Articles

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):----  Section Collective Prevention Services (CPS) within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour is appealing to the community to step-up mosquito prevention measures in order to prevent an increase in dengue and chikungunya cases due to the daily rainfall that the country has been confronted with.

CPS uses this opportunity to also commend the Dutch Quarter Community Council in conjunction with the organizes of the OASIS project for carrying out a clean-up effort within the district about two weeks ago.

Minister of Public Health Hon. Cornelius de Weever is appealing to social and civic clubs as well as community councils to come together with their members and assist the people in their districts with clean-up campaigns

Every individual, household and business has a responsibility to take action and protect public health and our economy.

Chikungunya, is a virus similar to dengue, transmitted by the same mosquito that spreads dengue. The symptoms are similar to dengue fever and may include a sudden high fever, headache, rash, nausea and muscle pain.

However, stiffness and severe joint pain, especially in the wrists, knuckles or ankles, are more often associated with chikungunya. The incubation period (time from infection to illness) can be two to 12 days but is usually three to seven days.

Acute chikungunya fever typically lasts a few days to a few weeks and some infected patients in the Asia region have reported debilitating arthritic pain persisting for weeks or months.

The condition's outcome is that most patients feel better within a week; some people may develop longer-term joint pain; people at increased risk for severe disease include newborns exposed during delivery, older adults and people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease. Deaths are rare.

There is no vaccine or medication to prevent chikungunya virus infection or disease, the recommended prevention is to reduce mosquito exposure.

Residents and business leaders play a key role by continually being active in taking measures to mitigate the mosquito population in eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

Residents and visitors are reminded to protect themselves especially when out during dusk and dawn hours by using mosquito repellent or wear proper clothing (long sleeve shirts/blouses and pants) to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Every household is requested to actively take actions on a daily basis to eliminate mosquitos by checking containers such as buckets and water tanks for larvae and eliminate the breeding source. If there aren't any containers with water for mosquitoes to lay the larvae there won't be any adult mosquitoes.

Dengue Fever and Chikungunya are transmitted by the female vector Aedes Aegypti mosquito. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito lays her eggs in clear (clean) stagnant water. Within eight days the mosquito can complete its life cycle from egg, to larvae to pupae and to adult mosquito.

An increase in the mosquito population puts all residents and businesses at risk. Call for information on the Aedes Aegypti mosquito breeding sites and respective preventive measures at 542-2078 or 542-3003 or visit the Facebook Collective Prevention Services.

Dear Editor,

The front page headlines on Saturday November 29, 2014 speaks volumes of how this particular (Government owned!!!!) group goes about its business. Government and it's wholly/partly owned companies are there to FACILITATE private enterprise, while providing core services to the citizens and visitors of the country. NOT bully them, intimidate them, or seek to destroy them in an effort to improve the profit margin of the involved Government owned company and certainly not to possibly create income streams for those in charge, or politically affiliated. The St. Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA) of which I am a Board Member, has in the past years repeatedly sounded the alarm about the Harbour Group of Companies using its SLAC affiliate (daughter company)'s regulatory authority to negatively impact the economic well being of Private Sector enterprises involved in the Marine Trade on the island and to compete with these Private Sector companies by "regulating" their very existence, while playing "Pacman"with their businesses. I do not know Evans Deher's children or grand children to be one of those local families that rolls over and plays dead when bullies walk into their yard. Harbour Group of Companies: Are YOU "ready"?

Michael J. Ferrier

Partnership between the St. Martin Grassroots people Movement and SMECO-2014 a logical alternative 

Dear loyal supporters,

For a while now, we have been approached by many of you because of you feeling confused by a group of individuals, identifying themselves as the Soualiga grassroots movement, or as THE grassroots movement.
The reason, you tell us why you are confused, is because the original- and only grassroots movement, most people knew from 'day one', is the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement.
This movement is officially registered- and established on both sides of the island.
Many of you express having the feeling, that this group of persons, is deliberately trying to confuse the St. Martin people.
In addition, a number of you, is very concerned about our future, because you feel that there is a conspiracy to undermine and to deny our very existence as the original grassroots people movement.
While we understand your sentiments, we inform you, that we too are very well aware of what this group is up to.
In fact – the objective is in keeping with a threat Mr. Horace Whit - the leader of this group - made back then, during a meeting.
He stated clearly, that he would (quote); 'Cut off our original movement at its knees'.
As a matter of fact - when he joined our original movement, we were fore-warned by others who worked with him in the past, that he has a track-record of infiltrating organizations, only to destroy them, if he could not be in control.
We nevertheless gave the gentleman the benefit of the doubt.
The rest is history – the good gentleman confirmed his reputation- and track-record.
He committed a 'coup' behind the back of the founders of the movement - then tried to even steal the name - and when that did not work, he choose a name almost identical to that of the original movement.
Clearly, it was his mission from day one to destroy the original grassroots movement – all based on envy and worse.
For the record.
We respect the rights of anyone to break away from any organization to set up their own – nothing wrong with that.
But, when one deliberately tries to steal the name of the organization they joined, and when that does not work, to then choose a similar name, that the motive becomes questionable.
Why didn't Horace Whit choose another name for his 'new' group.
How about SMECO-2014, or SMECO- movement, or SMECO-North &South, or SMECO-Anti Colonialism – after all, they always talk about having 'invented' SMECO and about the great work SMECO did – which we absolutely agree with and give them all the credit for.
If they had done that, not only would they have created a REAL alternative and clear distinction without confusion for the people, they claim they love – it would have made so much logical- and moral sense
In addition, it would have allowed for us both to find common ground to work on in the best interest of St. Martin people.
For sure then, sowing confusion, could hardly have been the motive to show love - and the way to set an example for St. Martin people and politicians, whom are often attack for lacking morals.
Dear loyal supporters of the original St. Martin Grassroots People Movement now, that you know this - please put aside all you concerns, because anything that is built on betrayal and deception will be eventually exposed and more.
It should also be known, that we do not harbor any ill will towards the members of the Soualiga group – what they are doing is courageous and necessary.
BUT, whenever anyone tries to 're-create' and to 're-invent' history by denying what others did and how they (the Soualiga group) itself came into existence – we do not tolerate anyone doing that to us.
We paid too high a price for too long for that.
And for the record- we recommend you listen to the words of Ras Touzah Jabash, expressing how the plot of betrayal was committed.
In the meantime, the original St. Martin Grassroots People Movement, thanks all of you, the many people, natives and other residents for your support and we can assure you, that our movement will continue to set the tone for others to follow, as we have done for decades.
Lots more information to come.
One love.

Leopold James
President and founder of the
St. Martin Grassroots People Movement.

'Do not fail our benefit of the doubt'

In the wake of the recent 'instructions' handed down by the Dutch Government to St. Maarten, the island experienced a crisis of major proportions, which could have had - and still can have far-reaching consequences for all within the Kingdom, as never before.
One thing became very clear to all, after the last elections and since the issued instructions.
The St. Maarten 'body politic' has lost about every bit of trust- and confidence – not only from the Dutch Government, but also from the majority of St. Martin people, residents and institutions on the island.
The response of politicians and their political 'operatives', to also call 'the Dutch kettle also Black' - meaning to level similar accusations of corruptions against Dutch politicians, also proved futile with the majority of people on the island.
It is very clear that, based on the track-record of our politicians, the 'Dutch' – and many others felt 'empowered' to slabel and to define 'everything- and everybody St. Maarten' as corrupt, incompetent and un-trustworthy.
Because this very negative reputation/label, also affected our young people, students and potential political leaders, who were not responsible for such, we took the initiative to bring them together in an effort to clear- and protect their own future careers, reputations - as well as to regain the trust, confidence and hope of our own people in a future St. Maarten.
The response to our call was incredibly positive and we had started preparing the first meeting.
However, with the setting up of a so-called Integrity Project Bureau, we are willing to postpone our initiative for the time being.
The main reason is that we appreciate the fact that our Government at least has decided to accept its own full responsibility for what happened in the past and the willingness to DEAL with such.

This in total contrast to having become engaged in non-constructive , ridiculous 'tit-for-tat' accusations- and in silly, opportunistic 'marches' against 'colonialism', simply aimed at winning over public support- and sympathy.
For taking this step, we are willing- to at least allow for this bureau to prove itself.
To be exact - that it will be managed and manned by independently minded professionals, who take an oath to uphold its commitment to contribute towards transparency, open Governance and to expose, report and sanction proven cases of corruption, nepotism, cronyism etc.
In addition, this Bureau should also be tasked with educating our young aspiring politicians in good governance for which they should be able to earn a certificate.
In fact - it should then be made mandatory for only thus certified persons to be able to hold public office.
With the abovementioned- and with other considerations in mind, the St. Martin Grassroots people Movement is prepared to put its plans for the training of the 'New Guard'- politicians, as was planned, on hold for the time being.
We sincerely hope, that this envisaged bureau does not make the very regrettable mistake of allowing for the same (integrity-) problems and the same corrupt politicians to return through some 'back door' to hold elected positions as ministers and/or as members of Parliament.
One person recently said on Facebook something actually to the effect of; 'It is to be hoped that the Bureau does not become the 'Banana that minds the monkey'....
In the meantime, the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement, will remain open to meet with all interested 'New- Guard' politicians in order to assist them in defining themselves and to make sure that their reputation and future careers are not 'contaminated' with the label of corruption, for which our politicians- and island in general have become infamous abroad.
We also express our willingness to work along with the newly established bureau and to commend it where possible, as well as to criticize it when deemed necessary as well.
In ending, while we have been and continue to be extremely watchful of our politicians, we hope that our record will also show, that we can humble ourselves, be fair and say – ' Integrity Project Bureau - a step in the right direction Bureau – but still a very long way to go'.

Leopold James
President St.Martin Grassroots People Movement

I traveled to the Dominican Republic a few years ago and found out the acceptable language was Spanish. You couldn't even live comfortably in Dominican Republic if you couldn't speak Spanish. They have a way of forcing you to learn their language by speaking it to you whether you understand it or not. Same with when I worked in Paris, I had to attend French classes to be able to relate with the French people. It was almost a crime for you not to be able to speak the French language. I wasn't wholeheartedly accepted if I could not communicate in French. I have traveled to many African countries and even worked in Africa and in all my experience, I realized that in order for me to be able to relate with the people in the community and be generally accepted, I had to either learn their language or learn their culture. While I worked in Saudi Arabia I had to dress conservative and respect their culture and religion. In Bangladesh I had to do same thing.
Unfortunately back home in St Maarten everything goes. Everywhere you go to drink on Sundays the only music you hear is Bachata. You go out to order food and some of the restaurants have their food written in Spanish. You can hardly visit a bar without being forced to listen to the Spanish music.
St. Maarten is a Dutch Caribbean Island! Sometimes I almost forget that I am on a Dutch Island. All you hear is Spanish! Don't get me wrong, I do not hate Spanish people. I just think that it is wrong for anybody irrespective of their culture or language to force another person in their own country to speak their foreign language. My grandmothers was Spanish but she trained all of us and taught us to speak Dutch. She spoke fluent English and could also write in English Language. As far as I am concerned, I believe that she did that to prove her love for her husband's country.
It kills me each time it seem like I have to try really hard to impress the Spanish speaking population in my country to be accepted. I didn't realize how terrible this problem had become until I had the following experience.
A few months ago, I was in the hospital when I heard a Spanish lady insulting a nurse. The reason why she was mad at the nurse according to her was because the nurse couldn't speak Spanish. Therefore she deserved the insult. Again, during the last election, I attended a rally and one of the candidates of the White Party was a Spanish lady, I stood there in amazement when all she did was speak two sentences in English Language and carried on with her Spanish language as if to say "the vote of all the Spanish people in this gathering is all I need. I don't care if you understand me or not, I will just fly my country flag in your country." As if that's not enough, I visited the government building last week to pick up an official document and the security guard at the front desk gladly attended to the Spanish lady in her language, gave her all the help she needed before attending to me in a rather sad mood. These experiences are just a tip of the iceberg. The straw that broke the camel's back was this last experience. I visited a restaurant, while I waited for my order to be taken, since there were two customers before me, the Spanish waitress took the order of the first two customers who spoke Spanish, she turned to me and said something in Spanish, not sure what she said, I tried to explain to her that I didn't understand Spanish. The waitress's facial expression suddenly changed and before I could even finish my sentence, one of the customers quickly snapped, "You are in a multi-cultural country, you should speak Spanish". She was so upset, the second customer joined in, she said "I speak five languages and I am was born here". They said it was very wrong of me not to speak Spanish since I grew up here. I was so embarrassed and angry at the same time.
Wait a minute, the last time I checked, St Maarten was a Dutch Island! From my past experience, when you are a visitor in a country, you learn their language and culture so that you can relate with the people. You cannot be resident in a country and not be able to relate. I shouldn't be the one striving to learn a language to be able relate with a foreigner, it should be the other way round. You can ask me to speak Spanish when am in your country.
I think that the people of St. Maarten need to wake up and stop allowing themselves to be downtrodden. If the Spanish are smart enough to protect their language and culture in another country, we should be able to protect ours in our country. St. Maarten may be a multicultural country as they claim but we do have the original language and culture of the owners of the country and that should be first on the list no matter what. That language and culture should be respected and protected. Very soon am sure Spanish schools will start to operate just to cater to the Spanish population if care is not taken.
This beautiful Island has people from over 100 countries living here peacefully. How do you think we can all live peacefully if every foreigner tries to enforce their language on the people of St. Maarten? How would you feel if you are required to speak Chinese whenever you go to a supermarket to shop or Hindi when you visit a jewelry store in St. Maarten? Everybody has a language but they speak English to be able to relate with other people. You cannot convert somebody else's country to yours. If the Spanish can be so proud of their language that they are not willing to learn any English or Dutch, we should also be proud to speak our language wherever we communicate with them, maybe that way, they will understand how it feels.

Cecil Scott

'Pro-active versus re-active – make a pick'

Never mind that first there was the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement, known to all...
Never mind that others later joined that movement....
Never mind that some later broke away to start their own movement....
Never mind their so-called motive was to be more 'active' and to organize more 'actions'...
Never mind that they first tried to hijack the original name......
Never mind that once that failed - they assumed another , mimicking name, creating confusion....
No- never mind all of that and much more, that is all their perfect right....
But, if nothing else, they deserve much credit for at least continuing along the very same track - firmly laid down by the original grassroots movement.....
Alas, there is one major difference.
One is based on true vision, originality, creative intelligence , forward thinking and - in particular on being PRO-ACTIVE.
Not so much the other one – it excels in being re-active and blaming others 'after the fact'...
Recent point in case.
The leader of the re-active, copy-cat movement, recently in a radio-program came out blasting the Collectivity for having invited 'foreign' entities to participate in talks regarding the planned revival of Marigot.
Just for the record.
It was Leopold James, who first mentioned that idea in a conversation with Bill D. in the studio of radio 95.9 F.M. in the presence of Albert aka 'Jesse' Adams.
To start working on this concept with others, Leopold invited a number of people on at his home in Friar's-bay.
There were several meetings held on the topic – all documented in minutes.
Present were among others; Jean Maccow, his brother Louis Maccow, Jesse Adams, X Rey, Freddy Richardson, X Rey and Miguel Arrindell and others.
During these meetings , Leopold James brought up a plan to be presented to the Collectivity in terms of making a contribution towards how native St. Martiners could be involved in this process in a very creative, 'win-win' manner.
Although, Leopold was the one who had come up with and had developed the basic concepts , he turned the initiative over to Mr. Horace Whyte, because the latter seemed more than interested to be in charge of the concept-project.
One of Jjames's basic and very strong caveat was – 'Guys, while everybody is complaining about the decline of Marigot, let us be PRO -ACTIVE and take initiatives BEFORE others do it and we again are left with no other choice that to RE-ACT.
That all happened in August 2013.
Since then, the silence was completely deafening.
Just in the event, anyone wants to dispute what is being stated here, I Leopold James am more than willing and prepared to publicly prove my statements here with witnesses and documents.
Now - all of a sudden, that the Collectivity has decided to invite 'foreign' groups, 'Mr. Man' has come out 'swinging', demanding that his 'RE-ACTIVE' movement should be invited as well in these talks.
Wattating.
The question should be raised WHICH Grassroots Movement should the Collectivity invite actually ?
The reactive, follow-fashion, RE-ACTIVE one – or the original, PRO-ACTIVE one ?
We will respect whatever decision the Collectivity takes in this case.
However, perhaps a letter that I wrote back then on the issue to the former president, Mr. Alain Richardson could be of some help in this situation.

Drs. Leopold JAMES,
President of the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement

When I was a young man, I overheard the old folks talking that there was once an idea, a thought to transfer all the people from Statia (And, maybe Saba also.) to the larger islands of the Netherlands Antilles for they were too costly to upkeep. The same line of thought that nowadays would have one suggest to establish a border between Sint Maarten and Saint Martin. No comprehension neither consideration for the People living on these islands.
The examples above may be extreme, but if you find willing Representatives of the People these ideas becomes very real (Public Entity?? – Anyone). Thank God for the fortitude of our forefathers that they were able to withstand these forces in their time.

Today, we see the same pressures being brought to bear on our Representatives and I am imploring them to stand firm to the assault on our existence. We are not capable to appoint Ministers in St. Maarten, Unable to formulate a budget in Aruba and to top it off here on Statia my Representatives are deemed incapable of even passing an ordinance in the Legislature of St. Eustatius without interference from the Dutch Government.
The Local Institutions that are supposed to serve the People of Statia, have instead become agents and surrogates of the colonial masters oppressing the people under the guise of 'Good Governance' and 'Rule of Law'. To serve their Cronies and 'Dutch' business interests in the Islands. What the Dutch Politicians forget to mention is that the guarantee function stipulated by the United Nations also entails that the Netherlands must bring these 'Island Institutions' up to the International Standards – at their expense. That is the guarantee.

Each time the islands venture into any activity aimed at economic sustainability the 'Motherland' intervenes. Does anyone remember the Off Shore Business on Curacao?? – Holland blocked it, in essence relegating Curacao to what it has become today. That same activity is flourishing in The Netherlands at present. And, all the other Caribbean Islands picked up where Curacao left off and are the envy of us all.

Where was the same concern for my Statia, where it regards the 'Statia Terminals/NuStar' set up. For years our Island and Federal Representatives protected this 'Sacred Cow' at the expense of the Statia Community. Now the Dutch Ministries want to annex these potential revenue streams for the Netherlands and in turn accord the Island a 'Free Allowance'. For more than thirty years Statia is blessed or cursed with the 'Statia Terminals/Nustar Terminals' depending on your point of view. Besides the labour contributions and wage tax (gone since 10-10-10), and spinoff businesses no major contributions is derived from this entity for our island. Sorry, the last Agreement calls for a $ 685,000.00 yearly stipend for the Statia Community on a more than 2.0 Billion Dollar Profit (Not Turn Over) per year Multinational. And, the total disrespect or negligence of our Representatives that for years the same Company have been collecting the dues and fees that were the jurisdiction of the Island Government for themselves.

