Articles

Evil acts can be given an aura of moral legitimacy by noble-sounding socialistic expressions such as spreading the wealth, income redistribution or caring for the less fortunate. Let's think about socialism. Imagine there's an elderly widow down the street from you. She has neither the strength to mow her lawn nor enough money to hire someone to do it. Here's my question to you, and I'm almost afraid for the answer: Would you support a government mandate that forces one of your neighbors to mow the lady's lawn each week? If he failed to follow the government orders, would you approve of some kind of punishment ranging from house arrest and fines to imprisonment? I'm hoping that the average St. Maartener would condemn such a government mandate because it would be a form of slavery, the forcible use of one person to serve the purposes of another. Would there be the same condemnation if instead of the government forcing your neighbor to physically mow the widow's lawn, the government forced him to give the lady $40 of his weekly earnings? That way the widow could hire someone to mow her lawn. I'd say that there is little difference between the mandates. While the mandate's mechanism differs, it is nonetheless the forcible use of one person to serve the purposes of another. Probably most St. Maartener would have a clearer conscience if all the neighbors were forced to put money in a government pot and a government agency would send the widow a weekly sum of $40 to hire someone to mow her lawn. This mechanism makes the victim invisible, but it still boils down to one person being forcibly used to serve the purposes of another. Putting the money into a government pot makes palatable acts that would otherwise be deemed morally offensive. This is why socialism is evil. It employs evil means, coercion or taking the property of one person, to accomplish good ends, helping one's fellow man. Helping one's fellow man in need, by reaching into one's own pockets, is a laudable and praiseworthy goal. Doing the same through coercion and reaching into another's pockets has no redeeming features and is worthy of condemnation. Some people might contend that we are a democracy where the majority agrees to the forcible use of one person for the good of another. But does a majority consensus confer morality to an act that would otherwise be deemed as immoral? In other words, if a majority of the widow's neighbors voted to force one neighbor to mow her law, would that make it moral? I don't believe any moral case can be made for the forcible use of one person to serve the purposes of another. But that conclusion is not nearly as important as the fact that so many of my fellow St. Maarteners give wide support to using people. I would like to think it is because they haven't considered that more than two thirds of our budget represents St. Maarteners using one another. Of course, they might consider it compensatory justice. For example, one St. Maartener might think. Most civil servants are paid more than work performed so I'm going to get government to use someone else to serve my needs by paying for all of my children's education including college. The bottom line is that we are becoming a nation of thieves. Have the slave masters moved off the plantation and into the Administration Building?

Peter Gunn

Climate change is an issue not heard of much on the island, but regionally and internationally, it has the attention of many policy-makers. The matter is of such importance that should be brought to the level of Kingdom policy makers. Climate change is an issue that is already impacting small island nation states and their quality of life for their citizens.

Barbados Prime Minister (PM) Freundel Stuart, has called for a coordinated approach among regional governments to scale back the negative impact of climate change on their respective economies. This challenge was issued while Hon. PM Stuart addressed a joint British and Australian High Commissions conference under the theme: "Climate Change in the Caribbean: Equipping Policy Makers to Combat the Threat.

Aruba's Prime Minister Mike Eman has invited the Prime Ministers of Curacao and Sint Maarten for a summit early December. Both leaders have agreed to meet with their Aruban colleague in an effort to come to a constructive cooperation in the Kingdom together with Holland.

Eman said that the trans-Atlantic relationship between the European and Caribbean parts of the Kingdom offered many possibilities and now was the time to give content to this potential, and to make it the objective of the three Caribbean leaders to cooperate within the Kingdom in order to achieve concrete results in improving the quality of life for all partners.

In the coming weeks the countries will decide on the agenda points. As a community, we hope that climate change will be an agenda point. The three Caribbean parts of the Dutch Kingdom are at risks of climate change just like the rest of the Caribbean region.

Some island nations in the Caribbean according to a study, "The Economics of Climate Change Adaptation in the Caribbean," carried out by the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility stood to loose six per cent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually from wind, storm surge and inland flooding. Researchers have further warned that in a worst case scenario, climate change has the potential to increase these expected losses by a further one to three per cent of GDP, by 2030.

The study launched in February involved eight pilot nations and countries, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Jamaica, and St. Lucia, and was supported by Caribbean Risk Managers, the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean and others.

The study is said to be of immense value to not only Caribbean policy-makers, but also the business sector, in their efforts to develop and implement sound adaptation strategies and plans.

Barbados has carried out its own study, "The Impact of Climate Change on the Barbadian Economy and the Consequences of Doing Nothing."

Policy makers and technocrats have been asked to integrate climate change considerations into development planning, program budgeting, with a view to reducing the negative impacts associated with this phenomenon.

Depending on a country's characteristics, the preliminary results suggest that risk mitigation initiatives can cost-effectively avert up to 90 per cent of the expected loss in 2030 under a high climate change scenario.

The best approach for each country is determined specifically by its topography, exposure to hurricanes, and value and vulnerability of assets.

Besides using the opportunity of the summit of the three prime ministers of the Dutch Caribbean to bring the climate change issue up to a Kingdom level for discussion, on the local scene, a climate change parliamentary select committee should be established as well which would allow policy-makers to start looking at the issue and at the same time engaging stakeholders on the matter in order to develop a plan of action as a nation on how to deal with climate change.

Roddy Heyliger

Dear Mr. Editor,

The Ministerial seats have all been allocated and the Minister of VROMI/ Infrastructure Mr. Heyliger spoke very well on Oral Gibbes the other day, but I have a few questions/observations. He claimed throughout the campaign that he was for the youths of Sint Maarten. The YOUTHS has the attention of THEO! Mr. Editor then why did he give up the Ministry that predominantly catered to the Youths. He gave the youths of Sint Maarten a "smack in the face" when he chose the money making companies/ministry over them. All of the government owned companies fall under him now what does that tell you. I guess it was about the money, power and control as indicated on that tape that is now removed from SXMtube.
Minister Heyliger is truly a chameleon and all that is stands for;
MP Rhoda Arrindell was lured to the UPparty knowing full well she does not get along with Josian Fleming. It's to the point where they don't even speak at this time and yes even as party members. Haven't he learned, to never get between the rath of women? Did he forget what happened to Rhoda after twenty years of service at USM? Then again does he even care? How will MP Arrindell feel to be marginalized once again by her rival? I guess she will use her SHERIFF badge to find her way around this show down.
MPArrindell WAKE UP! Do you know that in your own camp it is rumored that your term will be short lived. As the position is for Josian. You made a bad move when you gave up your Parliament seat. You gave up your right to bargain. To tell you truth I would vote for you again because I would choose you any day over Josian, a woman that promotes immoral behavior.
This is a sad sad situation and a lot of people will get hurt. But the Minister will continue as usual to laugh too the bank.

J. P. van Hennegen

Despite the fact that we are in the worst economic recession St. Maarten has ever seen, and have the highest unemployment in our history and most small businesses are on the brink of bankruptcy. One would think common sense tells us that tax reduction and not tax increases are needed for private sector job growth to lead us out of this depression. Tax increases will discourage any investment that businesses of all sizes need now to grow and add jobs. Instead of encouraging investors to take risks on creative new business ideas, tax increases will have the opposite effect. Start by selling off all governments owned companies and reduce the size and waste of government. With the funds received from the sale of all government companies, we can pay off the debt of not only St. Maarten but also pay off the debt of St. Kitts and Anguilla. Everyone knows that government owned companies are personal piggy banks for and only benefit some politicians and their political cronies. Look at how efficient the receiver's office, SVB and TelEM are tomorrow morning. Government has no business of being in the business of business. Governments' first responsibility is to take care of our safety and security and to protect our borders from the massive invasion of criminal aliens, yet they are not addressing this issue at all to date. Under socialism, incentives either play a minimal role or are ignored totally. A centrally planned economy without market prices or profits, where property is owned by the state, is a system without an effective incentive mechanism to direct economic activity. By failing to emphasize incentives, socialism is a theory inconsistent with human nature and is therefore doomed to fail. Socialism is based on the theory that incentives don't matter! In a one on one debate several months ago with a Marxist professor from the University of Minnesota, I pointed out the obvious failures of socialism around the world in Cuba, Western Europe, Venezuela and North Korea. At the time of our debate, Haitian refugees were risking their lives trying to get to Florida in homemade boats. Why was it, I asked him, that people were fleeing Haiti and travelling almost 500 miles by ocean to get to the "evil capitalist empire" when they were only 50 miles from the "workers' paradise" of Cuba? If this government does not halt and reverse this continuing move towards more and more socialism, which will only tax everyone out of their homes and businesses, we may just soon see a tea party type movement arising here on St. Maarten. "A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned - this is the sum of good government." Thomas Jefferson.

Peter Gunn

Great Bay:--- After having deceived the people of the island about the real consequences for 'Country St. Maarten'-, the 'chickens appear to be coming home to roost'.
The trip to the Netherlands by Vice prime-minister Theo HEYLIGER-, and Minister of Finance-, Hiro SHIGEMOTO, has not been exactly 'fruitful'.
Based on a consensus of all members in the Dutch parliament they met with-, since St. Maarten has now embarked on its own against all advice-, it cannot depend on budgetary assistance from the Netherlands.
In other words-, the expected 'hole' of 130 million guilders-, must be 'found' on the 'Friendly-island'.
Clearly-, the easiest way out has always been to pass on any additional burden on the working class people- and the people the least organized and therefore represented.
These are the St. Martin people-, and their fellow Antillean residents on the island.
Based on all of this-, it cannot be ruled out, to put it very euphemistically-, that soon tax hikes in various areas can be expected to be levelled on our people-, who are already scrunching to make ends met.

drs. Leopold James

Capitalism is an economic and social system in which capital and land, the non-labor factors of production (also known as the means of production), are privately owned; labor, goods and resources are traded in markets; and profit, after taxes, is distributed to the owners or invested in. A free market is a market without economic intervention and regulation by government except to regulate against force or fraud. A market is any one of a variety of systems, institutions, procedures, social relations and infrastructures whereby businesses sell their goods, services and labor to people in exchange for money. Goods and services are sold using a legal tender such as fiat money. This activity forms part of the economy. It is an arrangement that allows buyers and sellers to exchange items. Competition is essential in markets, and separates market from trade. Two persons may trade, but it takes at least three persons to have a market, so that there is competition on at least one of its two sides. A free-market economy is an economy where all markets within it are unregulated by any parties other than those players in the market. In its purest form the government plays a neutral role in its administration and legislation of economic activity neither limiting nor actively promoting it (for example neither regulating industries let alone owning economic interests nor offering subsidies to businesses let alone protecting them from internal/external market pressures). Such an economy in its most radical form does not exist in developed economies. A market economy is an economy based on the power of division of labor in which the prices of goods and services are determined in a free price system set by supply and demand. Division of labor is the specialization of cooperative labor in specific, circumscribed tasks and like roles. Historically an increasingly complex division of labor is closely associated with the growth of total output and trade, the rise of capitalism, and of the complexity of industrialization processes. Division of labor was also a method used by the neolithics and paleolithics to categorize different jobs, and divide them to skilled members of a society. In economics and accounting, a good is a product that can be used to satisfy some desire or need. A service is the intangible equivalent of an economic good. Service provision is often an economic activity where the buyer does not generally, except by exclusive contract, obtain exclusive ownership of the thing purchased. The benefits of such a service, if priced, are held to be self-evident in the buyers willingness to pay for it. Capitalism stresses private economic choices. People are free to decide how they will earn and spend their income. Companies may choose which goods and services to produce and how much to charge for them. They also compete with one another to sell products. Nations whose economy is based on capitalism includes the United States, Canada, Germany, and Japan. In modern times, right-wing ideologies and movements support capitalism. In politics, Right, right-wing and rightist are generally used to describe support for preserving traditional social orders and hierarchies. Today it is primarily used to refer to political groups that have a historical connection with the traditional Right, including conservatives, monarchists, aristocrats.. The term is also used to describe those who support free market capitalism, and those who support some forms of nationalism. Conservatism (Latin: conservare, "to preserve") is a political and social philosophy that promotes the maintenance of traditional institutions and supports, at the most, minimal and gradual change in society. Some conservatives seek to preserve things as they are, emphasizing stability and continuity. Strong belief in moral values and always in favor of capitalism. Have a happy St. Maarten day.

Yours truly,
Miguel Arrindell

It takes a lifetime of painstaking and consistent hard work, diligence, and dedication to build a career and a good name; it takes just one sentence of unsubstantiated suspicion to destroy one's integrity and character. The much publicized suspension of Regina Labega and Edward Dest of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau is the latest in what has become an ongoing saga in which our leaders, our very best and brightest are chopped down, first in the court of public opinion, where they have no redress, and later in the court of law where they may or may not be exonerated. What is disturbing about this trend is what I choose to call the culture of suspicion which is based on the popular saying, "where there is smoke, there is fire."
Really?
How can we, in the same breadth then claim that a suspect is innocent until proven guilty? By stating that where there is smoke, there must be fire, have we not already concluded that the suspect must have done something wrong? In so doing, the onus is now on the suspect to prove otherwise, rather than on the accuser to prove beyond any shadow of doubt, his accusations. This is turning the foundation and principles of justice and fairplay on their head. Presumption of innocence is thrown out of the window when we declare that there is no smoke without fire. It grants the accuser the upper hand in that the accuser is presumed to be incapable of false accusations or to be infallible in his or her suspicion.
Contrary to our portrayal of justice as a blindfolded lady, justice is not blind, and often times is not a lady, and does not act in a lady-like manner either. We all know about kangaroo courts. We all know too that if the system decides to go after you, it will find any stick to beat you with. The pity is that the public generally does not see the system at work, but prefers to believe indeed that nobody is evil enough to crucify another human being without any reasonable cause. I believe the biblical example of Jesus Christ settles that argument. If He who is without sin could be put to death on false accusation, who are we mortals?
It is important for us to focus on some aspects of our judicial process. In a criminal procedure, if you are suspected of a crime, you are arrested, detained and brought before the judge of instruction who will determine if you have a case to answer and if you should continue in detention. Until you are actually convicted in a court of law, you are still presumed innocent, regardless of how long you spend in detention. However, the longer you are detained, the quicker the presumption of innocence evaporates. At any event, the crime(s) you are suspected of committing must be disclosed to you from the onset of the investigation.
We often focus on the way something is done because we are a people who show respect even to our enemies. There is an unwritten code which we honor when we have to perform unpalatable tasks involving certain caliber of people in our community. For example, you don't slam the handcuffs on a father in front of his children, no matter what he may be accused of. Actions like this, however, are designed precisely to create that smoke and lead people to believe that there "must" be some fire somewhere. This is the kind of smear that cannot be removed with the best stain remover from the fabric of one's integrity, no matter how innocent the suspect turns out to be. Is this fair? Is it just?
Such character assassination based on a culture of suspicion hurts even more when the victim is someone who has given his or her entire life and career to the service of the same community. What message are we sending to the rest of the population, especially the younger ones, when those who should ordinarily be given medals of merit for their unselfish service to society are hounded like petty criminals and their names dragged to the mud because of a suspicion of wrongdoing?
I will not delve into the case of the two highest-ranking officials of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau in order not to contaminate an already poisoned atmosphere which raises too many questions than one can find answers to. One of those questions is the timing of the measure.
What was so URGENT about an investigation that authorities claim had started before September 2010 – that is more than two months ago – that cannot wait until the island's first major food and wine festival is held? How does this suspension stack up with the staffing position of the Bureau, knowing that up to five members of an already critically understaffed government agency are on sick leave? And all of this with the high tourist season just a few weeks away? The real suspicion is of something much more sinister on the part of those pulling the strings behind the scene. Perhaps, here is where indeed, we may apply the adage, where there is smoke, there is fire.

Fabian Ade Badejo

Dear Mr. Editor,

Dutch Labour Party PvdA Member of Parliament (MP) Jeroen Recourt sought clarification on media reports that the UP party of Theo Heyliger bought votes in the last island election.
Recourt cited two articles, one in the Curaçao newspaper Antilliaans Dagblad and the other in the Dutch daily NRC Handelsblad. Antilliaans Dagblad in its September 17 edition headlined "Duncan: Heyliger buys votes." In the article, Minister Roland Duncan said that Heyliger had restored the old methods of his grandfather Claude Wathey by buying votes. NRC Handelsblad on September 18 referred to reports that the UP party "bought votes on a large scale."
Recourt asked Dutch caretaker State Secretary of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Ank Bijleveld-Schouten if what Duncan had claimed had any truth to it: that votes had been bought through laptops, payment of school fees, rent, electricity bills, a fridge and building blocks. "Is it true that multiple voting cards have been issued per person?" asked Recourt.
Recourt, a former Judge of the Joint Court of Justice of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba, inquired whether buying of votes was punishable by law on the islands. "To what extent is the handing out of goods by political parties in violation of the oath that public representatives have taken or will take? What measures does the local government take against these kinds of activities?"
Dear Editor our current Minister of Justice should answer the questions of the MP Recourt as he is now in the position of addressing the issues he adamantly and boldly pointed out against the current Minister Theo Heyliger and his party. The current Minister of Justice Roland Duncan should indicate what his views are now since he has now joined the UP/DP government. Are they the same? Will he pursue justice and investigate his own claims? Are we certain that our current Minister of Justice will live up to the oath taken to serve and protect our country when he has now teamed UP with the same questionable UP party?
I will send this article to MP Recourt as well because I am quite certain that he too and the rest of the Dutch is wondering the same thing I am wondering.

J. van Hennegen

Someone said and I quote: "The Burden of Freedom is not the absence of law, work or a release from authority, but in reality, true freedom imposes more law and more work than slavery, because it demands more discipline and self-control than slavery" end of quote. I don't want us to focus on the word slavery but I need for us to understand that freedom brings with it a price. We have to be responsible with that which we have been made custodians of and that is to manage our own affairs in a responsible manner.
During my acceptance speech on October 5, 2010 I wanted to place emphasis not only on the government or Parliament but on all of us recognizing that the responsibility for the success in building of country St. Maarten lies with us all. We all have rights but also obligations. We are co-responsible for our health, our education, our environment, our infrastructure and how can we forget crime? These are things that need to be addressed individually as well as collectively. We can't or should not think that we can do as we please. There are rules, laws or guidelines laid down as to how Parliament, Government and people should behave. The constitution is one of the prime examples regulating such. It speaks about freedom of religion and personal convictions, freedom of expressions of opinions, freedom of education, freedom of association, meeting and demonstration, movement and so on. But as I said before all of this comes with a price tag. We as Parliament and Government must inform the people but this does not mean that people can't take it upon themselves to go out and seek information and also apply that which they know. I will continuously use this phrase that I learnt some time ago "information without application is a waste of time". My hope is that the professionalism required for the building of country St. Maarten will be exercised at this very critical time in our history. We must change our behavior because we are now called country. Permit me to close with another quote: "There is no way to walk into freedom without shouldering its responsibility" end of quote.

Senator George Pantophlet

Eh, come closer to the paper. I write only once, especially to the intellectually challenged ones that live and breathe amongst us. Rumor has it that the appointed Commissioners in the last Executive Council of the Island Territory of St. Maarten who served for 5 days either have, or will be paid one full year's Commissioner's salary for doing so. On Sunday October 31, 2010, the topic was again brought up on a popular local radio talk show. Notwithstanding the fact that none other than our Prime Minister has previously addressed this issue publicly on at least two occasions, the rumor is persistently kept alive and the host of the Sunday radio program even questioned the integrity of our Prime Minister, as it relates to this topic. So Mr. Editor, allow me to make the following statement: My name is Michael Ferrier. I held the position of Commissioner in the Executive Council of the Island Territory of Sint Maarten twice. Once for 4 years from July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2003, when I was elected to the Island Council of Sint Maarten. During that time in Public Office, I drove my own car, paid for my own gasoline, travelled for Government in Economy class and amongst other strange habits, when invited to lunches and dinners by business persons, paid for my own lunch and dinner and often also for the lunches and dinners of the very business persons that had invited me to those lunches and dinners in the first place. I was never offered or given a kick-back, nor did I ever ask for any. During the campaign I promised myself and thus informed my party leader that if elected, I would serve for one term only. For me it was never about being a career politician or getting "chooked" by the proverbial "syringe with the Elixir of Power". For the record, I kept my word and did not make myself available for a second consecutive term. (As an aside, there is a "so-called" history book written by a local school teacher floating around, in which he writes a piece about me on the subject that is riddled with wrong information and plenty of "un-truths", notwithstanding the fact that the good gentleman interviewed me personally when he was gathering information for his book). But to continue, recently after the UPP and the DP agreed to form the first Government of Country St. Maarten, I was one of four persons asked by our respective Party Leaders to serve as a Commissioner for 5 days from October 5 to 10, 2010. I agreed to accept the honor and together with the three other Commissioners, worked my butt off for 4.5 of those 5 days. NOW COMES THE JUICY PART, SO PLEASE PAY ATTENTION: I have not been paid, nor do I want to be paid for working as a Commissioner for those 5 days in October of 2010. So you that are IQ deprived and you know who you are, please "find another tree to jump on". Capiche? I can be reached on 520-5555.

Michael J. Ferrier.

Let me congratulate all Americans on a job well done as conservative ideology wins the day. We have seen what socialism & communism (left wing ideology) has done in the U.S.A these last 2 years. It has tax people to death and spending went out of control and create communism and socialism in the U.S.A. America was always a right center country, and political ideology dictates you cannot change the foundation of a right wing country (Capitalism) in to a left wing country (Socialism & Communism). Even China advises Obama and warns that world powers come and go when they break the principle on how a world power is brought into existence. China said it crystal clear you cannot tax or spend your way out of a recession. (Link to view http://www.youtube.com/v/OTSQozWP-rM?version=3 )Imagine a communist regime advising you not to tax and spend, which alone should tell you you're going the wrong direction. What you have seen is a class example of real professional politics at its best. Ideology is what wins the day. The Netherlands has also move to the right. (VVD PVV CDA). The Dutch Kingdom has move to the right for the first time to my knowledge. People is beginning to understand that personal responsibility is what makes the man, government is to provide opportunity. But self reliance is your duty to achieve. Hand outs are what create stagnation, dependence and poverty. Social security is a way to help those who cannot help themselves but never meant as a way of life. Look at Greece and France, socialism is causing those economies to go bankrupt and causing riots on the streets. That is when people are taught that government is to feed you and clothes you, which is a dangerous leftwing ideology. (Paul can pay and there for must pay for all, that is the creation of poverty.) The buying and selling of votes in StMaarten is real practice of socialism, which is buying them and own them. The people in the U.S.A has bring government back in control, they have thrown out a lot of those extremist leftwing Democrats and put the will of the people back where it belongs. That is real change. Another great news is even thou the Republican still can not change the very liberal state of California; they have mange to keep marijuana illegal in that state. A big win for morality. The next real goal is 2012. The conservatives and rightwing have a chance to also take the senate and the presidency. Then we can instill values along with Capitalism which will create wealth. America becomes the greatest nation because of Capitalism and upholding values, when ever you break one of them, chaos and poverty becomes the results. Continue to the right America, God Bless you. Your United States Dollars has served my country well from the American tourists that come here on vacation.

Yours truly,

Miguel Arrindell

Dear Editor,

Please allow us some space in your well read publication to respond to Mr. Kurt Ruan's of the Department of New works most recent, perhaps purposefully inaccurate and misleading, statements on the Ring-road project.
Having analyzed the flooding St. Maarten experienced in early October as a result of the tropical depression which later became hurricane Otto (not Earl as stated in Thursday's article) St. Maarten Pride Foundation maintains its position that the filling-in of the Great Salt Pond, for the construction of the Ring-road project, significantly contributed to the extent of flooding in the Greater Great Bay area.

The often improperly carried out excavation of St. Maarten's hillsides, removal of vegetation, top soil etc. for the building of roads and houses has lead to erosion and reduced the water retention capacity of these hillsides, placing an increased burden on lower areas. Consequently the influx of rainwater and soil into the Fresh Pond and the Great Salt Pond over the past few years has increased at a rapid rate. The aforementioned combined with poor drainage infrastructure and the filling-in of the area's main catchment basin the Great Salt Pond over the past decades, most recently for the construction of the Ring-road project, played an important role in October's flooding of the Greater Great Bay area.
The flooding was made worse by the Public Works department's mismanagement of the Great Salt Pond's water level and the incursion of soil from the surrounding hills which has decreased the pond's depth thereby reducing its water retention capacity.
Anyone that experienced or saw pictures of the flooding can easily determine that Mr. Ruan's claims that"the areas around the pond that had not been filled-in to facilitate the ring road had been flooded more than the areas that had been filled in" are far from the truth. The Ring-road's influence on the extent of flooding was evident from early-on during the first day of rain when water which had accumulated on the Walter Nisbeth Road (Pondfill) and adjacent parking lots could not flow into the Great Salt Pond as the Ring-road formed a barrier, thereby trapping the water and flooding both the parking lots and the street.

The heavy sea surge which according to Mr. Ruan "pushed water inland" is a consequence of the dredging of some 400.000m³ of sand from Great Bay for the harbor extension project. These dredging activities have completely changed the way waves come into and break in Great Bay. The bottom of the Great Salt Pond is roughly 1 meter and 30 centimeters lower than the average Great Bay sea-level, this combined with the fact that the water-level in the Pond is also lower than the sea-level causes a strong underground discharge of water from the Sea into the Pond. The abovementioned dredging combined with ill-planned construction activities and sheet-piling (for the boardwalk and other projects) in Philipsburg has altered the natural dynamics of water-flow between the Pond and the Sea causing water to be displaced and contributing the flooding experienced in times of heavy swells or rains.

Mr. Ruan stated that "the sand had acted as a natural dam for the water from the Great Salt Pond" he carried-on to claim that "if the water in the pond is kept at a low yet appropriate level and if the pond is pumped a few days in advance of a storm, the Ring-road will be a benefit for Philipsburg". Quite a number of "ifs" and uncertainties. Mr. Ruan fails to realize that the Ring-road formed a man-made dam (not a natural dam as he continuously claims) for water from the surrounding areas which was flowing towards the Pond, resulting in the flooding of a number of streets. Perhaps Ruan should consider that there would have been substantially less flooding had the Pond's retention capacity not been diminished by sand for the Ring-road in the first place and if the appropriate mitigating measures had been implemented and properly managed beforehand.

St. Maarten Pride Foundation wonders how Government can even consider approving a multi-million dollar project such as the Ring-road without having commissioned any studies to determine whether or not the project is feasible and will have the desired effect of alleviating traffic.

The most significant factor in October's flooding of not only the Greater Great Bay area but many of St. Maarten's other districts is of course the amount of rain which fell, Government's mismanagement of the island's Natural resources including water-ways and catchment basins combined with the carrying-out of unnecessary projects such as the Ring-road only made matters worse.

St. Maarten Pride Foundation

Dear Editor,

There has been a lot of discussion about Government's proposed causeway across the Simpson Bay Lagoon these past few days, please allow us to address the matter and inform your readership of St. Maarten Pride Foundation's position on the subject.

Traffic congestion has become a major concern for St. Maarten's residents and the island's many cruise ship and stay-over visitors. Long traffic jams occur throughout the entire island with the route between the Airport and Philipsburg, which partially follows the Simpson Bay Lagoon's shoreline, often being the most congested.

This past Saturday's news informed us that the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation, a subsidiary of the Government owned Harbor Group of companies, signed a contract for the construction of a causeway over the Lagoon. Minister Heyliger has promoted the causeway as a way to relieve traffic congestion. Much of Government's actions and projects aimed at the alleviation of traffic congestion have only focused on the expansion of road networks. Various government policy plans, government commissioned reports and independent studies have, however, identified the alarming number of vehicles on St. Maarten as the primary cause of traffic congestion. With the amount of registered vehicles on the island increasing by a considerable amount almost annually, this planned road network expansion will cease to meet traffic capacity needs in less than 5 years.

Research and experience in numerous countries in the Caribbean and around the world shows that increased road capacity is very quickly filled with what researchers have termed "induced vehicle traffic"; people tend to abandon public transportation and carpools when additional road space is made available, through new road construction or linkages, thereby resulting in more cars on the road and subsequently more traffic jams.

The proposed causeway across the Lagoon will quickly result in more cars on the road and subsequently more traffic jams as:

• People will likely take additional trips to the Simpson Bay, Cole Bay or Marigot area considering that the causeway will cause the destinations to seem more accessible.
• People tend to abandon public transportation and carpools when additional road space is made available.
• The causeway will stimulate development and commercialization of previously less visited or desirable locations due to increased accessibility.
• The causeway will partially shift the traffic congestion problem from one side of the Lagoon to the other.

Increasing road network capacity, by building a causeway across the Simpson Bay Lagoon, in efforts to alleviate traffic jams is therefore not an effective solution for St. Maarten's traffic related challenges.

It should also be noted that no comprehensive traffic or road network study for St. Maarten has been carried out within the last fifteen to twenty years despite the tremendous growth the island has experienced during this period. Government has not taken any measures regarding the comparatively more sustainable and cost-effective proposals, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in the long-term as listed in the Multi Annual Policy Plan, The Tourism Master Plan and the Carrying Capacity Study even though these recommendations or studies may very well dispel or void Government's perceived need for this causeway. The obvious question here is, why not?

In defending proposed and often controversial projects, Government and in particular the Minister of Environment and Public Works Theo Heyliger and his immediate staff are always eager to claim that these projects were all mentioned in the Development Perspective
St. Maarten, Philipsburg, Greater Great Bay Area (GGBA) or "Almere Plan" and that this perspective was adopted unanimously by the Island Council in 2001. Saturday's article in the Daily Herald is no different as it includes the following paragraph: "The Development Vision... ... adopted unanimously by the island council in 2001 had included the suggestion for the causeway".

This claim, which has not only been made in the media but in Island Council meetings and official correspondence as well, is false for the simple reason that the Almere Plan does not mention the causeway across the Lagoon nor does any such approval of the Almere Plan dated 2001 exist. In his foreword on page 7 of the Almere Plan the then Mayor of Almere Drs. H.G. Ouwerkerk states the following: "During the summer of 2001 the island government of St. Maarten requested the assistance of the municipality of Almere in the preparation of a development plan for Philipsburg and Environs". Page 11 of the same document goes on to state that "In December 2002 TKA was commissioned by the Municipality of Almere to carry out the study...". The approval of the Almere Plan could therefore not be dated 2001, unless government knew exactly what the document would recommend and somehow approved it before its completion.

This often referred to Development Perspective is over half a decade old and much has changed on St. Maarten since its compilation. In addition, the "Development perspective St. Maarten Philipsburg Greater Great Bay Area" is just a perspective, vision or a view point and has no legal standing.

Saturday's Article in the Daily Herald contains the following sentence;
"The Almere Plan, ... ... was developed through analysis and sessions with stakeholders, including environmental organizations". This sentence seems to insinuate that environmental organisations approved of or recommended road network expansion projects during the information session held with TKA and the Almere group in 2003, this insinuation is entirely misleading and inaccurate at best. The development perspective itself contradicts the implication; The following stakeholders have been consulted about the development vision described in this report ... ... ... ... . Their wishes have been noted by TKA, and as far as possible taken into account during the formulation of this Development Vision. Development perspective St. Maarten Philipsburg Greater Great Bay Area" (TKA, Architecture & Urban Design, 2003)

It is obvious to St. Maarten Pride Foundation that the full range of social, economic, traffic and environmental impacts of a causeway over the Lagoon have not been be studied or taken into consideration and weighed against the negligible and short-lived infrastructural benefits (temporary and very minor traffic alleviation) the causeway will provide. Once again the Foundation is left to wonder, why the aforementioned has not been done.

It must be reiterated that St. Maarten Pride is in full favor of the development and implementation of sustainable solutions to St. Maarten's and in this particular case Simpson Bay's traffic congestion challenges. The Foundation is however convinced that a causeway across the Lagoon is not a solution and that the actual purpose of the project is not about alleviating traffic at all.

St. Maarten Pride Foundation

We signed an agreement approving the General Kingdom Measures, we agreed to the establishing of the Committee for Financial Supervision (CFT). We signed an agreement that our Budgets would be balanced. Why did we sign them one would say? The answer is quite simple no agreement no country. When the former National Alliance led government was in office and even prior to this sitting in the minority benches we had maintained first of all that the Budgets over the last 10 years were never balanced. We had also maintained that they were not realistic. The General Auditing Chamber of the then Netherlands Antilles never approved any of the Budgets over the same period. They made it abundantly clear that the documentation were of such a nature that it could not be approved. Former commissioner of Finance Xavier Blackman had argued and fought tooth and nail to include the monies that would come from country Netherlands Antilles to St. Maarten in the 2010 Budget. But this was denied by the CFT although the 2010 Budget of the Central Government was approved for the entire year and now we have to amend the same 2010 budget to accommodate these funds. We are now facing a budget deficit of Naf.130 million. The skeletons are coming out of the closet. I hope that seeing we have a General Auditing Chamber that the decisions taken by government with financial consequences are sent to them. What I am curious to know is if the external accountancy firm to study government's existing policies and laws has already been selected. Some three weeks have already passed. Internally it should not be a problem identifying the deficit since the Minister of Finance has been working as head of the Finance Department for some 10 years. As I said before Government can begin by identifying the deficit. When and where did it start, what was the cause and is there a paper trail? Another aspect that must be looked into is how much funds if any has been deposited by the Netherlands for St. Maarten in an account of the Central Bank and what effect would this have on the deficit? I understood that these funds cannot be accessed unless St. Maarten presents approved accounts or financial statements. The Skeletons are coming out of the closet.

