure to achieve their goals and to achieve their accreditation as a school.
"The CBA Founders, board and Management have worked very hard to achieve their vision and we should support them 100 per cent in finding a solution together. Even if we got to temporarily house them in the new Government Building across the street from where they are currently housed at the University of St. Martin, let's do that until the new building is completed or until we have found a solution for them, because right now we have lights on at the two ground floor levels and nobody home. I always say and will continue to say, there is no politics when it comes to Education, Health Care and our Senior Citizens.
"I also would like to set the record straight with the Vorst land purchase. I was brought in about four times in Parliament for a vote of non-confidence not because of the Vorst issue or my work performance but the type of petty politics we play in St. Maarten.
"I went on the premise of a previous long lease agreement in which was much higher in the long run for the country than a purchase agreement. The price was an issue in which I bargained for another reduction in the price but the main reason was because of a former politician who was in the past parliament didn't get a building permit because he didn't meet the requirements under the law, and decided I should be fired as a Minister.
"It became a political debate but at the end it was approved by the previous Council of Ministers with a discounted price. As a Minister, you have to make some unpopular decisions for the best interest of your people. The Vorst land is prime land for a multi-purpose light manufacturing complex which includes a sewing center, calling center and mechanical shop to make our own traffic signs and other things that the country needs. It would also include an area to build affordable social housing for our young professionals coming back from their studies.
"St. Maarten this is the time for us to raise the bar and stop fighting and slandering each other's name. We lose focus and need to let our egos at home and get back on track of executing the people's work and setting priorities. The only way we can achieve this is by working together in the best interest of the people. We also have to start educating our people to change our way of thinking and the way how we do business in the community," UP MP Maurice Lake said on Sunday.

GREAT BAY(DCOMM):---  Eliminating the illicit trade in tobacco would generate an annual tax windfall of US$31 billion for governments, improve public health, help cut crime and curb an important revenue source for the tobacco industry.

Those were the key themes of World No Tobacco Day on 31 May when World Health Organization (WHO) urged Member States to sign the 'Protocol to Eliminate the Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products.'

Tobacco-related illness is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced. Approximately one person dies from a tobacco-linked disease every six seconds, equivalent to almost six million people a year.

That's forecast to rise to more than eight million people a year by 2030, with more than 80% of these preventable deaths occurring among people living in low-and middle-income countries, according to information received by the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour.

The protocol offers the world a unique legal instrument to counter and eventually eliminate a sophisticated criminal activity, and if fully implemented, it will replenish government revenues and allow more spending on health care.

So far, eight countries have ratified the Protocol, short of the target of 40 needed for it to become international law. Once that happens, the Protocol's provisions on securing the supply chain, enhanced international cooperation and other safeguards will come into force.

The Protocol is an international treaty in its own right negotiated by parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), which has been ratified by 180 Parties. Article 15 commits signatories to eliminate all forms of illicit trade in tobacco products.

The Protocol requires a wide range of measures relating to the tobacco supply chain, including the licensing of imports, exports and manufacture of tobacco products; the establishment of tracking and tracing systems and the imposition of penal sanctions on those responsible for illicit trade. It would also criminalise illicit production and cross border smuggling.

The illicit tobacco trade offers products at lower prices, primarily by avoiding government taxes through smuggling, illegal manufacturing and counterfeiting.

Cheaper tobacco encourages younger tobacco users (who generally have lower incomes) and cuts government revenues, reducing the resources available for socioeconomic development, especially in low-income countries that depend heavily on consumption taxes.

This money might otherwise be spent on the provision of public services, including health care.

While publicly stating its support for action against the illicit trade, the tobacco industry's behind-the-scenes behaviour has been very different.
Internal industry documents released as a result of court cases demonstrate that the tobacco industry has actively fostered the illicit trade globally.

It also works to block implementation of tobacco control measures, like tax increases and pictorial health warnings, by arguing they will fuel the illicit trade.

The WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) entered into force in 2005.

Parties are obliged over time to take a number of steps to reduce demand and supply for tobacco products including: protecting people from exposure to tobacco smoke, counteracting illicit trade, banning advertising, promotion and sponsorship, banning sales to minors, putting large health warnings on packages of tobacco, increasing tobacco taxes and creating a national coordinating mechanism for tobacco control.

There are 180 Parties to the Convention.