Finally the Harbour Ordinance is completed, thanks to the input from Dutch/Regional Professionals, and the due diligence of our Finance and Harbour Departments.
The People of STATIA must witness, that the aforementioned ordinances will be presented to 'NuStar' and The Ministeries in the Netherlands beforehand.
I cannot understand the necessity for such a trip to the Netherlands, given all the technical advances on hand. An island ordinance must first clear 'NuStars' Lobbyists in The Hague before reaching the floor of the Island Council.

I assumed our Representatives want to toe the 'Dutch Line' to avoid being branded like
MR Theo Heyliger and MR Mike Eman. The trouble only starts when you try to avoid, eliminate or bypass these 'Middlemen'. Our Representatives will never succeed in Holland, for they do not have the ears of the Dutch Council of Ministers nor the Dutch Parliamentarians nor its Civil Service Core. Your only hope is to take care of the People Business at home in the Legislature and pray that the 'Rule of Law' prevails in the end. Your protection is in the 'STATUUT' that is where you can rid yourselves of these influences and expose the coercive behaviour to the world.
To all sitting members of the Island Council and Executive Council, and Collaborators – Statia's electorate is watching your performance as it relates to the Referendum Ordinances and the Harbour Ordinances. Be advised whose interest you are about to serve, the People of Statia or your Lobbyists 'Friends'.
By instituting these ordinances forthwith and establishing the Harbour Holding Companies to manage and oversee these activities in our Marine Sector you would have protected and secure these revenue streams for Statia. Safeguarding, the social and economic uplift of all on Statia.

Franklin Schmidt

Dear Editor,

Top 10 ship-jumpers, since inception of Country Sint Maarten

1. Romain Laville;
2. Cornelius de Weever;
3. Sarah Wescott-Williams;
4. Sarah Wescott-Williams (jumping back?!);
5. Leona Marlin-Romeo;
6. Frans Richardson;
7. Patrick Illidge;
8. Dr. Lloyd Richardson;
9. [very soon to be announced]
10. [pretty soon to be announced]
Let's celebrate the sincere commitment to party-ideology and the pure and authentic aversion to power, greed and opportunism.

Roeland Zwanikken

Partner at BZSE Attorneys at Law/Tax advisers

To The Governments of ;France and The Netherlands.

'You helped remove the Berlin wall – do not erect one on St. Martin'.

On Tuesday, November, 11 2014 once again, we the people of St. Martin North- and South, (Officially Dutch- and French St. Martin) will be celebrating our annual St. Martin Day.
The initiative to set aside this day as an island-wide holiday, was taken by the late dr. Claude Wathey and the late dr. Hubert Petit.
It was celebrated for the first time on November 11, 1959.
Both these gentlemen are considered as the legendary leaders and founding fathers of the post-colonial St. Martin nation.
In their wisdom and knowledge of their St. Martin people, they realized the importance of the unique relationship of the St. Martin People living on both sides of the island, who - over hundreds of years - have bonded as one people, despite being administered through different national and colonial governments.
Both the Dutch- and French Governments of the past have neglected the needs of the people after the abolition of slavery and only in recent years have shown renewed - albeit opportunistic interest based on their own agenda for the island.
For the record.
The St. Martin day was not meant to recognize-, nor celebrate any colonial reality, nor their authorities- and/or nationalities.
Also for the record.
As native St. Martiners, we duly respect our French- and Dutch nationalities and their laws as the official laws of both sides of the island.
We are also grateful for whatever assistance we have thus far received and continue to receive from both France and from the Netherlands.
In addition, we pledge allegiance to these nations as long as we are part of their countries.
However, we as native, indigenous St. Martiners, whose ancestors survived the atrocities resulting from slavery, and who were forced to survive on their own after both the Dutch and French decided that the island was not worth their presence any longer – are very aware and conscious of our own specific, intrinsic cultural-identity and heritage as a people.
In addition, we realize that we are a people of one common history, of shared blood-lines, shared life-altering and historical experiences, shared sorrows and joys, shared succession - land on both sides of the island, shared everything defining of the native, indigenous St. Martiner.
The bond between all St. Martiners, be they Dutch- and/or French citizens is INDIVISIBLE, SACRED to us and is worth making the ultimate sacrifice for.
It is what defines the native St. Martiner – EVERY St. Martiner – regardless of race and/or creed.
Recognizing- and preserving this critical and typical identity of the St. Martiner, is the reason, why both the late dr. Claude Wathey and dr. Hubert Petit came up with the idea to create the St. Martin day, back in late 1950's.
In recent weeks, there have been reports circulating that some in the French Parliament might be considering annulling the Treaty of Concordia, which has been the official basis for our traditional freedom of movement in general for generations.
This Treaty - formulated by the then French - and Dutch authorities was aimed at creating a permanent situation of cooperation and sharing between the Dutch and French living on the island.
Without even wanting to know the details of this warped out-of-date colonial intention to cancel the Treaty - we suffice for now by advising those in charge not to go down that road – not in this day and age – it might turn out to be a very regrettable decision – not only for France, but for the region and beyond as well.
Now for the record again.
Regardless of whomever the treaty was initially designed to benefit - let the following be very clear.
For over 370 years, our native St. Martin people and our ancestors, have not only given the Treaty real CONTENT – we have surpassed it above and beyond and in fact we have become the ONLY very EMBODIMENT of the indivisible Oneness, the Freedom of movement, the USE of ALL natural- and other resources and services both sides of the island have to offer.
We have as a people, collectively been living that traditional St. Martin lifestyle for hundreds of years WITHOUT the objection or the resistance of either France and/or the Netherlands.
Not surprising naturally, because after the abolition of slavery, both the Dutch- and French had absolutely no use any more for the island, because there was nothing more to 'pluck'.
Boy, oh boy how that lack of interest has changed in the last number of years – RE-COLONISATION is the new threat to what we built up over hundreds of years and to our very existence as a people.
As far as our traditional life-style over hundreds of years on the island is concerned, let be known that such has become COMMON LAW which can not simply be changed, nor ignored simply because France, or Holland would want to return to the old colonial days.
In November 1991 the last piece of the 'iron curtain' - the 'Berlin wall fell.
Not on its own - but by the German people, who wanted to be re-united as one German people.
They were assisted by the US and most of the countries of Europe – INCLUDING France and the Netherlands.
It would therefore be in-conceivable, hypocritical and racist, if now 23 years after they helped remove the Berlin-wall, the SAME Dutch and/or France would even dare mention establishing a 'Berlin-wall' in the Caribbean to restore their colonial principles and reign.
Needless to emphasize that it will not go down very well to completely ignore and disrespect the traditional way of life as lived by all St. Martin people on this island for hundreds of years.
Instead, we appeal to the Governments of France and of the Netherlands to work along with the people of St. Martin in transforming our Common Law's St. Martin Way of life into a formal St. Martin People Treaty.
That for others coming from OUTSIDE St. Martin, certain conditions might be considered for freely traveling between both sides and making use of the natural and other resources of both sides of the island – that will be another issue. .
After all, for people not from the island- they never receive papers (work- and residence papers) for both sides and thus-far have been enjoying privileges which , actually should be first given to native, indigenous St. Martiners. .
In ending, we wish all St. Martiners a very happy, conscious, empowering and inspiring St. Martin day and let us enjoy it among ourselves, while being great hosts to all those who are guests in our wonderful country.
Recommended reading; ''1963, A Landmark Year in St. Martin by Daniella Jeffrey.

Drs. Leopold James
President St. Martin Grassroots People Movement.

Copies to The UN Decolonisation-Committee, The US State-Department, The EU, The Bundes-Republic, Caricom etc.

"Is Sint Maarten your departure point? Your transit station? Your final stop? Or can you truly say deep within your heart, that Sint Maarten is your home"? If so, then speak it, show it, be always committed to it, represent it, love it, and finally die for it. If all that depicts you, then I say to you, whether you were born here or not, my fellow brothers and sisters; You are a true Ambassador of Sint Maarten. If not, and you honestly know that deep within your heart; Then I say to you, allow those who represent Sint Maarten, to feed from Mother Sint Maarten FIRST. But yes, you can continue to enjoy the goodness of Our People and the Blessings that this Country offers. Not only for Us, but for you also. "May GOD Bless us all, and may GOD Bless the Nation of Sint Maarten. A Nation that we MUST LOVE DEARLY, to LIVE and to DIE for".

Achken Roberto Richardson

To whom it may concern,

I am a resident that lives in Marianne's Estate in Cole Bay. Between the houses numbered 27, 50 and 32 there is a white house in the corner, where the owner owns two properties of a total of approximately 500 square meters. He has built many small apartments and about 30 to 40 people live there. These people come with their own cars and always block the entry of the road. Recently they broke one of the main pipe, resulting in my entire yard flooded. And constantly I have to live in these situations where new people keep coming in who make a lot of noise, etc. I am not against people making apartments in their own land, however I am against having to deal with the problems that come about with the overpopulation of a small neighborhood. I write this letter with the intention of whoever is in charge of the land, such as the government, police or GEBE to try and control this because if this is not controlled this could cause other people to also follow, resulting in chaos. I thank you for your attention to read this letter, I am only a neighbor who wishes to live in peace. I have tried to talk amicably to the owner but he seems to pay no attention, which is why I am writing this letter hoping that you can find a solution.

Alfredo TAPIA

Le mercredi 26 novembre 2014, la compagnie de gendarmerie de Saint-Martin et Saint-Barthélémy a fait procéder à la destruction de 20 deux-roues motorisés non conformes, appelés localement « squelettes » ou « cabris », et pour lesquels une procédure de retrait de la circulation avait été initiée.

Du 07 au 18 avril 2014, L'Agence Nationale des FRéquences (A.N.FR) programmait une mission de localisation et de saisie des téléphones sans fil de type DECT 6.0 d'origine Nord-Américaine sur les Collectivités d'Outre-Mer de Saint-Barthélémy et de Saint-Martin.
Cette mission faisait suite à plusieurs actions déjà menées sur ces deux Collectivités en 2013 : des actions de prévention avec la diffusion à deux reprises dans les médias d'un communiqué de presse transmis via la Préfecture de Saint-Barthélémy et de Saint-Martin, ainsi que plusieurs actions de répression (émission d'une vingtaine de taxes de brouillage).
Néanmoins, l'opérateur « Orange » en particulier était toujours fortement perturbé et la qualité de service de son réseau de troisième génération très dégradée. Ceci était dû principalement à la présence importante de téléphones provenant des États-Unis, de type DECT 6.0, qui utilisent la même bande de fréquence que celle employée par cet opérateur (1920 à 1930 MHz), alors que ce dernier détient une autorisation d'usage délivrée par l'Autorité de Régulation des Communications
Électroniques et des Postes (A.R.C.E.P). En conséquence, l'A.N.F.R avait souhaité lancer une nouvelle action à partir de son antenne Antilles-Guyane avec le renfort d'un agent provenant de la métropole.
En vue d'effectuer les actes d'enquête judiciaire et notamment de saisie, la présence d'un Officier de Police judiciaire était indispensable. C'est pourquoi la compagnie de gendarmerie départementale de Saint-Martin-Saint-Barthélémy, à la demande de l'A.N.F.R, relayée par M. le Vice-Procureur de la République de Saint-Martin, participait à cette opération. Au total, 60 infractions avaient été relevées, dont 07 à Saint-Barthélémy et 53 à Saint-Martin, pour perturbations ou complicité de perturbations d'émission hertzienne d'un service autorisé par l'utilisation non autorisée d'une fréquence ou d'une installation radioélectrique. 60 convocations en justice avaient également été délivrées. Enfin, la Justice a dernièrement ordonné la destruction des 77 téléphones DECT 6.0 qui avaient été
saisis lors de l'opération. L'A.N.F.R, en partenariat avec la gendarmerie nationale, envisage de renouveler l'opération dans le
courant de l'année 2015.

Une opération de lutte contre la délinquance routière, ciblant en particulier les personnes conduisant sous l'empire d'un état alcoolique, était menée le samedi 15 novembre 2014 de 20h00 à 23h00 par la compagnie de gendarmerie départementale de Saint-Martin et Saint-Barthélémy.

Réalisée conjointement par la brigade motorisée et la communauté de brigades de Saint-Martin, ainsi que l'escadron de gendarmerie mobile 12/7 de Saint-Mihiel, l'opération mobilisait au total 8 militaires de la gendarmerie, engagés au niveau du carrefour giratoire de Hope Estate/Cul de Sac.

Une trentaine de conducteurs ainsi que leurs véhicules ont été contrôlés, permettant de relever les infractions suivantes :

1. 04 délits pour conduite sous l'empire d'un état alcoolique présentant un taux délictuel, > ou égal à 0,4 mg/litre d'air expiré (0,62 - 0,59 - 0,57 - 0,55) ;
2. 02 contraventions pour conduite sous l'empire d'un état alcoolique présentant un taux contraventionnel (contravention de 4ème classe), compris entre 0,25 et 0,39 mg/litre d'air expiré (0,37 - 0,29) ;
3. 01 délit pour conduite sous l'influence de substances ou plantes classées comme stupéfiants ;
4. 02 délits pour conduite d'un véhicule à moteur sans être titulaire du permis de conduire (défaut de permis) ;
5. 01 contraventions (4ème classe) pour non port du casque ;
6. 01 contravention (4ème classe) pour conduite d'un véhicule à moteur avec un permis de conduire non prorogé.

Communiqué de presse de la compagnie de gendarmerie départementale de St-Martin et St-Barthélémy

Pour cette 27ème édition de la course « Around-the-Island Relay Race », en ce 11 novembre 2014, désormais
traditionnelle épreuve de course-relais organisée à l'occasion des festivités du Sint-Maarten/Saint-Martin's Day, la
Gendarmerie était présente en nombre puisque ce sont pas moins de trois équipes de dix coureurs qui prenaient le départ
de la compétition, dont deux équipes du Club Sportif et de Loisirs de la Gendarmerie (C.S.L.G) de Saint-Martin et une
équipe du Peloton de Surveillance et d'Intervention de la Gendarmerie (P.S.I.G) de Saint-Martin.
En constante progression depuis 2009, année où la Gendarmerie s'était classée à la 15ème place, puis en passant par les
11ème, 7ème et 4ème places entre 2010 et 2013, cette année, l'équipe « première » du C.S.L.G monte sur la 3ème marche du
podium, en parcourant les 31,63 km en 02 heure et 08 min, soit seulement 10 « petites » minutes derrière l'équipe
« Gymfit – SXM Tri Académie » qui remporte l'édition 2014 de cette belle épreuve. La 2nde équipe du C.S.L.G se classe
à la 25ème place, et celle du P.S.I.G à la 14ème.
Les

L'Avenir Sportif Club de Saint Martin organise son cross le dimanche 16 Novembre 2014 à Bellevue (terrain de rugby) à partir de 8 heures.
Ce cross rentre dans le cadre des activités du club pour la saison 2014-2015.
Les enfants de l'école d'athlétisme, jusqu'à la catégorie junior, sont concernés et peuvent participer à ce cross. Cette compétition est ouverte aux licenciés et aux non licenciés, munis d'un certificat médical de non contre indication à la pratique de l'athlétisme et d'une pièce d'identité. Les jeunes athlètes seront engagés sur des distances allant du 800m au 3000m selon la catégorie d'âge.
Les athlètes qui souhaitent prendre une licence pourront le faire à cette occasion.
Pour tout contact : Patrick Trival au 0690 75 16 85.

Avenir Sportif Club de Saint Martin organizes its cross on Sunday, November 16th, 2013 in Bellevue ( rugby field) from 8 am.
This cross is part of the activities of the club for the season 2014-2015.
The children from the school of athletics, until the junior category, are concerned and can participate in this cross. This competition is opened to the license-holders and to those who are not. A medical certificate of not contraindication in the practice of the athletics and an ID card are requested. The young athletes will be engaged on races from 800m to 3000m.
The athletes who wish to take a license can make it for this occasion.
For any contact: Patrick Trival 0690 75 16 85.

Entre course sur route et « trail urbain », ils étaient 58 coureurs, ce dimanche 02 novembre 2014, à 07h00, à prendre la départ des "Hauts de Marigot" à Saint-Martin. Une toute nouvelle course organisée par le Club Sportif et de Loisirs de la Gendarmerie (C.S.L.G) de Saint-Martin, qui comprenait trois belles difficultés,conduisant notamment les compétiteurs au sommet de deux belvédères surplombant la ville de Marigot, avant de rejoindre, après 8 km d'efforts et 240 mètres de dénivelé, le majestueux Fort Louis où été jugée l'arrivée.
En catégorie senior-homme, c'est Fabrice ARNAUD qui l'emporte, en 35'35, établissant au passage le 1er record et donc le temps de référence pour cette nouvelle course désormais inscrite au calendrier des épreuves sportives à Saint-Martin. Il devance Morgan SCOTNEY (37'42) et Alexandre GUERRE (38'11).
Chez les vétérans-homme, c'est Claudius COLLE qui monte sur la 1ère marche du podium, en 36'10, suivi deAlain BOUCAUD (37'35) et de Paul BETAILLE (37'39). À noter que tous trois se classent respectivement aux 2ème, 3ème et 4ème places du classement général. Chez les femmes, c'est Cathy GUERRARD (vétéran-femme) qui l'emporte, en 45'01 (21ème au classement général), devant la senior Sandra GALAND (46'35) et enfin la vétéran Muriel RAREG (47'18), suivies de prèspar la senior Emmanuelle DEHU (47'29) et la vétéran Sylvie BARRE (49'40).Le C.S.L.G tient à féliciter tous les participants et remercie les généreux donateurs et autres contributeurs : la
Compagnie de Îles du Nord (C.I.C), l'entreprise A.T.C, les enseignes Super U et Discount Center, les boutiques Trisport, Sportech et Quicksilver, l'hôtel Mercure, les restaurants Copélia, La Main à la Pâte, Le Spinaker et Les Papilles des Îles, l'école de kite-surf B.52 et celle de pirogue hawaïenne OC4-Island.
Le C.S.L.G remercie également toutes celles et ceux qui ont contribué à l'organisation et au bon dér

SILENCE CA TOURNE !

Saint-Martin va être le décor du tournage du pilote d'une série policière écrite par Franck Mirre de Caribproduction.