National Alliance Senator George Pantophlet

Dear Damu,

As a dear-, and cherished friend of us- and as fellow St. Martiner of a proud Indian heritage as well- allow me to thank you and the Indian Community for having invited me to attend your Diwali festivities last evening in the celebration-palace.
In addition-, I also thank you very much for the very attentive treatment you bestowed upon myself-, my wife and fellow board-member Mr. Jesse ADAMS during said event.
In particular-, I was surprised-, and deeply honored to have been requested along with yourself- and Mr. Imrad Mac SOOD to come on stage-, and to hand out the various prizes to the winners in the various categories of the traditional Indian dances performed.
Damu-, relationship is testament to you understanding that our message that 'charity should start at home for St. Martiners' is not one of exclusion.
Quite to the contrary.
it is one of setting the right sequence in terms of preservation of our St. Martin cultural heritage-, while encouraging inclusion of those with an 'added value' for this country.
In ending Damu-, on behalf of our grassroots St. Martin nation building- and unification movement-, we look forward extending our relationship of mutual understanding- and respect to the next level-, all in the best interest of building a harmonious community within our country St. Maarten/St. Martin-, that can be the 'blue-print' for many other countries-, grappling with balancing preservation of 'self' with immigration- and integration.

With respect,

drs. Leopold JAMES
Proud-, native indigenous St. Martiner without apologies.

A few days ago an atheist fool tries to teach me the difference about communism and socialism. And his foolish remarks empower exactly what I said. He said a pizza consists of 3 parts and he goes to explain about different toppings and how much who gets. He is a real ignorant socialist and atheist. Then the atheist said I am a small minded close fisted capitalist. To make a long story short socialist people is so narrow minded and they believe in splitting up a pizza to share for a hundred people. They believe in equally poor nonsense. A capitalist who believe in performance and production uses his sense what God gives him and will make a hundred pizzas for a hundred people, you see God is wise and he give wisdom to us capitalist. But because the foolish far left ignorant leftwing extremist who does not believe in God or Jesus Christ (atheist) can not create anything. That 's why they hate believers in Jesus Christ so much be cause we can create and produce, but these ignorant small minded socialist believe you have to divide everything in a hundred pieces to make the world a better place. And remember this fool, Our Lord Jesus Christ wants us to help the poor help themselves not spoil them. Again your mind is to narrow minded to understand spiritual knowledge because it is to rich and too high for you to understand. Only a believer can interpret the bible, not a foolish atheist like you. An atheist who is a socialist is not worthy of God praise, God gives us capitalist wisdom to create wealth. I can forgive ignorance but how dare a lunatic atheist who does not believe in God tries to give me bible lesson about something he does not believe or understands. I think my self to high and will never empower an atheist as to give him popularity. And my esteem is too high and worthy to mention an atheist name. This is what God said about atheist fools (Psalm 14:1a) "The fool hath said in his heart, no, God...." (Corinthians 15:33) Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals." (1 Corinthians 15:56 to 57) The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. John 16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. (John1:1-51) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. You fool can write again and call my name; I know my name gives you popularity, but I will never answer you again. You want to know why? This is because my God the almighty creator commanded me to obey this law. (2 Corinthians 6: 14) Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness.

Yours truly,

Miguel Arrindell

...

PHILIPSBURG:--- Vice Prime Minister Theo Heyliger supports the Red Cross Sint Maarten appeal for donations from the community to help the victims of the islands that were impacted by Hurricane Tomas.

Red Cross Sint Maarten is requesting money rather than donations of food and clothes. Anyone who wants to donate can send money to Windward Islands Bank accounts 809.809.00 (Naf.) and 809.809.02 (US$). Persons making monetary donations can also specify on the deposit slip which island they would like their donation to benefit.

"We are saddened by the loss of life and the millions of dollars in damage left behind by Tomas early November. I appeal to every resident and the business community for your assistance. As a nation we must do our part to assist our Caribbean brothers and sisters.

"The people of Sint Maarten can empathize with our Caribbean neighbours after having gone through such an experience back in 1995 with hurricane Luis," Vice Prime Minister Theo Heyliger said on Tuesday speaking from The Hague, Holland.

The disaster struck the Caribbean region during a challenging time. The global financial crisis has impacted Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) member states with regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) having contracted by almost eight per cent in 2009 and this year is projected to contract by an additional three per cent.

Minister Heyliger said during his working visit to Holland this week, he will speak with his ministerial colleagues in The Hague with reference to having Holland support international efforts to help those islands that have been impacted by the hurricane.

"Efforts are underway by the OECS Authority to have a team from the United Nations system conduct macro socio-economic disaster impact assessments which would compute the indirect and direct effects and impacts of this disaster event with respect to the short, medium and long-term economic performance of the islands.

"These assessments will be used to engage the international community of nations as well as international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank with respect to long term support that is vital to the reconstruction of the islands. With Holland's international membership and vote in certain organizations, we ask that our Dutch colleagues assist by using their influence to help our Caribbean brothers and sisters," Vice Prime Minister Theo Heyliger pointed out on Tuesday.

Philipsburg:--- On Saturday November 6th 2010 FoundationEWA published it's third book, when at the "James Henry Lynch Extravaganza" at Belvedere they launched the booklet entitled, "The Constitution of St. Maarten made simple", compiled and edited by dr. Nilda Arduin who is the vice president of FoundationEWA.
The general reaction of and warm acceptance by the general public has been: "This could not be more timely. It gives the reader just enough to go in search of more".
As a foundation we are elated as one of the main objectives of the booklet has been met. We will like to get this booklet in every household and moreover in each school. The first volume does not afford for that and more sponsorship is needed to achieve that goal.!

The foundation nevertheless, now, that the author is back on the island intends to visit all schools and hand over a number of copies to the principals in the hope that they can spur the schoolboards to get sponsorship that each and every student can have a copy.

The president of the foundation Edgar Lynch thanked the sponsor Pelican Royal Resort very much for their corporate donation to make the first volume of the booklet possible. "Everyone must be in possession of the basic on our constitution. With the season on hand one can purchase a copy of Know Your Political History and get a copy of The Constitution of St. Maarten made Simple. Copies can also just be had from members of FoundationEWA.

On November 6th last at the launching copies were handed to the hourable Prime Minister Mrs. Sarah Wescott-Williams, chairlady of Parliament drs. Gracita Arrindell, who immediately took 14 copies for the other members of Parliament, Minister of Education and Culture Rhoda Arrindell and the person who started the "flame" former Advisor to Commissioner William Marlin, Miss. Dorothy Lake.

"We are happy, that on a continuous basis, we can contribute to educating, informing and enlightening the general public and that of St. Maarten in specific. And in the year of the 20th anniversary of FoundationEWA, -2010- we have published yet another book, turned-over part of the work of FoundationEWA to the next generation and are flirting on the skirts of another major publication. To God be the Glory", the president of FoundationEWA concluded.

For more or further information contact: Edgar Lynch 580 8449.

Philipsburg:--- Unconfirmed reports reaching SMN News late Sunday night states that the female victim that was in the Pond Island home on Thursday where the gas leak took place also died. SMN News learnt that the woman whose identity is only known as Carmelita passed away on Sunday evening. On Friday morning, police discovered a man known in the neighborhood as Nando dead in his home while his spouse Carmelita was taken to the St.Maarten Medical Center in critical condition.
Police said they believe there was some sort of gas leak in the home causing the death of the man. Police also said they were investigating the cause of the leak and the circumstances into the victim's death. So far no other reports have been made available to the media regarding the gas leak or what could have killed the victims.
Efforts made to contact police spokesman Ricardo Henson on Sunday night proved futile.

Philipsburg:--- The SHTA is echoing statements made by president of the Central Bank of Curacao and St. Maarten, Dr. Tromp, during the 6th Biennial Conference of the Caribbean Ombudsman Association Caroa in Curacao two weeks ago.
In his message, Dr. Tromp emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in the governments of the new countries to create prosperous and productive economies. This is something the SHTA has been advocating for quite some time. In the SHTA's post election press release in which they congratulated all elected officials on forming part of the 1st government of Country St. Maarten, the SHTA stressed the need to reinvent Government and advised that keen attention be paid to amongst others:
Government structure: This unique opportunity only comes around once in a lifetime and it should be handled correctly, particularly as it refers to government services. Focus should be on removing all the red tape (which currently acts as an impediment to business and creates an environment for corruption) and streamlining operations to be more efficient, customer friendly and impactful.
Long term planning: The SHTA believes that in order for Country St. Maarten to properly develop, strategic, long-term planning is critical. This means that changes in taxation, legislation and policy would be evaluated by many measurements but most importantly by its impact on the economy. An important tool in evaluating proposed changes would be a Macro Economic Model. This model would allow government to estimate the financial consequences of decisions thus paving the way for structured planning and long term fiscal responsibility.

GREAT BAY:--- The Civil Registry Department has organized an information session at the Sister Regina School in Simpson Bay for Wednesday, November 17.

Residents of Simpson Bay and environs are invited to the information session that will be held from 6.00pm to 7.30pm.

Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions about the services that the department offers along with the procedures that must be followed.

Persons who need additional information can contact the Civil Registry Department at 542-2457.

Philipsburg:--- The police department and the prosecutor's office has made tremendous headway into solving a string of armed robberies that were committed by at least eight St. Maarteners between the ages of 19 and 26.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson at press conference on Wednesday gave reporters a joint press statement regarding the eight suspects who are now behind bars and the crimes they have committed. Below is the full text of the press release.

We have invited you here this afternoon because we can announce that in recent weeks Police and Public Prosecutor's Office have solved a string of serious crimes that have caused a great feeling of insecurity on this island. We considered it fit to inform the public about these crimes and the fact that the main suspects have been arrested and are in custody.
However we will not be able answer any questions because the investigation is still ongoing and we are trying to solve as many crimes as we can.
Yet this is such important news, that we chose to invite you to share this news with us.

The 8 suspects, varying in age between 19 and 26, that were arrested the past few weeks are all persons from St Maarten. They were working in small groups in these various serious crimes that were committed.
The Public Prosecutors' Office and the Police Department joined all forces in gathering evidence and thus solving these cases. A total of twelve detectives were assigned to these cases and worked alongside detectives of the Marechaussee.

1. The first case that we would like to mention is the Maho Reef Investigation.
In the early morning hours of Saturday October 16th 2010 the lifeless body of the man who later turned out to be Wouter Romeijn, was found on the Friendly Island Boulevard in Maho Reef. The investigation into this case showed that earlier that evening, three suspects of the ages 20,
21 and 24 years old, had forcefully abducted the victim, robbing him of all personal belongings and ill-treating him on the road between Maho Reef and Atlantis Casino.
The victim was beaten and thrown into the trunk of the stolen car the group of suspects were using. The intention of the suspects was to take the victim to a "cash point"(cash machine) and force him to withdraw cash from his bank account by using his debit or credit cards.
However it never reached to that. The victim apparently managed to free himself from the trunk and fell out of the fast driving car. The results of the autopsy showed that the victim had suffered severe bodily harm causing the death of the victim, Wouter Romeijn.

2. Further investigation showed that around midnight of October 15th and 16th 2010 five suspects robbed a couple of their rental car in the vicinity of Marigot. The suspects used violence and threatened the victims with a gun. A witness who tried to stop the suspects, was shot at twice. The car that was stolen was used not long there after for the abduction of Wouter Romeijn.

Other cases that were investigated and that were committed by this group are:

3. An armed robbery on October 21st 2010 at a home in Point Blanche.
While the caretaker of that residence, a Haitian national, was asleep at the time, three unknown men forcefully gained access to the house. The victim was struck on the head with a solid object. He was taken to another bedroom, covered with a blanket and a knife was put to his throat.
His life was threatened while part of the household, such as a safe and a flat screen television were taken.

4. A robbery in the Cay Hill area on October 12th 2010.
While driving in his car the victim in this case was blocked by two other cars. Suspects exited their vehicles and approached the victim.
Maize was sprayed in his face and then he was robbed of all personal belongings such as wallet, cellular telephone, passport and clothing.
The vehicle the victim was driving was also taken.

5. An armed robbery on October 10th 2010 in Dawn Beach area.
The victims, while driving in their car, were overtaken by the suspects.
The suspects' vehicle stopped in front of the victim's car. The suspects'
vehicle was then intentionally reversed into the victim's car. At the same time four suspects walked to the victim's car while throwing a stone through the window and pulling the driver out of the car. The female victim saw a fire arm. The male victim received blows to his head and body. Their money, I-phones, handbags and cellular telephones were stolen.

6. An armed robbery at Guana Bay on October 12th 2010 Four American tourists were staying together in an apartment. They were asleep when three men armed with knives forced their way into the building. They attempted to cover the mouth of one of the victims with tape. A physical confrontation took place between another victim and two of the robbers. He was severely beaten by the robbers. A rental car, an envelop containing U.S.$ 900.- cellular telephones, camera and binoculars were taken from the apartment. After the robbers left the apartment the victims heard several gun shots going off. The security officer stated later that four suspects were seen leaving the property and that one of them had a rifle in his hand.

7. Armed robbery in Cole Bay on October 10th 2010 The victim dropped a friend off at home and waited for a while in front of the house waiting for the friend to bring her a glass of water.
At the same time a car stopped behind that of the victim blocking her from driving away. Two suspects stepped out of the car and began pounding with a gun on the hood of the victim's car, demanding her to open the door, which she finally did. The victim's bag and telephone were stolen. The other robber attempted to gain access to the friend's apartment by pulling on the door, but was unsuccessful.

As further investigations shows, this group of suspects has also been involved in various break-ins in the Pointe Blanche and Guana bay areas. Stolen cars were used as transportation to and from the crime scene.

Currently investigation into the involvement of the suspects into several other crimes on the island is ongoing.

The Public Prosecutors' Office and the Police are convinced that with the arrest of these 8 suspects further crime by these men has been prevented.

This intensive and extensive investigation was conducted while several other crimes caught the public's attention. Since these were also serious crimes the Police were forced to divide their limited attention to these crimes too.

For example The Public Prosecutors' Office together with the Police department have paid much attention to several cases which in first instance seemed to be quite serious. Such as a recent case in the Dawn Beach area, in which a suspect claimed to have been a victim of an armed robbery and then was locked in the trunk of his car. An in depth investigation done by detectives, resulted in the conclusion that no robbery had taken place and that the suspect had fabricated the story and had taken the money for personal use. Yet, the information that another "trunk case" took place shortly after the Maho case, resulted in a broadly felt feeling of insecurity. Therefore the Police were glad having been able to establish that the latter case was a fabricated story. The suspect nevertheless was arrested and was dealt with.

Around that same period a telephone call came to the Police department informing them that two young women had been abducted by several young men after a night out. They were allegedly kept against their will in a house in the Pointe Blanche area. The reports seemed to be serious that a special team was put together to coordinate the large police effort that was involved in investigating this case.
After two
days of intense investigation, it showed that the story was fabricated by one of the young girls. This young lady has been in custody for questioning and then released. The police department believes that this young lady is in dire need of psychiatric attention and hopes she gets that real soon.

Although these two examples in the end showed that nothing serious had occurred, yet coming to these results had gone to great cost and effort by both Police and prosecutors.

In a nutshell these are the results so far of these intensive Police investigations. It took a joint effort of the departments involved in these investigations to come to this these results. If the ongoing investigations will show further remarkable results, this will be forwarded to the press and the public as soon as possible. Since the investigations are still ongoing and prosecution likely will follow, we are not in a position to divulge any further information about the investigation and the cases presented. We count on your understanding with respect to that.

The Police and the Prosecutor's Office are proud of all men and woman who contributed with relentless efforts to solving these cases that have troubled the public so much and want to thank them for their great achievement.

The Public Prosecutors' Office and the Police Department also want to express their gratitude to the general public and in particular those persons who in some way have contributed to the achievement of these results."

Philipsburg:--- Senator Louis Laveist is now the representative of the National Alliance faction in parliament pending the absence of the faction leader William Marlin. According to a letter sent to the chairlady of Parliament Gracita Arrindell, Marlin has informed the chairlady that he is currently off island with his wife who is undergoing medical treatment abroad.
The National Alliance leader also informed Arrindell that she should make contact with Laveist from November 22 to November 24 to inform him about any planned meetings. Marlin said due to his absence he will not be able to attend the meeting planned for Tuesday at 2pm.

Maho:--- Guyanese Minister of Health Leslie Ramsammy was elected chairman of PANCAP's Regional Coordinating Mechanism RCM at their 10th annual meeting held on St. Maarten. Ramsammy will take up his new post immediately which will run for one year.
Shortly after being elected Dr. Ramsammy told reporters that the Caribbean should no longer focus on reducing the problem of HIV/AIDS instead they should now focus on eliminating the transmission from mother to child. Dr. Ramsammy said the trajectory of reduction which they focused on in 2001 should now be replaced with a trajectory of elimination. He said the Caribbean now stands as the first region in the world that has an opportunity to eliminate mother to child transmission by 2015. He said he believes that this is an achievable target and that is what he believes PANCAP should focus on as a priority. Another priority for Dr. Ramsammy is the issue of human rights legislations. He said while people do things in good faith it would never work if there is no legislation in place to support them.

Commodities he said is another aspect that has to be looked at and the Caribbean must keep a tune to the development to topical gels and new technology. He said they also have to look at things that are related such as diseases that arise because of HIV/AIDS. He said tuberculosis (TB) is on the rise which addresses a major public health challenge. This he said must be addressed. HBV vaccines that are used to reduce and eliminate cervical cancer is another area that has to be explored. Dr. Ramsammy said he believes that health information has been withheld for too long which represents a weakness. For him it is totally unacceptable for those countries that do not have a strategic plan for HIV/AIDS. He asked how would one establish a priority if there is no plan in place and how would funding be sought.
Asked if too much focus is placed on HIV/AIDS while other diseases are neglected, the incoming RCM chairman said that attention to chronic non communicable diseases must be placed at the top of the agenda, including violence, injuries, traffic accidents all needs attention and can't be addressed with the limited funds that are available.

Select the audio below in the list to listen:

Marigot:--- Several reporters on the French side of St. Martin met last Friday to discuss how to handle the statements that were made against reporters by territorial councillor Sylviane Judith during the last territorial council meeting held on October 26th 2010.
Judith read a prepared statement addressing members of the council. However, she also made some irresponsible, disrespectful and offence remarks discrediting all journalists on St. Martin. The reporters who met last week represent each of the media houses on the French side, thus they have agreed to send out a press release to the President of the Collectivity of St Martin, while making the release public for the general public. Below is the English version of the release.

Ms. Sylviane Judith, a Territorial Councilwoman, made irresponsible, disrespectful and offensive remarks discrediting journalists in Saint-Martin at the Territorial Council meeting of Tuesday, October 26, 2010.

The local press only relays statements made by elected representatives during press conferences. If journalists cannot write and analyze without being subject to the wrath of certain elected representatives, then it is the FREEDOM OF THE PRESS which is threatened.
The press in Saint-Martin does not "relegate to the level of trivial events the good things carried out by the Collectivity", because the Press Service of the Collectivity floods us with information and press conferences on these "good things".
The press in Saint-Martin is impartial and if articles and journalistic analysis disturb Ms. Judith, she can just content herself to gather her information from the excellent institutional monthly Point.Com.
Ms. Judith in her intervention advised that "the pedigree of the pseudo journalists should be checked". We would like for Ms Judith to explain her statements. Besides, did she follow any training as a veterinarian to justify this request?
We wonder about the silence of the Territorial Councilors who "must not think" as Ms. Judith put it, and who did not comment on these remarks incriminating the press.
To conclude, we are willing to meet with Ms. Judith for her to make us benefit from her expert knowledge in matter of local politics. Remarks that will not be relegated to the level of trivial events.
We assure Ms. Judith of our congenial regards.

Signed: Faxinfo
St. Martin's Week
InsulR
The Daily Herald
Le Pélican
SMN News
France Antilles

The release in the French Language which was sent to the President of the COM.

Liberté de la presse

Les journalistes de Saint-Martin font une mise au point

Les journalistes de Saint-Martin se sont réunis la semaine dernière dans le but de réagir ensemble contre les propos de la conseillère territoriale Sylviane Judith, prononcés lors du dernier conseil territorial devant l'assemblée des élus. En réponse à ces attaques injustifiées, un communiqué a été rédigé, il rétablit le rôle de la presse et défend la liberté d'expression :
"Lors du conseil territorial du mardi 26 octobre 2010, Mme Sylviane Judith, conseillère territoriale de la collectivité, a tenu des propos irrespectueux et insultants à l'égard des journalistes de Saint-Martin. En relayant et analysant les différents propos des élus, la presse locale ne fait tout simplement que son travail. Et c'est précisément lorsque les journalistes ne peuvent plus faire ce travail d'information sans subir le courroux de certains élus, qu'un pan de la liberté d'expression s'effondre.
Lorsqu'elle évoque les tensions politiques entre les élus, la presse locale ne fait que refléter la réalité du moment. La presse saint-martinoise n'est pas le faire-valoir de l'Institution, n'en déplaise à madame la conseillère territoriale. La collectivité édite le mensuel institutionnel Point.Com qui remplit parfaitement cette mission.
Madame Judith a suggéré qu'il « faudrait vérifier le pedigree des pseudos journalistes ». Nous aimerions qu'elle précise son propos. La profession de journaliste est protégée et régie par des règles strictes, si madame Judith considère que certains supports d'information ne rentrent pas dans ce cadre légal et discréditent la profession, il fallait qu'elle ait le courage de les nommer, sans jeter l'opprobre sur l'ensemble de la profession. Sur ces faits, le silence complice des conseillers territoriaux nous interpelle fortement.
Nous sommes prêts à rencontrer Mme Judith pour qu'elle nous fasse profiter de son expertise en matière de politique locale, et de politique européenne.. Qu'elle se rassure, ses propos ne seront pas relégués à «la rubrique des chiens écrasés".
Nous assurons Mme Judith et tous ceux qui l'ont soutenue dans la rédaction de cette déclaration injuste, de toute notre écoute."

Les signataires :
FAXinfo - France Antilles - Insul'R – Le Pélican - Saint-Martin's Week - SMN-News - The Daily Herald

Philipsburg:--- President of the Parliament of St Maarten Gracita Arrindell announced at a press conference on Friday that the second meeting of parliament is scheduled to take place on Monday at the AC Wathey Legislative Hall.
Arrindell said the agenda points for Monday's meeting with be the establishment of the rules of order which was passed by the former island council and the election of a vice president of parliament. Arrindell said based on article 66 of the constitution of country St. Maarten gives parliament the rights to establish their own rules of order. Arrindell said that even though the island council has approved the rules of order and the current members of parliament did not have chance to go through these rules she felt obliged to have the members of parliament review the rules of order and to either establish them as is or to make proposals to amend these rules of order. The president of parliament said her intention is to install an adhoc committee who would be charged with reviewing these rules of order. She said the committee will then prepare an advice which will be sent to the Central Committee. She said once the advice is seen by the Central Committee then it will be forwarded to parliament to either debate or to be approved. Arrindell said the second agenda point is to elect the vice president of parliament which will be done by secret ballot.
Arrindell said even though they have to elect the vice president of parliament they are currently facing a quagmire since the incoming members of parliament are yet to be sworn in. Those members are Dr. Ruth Douglas, Johan Janchi Leonard and Roy Marlin. Arrindell said she is aware that the process has started since the main voting bureau has been established. She said she already signed off the relevant documents (the resignation for Rhoda Arrindell, Theo Heyliger and Sarah Wescot Williams) which were sent off to the main voting bureau on Friday morning. Arrindell said doing so means that there are three seats of parliaments that has to be filled.
So far parliament did not receive the credentials for the incoming members; however, she is expecting that the main voting bureau to respond shortly so that she could add the credentials as incoming documents for Monday's meeting.

Listen to the audio broadcast:

Philipsburg:--- The newly established parliament of St. Maarten has had at least three central committee meetings these past weeks. SMN News has been informed that five of the six members of the National Alliance faction have not been receiving their convocations to these meetings, thus they did not attend the meetings. On Tuesday SMN News was invited to take a photograph of the closed door central committee meeting and it was evident that only one member of the National Alliance faction received his convocation by email along with the parliamentarians from the United Peoples Party faction and the Democratic Party their coalition partner. When contacted on Tuesday leader of the National Alliance faction William Marlin confirmed that he did not receive his convocation from parliament and he was not aware that there was a central committee meeting. Senators Frans Richardson, Louie Laveist, Hyacinth Richardson also shared the same concerns saying that while the interim clerk has their email addresses they too are not receiving their convocations.

SMN News contacted one of the interim staff of parliament and we were told that those persons who are not receiving their convocations should send their complaint in writing to the president of parliament. On Wednesday, SMN News posed the same questions to chairlady Gracita Arrindell and she said that the convocations (hard copy) are placed in the letter boxes and that parliamentarians should check their mails daily to see if they have mails. Arrindell said the current parliament building is not fully equipped yet she and her staff are making an effort to work since they are all being paid to do. Arrindell said that during both meetings all factions were represented meaning that Dr. Lloyd Richardson represented the National Alliance even though he is not the faction leader. SMN News also learnt that the parliamentarians present during the meetings of the 15th and 16 asked Arrindell about the absence of the other parliamentarians and she told them that she did not receive any type of notification from the absentees. Arrindell in her response to SMN News said that the convocation was done on November 10 which confirms that they were within the legal time frame of notifying the parliamentarians about the scheduled meetings. She said even if though some parliamentarians did not receive their convocation electronically they could have checked their mail boxes for the hard copies. When pressed for answers if these convocations can be sent electronically Arrindell said parliament is encountering household impediments by not having adequate tools. She said unless parliament can get a scanner and other equipments which would allow the clerk to scan the convocations that bears her signatures to send it then they would have to make do with the hard copies that are placed in their letter boxes.
Arrindell was asked when the new parliament building will be made available to her she said they are expecting to have the building before December 15, Kingdom Day. Arrindell said when the new building becomes available they would begin public meetings. She was also asked if the meetings currently taking place are being recorded as stipulated in the law. Arrindell said the meetings are not taped but minutes are taken by the clerk.

Central Committee Meetings.

The chairlady told reporters that Professor de Boer was present during these central committee meetings and he gave the parliamentarians that were present information on the four draft ordinances. She said they are 15 draft ordinances but de Boer gave first hand information on the ordinances he drafted. Arrindell said a public meeting will be held on a later date on the same subject matters in order to give the public the opportunity to participate in the draft ordinances.

Philipsburg:--- In its continuous effort to educate the population of St. Maarten, the Chapter of Professional Young People will be presenting a lecture on the dualistic system of government.

This system is based on the total separation of the legislative (Parliament) and executive (Council of Ministers) branch in government. As citizens of Country St. Maarten we should all be aware of the structure of government after 10-10-10 and its implications.

The presenter of the lecture will be Mr. Dennis Richardson, former project leader of Constitutional Affairs. Mr. Richardson is St. Maarten's candidate member of the Council of State.
Make use of this opportunity to come out and inform yourself about the changes in government.

This event will be free of charge and will take place on November 22nd, 2010 at the Philipsburg Community Center at 7:30 p.m.

The objective of C.P.Y.P is to create awareness among the public of St. Maarten of issues affecting their daily lives. An informed people are an empowered and enlightened people. The Chapter of Professional Young People is looking forward to welcoming you there.

Maho:--- Dignitaries from across the Caribbean region gathered in the Royal Islander room at Maho Sonesta on Sunday evening for the official opening of the 10th annual general meeting of PANCAP. Several dignitaries that were expected to attend the meeting could not make it due to the passing of hurricane Thomas.
Speakers include Prime Minister of St Maarten Sarah Wescot Williams, the honorable Prime Minister of St Kitts Denzil Douglas, Mr. Michel Sidibe, Professor Michel Kazatchkine, and H.E Carrington the general secretary of the Caribbean Community with keynote speaker Kofi Annan.
Annan the former general secretary of the United Nations is known for his work and dedication in the fight against HIV/ AIDS. In his keynote address he urged nations to be more proactive in their fight against HIV/ AIDS and felt there is urgent need to fight against discrimination and stigma of the disease. Annan said while the PANCAP is a model for others to follow they were crucial in mobilizing a broad and effective regional response towards the disease, while their work has helped the prevention of tens of thousands of new HIV infections and have saved thousands of lives.
However, he made clear despite the accomplishments there is no room for complacency in the region since too many people are still getting infected and too many lives are being lost to the epidemic. He felt that discrimination, including the flouting of the most basic widespread human rights, is still widespread for those living with HIV/AIDS.
"While there have been real progress across the board, five more people still contract the virus for every two who start treatment." Annan said despite the efforts of PANCAP the Caribbean region has not been spared since they face the greatest challenge with the exception of the sub-Saharan African region.
There is an estimated 240,000 people live today with HIV in the Caribbean twenty thousand more are newly infected each year. The former UN General Secretary renewed his call for global common strategy to fight the disease with the underlying need for greater prevention and access to better treatment, gender equality and to put an end to discrimination to stem the tide of the epidemic. He said there is a greater need to build stronger partnerships between the stakeholders and government, including multilateral agencies, donors, philanthropic organizations and pharmaceutical companies, to defeat this scourge.
Annan said the infection rate has dropped by 17% worldwide since 2001 with over 5 million lives saved because of its financing of programmes. He considered the global fund to be one of the greatest success stories in the past decade. With the work of the PANCAP and the expansion of the antiretroviral treatment the annual number of deaths related to HIV/AIDS has dropped by 40% since 2000.
While PANCAP has identified the need for more approach in the fight against HIV/AIDS one, that involves greater participation of the private sector, vulnerable groups and NGOs.
Annan said women and girls are particularly at risk since too many women suffer from sexual abuse or they feel unable to insist on protected sex. AIDS he said is the number one killer of women of childbearing age. There is a need to empower women to speak up and to protect themselves and children, which can only be achieved through gender equality and enforce the discriminatory laws and cultural traditions. A known fact is that sexual minorities, drug users, and people infected by HIV/AIDS suffer from daily discrimination and prejudices discouraging them from seeking help and treatment.
In this region, as with many other places there remains widespread homophobia and violence against gay men. This is he said is not just a breach of their human rights but, by making it more likely they will engage in high-risk behavior, it impedes the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Punitive laws and policies that stigmatize particular individuals and block effective HIV/AIDS strategies must be rolled-back.

Below is the full audio of the opening ceremony.

Philipsburg:--- Nominations are continuing to pour in for the 5th Annual Crystal Pineapple Awards. The SHTA to date has received just over 40 nominations in the 16 award categories and as a result has closed nominations for most categories early. The SHTA is still, however, welcoming nominations for the following categories until November 15, 2010:

1. Rookie of the Year
2. Employee of the Year
3. Supervisor of the Year- Hospitality
4. Manager of the Year- Trade
5. Outstanding Employee Training
6. Outstanding Journalism

The St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association honors individuals for their outstanding performances. The organizing committee is calling out to the community of St. Maarten to nominate an individual or organization they know is truly deserving of an award. Click the 'Crystal Pineapple Awards' tab on www.shta.com to view the award categories and download the nomination form or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Nominations must be accompanied by a brief explanation of why the individual/ organization deserves the award and a picture.

Philipsburg:--- The Minister of Education, culture and sports Ms. Rhoda Arrindell has announced that she has ordered the Secretary General to lift the moratorium placed on the hiring of workers for her Ministry. Minister Arrindell said that after taking stock of the current situation, she has decided to lift, as of this Monday, the moratorium on the hiring of staff to allow for some critical functions to be filled.
The Acting SG has been authorized to re-open the process of recruitment and the vacancies that are considered of high priority will be advertised not only on the Government website, but also in the daily newspapers, in English, so that more St. Martiners would be able to apply for the jobs.

The Minister also announced at Wednesday's press briefing that the first phase of the familiarization exercise, which has been characterized by meetings upon meetings, is now winding down. She said she has met with the department heads of her ministry as well as the Acting SG in what you can call fact-finding talks.
Minister Arrindell said she was impressed by the open-minded and frank manner in which the discussions took place. She readily agreed that she has learnt a lot and is still learning more about the challenges the workers face on a daily basis.
Thanksgiving Service.
The Culture Minister said the annual thanksgiving service will be held on Sunday December 5th. The thanksgiving ceremony is to mark the official end of the hurricane season. Arrindell said the Ministry through the department of culture is working closely with the Council of Churches on the preparations for the multi-denominational Thanksgiving Service held traditionally in front of the Government Administration Building. The service will be followed by the Lighting of the Christmas Tree to usher in the festive season.

GREAT BAY:--- The Collective Preventive Services (CPS) is advising persons at risk to get their flu shot from their family doctor.

It is documented that one of the best ways to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, and people of any age can get it.

It can be a mild to severe illness which at times can lead to death. One of the best ways to reduce the chances of getting seasonal flu and lessen the chance to transmit it to others is to get a 'flu shot.' Other ways are to take preventive measures or good health habits.

The influenza vaccine protects against seasonal flu. Influenza is not just a common cold. The 'flu shot' is given with a needle, usually in the arm.

Like with all vaccines given, the body develops antibodies when one gets the flu vaccine. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the only viruses that the vaccine is made of.

Persons who are at risk and should take their seasonal flu vaccine include: person's 65-years and older; pregnant women, persons with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, and persons with immune compromised conditions.

Persons who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities and health care workers should also get their flu shot.

Good health habits that are essential and protect against the flu include covering your cough and washing your hands often which can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and keep your distance from others to protect them from getting too sick. Follow your doctor's advice; stay home when you are sick. It helps prevent others from catching your illness.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or cough in your elbow, when you need to cough and sneeze, it may prevent those around you from getting sick.

Germs often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Practice other good health habits such as getting plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids, and strive to maintain a nutritious diet.

Persons are recommended to check with their family doctor concerning the flu vaccine and any additional information that you are interested in receiving.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto signed a number of study assignment agreements with Sint Maarten students at the end of his working visit to Holland over the weekend.

A study agreement and employment contract was signed with Charna Pompier. Pompier will continue with her studies to get a Master's Degree in Fiscal Economics from the Erasmus University in Rotterdam.