PHILIPSBURG:_--- The latest craze on social media is a game that encourages young people to contact a demon spirit by the name of Charlie. The game, that resembles a Ouija Board game, is named "Charlie Charlie Challenge". Elementary and high schools on Sint Maarten have indicated that there are children who are playing the game. Some schools have also reported about children who have been haunted by fear and have not been able to sleep after playing the game.
In their joint monthly prayer breakfast the Sint Maarten United Ministerial Foundation (SMUMF) and the Federation of Churches of French Saint Martin (FEDOC) discussed Charlie Charlie Challenge and hereby issue a strong warning to parents and teachers about the dangers of this demonic game. Because, once children open the door to the occult there is no telling what can happen! It has been reported that children who have played the game are afraid to fall asleep and their behavior has become very disruptive. In addition to the ghost Charlie, children also expose themselves to other demonic spirits and if the game is not terminated well, as a result, children may experience all kinds of paranormal situations such as hearing voices, things being moved, shadows and sinister laughing. In Antigua children even fainted and started having seizures. Some children even attempted to jump out of the school bus.
The churches hereby strongly encourage parents to instruct their children not to play the game and to not let their friends or peers pressure them into participating either. Teachers should also discuss the game with their students and warn them about the dangers of dabbling in the occult. If parents, teachers or community leaders notice any paranormal behavior in a child, they should pray with that child and plead the blood of Jesus Christ over his/her life. In the gospels of Mark 16:17 and Luke10:19 Jesus gave us authority of demons and therefore you too are able to break that satanic influence in the life of your child or student. Your prayer can go something like: In the Holy name of Jesus, I rebuke you spirit of Charlie and all associated evil spirits and I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to leave A (name of child) alone. In Jesus name I rebuke the spirit of fear and cover and seal A with the precious blood of Jesus. I break and dissolve every stronghold and influence that Charlie has had on A's life. Thank You, Jesus for setting A free. Thank You, Heavenly Father for Your Love and thank You, Holy Spirit for comforting A. In Jesus' name, Amen
SMUMF and FEDOC have Pastors who are also willing to go to a school or to a home to pray with the child and counsel with parents, teachers or community leaders. For help call 580-9474 or 590-590-875220

PHILIPSBURG:--- Students, teachers and parents of the two Digikidz schools Asha Stevens Hillside Christian School and Seventh Day Adventist School, received technology training through workshops on programming and the use of social media by Mrs Pauline Maas from the Netherlands. The trainings and workshops were held over two weeks starting from May 18th.

Mrs. Pauline Maas visited St. Maarten as one of the many ICT workshop presenters for the Medialab project. Having an educational as well as strong IT background, she decided in 2004 to resign from her IT career and start with her own business, giving lectures, workshops and writing books on coding, social media and gaming in order to assist and guide parents, teachers and children in the virtual world.
Mrs. Maas conducted a total 18 workshops for school classes, teachers and parents. This project started originally in Curacao and expanded to the DigiKidz Medialab at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library in St. Maarten. Saskia Luckman-Meijer of Foundation KultuurKameleon in Curacao is the big motor behind this initiative and works closely with the Philipsburg Jubilee Library and Foresee Foundation..

Mrs. Maas introduced students to the world of programming. All over the world many initiatives are taken to let young students get acquainted with coding (computer programming) with the aim to demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics.
Coding helps nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity. By starting early, students will have a foundation for success in any 21st-century career path. Using websites like www.hourofcode.com, www. scratch.mit.edu/and www.codekinderen.nl were visibly a good choice looking at the excited faces of the students and teachers.

Parents at the Hillside School were also invited for a special parent evening during which Mrs. Maas spoke about social media, games and smart phones and the role of parents. Parents often have questions on whether or not to monitor their child on the internet; they wonder what makes internet so fun for children and often feel insecure on how to deal with their child as they themselves do not know enough about computers and social media. In her interactive presentation, Mrs. Maas gave parents tips and ideas on a range of topics varying from kids on the internet, gaming and the extended use of smart phones.

Students, teachers and parents had a great learning experience. The Foresee Foundation and the DigiKidz Medialab are looking forward to having Mrs. Maas return to St. Maarten to conduct more workshops and train local persons to become future ICT workshop presenters.

My fellow Sint Maarteners: June 1 st marked the beginning of the 2015 Atlantic Hurricane Season. The season begins June 1st and ends November 30th
.
Forecasters have said that it is going to be a quiet season, but this year, 2015, the season took off to an early start when Tropical Storm Ana became the first named storm of the 2015
Atlantic Hurricane Season.
I call on the nation to be vigilant and to be prepared. This is a call to action!
Remember, it only takes one hurricane strike to make it a bad season for us. Last October 2014, Sint Maarten was struck by Hurricane Gonzalo, despite predictions for a below-normal  2014 hurricane season.
It was an eye-opening experience after not being affected by a hurricane system in several years. Therefore, I reiterate by calling on the nation to be vigilant and be prepared!
Start to increase your pace of preparedness and be prepared to take action when called upon to do so to secure life and property. Everybody has an individual responsibility to be pr
epared. If we all maintain a level of preparedness, it will reduce material losses and the loss of life. It will also allow us as a nation to jump back as q
uickly as possible should a storm system impact our nation. We must always remain mindful that for six months out of the year, we live in the hurricane season. Hurricanes can cause serious damage result
ing in a setback to our national economy. As a nation, the majority of us have experienced hurricanes and know what to do. However, there are those who have just moved here, and are u
naware and inexperienced. As a good neighbour, help them, by informing them on what has to be done in preparation for a storm strike.
My fellow Sint Maarteners, do not be lulled into a sense of false security. At the beginning of every hurricane season, prepare yourself and your family.
It only takes one hurricane to make it a bad season for us. Be prepared.

May God Bless and keep us all safe during the 2015
Atlantic Hurricane Season.
Thank You