L'Office de Tourisme de Saint-Martin, la Collectivité de Saint-Martin, SXM ARTISTS et Caribproduction s'associent autour de ce projet de grande envergure. Lors de son passage au salon TOP RESA en 2013, la Présidente de l'Office de Tourisme Mme Jeanne Rogers-Vanterpool a rencontré Franck Mirre (auteur et comédien principal de la série SNIPE). En novembre 2013, M. Mirre et Nicolas Dollander (réalisateur) rencontrent l'Office de Tourisme et SXM ARTISTS et visitent l'île pour déterminer la faisabilité du tournage. Séduit par notre environnement paradisiaque et la diversité de ses décors, M. Mirre propose de tourner deux saisons de la série policière SNIPE à Saint-Martin.

L'équipe de tournage sera sur l'île ce mois-ci afin de filmer le teaser (épisode pilote) de la série. Luc Besson (réalisateur, producteur et scénariste français de renommée mondiale) a fait part de son enthousiasme pour ce projet en évoquant la possibilité de produire la série.

La volonté l'Office de Tourisme et de la Collectivité de St Martin est de positionner l'île de St Martin comme destination de tournages et par conséquent de structurer ce secteur. L'Office de Tourisme compte créer un bureau d'accueil des tournages dont la mission principale sera le développement de la filière. Il devra faciliter les tournages sur l'île et assister les équipes de production. Il se veut être le premier contact et devra évaluer la faisabilité des propositions dans l'intérêt de la destination.

En parallèle du tournage de la série, la Collectivité de St Martin et SXM ARTISTS envisagent de créer une école de formation en audiovisuelle pour les jeunes et à toutes personnes intéressées par ce secteur. Cette école aux personnes en formation de passer de la théorie à la pratique Il est important de noter qu'il leur sera possible de passer très rapidement de la théorie à la pratique car les plateaux de tournage de la série seront également leurs terrains de stage. Les formations envisagées sont : comédien, cadreur, ingénieur du son, maquillage plateau, coiffure, pilote de drone etc...

Samedi 8 novembre 2014 de 9h à 15h se tiendra la journée Portes ouvertes annuelle à Motorworld Galisbay en face de Howell center.
C'est l'occasion rêvée d'acquérir un nouveau véhicule à un prix promotionnel et dans une ambiance festive avec en plus la possibilité offerte de rencontrer sur place les conseillers de la banque des antilles françaises (BDAF).
La gamme des véhicules qui sera présentée lors de ce salon auto est très large : de la petite citadine jusqu'au SUV familiale. Vous pourrez découvrir aussi de nouveaux modèles tout à fait surprenants tels que la grand I10 en berline.
Pour tout achat d'un véhicule, vous recevrez au choix soit une télévision écran plat soit un laptop soit un Ipad. Venez donc nombreux demander un devis car une copie sera déposée dans une boîte pour un tirage au sort qui aura lieu à 14h. Le prix : un voyage pour 2 avec hôtel à Orlando Florida.

Motorworld Galisbay
223 rue de Hollande
Tél :0590 52 88 01

POND ISLAND:--- TelEm Group management and staff celebrated the contributions of its longest serving employees during a moving Jubilee anniversary event at Captain Oliver's, Oyster Bay, last Thursday.
The veteran workers clocked in a massive 280 years of combined service having reached milestones of 25 years, 30 years, 35 years and 40 years in service.
Each Jubilee celebrant was presented with a gift on behalf of the company along with some encouraging words from TelEm Group Mangers and directors, including Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Mrs. Helma Etnel and Chief Technical Officer (CTO) Mr. Eldert Louisa.
Both congratulated the Jubilees individually and as a group, recognizing the part they have each played in the development of TelEm Group from its humble beginnings under the management of Landsradio to its present position as the incumbent telecommunication provider for Country St. Maarten.
One of the highlights of the celebration was an exchange between Mrs. Entel and President of the St. Maarten Communication Union (SMCU) Ludson Evers, who was one of the Jubilees, celebrating 25 years of service in the company.
Each, warmly recognized their differences in the past, and expressed mutual respect for their sometime contrasting roles of running the company and representing union members.
Another highlight came when Technical Director, Mr. Louisa, congratulated Supervisor, Power & Utilities, Mr. Jose Arrindell, for his 25 years in service, saying that while the pair had professional differences in the past, he recognizes that one of the positive results is that he has grown as a manager and director over the years because of those differences.
Amongst the Jubilees celebrating 25 years in service were: Henry Salomons, Franklin Rogers, Amalika Bute, Hilaria Clovi-Sutton, Jose Arrindell, Elroy Hughes, Yolanda Heemskeerk, Junior Lake, Sherman Serastis, Ludon Evers and Monique Hodge-Wilson.
Supervisor, Lucient Hodge and Heinrich Susanna celebrated 30 years in service, while Lead Customer Service Representative, Stanley David was recognized for 35 years in service.
The highest accolade was reserved for long-serving employee, Stella Aarndell who marked 40 years in service, being one of the first employees of TelEm to still be in service.

During the celebration, Thursday, recognition was also given to former Manager, General Affairs and Purchasing Department, Mr. Olav Reed who this year retired from TelEm Group after marking 25 years in service.
Mrs. Etnel thanked all the veteran workers for their commitment to the company over the years.
"The fact that you have chosen to remain with the company over these many years, even when other options were open to you shows the commitment and love that you have for the company that each of you have helped to build, and for that you are much appreciated," said Mrs. Etnel.
Many of the celebrants took the opportunity to comment on their own personal developments in the company over the years, some with humour and some with deep reflection, but with all taking the opportunity to thank the Human Resources & Development Department and the TelEm Group management for making their Jubilee celebration a memorable one.
"I speak for many of my colleagues when I say how grateful I am to TelEm for employment over the years, because as companies on St. Maarten goes we have much to be thankful for," said one of the celebrants, Mrs. Monique Hodge-Wilson.

TELEM Press Release

POINT BLANCHE:--- Port St. Maarten must protect its interests on behalf of the country, the people, the shareholder and agreements with stakeholders and financial institutions.

With the on-going litigation, Port St. Maarten Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo thought it prudent to inform the people of Sint Maarten with respect to the viewpoint of the port on this particular matter.

"Port St. Maarten will not stop any plans from any local or foreign developer. We believe in sustainable development, but one must respect the concessions that have been given to Port St. Maarten on 11 July, 2007 where all waters in Great Bay were designated a concession area except for private harbour facilities that already existed at that time. We are all stakeholders and we must work together in a sustainable manner.

"Port St. Maarten generates one third of the national economy of the country and this translates into millions in foreign exchange earnings to taxi drivers, tour companies, water taxis, jewelry stores, casino's, restaurants and bars and many more other types of businesses on the island, and employing thousands of St. Maarten people. I have a responsibility towards my shareholder which is the Government of St. Maarten, to ensure that the national interests of the economy are protected because it would have consequences if the concession given by Government is allowed to be chipped away by third parties.

"I respect the plans by Dock Maarten, but at the same time, you have to respect the concession that Port St. Maarten received from the Government of St. Maarten. Dock Maarten has to work within the confines of the concession and still be able to carry out its plans but on a different scale where it does not infringe upon the national economic interests of the people and Government of St. Maarten. Port St. Maarten asked to review the plans of Dock Maarten on several occasions but this never happened.

"Port St. Maarten is a group of companies that have to stay ahead of the game in the interests of the people of the country and the shareholder. Dock Maarten's dredging of the bay could have serious consequences with respect to waves in this particular area of Great Bay area, which is in the concession area of Port St. Maarten. You have to take into consideration the existing water taxi movements back and forth, yachts maneuvering in Great Bay and around cruise ships within the maritime channels, the security and safety aspects come into play, which are all within the concession area of the port.

"Dock Maarten seemingly wants to cater to Giga yachts which is considered a small cruise ship, and this means you are competing against the concession holder which is Port St. Maarten. The ports master plan entails the extension of the cruise pier and home porting program of small cruise ships which all serve the general interests of the population of Sint Maarten.

"Our innovativeness and forward outlook has made Port St. Maarten one of the major ports in the Caribbean and one of the top five cruise destinations. This is a result of the hard work and dedication of the staff, the supervisory board and the shareholder," Port St. Maarten CEO Mark Mingo pointed out.
Cruise tourism contributions to St. Maarten as a destination is very prominent. In 2013 the destination received over 1.7 million cruise passengers.
According to the Business Research & Economic Advisors (BREA) 2012 study, Economic Contribution of Cruise Tourism to the Destination Economies, the average expenditure per passenger in St. Maarten was $185.40, which benefitted numerous industries through purchases of goods that included food and beverage at restaurants and bars, clothing, shore excursions, ground transportation, local crafts and souvenirs, watches and jewelry, perfumes and cosmetics, electronics, entertainment/night clubs/casinos, retail purchases of liquor, and telephone and internet.
The same study showed that the average expenditure per crew in St. Maarten was $135.50 on similar products and services. Plus it revealed the direct and indirect employment generated by the cruise industry, totaling 8,123 jobs and $159.8 million in employee wages.

"Port St. Maarten has taken note of statements made in the court injunction hearing of November 28 and will defend itself and investment partners. I was very much surprised by certain statements made, however as mentioned before, as Chief Executive Officer, I at all times must defend the rights of Port St. Maarten and its partners," CEO Mark Mingo said on Sunday.

Mingo says the court injunction was started based on the following. The Concession of Port St. Maarten was given in July 2007, and it gives the Harbour exclusive rights, and this is part and parcel of all the agreements that Port St. Maarten has with its partners. This gives guarantees to the financiers and government and stakeholders. The concession is not "free." There is also a concession fee which needs to be paid for those rights that have been given to Port St. Maarten.

"Certain statements were made about a wolf and sheep, I will not dignify or comment further on that since that is for the person who made the statement. Port St. Maarten has always championed a clean environment for the country, and this goes back from detailed studies of the construction of the port facilities over the last 14 years, to the introduction of clean technology, to the acquisition of the Lagoon Authority (SLAC), to the improvement in the lagoon environment, green harbour alternative energy projects, replanting of mangroves and partnering with Nature Foundation to further enhance our environment in and near the water. Port St. Maarten's track record speaks for itself.

"What also surprises Port St. Maarten is how the Master Plan is being ridiculed. It is being developed in conjunction with CH2MHill a well renowned engineering company with much experience in this field which entails defining solutions to the flood water run off of the Ponds and the parking and traffic challenges in and around the Philipsburg area. As noted before, Port St. Maarten and its subsidiaries are solutions oriented and driven.

"I have been listening to many parties and stakeholders, and we must do something to the one road traffic connection to the Port and Point Blanche. The dynamics have changed between the aforementioned areas where over 20 % of cruise passengers are walking to Philipsburg. The Master Plan has always included moving the current walkway to the waterside for both safety and esthetical reasons for the visiting guests.

"When we talk about Port St. Maarten, we live up to our part of the concession and have been doing so since July 2007, making payments of Naf.5.2 million along with other taxes to the treasury of the country. Port St. Maarten pays its taxes and contributes back to the national economic development of the country and at the same time being a socially responsible corporate citizen of the St. Maarten landscape. Port St. Maarten has paid over Naf.35 million in government concession fees alone since 2007.

"I have taken note that the owners of Dock Maarten are from St. Maarten, but so are many families who don't have any income or are struggling in the Down Street area. You cannot have ad-hoc development, but must carefully make sure it all compliments each other, and that's called sustainable development, and I will defend this approach over and over again.

"Port St. Maarten also looks at economic development activity spread to the less developed areas. Everything is interconnected and you have to also develop the other areas, and we have and continue to do so. We have invested US$2 million in the Down Street cruise ancillary project which is slated to open in January 2015 as a cultural heritage development.

"Despite all the continuous opinions and statements made by certain private sector partners over the months, Port St. Maarten has a clear strategy and will lead as written in its strategic plan and we will continue to execute according to the national economic interests of the country, its people and the shareholder representative, the Government. I will await the court's decision on December 5th and we will take it from that point forward," CEO Mark Mingo concluded on Sunday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- As an educator and a Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. Maurice Lake, says one of his priority areas is higher education for the people of Sint Maarten.
"I would like the incoming Government to work on promoting degrees and academics at the University of St. Martin (USM). USM should be the University of higher learning on the island. The incoming Government has to promote and send more students to USM. USM must become the training and service center for the country".
"We have young people who complete high schooI annually that don't leave the island for tertiary education. Those that don't get a scholarship or cannot afford to do so enter the labour force if they are able to find a job. There are those that would like to continue with their education on the island by getting an associate's degree at USM but may not have the financial resources to do so. "We need to help them. USM also offers a pre-USM program and also a financial payment plan for tuition fees," MP Lake said on Sunday.
MP Lake also takes the opportunity to commend the current Minister of Education Hon. Patricia Lourens-Philip. "I would like to thank the Minister for her support and dedication to help grow USM. USM has come a long way and have a long way still to go, but, we need to support our home grown University". As a professor at USM for 21 years, I must say USM has a lot of potential to become the best University in the Caribbean. USM has good faculty but most of all the asset of the University is their students."
"USM also has the best alumni foundation in the Caribbean which, today, the majority of graduates hold key positions in every sector on St. Maarten. USM needs to promote the achievements of their Alumni, especially their class of 1991and recognize them during the university's 25th anniversary celebration, because the student body is where the strength of the institution lies," MP Hon. Lake said.
As an MP, Lake says that USM also has a role to play in the community. "As the saying goes: where there is no vision the people will perish. I would like to see USM revise their Vision and Mission statement to meet the needs of the current population, the business and hospitality sectors. Times have changed since the establishment of USM, and the educational institution of higher learning has to also change.
"USM needs to revise their business plan to make it more realistic with the assistance of Government, the Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA). Government should assist them to improve and revise their educational program where more teachers can be trained and developed on the island and in general more professionals. To date USM has produced some of the best teachers for the island and should continue to do so. Clearly there is a need for specific programs that will meet demands of the labour market. USM should promote internships and COOP positions with the business community.
"USM should also reconnect with Johnson & Wales University and the University of the West Indies and other accredited universities. Accreditation should be a priority along with a state of the art library for research and innovations.
"I am a big supporter of USM, and as an MP will champion the incoming Government to promote USM. This is the time to move our University forward and change the image within our community. You can go study anywhere after attending USM. As a non-accredited university, the majority of our credits are accepted by other universities, and the majority of our students excel at any university they go to in the United States including Ivy League universities. We are truly blessed, however it is time to take USM to that next level", MP Hon. Maurice Lake concluded.

PHILIPSBURG:--- There has been a lot of debate recently about airlines and the airline industry. Especially the cost of airline tickets for travelers. For us here locally, St. Maarten as a destination has been the center of discussion on what should be done to attract more airlines to our island.
But we have to understand a vitally important factor in the airline business. The only real reason any airline would fly to St. Maarten is to make money. Airlines are not in the business of promoting any tourist destination. Airlines exist to make money for their shareholders in the form of profits, plain and simple.

Many airlines have increased or are in the process of increasing flight capacity at the expense of leg room and continue to increase fares despite lower fuel costs because they are in the process of recouping the losses they sustained from the reduction in air travel brought about by the 'Great Travel Recession' of the past decade.

The management of most airlines have become forward-looking and see that the present recovery of economies in the United States and Europe is the perfect opportunity to make as much extra cash as possible. The money people save at the gas station as a result of declining oil prices can be used for air travel.

One of the problems with development of more air travel to St. Maarten is the seasonal flights that only occur during the winter months from North America and Europe. St. Maarten needs to promote itself as a year-round tourist destination that will encourage the seasonal flight operators to make a change to all year-round operations.

Getting the airlines to cooperate with this objective will take incentives. The negotiations may be a bit tricky in maintaining compliance with US and European restrictions on government subsidies of airline companies and St. Maarten's government's budgettary restrictions are certainly no help either. But the government of St. Maarten could and should make new deals with major carriers from the US and Europe, especially Scandanavian-based airline companies, such as Finnair, looking to expand their operations internationally.

This means paying the airlines to come to St. Maarten. This could be a financial stretch for a government that is seeing decreasing tax income and less revenues for businesses with the state of the present economy.
But this strategy has worked well for Curacao and many more thousands of airports around the world. So why not St. Maarten?

St. Maarten needs to look at new markets that have established airlines such as the Arab Gulf states. China and South Korea have developed a growing airline industry. Certainly, not every person in China can come to St. Maarten, but a growing number of wealthy Chinese would see St. Maarten for its attractiveness that even the vastness of China cannot offer in terms of climate and its natural environment.

Finally, advertising will make people want to come to St. Maarten and the airlines will cater to their client's desires with more flights to St.
Maarten. Again, this could be a bit of a financial burden on businesses that are not making the revenues they once enjoyed but every other Caribbean tourist destination will be doing the same thing. The competition for tourist dollars in the Caribbean and elsewhere will certainly increase tenfold the coming years and St. Maarten needs to be at the forefront of innovative marketing developments to attract new visitors to the island.

The good news is that the 'Great Travel Recession' is essentially over in the USA, Canada and Europe. But is the 'Great Travel Recession' over for St. Maarten as well? Higher employment rates and more disposable income in the USA alone will mean more tourists for St. Maarten and our island has all the accommodations, natural beauty, activities and night life that make the island attractive to tourists. However, the island will have to spend lots more money to increase inbound air travel and get back to the levels of tourism revenues that the island previously enjoyed in the booming era up to ten years ago.

By the way, it is important that tourism authorities on St. Maarten select the right media to promote the island and attract new visitors and make it worthwhile for airlines to fly to St. Maarten. Here is an example of a good media platform to use: www.mapsxm.com. Because it is really necessary that we put St. Maarten back on the map as the preferred destination for the major airline carriers.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- As part of the Minister of Public Health's Hon. Cornelius de Weever 'Get Checked' campaign, every parent's number one concern this holiday season should be to make sure that whatever it is you buy for your child this year, it's safe. Therefore, make sure you check the safety information of toys before you purchase it.

Every year Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a section within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, as part of its calendar of observances, highlights and creates awareness where it concerns safe holiday experiences for the entire family.

Before purchasing or giving any gift, particularly one intended for a child, double check to make sure it does not pose a hazard by reading the safety conditions attached to the gift.

Here are some safety tips for holiday season shopping: select toys suitable for a child's age, abilities, skills and interest level; for infants, toddlers, and all children who still mouth objects, avoid toys with small parts, which could pose a fatal choking hazard.

Avoid toys that have sharp edges and points, especially for children under age eight; do not purchase electric toys with heating elements for children under age eight; read the labels that give age and safety recommendations and use that information as a guide in your holiday shopping.

One of the most important gifts of all to give a child is time spent with you as a parent this holiday season.