The employment contract binds Pompier once she completes her studies to work with the new tax bureau for at least five years.

Janio Chayadi also signed a study assignment and an employment contract to obtain a Master's Degree in Fiscal Law, and five-year tenure at the tax bureau after completion of studies.

Philipsburg:--- Reliable information reaching SMN News states that the members of the United Peoples Party and their coalition partner the Democratic Party in parliament has agreed to appoint Amador Muller, former island secretary to the position of assistant griffier. The source said the Members of Parliament are expected to vote on this issue as early as Wednesday in a public parliament meeting.
SMN News learnt that while Cassandra Janssen re-applied for the position the two political parties finally agreed that appointing Muller will solve the current problems Parliament is encountering while it will end the conflict between the chairlady of parliament Gracita Arrindell and Janssen. The MP's are also expected to vote on the appointment of Franklyn Hanze the interim griffier for St. Maarten's Parliament.

PHILIPSBURG:--- President of Parliament Drs. Gracita Arrindell on Thursday got an update from the Ombudsman Dr. Nilda Arduin with respect to the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman.

Arrindell said that according to the National Ordinance Ombudsman, Government has the responsibility of making sure that the Ombudsman has an office and resources in order to carry out its responsibilities given according to the Constitution.

"We had a good meeting. Dr. Arduin has to present her formation plan and after consultation with her on the aforementioned, parliament will move forward in handling the document.

"Such an institution is essential in a good functioning democracy. I am looking forward to seeing the office up and running in order for the public to have access to such a critical and important institution," President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell said on Friday.

The Ombudsman according to the Constitution shall undertake investigations, if requested to do so or on his own initiative, into the conduct of administrative bodies of the Country and of other administrative bodies designated by national ordinance.

The Ombudsman is appointed by Parliament for a period of seven years and shall be eligible for reappointment on one occasion.

Philipsburg:--- The District Governor of the Lions Club 60B, Lion June McCatty from Jamaica under which the local St. Maarten Lions Club reports to, was very impressed with the work that the club has been doing under the immediate past president Lion Richard Panneflek and the present president Lion Lissandra Havertong.

The customary annual audit was recently done to gauge the functioning of the Lions and Leo Clubs of St. Maarten. "I see that the financial records are in order to the District and Lions International and also see that monies which are donated to the club along with monies from fundraising events are being well spent in the St. Maarten community in form of great projects" said District Governor McCatty in her address to the St. Maarten Lions Club general membership at the Holland House Beach Hotel.

The board and members of the club highlighted several major projects that the club produces such as the Nelson v/d Linde Senior Citizen's Party at Boo Boo Jam, Lions Health Fair, the 14 seat passenger bus given to the Crystal Home Foundation along with the other activities used to raised funds for the club. The major fundraising activities are the annual Christmas Bingo and the Valentine's Day Car Raffle while the club members were also very busy with hosting 400 Lions from across the region at the annual Multiple District Convention held in May at the Sonesta Maho Beach Hotel whereby coincidently the District Governor was elected for a one year term.

Lion District Governor McCatty was equally impressed with the work of the local Leo Club and applauded the younger generation for their commitment to the community as well in the audit. Leo President Sabrina Carty assured the District Governor that the Leos were appreciative to have received such glowing tributes from her and promised to continue working for the local community with her club.
After the extended audit and discussions on various topics of the local club and district, the club hosted a lunch followed by a gift presentation to the District Governor from all members of the St. Maarten club. Lion District Governor June McCatty is expected back on the island in mid-December to help celebrate 40 years of the St. Maarten Lions Club.

Philipsburg:--- A man identified as O.S.S from Spain had to flown out of St. Maarten for emergency medical attention reported police spokesman Ricardo Henson. The police spokesman said early Tuesday morning police and detectives were called to Kruythoff Steeg in Philipsburg to investigate a case where a man was found lying in a pool of blood.

On the scene the investigating officers found the man with the initials O.S.S. from Spain lying unconscious on the ground bleeding profusely from at least three very large wounds to his head. Henson said there was a piece of metal pipe with blood stains on it which was found in the immediate area of the crime scene and possibly may be the object that was used to commit this serious criminal act.
This piece of pipe has been confiscated for further investigation. The victim was treated on the scene by paramedics and then transported to the St Maarten Medical Centre where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.
Henson said because of the victim's condition a decision was taken by the St. Maarten Medical Centre to send the victim off island for further medical care.
So far police is not able to determine who the suspect or suspects are and their motive for the beating up of this victim. Henson said the forensic and detective department are busy investigating the case.

Philipsburg:--- In its continuous effort to educate the population of St. Maarten, the Chapter of Professional Young People will be presenting a lecture on the dualistic system of government.

This system is based on the total separation of the legislative (Parliament) and executive (Council of Ministers) branch in government. As citizens of Country St. Maarten we should all be aware of the structure of government after 10-10-10 and its implications.

The presenter of the lecture will be Mr. Dennis Richardson, former project leader of Constitutional Affairs. Mr. Richardson is St. Maarten's candidate member of the Council of State.
Make use of this opportunity to come out and inform yourself about the changes in government.

This event will be free of charge and will take place on November 22nd, 2010 at the Philipsburg Community Center at 7:30 p.m.

The objective of C.P.Y.P is to create an awareness among the public of St. Maarten of issues affecting their daily lives. An informed people are an empowered and enlightened people. The Chapter of Professional Young People is looking forward to welcoming you there.

Marigot:--- Territorial Councillor Jean David Richardson has issued a call to the people of St. Martin to rise up and take control of their affairs. Richardson who is obviously enraged at the current development where the president took away the portfolios of the vice presidents Tuesday night said the President has no regard for the elected body of the council. Richardson called the actions of President Gumbs dictatorship since he has no respect for the other members of the council, and acts only to further his own interests.
Richardson said while the majority has sixteen elected members but only five of those elected are making the decisions for the council. The territorial councillor said he wants the senator and president to remember the procedure they used to remove Marthe Ogoundele Tessi. He said he wants to know why that same procedure could not be used to remove Daniel Gibbs. Richardson said those deciding for St. Martin are enriching themselves since they are giving monies to people who are not doing anything for St. Martin and its people.

Richardson said the UPP group had a project that they all agreed to work on during their mandate, but three years have passed and most of the councillors have to no say on how the affairs of the people are conducted.
Jean David Richardson said those elected officials that are saying that they know about the Front de Mer project are liars. He said there were three projects that were presented to the council after a study was conducted. Richardson said the intention was to further develop the port of Galisbay to safeguard the economy on the French side of the island.
Richardson said the French side has to begin developing the commercial port to safeguard the economy on this side of the island.
Responding to the recent developments in the Collectivity of St. Martin, territorial councillor Guillaume Arnell said it is not beneficial to the people of St. Martin. Arnell said the motion on Tuesday night to take away all the portfolios from the sitting vice presidents was possible through the amendments done to the organic law in 2009. Arnell said the opposition warned the majority about the possibilities of giving the president "super power" where he would be able to give out responsibility by delegation. Arnell said this was not possible prior to the modification of the organic law, nevertheless the majority voted for it. Arnell said at this moment he is still trying to analyse what has happened because during the last territorial council meeting the president indicated that the time for battling should seize and the council should focus on what is essential. "Stripping the vice president of his responsibilities is an indication that the trust and confidence no longer exists."
Arnell said the work must be done on St. Martin and he wants to know who will now get these portfolios. "I want to know if they are going to give them to people who refrain from having responsibilities since there is only one vice president who does not have portfolios. My other question is would this person take up his responsibilities to the highest expectation?"
Arnell said St. Martin is stepping backwards with the current situation and a true leader would have called in his people and brought them to order. He said taking away ones portfolios is not a good image for St. Martin.
As for the Front de Mer project the first vice president Daniel Gibbs was promoting with the JUTRAS group Arnell said that while he does not have information on the group that was interested in investing. However, the French legislations made provisions for investors to justify their funding, but since the investors are Canadian then the process is somewhat different. Arnell said those people were acting like all other investors who have monies to place which will be to their own interest. As for the project he said the French side needs some investments but they must come with consultation and their proposal must be in dimension of the island.

State Must Investigate --- Mussington.

In the meantime, territorial councillor Louis Mussington said he does not believe this is the appropriate time for the majority to take decision against a particular person since it is not feasible. Mussington said there was also a plot among the majority to remove the president from his position. Mussington said the ruling party still has eighteen months in office and he felt that there is still enough time for politicians to campaign for the 2012 election. The territorial councillor said the island is in a crisis stage and he believes that now more than ever political leaders have pull their resources together and work in the best interest of the people. He said internal fighting takes away ones attention from the work they are supposed to be doing for their country. "Right now the island is facing economic, social and educational problems and he felt elected officials should place their energy in finding solutions to these problems."
Asked if he did any research on the JUTRAS group Mussington said he did not personally conduct any research but he is aware of a report that was published in Guadeloupe. Mussington said based on these reports it appears as if this group is not trustworthy and the funds they want to invest is allegedly not clean.
Mussington said he believes that the State must investigate all that is going on St. Martin through the "control de la legality". However, the State cannot step in unless there is a clear decision from the Collectivity. The territorial councillor said he asked on a number of occasions for this matter be brought on the floor of the council for a debate. He said it is clear that the State will not make investments on the island and if there are investors that are willing to invest then the COM must look at what they are offering and the origin of their funds.

VP Gibbs should do the honourable thing and resign --- Fleming.

Responding to questions posed by SMN News Senator Louie Constant Fleming said he does not know if the motion that was presented was on agenda of the Tuesday's meeting. However, he felt the procedure was normal since one cannot have someone who is holding important portfolios and at the same time campaigning against the president of the Collectivity. Fleming said the vice president was even part of a circle of people who are not from St. Martin who are trying to gather signatures to bring a motion of no confidence against the president.
Fleming said Daniel Gibb's behaviour is totally absurd and out of place and no one can tolerate people who come to the island and is taking its people for granted. He said Daniel Gibbs should be a man and resign and give up his portfolios. He said Gibbs can remain a territorial councillor but if he is going to campaign against the UPP group then he should give up his portfolios.
The senator said while he was in Paris trying to get the French Government to advance St. Martin at least eight million Euros so that the COM can meet its obligation there are people here trying to intoxicate the people of St. Martin with their two billion Euros project.
Fleming made clear that he is not against development on the French side but whatever development comes to the island must be to the benefit of the island's people. Fleming said the people of St. Martin deserve to have proper employment and not just "roommate jobs."
Fleming also made clear that the French side will not be competing with the Dutch side as they are not going to be building an international airport or a deep water port.
The objective he said is for the French side to buy shares on the Dutch side. Furthermore, the French side cannot have a deep water pier. He said he is in possession of a study that was done years ago which clearly shows that the only area that can accommodate a deep water pier is Pointe Blanche. The senator said based on this report Marigot Bay does not have sand instead it has coral.
Fleming said there are persons who filed complaint of treason against him and Marcel Gumbs simply because he met with Minister Theo Heyliger. Fleming said while he does not know who filed these complaints he knows that letters were sent to the Minister of Justice and the president of the senate.
SMN News urges readers to take the time out and listen to the interviews conducted on this issue.

GREAT BAY:--- Acting Head of Collective Preventive Services (CPS) at the Ministry of Public Health Maria Henry will be Sint Maarten's representative at the 27th Caribbean EPI Managers meeting to be held on the Cayman Islands from November 15-19.
The main objective of the meeting is to analyze, plan and share experiences on immunization programs.
Recommendations will be made for improving the coverage for immunization and surveillance activities. The introduction of new and underutilize vaccines and plans concerning data gathering on prevalence of circulating diseases will be discussed.
Conference delegates will also discuss the H1N1 vaccination program that was implemented in response to the pandemic and seasonal influenza; to analyze and evaluate the status of measles rubella and CRS elimination.
Delegates will also analyze the status of the EPI Program in each country and to set targets and objectives of each country with respect to immunization coverage and reduction of morbidity and mortality from the EPI diseases for the year 2011.
Henry, acting as EPI Manager will provide an overview of St. Maarten's vaccination activities for 2010 and the intended plans for 2011.

Philipsburg:--- The PEACE IS Foundation in collaboration with the Sunrise Rotary Club recently organized the "SXM Needs Peace Now" Essay Competition with the 5th & 6th Graders of The Oranje and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Schools. This competition, which was organized as a lead-up to the Annual PEACE IS Paradise Breakfast on St. Maarten's Day, was launched in late October. Students were challenged to compose an essay of at least 500 words on the topic "What would you do to increase PEACE in your School?" Prizes are being awarded for the overall top three essays.

The essay submitted by Angel Milliard from the Oranje School (6A2) was chosen as the top essay. Narkifa Richardson from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School (Cycle 2 3B) was placed 2nd and Alec Samaroo from the Oranje School (5A1) was placed 3rd. The students depicted various issues affecting their schools such as gangs, acceptance of each other, being nice to people and the need for better examples being set by Adults.

The presentation, on Tuesday November 16th, 2010 was held at the Education Dept with much excitement from the students, representatives from each school and members of the PEACE IS Foundation and Sunrise Rotary. The winner received a Nintendo Wii Gaming System and 2nd & 3rd place received gift bags filled with school supplies; the gifts were donated by the Sunrise Rotary Club. The full text of the winning essay is produced below.

PEACE IS Foundation continues to encourage our youth to resolve conflicts without violence and urge them to be Peacemakers in their schools and their community.

"What would I Do to Increase Peace in my school?"
Angel Milliard – Oranje School (6A2)

Peace is to bring a disagreement or war to an end.

My ideal peace school is to be friendly with each other and to stop calling each other names and have respect for the teachers. Do not mark up the tables, chairs, and the walls, and for the children not to destroy the books, tables and chairs as well.

To me what will make the school peaceful is for the children and teachers to be calm, and to be kind with each other.

To increase peace in my school, I would stop the fighting by having assembly every morning, and have group studies by putting those who don't like each other in the same group. Be kind to each other by sharing with each other and stop swearing. By sharing, I mean if someone in my class do not have something I will share with them, and for swearing I would encourage them to apologize by shaking hands, and saying "I'm sorry."

Some of the things that are happening around in some of the other schools are violence such as fighting. Children fight for several reasons which are: dislikes, group affiliation, or just wants to show off. Therefore, to avoid children behaving in that manner you encourage them to respect themselves first then others. That should have been taught at home and continued at school. Discipline, also should be started at home and carried over into school. Churches should also play a role, by installing God in their lives.

Another way of avoiding violence is by having after school programs and activities, not voluntary but compulsive which means "you must do one." By doing so you get rid of all the idle time the children have on their hands. In that way you might help solve some of the violence that is caused by the children.

Another one is cheating on their exams, by copying from one another while the teacher is not looking, or by having one of his/her classmate do his homework assignments for him or her. A next one is group affiliation; group affiliation is children of the same age group which associate themselves together, for some common goal. Such groups as the A+ students, then you have those who think they're cool - the trouble makers. In order to get into these groups you would have to do something good, wrong, or foolish to be part of the group. So your school knows which group you should be a part of that wouldn't make you do something wrong, because every wrong doing is a violation of school rules and society laws.

The reason why children or humans on the whole dislike each other is because we think and act, and behave differently. So that's why a child may not like another child based on the way he/she looks, speaks, or acts. Children show off to get attention, and sometime some of them go over board by trying too hard to impress their friends and end up hurting themselves or others. So there is a limit you should take it and beyond.

In summary, I could bring about peace by installing respect in our children from a very early age so they could grow up with respect, and not forgetting discipline which is very important, which is lacking today, in our children. They don't say "Good Morning", "Excuse Me" neither "Pardon Me", last but not least install God in our homes and in our children, in our schools and then we'll see changes.

At Oranje School we don't have much fighting; however, when we do, we try to settle it in a peaceful way. This is often done by taking the children that were fighting and sit them down and have a chat with them to hear both sides of the story to see what the problem was. Most of the time it is because somebody pushed somebody and they would get in a big fight, or one will call the other a name and they will start cursing. But in the end, we make them make up and shake hands with each other and be friends and set a good example for the young ones. So they would see not to fight and have peace with other children.

Philipsburg:--- Eight key travel wholesalers from Central and South America along with Copa Airline's Director of Distribution and Planning, LuisFabrega, have just left St. Maarten after an important destination familiarization (Fam trip). This Fam trip was organized and hosted by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau (STB) and made possible through a generous contribution by The St. Maarten Timeshare Association (SMTA).
SMTA Chairwoman, Mayra Provence said "It is important for us all to realize that the private sector must do its part, hand in hand with our Government, to make St. Maarten successful. We were pleased to partner with the Tourism Bureau in doing a small part in developing the Central and South American market for the island."
The wholesalers were on the island in order to help increase sales for the upcoming Copa flights. The countries represented were; Panama, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, Bolivia, and Costa Rica. Native Spanish speakers, SMTA's Mayra, and Ricardo Perez accompanied the group around the island for much of the time.
Complimentary rooms and breakfast were hosted by Divi Little Bay Resort. While on island the group visited a wide variety of hotels and timeshare properties where they were provided complimentary meals. Temptations restaurant and Pineapple Pete's also provided complimentary dinners in order to showcase St. Maarten's culinary attraction. Additionally, the Anguilla Tourism Board hosted the Copa group for a few hours where they visited a few hotel properties and were provided lunch.
Copa Airlines, which is scheduled to make its inaugural flight to St. Maarten on December 18, 2010, has already increased the size of the jet to service St. Maarten due to initial demand. Acting head of the STB, Gus Priest said, "It was up to all of us to make sure these new visitors go back to their countries to spread the good word about St. Maarten."

Philipsburg:--- Cassandra Janssen who is currently working with the council of Ministers has submitted a second application on Wednesday to Parliament for the position of interim acting griffier. Janssen withdrew her first application when she heard that the chairlady of parliament had no interest in working with her.

SMN News learnt that the coalition partners UP/DP held a meeting on Thursday to discuss the applications and Janssen it is understood is the DP's choice for the position since she had undergone over one year of training prior to St. Maarten achieving its country status.
Sources said the chairlady of parliament Gracita Arrindell has opposed working with Janssen whom she claimed is too bossy. Sources say Arrindell had serious problems taking orders from Janssen when she returned to work at the Island Secretariat.

SMN News learnt that while the DP faction is championing the hiring of Janssen in parliament the UP faction has decided to nominate another candidate, claiming that since Arrindell and Jansen cannot get along then the other person who once served as island secretary can take the position in the interim. This they said maybe in the best interest of parliament. SMN News further learnt that Arrindell suggested to the two factions that her campaign manger Terrence Rey should be the one to get the acting griffier position since he was brought in by her to take up the position. The source says both the UP/DP factions contested the chairlady's proposal saying her candidate lacks the required qualifications. "While her candidate maybe a good negotiator, campaign manager and business man he lacks the legal knowledge of the griffer and if Arrindell so wants him beside her then she can appoint him as her secretary." The source said.

GREAT BAY (GIS):--- The Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams signs a financing agreement with the Dutch funding agency USONA for the digitalizing archive for the Census Office.

Present was the Dutch Representative in St. Maarten Lars Walrave, representing the Dutch Ministry of Interior and Kingdom Relations.

This project is part of the Institutional Strengthening and Reinforcement of Government Administration program.

The goal of this program is to strengthen the overall execution of the processes within the Census Office by means of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

This particular project is to digitalize the archives of the Census Office.

The archives play an important part when it comes to the research of the clients and their ancestry.

When the archives are digitalized the research process will be shortened because the information can be easily retrieved.

The next step is to join this archive with the census office system (PIVA).

The staff members can then access the archive information from their workplace, situated in front or back office.

Within this project, the staff of the Census office will receive the training needed to use this system.

The total amount of the financial agreement is Naf. 450,000 Antillean Guilders.

The duration of the project is two years.

Philipsburg:--- The Police Force of St. Maarten is advising shoppers and visitors to the island to exercise caution during the Christmas season. The police has offered a some safety tips in order to combat crime and criminals.

Remember the 3 A's of Crime Prevention
1. Be Aware of your surroundings at all times.
2. Be Alert to suspicious people and vehicles.
3. Avoid dangerous situations.

If you are out for the evening:
- Turn on lights, radio or television so that it looks like some-one is at home.
- Lock all doors and windows well, even if you are just leaving for a few minutes.
- Don't display items where they can be seen from the outside.
- Park your car in a well-lit area and make sure all windows and doors are locked.
- Avoid carrying a large amount of cash. Don't flash cash around and carry it in a safe place on you.
- If you have to use the ATM-machine, pay close attention to suspicious persons hanging around the machine. If that's the case pass up that machine and find another.
- Carry all wallets in the front pockets and carry purses close to your body.
- Keep your children close to you while attending any activities and don't let them get separated from you.
- Pay attention to persons walking in front and behind you. (Especially in crowded places favourable for pickpockets)
- When returning to your vehicle or your home, have your keys in your hands ready to open the door.
- Before entering your vehicle, check front and rear and seats for any one that may be hiding there. Lock doors immediately after entering.
- Ask your neighbour to keep a watchful eye out for you.
- Drinking and driving is a danger to everyone. Remember that the risks of drinking and driving are not worth it. If you choose to drink, don't drive. Make use of a designated driver or public transportation. (Taxi or Bus)
- Make sure that you know where your kids are at all times and that they are safe.

Marigot:--- Friends and supporters of the First Deco employee Pascal Delalosa (44) who was murdered last Sunday night marched through the streets of Marigot on Saturday morning as they pay homage to their friend and colleague. Almost 400 hundred persons dressed in white for the "white march" in honour of Delalosa, a man they described as peaceful and friendly began around 9:30 from First Deco. They went along Rue Lowdown, past Marina Royale apartments where Pascal lived and continued through Marigot and out to the cemetery before returning along the waterfront to Hotel de la Collectivite.

Many persons dropped money into a collection box carried at the head of the march to raise funds to repatriate Delalosa's body back to France where he will be laid to rest. Marchers, many of whom carried photos of Pascal, stopped at Hotel de La Collectivite demanding to speak to President Gumbs who was involved with a wedding ceremony at the time. President Gumbs eventually came out to speak to the crowd but was met by an angry reaction as several emotional individuals demanded to know what was being done about the crime situation. When Gumbs emerged from the Collectivity he told the mourners that nothing he said could bring back Pascal, neither would it relieve their pain from the lost of their friend. The President said the COM is doing a lot to reduce crime but the State was also responsible. However, that did not sit well with one of the marchers who confronted President Gumbs with a photo of the late Pascal telling him that this is the third person in three years to be killed brutally.
The woman said you are in office three years now and this is the third time we are here marching in white when someone lost their life due to violence and crime. The first a white march was organized when Victor Vanier lost his life in fight on the Dutch side of the island, the second Nejumbia Fleming and her baby daughter were murdered in their home in St. James, and the third was to honor Pascal Delalosa.
Many felt that authorities on the French side of the island are responsible for the slaying of Pascal as he had alerted authorities about his fears of losing his life to the gangsters that loiter around the Marina Royale.

Marigot:--- The gendarmes are busy investigating an armed robbery which involved a money courier. While reports state that the courier is someone who visits the island to pick up money, SMN News learnt that the victim works with the local money brink.
According to well placed sources, the investigators are considering this robbery to be suspicious. On Sunday, the gendarmes called on the Dutch side police to block the borders to avoid the culprits escaping to the Dutch side, but no one attempted to cross the border. The source said the victim filed a report on Saturday claiming he was robbed. SMN News further learnt that a reporter was informed of the incident causing the gendarmes to raise the alarm of the robbery on Sunday.
In an invited comment, the commandant of the Gendarmerie Stephen Brunet confirmed the robbery however; Brunet said he is unable to release any information on the investigation. The commandant said releasing information on this case can hamper the ongoing investigation. Asked if anyone was injured during the alleged daylight robbery Brunet said that there were no injuries involved.
SMN News made several attempts to reach Prosecutor Jacques Louvier for information on this robbery but he did not answer his cellular phone.

Great Bay:--- Students of the Sundial School culinary program have been singled out for what organizers of the first Flaavors of St. Maarten Food and Wine Festival believe will be an "enriching experience" when the five-day festival starts on November 10.
"We cannot have an event like this without incorporating our youngsters who are aspiring to become chefs or who dream about owning and running their own first-class restaurants," said Director of Tourism, Regina LaBega who praised the enthusiasm and support shown by Sundial School Culinary Instructor, Bart Peut.
"He came on board with a lot of excitement and ideas about how the students could benefit from Flaavors and has been an integral part of the planning and preparations for the Festival," LaBega said.
Flaavors of St. Maarten Food and Wine Festival is an initiative of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau. It was created to establish an annual event that will help showcase the island's positioning as the "Culinary Capital of the Caribbean."'
"The diversity of our gastronomic offerings is one of the things that distinguishes St. Maarten from other destinations in the region. With over 300 restaurants, an average of about 10 restaurants per square mile, one can eat in a different restaurant each day of the year without repeating," LaBega noted.
"Flaavors is designed to bring together in St. Maarten some of the best chefs in the world along with some of the most critically-acclaimed wineries in the world, who jointly with the chefs, wine and food distributors, hoteliers and other stakeholders of the St. Maarten hospitality industry will help us celebrate the best that St. Maarten has to offer," she continued.
Flaavors will begin with grand champagne tasting with Iron Chef Contestant Marc Forgione at the Porto Cupecoy on the eve of St. Martin Day. There will also be celebrity cooking demonstrations at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and the Westin Dawn Beach Resort.
According to LaBega, part of the proceeds from the St. Maarten Celebration Dinner and Benefit Auction to be held on November 12, 2010 at the Westin Dawn Beach Resort will go to the Sundial School Culinary program. The school will also participate in the St. Maarten Flaavor Fest, a kind of food and wine bazaar, which will be held on the Boardwalk to bring the curtain down on the festival on Sunday, November 14.
"That is true," confirmed Bart Peut. "Our students will be cooking up a storm, alongside Holland House, who have graciously allowed us to use all their kitchen facilities for the Flaavor Fest. I urge everyone to come and have a taste of what these young St. Maarten students can do."

Maho:--- The members of PANCAP have been preaching since the opening of their 10th Annual meeting that one of the hurdles they need to cross is the discrimination and stigma against people suffering from HIV/AIDS. They said the time has come for countries around the world to stop criminalizing prostitution and homosexuality so that those infected would come to the forefront and receive treatment. Based on those sentiments SMN News interviewed the Prime Minister of St. Kitts Denzil Douglas on the role of the church with PANCAP.
The churches within the Caribbean nation are somewhat insensitive towards people living with HIV/AIDS over the years and the time has come for the churches to move from a state of condemnation to a state of realization says Prime Minister of St. Kitts Denzil Douglas. Speaking to SMN News on Monday the Prime Minister said that there are certain practices that people are engaged in and if they are not encouraged to protect themselves and the rest of society then they can infect others.
The Prime Minister said that PANCAP wants to work with the churches. However, they also want the church to understand that it is a reality that if persons are vulnerable and are not encouraged to moving forward to receive the appropriate treatment and protecting themselves and others then the HIV/AIDS disease would continue to spread.
Prime Minister Douglas said the churches also need to understand that the HIV/ AIDS disease is not a condemnation from God. They also must believe that all people can become engaged in practices that can cause them to become infected with the HIV/AIDS virus, thus they are seeking for the churches to work with them to tackle a major social problem which is no longer a health problem. He said HIV/AIDS can cause social developmental problem that can cause destruction of the human race. The Prime Minister said the church and society must work together if they are to rid themselves of this epidemic.
Asked if PANCAP has ever tried to reach out to the churches, the Prime Minister said he personally spoke to several church leaders who would engage him whenever he returns home from conferences such as the one taking place on St. Maarten. Prime Minister Douglas said he was even asked if he is supporting homosexuality and prostitution. He said he has explained on a number of occasions that this epidemic is not about supporting homosexuality or prostitution but it is speaking out as a leader of a country and organization against the spread of HIV/ AIDS and what needs to be done to combat the epidemic.
Asked if PANCAP is putting too much focus on HIV/AIDS while other deadly diseases and people suffering from those diseases are being neglected. The Prime Minister said it is his belief that people suffering from other diseases are getting the same attention and support as those with HIV/AIDS. He said they also believe that the church is right in preaching that sex should be avoided before marriage. However, the church also needs understand that even married people are being infected with HIV/AIDS. He said as much as they would want all human beings to be Christians and not commit fornication and adultery or have premature sex they have to live with the reality that sex is taking place and they have a duty to ensure that those engaged in sexual activity do what is necessary to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Prime Minister Denzil Douglas said that criminalizing homosexuality and prostitution drives people to further engage in these activities underground. Asked if he believes the attention given to HIV/AIDS has skyrocketed the cost for treatment. Douglas said that is far from the truth. He said PANCAP is the one organization that brought the pharmaceuticals together and forced them to decrease the prices for the antiviral treatment. He said PANCAP even threatened these companies that if there was not a reduced pricing for HIV/AIDS medication then they were going to boycott certain companies in different countries. He said he believed that due to the campaign against HIV/AIDS has caused the prices of medicine to drop which forced the pharmaceuticals companies to lose billions of dollars. He said however, that he believes that these companies would make more monies if they are to continue the research for a vaccine which would prevent HIV/AIDS virus. He said right now it's only those that are infected with the virus are using the antiviral but should there be a vaccine then each and every person would use it as a preventive measure.

Select the audio below in the list to listen:

Philipsburg:--- Police, Customs and the Coast Guard have arrested at least five Guyanese nationals, the captain and crew members of the New Beginning cargo boat that comes from Guyana with Guyanese produce for sale. The New Beginning has been on the island some two weeks now and they were stopped at sea by the coast guard and customs.
SMN News learnt that members of the crew on the New Beginning are suspected of breaking into at least three yachts that are anchored at the Bobby's Marina, while authorities found a host of stolen items on board the cargo boat on Wednesday and Thursday. SMN News learnt that police, custom officers and coast guards were busy searching the boat on Thursday afternoon in search of more stolen items.
According to management of Bobby's Marina the three yachts that were broken into are the "You Can't Believe It", "Winsome" and "Lucy 1." So far the items that belong to Winsome have been recovered on board the New Beginning. Items such as compasses, VHF radios, tools and marine electronic equipment were stolen from the yachts mentioned. Management of Bobby's Marina said they already made contact with the owners of other boats/yachts that they have in storage to see if those boats were also invaded.
SMN News further learnt that a security guard working at Bobby's Marina is involved in the robberies and selling of the items to the crew members of the New Beginning. The source said management of Bobby's Marina called in the Coast Guard to search the New Beginning when they became the most apparent suspects in the break-ins. They said the New Beginning had already departed the island when Coast Guards were called and asked to search the vessel for stolen items.

Prosecutor Rienk Mud confirmed the arrest of the five persons who are currently in the police holding cells as they investigate the case. Mud also confirmed that a lot of stolen items were on board the New Beginning which will be returned to the rightful owners. The public prosecutor's office he said is working on a settlement in which the suspects will pay a substantial fine before they are sent away with a ban from St. Maarten.

Philipsburg:--- SMN News has been reliably informed that a contract was awarded to a Dutch European company Volker Stevin to build the bridge across the Simpson Bay Lagoon. The source said that the cost of the contract stands close to 41 million United States Dollars and construction of the bridge will begin early next year.
The contract was signed by the CEO of the Harbour Holding Mark Mingo and representatives of Volker Stevin. It is understood that even though the harbor holding signed the contract with Volker Stevin the council of ministers still has to approve the contract.
SMN News learnt that three other companies submitted their bid for the contract at the Spetjens notary that includes Ballast Nedam, and MNO.
Reliable information states that Windward Road is the sub-contractor that would be working along with Volker Stevin. Efforts made to reach Deputy Prime Minister Theo Heyliger for confirmation on the information proved futile on Friday evening.

St Johns, Antigua:--- Entries are now open for The Caribbean Business Awards, the premier business recognition awards program for companies & individuals operating within the Caribbean region. Its mission is to recognize and promote business excellence within the Caribbean Diaspora, whilst generating public awareness of the achievements and positive contributions of organizations and business people throughout the region. Supported by the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC), entry is open to all businesses; it celebrates excellence, achievement and innovation in the Caribbean business world.
The awards highlight innovation and excellence within the business community, providing benchmarks for organizations and individuals seeking to excel in the way they do business.
The benefits of the awards are numerous;

• Provides insight into best practice initiatives within the Caribbean region.
• Allows organizations to demonstrate their progress within their chosen field.
• Highlights an organizations' excellence not just within their home country thereby promoting the organization and increasing business, but also within the wider Caribbean community and globally.

Award categories cover a range of business activities covering Management, Sales, Marketing, Customer Service and Technology and are open to individuals and businesses alike.

With specific categories tailored to both individuals and businesses, the Caribbean Business Awards provide an opportunity to raise a company's profile, enhance individual reputation and attract new business off the back of the great work companies are doing. It's also a fantastic way to profile an organization and individual achievements. All the categories are open to both the private and public sector.

All winners can receive comments from the judges about why they won which can be used in press releases and other marketing materials at no cost throughout both the Caribbean and globally.
Winners of the individual categories also receive a free 60 minute life coaching telephone consultation with a Business Coach to provide help and guidance on maximizing their success and using the Awards to develop their career.

Full details of the awards can be found at www.caribbeanbusinessawards.com, where individuals can also sign up for Caribbean Business Excellence the business best practice e-newsletter of the awards.

More information about the program and how to participate can be found at www.caribbeanbusinessawards.com.