Safe holiday shopping.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday November 28th, 2014, the Police Department in partnership with NAGICO Insurances gave Henderson Insurances an extensive "Safety Awareness" presentation. The presentation consist of many different topics where safety in concern. It is a presentation for any type of business to better prepare its management and staff on how to handle and effectively deal with any crisis if and when it occurs. The managing director Neil Henderson and staff of Henderson Insurances were quite impressed with this very informative presentation and thank the Police Department and Nagico Insurances for their effort to bring this massage across to all businesses. Henderson Insurances has agreed to form partnership with the Police Department and Nagico and encourages other businesses to get in contact with the police department for this safety awareness presentation.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- A fourth agenda point has been added for the Plenary session of the House that is scheduled on December 1st, the appointment of the President of Parliament.
The Plenary public session is set for Monday at 10:00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.
The first agenda point is incoming documents. The second agenda point is an advice regarding the installation and composition of the Permanent and Ad Hoc Committees of Parliament.
The third agenda point is an advice regarding the installation and composition of the Committees of the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino).
Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

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

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

PHILIPSBURG:--- November is Rotary Foundation Month and Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise Foundation Director Meredith Boekhoudt recently gave a review to fellow members on the Rotary Foundation. The Rotary Foundation was formed on the advice of Past Rotary International President Arch C. Klumph who suggested an endowment "for the purpose of doing good in the world". The Foundation aims to "advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty". They do this mainly through their End Polio Now campaigns and through offering Peace Fellowships where degrees and certificates are earned in peace and conflict resolution.

Ms. Boekhoudt shared that all contributions to the foundation is made by Rotarians and friends of the foundation worldwide. Over 1 billion US dollars has been received through contributions toward the Foundation since it began 97 years ago. President Virginia Asin explains that Rotary Sunrise has done many fundraisings, most recently the flea markets at Air Lekkerbek that helps contribute to the foundation. Ms. Boekhoudt explained that contributions sent to the foundation can be directed to the Annual Fund, which funds local and international service projects, scholarships, and vocational training teams, the Polio Plus Fund, which funds efforts to eradicate polio, and the Endowment Fund, whose earnings support grants, as the principle is never spent in order to ensure contributing to future generations.

Rotarians and friends can individually contribute and receive recognition for doing so by becoming a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member, Paul Harris Fellow, Multiple Paul Harris fellow, Memorial Paul Harris Certificate, Certificate of Appreciation, benefactor, Bequest Society, Major Donor or part of Arch C. Klumph Society. The recognition is designated by the amount of monies donated to the foundation. President Asin is proud to have six current members who are Paul Harris Fellows: Sidharth "Cookie" Bijlani, Meredith Boekhoudt, Claret Connor, Prakash "Peter" Dialani, Irma Gumbs, and Marcellia Henry.

President Asin expressed gratitude towards these fellows and also all donors, sponsors and the general public who has supported Rotary Sunrise in their fundraising efforts so that they can contribute to this foundation and to a wider extension, the world. To get more information about the Rotary Foundation and to see the difference that is being made because of its existence please visit the Rotary International website at www.rotary.org.

The club meets at Carl & Sons Pondfill every Tuesday mornings at 7:00 am for fellowship and breakfast. For more information on the club visit us at sxmsunrise.org or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., we are also on Facebook: Rotary Club of Saint Martin Sunrise.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Between midnight on Thursday November 27th and Friday November 28th at 3:00 a.m., a general joint control was held between the Gendarmes and the Justice Department on the Dutch Side consisting of the Immigration, Border Control and Protection Service, the Custom Department, Vrijwilligers Korps Sint Maarten (VKS) and the Police Department. This control is one of many that will be planned for the future. This general control was geared toward the continuous battle against crime in general on the island, both French and Dutch side. The main focuses of this control are the removing of illegal firearms and drugs from the streets. The "Stop, Drop and Go" Program has come to an end and the focus will now be to out and search for the illegal weapons and drugs. The group consisted of 70 persons including 10 Gendarmes. The group was divided in to four smaller groups and posted at the four border crossing points namely Low Lands, Bellevue, Belvedere and Oyster Bay, where they carried the intense control.
The Prefect Phillipe Chopin, representatives from the French Justice Department and the Commander of the Gendarmes met with the Chief Public Prosecutor Karola van Nie, the Acting Chief of Police Commissioner Carl John, and Chief Inspector Geronimo Juliet from the Immigration Department at the Cause Way/border round-a-bout, in order to inspect how the control was going. During this meeting the main topic was the working relation between both parts of the island, explaining and agreeing that this is definitely the way of jointly working and combating crime and any other illegal activity on the island. Karola van Nie stated that she was very proud to see how the two justice departments were working together to improve the working relations.
During the control a total of 204 vehicles were checked, 24 fines were given, 12 vehicles were towed and 12 persons were arrested in connection with their illegal status on the island.
The controls will continue indefinitely.

Possible suicide.

On Friday morning November 28th at approximately 10:30 a.m. police patrols, detectives and forensic personnel were sent to investigate a possible suicide at an apartment building at Tamarind Hill in Oyster Pond. On the scene the investigating officers spoke to witnesses and the landlord of the building. The witnesses stated that M.M. from the United States who lived at that apartment and work in Time Share Sales did not report at Oyster Bay to work for a number days. The last day he was seen was on Saturday November 22nd. M.M. had an accident on the job and was taking medication for that. Several attempts were made to contact him by phone but he did not answer. Today witnesses decided to go to his home. They notified police and there, at his home, is when and where they located the already decomposing body of M.M. Doctor Mercuur came to the scene and stated that the victim had possibly committed suicide. The Forensic Department was on the scene collecting evidence. The case is under investigation. The body of the victim was taken to the morgue.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will meet in a Central Committee and Plenary session on December 1st.

The Central Committee meeting is set for Monday at 9:00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is an advice regarding the installation and composition of the Committees of the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino).

The Plenary session is scheduled for 10:00am.

The first agenda point is incoming documents.
The second agenda point is an advice regarding the installation and composition of the Permanent and Ad Hoc Committees of Parliament.

The third agenda point is an advice regarding the installation and composition of the Committees of the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino).

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

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

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

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Lions Worldwide Annual "Peace Poster Contest" was launched in the month of October 2014, inviting the youth all over the world to paint, sketch, or draw their personal, masterpiece, portrayal of World Peace.
The Sint Maarten Lions Club once again took part in this project and, in doing so, offered nine students from elementary to secondary school level art guidance and mentorship by well-known, local painter Mr. Max Phelipa. Mr. Phelipa spent every Saturday morning and Thursday afternoon with the young participants while they enthusiastically worked on their Peace Poster contest entry at the Lions' Den on the Sucker Garden Road. Each artwork had to depict this year's Peace Poster Contest theme of "PEACE LOVE & UNDERSTANDING". At the end, five students remained and submitted their artwork for the contest. Judging of the five peace poster drawings took place last week and saw the drawing of Evita Alla'make of Milton Peters College emerge as the winning poster.
Her inspiration and explanation of her drawing is the following: "God's hand is holding the world and I know that he wants peace for the world. The two people are complete opposites but still love each other: that represents understanding and love. The flags represent unity, that the whole world should have peace. And I love music and I believe that through music we can have love, peace and understanding."
Evita's poster was then sent to Guyana where the Lions District Mid-Year Conference was being held, and where the judging of all entries of district 60 took place on Friday November 21st 2014.
There again Evita's drawing was selected as the winning poster and will now be sent to Lions Clubs International where it will join drawings from all over the world and judged for a third time.
At the Lions International Convention in June 2015 in Honolulu, Hawaii the international winner will be presented with the Lions International Peace Poster Prize.
St. Maarten Lions Club members are keeping their fingers crossed that Evita's drawing will be chosen as the winning Lions' Peace Poster of 2014.
In addition to the winning poster, the St. Maarten Lions Club selected the Most Creative drawing which was from Amy Marshall of the St. Dominic School. The Best Color Composition prize went to Darwin Ventura of the Charles Leopold Bell School. The Most Original artwork went to Lourde Laurore of the Oranje School. And in the category Free Expression the winning prize went to Curtis Mathurin of the Oranje School.
In his comments about the drawings Mr. Phelipa said that in mentoring the young artists he never imposed his style or anything of the kind to the kids but simply guided them and made sure that they adhered to the rules of the contest. He was very much amazed at the talent displayed by the young artists. He also felt very special to be working with kids and encouraged them to make good use of their talent and not to waste it but to continue painting.
All 5 participants received special gifts from the St. Maarten Lions Club to encourage them to continue using their special talent.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday, November 21st, the Philipsburg Jubilee Library had the distinct honor of being awarded with the "Crystal Pineapple Award" for "Outstanding Educational Achievement". Two days after the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association's (SHTA) awards ceremony, the festivities continued with the library's 91st birthday on November the 23rd of this year. The management and staff of the Library would like to thank the board of the SHTA for their vision in selecting the library to receive this award.

PJL Press Release

HARBOUR VIEW:--- On Friday, November 28, 2014, His Excellency the Governor of Sint Maarten, drs. E.B. Holiday, met with and received a progress report from formateur Mr. Theo Heyliger.
During the meeting the formateur updated the Governor on the progress of and deliberated on the required information for the screening of the candidates for the posts of Prime Minister, Ministers, Minister Plenipotentiary and acting Minister Plenipotentiary. Based on the available information and the discussion it was concluded that the background screening of the candidate ministers is in its final stages. The screening covers a background review of (a) the personal and professional credentials, (b) the financial position, (c) the fiscal (i.e. tax and social security premiums) compliance, (d) the judicial background including possible suspicious transactions, (e) the security background and (f) if necessary, the health condition of the candidates. The purpose of the screening is to assess the integrity, independence and solvency of the candidates as well as the stability of the new government. As a result the formateur informed the Governor that it is not feasible to present a final formation report on November 30, 2014 as scheduled. The formateur therefore requested an extension of his commission to form a new government.
Governor Holiday as a result and having assessed the situation extended the commission for Mr. Heyliger to present him the final report of the formation process by December 16, 2014.

From the Cabinet of the Governor of St. Maarten

PHILIPSBURG:--- Caretaker Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams did not waste any time on Friday after she read the press statement issued by caretaker Minister Maurice Lake. In a letter sent to the various media house Wescot Williams outlined what she said on Tuesday to Minister Lake in the Council of Ministers meeting and what she stated on Wednesday during the weekly press conference, below is the letter from caretaker Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams.

Dear Minister Lake/Dear Maurice,

In my opinion, we have arrived at a sad state of affairs when persons can not express their own view(s). I say this in response to your press statement which appeared today in the local dailies.
Like I stated in the Council's meeting of Tuesday, November 25th, I, Sarah Wescot- Williams, am in favor of deferring a decision on the purchase of the Vorst property to the incoming government. I repeated this sentiment in the press briefing on Wednesday. You do not have to agree. If a majority decides otherwise, so be it.
Your constant reference to "politicking" by others when you obviously do not see that it is what you do best, is not worthy of a reply from me.
However, let it be noted that the advice for the purchase of the Emilio Wilson Estate was brought to the Council on Tuesday on your initiative, not mine. In fact, you implored me to put it on the agenda this past Tuesday.
If you are aware of "discrepancies" in YOUR advice, I advice you to IMMEDIATELY pull it back, as you otherwise would be attempting to mislead your colleagues in the Council and the Governor, to whom the draft decree has been sent.
Furthermore, I am entitled to express my opinion at any venue of my choosing. In addition, I am the spokesperson for the Council of Ministers, in case you did not know.
At this stage of the game, I suggest any ideas you have for new formats of meetings or press briefings, you discuss with the incoming council of ministers.
Dear Minister Lake, over the years of chairing different councils of ministers, I have, in the interest of the unity of the council, held my peace and attempted to solve the many issues amongst ministers, in chambers. This attitude of mine, has evoked much criticism from the outside from persons believing I knew more than I was willing to share with the public of St. Maarten, in fact that I was keeping such from the public.
I do not know about you, but I have been conditioning my mind for the transition from executive to legislator for some time. Being able to speak out freely is for me a welcomed part of that transition.

Kindest regards,

Sarah Wescot-Williams

PHILIPSBURG:--- Press Prosecutor Tineke Kamps said in a press release that on Friday November 28, 2014, that the RST carried out house searches on two locations in Sint Maarten; a house of the 54-years old F.C. in Porto Cupecoy and in a company building Atlantis Casino in Maho. The casino hosts a couple of companies from F.C. and the 48-years old R.B. A judge of instruction led the house searches.
The house searches took place following a legal request for assistance from the Italian Public Prosecutors Service, district-directorate anti-mafia in an investigation by the Guardia de Finanza (Rome). Therefore, the Public Prosecutors Service in Sint Maarten cannot disclose the content and background of international request for assistance.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday November 27th, 2014 a meeting took place at the soon to be opened 'Miss Lalie Center' in Venus Drive, Cay Bay. The meeting was attended by several police officers (acting chief of police mr. Carl John, CPOs Richards, Crispulo, Chandler, Carty and Henson), representatives from the Public Prosecutor's office (Taco Stein and Karola van Nie), the director of the Point Blanche prison (mr. Rohan) and the team that soon will be working in the Miss Lalie Center. The goal of the gathering was to provide insight to the participants on how the center was built up, how the employees are going to work with their clients and do a safety inspection.

What is the Miss Lalie Center?
The Miss Lalie Center is the new and unique juvenile rehabilitation center, a closed facility, for boys between the ages of 12 and 18 who are placed there by a judge because they either committed a (serious) crime, or they cannot live in their home environment because they're unmanageable there. At the Miss Lalie Center those boys get the chance to get their lives settled again and get themselves on the right path instead of sliding off into more criminal activities.
The plan is to open the facility in December 2014 and how things are working out now, this is certainly going to happen. Everything is running according to schedule. The building is adjusted to the latest safety principles, it has got two separated wings where 20 boys and the staff can spend their days in a safe manner. In the building is a nice living/dining room, a very professional kitchen equipped with modern materials and several spaces where the boys can follow classes and do sports activities.
The Miss Lalie Center can accommodate a maximum of 20 young boys at the Venus Drive facility. These boys will not show up all at once, they will arrive in phases. That way the team will be capable of giving their fullest attention to the new child and his parents.

The MLC team
The staff, which now exists of seven (local) professionals -a team leader, a behavioural specialist, pedagogical workers, safety officers, an educational staff and a cook/teacher-, that will be working with the boys in the rehabilitation center, went to the Netherlands to have a two week internship in a Dutch rehabilitation center last October. This internship took place in one of the institutions of Stichting Horizon, the Dutch foundation which the minister of justice, Dennis Richardson, signed an agreement with a few weeks ago. The newly formed team was very much inspired by the working habits of their Dutch colleagues and the results that the Dutch booked with their 'inhabitants'. They're real eager to get to work in the Miss Lalie Center in St.Maarten in the same enthusiastic way. They can't wait to get started!
Together they gave a presentation about the way they want to work with the boys who will be staying in the center. They explained to the attendants that their working ways are based on the child's rights, but also their obligations, teaching them 'normal behaviour' and giving them the sense that they are in charge of their own lives, they are responsible for their own choices. This whole process of course will not reach its goal if the parents or guardians of the boys won't cooperate at the fullest of their capacity.
The presentation was followed by a tour through the Miss Lalie Center, guided by the staff members. Everyone was invited to take a critical look at the place and tell their remarks, tips and ideas that could improve the MLC.
Everybody made it clear that they were looking forward to an enhanced cooperation with the Miss Lalie Center. All the persons present were very impressed by the way the whole project was approached.

Press Release from the Public Prosecutors Office 

PHILIPSBURG:--- The public prosecutor has taken close to four years to decide whether or not they will prosecute former Minister of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus who sold the economic rights of government long lease land. The Buncamper case made headlines when several media houses including SMN News dug deep and found that Maria Buncamper sold the economic rights for long lease land she obtained from government. Selling of the economic rights of such property may not be illegal but the person that former minister sold the economic rights to was a civil servant who is currently living in the Netherlands on welfare. The former minister received the long lease for the property on April 1st, 2008, while the former minister was a member of the island council. After that she sold the economic rights to one Theodore Oniel Walters, managing director of Eco Green N.V. The economic rights of the that parcel of land was sold for $3M.
According the deed made by notary Francis Edgar Gijbertha, the Buncampers received a down payment of USD 1,631,297.00 from the buyer Theodore Oniel Walters, managing director of Eco Green N.V. Walters committed himself to paying USD 18,750 monthly installments beginning January 2009.
When the media broke the news in 2010, the minister had to resign from office instead of being given a motion of non-confidence.
The Buncampers took the Public Prosecutors Office to court in June 2014 demanding that they take a decision on the case.
Public Prosecutor Tineke Kamps stated in a press release on Friday that the Public Prosecution Service promised to take a decision about the prosecution in the Buncamper investigation before December 1, 2014. The public prosecutor has decided that the 47-year-old suspect Mrs. M.B. (Maria Buncamper) will be summoned. She will have to stand trial for tax fraud, fraud and participation in a criminal organization. The Buncamper case concerns an investigation regarding a transaction with a piece of land, that was given in long lease by the country Sint Maarten. The so called pro forma/pre-trial hearing in this case is scheduled for January 7, 2015.
For more in depth information on the Buncamper long lease sale details can be found that the link below.

http://www.smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/7046-the-irony-of-the-all-fools-day-long-lease-economic-ownership-sold-unexplained-mortgage-attachment-first-lease-signed-by-mathias-voges-minister-of-plenipotentiary.html

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake said on Thursday that the current Council of Ministers (COM) should be the one to conclude the Emilio Wilson Estate purchase and the Vorst property in Cay Hill.

"I was not surprised by the comments of our Prime Minister about the Vorst and Emilio Wilson land purchases. The Council of Ministers is made up of seven members not just one who has a difference of opinion for political reasons.

"I am not here to play politics but to make decisions in the best interest of this Country. The Prime Minister has her own political hidden agenda and we can't mix the two together as a representative of the Council of Ministers.

"Even though the Emilio Wilson Estate documents have a lot of discrepancies, the Prime Minister seems okay to move forward on this, but we need to follow the proper procedures but not the lowering of the price for the Vorst property. As a caretaker Government at this point in time, we started the process and these two issues are nothing new, let's decide on how to move forward on these same two issues.

"I am in the process of preparing an advice for next week's Tuesday Council of ministers meeting for everyone to vote on. It should be a Council's decision on how we decide on the Vorst proposal instead of the Prime Minister deciding for the entire Council.

"The Prime Minister is definitely not talking on behalf of my person as Minister of VROMI. The majority in the Council was concerned with the price, now the Vorst family wants to lower the price in the best interest of the people and now it comes to decision making and negotiation for a lower price the Prime Minister doesn't want to make a decision.

"We need people in Government who are going to make firm decisions in the best interest of this Country and its people. Election time is over, now we need to put aside petty politics and raise the bar to take our people to a next level.

"In closing, I would like to see the format of the Council of Ministers meeting changed to where we discuss more the issues and have constructive discussions and take decisions in the best interest of the people.

"I also would like to see another agenda point added by the Prime Minister where we discuss what the Ministers would be discussing in the Press Briefings the next day in order to avoid these types of statements being made by a Prime Minister. Say one thing during the Council of Ministers meeting and then decide for everyone in the press briefing.

"I don't agree with the Prime Minister's approach that the current Council of Ministers should leave it up to the next COM to complete the Vorst property.

"It was government business that started within the current COM and it should be completed under this Council. Let COM decide whether it should be left to the next team of ministers. This is nothing new and has been dealt with by this Government for the past few months," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Thursday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake welcomed on Tuesday Emmalexis Velasquez to Ministry VROMI as its Public Relations Officer (PRO).

Minister Lake met with Velasquez to discuss a number of things and is very pleased with her work to date.

"There is a lot of information that needs to be communicated from time to time, and I am very happy that Ministry VROMI continues to move upward and improving its services to the Sint Maarten community.

"The ministry has completed the Plans of Approach monitored by the Progress Committee, and this is a very positive development of the ministry. We look forward to further improving services in 2015.

"This means building permits should be handled more quickly. This creates work for the construction sector and brings in more income for the government coffers.

"The ministry has to operate in an open and transparent manner. Communication is key! By having its own PRO, this ensures that more information will be reaching the community with respect to road closures, projects etc.

"I take this opportunity to wish Emmalexis Velasquez much success in her new job," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Thursday.

Velasquez holds two degrees in Marketing Management & Events and Sports, Entertainment & Event Management and Graduated Summa Cum Laude at Johnson & Wales University. She has since practiced her expertise at various private and government organizations.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Caretaker Prime Minister the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams attended the launch of the African Caribbean Heritage Alliance ACHA at the Belair Community Center on Thursday. The ACHA is an organization founded with the vision to create unity and linkages amongst people of African decent living in St. Maarten and between Africa and the Caribbean in general. During her address to the crowd the Prime Minister highlighted the common history between Africa and the Caribbean in general and St. Maarten more specifically and expressed the hope that the linkages will continue to unite the two societies. The evening featured food, dance, poetry and song all in the theme of Africa and the Caribbean.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- Caretaker Prime Minister the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams joined in commemorative Thanksgiving Lunches at the St. Maarten Senior Citizens Recreational Center in Hope Estate on Thursday. The events also recognized various businesses and members of the community that contributed to various programs centered on the enrichment of the lives of senior citizens. The Prime Minister wished all present a Happy Thanksgiving and a delicious lunch and thanked those present for their contribution to building the country and laying the foundation of St. Maarten.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

CANTO's 30th Annual Conference and Trade Exhibition (CANTO 2014) was held at the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, Bahamas from 10 to 13 August, 2014. CANTO
2014 saw the staging of another extremely successful Ministerial Roundtable, based on the conference theme 'Strategic Alliances for Sustainable Broadband
Development'. Given the large number of representatives, the Ministerial Roundtable was divided into two panels, with ministers and ministerial representatives providing
a range of responses to questions asked. This provided clarity and much needed information on the actual situation in various countries in respect of broadband
development and various related issues.
Panelists:

•  Keynote: Clouding the Networked Society, Julio Espinoza, Ericsson
• Hon. Mr. Evan Gumbs, Minister of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities,
• Housing, Agriculture and Fisheries, Anguilla
•  Hon. Mr. Ambrose George, Minister of Information, Telecommunications and
• Constituency Empowerment, Commonwealth of Dominica
•  Hon. Mr. Phillip Paulwell, Minister of Science Technology Energy & Mining,
• Jamaica
•  Hon. Mr. Charles Kirnon, Minister of Communications & Works, Montserrat
•  Hon. Mr. James Fletcher, Minister for Public Service, Sustainable
• Development, Energy, Science & Technology, Information & Broadcasting,
• St. Lucia
•  Dr. Jerrold Thompson, Director of Telecommunications, St. Vincent & The
• Grenadines
•  Ing. Alejandro Jiménez, INDOTEL, Dominican Republic

MINISTERIAL ROUNDTABLE – First Panel
The keynote address was given by Mr. Julio Espinoza, Consultant, Ericsson Region Latin America and Caribbean. He spoke of the merit of cloud computing
and how this technology was reducing previous barriers to innovation by creating a rich and growing service ecosystem. He further indicated that the global community is
moving towards a networked society in which the cloud will play a major role and he predicted that in the next few years some 50 billion devices will be connected to the
cloud.
Four questions were asked of the Ministerial Panel and the following are their
responses.

1. How should Caribbean governments, regulators and operators work together to ensure that citizens enjoy sustainable broadband, i.e. enough

bandwidth, at an affordable price?
Ministers were in general agreement that greater broadband development was needed in the Caribbean and more serious efforts must be made to accelerate this process.
They indicated that although there has been some progress there is a clear need for greater efforts. In addition, statistics are also needed to show the exact situation. In
order to derive the full benefits of broadband, governments need to understand the role of broadband in economic development. Among the important points mentioned
are the following:

• Educate Caribbean people on the benefits of ICTs and how they can be
• incorporated into their productive lives;
•  Establish a regional broadband commission involving all major stakeholders
• and establish policies and strategies;
•  Obtain correct statistical information on broadband penetration and ensure that
• correct data is transmitted to relevant agencies including the ITU;
•  Provide concessions to telecoms operators in order to encourage 4G coverage,
• while increasing indigenous content;
• Use Universal Service Funds to support broadband rollout.
•  Include consumers in broadband dialogue.

2. Which policies and/or incentives should be adopted in the Caribbean to accelerate the adoption of broadband?
Panelists indicated that governments had worked with operators to create a favourable environment for broadband increase and it may not be feasible to
continue in this direction. Among the specific answers given were the following:

•  Generous incentives and tax reductions have already been made to
• telecoms operators;
•  Having received incentives, broadband growth and global rankingsmust
• now be seen;
•  Additional incentives may not facilitate broadband growth;
•  Large areas of population are still not accessing bandwidth mainly because
• of lack of coverage and affordability;
• Policies needed in relation to public service, content development, new
• technologies and public education;
•  Broadband take-up could be increased by producing more culturally
• relevant content;
•  Consider adopting US policy of selling phones at reduced rates when
• combined with a data/voice plan;

3. Should the same rules, obligations, fees and taxes apply to all parties involved in providing telecommunications services to customers including

those providing Unlicensed Voice over IP (VoIP) services?

This question was asked during both panels and the combined responses are provided. There were different views on the subject on OTTs and the way they

should be treated. There was general consensus however that OTTs contribute to network congestion, offer the possibility of bypass and they provide no revenue to

• Caribbean countries. Views from the panelists included the following:
•  The same rules should not apply;
•  Revenue was being lost to governments because of OTT operators;
•  Caribbean operators have made significant profit since investing in the
• Caribbean and new VoIP service providers have forced telecoms
• operators' prices down;
•  Contributions to USF in different countries is being reduced and this could
• slow the growth of broadband;
•  Operators and governments were losing revenue
•  There is a demand for VoIP services, especially with the high cost of
• international calls and perhaps local Caribbean alternatives should be
• sought;
•  The number of OTTs continue to grow and in many cases legislation does
• not allow them to be blocked;
•  CANTO's document on VoIP is being studied;
•  Most countries do not have policies to deal with VoIP and OTTs.

4. What activity is currently taking place in your country to create an ecosystem to support the growth of innovation, especially as it concerns

mobile apps and content development?

Ministers felt that innovation and entrepreneurship were important for the Caribbean, especially in the development of content. Most participants

indicated that there were innovative activities in their countries, including activities in conjunction with regional and international partners. Participants

also expressed the view that the Caribbean should become a net exporter of content. The main areas would be e-books, music and culture. Ministers also

felt that creativity exists in the Caribbean and more measures are needed to enhance this creativity.

• Examples of activities in relation to this subject as well as suggestions for
• further actions included the following:
•  The Caribbean Regional Communications Infrastructure Program
• (CARCIP), operational in the Eastern Caribbean (SVG, St. Lucia and
• Grenada), funded by the World Bank is seen as a project that is
• creating the right conditions for innovation and entrepreneurship. It
• provides broadband, fosters innovation, assists entrepreneurs;
•  The SMART project in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is funded by
• USF and is aimed at growing the entrepreneurial base;
•  Jamaica has implemented a Minister's Innovation Award which is
• helping to promote innovation;
•  Jamaica has also embarked upon the Microsoft Imagine competition
• with Microsoft and the Start Up Jamaica Initiative funded by the
• World Bank;
•  The Caribbean needs to become a net exporter of content;
•  Develop national broadband strategies, improve the broadband
• infrastructure, use USF to develop infrastructure, solicit more inputs
• from financial institutions, educate consumers about the possibilities
• that broadband provides.
• MINISTERIAL ROUNDTABLE – Second Panel
• Panelists:
•  Keynote: Sustainable Broadband for a Better Connected World, Justin Zhang,
• Huawei
•  Mr. Tracy Hackshaw, Deputy National Chief Information Officer, Minister of
• Science and Technology, Trinidad & Tobago
•  Hon. George Lightbourne, Minister of Government Support Services, Turks and
• Caicos
•  Hon. Alvin DaBreo, Minister of Communication, Works, Physical Development,
• Public Utilities, ICT and Community Development, Grenada
• Mr. Reginald Bourne, Telecommunications Officer, Barbados
•  Hon. Melford Nicholas, Minister of State Information, Broadcasting &
• Telecommunications, Antigua/Barbuda

Mr. Justin Zhang from Huawei gave the keynote address prior to the start of the second session; his presentation entitled "Sustainable Broadband for a Better
Connected World". He explained that sustainable broadband was needed for a better connected world. He further emphasized the wide reach of broadband which he
referred to as an essential part of the modern economic infrastructure and also playinga major role in social development and the entertainment industry. He further stated
that the sustainable development of broadband will lead to the sustainable development of society, technology and innovation.
Four questions were also asked of the second Ministerial Panel and the following are their responses.
5. Are there any examples you can share of successful strategic broadband alliances in your countries?
While this subject has been discussed in most Caribbean countries, not everyone has been able to undertake successful initiatives. However, the subject is under discussion in many countries. Among the successes in this area are the following:

•  In T&T, ICT Access Centre Programme has been launched with
• inputs from Columbus, TSTT, Fujitsu and Microsoft. So far three
• centres have been successfully rolled out and there will be an
• additional 38.
•  In Antigua and Barbuda, the GATE initiative (Government
• Assisted Technology Endeavour) is seen as a successful initiative
• across government agencies and this is leading towards the
• development of a government portal. This facility allows the
• processing of various government documents online.

6. Is there still a level playing field and what about the fact that one has no recourse in respect of poor (QoS) quality of service when utilizing OTT
services?
There was a common view that it is very difficult to deal with QoS as far as OTTs are concerned, especially in the light of the important issue of
jurisdiction. OTT operators are not within the jurisdiction of Caribbean countries, therefore are not subjected to the laws in the Caribbean as they
stand. Other views expressed include:

• Encourage local entrepreneurs to establish similar OTT
• services;
•  Not all OTTs are the same;
•  Encourage competition on a level playing field;

7. Are governments willing to allow existing operators who provide VoIP services to exist without having to pay taxes or USF charges?

•  Once again ministers referred to the question of jurisdiction.Governments can only deal with operators within their
  jurisdiction. The view was also expressed that governments have a strong interest in collecting taxes. Some ministers were
  also of the view that operators simply want to make more money and they want governments to give more concessions to
  them. Panelists felt that government and consumer interests must be taken into consideration in discussions on this subject.
  8. How should we go about structuring the strategic dialogue moving forward in the Caribbean and also in preparation for next year's CANTO
  conference?
  There was general agreement that a multi-stakeholder forum, including all regional stakeholders, would be useful and this could be within the framework
  of a Caribbean Internet Governance initiative. Over-the-Top (OTTs) were seen as successful businesses, with very high stock valuations, yet little or no
  infrastructure. In this regard the question of a single Caribbean ICT space should be further developed, in which cost among Caribbean countries would
  be reduced. The HIPCAR project was mentioned as a shining example of a multi-stakeholder model that has worked for the Caribbean. Discussions with
  OTTs would also be another option.
  Conclusions
  The Ministerial Panel at CANTO 2014 provided important information for participants in respect of various activities related to broadband development in the
  Caribbean. One of the most important subject that was discussed was the Over-the- Top operators and how they should be dealt with. There were differing views on this matter, but everyone indicated that it was an important subject that must be dealt with expeditiously. With respect to broadband rollout, ministers indicated what was happening in each country and in all cases they stated that this rollout needs to be accelerated. There were several suggestions on how this could be done, including Public Private People Partnerships in relation to broadband. It was clear from the discussions that Ministers were in favour of regional Caribbean approaches in respect of issues related to the development of broadband.

By Philip Cross and Ayanna Samuels

GRAND CASE:--- Residents and tourists alike are invited to celebrate island heritage and the work of photographers of all ages at the 2014 Heritage Photo Exhibition. The gala opening of the Exhibition will be held at 7pm on Saturday, December 6th at Lagoonies Bistro and Bar at Lagoon Marina in Cole Bay. This event is free and open to the public, and will include large-format displays, voting for the People's Choice Award, and an official prize ceremony at 9pm. The winning works and other entries will be on display throughout the following week.

The Heritage Photo Contest and Exhibition was developed by Les Fruits de Mer to showcase art created here on St. Martin/St. Maarten, and to engage residents–especially kids–in thinking about their heritage. The Be the Change SXM Foundation provided funding for the contest and exhibition.

The panel of judges faced many difficult decisions when selecting the winners of the 2014 Heritage Photo Contest. With over 75 entries, the competition was fierce, and the works submitted beautifully captured many diverse aspects of the island's heritage.

The theme of this year's contest, "Vibrant and Vulnerable", followed an unusual format and was chosen to raise awareness about the island's unique natural, cultural and historic heritage, as well as the threats facing this heritage and the need to preserve it. Each entry included two photos–one representing a "Vibrant" aspect of the island and one representing a "Vulnerable" aspect–and the artist's statement about the photo selections. This format was very open to creative interpretation, and the entries that poured in touch on many different facets of local heritage, from plants, animals and landscape, to history, architecture and culture.

In the end, the first prize in the overall competition went to Alexandre Guerre, and top honors in the youth competition were awarded to Luna Valenti. Their photos, along with many other fantastic entries, will be featured at the upcoming exhibition.

One remaining prize, the $100 People's Choice Award, will be decided by those who attend the opening of the exhibition. "We're thrilled to invite everyone to take the opportunity to enjoy the stunning, thought-provoking photos at this exhibition," says Les Fruits de Mer President Jenn Yerkes, "And, of course, to vote for their favorite!" Voting will be done by ballot between 7pm and 9pm.

For those who cannot attend, or would like a sneak preview of the entries that were submitted, an online gallery of entries can be found at http://www.lesfruitsdemer.com/category/vibrant-and-vulnerable/.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic & Telecommunication (TEATT) recently held a training by the Personnel & Organization Department for Department and Division Heads within the TEATT Ministry on civil servants rights and obligations, as well as relevant policies and procedures. For some of the managers the information is new, while others, the information provided an opportunity to be refreshed on the material from the Government's Employee Handbook.

UPP candidates fuming because they got no Ministerial Positions

PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of the United Peoples Party (UPP) and formateur Theodore Heyliger has shuffled the deck of cards again as he tries to form the next government. Heyliger submitted some names two weeks ago to the Governor of St. Maarten for those persons to be screened to become Ministers.
Two weeks ago the leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams told reporters that MP Cornelius de Weever submitted two names on behalf of the Democratic Party based on the agreement he signed with the leader of the UPP Theodore Heyliger. Wescot Williams announced that the two names MP de Weever submitted was Petrus Leroy De Weever who would have been appointed Minister of VSA (Health, Labour and Social Affairs) and Rita Gumbs as Minister of Education, Sports and Youth Affairs. When Wescot-Williams broke the news MP Lloyd Richardson went ballistic as he was promised the Ministry of VSA if he declared himself independent and left the National Alliance during the last governing period (2010-2014). Even during the 2014 political campaign period SMN News learnt that Heyliger told the "Doc" that their deal still stands. With this promise SMN News understands that MP Lloyd Richardson recruited Silvio Lindo who currently works as senior policy advisor at the Ministry of Justice in Curacao to take up the post as Minister of VSA since he did not want to give up his seat as an MP knowing that the coalition is not solid. According information SMN News received the "Doc" said he was going independent and the formation of another government was in the making. While the "Doc" was thinking about how to move forward with his political career and if he will really be jumping back and forth in Parliament, the UPP leader decided to shuffle the deck again in order to keep the chickens in his coop. The formateur and leader of the UPP held talks with the "Doc" and gave him what he originally promised him, which is the chairperson of parliament and the Ministry of VSA, while he gave De Weever the Ministry of Justice leaving the current Minister of Justice whose name was also submitted out in the cold.
SMN News understands that the UPP leader (formateur) even approached caretaker Minister of Finance Martin Hassink and asked him to stay on as Minister of Finance and Hassink agreed to take up the position only to learn via the media that another person's name was submitted to become the Minister of Finance. However, that other person may not pass the screening because of a complaint that was filed against him by a minor.
On Wednesday caretaker Minister Martin Hassink made clear that if the person whose name was submitted does not pass the screening process then he will only stay on as Minister of Finance for a period of three months as he prefers to work as an advisor to the government (the position he held prior to taking up the Ministerial post in 2013).
SMN News further learnt that several persons that ran on the UPP 2014 slate are up in arms with their party leader because none of them were considered for ministerial positions. A source within the UPP told SMN News that Veronica Jansen-Webster wanted to be Minister of VROMI and her party leader basically asked her if she was crazy. "This has Jansen-Webster very upset because she worked in the Ministry of VROMI for years and also ran on the UPP slate twice while the person who got the position never once postulated herself on any political slate."
SMN News further learnt that the constant bickering and stress within the UPP landed its leader Theodore Heyliger in hospital last month. While this was kept hidden, SMN News understands that Heyliger spent two days at the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) and staff of the SMMC stopped his treatment because Heyliger he did not submit his doctor card to the institution in order for SMMC to be paid.