Philipsburg:--- Information reaching SMN New states that the Minister of Tourism Franklin Meyers and his general secretary are busy seeking a candidate to fill the position of head of the Tourist Office now that Regina Labega has been sent home pending an investigation. Sources say one of the persons that might be appointed temporarily is Tamara Leonard a board member of the United Peoples Party. SMN News contacted the general secretary to the Minister, Miguel de Weever on the appointment and he said that there is no truth to the information. SMN News also learnt that the appointed head of the New York Tourist Office, Lou Peters was also sent home even though his contract has not fully ended. SMN News has been reliably informed that St. Maarten no longer has an office in New York since St. Maarten lost the location due to the amount of time it takes to renew the rental lease. Despite having no office space in New York, Peters is still in the USA and he was busy looking for an office space to rent the source said.
SMN News contacted Minister Meyers on Sunday for further information on the investigation taking place at the tourist office and Meyers said that he will not make anymore statements until the process is completed.
The Minister said this is not a situation he created but it is one he met when he entered office and one he has to deal with. "Obama did not start the Iraq war but as the sitting President of the United States he has to deal with it. My press release clearly states that this investigation began before the September and it was reported to the finance commissioner" Meyers said the media would simply have to wait until the process is completed before he makes anymore statements.
However, SMN News learnt that the finance department did uncover some discrepancies during the month of September and they promised to further investigate the matter and present a report to the former commissioner of finance and the executive council but that was not done prior to October 10 2010. The source said based on the discrepancies that were uncovered regarding the Tourist Office, the National Alliance executive council did not appoint Labega as General Secretary.
SMN News learnt that some of the discrepancies found are the amount of monies St. Maarten has to pay for its booths during the Caribbean seminars around the world. Reliable information states that other islands pay $20,000.00 for their booths while St. Maarten's government is charged $30,000.00 which is what created the discrepancy. Furthermore an explanation has to be given to the relevant authorities why the New York Tourist Office also has to pay travelling expenses for Regina Labega and Edward Dest while government gives them those allowances each time they travel. Another concern is that the representatives of the Tourist Office normally don't pay for their hotel stays and other expenses because on most occasions the visiting countries would provide accommodations as complimentary.
SMN News also learnt that the investigation which is headed by Bas Roorda still has to go to law enforcement. SMN News further learnt that government has installed a committee to investigate the discrepancies. Further meetings it is understood has to be held and a final decision still has to be taken as to how government will proceed with the investigation.
Prosecutor Rienk Mud said up to late Friday afternoon his office was not informed that government had filed an official report against the individuals are were suspended. Mud said even though the federal detectives (Lands Recherches) are the ones that investigate civil servants and elected officials the prosecutor's office is always notified.
Sources say if Labega and Dest can give proper explanation on the discrepancies then they will soon return to work, but if proper explanation is not given then Regina Labega and Edward Dest would someday have to answer to law enforcement.
In the meantime, Senator Louie Laveist has sent a letter to the chair lady of Parliament Gracita Arrindell informing her that he is requesting a closed door meeting of Parliament where the Minister of Tourism Franklin Meyers and his general secretary Miguel de Weever must attend to give the members of parliament more information on the suspension of two top ranking civil servants. Laveist said the two persons that were suspended are not politicians and as such he wants to make sure that there is no semblance to a witch hunt when it comes to civil servants. Senator Laveist said it is not good enough for government to dismiss or suspend civil servants with such vague explanation to the people while parliament the highest body in country St. Maarten was not informed. He said parliament has to make sure proper procedures are followed in accordance with the law. The senator said he felt this is a step in the wrong direction especially knowing that the two civil servants are high ranking. While the Minister might have solid and good reason to take the steps he took, he also has an obligation to inform the highest legislative body on these investigations Laveist said.

Philipsburg:--- Last week the fire chiefs of the Dutch Caribbean islands came together in Sint Maarten. These meetings are scheduled every six months. In November the fire chiefs of the six islands meet together with their Dutch twinning partners, alternatively on one of the islands or in the Netherlands. In May of each year the Dutch Caribbean fire chiefs meet on one of the islands with a representative from their twinning partners.
Sint Maarten Fire Chief Winston Salomon has been chairman of this group for the last two years, reason why this November the meeting took place on Sint Maarten. All chiefs were present with the exception of the Curaçao fire chief. Due to the flooding situation there his duties kept him home. As usual a representative of the Dutch Ministry of Home Affairs & Kingdom Relations also attending the meeting to update all concerned on the last developments at the ministry. Dordrecht Fire Chief Anton Slofstra attended the meeting as well. Sint Maarten signed the formal cooperation agreement with Dordrecht in November 2009, but the working relationship with the Dordrecht Fire Department and Mr. Slofstra in particular dates back to 1997.
Topics of discussion at this meeting were amongst others: Dutch Caribbean training & exam system for fire fighters, change of status for the islands after 10-10-10 and the consequences for the various fire departments, regional cooperation, protocol for mutual assistance, etc.
These meetings are considered very important for the fire chiefs. It gives them the opportunity to exchange views and ideas on common issues, enhance cooperation and keeping focus on the level of each fire department.
Since the tenure of Mr. Salomon as chairman ended in November 2010, the gathering elected the Aruba Fire Chief, Mr. Edward de Cuba as new chairman. The next meeting will take place in May 2011 on the island of Aruba.

Philipsburg:--- After severe insistence the members of parliament will be meeting in a central committee meeting to discuss the appointment of the general secretary that is proposed by chairlady of parliament Gracita Arrindell. Senator William Marlin informed the chair that it is not normal for parliament to discuss a person's appointment when they are taking part in the meeting.
Marlin said his faction has a number of questions on the appointment of the general secretary as well as the functions of the general secretary. Marlin said rather than having a public debate his faction proposes to have the discussion in a closed door central committee meeting and the decision taken in that meeting can then be ratified at a later date in a public meeting. The proposal from Marlin was seconded by senator George Pantophlet and also supported by senator Roy Marlin.

Marlin said their proposal is not to delay the process because the candidate is already functioning as such. Marlin said he has no qualms with the candidate and most importantly he worked with Franklyn Hanze in the parliament of the Netherlands Antilles for several years. He said if parliament is to follow proper procedures then it would not be right to have a public debate on his appointment while he is sitting in the meetings. Marlin said his faction also has questions on the entire personnel of parliament all of which will be discussed in the central committee. At that point, senator Roy Marlin from the Democratic Party indicated that their faction would concur with the proposal of the National Alliance. However, the chairlady wanted to adjourn the meeting so that central committee could be held. She told parliament that she wanted to make sure she had her 'right hand' on her side to move along with the people's business. Senator Roy Marlin then indicated that he would concur with the proposal of the leader of the National Alliance because should they enter into a central committee meeting then they would not have been able to deal with the election of the vice chair.

General Secretary (Griffier)

Based on the proposal submitted to parliament for the appointment of Franklyn Hanze as general secretary he will be receiving Naf. 11,210 per week. The breakdown for the weekly amount is as follows:--
Verblijf(housing) Naf:- 1474—
Car Rental Naf:- 546—
Food Naf:- 600--
Airport Tax Naf:- 120--
Ticket Naf:- 470—
Fee Naf:- 8000
Total bedrag per week Naf 11.210

SMN News has been reliably informed that the members of the National Alliance are concerned about the high cost of appointing Hanze while they are also concerned about his language barrier. Hanze is fluent in Dutch and Papiamento but has serious difficulty with the English language.
The parliament of St. Maarten will be conducted in the English language for the benefit of the people. SMN News learnt that the members of parliament believe while Hanze might be versed on the law his language handicap could work against him and the parliament of country St Maarten.
SMN News has been reliably informed that the former executive council had trained one of its own Cassandra Janssen who worked for a number of years in the island secretariat to take on the position of griffier (general secretary) but the chairlady it is alleged has refused to accept Janssen thus forcing her to withdraw her application for the position. SMN News learnt that Jensen trained in Holland and Curacao and she has undergone these trainings for more than one year. It is also understood that the chairlady of parliament is at loggerheads with Janssen as they both worked at the island secretariat.

Grand Case:--- Traffic backed up on the Grand Case RN 7 on Tuesday evening when a scooter accident occurred in the vicinity of the pharmacy. SMN News learnt that the rider of the scooter had to be transported to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital for treatment. The ambulance belonging to the Pompier that responded to the accident broke down on the spot creating a traffic jam. The captain of the gendarmerie confirmed that while the accident was not that serious the traffic back up was caused by the ambulance that broke down on the scene.

French Quarter:--- The French Quarter main road was a colourful spectacle on Thursday after the official wreath laying ceremony at the French Quarter border marking the celebration of St. Martin's Day. Thursday's turnout was the largest in a long time and it was clear the participants paraded proudly as they celebrated their day. The parade began in Bell Plaine while the delegates stood under a white tent in front of the Brooks Car wash. After the parade, the delegates were transported by bus went to the Thelbert Carti Stadium where the official ceremony took place.

Among the delegates celebrating St. Martin Day was former Governor of the Netherlands Antilles Fritz Goedgedrag and his wife.
Speakers include Minister of Culture and Education Rhoda Arrindell, Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams, President Frantz Gumbs, Senator Louis Constant Fleming, Walcot Richardson of Anguilla and Christophe Coelho of the Prefecture of Saint Martin.
Senator Louis Constant Fleming in his address notified the people that the French side has no intention to compete against the Dutch side. The mission he said is to work closer with the Dutch side who recently gained their autonomy. Fleming also informed the people that there are persons who filed complaints against him and Marcel Gumbs for treason simply because he and the president of the COM met with Minister Theo Heyliger to discuss areas of closer cooperation.
Fleming called on Prime Minister to allow the two sides to update the treaty of Concordia so they can better cooperate.

GREAT BAY:--- The Collective Preventive Services (CPS) which is part of the Ministry of Public Health, would like to inform the community that the Ministry continues to monitor the situation in Haiti very closely with the assistance of the family physicians and its weekly syndromic surveillance system.
Family physicians are on alert to report any symptoms of cholera especially of persons who have travelled to Haiti within the seven days of onset.
Persons who plan to visit Haiti are advised to delay their travel plans.
There have been more than 900 deaths and over 12,000 persons are ill or have been hospitalized.
Cholera can be found in Artibonite, Centre, Nord-Ouest, Nord and Ouest, and Port-au-Prince. The outbreak is expected to spread to other departments of the country. In response, international health experts have been placed in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic to deal with the situation.
Cholera is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated water. It causes severe diarrhea and vomiting that can lead to dehydration and death within hours.
About 75 per cent of people infected with cholera do not develop any symptoms, although the bacteria are present in their feces for seven to 14 days after infection and are shed back into the environment, potentially infecting other people.
Cholera is transmitted through fecal contamination of water and food. In places where there is infrastructure damage, the lack of safe drinking water and poor sanitation and hygiene can increase the risk of cholera, as well as numerous other diarrhea diseases.
Cholera is easily treatable, and if patients are given oral re-hydration salts promptly to replace lost fluids, and they can nearly always be cured.
In a small percentage of people, cholera can cause very severe dehydration potentially leading to death. To minimize the number of people infected, frequent hand washing, personal hygiene, safe water use and food preparation are a necessity.
By taking a few basic precautions, cholera as well as most other food and water-borne diseases can easily be prevented. The main rule is, always be aware of the quality of what you eat and drink when you are travelling to Haiti, however the CPS recommends delaying travel to Haiti at this point in time.

French Quarter:--- The suspect R.G.B who was arrested last Monday as a suspect in the murder of Clemencia Josi-anne Julot has been released. SMN News learnt that the prosecutor's office released R.G.B after the DNA results cleared him as being a suspect in the Julot murder investigation.
Sources say that the investigating officers even checked to see if they were going to get a positive match in other unsolved murder cases for all of which R.G.B was cleared. Relatives of R.G.B told SMN News that the prosecutor's even checked to see if R.G.B was linked to the Angelique Chauvire case.
They said R.G.B was cleared from all the ongoing investigations.
Prosecutor Rienk Mud said his office intends to send out a press release on the case on Tuesday.
It should be noted that R.G.B is the third person that was arrested and was cleared by DNA as a suspect. Two other persons, one female and relative of R.G.B and a male teacher were also arrested and released when their DNA did not match that which was found on the body of the victim.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto says that Sint Maarten is not looking towards Holland to subsidize its budget, and the country does not have any skeletons in its closet.

Shigemoto said that the meeting with the VVD Faction Leader Stef Blok which also included Vice Prime Minister Theo Heyliger, head of the Sint Maarten delegation, centered on the new status of Sint Maarten and matters related to the 2011 budget.

"Sint Maarten has a plan B which is being finalized and will be presented to the CFT Financial Supervisory Commission as well as the Council of Ministers of Sint Maarten and thereafter the Parliament.

"The message from the VVD faction is quite clear and that is that the country will have to solve its own problems which will require measures on our behalf to cover the deficit before December 15, 2010.

"The Vice Prime Minister and I are both very confident that the country can and will solve this problem which this government has inherited but it will undoubtedly require both cost cutting and income generating measures to counter the perceived deficit of Naf.130 million.

"After reviewing the CFT's advice in depth and concisely, we have determined that the perceived aforementioned deficit is lower due to the CFT double counting of expenditures in the Ministry of Justice as well as not accounting for income on the side of the Social Economic Initiative (SEI) projects.

"The CFT has also not taken into consideration the low projection of income for 2011 (based on the realized income up to and including the month of October 2010 which was not available to the CFT at the time they made and submitted their advice on the draft budget 2011). This will also be further elucidated to the CFT via letter," Minister Hiro Shigemoto explained in-depth.

Minister Shigemoto explained to the VVD Faction about the deficit of the 2011 budget as well as the two-pronged approach whereby Sint Maarten is coming with a plan to eliminate the budget deficit, but due to the current economic situation as well as the feasibility of introducing measures to solve the deficit which was inherited by the new government, the country seeks some flexibility based on the global economic reality which is not only being experienced by Caribbean countries, but also various European nations.

"We are merely exploring the possibilities of Holland allowing Sint Maarten in the interim some flexibility of the existing financial regulations which would allow the country in the short-term period to have a small deficit on the budget along with a multi-annual plan within which the country would have a balanced budget considering all of the surprises which were discovered in the Ministries which were neglected over the years by the former Netherlands Antilles Central Government," the Minister of Finance Shigemoto explained from The Hague on Tuesday.

The Minister of Finance also briefed Blok on the background related to the 2011 budget. "The present draft 2011 budget was submitted by the interim Executive Council which was in office for some five days. They met the draft budget from the previous National Alliance led-government which had not been submitted to the CFT upon the mutually agreed upon deadline of October 1, 2010.

"After a review of the letter of the CFT to the Dutch Kingdom Council of Ministers wherein it was heavily underscored that Sint Maarten's government at the time was not holding itself to important mutually agreed upon deadlines for submission of documents, the five-day interim Executive Council submitted the draft 2011 budget in order to meet the deadline," Minister Hiro Shigemoto explained.

Minister Shigemoto says that Sint Maarten doesn't have any skeletons in its closets. "Challenges were discussed thoroughly throughout the negotiations for Country status. The plans of approach (Justice and Census office) are all accounted for in the budgets 2011 and the multi-annual budget 2012-2015.

Minister Shigemoto concluded that the delegation headed by Vice Prime Minister Heyliger will continue with its program of visits and continue to work on fostering good relations with Sint Maarten's counterparts in this part of the Kingdom.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten delegation headed by Vice Prime Minister Theo Heyliger continued their introductory meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday making their rounds and establishing contacts with the Dutch political establishment.
The trip to Holland is to strengthen the relationship between Holland and St. Maarten and to meet the various political personalities in power.

Philipsburg:--- The long awaited Brooks Tower Accord decisions regarding residency and work permits have been made. Minister of Justice Roland Duncan has reviewed the policies that were set in place by the former Justice Minister Magali Jacoba and has decided to extend the BTA for a period of 6 weeks starting on November the 24th 2010 and ending on December the 30th 2010.
All interested persons must submit their documents for extension within the given time period.
The location where the BTA will address the public will be on the A.T. Illidge rd #4 located behind the Immigration building. (Pink Building)

Opening hours are from 8am 'til 12pm and from 13.00pm 'til 17.00pm. A numbering system will be applied (1st come 1st served system) with a maximum of 100 persons per day.
Applicants are urged to walk with all the necessary documents and legitimate identification to help the process run smooth and swiftly.
Persons who have pending problems with (certain) documents and will not be able to submit all the necessary paper work on time are requested to still seek contact with the BTA for perusal.

Philipsburg:--- As of today Chippie customers will notice an adjustment in the exchange rate applied when they purchase their Chippie credit. The exchange rate of $1 to ANG 1.80 which was applied previously will be adjusted to ANG 1.79. This change was made as a result of the BES islands being required by law to maintain the new exchange rate of ANG 1.79. Due to the Chippieland concept maintained by UTS for Chippie mobile service, this new exchange rate will also be applied in St. Maarten and Curacao. 'We had to take a decision that will affect our customers' purchasing power slightly' states UTS Marketing and Communications Officer, Ivy Lambert 'To make up for the adjustment in the amount of credit received we have scheduled more calling specials and promotions to ensure that customers get their money's worth from us. The first in the planned specials is a weekend-rate special on international calls over the holiday season. We believe our customers will appreciate such a promotion as we all call our friends and family abroad more during the holiday season.
The rate reductions will start this coming weekend and will entail a reduction of 50% on calls to most popular international destinations between the hours of 8 pm on Friday until 8pm on Sunday.' Selected destinations will include the USA, the Netherlands, the islands of the former Netherlands Antilles, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and a lot of other regional destinations. Customers can call the UTS Contact Center at 542-0101 to inquire if calls to their favorite destination are also part of the weekend rates special. 'This promotion is a taste of things to come to ensure that our customers continue to get the most bang for their buck when using Chippie mobile service' Lambert continues. 'We appreciate our customers' business and believe that we need to continuously show them that we value them as our customers.'

Philipsburg:--- Senator George Pantophlet is calling on authorities that handles the naturalization process to stop telling children or young adults that were born on St. Maarten to foreign parents that they are not from here. Senator Pantophlet said in a press release that there are a number of young people who have contacted him for assistance since they are stuck between a rock and a hard place based on the current naturalization process. The Member of Parliament said there us an epidemic of massive proportions brewing in St. Maarten and if it is not dealt with then there will be some serious social problems. Pantophlet said he is contacted frequently by mostly young adults who needs help regulating their status. He gave at least three examples such as case one regards an18 year old that was born on St. Maarten, attended pre-school, primary and secondary schools on the island. This person he said has graduated and has a valid residence permit.
Pantophlet said that according to one of the articles in the law to obtain a Dutch passport they can do so through option. But they have one problem they cannot prove where they were residing during one of their 18 years. At that time they were three years old. Because of this they have to go through the Naturalization process. The senator this situation has caused the person in question to become extremely frustrated and angry. As for case two he said it relates to a 19 year old who attended pre-school, primary and secondary schools on St Maarten and that person also has a valid residency permit. But the problem in this case is that neither can they prove where they were living during 1 of their 19 years. A pre-school where they attended was destroyed by fire. The owner has since moved to the Netherlands.
In case three, the person was born on St. Maarten 19 years old (of foreign parents) attended pre-school, primary and secondary school however, this person is having problems renewing their residence permit.
The senator said that there are many persons on the island living in similar situations. He said these youngsters finds themselves between a rock and a hard place.
He said many instances probably blame can be placed on their parents. However, that does not mean the youngsters have to suffer the consequences. He asked where are their rights? Most importantly he also wants to make clear that these young people are not going anywhere and they will plainly tell anyone that while their parents might not be from here they however, was born on St. Maarten. The senator said those persons who received a residence permit for the first time still has to wait for five years providing the laws on naturalization does not change before they can apply for the Dutch nationality.
The senator said he believes those applying the law should take each situation into consideration and not just an across the board decision for everyone. He said according to him the guidelines in the process should be used to help people and not hurt them. The senator also felt that St. Maarten has enough social problems and this situation is surely not helping the island. Furthermore the Dutch nationality remains under the Netherlands and he believes that it is time a closer look is taken at the criteria. St Maarten he said has become a country an integrated country where everyone feels they are part of it. He concluded by saying that the time has come to stop telling the children who were born here they are not from here.

MARIGOT:--- The gendarmes have arrested two suspects in the Marigot area early Wednesday morning suspected of being involved in the murder of First Deco employee Pascal Delaosa (44). Delaosa was brutally murdered close to midnight on Monday. A press release from the Gendarmerie states that despite first aid and emergency care the victim succumbed to his injuries. Furthermore, after an investigation on Monday and Tuesday, some 30 gendarmes were involved in searching two houses where the arrests of the suspects were made.
The suspects are currently being interrogated to determine their involvement in the murder.

Immediately engaged on the spot, the gendarmes of the company of Saint-Martin and of the EGM 12/6 of LODEVE deployed an important disposition of operational search aiming at arresting the perpetrators of this act. Those searches were not successful. Concurrently, the inquiry is carried out by the search squad of Saint-Martin. Up to the wee hours of the morning, the investigating officers, supported by a technician in criminal identification, engaged in operations of technical and scientific police on the crime scene. During the day of Tuesday November 23, the investigations enabled to identify two individuals likely to have taken part in the crime and revealed serious elements against them.
At dawn on Wednesday November 24, some thirty gendarmes belonging to the intervention squad of mobile gendarme squadron, of the surveillance and intervention squad of the company and squad community of Saint-Martin proceeded with the arrest of two individuals in Marigot. House searches started immediately at their homes. Presently into custody, they are questioned by the investigating officers of the search squads to determine the involvement of each in the act and examine the reasons which lead to the murder.

Wounded with lead shots in French Quarter.

On Tuesday November 23 early in the afternoon in French Quarter, a 29 year old man notoriously known to the services of Gendarmerie is wounded in the back with lead shots. He is transported to the hospital of Marigot for treatment. His life is not in danger. On the premises, the investigating officers of the squad communities of Saint-Martin and search squads proceeded with the verifications and undertook the first hearings. At the present state of the investigations, the circumstances of the shots have to be determined. The investigation is carried out by the community of squads of Saint-Martin.

Attempt at burglary in Mount-Vernon: a young man wounded with a bullet.

On Tuesday November 23 early in the afternoon at Mount Vernon, two individuals entered a house through an open window in order to commit burglary. After striking the homeowner's head with a bat, they are taken by surprise by the presence of a young man upstairs. A shot is fired, wounding the latter in his leg. He is transported to the hospital for treatment. At their arrival on the spot, the investigating officers of the search squad and the squad communities of Saint-Martin proceeded with the first steps of the investigation. The two individuals fled rapidly, a zone search control was immediately deployed in the vicinity of the residence by the gendarmes of the company of Saint-Martin and the EGM 12/6 of LODEVE, but the perpetrators were not found. The search squad in possession of the facts is going on with the investigation.

Philipsburg:--- Last week Ambulance Department staff which falls under the Ministry of Public Health was presented with diplomas and score sheets including certificates for the emergency driving course and the same for the emergency driving instructor course, in the presence of Minister of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus.
The emergency driving instructor course covered such areas as traffic laws, theory of education, participation in traffic, vehicle command and control, vehicle technique and test driving.
The general emergency driving course covered areas such as traffic ordinances, transport and administration ordinances, driving codes and driving ability.
Head of the Ambulance Department Cylred Richardson told the Government Information Service (GIS) that he was very pleased to see the growth and professionalism in the development of his staff.
"It is a plus for us to have our own driving instructors who are able to conduct general training including ongoing refresher training courses in an effort to keep staff up to par with the latest developments and to further enhance their driving skills.

"The Ambulance Department (EMS) will continue to improve its services to the community and provide the best quality in emergency medical services," Richardson told GIS.

PHILIPSBURG:--- President of Parliament Drs. Gracita Arrindell says that the Central Committee meeting of Parliament of last Friday, November 26 will continue on Monday, November 29 in public session at 3.00pm in the A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall.

The agenda point for the meeting is the selection of Members of Parliament (MPs) who will be representing the island on the Parlatino permanent committees.

A public Parliamentary session is also scheduled for Tuesday, November 30 at 3.00pm in the A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall.

The three agenda points for this meeting are incoming documents, the ratification of the advice drafted for MPs who will be members of the various permanent committees for the Parliament of St. Maarten and a follow-up with respect to the division of MPs to be members of the permanent committees of Parlatino.

Marigot:--- Independent Territorial Councillor Jean David Richardson has been elected president of the Galisbay port board. The election was held on Monday. Richardson confirmed to SMN News that he received five out of the six votes that were cast, while the sixth vote was blank.
He said first vice president Daniel Gibbs and vice president Pierre Allioti are no longer on the Galisbay Port board and that they were replaced by Dr. Louis Jeffry and Sylviane Judith. Second vice president elect is Dr. Jeffry. Richardson said independent councillor Remi Williams was the second vice president on the former board and he was the person that was to be the president but Williams he said has prior engagements which would not permit him to hold both functions.
In the meantime, the president of the Collectivity had said that he will not accept the resignation from Jean David Richardson because Richardson had sent his resignation by email. Responding to the president's remarks Richardson said that he sent his resignation to the official email of the Collectivity. He said the President receives his information from the State via that email which is fully legal based on the organic law. The territorial councillor said the president refused to stamp his resignation letter which was sent by email. Richardson confirmed that a hard copy of the letter was also delivered to the president of the COM.

PHILIPSBURG:--- President of Parliament Drs. Gracita Arrindell will be attending the state funeral of the late Prime Minister of Barbados David Thompson to be held on Wednesday.

Thousands of Barbadians are expected to pay their last respects to their beloved Prime Minister at Kensington Oval and line the route to St. John's Church in the parish which he represented in parliament for the past 23 years.

The President of Parliament will be leaving on Tuesday along with Minister of Education Rhoda Arrindell and her Cabinet Assistant Calvin Mardembrough.

The Sint Maarten delegation will attend the funeral service which starts at 9.30am on November 3.

Gracita Arrindell had the pleasure of meeting Thompson during the U.S. Democratic Party National Convention (DNC) in Denver, Colorado back in August 2008, where current U.S. President Barack Obama was nominated.

"The passing of Prime Minister Thompson is a great loss for the people of Barbados and the region as a whole. During his three-year tenure as leader of his country, he was an advocate for opportunity and prosperity for the people of his beloved island.

"We will be presenting a condolence book to the Government of Barbados on behalf of the people and Government of Sint Maarten. In the book we have messages from the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, from the Council of Ministers, members of Parliament and yours truly," President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell stated on Monday.

Prime Minister Thompson passed away on October 23 at his home in St Philip, Barbados, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 48 years old.

The Sint Maarten delegation will return to the island on Thursday.

Great Bay:--- "Tourism binds the Caribbean together not only as a destination, but as a single market: now we have to remove the roadblocks that make this so difficult to achieve. We can do so under the banner of the theme of this year's Caribbean Tourism Day, 'One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean,'" said Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications, the Hon. Franklin Meyers in his first Caribbean Tourism Day address.
"The whole region is known world-wide for this one economic activity which has impacted so much on our way of life as a Caribbean people," the minister continued. "It will be my policy to vigorously promote Caribbean tourism to our island in accordance with our shared vision of 'One Caribbean'", he added.
While noting that "the same sea that separates us is the same sea that unites us," Director of Tourism, Regina LaBega pointed out that "Intra-Caribbean travel has become at best an obstacle course which is not only frustrating, but annoyingly expensive."
"How can we lay claim to "One Caribbean" when it is far cheaper to fly to Miami from St. Maarten than to Puerto Rico that is literally next door?" she asked rhetorically.
LaBega listed the three main objectives of Caribbean Tourism Day as raising awareness among Caribbean people of the importance of tourism in the region; raising the profile of the Caribbean tourism sector in the marketplace and making us reflect on the invaluable impact of tourism on the socio-economic and cultural wellbeing of the Caribbean.
"If tourism is everybody's business, as we often claim in the industry, then as a people business, it should indeed unite us more, much more than as a brand that is meant to attract only the rest of the world, while our own Caribbean people are not considered part of that target market," LaBega added.
In his own Caribbean Tourism Day message, secretary-general of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, CTO, Hugh Riley, said: "The Caribbean brand is a unifying force. It celebrates the diversity of the four language groups and our range of cultural influences, while highlighting the elements that unite us. That's what we mean when we speak of One Sea, One Voice, and One Caribbean."
"We want the brand to transmit the excitement of this region and to represent the elements that make the Caribbean the world's most desirable destination," Riley added.
Caribbean Tourism Day is celebrated throughout the region on the first Tuesday of November each year.

Philipsburg:--- Several persons who requested a certificate of good conduct at the IND office on Illidge Road are still waiting for the certificates to be processed. SMN News learnt that while the procedure takes as much as three months prior to St. Maarten achieving its country status there are people waiting for the document for over five months now.
SMN News learnt that Curacao packed up all applications from St. Maarten for the certificate of good conduct and shipped it back to the island explaining that Curacao is no longer responsible for signing documents for the citizens of St. Maarten.
SMN News has been reliably informed that the department of justice just recently sent back a stack of the certificates to IND informing that the these documents can no longer be printed in the old format and that all certificates of good conduct must be printed on the new formatted letter head bearing the island's logo and coat of arms. The certificates of good conduct has to be signed by the Minister of Justice Roland Duncan who is currently in the Dominican Republic and his replacement Minister Rhoda Arrindell was also off island attending the funeral of the Barbadian Prime Minister. Normally one of the two Ministers has the responsibility of signing justice related documents. The source said Minister Arrindell was not supposed to leave the island until Minister Duncan is back.

MARIGOT:--- The Ministry of Interior Affairs has granted St. Martin its requested subvention of 671, 675.00 Euros for the camera surveillance project that the Collectivity of St. Martin is working on announced the Prefecture of St. Martin.

The Ministry funding commission reviewed some 29 security projects and St Martin was the second most important project. The aim of the project is to assist is crime fighting and crime prevention on St Martin the prefecture added. It is expected that the subvention granted by the State will be added with the funds accumulated by the Collectivity. It is expected that the project will soon kick off.

Grand Case:--- The gendarmes are busy investigating a deadly motor cycle accident that has left 19 year old Jason Nyuiadzi of Orient Bay Park dead.
Information reaching SMN News states that the young man along with others was racing along Grand Case road when the accident occurred around 6am on Sunday morning. Eyewitnesses say the young man's motor cycle fell in a ravine that was recently dug across the road by one of the cable companies.
On the scene there were several onlookers and firemen trying to revive the young victim but he succumbed to his injuries on the scene.
A press release from the gendarmerie states that the accident occurred at the entrance to Hope Estate and a pick-up truck was involved in the deadly accident. While the exact cause of accident has not yet been determined, it has been established that the rider was riding at high speed and he lost control of the bike. The gendarmes have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.
A relative to the deceased said the rider swerved away from a pick-up truck that was exiting the Hope Estate and while doing so he was hit by another pick-up truck. The relative who refused to go on the record and was extremely distraught at the loss said there are eyewitnesses who saw exactly what happened.

Philipsburg:--- While on St. Maarten for the 10th Anniversary Conference of PANCAP, St. Maarten's Minister of Health Social & Labor Affairs the Honorable Maria Buncamper Molanus paid a courtesy visit to Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
During the informal meeting the Honorable Minister took the opportunity to discuss ways of St. Maarten as a country truly giving meaning to regional and international cooperation. A topic referred to by many speakers during the opening ceremony of PANCAP. "While St. Maarten as a country certainly is in a position to be part of the regional and international communities and thus participate in conferences and discussions, the constitutional structure as part of the Dutch Kingdom still brings with it challenges as it pertains to taking advantage of the benefits, financial or others. Such an example is that of Caricom Countries having access to medication at greatly reduced prices, for the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients, while St. Maarten on the other hand, the melting pot of the Caribbean in which citizens of these very same Caricom countries reside, does not enjoy the same benefits. If we are to place the individual (in this case the patient) at the center of this discussion we will quickly realize that those who these benefits are intended for do not always have access. Having considered this to be an interesting argument his Excellency Mr. Annan committed to deliver this concern to the relevant offices in the UN in order to get the debate started and as such assist St. Maarten on it's journey to building its international relations. The former UN official invited the St. Maarten delegation to contact his office during their visit to Geneva where St. Maarten will be participating for the first time as a Country, as part of the Dutch Kingdom delegation to examine measures taken by the Dominican Republic, the Netherlands and the Netherlands Antilles, Sri Lanka, Switzerland and Uruguay to comply with the standards of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights".
"We have a friend in Geneva" concluded Minister Buncamper Molanus "and I'm looking forward to foster the relationships we have been able to establish just a few days into our country status".

The government must resist the temptation and reject the recommendation to sell large tracts of our lands to foreigners," says Hon. Eugene Hamilton.

Basseterre, St.Kitts:--- St.Kitts-Nevis Opposition People's Action Movement Deputy Political Leader Hon. Eugene Hamilton is summoning the government to discontinue the seemingly un-checked sale of government lands to foreign entities. The PAM MP made the statement in light of recent recommendations by the IMF board of directors which suggest that the government speed up land sales in an effort to pay down the massive national debt which currently stands at over $3 billion.
"The government should resist the urge and reject the recommendations to sell our lands to foreign entities," said Opposition MP Eugene Hamilton. "Over the last 15 years and in particular the last 4 years we have seen massive tracts of government lands, being sold to foreign investors at cents per square foot.

"Bradshaw and then Simmonds played their significant roles securing the land for our people from the colonialist and the slavish mentality of the Denzil Douglas led Government seems to be on a path of returning all those lands back to the colonialists ," Hamilton opined.

Hamilton further stated "If lands are to be sold they must be sold to our people not to foreign investors. Foreign investors, if they are truly serious about investing, should be willing to lease the land to construct their projects and properties rather than the government selling the people's land and eventually shrinking the opportunity for our children and grand children to own a piece of the rock."

In a recently released IMF Executive Board Article IV Consultation with St. Kitts and Nevis report the IMF Directors underscored the need for structural fiscal reforms over the medium term to underpin fiscal and debt sustainability. The Directors further stated that Given that fiscal adjustment alone will not be sufficient to achieve fiscal and debt sustainability, they encouraged the authorities to speed up land sales and to consider seeking financial support from multilateral institutions.