AIRPORT:--- The PAIRE project (Partnership for Inter-Regional Air Express services) met its launching seminar in Sint Maarten, grouping on the one hand the Dominica Government and on the other hand the key Caribbean air operators (Winair, Air Antilles Express), which it gathers.
This project is co-financed by the Regional Cooperation Fund (FCR), which promotes economic projects through developing a balanced partnership between Caribbean partners. FCR is managed by the Prefecture of Guadeloupe and is one of the major tools available for all actors from Guadeloupe wishing to participate abroad in the regional cooperation effort.

The PAIRE project aims to list all levers and mechanisms that may be activated to develop innovative and bold solutions for enhancing intra-Caribbean air services within the framework of international and European standards.
First project ever initiated towards an international partnership for intra-Caribbean regional air services, PAIRE seeks for implementing partnership solutions between Caribbean air operators to foster regional cooperation through sustainable and profitable routes.
The objective is to identify levers to open up territories and develop economics thanks to an optimized air transport offer, for the benefit of the whole Caribbean population.
The partners of the project, both territories and air operators, will contribute to the different steps of the study by providing their experience, inputs and data:

• 'Flash' market study of the intra-Caribbean regional air-services;
• Analysis of the air traffic rights frameworks: issues and opportunities;
• Critical review of Public Service Obligations or Delegations (PSOs, PSDs) mechanisms and their perspectives;
• Study of the new EU guidelines on financing of airports and start-up aid to airlines departing from regional airports;
• Proposals.

Through the project PAIRE, pragmatic solutions are sought to 'optimize Carribean air-services and thus promote the regional integration and inter-regional exchanges, whether economic, social or cultural', Serge Tsygalnitzky said, CAIRE CEO (legal entity grouping airlines Air Antilles Express and Air Guyane Express).
'This is a first for intra-Caribbean air transport, for which we are seeking synergies', Michael Cleaver stated, Winair President & CEO. The Dominica Government, which supports the project, welcomed this approach and constitutes a key partner in the project.

DP Expelled MP De Weever from Democratic Party

PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams sent an official letter to the leader of the UPP Theodore Heyliger informing him that she has withdrawn her support from his coalition government.
The letter sent to Heyliger is dated November 18th, 2014. Below is the full text of the letter that Wescot Williams also shared with the media of St. Maarten.

Honorable Formateur Heyliger,

On October 9, 2014, you in your capacity as Formateur and I acting on behalf of the Democratic Party of St. Maarten signed in agreement to "participate and support the formation of the Government for St. Maarten for the period 2014-2018", under the condition to participate in the working out of details of a governing accord and that Ministers etc. "will be decided on collectively".
None of these have transpired and I hereby withdraw my support as described in addenda I and II of October 9th 2014.

Kind regards,
Sarah Wescot-Williams
On behalf of the DP St. Maarten

Wescot Williams also informed the griffier of Parliament on November 19th that she will be the faction leader of Parliament on behalf of the Democratic Party. Below is the text sent to the griffier of Parliament which was also copied to the Vice Chair of Parliament Leona Marlin Romeo.

Dear Nancy,

Kindly note that with immediate effect the undersigned will act as faction leader for the Democratic Party faction in Parliament.

Kind regards

Sarah Wescot-Williams
Member of Parliament (DP)

DP Board Expels MP De Weever from Democratic Party --- De Weever has until November 28th to appeal the decision of the Board.

Wescot Williams also lived up to what she told members of the media when she exposed the reasons she withdrew her support from the current coalition government. During that press conference Wescot Williams said that the DP board and its membership have decided that they will write MP de Weever a letter which they did by informing him that based on his actions they have taken the decision to expel him from the Democratic Party. Below is the contents of the letter sent to MP Cornelius de Weever.

Dear Cornelius,

In the interest of this communication, it is important that we revisit some relevant points in the relationship between yourself and the Democratic Party, specifically following the August 29th parliamentary election.

Without any indication of such and following a few brief internal emails on the topic of the "counterpart issue", you signed an agreement on October 3rd with 7 UPP parliamentarians to form the next government, betraying those you worked with on the formation of the NA/DP/USP governing program and your fellow candidates and DP members.
That alone would constitute reason for immediate disbarment from the DP with the consequences as spelled out in our articles of incorporation.

However, after several discussions with yourself and Mr. Leroy de Weever, it was decided in the interest of the party to band together and throw our Party's support behind what by that time had become the UP/CDW/LMR coalition.
This was also done because matters like integrity etc. were being touted by the new government coalition and considering how intensely we campaigned on the matter of integrity and transparency, going as far as having our candidates sign a pledge to this effect.

Following the signing between the Formateur, Mr. Heyliger and the DP leader on behalf of the DP on October 9th, several discussions took place regarding nominees for the ministries of Public Health, Labor and Social Development and that of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports. These discussions were between yourself and the DP leader and on one occasion in the presence of Mr. F. Meyers and Mr. T. Heyliger.

After due consideration, the DP leader submitted to the Formateur on October 28, the names of Y. Halley and E. Lee for the post of Minister for Education, Culture, Youth and Sports and Public Health, Labor and Social Affairs respectively and copied you. At that time you were abroad.

Lo and behold, approximately 2 weeks later, you dispatch a letter to the Formateur in your name, in which you submitted the names of 2 other candidates, one of those being Leroy de Weever. You referred in this letter to an agreement you signed on September 24th. This agreement is unknown to us.

In addition, on more than one occasion and once in the presence of the Formateur, you dismissed the candidacy of Mrs. R. Gumbs as a fleeting thought, based on a discussion you had with MP S. Jacobs of the NA.
Any reference to Leroy de Weever was very brief and related to him being possibly offered a post in the field of foreign affairs in another country.

Coincidentally, on November 6th, you, on behalf of the DP FACTION, submitted together with 2 other MPs, a request for a public meeting of Parliament. The DP only learned of this request when the DP leader received such in the capacity of chairperson of Parliament.

It should be more than evident that the above goes against every grain of decency, politically or otherwise. You have acted against all that the Democratic Party stands for, its articles of incorporation and your own signed declarations of consent and of abidance.
It is our opinion that the above, singularly and jointly constitutes grounds for immediate expulsion as a member of the Democratic Party. Nevertheless, we do believe that the opportunity to appeal your expulsion should be given to you, should you wish to do so. In such a case, you should inform the Board of this by Friday, November 28th, no later than 5 pm.

Kind regards,

On behalf of the Board of the Democratic Party,
Hasani Ellis, President
Sarah Wescot-Williams, Leader

POND ISLAND:--- TelEm Group has apologized to business and residential customers for an interruption in internet service between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm Wednesday evening.
Engineers and technicians restored service after a complicated troubleshooting and reconfiguration process that began as soon as service interruptions were reported.
"It took some hours to identify the source of the problem, but once we had isolated that source our engineers were able to follow standard recovery procedures to get customers back online as soon as possible," said Manager, Planning & Engineering, Mr. Jed Carty.
Mr. Carty said steps are being taken to prevent any repeat of the problem, which affected internet connections throughout the company's data network, and also affected some voice connections.
He said a more complete report is being prepared for management, a copy of which will also be handed to the Bureau of Telecommunications and Post (St. Maarten).
"On behalf of management and staff we sincerely apologize for the interruption in service Wednesday when our data and voice systems experienced problems and became affected by matters beyond our control," said Mr. Carty.

TELEM Press Release

SUCKER GARDEN:--- Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (VROMI) held a public meeting with the residents of Sucker Garden last Friday in efforts of communicating project plans for drainage project, which includes the hard surfacing of Chincactus Road and Chincactus Drive in the Keys.
The ongoing project has started this week and is estimated to be fully completed by late January 2015 (weather permitting), stated Public Works Project Leader, Alfredo Pantophlet, who also noted that the meeting was "well attended" and residents were "thoroughly informed" through presentation and Q&A.
The drainage project will alleviate flooding in the area to an extent and is not to be assumed to prevent flooding, especially in severe inclement weather. Residents were tipped on initiatives that would assist in preventing such circumstances for their neighborhood, such as refraining from disposing of waste in the trenches, which is a contributing factor to prevention of water flow in the low-lying area, with rapid water flow from the hill sides during heavy rain fall.
Pantophlet indicated that the latter doesn't only apply to persons residing in the keys, but that it is a significant initiative that needs to be exercised by all residents of St. Maarten to alleviate flooding possibilities and encourage community responsibility.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister of Justice Hon. Dennis Richardson is currently in San Salvador, El Salvador, attending the Plenary and Ministerial of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) from November 23 to 27.

The CFATF is an organization of states and territories of the Caribbean Basin which have agreed to implement common counter-measures against money laundering and financing of terrorism.

The CFATF Plenary Meeting XL and Special Ministerial V Meeting started on Monday and will conclude on Friday.

"Country Sint Maarten is committed to the global anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism fight. We have taken a number of measures and have the legislation in place as well as pending legislation along with the necessary institutions such as the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) which plays a key role in this global effort.

"Sint Maarten has a responsibility just like other countries in the region, Latin America, Europe, Asia and the world over in protecting regional and international financial systems from transnational organized crime and those who engage in terrorism and financing that promotes illegal activities of this nature.

"With all countries working together, we will be successful in our quest to combat the aforementioned crimes because failure is not an option," Minister of Justice Hon. Dennis Richardson said on Tuesday from San Salvador.

The Task Force was established as a result of two key meetings convened in Aruba and in Jamaica in the early 1990s.

In November 1996, 21 members of the CFATF entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which now serves as the basis for the goals and the work of the CFATF.

In the MoU, CFATF members agree to adopt and implement the 1988 UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances; endorse and implement the FATF Forty Recommendations and the CFATF Nineteen Recommendations; fulfil the obligations expressed in the Kingston Declaration as well as, where applicable, in the Plan of Action of the Summit of the Americas; and to adopt and implement any other measures for the prevention and control of the laundering of the proceeds of all serious crimes as defined by the laws of each Member.

Sint Maarten is a member of CFATF and has been an active participant in various meetings organized by the aforementioned organization.

Based on the progress made until now, Sint Maarten's FIU has been admitted to the renowned so-called Egmont Group as well.

Head of Sint Maarten's FIU Ligia Stella is also attending the deliberations in El Salvador.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Please be informed that the Bureau Ombudsman will be closed in connection with an out- of-office event on November 28th, 2014.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Operations will resume as usual on Monday December 1st, 2014.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Last week former commissioner of Finance Xavier Blackman presented the Philipsburg Jubilee library with a copy of the book : "An inside look ", authored by Mr. Blackman's uncle Mr. Raphael Sorton. The book is an autobiographical tale of a little boy who grew up on Saba, left his homeland to study abroad and ended up as a Minister Plenipotentiary in the Hague.

PJL Press Release

COLE BAY:--- The St. Maarten Nature Foundation has launched a small pilot project using natural predators of flying insects to combat the mosquito population on St. Maarten. For the last few weeks there has been an increase in the mosquito population, which in turn may result in increased cases of dengue fever and chikungunya, amongst the population. The Nature Foundation has therefore launched a pilot project using especially bats to see if they can help control the mosquito population. Four private residences have been given so-called "Bat Boxes" by the Nature Foundation which will hopefully attract insect eating bats. 70% of the more than 1,000 bat species are insectivores, meaning they feed solely on insects and can eat up to 1000 mosquitoes an hour. Certain bat colonies have been estimated to eat almost 10,000-30,000 pounds of insects. Bat houses have been used to eliminate mosquitoes since the early 1900s. Bats, together with other Natural Methods such as using mosquitofish to eat mosquito larvae are a more natural alternative to pesticides which can cause harm to the environment.
"Bats make up almost a quarter of all mammals, and they are the only mammals able to fly. They can be found all throughout the world and although they may not be the cutest creatures in the animal kingdom, bats are extremely helpful to humans in many ways. Many movies, television shows, and books have given bats a bad name. When many people hear the word "bat," they think of blood-thirsty creatures that spread diseases like rabies. We came up with this idea almost four years ago but we wanted to be absolutely sure that there aren't any cases of rabies or other diseases in bats on St. Maarten and once we felt we were certain we contact private home owners and asked them if they were interested. People also fear that they will be attacked if they are outdoors at night when bats are present. This is a misunderstanding of bat behavior. Bats swoop down to catch flying insects, not to scare you," read a Nature Foundation statement.

Bats are also pollinators, and plants that have white flowers are usually night pollinated by one of the few animals that fly at night...Bats! The Nature Foundation will be in contact with the volunteers of the pilot project to determine if the bats are helping with the reduction in the mosquito population.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Caretaker Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams announced at the Council of Ministers weekly press briefing on Wednesday that the Vorst family has submitted a new proposal for the sale of their property located in Cay Hill. Wescot Williams said that the new proposal submitted to government is one million dollars less than the first proposal. The new proposal for the 11,100 m² of land the Vorst family wants to sell is $4.5M instead of $5.5M which was signed off by caretaker Minister Maurice Lake. Wescot Williams said that while this is a new proposal, her advice to the Council of Ministers is to leave the proposal for the incoming Council of Ministers. She said that since the current Council of Ministers had taken a decision on the purchase of the property it is her belief that the incoming government should deal with it especially since the current Council of Ministers is in a caretaker status.

Emilio Wilson purchase moving forward.

Wescot Williams also announced that the Minister of VROMI is currently finalizing the purchase of the Emilio Wilson Estate as was agreed upon by the Government of St. Maarten. When asked which agreement the Government of St. Maarten is respecting and if Rainforest Adventure has anything to do with the purchase and the estate. Wescot Williams said that government will still stick to the first agreement signed off by former Minister of VROMI William Marlin which will cost government $17M. Wescot Williams said currently all she knows about the Emilio Wilson Estate purchase is that government is finalizing the purchase since the loan has been secured for it and it was also budgeted. She further stated that after the purchase she could not say if any other investor or investors will get involved.
The caretaker Prime Minister also gave an update on several issues such as the draft 2015 budget and the reaction given by the CFT. Wescot Williams said that the Government of St. Maarten has until December 15th, 2014 to finalize its draft budget.
Another issue the Prime Minister raised was a letter sent by Minister of Foreign and Kingdom Relations Ronald Plasterk regarding the plans of the Government of St. Maarten to implement some of the recommendations in the various integrity reports. Wescot Williams said that Minister Plasterk sent a letter to the Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson informing him that he did not take a final decision on St. Maarten's plan of approach. She said the Minister stated that his Ministry and St. Maarten's administration did not yet discuss the matter at hand. She said the letter is pending even though it was sent to the Minister of Justice about two weeks ago. "Even though this letter was sent about two weeks ago I was only made aware of it on Wednesday morning, therefore the Government of St. Maarten has to deal with it."
Wescot Williams said that St. Maarten got compliments from the European Union on the NDP (National Development Plan) she said that the EU feels that St. Maarten's proposal to obtain EU funding should be used as a model.
The Prime Minister said that the list for visas for Caribbean countries has been extended. She said that persons who need a visa to enter St. Maarten can be exempted if they have multiple visas to enter the United States and Canada. Wescot Williams said that the Department of Foreign Affairs is dealing with the matter regarding the Caribbean visas which she said states which countries and persons that are exempted from the visa requirements.
Besides the updates on government affairs, Wescot Williams issued thank you's to the various persons (departments and projects) that she worked on while being the Prime Minister of St. Maarten. She also announced that she was invited to St. Eustatius to participate in a panel discussion since that island will be holding a referendum to change its current status.

If the candidate fails screening and I am asked to stay on I will only do so for three months --- Hassink.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Finance Martin Hassink informed reporters on Wednesday that his appearance at Wednesday's weekly press conference will be his last appearance as Minister of Finance since he is a caretaker Minister. SMN News asked the Minister of Finance whose name came up during the formation of the first government that was in the making to remain as the Minister of Finance if the candidate that was submitted by the UPP/De Weever/ Marlin government fails the screening for any reason and he is asked to remain as the Minister of Finance if he will refuse the position. Minister Hassink said that if that should happen then he will only accept the position for a period of three months until the current coalition government finds a suitable person to appoint as Minister. The caretaker Minister of Finance said he prefers to work as an advisor to the government (Ministry of Finance) if the government so wishes.

Draft Budget 2015.

As per the draft 2015 budget, Minister Hassink said that the draft budget is already late and he is hopeful that the draft will be submitted very soon since the draft budget is currently at the Council of Advice. He said on Tuesday next week the Council of Ministers will be discussing the draft budget with stands at Naf. 445M. The 2015 budget was estimated based on the first half year income of 2014. Minister Hassink said that during the second half of 2014 government income reduced somewhat and that is the reason the CFT believes that the 2015 draft budget is not realistic. "We are contesting what the CFT said and we intend to bring arguments that will show that the Government of St. Maarten can realize its budget for the year 2015. Furthermore, the Government of St. Maarten will not cut the budget and the Naf. 445M will stand. The CFT also suggested that government must compensate the loss they had in previous years which he said is estimated at about Naf. 12M. If we have to take this up in the 2015 budget (operating cost) that would mean that government will have make another cut of Naf. 12M which is not possible."
Hassink also said he believes that government has to work on a plan because every year the Government of St. Maarten is struggling with drafting its budget and they have to continuously make cuts, therefore something must be done with the crisis management. Minister Hassink who indicated that he will not take up the post as Minister permanently if it is offered to him, said he is busy working on a plan which will allow government to structurally increase its income to about Naf. 500M. This plan he said is a three year plan and if government realizes his plan then all the Ministries will have the monies to do what they need to do.
The Minister said that the drafting of the 2015 budget was indeed challenging since all the Ministries have plans and business that exceeds the ceilings. Minister Hassink further explained that while he is working on a plan government already started a project that is funded by USONA to increase its income.
The Minister sent out a warning to business owners and persons that have government long lease land and did not pay their dues to expect a marshal knocking on their doors soon.
When asked by SMN News how much was the draft 2015 budget affected by the advance concession fees that was collected in 2014 from government owned companies, Minister Hassink said the only government owned company that paid their concession fees in advance was GEBE and that did affect the 2013 budget and the financial statements.. Minister Hassink was asked by SMN News to give an update on the monies that AUC owes the Government of St. Maarten due to the profit tax that they did not pay when they sold the company. Minister Hassink said that the court case with AUC is scheduled to take place sometime this week.
Minister Hassink said he hopes that he will get the chance to present the annual accounts and financial reports (statements) to the parliament of St. Maarten.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Section Collective Prevention Services (CPS) within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour is appealing to the community to step-up mosquito prevention measures in order to prevent an increase in dengue and chikungunya cases due to the daily rainfall that the country has been confronted with.

CPS uses this opportunity to also commend the Dutch Quarter Community Council in conjunction with the organizes of the OASIS project for carrying out a clean-up effort within the district about two weeks ago.