Thousands of acres of government lands became available after the closure of the Sugar Industry in 2005. Since then thousands has been sold to foreign entities including almost 300 acres at Lavallee and 400 acres at Kittitian hill .The Lavallee Project was first announced in 1999 and the Kittitian Hill Project in 2005. Neither project has gotten off the ground however the lands are in the hands of the foreign investors in both projects. In contrast CUOPM Press Releases of April 1 2008 and February 2009 indicated the allocation of less than 150 acres of lands for the purpose of cultivation by local farmers. In a statement made by Prime Minister Douglas in a news story published on WINN FM the Prime Minister stated that 70 acres in the Estridge, Phillips, Mansion and Old Road areas would be leased to small farmers to facilitate the expansion of their crop and livestock production. In the CUOPM release of April 1st 2008 it stated "A total of 40 acres of new land has been approved in these three areas, and another 30 acres in the Old Road area for prompt distribution to other farmers who have recently applied for land,"
PAM MP Hamilton expressed grave concern in the disparity in the amount of lands allocated for locals and those sold to foreigners. He also commented on the method of the land transactions.

"I must express concern and gross opposition to the government's land distribution and sale policy which seems to favour foreigners over hardworking local farmers," said MP Hamilton. "While less than 200 acres of land according to the CUOPM Press Releases were allocated and LEASED to local farmers almost 1000 acres was SOLD to foreign investors in just 2 projects during a similar period. This disparity is cause for concern for our people, " Hamilton maintained
"It must not be accepted by our citizens that Foreigners can own while the locals lease. In recent transactions Government has been offering lease arrangements to locals for an uneconomic period of just five years. That is a tragedy as it suggests that the Government is not serious about encouraging our Nationals to invest in businesses. Five year leases?," Hamilton orated
As outlined in the 2010 manifesto, the People's Action Movement's land use policy dealing with Foreign Investors is through lease arrangements
Hamilton went on to comment further on the IMF report , "The IMF report is a very sobering document and it clearly outlines how far into the depth of economic despair this Labour administration has driven this country, said MP Hamilton.

"Our Nation faces a serious problem brought about by a Government that over fifteen years has mismanaged the economy, wasted our scarce resources and bankrupted the country.Year after year deficit budget after deficit budget. There is no reason to believe that if we wake up every morning doing the same thing that we will see a different result. If anything is to change; if a new direction is to be followed, the Government which is the problem must be removed," stated Hamilton.

Philipsburg:--- The Central Committee meeting to discuss the appointment of the general secretary for the parliament of St. Maarten is scheduled for 2pm on Wednesday at the parliament building on Back Street.
SMN News learnt that an emailed convocation was sent to each of the members of parliament. Copies of the convocation were also sent to the faction offices where the MP's were asked to pick up their hard copy convocation.
During this meeting the proposed candidate Franklyn Hanze will not be allowed to participate in the meeting since the members of parliament already indicated that they have several questions that they would be asking pertaining to the appointment of the general secretary as well as his functions. Chairlady of parliament Gracita Arrindell had hoped parliament would have approved the appointment on Monday during the first working meeting. However, the National Alliance faction proposed that the agenda point on the appointment of the general secretary be discussed in a closed door central committee meeting.
Chairlady Gracita Arrindell in her proposal to parliament said the general secretary who is already working would be appointed in the interim for a period of six months. In the proposal submitted to parliament signed by the chairlady it states that Hanze will be receiving a total package of Naf: 11,210 per week. The amount includes housing, car rental, food, airport tax, airline tickets and his weekly fees.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Honourable Ministers of Finance Hiro Shigemoto and Vice Prime Minister Theo Heyliger, are scheduled to leave the island on Friday on a 10-day working visit to Holland.
The ministers will be meeting with the Dutch Minister of Finance, Minister of Economic Affairs, representatives of the Financial Supervisory body CFT, faction leaders in the Dutch Second Chamber of Parliament as well as the Minister of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations.
The objective of the working visit is to get acquainted with the Dutch ministers and other entities while at the same time building and strengthening the relationship between the countries of The Netherlands and Sint Maarten.
"It is an opportunity for us to foster the relationship that already exists within the Dutch Kingdom, but at the same time to network with the different entities in Holland and to get to know the political representatives holding office and vice versa.
"The Vice Prime Minister and I plan to appraise the ministers and faction leaders about various issues on the island and how we are dealing with them, especially in the area of public finance.
"This is one area of concern of Kingdom partner Holland, but at the same time, this area is also of great interests to us. As Government we have to allocate the resources and take the necessary measures to make sure that public finance is handled according to the principles of good governance and the rule of law which country Sint Maarten realizes are the fundamentals of democracy and of a good functioning state.
"Our discussions will also focus on the debt relief package for the island as well as the payment of the outstanding former Netherlands Antilles Federal Government invoices through the "vereffenings commissie" which still has to be established. Our representative candidate for this committee is Jean James.
"We look forward to sitting down with our colleagues and having productive discussions," Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto said on Thursday.
The delegation also plans to visit the offices of S4, the student organization that handles the affairs of Sint Maarten students in Holland. Both ministers are looking forward to informing students about current developments on the island since the attainment of country status on October 10 as well as what the future holds for the nation.

The Minister also added that he hopes to sign a number of contracts of persons who will work in the tax department.

GREAT BAY:--- In connection with World Diabetes Day that is coming up this weekend, the Collective Preventive Services (CPS) would like to draw attention to the fact that people with diabetes are prone to having foot problems, often because of two complications of diabetes.
Firstly, nerve damage and secondly, poor circulation. Nerve damage causes loss of feeling in your feet, taking away the ability to feel pain and discomfort, whereby one may not detect an injury or irritation. Poor circulation in your feet reduces your ability to heal, making it hard for even a tiny cut to resist infection.
Having diabetes increases the risk of developing a wide range of foot problems. With diabetes, small foot problems can turn into serious complications.
The Health Survey of 1999 indicated that diabetes and hypertension was a major problem on the island and that 28 per cent of persons 65 and over had diabetes and was in the top five chronic health groups.
Diabetes related foot and leg problems are infections and ulcer, sores that don't heal; corns and calluses; dry, cracked skin; nail disorders; hammertoes and bunions; charcot foot; and poor blood flow.
Proactive measures that persons can take to reduce complications are: inspect your feet daily; don't ignore leg pain; nail cutting; never trim calluses or corns; keep floors free of sharp objects; don't go barefoot, wear shoes indoors and outdoors; check shoes and socks before putting them on; and have your family physician check your circulation and sense of feeling.
The Sint Maarten Diabetes Foundation trained 23 persons on how to examine for diabetic foot. The foundation is reminding diabetic patients and family members to observe to foot of their family member on a regular basis and to carry them on a regular basis to their family physician for an examination.
Dr. G. Spencer's practice has provided the opportunity to create awareness about diabetic foot and is offering every Thursdays to examine persons with diabetes for diabetic foot. This is only by appointment, and persons can call 542-2391 to set a time.
World Diabetes Day is celebrated on 14 November to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who along with Charles Best, were instrumental in the discovery of insulin in 1922, a life-saving treatment for diabetes patients.
World Diabetes Day is part of CPS's calendar of observances where the latter raises awareness of diabetes and how to prevent the illness.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 220 million people worldwide have diabetes. This number is likely to more than double by 2030 without intervention.

PHILIPSBURG:--- President of Parliament Drs. Gracita Arrindell calls on the nation to use international day of tolerance to reflect on our national diversity, and continue to build on our unity as a nation.

Arrindell's comments come on the eve of International Day for Tolerance, observed around the world on Tuesday, November 16.

"Tolerance is a way of life and based on a diverse society, everybody should have respect for each others views. I call on the nation to reflect on our national diversity and the strength that it has given us as a nation.

"The International Day for Tolerance is a time for people to learn about respecting and recognizing the rights and beliefs of others. At times there is a tendency to articulate related to identity rather than opinions or interests.

"As a nation of diversity, we must strive to uphold the principles of tolerance, pluralism and mutual respect. We must be our brothers and sisters keeper, and speak up for victims of discrimination.

"November 16 is also a time to reflect on the negative effects of intolerance. Injustice, racism and unfair discrimination have a negative impact on society. As a nation, of more than 102 nationalities, we live together collectively, but must watch out for any signs of prejudice, ignorance and hatred.

"The basis for every healthy modern society must be dignity, equality and mutual respect of all men and women. This year for International Day for Tolerance, let us as a nation celebrate our wealth of diversity," President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell said on Monday.

In 1996 the UN General Assembly invited member states to observe the International Day for Tolerance on November 16.

Philipsburg:--- For the third year 12-Metres Challenge has welcomed the students of the SBO Maritime Assistant Course level 1 to experience their number 1 tourist attraction: racing against each other in America's Cup race boats.
In a 1 year maritime SBO program, organized by SVOOBE, drop outs from the regular school system are being trained to help maintaining boats and work in the touristic water activities on the island. This year 13 boys and 1 girl chose to enjoy this second chance. In September the first part of the training started with subjects such as social skills, basic calculation and swimming. Just before they can start with their job training three days a week, they will now experience the same exhilaration as many tourist do while grinding a winch and trimming a sail in a thrilling race against each other. For some students it will actually be their first time sailing.

Philipsburg:--- The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) is looking for a slogan for Carnival 2011. As is customary, the foundation has opened up the process of selecting a slogan to the general public. The person who submits the eventual slogan will win a season pass to the Carnival Village for Carnival 2011.
Submissions can be emailed right away to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. It has also been a tradition to have the slogan rhyme with the Carnival year. In other words, slogans mustrhyme with '2011'. Deadline for submitting slogans is December 1, 2010.
"Carnival is the people's festival and as such we seek to involve the community in all facets as much as possible," President of the SCDF Stuart Johnson said. "So here we are again turning to the public for a lively, catchy, short and sweet slogan for Carnival 2011. We hope to get a number of submissions to choose from. So spread the word, we need your help," Johnson said.
The slogan for Carnival 2011 will be displayed on Carnival posters, calendars, radio ads, website, Facebook page (currently being setup). "Our slogan helps to set us apart so make it catchy," Johnson concluded.

Philipsburg:--- The Zero Tolerance, Voluntary Korps and the Public transportation unit controlled a number of school buses on Thursday reported police spokesman Ricardo Henson. Henson said the controls began at 05:45 am in the parking lot of John Cooper Jose Lake Sr. Ball Park. The police spokesman said some 52 buses were controlled. One of which was towed away because the bus in question had no insurance and the driver had no driver's license. Police also detained one student while another was given a fine.

During the control some 23 pairs of scissors were confiscated, one pocket knife, three lighters, six bandannas or head ties, one pair of pliers, one eating fork, 12 afro combs, six styling combs and one sling shot.

During these controls the police noticed than several of the of the male students using the buses to get to school would wear T-shirts of different colours, such as red, black and green under their uniform shirt. These colours indicate which group of persons these students are a member of or they associate with.
The Police department is asking cooperation from parents and schools to inform their kids or students that they should wear only white T-under shirts and not of any other colour under their school uniforms and should follow all dress codes of the school they attend. In this way we will give the younger kids/students the right message.

Marigot: --- The confusion and misunderstandings between the first Vice President Daniel Gibbs and the Union Pour les Progres moved to another level on Thursday night when Gibbs resigned during an extra-ordinary territorial council meeting. The meeting which took place behind closed doors was called by the President of the Collectivity Frantz Gumbs to announce the decision taken by the executive council which is to strip Gibbs of his portfolios. During that meeting the president announced the decision he has taken and asked Gibbs to stay as far as possible from him. SMN News learnt at that moment Gibbs announced that he has resigned from the UPP group however, he will remain a vice president without portfolios.

Shortly after territorial councilors Jean David Richardson, Marthe Ogoundele Tessi, Remi Williams, and Annette Philips left the meeting.
They gathered for a moment in front of the Collectivity where they shared their grievances with the members of the opposition then left for the Galisbay port where they continued their meetings. SMN News spoke to the councilors who said they have had enough with the dictatorship of the president and the UPP leadership. Jean David Richardson confirmed to SMN News that a group of the elected officials who are part of the majority will be submitting their resignation on Monday morning to the President Frantz Gumbs. Those that are expected to submit their official resignations are Daniel Gibbs, Marthe Ogundele Tessi, Remi Williams, Annette Philips and Jean David Richardson. Should another councilor decide to follow Gibbs and his supporters then the current government will fall. Sources say that discussions are currently taking place with the other members who are also dissatisfied with the way the COM is being managed.

In an invited comment territorial councilor Jean David Richardson said that Thursday night's meeting was a disgrace to democracy. Richardson said he has serious problems with how the dismissal of Gibbs has taken place and he reminded the UPP leadership of how they handled the situation with Marthe Ogoundele almost three years ago.
The territorial councilor further explained that the president has five councilors making decisions for 16 persons. Richardson said to date he has not received any letters from the UPP faction stating what are the problems they are having with Gibbs. He further explained that the president has decided to give tourism to Dr. Louis Jeffry someone whom he said has no experience. "What is he going to do with tourism?" He said the tourist office was supposed to submit its financial statements before November 15th but up to now that has not been done. He said St. Martin is not a banana republic or a "piason" he said the Collectivity is dealing with people and their livelihood. He said the councilors are faced with a situation where they cannot discuss with their president and that he seems to have Alzheimer's disease because somehow he forgets that he is the one that does not listen or discuss with his councilors. Richardson said their intention is not to break the government but when faced with situations where the president is not working in the best interest of St. Martin, then a decision has to be taken.

A press release from Daniel Gibbs states that the president indicated to members of the council that he has lost confidence in him generally and that his decisions are based on their disagreements with the waterfront project.
Gibbs said Jean David Richardson intervened criticizing the way the Collectivity is being governed. The embattled vice president said he informed the council of the true reasons why the president has taken a decision to strip him of his portfolios and to reshuffle it among the remaining vice presidents. He said besides the waterfront project there are issues regarding the audit he asked for at Semsamar and the open conflict at the tourist office and most importantly the two headed government rather than a collegial or collective government. He said there are certain members of the council who are eager take over his portfolios. Gibbs said in view of the above reasons he has expressed respect for the population who elected the Union Pour les Progres on a program which he upheld, even though the ruling government has modified that program due to several ups and downs during the last three years. Therefore he has logically decided to resign from the UPP group. A letter of resignation will be sent to the President in the coming days.
The portfolios that were taken from Gibbs have now been redistributed to the following vice presidents.

PRESIDENT
- Economic strategy and interventions
- Emerging sectors, innovation and TIC
- Professional training and employment

• A mission entrusted to Mr. Arnel DANIEL: follow-up of the following
files:
- Agriculture, fisheries and stock-raising
- Public transportation and territorial continuity

• A mission entrusted to Catherine LAKE on economic interventions (AOT, Assistance to companies...)

VICE-PRESIDENT Claire GUION-FIRMIN
- Protection of mothers and infants (PMI)
- Social protection of children
- Senior citizens and handicapped persons
- Health of populations
- Housing
- Fight against exclusion
- Prevention of delinquency

VICE PRESIDENT Pierre ALIOTTI
- Territorial development
- Urban planning
- Road construction and maintenance
- Constructions of school and public buildings
- Natural environment and living environment
- Domain property
- Technical services

VICE-PRESIDENT Louis JEFFRY

• A special mission is entrusted to Mrs. Carenne Mills for the organization of certain events.
- Tourism
- Education
- Culture, Youth, Sports
- Associations
- District Councils
- Communication, protocol, events
- Spokesperson for the Executive Council

French Quarter:--- The gendarmes patrol recovered this stolen Toyota Corolla that belonged to Amencia Lake. According to Lake her vehicle was parked in the projects where she lives and it was stolen on Thursday night. The vehicle was fully stripped and parked beside a van on Impasse Adams Alexandre.

Philipsburg:--- In August the consumer price index for Sint Maarten decreased by 0.3 percent compared to June.

Over the period of twelve months ending with August 2010, average consumer prices have increased by 3.6 percent compared to the same period one year earlier.

This appears from data released by the Department of Statistics (STAT) today.

Price changes between June and August 2010.

In August, consumer prices in Sint Maarten were 0.3 percent lower than in June. The price index dropped slightly from 111.5 to 111.2. One must go back till December 2008 to observe the former price index decrease, when the price index took a dive of 3.9 percent, tumbling from 108.3 to 104.1.
Of the nine consumption categories three became cheaper in August: Housing (-0.9%), Food (-0.2%) and Beverages and Tobacco (-0.2%), whilst five became more expensive and one -Recreation, development and education- stabilized in price. The five consumption categories that became more expensive are: Miscellaneous goods and services (+0.7%), Clothing and footwear (+0.5%), Transportation and communication (+0.3%), Household furnishing and appliances (+0.2%) and Medical care (+0.1%).

Looking at remarkable price changes of specific products and services, five consumption categories stand out. This will be highlighted in the following, starting with the three largest consumption categories Housing, Transportation and communication and Food, which account for respectively 39, 20 and 10 percent of the total consumer expenditures in Sint Maarten.

Starting with the consumption category Food, especially worth mentioning are the price decreases of eggs (-22%), grapes, prunes etc (-14%) and white rice (-3%) on the one hand and the price increases of spareribs (+13%) and t-bone-steak (+12%) on the other hand.
Mainly due to the significant price drop of eggs, the food group "diary products became 2.1 percent cheaper, whilst the price drop of grapes, prunes etc. was the main contributor to the food group "potatoes, vegetables and fruits" becoming 0.9 percent cheaper. In contrast, the food group "meat and fish" became 0.7 percent more expensive, mainly due to the two price increases of meat mentioned above.

The specific product or service with by far the largest influence on the consumer price level in August in Sint Maarten is electricity, which became 7 percent cheaper. This price drop triggered the fall of "energy expenses", part of the consumption category Housing, with 6 percent.

In contrast, fuel (+4%) became more expensive, hence raising "the expenses for own transport vehicles" -part of the consumption category Transportation and communication- by 1.3 percent.
The consumption category Clothing and footwear was also characterized by an important price rise: men's shirts became 5 percent more expensive. This price increase was the main cause for the subgroup clothing to become 0.5 percent more expensive.

Last but not least, the consumption category Miscellaneous products and services was highlighted by the price increase of a men's haircut with 16 percent, hence raising the price of the subgroup "personal body care" by 2 percent.

Philipsburg:--- The surviving female victim, by the name of Maria Del Carmen-Ramirez, in the recent case of possible LPG-gas poisoning which occurred at their home at Brime road on Pond Island died last night in the St. Maarten Medical Center. The victim along with her companion by the name of Nando Muelssen who was found dead in their home on Thursday November 18th around 11.00 a.m. were both from the Dominican Republic.
The possible cause of death of the victims during the preliminary investigation was thought to be LPG- gas poisoning (cooking gas).
This assumption however turned out not be the case after an in depth investigation done by the Forensic Department.
The Investigation showed that the victims had died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. This gas was caused by a generator that was used the night before as an electricity supply for their building where they operated a small bar and shared a living area. The generator was running during the night in the enclosed building. This odourless and colourless gas seeped through the openings and cracks of the building finally reaching the bedroom where the victims were found.
The police department is hereby sending out a very serious warning to the general public informing them that they should avoid operating any type of gasoline or diesel machinery in an enclosed or unventilated building. The gases coming out of the exhaust of these engines are mostly odourless, colourless and very hazardous to your health and can lead to ones death.

Philipsburg:--- The parliament of St. Maarten has approved the hiring Franklyn Hanze for a period of six months as interim griffier to the president of parliament. The parliament also approved the hiring of Amador Muller former island secretary who would act and replace Hanze in the case of emergency. Muller who is already working for the government of St. Maarten will be paid Naf. 250.00 for every hour he works at parliament.
Parliament also approved that it will become a member of Palatino and will take part in at least eight committees.

Words like mistrust, having no time to waste and stop playing political games were freely thrown around during the parliamentary debate on Wednesday. Senator Louis Laveist was of the opinion that the ruling government in parliament had already nominated the members who will be sitting in the eight committees of Parlatino. Based on that assumption Laveist accused the chairlady in the opening session saying that parliament deviated from an agreement made a day earlier with the faction leaders.
Laveist later apologised for the accusations when he was given clarity as to who will appoint the chair and sub-chair of the committees that St. Maarten will partake of.
The statements made by Laveist irked his colleagues who fired off at him requesting that he tell them where was the mistrust since they were discussing the appointment of the griffier at the time. Laveist in his response said no one was going to use scare tactics to intimidate him when he poses question on the floor of parliament.
Senator's Lloyd Richardson appealed to the members of parliament to make sure they appoint those in parliament that can bring home the bacon in these committees. He also urged parliament to seek to foster closer ties with it the neighbouring islands which he felt will be more beneficial to the people of St. Maarten. Health care issues and the importance of having relations with Parlatino was brought up by Senator Roy Marlin who made his arguments based on a youth who was born on St. Maarten and could not get a travel document to seek medical assistance abroad. That child eventually passed away because according to senator Roy Marlin government's hands were tied and they were not in a position to assist the child.
Diversification of the tourism economy was also brought up in parliament. Senator Patrick Illidge felt that St. Maarten can buy land in the Dominican Republic for the purpose of agriculture and fisheries.

Philipsburg:--- The detective department recently received several reports of "pick-pocketers" roaming the streets not only in the Philipsburg area, but also in those areas where tourist frequently visit and where large crowds are gathered. Thus far two suspects involved in pick-pocket cases were arrested. The arrests of these suspects were successful due to the fact that in the areas where these acts were committed high quality security cameras are installed. The suspects were easily identified. The Police Department as a security measure recommends and encourage business and home-owners to also have high quality security cameras installed.

Police also arrested a robber in the armed robbery case at Cuchara Alegre which took place on in the evening hours of October 1st 2010. The wanted suspect was arrested by officers of the Zero Tolerance Team on Thursday November 24th. One suspect was shot by a former police officer during the robbery. The suspect with initials T.A.Y. from St Maarten for whom a warrant for his arrest had been issued was spotted by the officers on the Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard in the Vicinity of Sang's Supermarket.
He was arrested on the spot without incident and taken to the police station where he was handed over to the Detective Department for further investigation.

On Thursday detectives also arrested two young men both with the initials O.R. from St. Maarten. Both suspects are suspected of robbing a crew member of a cruise ship in port on that day. The victim stated that while walking with another crew member in the Sucker Garden area he was attacked and beaten by the two men and his gold chain was stolen from his neck. As a result of the beating he suffered a hematoma to the left side of his face.
Based on the description the victim and witness gave to detectives the suspects in question were arrested. Both suspects are in custody for further investigation.

The men in blue also captured two persons for being in possession of firearms.
On Thursday at approximately 06:30 p.m. while on patrol on the Little Bay road, a patrol from the Zero Tolerance team spotted a small white vehicle with license plate 144ZBG971 with dark tinted windows coming from the Fort Willem road. As the occupants saw the police patrol they started behaving quite suspicious. The patrol stopped the car in question to verify who the occupants of that car were. During the control of the car the officers smelled a strong scent of marijuana and noticed that one of the occupants had a marijuana-butt in his hand. During search of the car a ladies handbag containing a pistol and ten bullets were found and confiscated. Both suspects with the initials L.K. and G.J. denied having any knowledge of the weapon found. Both suspects were arrested on the spot and taken to the police station where they were handed over to the Narcotics and Fire-Arm Division.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Economic & Tourism Affairs, Transportation & Telecommunications Franklin Meyers, says he hopes to sign a cooperation agreement and protocol with Curacao concerning Civil Aviation services by mid-December. The legal staff of both governments will now come together to work out the details of the concept agreement.

This was the result of his working visit to Curacao last week.

Minister Franklin Meyers also met with the Curacao Civil Aviation Department last week for the purpose of obtaining clarity pertaining to which part of the responsibilities that the aforementioned authority will execute as well as what Sint Maarten will execute.

The concept cooperation agreement and the terms and conditions were also discussed at length.

A meeting was held with representatives of the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) for the Caribbean region, to discuss the possibilities of the UK CAA assisting the Sint Maarten Civil Aviation Authority.

Areas identified are capacity strengthening, execution of inspections, policy and legislative matters among other issues. Follow-up meetings are planned to see how the UK CAA can assist St Maarten despite the differences of language and legislation.

The UK CAA currently executes various civil aviation tasks and responsibilities for England in their Overseas Countries & Territories (OCT's) such as Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Turks & Caicos Islands, Anguilla, and Montserrat.

"We want to continue to assure the airlines and other stakeholders that our air traffic control authority is currently and will continue to operate and function according to international aviation treaties in order to ensure an efficient management of airspace in the North Eastern Caribbean," Minister of Economic Affairs Meyers said on Sunday.

Marigot:--- First vice president Daniel Gibbs whose portfolios have been taken away by the president of the Collectivity Frantz Gumbs has written a letter to the French Minister of Interior and Overseas Affaibrs Brice Hortefeux. The first vice president highlighted the crime situation on St. Martin shortly after the First Deco employee Pascal Delalosa (44) was murdered.
Gibbs said St. Martin is entering the 2010- 2011 tourist season and the people of St. Martin deeply regret the murder of one of its citizens which is added to a list that is already too long.
He said he took the initiative to write to you today (as I have committed myself in the local press) it is because Saint-Martin is dying and that none of the aspects of the modest collective existence does not reassure him. The notorious absence of security and the no less troubling increase of delinquency and crime appear in the forefront; criminal acts follow each other at a particularly disquieting pace. Aggressions on persons and (sometimes armed) burglaries are skyrocketing.

The first vice president said he is more concerned about the situation as they are confronted with a sleeping Collectivity who is leaving the State with the entire responsibility of maintaining order in Saint-Martin. He made clear that he does not subscribe to that theory and he already made requested that the numbers and the intervention areas of the Territorial Police be increased.

Gibbs said if I do not contest the responsibility of the Collectivity in its denial of reality, even though he believes that the State has its share in this matter. Saint-Martin is part of the Republic and must, in that respect, be treated like any other national territory in matter of security and public order.

Since the beginning of 2009, Frantz Gumbs has promised a video surveillance in the sensitive spots of the island. Nearly two years later, we still do not dispose of this device which, in his viewpoint, is one of the elements of a true political will in matter of security.

Gibbs said on the economic side St Martin cannot not overlook the crime situation since the island only source of income is tourism. Despite the silly remarks made by Senator FLEMING and President GUMBs. He further explained that St. Martin cannot afford to be blacklisted on the American blogs and forums.

Actually, if the death or injury of a tourist is not more important than that of a resident, each being absolutely as respectable as the other in times of misfortune, to these human tragedies is added an economic dimension on account of the negative impact they generate.

Finally, and correlatively to the direct and real damages caused to persons and property, the palpable atmosphere of anxiety and fear emerging from this situation, the media repercussions on the markets are truly a disaster for St. Martin's economy.

"You know it, the socio professionals have drawn the attention of State authorities for years, they took initiatives, proposed directions of action, participated in all the work sessions which took place on that topic, without the successive State authorities in Saint-Martin seriously considering the true measure of this question. It is true that we only had a sub-prefect when we were a commune and today as a Collectivity only a delegate prefet who does not enjoy the full authority of the prefet of a region. Yet, we are repeatedly told that those means are amply sufficient; it seems obvious that they are not! A denial of reality, I have already said, shared by the territorial authorities

Mister Minister, this letter is truly a cry of distress! I am appealing to your sense of Statesmanship and order, and I solemnly request that you give a special attention to the "state" of Saint-Martin in order to prevent the insecurity on the island to pull us down into a permanent economic and institutional collapse." The letter concluded.

...

GREAT BAY:--- The Civil Registry Department would like to announce that as of November 1, the Section Driver License will be open to serve the general public.

The driver's license will be printed in the original credit card format and carry the signature of the Minister of Justice of country Sint Maarten.

The office hours remain the same from 8.00am to 12.30pm and in the afternoon hours with appointment.

Management of the Civil Registry Department conveys its sincere apologies for any inconvenience that this may have caused.

PHILIPSBURG--- President of Parliament Drs. Gracita Arrindell would hereby like to inform the general public that the first public working session of the Parliament of Sint Maarten is scheduled for Monday, November 8 at 2.00pm.

The meeting will take place in the Dr. A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall in the Government Administration Building.

The two agenda points are the establishment of the Rules of Order for the Parliament of Sint Maarten and the election of the Vice President of Parliament.

The meeting is open to the general public.

Philipsburg:--- Police have arrested the messenger boy of Westin Resort who called police from the trunk of his car claiming that he was attacked and robbed by unknown armed men who locked him in the truck of his car before making their escape.
Police spokesman Ricardo Henson said that the detectives from the Special Armed Robbery Unit discovered some inconsistencies with the victim they identified as J.A from Grenada statements while investigating the case.
Henson said police confronted J.A with what they found and he later confessed to fabricating the robbery which he planned himself and he in fact stole the monies and checks given to him by his employers and put it to his own use. The culprit was arrested on the spot on November 1.

Philipsburg:--- The Honorable Minister of Health Social and Labor Affairs Maria Buncamper Molanus has been holding a series of orientation meetings with Department Heads within her Ministry. During these meetings the Government's declaration of cooperation forms an important basis for further development of policies and the setting of priorities. With the 2011 budget reaching its final stage the policies attached to this budget are fundamental instruments to be used in the decision making process in the coming year.

Pointe Blanche:--- A fight that broke out at the Pointe Blanche Prison has left one prisoner injured confirmed press prosecutor Rienk Mud. Mud said a fight broke out at the prison on Sunday afternoon and one prisoner was stabbed.

SMN News learnt that a host of police cars, medical personnel and members of the prison management were seen driving up to the Pointe Blanche house of detention to calm the situation down.
Director of the institution Rudsel Ricardo said that the fight broke out around 5pm. Ricardo said two prisoners managed to get out of a secured area and began fighting. The prison director further explained that the prisoners in the Beaver section managed to break down a wall and they too got out of the area and attacked the two prisoners that were fighting. Ricardo said while one of the prisoners were injured during the ordeal he was treated by the prison nurse. The police officers and the prison guards quickly restored order.

Philipsburg:--- Senator Louie Laveist has sent a letter to the chairlady of Parliament of St. Maarten Gracita Arrindell requesting a public central committee meeting to gather more information on the contract that was signed by the CEO of the Harbour Holding Mark Mingo and Volker Stevin on the bridge project.
Laveist said that members of parliament were not given any information on the bridge project yet the harbour management found it fit to make such a commitment with an overseas company. The Senator said the Minister of Harbour Affairs Theo Heyliger and CEO Mark Mingo totally disrespected parliament when they notified their French counterparts and they did not notify the highest legislative body about a project of such magnitude. Senator Laveist said he has no intention to be used as a government rubber stamp and those in government are in for a rude awakening if this is how they intend to conduct the people's business. The senator said should parliament reject this project then St. Maarten would have to prepare for more lawsuits. The senator warned that during these meetings he expects both the Minister and CEO of the harbour holding to come clean regarding this multi-million dollar project. The contract for the bridge across the Simpson Bay lagoon was signed on Thursday last week. While no publication was not made on the bidding process SMN News learnt that several companies were invited to bid on the project at the Spetjens notary.

...

Philipsburg/French Quarter:--- Officers from the "Team Grootschalige Opsporing" (TGO) RST and gendarmes went to a home in French Quarter on Monday morning and arrested a well known person as a suspect in the murder of Clemencia Josianne Julot. The individual in question is known as R.G.B who already served time in prison for murder.
Prosecutor Rienk Mud confirmed that someone has been arrested but the public prosecutor has refused to confirm the identity of the suspect. Mud said authorities are busy questioning the suspect and that his arrest was extended.
Julot's body was recovered on July 1 in Oyster Pond. While her body was recovered on the French side of the border the Dutch side is leading the investigation. Well placed sources say Clemencia's body had over 87 stab wounds when she was recovered and this is the reason why the prosecutor's office felt it was necessary to put a special team together to solve the case. Julot was a Haitian national who attended school on the French side of the island, she was also an employee of Blue Point. The young woman was on her routine morning exercise when she was abducted and murdered.
A special team consisting of 25 officers was put together to solve one of the most gruesome murders committed on the island. Even though St. Maarten recorded numerous murders many of which are unsolved this is the first time the TGO has been established.
The team investigating the death of Clemencia Julot consists of detectives from the local police force (KPSSS), the Recherché Samenwerkingsteam (RST), the Royal Marechaussee (both from Sint Maarten and Curacao), the police force of Curacao (KPC) and the police force of Aruba (KPA). This team works in close cooperation with the French Gendarmerie.

GREAT BAY:--- The Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a health authority body linked to the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, continues to urge the community to take preventative measures in order to avoid a dengue fever epidemic.

The increase in the mosquito population is attributed to the heavy rainfall the island has been experiencing so far for the year. Continuous rainfall is only making matters worse and therefore the CPS is appealing to the population to remove or eliminate mosquito breeding sites/places.

Decreasing the mosquito population calls for a combination of two strategies, firstly, the removal of breeding places and fogging. However, considering the environment and the life cycle of the mosquito (aedes agypti), emphasis is being places on the strategy of eliminating mosquito breeding places.

CPS continues to emphasize that home and business owners should check around their properties right after a rain shower and take immediate measures.

Dengue fever is caused by a virus, transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected aedes aegypti mosquito. Dengue symptoms include high fever, severe headache, backache, joint and eye pain, nausea and vomiting, and a rash. Once a person has developed a fever, the infectious period lasts for about a week. Most people recover without any complications, using pain relievers and bed rest.

Contractors on job sites are advised to take immediate steps by checking around the work site for containers and other items that could hold water. Check around for any stagnant water in yards that could become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

CPS strongly recommends that open lots owned by private individuals should be controlled by them and monitored for mosquito breeding. Overgrown vegetation should be cut away. If a mosquito breeding site is discovered, it should be destroyed.

Residents are therefore strongly advised to take action making sure that there is no stagnant water in their yards and roof spouts; and disposing responsibly old tires, empty drums, buckets, jars, birdbaths, boats, plant containers, paint cans and other items that can collect water around their homes and businesses. Wear appropriate clothing and mosquito repellent.

PHILIPSBURG:--- President of Parliament Drs. Gracita Arrindell announces that the Central Committee of Parliament will be meeting on Tuesday, November 16 and Wednesday, November 17.
Parliamentarians will receive a presentation from Professor J. de Boer related to the national ordinances leading to changes in the Civil Code of Law.
Some of the issues are labour agreements, inheritance law and paternity.
The meeting will take place in the conference room of the old parliament office building on Back Street at 9.00am.
Both central committee meetings are closed to the general public.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Vice Prime Minister Theo Heyliger and Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto on Monday met with VVD Liberal Party Faction Leader Stef Blok and member of the Second Chamber of Parliament Andre Bosman (VVD).

The meeting was of an introductory nature and an exchange of information with respect to how the island is developing since achieving country status on October 10.

The VVD members of parliament were interested in learning about the current situation of the Sint Maarten economy in light of the global financial-economic crisis and how the island is coping with this situation; the budget and how the country would deal with budgetary challenges in the future.

The Dutch Members of Parliament (MPs) also wanted to know from the ministers if the country would become financially independent from Holland in the future.

Vice Prime Minister Heyliger responded that Sint Maarten was looking for cooperation from Holland and the CFT Financial Supervisory Commission to have more flexibility as it is related to the stringent rules which would facilitate the development of a number of projects that would create employment on the island as well as economic activity.

An example of success was the harbour project formula which resulted in investments being made in many areas of the Sint Maarten community that have contributed to the improvement in the quality of life.

The VVD MPs were also interested in the justice system, immigration and government policies related to the environment.

Both Ministers conveyed to the VVD MPs that Sint Maarten also welcomes more Dutch companies investing in the island.

Accompanying the Sint Maarten delegation are cabinet staff members Veronica Jansen-Webster and Cleveland Beresford.

Philipsburg:--- The police have arrested at least 14 persons on Sunday evening. Five of which are suspects involved in a human trafficking ring. SMN News learnt that Errol Bowling, a well known taxi driver is also one of the suspects. According to well placed sources, Bowling was caught with nine Cuban nationals in his vehicle at the time of the arrest.
Prosecutor Rienk Mud said in a press release confirmed the arrest. Mud said in the evening hours of Sunday, November 14th 2010, acting on received information, the police arrested 9 people of Cuban origin who were illegally transported to St. Maarten.
The police also arrested 5 other persons who are suspected of being involved in human trafficking. One of these suspects is a taxi driver from the Dutch side.
After the arrest the house of the taxi driver was searched.
Police are investigating the case.

With all this lies, deceit and declines in the economic performance of the industry the country has to seriously review and analyze Minister Skerrits proficiency as a tourism Minister, particularly in light of his actions since this most serious incident," says Hon. Shawn Richards.
Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Richard Skerrit, has come in for further scathing criticisms in his handling of the recent tourist robbery fall out. This time from Senior Opposition Parliamentarian and People's Action Movement Deputy Political Leader the Hon. Shawn K. Richards.
Skerrit was blasted by Richards and labeled dishonest and hypocritical as Richards pointed to Minister Skerrits recent statement that his "NO COMMENT" stance on the tourist robbery issue was his policy regarding matters in the hands of the police, as the basis for his scathing comment. Richards referenced an incident that took place in 2009 regarding the vandalisation of an "It's Working" Tourism billboard where Minister Skerrit was quoted in a Press Release published on sknvibes as saying "This is an absolute disgrace. Whoever did this should be ashamed to call themselves Kittitians. This national campaign is designed to sing the praises of St Kitts and Nevis - for all of us."
In the July 2009 release Skerrit further stated "Tourism is fast becoming the lifeblood of this Federation. To burn these boards is an attack on the livelihoods of every decent citizen here; on our jobs; our economy; our entire society. This campaign is about Kittitian pride. Why would these people want to undermine our country in this way?"
The Release went on to indicate that the matter was still under police investigation.
During a Press Conference held on Tuesday, Skerritt confirmed that he did in fact give no comments to two news outlets that approached him. Skerrit said that he gave "NO COMMENTS" because it was his policy not to give comments on a matter whilst a police investigation is ongoing in said matter. However the actions taken by Minister Skerritt in the incident alluded to above and detailed and highlighted in the Press Release shows a stark variance in Minister Skerritts policy then and now. Hon. Richards however is of the view that Minister Skerrit was simply deceiving the country.
"17 tourists robbed and cruise ships pulling out and the best thing the Minister of Tourism has to offer is "NO COMMENT"," said Senior Opposition MP Hon. Shawn K. Richards.
"Minister Skerrits statement that it has ALWAYS been his policy to give "NO COMMENTS" on matters being investigated by Police was a blatant untruth as has been highlighted with the revelation of his comments regarding the vanadalisation of the "It's Working" billboard last year. He is deceiving the country, frankly speaking" said Richards. "When that incident occurred in July last year within hours the Minister came out in the strongest possible language to condemn the act and its perpetrators. Are political billboards more important than the 17 violated tourists, the livelihood of thousands and the very existence of our main economic driver Tourism?" Richards Questioned.
Richards joined colleague Hon. Eugene Hamilton in questioning Skerritts competence. Richards said "In light of the Ministers recent actions or inactions as well as his blatant lie to the country and or convenient memory regarding his personal policy Minister Skerrits competence and ability to properly manage our tourism product must be questioned. Just last week the IMF revealed that tourism has been on a decline in St. Kitts-Nevis since 2006. However the Minister has been telling us different. In fact he has questioned the credibility of the IMF. The IMF is one of the most respected and credible institutions in the world. With all this lies, deceit and declines in the economic performance of the industry one has to serious review and analyze Minister Skerrits proficiency as a tourism Minister."
The local or international press has yet to be given an official comment regarding the robbery by Tourism Minister Skerritt.

Philipsburg:--- The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) and the St. Maarten Hospitality &Trade Association (SHTA) met on Tuesday, November 16 to exchange ideas for the further Development of Carnival as a promotional tool and economic/tourism generator for the island. President of the SCDF Stuart Johnson was joined by Treasurer of the foundation Erno Labega and described the meeting as fruitful with a number of key issues being discussed.
"The SHTA should naturally be a partner for St. Maarten's Carnival considering the objectives and goals of the association. We feel that the relationship with the SHTA was in need of some strengthening and we were pleased with our discussions," Johnson said.
He continued: "It is no secret that Carnival generates visitors to the island right at the start of what is traditionally the slow season. Our festival has the ability to extend our high season with proper promotion, the use of technology and social networking and more. We wanted to hear the SHTA's ideas about all of this and how they think Carnival could develop and grow to benefit our tourism product in general. We took away a number of great suggestions."
Robert Dubourcq of the SHTA said: "The SHTA board members were happy to hear that the SCDF is ahead of schedule in the 2011 Carnival organization and could advise the dates April 25 to May 3rd, 2011. This could open possibilities for the Hotel Industry to come out with Carnival specials for fans." Johnson added that the SCDF hopes to meet again with the SHTA sometime before Carnival 2011 starts and after it concludes.

PHILIPSBURG:--- President of Parliament Drs. Gracita Arrindell calls the nation's attention to that "World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse," was observed globally on November 19.

The World Day, was initiated by the Women's World Summit Foundation (WWSF) in 2000, aims to create a culture of prevention around the world by encouraging governments and community/society organizations to play more active roles in protecting children.

Organizations are asked to focus attention and increase awareness and education about child abuse and violence toward children, to promote respect for the Rights of the Child, and to make preventing child abuse a top priority.

The WWSF reports that more than one million children throughout the world enter the sex trade each year. WWSF reached out to governments and other organizations throughout the world to form the NGO Coalition. The latter has committed it to creating a culture of prevention for child abuse.

"Children are very vulnerable. They depend on us to take care of them, to give them love and to protect them. Together as a nation we need to work together to create a culture of prevention.

"I call on the community to help protect children by reporting abuse. It is the duty of every adult to report known or suspected cases of child abuse to the relevant authorities.

"Each one of us, as they say, it takes a village to raise a child, well collectively we have a responsibility to protect our children from all forms of abuse. Educate yourself about abuse.

"Let us be mindful to love and protect our children and continue to guard and guide them," President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell said on Friday.

Child maltreatment includes all types of abuse and neglect of a child under the age of 18 by a parent, caregiver, or another person in a custodial role (e.g. clergy, coach, teacher). There are four common types of abuse: physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto and Vice Prime Minister Theo Heyliger over the weekend met with Sint Maarten students in an information session organized by S4 student organization.

Both ministers addressed the students by providing information about current developments especially since the island achieved country status on October 10, 2010.

Information was also provided about public finances, incentives policy, crime, immigration, employment possibilities for students who return to the island upon completion of their studies among other topics of interests.

Students asked various questions in an extensive question and answer session after both ministers completed their presentations.

Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto said he was very pleased with the outcome of the information session as it was very informative for the students as well as Minister Heyliger and himself.

GREAT BAY:--- Pelican Heart – An Anthology of Poems by Lasana M. Sekou was launched in Mexico at the 10th Conference of the Caribbean Book on November 11, according to the Mexican Association of Caribbean Studies (AMEC).
The poetry of the St. Martin author was presented formally by Dr. Margarita Espinosa, president of AMEC, and discussed before a group of scholars, experts, and university professors at the prestigious National Institute of Anthropology and History (NIAH) in Mexico City.
Dr. Margaret Shrimpton, a researcher and professor at the Autonomous University of the Yucatán, wrote the analysis of the book for the presentation, said Jacqueline Sample, president of House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP).
Specialists from Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Mexico, and the USA presented 14 critical and research titles thought to be important Spanish- language books about the Caribbean and Latin America published in 2010, said Sample.
While focusing on "recent publication activity and historical complexities of the Caribbean," panels also discussed the region's music and theater, stated Repeatingislands.com.
The company of presentations in which Sekou's Pelican Heart found itself included the new Spanish translation of From Columbus to Castro (De Colón a Castro: la historia del Caribe, 1942-1969) by Eric Williams and The Black Jacobins (Los jacobinos negros) by C.L.R. James – both world-class classics of scholarship and Caribbean history.
The Cuban literary critic and scholar Emilio Jorge Rodríguez, who has been busy introducing Sekou to Hispanic audiences, edited Pelican Heart. Each poem selected by Rodríguez from 10 of Sekou's books is translated into Spanish.
The Spanish name of Pelican Heart is Corazón de pelícano – Antología poética de Lasana M. Sekou. The 428-page bilingual volume was released here by HNP in 2010, said Sample. amazon.com, spdbooks.org, houseofnehesipublish.com.
The Conference of the Caribbean Book (X Jornada del Libro Caribeño), with this year's theme of "The Caribbean: History, Culture, and Flavor," was hosted and organized by NIAH and AMEC. The two-day conference opened at the Office of Historical Studies of NIAH on November 11, which is also St. Martin Day.

PHILIPSBURG:--- President of Parliament Drs. Gracita Arrindell announces that the Central Committee of Parliament will be meeting on Friday, November 26 at 9.00am in the A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall.
During the public Central Committee meeting, Members of Parliament (MPs) will discuss the establishment of permanent committees for the Parliament of Sint Maarten.
The four factions represented in parliament are expected to submit the names of MPs who will represent the Parliament of Sint Maarten on the permanent committees of Parlatino.
The Parliament of Sint Maarten will meet in public session on Tuesday, November 30 at 3.00pm in the A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall.
The four parliamentary factions represented in the Parliament of Sint Maarten are, namely the United Peoples party (UP), Democratic Party (DP), Independent Member of Parliament Patrick Illidge and the National Alliance (NA).

The three agenda points for this meeting are incoming documents, the advice drafted for MPs who will be members of the various permanent committees for the Parliament of Sint Maarten and a follow-up with respect to the division of MPs to be members of the permanent committees of Parlatino.

Philipsburg:--- SMN News has been reliably informed that Management of GEBE has suspended its customer care supervisor Hubert Pantophlet on November 10th. The source said Pantophlet had a confrontation with GEBE Commercial manager Steve Duzanson which led to the suspension. When contacted on Wednesday, Duzanson said he is not in a position to comment on personnel matters. SMN News further learnt that the confrontation had something to do with Pantophlet's time sheet.
The source said they cannot understand why the two individuals had to discuss this matter since Pantophlet has a department head who is supposed to be dealing with these issues and not the employee that is directly involved. SMN News further learnt that Duzanson has been provoking Pantophlet for very long time now and he used this situation to get at the long time employee.
Pantophlet has worked for GEBE for 32 years and according to a group of frustrated employees the management of GEBE is not doing anything that is beneficial to the utility company. "The management for the past four years has been acting on emotions and not the real issues that affect their employees and the customers."
When contacted on Wednesday Pantophlet confirmed that he has been suspended indefinitely since November 10th. He also confirmed that he will be taking GEBE management to court on the matter.

Philipsburg:--- On Thursday Police conducted controls on school buses, checking for weapons and other illegal items. this control took place at the Jose Lake Senior Ball Park in Cul-de-Sac. The controls started at 05:45 A.M. and lasted until 07:30 a.m. A total of 55 school buses were checked. The amount of items the students are not allowed to carry with them and that were confiscated has dropped dramatically. One machete and a knife were found on a bus coming from Dutch Quarter. Both weapons were confiscated.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Economic & Tourism Affairs, Transportation & Telecommunications Franklin Meyers, met with representatives of Curacao's Meteorological Services to discuss a draft one-year proposal for the rendering of services to the Sint Maarten Meteorological Services.

The Minister also discussed the seat that the former Netherlands Antilles had on the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and how St Maarten will be represented in the WMO in the not too distant future.

"Another issue we discussed is the costs related to aviation meteorology and what costs that would entail for the Princess Juliana International Airport.
"We are interested in a one-year protocol and cooperation agreement in order to ensure continued meteorological services, and I am hoping that the aforementioned can be signed by the middle of December.
"As a Government, we are taking these responsibilities very serious because we know what is at stake. I am looking forward to signing off on these agreements and putting our own infrastructure and resources in place within the short to mid-term," Minister of Transportation Franklin Meyers said on Sunday.
At the end of his working visit to Curacao last Thursday, Minister Meyers met with his Curacao colleague Minister C.F. Cooper.

Meyers briefed Cooper about his discussions and Cooper indicated his willingness for his departments to assist St Maarten in the continued spirit of cooperation and brotherly assistance as opposed to exploitation or seeking to gain from the relationship.

MARIGOT:--- The Gendarmes have arrested a 24 year old man and sent him to Basse Terre for allegedly trying to run over a gendarme during a routine control. According to a press release from the Gendarmerie, the suspect refused to stop at a check point at Rue L'Esperance on Tuesday night. The suspect they said accelerated his vehicle and almost ran over a gendarme. The officers immediately gave chase and captured the suspect in the French Quarter area after the suspect lost control of his vehicle and crashed it. The suspect was taken to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital for treatment to the injuries he sustained. While there he tried to escape but the gendarmes managed to recapture him. The gendarmes also arrested a man who is a suspect of the armed robbery of a gas station. The suspect was identified and arrested on October 30th for the offense he committed on January 13 2009.

Maho:--- The delegation representing PANCAP the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS have dedicated their services in making sure that persons infected with HIV/AIDS receives treatment internationally. Chairman of PANCAP Dr. Denzil L. Douglas told reporters on Monday that PANCAP will be putting in place universal programs for care and attention for all people infected with HIV/AIDS. He said the global fund was established to fight HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. He said appropriate programs have to be in place for them to utilize the funds that are now available to them. Another priority of PANCAP is to make sure there is no compromise on the issues of human rights. Dr. Douglas said on the opening night of the PANCAP 10th Annual meeting they contemplated on how they can have countries re-visit their laws that continue to discriminate against people living with HIV/AIDS. Dr. Douglas said while studying this topic they realized that revisiting laws will have political overturns but PANCAP has renewed its commitment in having these laws revisited over the next ten years.
Dr. Douglas said that while PANCAP has made significant achievements over the past 10 years their goal now is to move to what they have envisioned as achievable for the future and there would be no comprise on their endeavours.
The honourable Kofi Annan said they looked at the progress made by PANCAP thus far and the challenges they faced and those they need to prepare for in the future. Annan said there is a need for greater partnership especially when one faces such an epidemic. PANCAP he said is already struggling to get the needed resources thus they are working in partnership to pool their efforts to have a greater impact on the issues they are faced with. The former general secretary of United Nations said he is happy to hear that PANCAP will focus on removing the discriminatory laws that are against people living with HIV/AIDS. He said he believes such laws must be done as quickly as possible. Annan said as they move forward there would be need for greater leadership and creativity. This epidemic needs people who are willing to get up and fight each day until help can reach each and every person that is infected with the disease.
Dr. Michel Kazatchkine said PANCAP will face difficulty achieving funds due to the global financial crisis. He said they have to now find ways to maintain their services with less resources, however, he sees this as a major challenge for PANCAP's programs sustainability. Kazatchkine said it is important for them to pay much attention to sustainability in the region especially since they have resources through the global fund to ensure treatment is guaranteed. PANCAP he said has to make sure they maximise their returns on the investments they make. Already he said the progress is evident in this region especially since they are reducing the death rate by 40% while 51% of the people living with HIV/AIDS have access to treatment. The future achievement for PANCAP is for them to get virtual elimination from mother to child. He said right now there are only seven cases where mothers virtually infected their child and that can be eliminated. Another major challenge for PANCAP is how to reduce newly infected persons. PANCAP he said has to find ways to engage the younger generation into safer and protected sex and to reduce violence against women. He said they also have to find ways to empower young girls if they are to reduce the amount of newly infected. PANCAP he said has to find ways of removing punitive laws against homosexuality and prostitution. He said another area that has to be watched carefully is drug use since it is growing in the Caribbean region. These are areas he said are critical and they must be concentrated upon if they are to control the epidemic in the region.
The following is the audio of the press conference on Monday.

Select the audio below in the list to listen:

Philipsburg:--- The Rotary clubs on both sides of the island has organized a musical concert to be held on Saturday November 13 at the Westin Resort. The concert entitled the Music Magic will feature a musical extravaganza with pianist Danny White and other local artists such as Connis Vanterpool, and the vocal Dread.
Rotarians Fred van der Peijl, Louis Wever, Sally Jasmine, John Berglund and Kishore Idnani told reporters on Wednesday at a press conference that the four rotary clubs have come together to work on projects to benefit the youths on both sides of the island. They said the projects they are currently trying to finance are the building and furnishing of a kitchen for the Belvedere Community Center and providing computers for the computer lab at the Lycee Polyvalent School. The clubs that are involved in the fundraising are the Rotary Club St Maarten Sunrise, Rotary Club St Maarten Mid Isle, Rotary Club St Martin, and the Rotary Club St Martin North.
President of the Rotary St Maarten Mid Isle said this is the first time the rotary clubs on the island have come together to work on projects that would benefit the youths on both sides of the island. He said while everyone will be celebrating St Maarten/St Martin Day the Rotary Clubs have decided to bring themselves together to work in the interest of the island's youth to show there is unity on St. Maarten/St Martin.
Kishore Idnani said while the Rotary is a worldwide organization with 1.2 million Rotarians while there are four clubs on the island. The fundraising event he said is a joint venture that will benefit children across the border. The aim he said is to show that all the clubs are one as a well as the people on the island are one. Sally Jasmine of the St. Martin North said the musical concert is an exceptional event especially for the French side of the island. Jasmine said the aim to keep the youths busy and to make sure the students attending the Lycee would get the necessary tools to complete their education at that learning institution. The Rotarian said her mission is to help the afternoon school program which takes place on Wednesday's and weekends. Youths today are tomorrow's adults and it is necessary to make sure these future adults are fully equipped. Jasmine said while everyone is speaking about the youths, the Rotary is busy working to provide for the youths and the community in general.
Coordinator of the show John Berglund said Danny Wright is a highly regarded pianist who has sold over 4 million copies of his CDs while he was named by the Billboard Magazine as one of America's top ten. He said Wright has agreed to come to St. Maarten to donate his time for the fundraising geared at helping the island's youths. Already Wright is working closely with two of the island's local artists Connis Vanterpool and Rabbi also on the program is a special guest whose name would only be released on the night of the concert. That evening there would also be a silent bidding for special items such as the island most expensive bottle of perfume with a half karat diamond inside the bottle. The items on bid can be used for Christmas gift items.
The trio will be playing on the morning of November 13th at the Belair community center strictly for rotaract children free of cost while the fundraising will be held in the evening at the Westin Resort.
Tickets are sold at $50.00 per ticket tables are also sold at $1000.00. Also on sale are autographed CDs from the artists.

Listen to the interview below: (select Rotary Club)

"The Federations sad state of economic affairs has more to do with the leadership of the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Douglas than any global economic crisis," says Hon. Shawn .K Richards

Basseterre:----On July 7, 2010, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with St. Kitts and Nevis. In an effort to promote transparency of the IMF's views and analysis of economic developments and policies of respective countries, the organization issues Public Information Notices which are essentially reports or a summary of the findings of the consultations of the respective economy's.

The IMF's Public Information Notice painted a very bleak picture of the economic outlook of the federation. The IMF consultation revealed that economic activity sharply contracted by 5.5% in 2009. According to the IMF consultation summary the significant decline in economic activity was as a result of sharp declines in tourism and tourism-related activities. The report further stated that the projected output for 2010 will again show a significant decline and is expected to remain in a depressed state over the medium term or 3 to 5 years.
The IMF also stated that the federation's fiscal situation has deteriorated significantly and the public debt has increased by 15 percentage points in 2009 to 185% of GDP making the federation one of the most indebted countries in the world.

People's Action Movement Deputy Political Leader and Senior Opposition MP Hon. Shawn .K Richards expressed grave concern over the country's bleak economic prospects and laid the blame squarely at the feet of Minister of Finance, Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas

"The IMF consultation report has only confirmed what we already know and that is our country is in a very sad state state of affairs economically and otherwise. And this sad state of affairs has more to do with the leadership and management of the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Denzil Douglas and the labor administration than any global economic crisis. I rest the blame and ultimate responsibility of the federation's current economic state squarely at the feet of the Prime Minister," said Senior Opposition MP Hon. Shawn K. Richards.
"The report further highlights the fact that the Prime Minister and the labor party mislead the country when it proclaimed that everything including the economy, tourism and agriculture was working and this report clearly shows otherwise," Richards continued.
The IMF in its report recommended that in order for the government to improve the country's economic outlook it has to undertake the implementation of a combination of revenue and expenditure measures. Among the measures recommended is the prioritization of Capital expenditure which was also a recommendation indicated by the Opposition People's Action Movement in a Press Conference held earlier this week.
The IMF Directors described the federation as a tourism dependant highly-indebted country with an extremely challenging and bleak economic outlook.

Philipsburg:--- The detective department is busy investigating the death of a man identified as Sainz Sierra from Spain who was found in a pool of blood on Kruythoff Steeg Philipsburg early Tuesday morning.
Prosecutor Rienk Mud said they are busy investigating the circumstances of the man's death and police are trying to get the witnesses who saw when the victim was brutally attacked to speak with them. However, getting people to talk or to come forward has always been difficult Mud said.

The St. Maarten Medical Center was looking into ways of getting the victim out of St. Maarten for further medical treatment but that somehow seemed impossible. Sources close to the medical institution said the island's residents are at risk when they need to travel overseas as the medical director of the St. Maarten Medical Center Dr. George Scot is always off island. "Dr. Scot spends three out of his four weeks in Holland even though he is responsible for the daily operations of the institution."
SMN News also learnt that Dr. Scot is busy negotiating the expansion contract with LICOM. The source said the contractor has a two million guilder difference in calculations.

When police discovered the victim they found he had at least three large wounds to his head and he was bleeding profusely from them. Police also found a piece of metal pipe next to the victim which has since been confiscated.

...

Philipsburg:--- The first working parliamentary meeting called on Monday by the chairlady of parliament Gracita Arrindell ended up becoming an embarrassment to the members of parliament and country St. Maarten. Monday's meeting was expected to last a maximum of forty five minutes to an hour but due to a number of procedural errors the meeting lasted over four and half hours. The leader of the United People's Party Theo Heyliger spent most of the afternoon in the AC Wathey legislative hall looking at the procedures. There were times when Heyliger showed his anger at the amount of mistakes that were made by his candidate and now chairlady of parliament. On several occasions, Heyliger was seen shaking his head when each of the mistakes were made. During the first adjournment Heyliger and members of his party along with members of his coalition partner were seen in the hall way caucusing with Arrindell.

The meeting had a half an hour delay because the coalition majority could not provide a quorum to start the meeting. The six members of the National Alliance later gave the coalition their support so that the meeting could proceed. On the agenda were the approval of the credentials of the three incoming members of parliament, the election of a vice president of parliament, the appointment of an interim general secretary for a period of six months and establishing of an adhoc committee to review the rules of order of parliament.
On the first agenda point the chairlady wanted to appoint a general secretary, and instead of providing members of parliament with a proposal on the candidate and providing parliament with the person's credentials, Arrindell asked parliament to write a name on a piece of paper to appoint the general secretary. Arrindell wanted to appoint Franklin Hanze from Curacao to the position for a period of six months (see related story).
At that point, senator Frans Richardson called for a point of clarification asked the chair which name they should write on the small piece of white paper that was given to them. Arrindell then told Richardson to check with his party leader as she had informed him of the predicament parliament finds itself in and why it was necessary for parliament to appoint a general secretary. At that point, senator William Marlin and leader of the National Alliance faction also made a point of clarification saying that the chair ought to submit a proposal to parliament. Marlin said while he did had a brief discussion about the appointment he did not think handing members of parliament a blank piece of paper and telling them to write down a name was the appropriate thing to do. Marlin said he was looking forward to seeing a proposal which would have outlined the reasons why parliament has to appoint a secretary general for a period of six months and the conditions under which this person is hired. At that point the chairlady still continued to push her point saying that the person was going to take on the position as an interim. However, she was convinced that parliament was not going to proceed unless they saw a proposal and the candidate curriculum vitae.
When they resumed the chair presented a proposal and she asked parliament to rearrange the agenda points since the incoming members had to go over to the governor's office to be sworn in. Instead of asking the members to agree on the proposal to rearrange the agenda points she asked for parliament to vote on the incoming documents. Marlin on numerous occasions asked for points of clarification to show the chair that they were dealing with an agenda and not documents. The procedure frustrated those in the tribune and members of parliament even those that supported the coalition.
When it came to the approval of the credentials for the incoming members of parliament Roy Marlin, Johan Janchi Leonard and Dr. Ruth Douglas, again Arrindell did not provide parliament with the credentials. At that point senator Louie Laveist stood up and asked which credentials they were to approve. The chair again adjourned to appoint a committee of to review the credentials of the incoming members and later adjourned so that the incoming members could be sworn in.

While the meeting of Monday had three agenda points parliament took most of the time to sort out errors made by the chair. Before the closure of the meeting, parliament was able to elect a vice president in the person of Petrus Leroy De Weever who received 10 out of the 15 votes that were casted and an adhoc committee was installed to review the rules of order that the chair wanted to establish. Prior to establishing that committee senator William Marlin on several occasions had to explain the chair that the rules of order that was established by the island council of St. Maarten is already in place which went into effect on the amendment of the Kingdom Charter in articles one and two. Marlin said while parliament has a right to amend the rules of order there is no need to establish rules that are already in effect. He said should parliament be allowed to re-establish the rules of order then parliament would have to do the same with all the laws and ordinances that were put in place prior to St. Maarten taking on its new status.

Adhoc Committee established – Amount of factions in parliament yet to be established.

When it was agreed that parliament would allow the chair to install an adhoc committee the chairlady said that each member of the factions must submit a name to her to form the committee. At that point, senator William Marlin asked the chair how many factions were there in parliament and she said there were four factions. Marlin then said only three political parties were elected and as such he would like to know if any of the elected persons in parliament notified her that there was another faction in parliament. The chair then responded by saying none of the factions had notified her of their faction and she assumed there were four factions based on the political reality.
Even though senator Patrick Illidge has jumped ship from the National Alliance and signed an agreement with the leader of the United People's Party he is yet to submit a letter of resignation to the National Alliance. SMN News learnt that so far senator Illidge and Minister Roland Duncan both members and candidates who ran on the National Alliance slate have not resigned from the National Alliance.

Philipsburg:--- The public prosecutor's office is busy discussing the report they received from chief commissioner of police Peter de Witte on the vote selling case involving four officers and the United Peoples Party.
Prosecutor Rienk Mud said his office is still busy studying the report. However, they felt it is necessary for them to apprise the Lands Recherché of the reports. Mud said the Lands Recherché are the ones who are responsible for investigating politicians and police officers. Just last week the chief of police handed over the reports of an investigation that was conducted by the police internal affairs regarding officers who took monies from the United Peoples Party in exchange for their votes. The investigation started after three of the officers got greedy and took an envelope that was meant for civil servant working at the police station and shared it among themselves. Even though an investigation is ongoing the chief of police is yet to suspend the two police officers, the VKS officer and civil servant that is involved in the alleged vote selling.

Philipsburg:--- The Department of Communication on Tuesday, November 9th, 2010, staff of the Department of Communication, which falls under the Ministry of General Affairs, celebrated St. Maarten Day with a luncheon at the office. In keeping with tradition, staff members decorated the office in the festive red, white and blue and prepared all local dishes and drinks. The food consists of wilks & dumpling, fungi & spinach, fish soup, salt fish, boil plantain, salmon, pineapple chicken, baked chicken, pigtail & rice, rice & peas, and macaroni pie. The drinks comprised of guavaberry punch, homemade lemonade, and Big D's Punch. Mixed fruit cheesecake fulfilled the meal. The luncheon could not be complete without entertainment, which was provided by Paben "the ole man", re-telling stories of St. Maarten years gone by.
The Department of Communication would like to wish the entire community a SAFE and HAPPY ST. MAARTEN/ST. MARTIN DAY.

GREAT BAY:--- By ministerial decree, all government offices and schools will be closed on Friday, November 12 in connection with Thursdays Saint Martin/Sint Maarten's Day celebrations.
The decision was taken by acting Honourable Minister Maria Buncamper-Molanus who is filling in for the Honourable Minister of Education Rhoda Arrindell.
As already reported, businesses on the Dutch side can open on Saint Martin/Sint Maarten's Day, November 11, and working on November 11, will be on a voluntary basis.

Philipsburg:--- The judge of instruction has granted the prosecutor's office their request to detain R.G.B of French Quarter for another eight days as the detectives from the TGO team continue to investigate the brutal murder of Clemencia Josie-anne Julot (20). SMN News has been reliably informed that R.G.B is not the first suspect that was held since the investigation started. Sources say the police had arrested a teacher who was a close friend to the victim and his live in girlfriend. The two it is understood spent over three weeks behind bars and were released when their DNA did not match that which was found on the body of the victim.
Relatives of R.G.B are all enraged about the media reports since the arrest on Monday claiming that R.G.B will also be released and that he was set up by people who do not like him. One family member said they believe someone led police to the ageable man so they can cash in on the $25,000 reward that is offered by the police.
Clemencia Julot's was an employee of Blue Point Store when she was brutally killed. A search team comprising of co-workers and close relatives of the victim discovered her partly decomposed body in Oyster Pond one day after she disappeared. The victim it has been reported was jogging when she was abducted, raped and killed. When the body was discovered the father and best friend of the victim said they believed were suspicious of someone whom they said were sending text messages to the victim threatening her life. SMN News has been reliably informed that police held that person for three weeks and later released her for the lack of evidence linking her to the murder.

Tomas, the 12th hurricane of a very active 2010 Atlantic hurricane season, strengthened as it swept over Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and also touched Curaçao, damaging homes, knocking out power and blocking roads with flooding and debris in late October early November.
"We have contacted the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Cross Curacao where an assessment of their needs were requested and the response was for more monetary assistance," Red Cross St. Maarten General Manager Marjan van der Steen said. When asked why not just send clothes and food, she said "sending such items have proven to take more time and it's a logistical challenge." "Sending monetary donations is much faster and efficient for the recipients of such aid since materials can be purchased directly from their market."
If you would like to donate to Red Cross St. Maarten to help benefit the victims of Hurricane Tomas on the various Caribbean islands please send all monetary donations to the following emergency relief accounts at the Windward Islands Bank in St. Maarten: Nafl. 809.809.00 and USD 809.809.02. If you want your donation to benefit a specific island, please mark this on your transfer. If not then all proceeds will be divided equally over the islands in need.

Philipsburg:--- Motorist, pedestrians and residents of St. Maarten have begun to express their disgust at the amount of potholes on the public roads. Several motorists told SMN News that the potholes are causing severe traffic jams during the early morning hours when the school buses are on the road. Pedestrians and students who stands alongside the public roadway said on numerous occasions they are forced to go home because drivers would drive in these potholes and spill dirty water on them. Besides that, the potholes is an image St. Maarten does not want because it's a tourist destination. "I have seen tourist stop their vehicle to take pictures of the potholes and the running water on our streets and I know they are frustrated at what they are seeing and the traffic jams these potholes cause" one taxi driver told SMN News.

In an invited comment Minister of Public Works Theo Heyliger said that the road work must be put on a bid. He said at this time the sector ROB is working on making an inventory prior to sending the bid out. Heyliger said the constant rainfall is not helping the situation because the repair work cannot be conducted in rainy season.
In the meantime, Benjamin Ortega in an interview with SMN News said that government has contracted Windward Roads, MNO and Clean St Maarten to begin temporary road work in certain areas to alleviate the traffic. Ortega said the temporary repairs will begin as early as Monday. Asked when the Dutch Quarter main road and Arch road would receive attention Ortega said bidding will soon commence and those areas will be repaired when the bidding is complete. Ortega said temporary repair work will be done on Bush road and Zagersgut since these areas are considered to be hindering traffic during peak hours. The temporary work Ortega said has a price tag of Naf. 50,000.00.
Asked what will be done to eliminate of running water on Dutch Quarter main road Ortega said this will not be done immediately. However, he attributed the running water on the road to unclean drains. Ortega said some of the drains are overflowing causing the water to end up on the roadway. As for the settling of water on the Belvedere roundabout Ortega said that will not be taken care of right now but this will be addressed in the Belvedere upgrading project.