Minister of Public Health Hon. Cornelius de Weever is appealing to social and civic clubs as well as community councils to come together with their members and assist the people in their districts with clean-up campaigns

Every individual, household and business has a responsibility to take action and protect public health and our economy.

Chikungunya, is a virus similar to dengue, transmitted by the same mosquito that spreads dengue. The symptoms are similar to dengue fever and may include a sudden high fever, headache, rash, nausea and muscle pain.

However, stiffness and severe joint pain, especially in the wrists, knuckles or ankles, are more often associated with chikungunya. The incubation period (time from infection to illness) can be two to 12 days but is usually three to seven days.

Acute chikungunya fever typically lasts a few days to a few weeks and some infected patients in the Asia region have reported debilitating arthritic pain persisting for weeks or months.

The condition's outcome is that most patients feel better within a week; some people may develop longer-term joint pain; people at increased risk for severe disease include newborns exposed during delivery, older adults and people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease. Deaths are rare.

There is no vaccine or medication to prevent chikungunya virus infection or disease, the recommended prevention is to reduce mosquito exposure.

Residents and business leaders play a key role by continually being active in taking measures to mitigate the mosquito population in eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

Residents and visitors are reminded to protect themselves especially when out during dusk and dawn hours by using mosquito repellent or wear proper clothing (long sleeve shirts/blouses and pants) to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Every household is requested to actively take actions on a daily basis to eliminate mosquitos by checking containers such as buckets and water tanks for larvae and eliminate the breeding source. If there aren't any containers with water for mosquitoes to lay the larvae there won't be any adult mosquitoes.

Dengue Fever and Chikungunya are transmitted by the female vector Aedes Aegypti mosquito. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito lays her eggs in clear (clean) stagnant water. Within eight days the mosquito can complete its life cycle from egg, to larvae to pupae and to adult mosquito.

An increase in the mosquito population puts all residents and businesses at risk. Call for information on the Aedes Aegypti mosquito breeding sites and respective preventive measures at 542-2078 or 542-3003 or visit the Facebook Collective Prevention Services.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The 9th annual Crystal Pineapple Awards Gala Event, held on Friday November 21st 2014, by the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA), was an outstanding and spectacular event. The evening saw 19 persons receive awards in the categories of Accommodations, Trade, and Community Service, as well as 6 persons /organizations in the extraordinary categories. The SHTA extends congratulations to all the nominees and winners of the 9th annual Crystal Pineapple Awards.
Guests were treated to a visual oasis of black & white with purple accents by Glitter Events who was contracted to transform the venue into a magical ambiance suitable only for St, Maarten's best and brightest stars in the Tourism arena.
The gala event was held at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino which has been the host venue for many years to the event. The resort also prepared a sumptuous and elaborate culinary extravaganza complete with living statutes which included more than ten live food stations, expertly prepared dishes such as a giant Paella, Sushi & Sashimi platters, roast leg of Lamb, Chateau Briand and a sumptuous dessert selection ranging from an array of cheeses and fruit to Sonesta's signature pastries.
The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Anenda Zaandam, who tied the evening together along with board members and experts of the industry presenting the various awards. Singers ARIAS opened with the National Anthem & closed the evening with a heart-warming "Time to say Goodbye". In addition to singers, the night included dancers from the INDISU Dance Theatre performing a jazz ensemble. The event brought the right amount of excitement, anticipation and entertainment for everyone to enjoy. Besides the live entertainment and DJ K, the lucky winner of the raffle and the winner of the social media challenge, each received a weekend stay and the new Ocean Point Resort.
The Honorable Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams was present during that evening, as well as Member of Parliament Silveria Jacobs. This years' SHTA Person of the Year Award went to the late Erika Cannegiter-Smith who received this award for her many years contributing to the island through her foundation "Be the Change".
SHTA would like to thank all those that were involved in organizing the event. A special Thank You goes out to the sponsors: Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino, Discover Financial Services, GEBE, PDG Supplies, UTS, Harbour Group of Companies, Autobev, PricewaterhouseCoopers, First Caribbean International Bank, North South Net, Antillean Liquors, Topper's Rhum and all the persons and companies who donated items to the raffle and the silent auction.
Highlights of the winners can be found below:

Restaurants & Bars Awards
Employee of the Year
Valda Revan-Dawes – Mark's Place

Manager/Supervisor of the Year
Cleopatra Blair – Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort, Casino & Spa

Restaurateur of the Year
Pierre Ferland – Pineapple Pete's

Chef of the Year
Raymond Kaper – Holland House Beach Hotel

Bartender of the Year
Paul Peterson - Temptation

Trade Awards
Employee of the Year
Angie Prince – Asha Stevens Hillside Christian Schools

Supervisor of the Year
Rafael Martinez – St. Maarten Sightseeing Tours

Manager of the Year
Myrtille Brookson – Ennia

Accommodation Awards
Rookie of the Year
Priya Forde – Oyster Bay Beach Resort

Employee of the Year
Marcia Gordon – Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort, Casino & Spa

Supervisor of the Year
Adil Benjamin – Oyster Bay Beach Resort

Departmental Manager of the Year
Barbara Warren – The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa

General Manager of the Year
Carlo Zambrini – Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino

Timeshare Sales Person of the Year
Murvin Priest– Royal Islander Club

Outstanding Community Service Achievement Award
Art Saves Lives Foundation

Best Educational Innovation Award
Philipsburg Jubilee Library

Public Media Award
AVS News

Tourism Ambassador Award
Cindy Miller

Outstanding Environmental Achievement Award
Nature Foundation

SHTA Person of the Year Award
Erika Cannegieter-Smith

PHILIPSBURG:--- Foundation Cooperative Funds (Samenwerkende Fondsen) assists NGOs by providing funds for social and community based projects.
On an annual basis Cooperating Foundations give together a considerable amount of grants to the six Dutch Caribbean islands. They focus on project proposals which target "vulnerable" groups in the society, youth and children, the disabled, the elderly and are committed to help social initiatives in the areas of community binding, cohesion, participation in society, health and care.
Project proposals may vary in size, amount and scope. Besides the regular larger projects, Cooperating Foundations also offers the opportunity for small funding requests, called Mini-Grants.
For those organizations that are new to Cooperative Funds or those who have small social projects, there is the opportunity to apply for a mini-grant to the maximum amount of Naf. 5,000 before December 13th 2014. This type of grant allows for a fast project approval and therefore early start of the project. Senior citizens organizations, youth organiziations, after-school programs and community centers are just a selection of the organizations which are encouraged to apply for these mini-grants. Organizations which intend to apply must be officially established and be registered at the Chamber of Commerce.
Airline tickets to attend tournaments/conferences, funds for research, church related requests are examples of items for which no funding is available. The project funds need to be in line with the objectives of Cooperating Foundations, which is to create social cohesion in the local community and improve life of its citizens.
For additional information, NGOs can contact Jose Sommers at 556 0808 / 581 5050 (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). A special application form for mini-grants will be sent to you on your request. More general information and application forms for regular grants can be found on the website: www.samenwerkendefondsen.org.

Next round to take place this Saturday 29 November

CAY HILL:--- The second round of the Female High School Soccer Competition started on Saturday 22 November with overall lower scores and stronger team performance than the previous round. The second round featured a stronger performance from players with all teams now working towards a chance for the finals.

The games started with MPC versus CIA/LU, and although CIA/LU dominated the last round, MPC made a comeback of 2-0 with scores made by Rishendra Carty and Shakirah Gijsbertha. So far both schools proved to be the stronger competitors in the competition. While CIA/LU featured a star player in the game it was MPC who pushed as a team to dominate.

St. Dominic followed as the dominating team with a game against Sundial and made a 1-0 goal advance. For the second week in a row it was Katherine Quispe who made the goal for her school. St. Dominic has a strong defense and attack playing field and Sundial, who started with a more defensive play in the first round is slowly progressing to having a team with a more balanced play between the defense, midfield an attack.

The games followed with CIA/LU on top against the MAC school with a 2-0 win with both goals scored again by Daricia Arrindell. The MAC, who is the only team with players who have no previous experience playing soccer, are growing exponentially to compete against the more advanced teams. They struggled in the first round but found their drive as a team and are progressing.

With a 1-1 tie, the Sundial team proved to be a tough contender for MPC. Sundial regained their composure after the last round with Marshelique Fleming scoring the goal. MPC didn't wait to long and tied the game right after with a goal made by Aishel Pieters.

The last game between St. Dominic and MAC resulted in a scoreless draw.

The competition, which is organized by the Oualichi Women's Soccer Association under the umbrella of the Sint Maarten Soccer Association, will continue its last set of games this Saturday 29 November. The games start at 8:30 and go on until noon. The finals will eventually take place on the 6th of December with teams competing for the first three final spots.

For more information and update follow the Oualichi Women's Soccer Team Facebook page and website www.oualichisoccer.com.

PHILIPSBURG:--- WTN Cable's TV Carib will be hosting it's first TV-Shopping on Thursday, November 27th, 2014 starting at 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm. It will be broadcast live on TV Carib, channel 10 on WTN Cable's line up.
TV Shopping is a weekly production whereby TV Carib's cameras will be on location at selected businesses for 30 minutes. The establishment is free to advertise and expose its products and services for the duration of the live broadcast. It may offer specials and discounts to patrons or invited guests. TV Shopping is a great opportunity to expose the services and products of the various establishments on the island. It also gives the viewers the opportunity to see where the best deals for various products and services are available.
TV Shopping will air weekly on Thursdays from 10:30 am to 11:00 am with a repeat on the following day. However, this first edition will be aired from 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm and will feature Obersi Electronics, the exclusive distributors for Xerox. We urge our viewers to tune in to this first edition.
As we move into the Christmas season, other businesses will be approached and encouraged to take part in the weekly TV Shopping series. It is geared towards all sizes and types of businesses, big or small.
A number of radio stations have hosted similar events in the past, but TV Shopping is a new phenomenon to TV in St. Maarten.
Interested establishments can contact WTN Cable's marketing department for further information on TV Shopping.

WTN Press Release

Poverty knows no name, it knows no ethnicity, it doesn't differentiate between nationalities, it doesn't recognize your country of birth, and many times than not – the inability to gain means to access food is the very first sign that poverty has ' come-home'. Right here, in Paradise!

PHILIPSBURG:--- Mrs. Peggy-Ann Dros-Richardson, Head of Labor Affairs & Acting Head Social Services , stated that it was the wish of our late colleague , Ms. Patricia Pantophlet, that we reach out and assist those less fortunate. From this wish, I was able to encourage team members to join me in a ' Food in the Box' Program, whereby each month they commit to donate 1 or more non-perishable goods in a designated box at the Department. The response last month was overwhelming, and three (3) families received a box each , enough to feed a family of 4 – 6 persons!
With this in mind, a meeting was held in October, to bring forward the idea of ' Feed our Families ' with major food suppliers in Sint Maarten, and today, after long , tireless hours by the Social Workers , Ms. Jacqueline Wilson, Mrs. Rachel Doorson-Gefferie, and Ms. Gisella Hilliman, we are ready to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with Mr. Danny Ramchandani of Prime Distributors, Mr. Anil Sabnani of Le Grande Marche Group of Companies, Mr. Andre Dijkhoffz of Bimaco NV and Mr. Steven Huang of Sunny Foods. It goes without saying , that without their cooperation and willingness to commit, this would not have been possible today. We are grateful.
The Feed our Families Initiative includes a dual trajectory, with donations to be made to the Bishop Ellis Foundation as well as the New Testament Baptist Church Soup Kitchen- long standing organizations who have proven to ' stay the course' through thick and thin, as well as families identified by the Social Workers.
The procedure calls for families to report on a monthly basis to the Department of Social Services to have their ' food card' stamped and to at the point of collection at the designated Supermarket , also have the card stamped. Participants in this initiative will be closely monitored by the Social Workers, and the Department of Social Services extends on going long term care for the most vulnerable in our society.
Stakeholders present praised the initiative, and lauded the Department for its efforts to structure this in such a way that the aid goes to those who need it most.
Mrs. Dros-Richardson furthermore stated that– for the second year in a row – the NO GIFT POLICY is in full force for both the Department of Labor Affairs and Department of Social Services. Our employees are paid to work diligently, and do not expect and will not accept any form of gratitude that goes beyond the verbal expression of ' thank you'. Any business entity who wishes to show gratitude for services rendered , should do so by donating food items / gifts to many worthy NGOs / Foundations duly established on our island.

SUCKER GARDEN:--- The Walichi Basketball Association (WBA) & Motorworld and Jeep Presents Ladies Basketball Championship games continued last weekend with the first game on Saturday at 6pm between Learning Unlimited VS Lightning who met each other for the first time this season. The Lightning players came out strong in the first quarter and lead 19 to 8. The Lightning lead 33-22 at the half but the Learning Unlimited fought back in the third to get it to 30-39 but then the Lightning team recovered and lead 52 - 33 after the third and won the game 61-42. The Lightning team was lead by 3 players in double digits. Kayla Robinson with 18 points and 8 rbs, Jamaiah Newton-Herbert with 17 points and 13 rebounds and the all around play of Micaela Galva with 14 points, 11 steals and 8 assists. Learning Unlimited was lead by Jakisha Brooks with 22 points, 15 rbs, 4 assists, 4 blocks and Daricia Arrindell with 11 points, 5 assists. Kayla Robinson was named Motorworld Player Of The Game for her outstanding play.

Games continued on Sunday at 3pm as Bush Tea Remedy took on the Thunderz looking for a win the second time around.
The Thunderz started strong by leading 18 to 3 after the first quarter and never looked back. They won the game 55-27 and was lead by their top scorers Tiana Lionel with 16 points and Ashley Daniel with 11 points. Bush Tea Remedy was lead by their top scorers Lilian Henry and Cardillia Nicholas with 8 points a piece. Motorworld Player Of The Game went to Tiana Lionel of Thunderz who had 16 points, 22 rebounds and 4 blocks.

The last game of the weekend was between Lava Girls and Learning Unlimited. The game started off close where Lava girls lead only 13 to 7 after the first quarter and lead 26-18 at the half. The Lava Girls then blew open a close game in the third by outscoring Learning Unlimited 18-9 in the quarter and lead after the third 44-27 and won the game 67-37. The Learning Unlimited was lead by Jakisha Brooks with 13 points followed by Rachael DeGroot with 9 points. Cash 4 Gold Lava Girls had a balanced scoring attack with 3 players in double digits and 6 players scoring more than 6 points each. Selah Fleming lead all Cash 4 Gold Lava Girls scorers with 18 points followed by Claudia Fleming with 15 points and Shama Flurton with 11 points. Motorworld Player Of The Game went to Claudia Fleming with 15 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists.

Games continue this Saturday with Bush Tea Remedy taking on Lightning at 6pm and on Sunday Thunderz taking on Learning Unlimited at 3pm followed by Cash 4 Gold Lava Girls against Lightning.

Standings so far are Cash 4 Gold Lava Girls, 5-0, Thunderz 4-1, Lightning 3-2, Bush Tea Remedy 1-5 and Learning Unlimited 0-6

Game Highlights, pictures, game scores and schedule can be viewed on the Facebook page 'Ladies Basketball Championship'. Highlights and full games can be seen on the Youtube page www.youtube.com/walichibasketball.

MARIGOT:--- On Thursday November 20th, the Honorable Justice Minister of Sint-Maarten, Dennis RICHARDSON and the Prefect, Philippe CHOPIN met at the préfecture in Marigot to discuss certain points relevant to cooperation between both parts of the island.

The following has been discussed in a peaceful and amicable manner:

• the need to increase joint controls between the gendarmerie and the police of Sint-Maarten
• making arrangements concerning Oyster Pond's situation, pending definite agreements by the competent authorities to clarify the French and Dutch competencies in that area,
• the incidents related to the presence of national armed civil servants on both sides of the island

At the end of these constructive exchanges, it has been decided to draft an agreement pertaining to police forces carrying weapons, and one concerning controls in Oyster Pond lagoon, as well access to French territory for controls via Dutch territory and vice versa in order to clarify any ambiguity on these subjects, and continue the partnership and the excellent cooperation between both sides of the island,

PHILIPSBURG:--- Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (VROMI), has closed two way traffic on the Touch-Me-Not Road in Saunders, adjacent to Jasmin road due to hazardous driving conditions caused by hill erosion.

Motorist with heavy equipment must refrain from using Touch-Me-Not Road and residents and visitors of the area are advised to use gladiola road in Mary's Fancy as Touch-Me-Not Road is now a one lane road.
Motorists and residents are requested to be vigilant and put keen attention while driving in the area.
Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconvenience that this may cause.

PHILIPSBURG:---- Member of Parliament George Pantophlet said he has given the respective Ministers responsible for the following enough time to present them to Parliament. He is referring to the Initiative Law on the Amendment of Book 7 of the Civil Code to deal with the abuse of the short term contract which was started by the faction of the National Alliance some 42 months ago. He understood that several changes were made buy the Minister and presented to the Council of Ministers. The Member of Parliament needs a copy the draft is with the proposed changes that were made.' Another is the draft policy on the St. Maarten Tourism Authority which is also pending and others such as the Casino Gaming Board which he heard is controlled or should be supervised by the Central Bank of Curacao and St. Maarten and the Office for the Control of Unusual Transactions is still needed. Otherwise one has to explain why the Island of Curacao has such a board. The other draft is the one on the Dividends from government owned companies. On this point the Member of Parliament was not surprised to read where the Committee For Financial Supervision echoed his statements of some 3 years ago during the 2011 budget when he asked why is it that government are cash strapped and have government owned companies who are financially sound but they are not contributing sufficiently to government coffers. Another is the Consumer Protection Agency. Persons who purchase merchandise that are sometimes defective have no recourse when they want to launch a complain. This brings to mind the draft law to have a small claims court established on St. Maarten which was presented by Acting Governor Mr. Ronald Groeneveldt. He also hopes that controls are still being carried out by the department of economic affairs as it relates to the gas stations and also the Supermarkets. With regards to the gas stations he is talking about the famous gasoline measuring tank which he found out some years ago was never controlled for years. In addition to that the matter of the additional basket of goods. He was told that it is a difficult task. However where there is a will there is a way. Not wanting to deviate too much from the matter at hand, the Member of Parliament says that as a representative of the people vital components such as cost of living, the cost of health care, aging population and so on are issues that must be dealt with. And therefore the abuse of the short term contract will provide steady employment and hence reduce uncertainty and hardship among employees. This in turn will provide more revenues to support the pension fund and other vital institutions. Also If government owned companies in addition to the concession which some pay, contribute by paying dividends will again put more monies in government coffers. And with this government can pay the SZV, the General Pension Fund and other creditors. Finally on another note we are going into another December since the court case with the AUC 100 million guilders court case was supposed to have started, what's happening?