Philipsburg:--- Police were forced to fire warning shots at suspect whom they believed was involved in a case of ill-treatment early Sunday morning. A press release from police spokesman Ricardo Henson states that on November 14th at approximately 02.00am Philipsburg police patrol was stopped on the A. Th. Illidge road in the vicinity of Son Latino Night Club, by the lady with initials C.B. born in the Dominican Republic.
Henson said the woman told police that shortly before she had been ill treated after a heated argument with Dominican man. At the same moment the victim pointed out a man who had stepped into a dark coloured Hyundai Elantra with dark tinted windows, with intention to drive away.
Henson said the patrol drove towards the car in order to approach the driver in regard to what the lady had stated. When the patrol ordered the suspect to stop he refused to do so. At the same time the patrol attempted the block his path, however, the suspect continued driving forward hitting and damaging the right fender of the police vehicle.
The suspect again, did not stop and drove off in the direction of Dutch Quarter. The patrol followed the suspect in his car and on various occasions ordered the suspect to bring his car to a stop which he did not do. The situation turned into a high speed chase after the suspect refused to stop. The chase ended at the border in French Quarter. Just several meters beyond the border while turning back towards the Dutch side the patrol noticed that the suspect had also turned around and headed back, towards the Dutch side, at very high speed. The patrol noticed that the suspect did not slow his vehicle down and intentionally ramming the police vehicle to escape from being arrested. The officers noting how dangerous and serious the situation had become and fearing for their safety pulled their service weapon and fired several shots at the tires of the suspect vehicle in the attempt to bring it to a stop, however, this was also unsuccessful. The suspects succeeded in escaping his arrest. The police vehicle was damaged to the extent that it could not drive any further. Immediately after the incident several members of the gendarmes arrived on the scene and stated that they had seen the suspect vehicle turned back towards the Dutch side because they were busy carrying out a traffic control just a short distance further. After hearing the shots they came towards the border to investigate what was going on. None of the officers were injured during this whole incident. The gendarmes conducted their investigation on the scene after which the damaged police vehicle was turned over to the Dutch police.
The suspect in this case has not yet been arrested. The investigation is ongoing.

Philipsburg:--- St Maarten has been lauded as being a mature and dignified nation when its representatives agreed to have an Ombudsman and a constitutional court in its constitution. The island received much credit for having the courage to set up such a legal body when Holland its mother country still does not have this entity in place.

The governor of St. Maarten drs. Eugene Holiday, chairlady of parliament of St. Maarten drs. Gracita Arrindell including several parliamentarians, lawyers, bailiffs and other representatives of the law attended the brief ceremony at the court house on Monday.
Members of the newly established court are Mr. P. van Dijk, Mr. J. de Boer and Mr. J.Th. Wit, Mr. B. Vermeulen. J. Th. Drop and Mrs. Suzy Romer are substitute members.
Speakers were the president of the newly established constitutional court judge Bob Wit, St. Maarten's ombudsman Nilda Arduin-Lynch, and Richard Gibson Sr.

MARIGOT:--- A 21-year old man was found to be residing on the island illegally after he attempted to avoid a Gendarmerie control on a scooter last Sunday.
A traffic control check point had been set up opposite 128 Route de Coralita at 3:45pm when the scooter rider with a passenger on the back, attempted to force their way through. The pair abandoned the scooter and attempted to escape on foot but was caught. The passenger was found to be residing on the territory illegally and will be returned to his country of origin.
Also on Sunday a 47-year- old man was detained suspected of robbing a restaurant on the Boulevard de France. The investigation determined that he was also implicated in two other robberies to businesses in Marigot. He will appear in court on February 3 2011.
On Tuesday November 16 at 9:30am an 18 year old young man was held after he was found to be driving a stolen car. He was also found to be residing on the island illegally and will be repatriated.

New constitutional structure.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands has recently undergone a process of constitutional reform, which has now reached fruition. The changes concern the Netherlands Antilles, a country that until recently was made up of the islands of Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. The reforms are based on the results of referenda and on decisions taken by representative assemblies about the islands' future constitutional status. The results, with one exception, were unequivocal: the islands no longer wanted to be parts of the Netherlands Antilles, yet they also did not want to sever their ties with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The exception, Sint Eustatius, voted to remain a part of the Netherlands Antilles.

On the basis of an outline agreement concluded in 2005, which set out agreements on constitutional reforms, financial and economic issues, law enforcement and good governance, a series of conferences was launched with the aim of taking a coordinated and parallel approach to dealing with the complexities of this process. This led, in October and November 2006, to final declarations on the constitutional position of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, and of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. At the Round Table Conference in Curaçao on 15 December 2008, the Netherlands and the other Kingdom partners reached agreement on the new constitutional structure of the Kingdom.

The conclusions of the final Round Table Conference were signed on 9 September 2010. These stated that the amended Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands would enter into force as planned on 10 October 2010. As of 10-10-'10 the Netherlands Antilles has ceased to exist.

In the new constitutional structure, Curaçao and Sint Maarten have acquired the status of countries within the Kingdom (like the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba before the changes). Aruba retains the separate country status it has had since 1986. Thus, as from 10 October 2010, the Kingdom consists of four, rather than three, equal countries: Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten are not Dutch overseas dependencies, but full, autonomous partners within the Kingdom, alongside the Netherlands, and each enjoys a high degree of internal autonomy.

The three other islands, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba have voted for direct ties with the Netherlands and are now part of the Netherlands, thus constituting 'the Caribbean part of the Netherlands'. The relationship's legal form will be that each island has the status of public body within the meaning of article 134 of the Dutch Constitution. In broad terms, their position is now like that of Dutch municipalities, with adjustments for their small size, their distance from the Netherlands and their geographic situation in the Caribbean region. For the time being, Netherlands Antillean legislation will still be applicable in large part to the public bodies. Every resident of the three islands who has Dutch nationality now has the right to vote in elections to the Dutch House of Representatives alongside the existing right to vote in European Parliament elections. They are not, however, allowed to vote in Provincial Council elections because the public bodies are not part of any Dutch province.

Responsibility for foreign relations
The constitutional changes do not affect the way in which the Kingdom conducts its foreign relations.

• The Kingdom's external borders have not changed.
• Foreign relations and defence remain 'Kingdom affairs'. These are dealt with in the Council of Ministers for the Kingdom, which meets in The Hague. The governments of the Caribbean countries are represented in the Council by a minister plenipotentiary. The Aruban government has its seat in Oranjestad, the government of Curaçao is based in Willemstad and the government of Sint Maarten in Philipsburg.
• There is one Minister of Foreign Affairs, who has ultimate responsibility for foreign relations for the Kingdom as a whole.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassies, consulates and permanent missions/representations abroad continue to work for the Kingdom as a whole and all its constituent parts.
• As of 10 October 2010, the Caribbean countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten) each have their own Foreign Relations Department.
• While treaties and conventions may be concluded only by the Kingdom and not by its constituent parts, their applicability may be confined to one or more countries. In other words, such agreements may be concluded by the Kingdom for one or more individual parts of the Kingdom.

Questions & Answers
The Kingdom of the Netherlands: new constitutional structure

What does the constitutional reform mean for the Kingdom?

On 10 October 2010 the Netherlands Antilles ceased to exist as a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is now made up of the countries of Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten (each with its own government) and, as public bodies of the Netherlands, the islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. As in Aruba, the government of the Kingdom is represented in the new countries of Curaçao and Sint Maarten by a Governor. The island councils have been abolished, and thus there is only one tier of government.

Will there be changes to the way in which the Kingdom promotes its interests abroad?

No, the Kingdom will continue to promote its interests abroad in the same way.

• The Kingdom's external borders have not changed.
• Foreign relations and defence remain 'Kingdom affairs'.
• The Minister of Foreign Affairs continues to represent the Kingdom of the Netherlands as a whole.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the missions abroad continue to work for the Kingdom as a whole and all its constituent parts.
• While treaties and conventions may be concluded only by the Kingdom and not by its constituent parts, such agreements may be applied to the Kingdom as a whole, or to its constituent parts individually, or in any combination.
• As of 10 October 2010, the Caribbean countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten) each have their own Foreign Relations Department.

How are governance and legislation organised following the constitutional reform?

Like Aruba, the new countries, Curaçao and Sint Maarten, each have their own government and parliament. Together, these institutions are empowered to enact legislation in regard to the countries' own affairs. The Dutch public bodies of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba have the power to regulate their own internal affairs. Each public body has a local executive and a local council. For the time being, Antillean legislation will continue to apply to these islands wherever possible. It will gradually be replaced by Dutch law. The residents of the public bodies are eligible to vote in elections to the Dutch House of Representatives (and in European Parliament elections). In each public body there is also a branch of the Dutch government's new Department for the Netherlands in the Caribbean (Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland), in which each government ministry is represented.

What is the Netherlands' role in relation to the other countries of the Kingdom following the constitutional reform?

The Netherlands works together with the Caribbean countries in the Kingdom in the interests of protecting the independence of the judiciary, tackling corruption and cross-border crime, and maintaining public order. A joint Court of Justice is responsible for the administration of justice in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, and a single Procurator General is in charge of the Public Prosecution Service for Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. Aruba has its own Procurator General. The three police forces serving Curaçao, Sint Maarten and Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba respectively also work together closely. Cooperation in the context of the joint criminal investigation team will be continued for the time being. The Netherlands is also involved in financial oversight of the two new countries and the three public bodies.

How does the Netherlands manage its governance tasks on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba now that they have public body status?

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba now maintain two tiers of government, i.e. a local authority and the Dutch central government. Broadly speaking, central government has taken over the duties performed previously by the Antillean authorities. The local government is under the control of the local representative assembly ('the island council'). As well as taking over the tasks of the Netherlands Antillean authorities, the Dutch government has also taken on certain tasks previously the responsibility of the islands, such as management of the fire service.

The implementation of the Netherlands' tasks on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (and the related support services) is the responsibility of the Department for the Netherlands in the Caribbean (Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland), which has a branch on each of the islands. In addition, the Department implements the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations' official tasks as the employer of all public servants on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, including the police, the fire service and employees of the care administration office. That said, the police force and fire service maintain their own management structures.

In the short term, the aim is to improve education, public safety, public health, infrastructure and other facilities and services on the islands.

How is financial supervision organised following the constitutional reforms?

A Financial Supervision Authority has been established for Curaçao and Sint Maarten to supervise public finances under the ultimate responsibility of the Council of Ministers for the Kingdom. A similar body has been set up for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba under the minister responsible for Kingdom Relations. This type of oversight structure will continue to exist in the new constitutional situation. The underlying supervisory principles are a balanced budget, prudent financial management and a cap on contracting debt.

Has there been any change to the Joint Court of Justice of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba as a result of the constitutional reforms?

Yes, the existing Joint Court of Justice of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba has become the Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the Caribbean part of the Netherlands (i.e. Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba). The Supreme Court remains the court of cassation for the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.

How does the Kingdom ensure that public order, safety and security are maintained in the new constitutional situation?

Responsibility for maintaining public order, safety and security and running the emergency services on Curaçao and Sint Maarten now fall to the respective Ministers of Justice of the new countries. On Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba the local authorities will be responsible for public order, crisis management and disaster response. The Public Safety and Security Act for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba also provides for special powers in the event of incidents whose scale exceeds a single island's capacity.

What is the role of the Public Prosecution Service in the different countries of the Kingdom in the new constitutional situation?

Investigative and prosecutorial powers rest with the Procurator General. There is a single Procurator General for all the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom that once made up the Netherlands Antilles: the new countries of Curaçao and Sint Maarten and the three new public bodies of the Netherlands: Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. The Procurator General is the head of the public prosecution services in the new countries and the new public bodies. There is a joint Procurator General's Office, with a staff including two advocates general. In Aruba, the situation has not changed in any respect as a result of these reforms. That country continues to have its own Procurator General.

What currency will Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the Netherlands in the Caribbean use?

On 1 January 2011, the US dollar will replace the Antillean guilder on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. Curaçao and Sint Maarten have a joint central bank. The Caribbean guilder will be introduced on 1 January 2012 as the countries' common currency. Until that time, the Antillean guilder will remain the official currency.

What is the relationship between the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom and the EU?

The Netherlands is a European Union member state, but Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the Caribbean part of the Netherlands (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba) are not. Instead they have the status of Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT). As a result, the islands enjoy a number of advantages, for example where the export of goods to the EU is concerned. In addition, the islands receive funding from the European Development Fund (EDF). And since citizens of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom are Dutch nationals and thus EU citizens, they may also vote in European Parliament elections. The constitutional reform does not affect the islands' relationship with the EU.

How is the Representation of the Netherlands in Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten organised?

On 1 January 2011, the Representation of the Netherlands in the Netherlands Antilles and the Representation of the Netherlands in Aruba will be integrated to form the Representation of the Netherlands in Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten. It will be a single Representation led by a single Representative, with an office in each of the three countries. The head of each office will be the deputy Representative in that country. The Representation will continue to represent all Dutch ministries (apart from the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs, whose responsibilities span the Kingdom as a whole). It may thus be considered an 'outpost' of the Netherlands. As well as reporting to the Netherlands, the Representation is tasked with preparing and assisting with visits by members of the Dutch government, officials and other dignitaries. It also provides information on Dutch policy with respect to Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten, and general consular assistance to Dutch nationals in difficulty and detainees. The activities of the Representation in the Caribbean are thus comparable to that of an embassy.

Philipsburg:--- The St. Maarten Lions Club recently entertained over one hundred and seventy seniors(170) from both sides of the island at Boo Boo Jam, for its annual Nelson van de Linde Senior Citizen's Party.

The day organized by a committee headed by board member Lion Chantal Schaminee, started with a traditional island breakfast, followed by live entertainment by local favorites Tanny and the Boys. "The seniors always look forward to this party every year and they surely had a good time again" said Lion PDG Wally Havertong. Many of the seniors recited poems, sang songs, told old stories and played games throughout the day.

The highlight of the day was the Surinamese lunch and dessert, along with music which was provided by the famous DJ Ruby. It all ended with a big dance party whereby the seniors danced to calypso and meringue music with the members of the Lions and Leos clubs.

The annual Nelson van de Linde Senior Citizen's Party is an event which was started back in 1997 as an idea by the late Lion Nelson, who the party is named after and is usually held during the month of October as part of the yearly activities of the St. Maarten Lions Club. The Leos Club also assisted the Lions by serving and helping with the seniors.

This party was free to the seniors as the St. Maarten Lions Club pays for the event as part of their yearly activities for the community with funds raised from fundraisings events throughout the year.

...

Why do we have children? This is a question we seldom pose when we discuss the obligations of parents and the general adult world towards children. The reasons we have children may be as varied as the differences in culture, socio-economic background, religion, etc. But what is certain is that children need to be loved, cherished, and cared for in order to be able to develop to their maximum potential, no matter if they come into this world by accident or by design.
It is in recognition of this fundamental human right–and yes, children are human beings, too, not chattels or possessions–that the United Nations General Assembly on November 20, 1959, adopted its Declaration of the Rights of the Child. This is why we celebrate today as the International Day of the Rights of the Child.
But what does this really mean? It simply means, in my humble opinion, that just as adults, children have rights, too. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, (CROC), therefore, generally outlines the civil, social, political, economic, and cultural rights of children. The Convention acknowledges among others that every child has the right to life, the right to his or her own name and identity, to be raised by his or her parents within a family or cultural grouping, and to have a relationship with both parents, even if they are separated.
The Convention further acknowledges the right of every child to have a country, to be protected from exploitation and all forms of abuse, and for his or her parents to exercise their responsibilities as parents. In addition, the Convention acknowledges the right of children to express their opinions and that these should be appropriately heard and acted upon.
Do we respect these rights of our children?
For this year's commemoration, St. Martin has chosen the theme: "Non-violence: a sure way to protect our children." Given the recent spike in youth violence on the island, this theme could not be more appropriate. I urge all our schools to focus on this theme as they design and embark on activities to mark this year's International Week of the Rights of the Child.
I am pleased to note that the celebration is not limited to one day, or one week, but will continue straight into the New Year. The annual exhibit and storytelling at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library is open to students and the general public and will last from November 22nd – December 3rd 2010. Similarly, a poster and bumper-sticker campaign will commence in January 2011, while a talent show and children's museum focusing on children of day care and early stimulation centers are slated for the beginning of the coming year.
Let me also point out that UJIMA Foundation is hosting an Educational Festival on December 5th which falls within the domain of the rights of children. I am appealing through this medium for everyone to support this effort without reservations.
All these activities are aimed at increasing awareness of the rights of the child, but perhaps the best way for us adults to ensure that these rights are not only protected but also enhanced is to spend time with our children. No parent should be too busy to spend time with his or her children. It is perhaps the greatest gift we can give them.
The time we spend with our children not only builds their self-esteem and confidence, but also becomes a treasure of memories when they grow into adulthood. It is what they would cherish the most, much more than the Nintendo games, DSI, or other expensive toys we buy for them. Time, quality time, spent playing with them, helping them with their homework, telling them life-inspiring stories, and generally inculcating in them the values we all hold sacred as members of this society... that is precious time that is worth much more than gold.
Non-violence is a learned habit: children learn to be peaceful when they are not forced to experience domestic violence or verbal violence. The only antidote to the violence that is plaguing our societies today is for adults to respect this fundamental right of children to live in peaceful surroundings. Violence breeds more violence, while non-violence begets peace.
On this very special day, I wish one and all a very peaceful celebration of the International Day of the Rights of the Child. We must do right by our children and respect their rights.
I thank you.

Galisbay:--- Five members of the territorial council who was elected on the Union pour les Progres slate has confirmed that they will submit their resignations to the president of the UPP party early this week and become independent members of the council.
At a press conference on Saturday four of the five councillors namely Daniel Gibbs, Remi Williams, Annette Philips and Jean David Richardson told reporters that they have tried everything possible for the president of the Collectivity and senator to respect the program they campaigned on in 2007 but it fell on deaf ears. Marthe Ogoundele-Tessi who is also part of the group did not attend the press conference due to prior commitments.
The group also decided to form a new movement which is called the "Union for Democracy" will be the ears and the eyes of the people in the territorial council. Gibbs said when they entered the political arena in 2007 the idea was to have transparency and democracy both of which have been banished. Gibbs said he was punished because he has refused to what he was told to do vocally.
The intention is also to ask the COM to conduct a general audit of the Collectivity's finances as well as they would have to provide them with the administrative decisions. They also intend to stand up for the people's right to work, justice and security. The group which is led by first vice president Daniel Gibbs made clear that they have no personal interest to defend and as such the movement is open to all St. Martiners who shared their goals and wants to join them in their struggle.
Gibbs told reporters that the reasons given by the president for taking away his portfolios were not clear enough. Furthermore, he said when the decision was taken two Tuesday's ago to take away the portfolios by the executive council it was not on the agenda "orde du jour" making the president's action illegal based on the organic laws. Gibbs confirmed that he has a legal team looking at the procedures the COM took to relieve him of his portfolios.
SMN News learnt that Gibbs will soon be filing an injunction against the COM and its president. Notably the president has not named his vice presidents which is also in contradiction to the organic law.
Gibbs made clear that while he has resigned from the UPP party he will remain a vice president even though without portfolios because he has no intention to quit. "I am not a loser they evicted me by taking away my portfolios now they would have to go to the territorial council to take away me out.
The council elected me as a vice president and they would have to fire me. All I am asking for is for the management of the COM to do things legally. As a politician I will be the eyes and the ears of the people as a vice president." Gibbs said the idea of being part of the majority was to solve the problems facing the nation and its people. He gave an example of the division between his office and the tourist office of which he was in charge. Gibbs said nothing was done to repair that situation. He said the senator said publicly that Gumbs is a good president but he is a bad leader yet he did nothing to correct the situation. He too said enough is enough and the time to pull away is now. However, he wants the president to tell him where he is at fault and in which area he did not deliver what was expected of him. He said they already prepared the tourism master plan where the water front project was included.

This master plan development he said received 22 out of the 23 votes and only councillor to vote against it was the president of the tourist office. Gibbs further explained that the French side government no longer has democracy instead there is monocracy since none of the other councillors cannot voice their opinion. Gibbs said nothing he did was good enough for the president and senator and he had two choices, one is either he accept what was happening and become an accomplice or to speak out against the dictatorship. The first vice president said his problems began when he questioned SEMSAMAR and asked for a general audit.
Territorial Councillor Jean David Richardson said when they were elected on the UPP slate in 2007 the goal was not to exclude anyone out of the decision making. He said one of his concerns is the decisions taken by the community councils and socio professionals which he said are normally pushed aside. Richardson said they have reached to a point where enough is enough especially since he is not in the political arena for any personal gains. "I want the people to know that I have not asked the COM for no car, laptop, or cellular telephone, whatever I do in the COM I use my own materials and property. I also want the people to know that I am not looking for anything for myself neither my family members. The people of St. Martin have too many problems already. I already told the first vice president that the time has come for politicians to stop enriching themselves instead they must enlarge the riches for the entire population."
Richardson said the people of St. Martin are hurting terribly and it's time for the politicians to come out of their comfort zone and mingle with the people who are struggling. He said right now one or two people are making money but the others are struggling to make ends meet. Richardson said within the three year period of this government they hired over 500 persons. He said had there been inclusion the socio-professionals could have been the ones to hire this lot. Richardson said they have reached the end of the road since those they were working with are deaf. Richardson said they were kicked aside by the political party because their opinions and point of views are not welcome. The territorial councillor said he has stepped aside to form this movement so that their voices or the voices of the people can be heard. Furthermore, he said he can no longer walk around the French side seeing the businesses closing down.
Territorial Councillor Remi Williams said he developed confidence in Daniel Gibbs due to the stance he has taken. "Daniel is one person who stood up to the president and senator he always fought for his shoes. He was not one of them that did not sit back. Gibbs has shown leadership and has shown that he could take decisions regardless of what others may think." Williams said because of the leadership skills Gibbs has shown is the reason for him to be part of the movement. The territorial councillor said the COM lacks leadership since the president of the COM Frantz Gumbs is not able to take decisions fearing for those who will get hurt. Williams made clear that he does not want anyone to feel that they have decided to step aside because of the waterfront project. He said they simply believe enough is enough and they have decided to take stand.
Also sharing the same concerns were territorial councillor Annette Philips. She said somehow the president and the leadership of the UPP somehow seems to forget how and why they were elected. They also seem to forget the potentials in the other councillors especially the two first vice presidents who were evicted from the majority. Gibbs she said never failed to communicate with any of the councillors. Phillips said whenever Gibbs worked on anything he was always prepared and it is a total disgrace for the president and senator to look at him as someone who caused the conflicts or a problem to the group. Philips said they have had enough since decisions are being taken without them which hinges on democracy. She stressed that there is no team work in the UPP and she felt that St. Martin has lost a lot of time in fulfilling their mandate to the youths.
The group further explained that when they expressed their opinion and did not follow what the president and senator wanted then they were victimized. Those that were victims of the government are Marthe Ogoundele Tessi, Daniel Gibbs and Jean David Richardson. Richardson said when he spoke out against the ills of this community and how the management of the COM works he was personally attacked by the system. Confirming the victimization was territorial councillor Remi Williams who said that if someone looks at how the portfolios were distributed they will see that they were left out which means that they were all victimized.

Marigot:--- Territorial councilor Jean David Richardson told reporters on Saturday that the Collectivity has hired some 500 persons in the last three years. Richardson felt that hiring so many people was irresponsible since the Collectivity seems to be having financial problems and there is constant need for St. Martin to approach the State for monies to pay its bills. The councilor felt that if the COM and its government had taken the time to listen to the socio-professionel and the community councils then those persons and more could have been hired by the private sector. Revamping the economy would definitely attract more business to the French side of the island which would have ultimately created more jobs in the private sector.

However, what is amazing is that the Chamber Regional de Comptes in its annual report of 2002 advised that the then commune of St. Martin should not hire anymore persons since the commune was not able to balance its budget for years and was having an enormous deficit. St. Martin was basically in the red which according the Chamber Regional de Comptes was not normal. The commune at the time had outdone its budget on hiring more people.
The report by the Chamber Regional de Comptes was even used against St. Martin when the local politicians were pursuing a change of status, but after some clever politicians and administrators shifted some figures and creating an EPIC for the water deficit, the status change was granted. However, the COM is still paying the debts that were created over the years by the then commune.
While several politicians felt article 74 was the best thing to happen for St. Martin, because according to them they would have been able to get more monies. That definitely did not happen because the senator on several occasions kept saying he is the one going behind the State to get more monies so the COM can pay its bills mainly salaries. Senator Fleming was once described as the leader with long arms when it comes to getting favors from the State. Former first vice president Marthe Ogoundele Tessi had said this during her first year in office when the senator managed to convince the State in 2009 to give St. Martin the Octroi de Mer funds for that year.
However, the brighter side of this status change did allow local politicians to get new titles like president and senator while the councilors managed to take some more monies as their indemnity. While the island has lost tremendous amount of monies, and the State is no longer responsible for giving the island tax monies whether or not it was collected neither can the State or the department of Guadeloupe take the blame for our shortfalls.
Ever since St. Martin achieved its status the island has lost an enormous amount of monies that it once had when the island was under the department. Funds like the Octroi de mer, the taxe sur la fortune, the taxe foncier, taxe habitation no longer come to St. Martin. What is clear is that the bills of the Collectivity have increased ever since the status has changed. They inherited the expenses that the commune left behind with additional salaries for the 500 persons whom they hired.
Mayor Albert Fleming on July 14 2007 warned St. Martin and its people to prepare for the hardships that lie ahead. Mayor Fleming said back then the politicians did not know what they were getting into when they sought a change of status.
Three years later the people of this great nation are now seeing what the former Mayor saw years ago.

On November 11, 2010, Senator Louis Constant Fleming told SMN News he was busy negotiating with the State to get an advancement of 8 million Euros so that the COM could pay its employees for the end of year that money he said was on its way to the island coffers. Amazingly, SMN News learnt that while the COM hired 500 people to work, many of them have "la contract de droit privee" which means no one not even the elected councilors know what their salaries and other benefits are. The only person that signs off on the "contract de driot privee" is the President. The qualifications of these persons for example the DGS is sealed along with his contract. How much he makes for the excellent management of the COM remained sealed to the territorial council and the people of St. Martin.
Territorial councilors are asked to approve budgets but they do not know how the people's monies are spent. Many of them vote in favor of these budgets without questioning how and where the money that is allotted to the President's cabinet is spent.
SMN News recently learnt that the COM spent over three (3) million Euros on its elected officials. Sources say monies were used to buy cars, laptops, cellular (Blackberries) and Ipad for the certain elected officials while the schools lack basic materials.
The new movement announced last Saturday that they would be requesting an audit of the COM finances as a news entity we do hope measures are taken by this group to secure the audit and its results so the people of St. Martin to see how their monies were spent over the last three years.

Sucker Garden:--- The detectives department are busy investigating a gruesome robbery which took place on Monday evening in Sucker Garden. The victims told police that three masked men knocked on their door just after 6pm and when they responded to the door they were gun butted, severely beaten and robbed.
When SMN News visited the family on Tuesday the male victim pointed out at least 13 spots on his head where he was beaten. He said the bandits spent over two hours in his house beating him and no one in the neighbourhood saw or heard anything. Furthermore, he claimed that he lost a huge amount of jewellery and monies. The bandits ransacked the home and even threatened to burn the couple alive if they did not hand over all their valuables.
The victims said it appeared as though they were targeted because when the robbers entered the house they asked for the monies he withdrew from the bank a few days ago. He also confirmed that he sold a car last week and that he had a large amount of money home as his wife was scheduled to travel soon.
Visibly shaken by the ordeal the victim said he would have to think about how to protect himself because he works seven days a week from morning to night so that he could provide for his family. Police is yet to release any information on this robbery.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto says Sint Maarten demands the release and transfer of Naf. 43 million in Turnover Tax (ToT) owed to the island by the former Central Government of the Netherlands Antilles.
This was a point pressed heavily during a meeting between the Committee for Financial Supervision CFT and the Council of Ministers on Thursday morning.
Finance Minister Hiro Shigemoto said the nation is not begging, but demanding its monies. This outstanding sum would greatly help with the erasing of some of the deficit from the 2010 budget and the draft 2011 budget. The draft budget has a Naf. 130 million deficit that government is working on reducing.
The outstanding ToT will cover the Naf. 8.8 million total deficit for the 2010 and put a dent into the deficit for next year.

The outstanding ToT has to be paid out by the Executing Committee ("vereffeningscommissie") for the Division of Assets and Liabilities. Through this committee, the former Antillean Director of Finance needs to be empowered to pay the outstanding bills.
The Naf. 43 million is derived from Sint Maarten's one per cent of the three per cent ToT levied on the island, but was collected by the Central Government up to October 9, 2010.
"Sint Maarten is held to the letter of the laws and agreements signed, but other entities aren't and are allowed to abuse the laws to the detriment of the nation. The country started with a deficit due to neglect and abuse from the former Netherlands Antilles," the minister said.
The island's financial situation with consequences of the mandatory Plans of Approach to finance and costs incurred due to the transition from Island Territory to country were explained to the CFT by the finance minister. These factors have to be combined with the upgrading of the neglected Central Government Departments, another financial consequence.
Thursday's meeting was the first between the CFT and the Council of Ministers. CFT made a presentation about its financial supervisory role and that of the Finance Minister.
The execution of budget 2010 and the delivery of quarterly reports, the continued preparation of the 2011 budget were discussed during the meeting.
Shigemoto informed the CFT that annual accounts for 2010 will delivered to CFT on January 1, 2011
The Financial Management Improvement Project that government had embarked on several months ago should be back on track as per January 1, 2011.

Philipsburg:--- The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) has announced that registration for all events for Carnival 2011 will be open as of tomorrow, Wednesday, December 1, 2010. Registration for booth holders will also open tomorrow. All registration forms can be collected inside the Government Administration Building at the security checkpoint. Once filled out, the forms should be returned to the same location.
Interested persons can register for the Junior Calypso & Road march Competition, Junior Queen Show, Senior Queen Show, Senior Road march competition, Band-O-Rama, Junior Carnival Parade, Grand Carnival Parade, Senior Calypso Competition, Band of the Year and the Youth Extravaganza. SCDF President Stuart Johnson urged interested participants to register early in order to be fully prepared for the respective events. "We have started early this year with many aspects of Carnival. The dates for Carnival 2011 were announced since June this year, we have been working diligently behind the scenes to get everything ready. Now we need
those persons interested in being part of Carnival 2011 to register," he said.
With regards to the booth holders, Johnson reminded the returning booth holders that they too should register in time. If they are not registered, he said, the SCDF has a long waiting list of persons eager to get a booth. "We always give returning booth holders the first option, but they too should register early to avoid any misunderstanding," he added. Persons with questions can contact SCDF by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling 5220509 or 5225133.

NAGICO Insurances took part in the Annual Student Career & Study Fair that took place yesterday at the Belair Community Center. The students received a combination of take-a-ways including a pamphlet containing information on career options in the insurance field, the second issue of the company's newsletter: NAGICO Life Lines, and promotional stationery.

NAGICO Insurances Human Resources Officer Esmeralda Maria was on hand to advise the students on their future employment options with NAGICO. During her presentation she stated: "Besides positions in the insurance field such as Underwriters, Claims/Loss Adjusters, Agents and Insurance Brokers, a position at NAGICO does not have to be directly insurance related. The company has many departments similar to other (financial) services providers and as such openings at different level entries may be possible for the following fields as well: Human Resources, Accounting, Marketing & Communications, Information Technology and Customer Service."

Ms. Esmeralda Maria was accompanied by Agency Administrative Clerk, Tamisha Wigley to give support during presentations to secondary students from the various schools on the island.

Great Bay:--- Ever wondered why the waiter pours the equivalent of a mouthful of wine in a glass and offers it to you for approval before serving it? Do you know the ritual of wine-tasting and why connoisseurs sniff the wine glass before drinking from it?
"There's more to wine than meets the eye," says Director of Tourism, Regina Labega. "That is why wine will be flowing throughout the five-day Flaavors of St. Maarten Food and Wine Festival which starts on November 10."
In fact, the curtain raiser for the Flaavors Festival is a grand champagne tasting at Porto Cupecoy, which will feature Iron Chef contestant Marc Forgione who will be preparing some hors d'oeuvres best suited to go with champagne. Admission to this event is US$150 per person.
On Saturday, November 13, 2010, there will be a conducted wine tasting at noon by the Napa Valley Vintners Association at the Westin Dawn Beach Resort. The participating wineries include Flying Horse Winery, Luna Vineyards, Jones Family Vineyards, Peju Vineyards, The Hess Collection and Grgich Hills Winery. Others are the Miner Family Vineyards and the Oakville Ranch Vineyards.
Participating panelists at this special event are Dan Bailey of the Jones Family Vineyards, Paula Kornel of Oakville Ranch Vineyards and Michael Davis of Hart, Davis, Hart, in Chicago.
"With such experts around, the wine tasting promises to be more than a delight to the palate," noted LaBega. "Questions like what wine goes well with T-bone steak, and which wine will make a red snapper or grouper go down well will surely be among those answered by these experts."

PHILIPSBURG:--- Deputy Prime Minister Theo Heyliger says the people and Government are in solidarity with the people of Curacao, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Barbados that have recently experienced widespread damage in parts of their island nations caused by the passing of Hurricane Tomas.

The extent of damage is coming to the forefront as assessment teams on the various islands carry out their surveys.

Curacao received approximately six hours of constant rainfall that led to severe flooding after downgraded Tropical Storm Tomas became stationary North of the island earlier in the week.

"We are in solidarity with the people of Curacao and the Government of Prime Minister Gerrit Schotte after hearing about the extensive flooding that parts of that island have experienced.

"The people and Government of Sint Maarten also offer our condolences to those who have lost their lives during the passing of Tomas.

"Sint Maarten is prepared to assist our fellow brothers and sisters on Curacao should the need arise. We remember the assistance provided to us back in 1995 after the passing of Hurricane Luis with the provision of human resources.

"We can fully sympathize and comprehend what the people of the various islands are experiencing at this point in time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them as they start to rebuild their lives.

"As a nation we also pray for the people of Haiti who have already gone through so much with the devastating January 12 earthquake that left close to 300,000 people dead and about 1.3 million still living in make-shift tent villages.

"Even though Tomas has weakened to a tropical depression, it could regain hurricane strength. We hope that the system fizzles out and no longer poses a threat to any land," Deputy Prime Minister Theo Heyliger said on Wednesday.

The Saint Lucia National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) is reporting five (5) confirmed deaths. Damage has been projected to surpass US$100 million. The death toll could rise further as search and rescue efforts continue.

Two persons were seriously injured on St. Vincent and more than 1200 houses have sustained damage ranging from slight to total destruction. There are over 1150 persons in shelters. Seven government buildings were also damaged.

There was widespread devastation of the agriculture sector to the bananas and plantain fields.

GREAT BAY:--- St. Martin's newest author Felecita Williams may prove to be the island's busiest writer for 2010. Williams (L) was certainly kept busy signing (10/21/10) copies of her autobiographical book Because of Prayer at the 14th Biennial Caribbean Regional Conference of the Aglow International. The recently concluded Christian fellowship assembly was held this year in Grand Cayman. "I enjoyed it," said Williams, who was also the flag-bearer for the St. Maarten territory "in the flag parade at the opening session," said the author. "It was a marvelous opportunity for me to be exposed and to have my books goes all the way to Cayman! It's truly a wonderful blessing," said Williams. The Because of Prayer tour has also taken the author to Curacao, USA, and the Netherlands for book signings and readings. Because of Prayer was launched here in May 2010, said Jacqueline Sample, president of House of Nehesi, the book's publisher. (Photo courtesy FW)

Cole Bay:--- Depositors of the Christian Kingdom Cooperative (CKS) met with managing director and other advisors to the credit union on Friday night at the Carls and Sons Unique Inn where they were apprised of the current situation facing the CKC and the decisions that were taken by the Central Bank. At that meeting the members were told that the Central Bank has revoked the licenses for CKC but they are yet to file bankruptcy procedures. CKC received the official notification from the Central Bank earlier this week by letter that their license was revoked. Last Friday members of the Central Bank had notified the CKC management and its advisors that they had decided to withdraw their licenses even though sister credit union are currently negotiating with CKC to take over the credit union.
One of the key questions that were posed by the depositors at the meeting is if the CKC has any insurance that would safeguard the depositors. At that moment CKC and its legal advisors notified their members that the Central Bank has failed to meet the law which is stipulated under article 39 of the federal legislation that regulates the banking industry.

Article 39 of the bank supervison law of the central bank deposit scheme of 1994 states that the central bank has been charged with setting up of a deposit insurance scheme to protect the depositors but the Central Bank has failed to set up such an insurance. Following is article 39 of the federal legislation taken off of the Central Bank of Curacao and St. Maarten.

SMN News has been reliably informed that the CKC legal advisors are planing to file a counter suit against the Central Bank for negligence whenever they file the bankrupcy. The source said while the depositors who have over 1.7 million dollars at stake cannot file a claim towards an insurance scheme the Central Bank can be held liabable for failing to protect its deposiors. SMNNews also learnt that because there is no insurance for the banks depositors of all banks faces the risk of losing their monies since the central bank has not insured them.

In an effort to protect and manage one of Country St. Maarten's Natural Treasures; the St. Maarten Nature Foundation will be launching a wide-scale project in order to determine the number and health of the island's resident pelican population. 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 pelican also lends its name to various businesses and institutions on the island yet there is very little information on its lifecycle. It was therefore decided that in order to properly conserve and manage this culturally important species vital information needs to be collected on nesting areas, the types of animals the bird feeds on, how many pelicans we still have left, and what type of threats the bird faces. Anecdotal evidence has shown that the pelican population has severely decreased over the last few decades and that the island might be in danger of loosing its resident pelican population. The health of St. Maarten's pelicans can also reflect the general health of the marine ecosystem; with more pelicans present the better the environment.
The Brown Pelican occurs on coasts in the Americas from Washington and Virginia south to northern Peru and the mouth of the Amazon River, as well as numerous islands in the Caribbean. Their young are hatched in broods of about 3, and eat around 150 lbs. of fish in the 8-10 month period they are cared for. It is known that the islets off of the island's Eastern Shore; Pelican Rock, Hens and Chicks, and Molly Beday are important hatching areas for this and numerous other bird species and hopefully with the results of the study steps can be put in place to conserve them.
The Nature Foundation will apply bird monitoring methods learned during Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance bird monitoring courses and will conduct point counts at various locations throughout the island. Also, in an effort to involve the community in the project a limited amount of citizens can volunteer to assist with the research. Different points on the island will be used to monitor for the species and monitoring using the Nature Foundation Marine Park patrol vessel Yellowtail on the offshore islets on the Eastern Coast of the island will also be conducted. Those interested can call the Nature Foundation on 5444267 or leave a message on the Nature Foundation Facebook page (facebook.com/St-Maarten-Nature-Foundation). Space will be very limited. The first pelican count will be held on St. Maarten's Day, November 11th, 2010.

Philipsburg:--- The Chapter of professional Young People (CPYP®) hereby extends an invitation to persons who are interested in becoming a member of the organization to join them this upcoming Saturday November 13, 2010, at 4 pm at the University of St. Martin.

Founded in 2009, the Chapter was created with the mission to develop young St. Maarten professionals; young professionals who possess a fervent ardor for further self development as a basis to be effective in overall community development.

This self development can be political, formative, media related and / or community related. CPYP is focused on providing its members with the necessary foundation to take them to the next level of self development.

CPYP Vice President Mario Gumbs believes that Country St. Maarten deserves the hands of young professionals who are willing and able to contribute to the building up of Country St. Maarten. It is my firm belief that we must be a part of moving St. Maarten forward and for that reason; I would like to encourage the public and especially young professionals to come out this Saturday. Becoming a member means that you will be taking a step in the right direction and to lend your voice to affect change and exert influence within your community.

For more information on CPYP St. Maarten visit their fan page on your social network site, Facebook.

Philipsburg:--- Members of the National Alliance faction met on Wednesday midday to discuss how they would approach and deal with the chairlady of parliament Gracita Arrindell during the closed door meeting scheduled for 2pm on Wednesday. The meeting is to discuss the appointment of Franklyn Hanze as an interim General Secretary to parliament of country St Maarten.
SMN News has been reliably informed that the chairlady via her "right hand" Franklyn Hanze sent out an amended proposal to some of the members of the United Peoples Party faction and Dr. Lloyd Richardson. Those that received the amended proposal are Jules James, Dr. Lloyd Richardson, Patrick Illidge, Petrus Leroy de Weever, Roman Laville and Silvia Meyers. In the meantime the other five members of the National Alliance William Marlin, George Pantophlet, Frans Richardson, Hyacinth Richardson and Louie Laveist including UP members Johan Janchi Leonard and Dr. Ruth Douglas along with DP member Roy Marlin did not get the amended proposal.
The amended proposal which is to be discussed during the central committee has the monthly expenditures for Hanze as the following:-

Lodging - 20 days @ Fl. 250,00 5000,00
Meals - 25 days @ Fl. 125,00 3125,00
Rental Car 20 days @ Fl. 140,00 2800,00
Travel Vouchers - 4.3 @ Fl. 565,00 2429,50
Airport Tax - 4.3 @ Fl. 41,50 178,45
Fee Flat Rate 26.000,00

Total monthly cost Fl. 39.532,95

In the meantime the chairlady of parliament Gracita Arrindell is still to finalise the discussions with USONA to see if they would undertake Hanze's expenses as a consultant to St. Maarten during its transition period. Currently the members of parliament SMN News understands are very concerned about who will cover the expenses should USONA object to taking it over. SMN News also learnt that while the project director Denis Richardson was working on the proposal, Hanze and Arrindell made up their own proposal and presented it to parliament on Monday. The first proposal had a weekly expense to the tune of Naf. 11, 210. It must also be noted that Franklyn Hanze has his own legal consultancy firm.

Philipsburg:--- This Saint Martin/Sint Maarten's Day, November 11, 2010, we of the Southern part of our island celebrate with Saint Martin under a new constitutional status.
It is the first Saint Martin/Sint Maarten's Day that on the South side of this beautiful nation, we celebrate our joint day as a country, having achieved country status within the Dutch Kingdom on October 10, 2010.

Indeed, our heritage has surely contributed to the attainment of constitutional change and the much sought after self-government for our people. From the three islands Windward Islands Territory to becoming an Island Territory ourselves, to a country within the Kingdom in 2010.
As a people we have much to be proud of. The constitutional change process was inspired by our yearning for a more fulfilling future for our people.
Having a long history of friend and kinship amongst ourselves, a reputation of kind hospitality, and legendary pride in our nation as we move forward together as North and South, let us continue to harness the spirit of cooperation for the betterment of all our people.
Let us provide the leadership necessary to do so, based on our shared heritage and continue to inspire tomorrow's generations, as they look to us to lead the way forward. We have demonstrated time and again, that there is strength in unity and so we must relish the absence of physical borders and avoid creating mental or political barriers. For North and South, French and Dutch, the times are challenging, the responsibilities greater yet, but our common heritage remains the buttress to face these challenges head-on.
May God continue to bless our island nation.

Marigot:--- President Frantz Gumbs at an executive council meeting on Tuesday night took away all the portfolios of the Vice Presidents of the Collectivity. Those that lost their portfolios are Claire Javios, Daniel Gibbs, Pierre Allioti, and Louis Jeffry. While Gumbs took away the portfolios based on article CE 50-4-2009 and LO 6353-3 of the Organic Law, he also acted illegally by not having the stripping of the portfolios on the agenda.
President Gumbs now has full control over the affairs of the COM. SMN News has been reliably informed that while the executive council met on Tuesday to deliberate on administrative matters, the stripping the vice presidents of their portfolios was nowhere on the agenda. It is further understood that the elected officials that are still supporting the President and Senator acted in conspiracy against Gibbs. "Taking away the portfolios from all the members was to get at Gibbs." At the meeting on Tuesday night were five members of the executive council, while two of them were absent. Those present were President Frantz Gumbs, Louis Jeffry, Claire Javois, Alain Richardson and Daniel Gibbs, while Pierre Allioti and Aline Hanson were absent. Voting in favour of the motion presented by Gumbs were Jeffry, Javios and Gumbs while Richardson and Gibbs voted against.
According to the law, the president now have to call a territorial council meeting to inform the public and the council of the decisions he has taken to strip the vice presidents of their portfolios. The president would also have to give the council the reasons why he took such decisions.
SMN News learnt that if Gibbs decided to take the President to court for his actions on Tuesday night there is a strong possibility he would win the case. Already senator Louis Constant Fleming has taken Semsamar board to court after they ousted him from the presidency on September 10.The case of LC Fleming against Semsamar was called on October 13 while the court will pronounce its ruling on December 15th.

Philipsburg:--- A press release from Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos has issued a press release stating that an agreement has been reached with police inspector Carlton Philips and the prosecutor's office. Below is the full release.
"In September 2009, Police Inspector Carlton Philips publicly made allegations that there had been a conspiracy against his candidacy for Chief of the Criminal Intelligence Department (CID). Members of the selection committee would have conspired against Philips, resulting in the fact that not Philips but another candidate was chosen and thus Philips' promotion was blocked. Philips' opinion was based on statements attributed to at least one member of the selection committee. The selection committee comprised of three persons including the CID prosecutor.
Inspector Philips had received information that the CID prosecutor had raised objections to him being appointed as the head of the CID department. In his public statements Philips requested that the role of the CID prosecutor in the matter also be investigated. This led to the acting chief Prosecutor deciding in October 2009, that his office would not work with Inspector Philips in investigations as long as he did not issue a public apology.
On Friday October 13th 2010, a meeting took place between the Chief of Police, the Chief of the Judicial Department, the acting Chief Prosecutor, the CID Prosecutor and police inspector Carlton Philips. In this clarifying meeting, several topics were discussed, including all aspects of the application of Mr. Philips, the position of the CID prosecutor as well as the decision taken by the acting chief prosecutor.
During this meeting it was established that statements made by certain individuals, miscommunication and at times a serious lack of information, had led to the unfortunate situation between the office of the public prosecutor and inspector Philips. It was also established that in any case the CID prosecutor was not involved in any conspiracy to block his promotion. Philips subsequently acknowledged that based on incorrect information he had wrongfully assumed that the CID Prosecutor was also part of the conspiracy. Parties expressed their regrets for the unfortunate situation that resulted in the strained relationship between them.
Based on the above, parties have reached an amicable solution of this matter and it was decided to restore the working relation with inspector Philips."

PHILIPSBURG:--- Vice Prime Minister Theo Heyliger and Minister of Finance met with former Dutch representative to the Netherlands Antilles in Philipsburg Gert-jan Stortelers on Monday.

A number of issues were discussed during the courtesy visit including staffing shortage within the government administration especially in key functions, and how this could be solved within the short to mid-term.

Stortelers was also briefed by both ministers with respect to current developments since the attainment of country status on October 10.

Stortelers currently holds the position of senior policy advisor in the Department of Kingdom Relations attached to the Ministry of Interior Affairs & Kingdom Relations.

Stortelers was accompanied by his colleague Harold Boersen.

Philipsburg/French Quarter:--- The prosecutor's office has confirmed the release of R.B the suspect that was arrested last Monday as a suspect in the murder of Clemincia Josi-anne Julot.
A press release from Prosecutor Rienk Mud states that R.B was released on Monday afternoon. Mud said based on DNA research it makes it unlikely that R.B had anything to do with the killing of said victim.

The public prosecutor's office also announced that the investigation is continuing and as such they are calling on the public to come forward with whatever information they might have to assist in solving this horrible crime.
Julot's body was recovered on July 22 2010 in Oyster Pond, the 21 year old woman disappeared two days prior to the gruesome recovery when she went jogging. The Prosecutors office put together a special team, "Team Grootschalige Opsporing" (TGO) to solve what they described as one of the most horrible crimes to have ever happened on the island.

By Lasana M. Sekou

GREAT BAY:--- St. Martin people have been expressing outrage and disgust concerning the recent suspension of two top officials of the territory's Tourism Bureau, considered to be the most efficient, people-focused, service-oriented, result-driven agency of government, despite its well-known manpower inadequacies.
Not only are the talk-shows bombarded with calls, generally in favor of the two victims of this irrational government action, the suspension of Ms. Regina LaBega, director of tourism and marketing director Edward Dest almost two weeks ago has also become a most-talked about issue island-wide.
St. Martin people are demonstrating once again that they do not appreciate their government punishing, humiliating, and wrecking the reputation of some of their brightest and most dedicated sons and daughters in a manner that flies in the face of their sense of justice and fair play.
"Even criminals are treated more fairly," I've heard a number of people repeat, commenting on the matter, pointing to the fact that suspected criminals must be informed within two working days of the reason they are detained and brought before an investigating judge to determine if they should be held longer.
It is not my intention to defend the good name of both Ms. LaBega and Mr. Dest: their records speak for them. However, I cannot but join in expressing my own outrage at what seems to be a calculated smear campaign unleashed by the authorities and I will limit my opinion to how language is being used to deliberately create a narrative that does not stand the test of logic.
If I understand it correctly, the two tourism top guns were summarily sent home, some even say, "Gestapo-style," based on some unspecified "discrepancies" discovered by the Finance Department allegedly since February of this year. Now, the word "discrepancies" could mean anything from a wrong posting of an item in the budget to the disappearance of millions of dollars. The vagueness in this "charge" is obviously meant to allow the imagination of the population to take flight.
Secondly, there has not been in recent memory, any case that has forced government to engage in a concerted PR effort: the very same day the suspension and eviction order from the premises of the Tourism Bureau were "gleefully" served on the two officials, a press release was issued to further "explain" – with at least three appearances on talk-shows and other interviews granted by ministers known for their preference for staying out of GIS news briefings, even when the portfolio was their responsibility. Why all the media adrenaline rushes? To deflect accusations that the measure was political victimization? There is more there than meets the eye.
In the process, statements claiming that the case file has been submitted to the Public Prosecutor are flung around, despite media reports that the Public Prosecutor has denied receiving any such file. In my view, this is the nastiest aspect of the whole matter.
The mere mention of the Public Prosecutor creates the impression that a crime has been committed, when the suspended officials have not even been informed of what they may have done wrong to warrant such a drastic measure, which the minister in charge called routine in the present constitutional dispensation.
But, and this is a most insidious part of the claim, how could the Public Prosecutor be even mentioned when government has stated that the "investigation" has not been finalized? What charges and/or evidence were they going to submit to the Public Prosecutor if they haven't even concluded their so-called "investigation"? Are we missing something here?
"Investigation" – or however those words will metamorphosis – is another of those code words used to conjure up some hideous crime. How can people be under "investigation" by their employer since February (or even September) and not know about it until they are shamefully suspended in November?
Who is (or who are) the "investigator(s)"? How long does it take to "investigate" "discrepancies" involving only two officials who have given their professional lives for the economic well-being of the territory, and indeed (knowing especially Ms. LaBega's marketing savvy and her love and socio-cultural concerns) of the entire island?
While nobody is suggesting that anyone is or should be above the law, it is simply unbelievable that those who acted in the manner in which they did, did so with the best interest of the rest of us at heart.
I believe the suspended officials will hopefully have their day in court to put this nightmare behind them, but I wonder what redress and what reparation would be sufficient to undo the damage done to their reputation. Hopefully, this will be sooner than later, because when bad things happen to good people, the whole community, the whole S'maatin nation, suffers. And for that, there is no reparation.

GREAT BAY:--- Last week personnel from the emergency services took part in a two-hour Mass Casualty Incidents (MCI) workshop that took place at the Fire & Ambulance Department Emergency Response Center in Cay Hill.

The workshop included personnel from the fire department, Sint Maarten Emergency Medical Services (EMS), WIEMS, Red Cross, Family Physicians, Mental Health Foundation, Sint Maarten Medical Center, Sint Martin's Home and the Inspectorate of Health.

Head of the Ambulance Department Cylred Richardson told the Government Information Service (GIS) that the MCI workshop covered such areas as an airplane crash, cruise ship fire, and a bus crash.

"The workshop also included organizing and commanding the emergency scene, sorting of patients based on severity of their injuries, setting up field treatment areas, and the transportation of multiple victims to the hospital.

"The personnel were also taught how to utilize a variety of resources such as equipment and personnel. The goal of the training was for the national emergency services to be better prepared to handle an incident," Richardson explained.

Minister of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus was impressed with the content of the workshop. "It is essential that our EMS personnel receive training in various areas of emergency response and management.

"Also very important is re-training of staff and continuous upgrading. Our island nation caters to the international community. The type of economy we have developed as a nation caters to almost two million visitors a year. In the event of an incident involving a cruise ship or an aircraft, the first responders need to be able to handle this type of emergency.

"The same services not only serve our visitors, but are also first and foremost for the community. Public transportation is a clear example, should there be an accident involving a bus carrying 15 passengers, again our EMS must be able to deal with such an emergency. I am very proud of all of the staff as well as those other stakeholders who came out to the workshop. Our main goal is to provide quality and efficient services to the community and our visitors," Minister of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the GIS on Sunday.

The workshop attendees were also acquainted with two new MCI response trailers that were recently purchased by the Sint Maarten EMS.

The trailers built by Disaster Response Solutions in Ohio, carries a variety of medical equipment including 25 backboards, a large quantity of trauma supplies such as splints, and burn sheets, airway equipment including ventilation devices, and equipment to assist command personnel in organizing the mass casualty scene.

In addition, one of the trailers carries a large oxygen tank and two delivery manifolds that allow oxygen to be administered to 10 patients simultaneously. This capability can be useful in the event of an industrial accident where toxic gases may be released or if there is a major fire and multiple persons are suffering from smoke inhalation.

Each trailer can treat more than 50 patients and can be attached to a small vehicle and transported along narrow road and alley ways to an incident.

"I am very pleased with the resources that we have received and the training that the staff has been going through over the years. It is hoped that the training and trailers will never be used, but in such an event, our national emergency response personnel are better prepared," Head of Sint Maarten EMS Cylred Richardson concluded.

The workshop was conducted by Daniel Mack from the United States who serves as Assistant Chief of Miami Township Fire and Emergency Medical Services in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Mack has conducted similar workshops throughout the United States and is the author of numerous articles on MCIs.

Philipsburg: --- Members of Parliament Louis Laveist and Frans Richardson walked out of the government administration building on Tuesday afternoon protesting against the length of time they had to wait on the A.C Wathey legislative hall to start a scheduled central committee meeting. Members of Parliament were initially told that the meeting to discuss St. Maarten joining the Latin American Parliament will convene at 2pm it was later changed to 3pm but when the parliamentarians reached the government administration building they were forced to wait in the corridor since Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto was busy meeting with members of the CFT in the A.C Wathey Legislative Hall. At that point the MP's were told that they should stick around because the meeting would start at 3:30pm.

SMN News learnt that there was some sort of mix up with the scheduling of the meeting. Sources say parliament did not duly notify the secretariat on the planned meeting for Tuesday.
Shortly after Laveist and Richardson walked out of the building they were called and told the A.C Wathey Hall was made available to them and that the meeting was going to begin forthwith. Both MP's then returned and signed in to participate in the meeting.
The two agenda points on Tuesday was for the members of parliament to decide if St. Maarten parliament would become a member of the Latin American Parliament and if so which committees St. Maarten would choose to join.
Senator Frans Richardson asked what would becoming a member of Parlatino cost St. Maarten including the travelling expenses. He also asked if the budgetary constraints on St. Maarten would in any way jeopardize the island's membership.
The chairlady of parliament responded by saying becoming a member of Parlatino would cost St Maarten $20,000 annually.
Senator Johan Janchi Leonard in his elucidation said he did not think the MP's should focus on what this membership would cost St. Maarten instead he is of the opinion that the people needs to know what would St. Maarten benefit by becoming a member of Parlatino. Senator Roy Marlin and Patrick Illidge shared the same concern. However, deputy chairman of parliament Leroy De Weever felt there was also need to discuss how much this would cost St. Maarten.
Senator Frans Richardson also suggested that the meeting should have been held behind closed doors but the chairlady immediately reminded him that the rules of order stated that central committee meetings have to be public.
Senator Louis Laviest said that the agenda points were not properly noted since the conditions were not added in agenda point one. While the MP's are asked to decide whether or not they would agree to become a member Parlatino they are not fully aware of the cost and conditions. He suggested that the central committee discuss point 2 before point one. The chair agreed after some discussion to adjourn for ten minutes so that the MP's could caucus before debating agenda point two. Before the meeting adjourned the central committee voted in favour of St. Maarten becoming a member of Parlatino. When the meeting convened the central committee immediately decided that St. Maarten would become members of the following committees:

• Economic Affairs, Social Debt and Regional Development Commission.
• Citizen Safety, Combat and Prevention of Narco-traffic, Terrorism and Organised Crime.
• Education, Culture, Science and Technology and Communication Commission
• Health Commission
• Human Rights, Justice, and Prison Policies Commission.
• Gender Equality, Childhood, and Youth Commission
• Agriculture, Cattle Raising, and Fishery Commission.
• Environment and Tourism Commission.

GREAT BAY:--- Honorable Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams would like to congratulate the broadcast media who observed World Television Day on November 21.
"The broadcast media, in particular television, plays a very important role in providing news and information.
"The media is considered the fourth estate which rests on the idea that the media's function is to act as a guardian of the public interest and as a watchdog.
"The fourth estate is an important component of the checks and balances that form part of a modern democracy such as ours. Government embraces the important role the media plays in providing information, which is crucial especially at this important juncture in the life of our country Sint Maarten.
"Journalists have a responsibility to the community to report the facts, due to the essential role that they play where the dissemination of information is concerned.
"The influence of the media can lead members of the community to either make an informed decision about an issue, or an uninformed opinion based on incorrect information. Hence, the responsibility of the media to remain a credible source of news and information.
"Television can be a tremendous source as it educates the community and upholds freedom of information. On this past World Television Day, I would like to congratulate all those who work in the broadcast/television media, including those in the Department of Communications, and wish them much success. Continue to keep up the good work," Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).
The United Nations (UN) General Assembly proclaimed 21 November as World Television Day in recognition of the increasing impact television has on decision-making by alerting local and world attention to conflicts and threats to peace and security and its potential role in sharpening the focus on other major issues, including economic and social issues.
On 21 and 22 November 1996, the UN held the first World Television Forum, where leading media figures met under the auspices of the United Nations to discuss the growing significance of television in today's changing world and to consider how they might enhance their mutual cooperation.
That is why the General Assembly decided to proclaim 21 November as World Television Day – to commemorate the date on which the first World Television Forum was held.
The Department of Communications (GIS) falls under the Ministry of General Affairs which falls under the political responsibility of the Prime Minister.

...

Philipsburg:--- The Minister of Tourism Franklyn Meyers has signed a letter which was delivered to the director of the Tourist Office Regina Labega and Edward Dest informing them that they have been suspended with pay and barred from entering the tourist office until further notice.
SMN News learnt that the letter to Labega and Dest was hand delivered by the General Secretary of the Minister, Miguel de Weever and government controller Alex Richardson. The source said when the duo approached Labega at her office to serve her with the letter they were both grinning. It is further understood that Labega was shocked with the news, thus became concerned at the way she was informed of her suspension but de Weever it is said demanded that the keys of her office be turned over to him and that she leave immediately.
In an invited comment de Weever confirmed to SMN News that the two staff members were given official notification that they are not allowed to enter the building of the tourist office until further notice.
De Weever did not give details as to what the two are accused of but said they are conducting an investigation into certain irregularities.
SMN News learnt that the department of finance headed by Minister of Finance Hiro Shigemoto has initiated an investigation against Labega and Dest to see if they are embezzling monies from government. SMN News learnt that each time Labega travels abroad to represent or promote St. Maarten she would receive travelling allowances from government. However, it is alleged that Labega would also charge her travel expenses to the New York tourist office.
SMN News further learnt that Labega is somehow attached to a company that is contracted by the tourist office. That company "Eastern Caribbean Destination Management (ECDM)" it is said belongs to Labega, Fabian Badejoe, and Ericka Fortuno, the former head of the New York Tourist Office. However, the records at the Chamber of Commerce show that the directors of the ECDM are Fabian Badejoe and Erika Fortuno. However, based on the current structure of government it is extremely difficult to see if Labega is a shareholder of the company.
Regina Labega is a civil servant and she has been working at the Tourist Office for the past 18 years, promoting St. Maarten abroad. SMN News also learnt that Regina Labega had applied to government for the position of General Secretary to the Minister of Tourism but that position was not given to her.

When the news broke that Labega has been suspended and evicted from her office; several persons in the community expressed outrage saying that Labega is politically victimized by the current government. Persons in the streets said the attack on Regina Labega today stems from her decision to support the National Alliance during the September 17 elections. SMN News learnt that Labega refused to support the Democratic Party even though her sister Claudette Labega ran on that slate, while she also did not support the United Peoples Party since she still remembers how her sister Christina Labega was treated by the leader of the United Peoples Party Theo Heyliger who was and still is in charge of the harbour holding companies. Some persons said Regina Labega practically sacrificed her family life for St. Maarten as she constantly travels abroad to promote the island. Her most recent trip was to Argentina where she attended an annual trade show and to speak with Copa Airlines.
One resident and civil servant who requested to remain anonymous said that this is political victimization something they saw coming. The civil servant said Heyliger and Shigemoto have personal animosity against Labega and this is payback time. The civil servant said the deputy Prime Minister sat for months on the SOAB report that was done at ROB and he Heyliger did nothing that was suggested by the SOAB to Dollison. Instead Heyliger gave Dollison one of the best packages with government perks as he waits on his pensionable age. "Just recently I saw Dollison and the UP number 3 candidate leaving the island together, they were going off island to seal some deal."
In an invited comment Regina Labega who was obviously distraught when contacted said she is shocked, disappointed and most importantly is hurt at the notification given to her. She said only on Thursday she spoke to the Minister of Tourism and he did not give her any indication that this was coming to her. Labega said that she had no indication that there is an investigation and she also does not know what she is accused of. Labega also met with her lawyer shortly after she was evicted from her office on Friday.
So far it is not clear if the Council of Ministers took a decision to suspend Labega or if the decision was taken by the Minister of Tourism Franklin Meyers.
A press release from Minister Meyers states that both head of the Tourist Bureau and the head of the marketing division officially received suspension letters on Friday, November 5, 2010 pertaining to an ongoing investigation into discrepancies found by the Finance Department.
Their suspension has to do with the new procedures now in place for the handling of such matters as of October 10, 2010.
Minister Franklin Meyers emphasizes that the process should be allowed to continue unhindered. The minister makes it clear the steps taken thus far as well as the ongoing process does not mean Labega and Dest are in any way guilty of any wrong doing.
They will both have an opportunity to be heard by the relevant authorities about the discrepancies.
The discrepancies were uncovered by the Finance Department prior to September 2010 and were reported to the then-Finance Commissioner. The process was left to be completed.
In the current country status, in cases like these, the minister has to issue suspension letters so as to not impede an ongoing investigation.
Minister Meyers once again urges the public and press to understand that this is not a finger pointing exercise but a due diligence and legal process based on the principles of good governance and the rule of law.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Vice Prime Minister Theo Heyliger and Minister of Finance discussed innovative means to finance public housing on the island with representatives from the Directorate General of Housing, Communities & Integration.
The Directorate will be furnishing information about financing for public housing at a reasonable interest rate. The delegation was informed that Housing Foundations in Holland are not allowed to invest outside of the Netherlands.
Initially, Sint Maarten was looking at establishing a relationship with a Dutch Housing Foundation and the Sint Maarten Housing Development Foundation where financing is concerned.
Another issue discussed was community district development. A neighbourhood approach project was executed successfully in Holland and Curacao and everybody was in agreement that something similar could also be done for Sint Maarten. The Directorate General will furnish information related to this approach to Sint Maarten representatives for further review and follow-up.
Minister Heyliger also asked about the possibilities of assistance with the development of environmental policies for Sint Maarten, and the request will be taken into consideration by the Directorate.
Representing the Directorate was Director General Mark Frequin, Department Manager Special Projects Victor Schaap and Martina Bartelink charged with the portfolio of Housing, Communities & Integration.

Pond Island:--- The detective department is busy investigating the sudden death of a small business owner on Pond Island. The businessman whose name is given as "Nando" was found dead in his living room about 11 am on Thursday. Police also discovered the man's companion in critical condition; she was taken to the St Maarten Medical Center for treatment.
In an invited comment Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said neighbors found it strange that the couple did not open their bar on Thursday morning thus leading them to knock on their door. Henson said when the neighbors did not get any response they became suspicious and called police who broke down the door of the house and made the discovery.
Preliminary indications are that the couple had been exposed to gas. Henson said while two gas bottles were found in the house it is not clear what exactly happened. The police spokesman said the forensic and fire department are busy conducting their investigation and the moment the findings are completed it will be made available.
In an unrelated incident a decomposed body was removed from a home in Grand Case on Thursday morning. SMN News learnt that the victim is the son of Pastor Romney who has been identified as Nathan Romney. Sources say the younger Romney has been ailing for some time.

Marigot: --- An employee of First Deco known to the community of St. Martin as Pascal Delalosa (44) lost his life during the early hours of Monday morning. SMN News learnt that the victim was robbed sometime last week and he was again attacked early Tuesday morning in his apartment at the Marina Royale where he was stabbed to death. Sources say the culprits broke down the victim's front door to gain access to the house.
Efforts made all day on Tuesday to reach the commandant and captain of the Gendarmerie proved futile. Prosecutor Jacques Louvier also could not be reached by phone on Tuesday.
In an unrelated incident the gendarmes and Pompier responded to French Quarter to deal with a young man who went berserk. SMN News learnt that the young man was in possession of a firearm and wanted to shoot someone who must have annoyed him. SMN News further learnt that the gun accidentally fell down and shot the man in his shoulder. He was transported to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital for treatment. Details of the incident are still sketchy.
Gendarmes were also busy on Tuesday conducting a searching a home for the gun that Orlando Isaac used to shoot a Jamaican national on August 14th 2010. SMN News learnt that the home of one of Isaac's aunts was searched for the missing weapon.

MADAME ESTATE:--- GEBE will be breaking ground on the underground cabling project for the last area in Madame Estate. The project will begin this week with the road being cut to facilitate the digging of the trenches. Once that part of the project has been finalized, GEBE will be changing out the water lines, and placing both high tension and low tension lines underground.
GEBE is working in collaboration with TELEM and St. Maarten Cable TV to put all the overhead cables underground simultaneously. The entire project is being coordinated through one contractor, Alex Backhoe & Trucking.
Businesses and residents in the area of Guadeloupe Road and Grenada Road are being requested to seek alternative parking as the project teams will be trenching the entire length of the road to facilitate the project. There should be no impact on the electricity service during this period as the overhead lines will remain in service until it is completed. Should service need to be interrupted, GEBE will inform customers accordingly.
Approximately 95% of high tension cables are already underground making the electricity distribution grid more reliable, especially in times of hurricanes.