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA) Collective Prevention Services (CPS) Dr. Virginia Asin said on Sunday that the 30th meeting of the Caribbean Immunization Managers hosted by Sint Maarten was a success, and resulted in the review and finalization of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) plan of action for 2015.

"I think it is very important as a region that we continue in our efforts to learn best practices from each other, and this setting was a great way to do that," Minister of Public Health Hon. Cornelius de Weever said on Sunday.

Over 60 health officials from across the Caribbean region came together to analyse and share experiences about the EPI coverage for 2013 and 2014 to date; achievements/issues/challenges in implementing the EPI plan of action for 2014; universal vaccination coverage with respect to achieving 95 per cent coverage in all communities in the Americas and the Caribbean; progress made in the elimination of measles, rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS).

Sint Maarten's immunization coverage between 0 and 17-year olds is 92 per cent.

EPI was started 40-years ago – May 1974 at the 27th World Health Assembly - as an ambitious effort to tackle six vaccine-preventable diseases, and has become one of the world's most successful World Health Organization public health programmes ensuring that all children, in all countries, benefit from life-saving vaccines.

The health representatives also discussed three country reports from Suriname, French Departments and Antigua & Barbuda, the latter two about fever/rash surveillance and impact of chikungunya.

On day two of the meeting, the discussions focused on sustaining polio eradication; influenza surveillance; data quality, cold chain and program management; along with three country plans for implementation of routine Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV) vaccination from Grenada, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and Trinidad & Tobago.

On the third and final day of the meeting, the main discussion point was about new vaccines related to dengue, pneumococcal, meningococcal and rotavirus. An update was also given on the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine with respect to effectiveness and safety.

Country reports were presented by Aruba, Bahamas, Sint Maarten, Anguilla and Dominica.

EPI Managers' were welcomed at a cocktail party where Minister Hon. Cornelius de Weever responsible for Ministry VSA welcomed the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) staff and attendees who were treated to a night of culture featuring Rumba dancers, stilt walkers, living statutes and the ponum dance.

The 64 EPI Managers' and other health representatives that Sint Maarten hosted were from: Bahamas, Caribbean Netherlands (Saba, Bonaire, St. Eustatius), Barbados, St. Kitts & Nevis, Montserrat, Trinidad & Tobago, Canada, Grenada, Dominica, Belize, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Turks & Caicos, Cayman Islands, Anguilla, Curacao, Bermuda, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Suriname, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Guyana, The Netherlands, University of the West Indies, and the PAHO. The representatives also included those from Sint Maarten.

The EPI Managers' meeting was held at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort from November 19th to 21st.

MAHO:--- On Friday November 21st, 2014 the long awaited police-sub station for the Maho and Low Lands was officially opened. The Minister of Justice Dennis in his opening speech, to those present, explained that he was very proud of the progress of the police force as this event was a very important and historical one for the police force and for the country Sint Maarten. He continued to state that it is very necessary that the area and community of Maho and Lowlands get the same service as the other areas on the island where police sub-stations are located. Opening this sub station brings the police closer to that community and creates a greater sense of safety and security. It will also improve the response time of the police to get to the areas they are needed.
The minister stated that the sub-station will be manned daily with officers from the bike-patrol, officers on Segways, the K-9 Unit along with the Community Officer, inspector Josepha, who is in charge of that area. The minister thanked and congratulated the police management team represented by Chief Commissioner Peter de Witte and Actinch Chief of Police Carl John, USONA represented by Mrs. Dekker who financed the entire project, representatives from the Maho Group of Companies, the Maho and Lowlands Community Council, the vice president of the C.O.P. Rudy Engel, the management of the Medical University and Inspector Josepha for a job well done in making this project a reality.
The police sub-station is located on the ground floor La Terasse in Maho and easy to get to. The sub-station is completely outfitted with all the equipment that is necessary to operate including a temporary holding cell.

KPSM Press Release

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- On Thursday, November 20, 2014, the Council of Ministers (COM) received a presentation from Windward Island Airways International (Winair) N.V. concerning the company's business plan and current state of affairs.
Winair was represented at the meeting by its President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Michael Cleaver, Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Mr. Roberto Gibbs, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Directors Mr. George Greaux and Member of the Supervisory Board of Directors Mr. Robert Budike.

POSTAL SERVICE SINT MAARTEN CHRISTMAS PARCEL SPECIAL

PHILIPSBURG:--- Postal Services St. Maarten (PSS N.V.) has started accepting packages and parcels for postage to the Netherlands under its popular Christmas Parcel Specials promotion.

"The two postage dates for the Netherlands will ensure that parcels and packages from St. Maarten will be delivered directly to loved ones in the Netherlands in time for their celebrations at Christmas and the New Year," said PSS N.V.
The postal authority is once again pleased to offer this service to St. Maarten residents who wish to bring a touch of Christmas joy to their loved ones in the Netherlands, saying this service is amongst the most popular of all its delivery services throughout the year. In fact, parents with students studying in the Netherlands have already been enquiring with the post office about the last dates for postage to the Netherlands to ensure deliveries are made before Christmas and the New Year.
"Parcels and small packages sent from home are material and emotional bridges with loved ones that we help facilitate at this special time of the year. It represents a gift from home with all the warmth, peace and joy that Christmas traditionally brings," said PSS N.V.
Customers who wish to send packages must do so no later than the following dates;
Saturday, December 6th, 2014, and December 17th, 2014.

All packages and parcels must be delivered to the post office opened, to meet security inspection, after which they can be sealed and packed away for transportation.

The drop-off points for the packages and parcels are the Main Postal Services St. Maarten building in Philipsburg, or the Postal Services St. Maarten branches located at Airport Boulevard #59, Simpson Bay and for the worker at the A.C. Wathey cruise and cargo facilities, Monday to Saturday, during regular business hours.

Information about the Christmas Parcel Specials is available at all PSS locations.
Advertisements and flyers are also being posted in various media and distributed to customers alerting them to the collection and posting dates as well as the rates for postage.

For more information about your post office personnel and the service and products available at the Postal Services St. Maarten, visit or like on www.facebook.com/post.stmaarten or call + (1721) 5422289.

PSS Press Release

POINT BLANCHE:--- The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority (SLAC) and NV GEBE public utility company, are working together to improve public safety and at the same time using renewable energy to make a positive impact on society.

NV GEBE has sponsored the equipment, installation and maintenance of solar powered energy to operate the electronic traffic sign matrix boards at the Simpson Bay and Cole Bay Causeway Round-a-bouts.

Installation is currently taking place with respect to the solar metal structure and control boxes that would be used to power the matrix boards. This phase should be completed within a week. The next phase will be testing and troubleshooting.

SLAC representative Bertrand Peters says that the two matrix boards were installed to alert motorists who are approaching the two Causeway Bridge round-a-bouts about the status of the Causeway Bridge with respect to opening and closure.

Peters added: "We want to improve road safety in that particular area, and the Port St. Maarten, approach has always been a pro-active one, and this project is an initiative from that philosophy.

"SLAC partnered with NV GEBE where it concerns the powering of the matrix boards. Port St. Maarten has been using renewable energy for a number of years at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility in Point Blanche," Peters pointed out.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo said that Port St. Maarten will use renewable energy where necessary. "This is the wave of the future. Port St. Maarten has been very much involved in making use of renewable energy such as wind-driven turbines and solar operated golf carts. We installed two solar powered lights at the tender pier by the Simpson Bay Police/SLAC/Immigration and Border Protection Sub Station next to the Simpson Bay Bridge.

"Thousands of vehicles utilize the main roadway arteries in the Simpson Bay Village and Cole Bay area's daily, so from a safety perspective, we took that into consideration. Thousands of tourists including mega yacht guests use drive back and forth. As a modern tourism destination, we have to continually upgrade our infrastructure.

"I would like to thank NV GEBE Management and Board for their interests as we are both working together in the interests of the motorists, the overall community and the environment. There is much more to do and I foresee a long-term mutual beneficial relationship developing where it concerns the use of renewable energy," CEO Mark Mingo said.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of NV GEBE, Rene Gartner said, "We are glad to be a part of this cooperative and progressive project improving public safety while enhancing the awareness of green energy."

PHILIPSBURG:--- On 18 of March 2014, a shooting took place on the AT Illidge road, in Dutch Quarter. The victim in this case was the lady by the name Deyanida Faneyte, who was a passenger in the vehicle that was driven and who later died on the French Side due to the injuries she sustained. This investigation was given the name "Zuchinni". In this shooting there are two suspects that the investigation team is busy searching for. Their names are Alexis Sherwin Roberts, alias "Malice" and Brent Berry. The investigation team is requesting assistance from the public to help locate these two men. Anyone who may have information regarding the where about of these two men should immediately call the police hotline at # 9300 and give anonymous information.

Two suspects arrested in ongoing investigations.

On Wednesday November 19th and Thursday November 20th two young men were arrested in the ongoing armed robberies at Bedazzle on Front Street which took place on December 31st, 2013 and the recent robbery at the Atlantis Casino. Both suspects were arrested without incident and remain in custody for further investigation.

KPSM Police Report

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports Hon. Patricia Lourens-Philip congratulates local broadcasters and program producers/hosts on their contribution to society in connection with World Television Day that was observed globally on November 21.

"World Television Day is not so much a celebration of the tool of broadcasting, but rather the philosophy which it represents and being a symbol of communication.

"Broadcast media plays a very important role in the socio-economic development of a country. Information and news is broadcasted to the community so society can be informed about what is taking place. It is an educational tool which enhances the knowledge of tele viewers.

"Television is a learning tool, especially for the younger generations of young people. It also brings forth via the screen information about other cultures near and far. I hereby recognize the power of good that television can bring forth.

"Modern forms of media today have also transcended the role of television, which has forced the latter to adapt. We all live in a technological world that is forever changing. Today's forms and mediums of communication have to constantly adapt and make use of these changes.

"I take this opportunity to congratulate local broadcasters and television program producers/hosts on the very important role that they play," Minister Hon. Patricia Lourens-Philip said over the weekend.

In 1996, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly proclaimed November 21 as World Television Day, "in recognition of the increasing impact television has on decision-making by alerting would attention to conflicts and threats to peace and security and its potential role in sharpening the focus on other major issues, including economic, environmental and social issues."

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) is currently working on developing new standards that will enhance the television viewer's experience, in terms of both visual and audio quality.

The development of industry leading standards will be in line with the next generation of television that will be available in very high definition as well as high performance dynamic video streaming.

The first commercial services of Ultra High Definition (UHD) Television have already begun, according to the ITU. In the coming years, ITU systems will allow television with four times the detail of the first UHD TV services.

The second edition of High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) was approved in October 2014, and includes enhanced format range extensions to improve video quality.

ITU is also examining ways to make television more accessible to those with disabilities and special needs, such as providing subtitles and audio channels describing the action in the image, as well as future options such as the capacity of the viewer to separate foreground and background sound, allowing the audio to be more intelligible to those with hearing disabilities.

Minister Lourens-Philip in conclusion fully supports the efforts of the ITU to improve the accessibility of TV to persons with special needs which is crucial in building an inclusive Information Society.

PHILIPSBURG:--- "The Ebola situation is one that we are all taking very seriously. Although the possibility of the Ebola Virus Disease reaching St. Maarten is very low, given the recent and past global health emergencies such as HINI, Swine Flu, Bird Flu, etc, the Ministry of Public Health along with key stakeholders are taking the opportunity to review the preparedness plans which are already in place and revitalize the system", said Minister of Public Health Cornelius de Weever. It has created a window of opportunity for all stakeholders to sit down and discuss what St. Maarten needs in this modern day to be prepared for any future public heath emergencies on infectious diseases.

The current national preparations for Ebola virus disease (EVD) not only is part of the requirements of International Health Regulations (IHR) and preps for other infectious diseases, but also allows the various entities throughout the country to comply with IHR requirements which country Sint Maarten has an obligation to meet as part of the collective responsibility towards the global health system.

Together with the Immigration and Border Protection Department, Customs, St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), Department of Communication, Tourist Bureau, Civil Aviation and Maritime Affairs, Port St. Maarten, and SXM Airport, St. Maarten is preparing itself from all angles to deal with any potential Ebola threat and any future infection disease emergencies.

On Tuesday, all stakeholders met at SXM Airport to receive an update about the preparations underway for any possible Ebola case approaching the airport border. At the meeting SXM Airport gave an extensive overview on the preparedness plan that they have in place. The Airport has already purchased two isolation units and have established the necessary protocols in case of such an event. A tour was given to illustrate where the isolation units will be placed and how any possible case would be handled. The location of the isolation units also has adequate space for the staging of the emergency services.

The Airport has also developed an Infectious Disease Manual which is a 'living document' that they will continue to update whenever deemed necessary in consultation with the Ministry of VSA to ensure cooperation and validity. An Infectious Disease Taskforce was also established in order to work closely with the Ministry of VSA on continued collaboration. The Taskforce includes various representatives from civil aviation and SXM Airport. The main objectives are to work together to educate and continuously update the airport community, to ensure members are prepared to deal with suspected cases of infectious diseases, to ensure Ebola is stopped at the airport border or earlier, to ensure a system is in place to respond to any suspected cases, and to train the airport community how to identify and respond to any possible cases.

Dr. Virginia Asin, Head of Collective Prevention Services (CPS) commended Larry Donker, SXM Airport Director of Operations, and his team at SXM Airport for their pro-active approach and cooperation. She mentioned her gratitude for their insight and support throughout the process and looks forward to continue to work together to safeguard the health and well-being of St. Maarten.

Meetings amongst the various stakeholders will continue in order to finalize the new preparedness plan. Through the Department of Communication the people of St. Maarten people will receive an extensive overview in a visual format that will highlight all aspects of the Ebola Preparedness Plan thus far.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Nicole De Weever, President and Founder of Art Saves Lives Foundation accepted the award for Outstanding Community Service at the SHTA's Annual Crystal Pineapple Awards at the Sonesta Maho Resort on Friday Evening.

In her acceptance speech Ms. De Weever give honor to her friend Erika Cannegieter-Smith who was instrumental in the founding of Art Saves Lives. Ms. De Weever also thanked the corporate sponsors, funding agencies, community and donors for enabling the organization to hold its annual Summer Initiative. Special thanks were extended to Mr. Sudi Özkan of Princess Port de Plaisance Resort and Mr. Marc Morand of Port de Plaisance Country Club for hosting the annual Summer Program on their premises.

Joining Ms. De Weever to accept the award on behalf of Art Saves Lives Foundation was Project Manager and Secretary of the foundation, Ari Sutton. Art Saves Lives is currently planning ASL 2015 Summer Initiative and donors are invited to contact them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information or to make a donation.

ASL Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake is very pleased with his ministries pro-active preparations taken on Friday afternoon due to inclement weather that is east of the Caribbean island chain.

According to the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS), an upper level feature weather system combined with available moisture at the lower levels of the atmosphere is increasing instability across the Caribbean region.

In MDS 6:00pm Friday, November 21 forecast up until Saturday 6.00pm, November 22, cloudy skies with periods of showers and a risk of thunder can be expected during this forecast period.

Residents and motorists are advised to exercise caution as flooding is likely with additional showers.

On Monday at 2:00pm a meeting was held with contractor Windward Roads regarding the floodgate works at the A.Th. Illidge Road which were to commence on Friday night. Preparations have been taken that water can flow from the Fresh Water Pond into the Salt Pond should the need arise.

Heavy equipment was brought in at 3:00pm on Friday afternoon at the Great Bay beach next to the Fresh Water Pond canal. Preparations have been made to open the beach channel in the event of a lot of rainfall.

Two of the three storm water pumps are on standby and ready to be activated in the event of heavy rainfall.

Heavy equipment operators have also been mobilized and are on standby in the event that they are needed.

In the wake of the recent torrential rainfall event last weekend and Hurricane Gonzalo mid-October, Minister Lake said on Friday that proactive preparations are necessary in order to manage the water flow in the event of heavy rainfall.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise honored Urmain "Youmay" Dormoy with Rotary's Annual Vocational Service Award. The Vocational Service Award is an annual Rotary International Award that honors people who have shown exceptional dedication to their vocation. The main criteria to be met are a Rotary spirit of "Service Above Self" and a high ethical moral standard in performing your vocation. Mr. Dormoy, a civil servant within the Department of Culture who is on loan to the Philipsburg Cultural Center was nominated by Immediate Past President Angela Gordon.

President Virginia Asin was pleased to present Mr. Dormoy with an Award and a Certificate at their weekly breakfast meeting. "Youmay" as the public knows him was portrayed as a "man with many talents". He is known for being involved in music, playing several instruments and in arts as a painter of colorful floral images. In the past years he is mostly known for his unwavering dedication of his time to youngsters from the age of 4 through 16 as the leader and founder of the Generation New Status STM Drum Band. He was inspired to start a drum band because of the constant negative pounding he felt the youths received. The idea was to have fun, but to instill discipline and self- confidence in the band members. In addition to learning the art of drumming, the children learn lessons that are needed to take them through life, such as respect and accountability.

Mr. Dormoy thanked Rotary Sunrise for the acknowledgement and his team at Generation New Status STM Drum Band for the support.
The club meets at Carl & Sons Pondfill every Tuesday mornings at 7:00 am for fellowship and breakfast. For more information on the club visit us at sxmsunrise.org or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., we are also on Facebook: Rotary Club of Saint Martin Sunrise.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Last week, in the late afternoon, an elderly man came to the Attorney General's Office in Simpson Bay to surrender his guns. The weapons were wrapped in a local newspaper in which the honorable Dennis Richardson was mentioned as being Lt. Governor of the island territory St. Maarten. It was a newspaper from 1998...
Time flies. It also did for the 'Stop, Drop and Go' project. After four weeks the project was finalized with this elderly man surrendering his weapons.
Some people say that the 'Stop, Drop and Go' project hasn't been a success, because the real criminals didn't come in to hand over their guns. Look on the brighter side: every gun off the street is one less gun that can cause harm in the hands of the wrong people, therefore every gun off the streets makes a safer country for all of us.

Great success

The team that was responsible for the 'Stop, Drop and Go' project is unanimously: the project has been a great success. The silicon wristbands were spotted everywhere, flyers and posters were spread all around the island, the project was mentioned many times in the media, there probably wasn't a single person on the island that was unaware about the project. And many persons actually came to surrender their illegal fire arms on the third floor of the Puerta del Sol Plaza in Simpson Bay and in the police stations in Marigot and French Quarter. The Prefet, the Minister of Justice, the Public Prosecutors, the Solicitor General and the Police Forces on both the French and the Dutch side are proud to let the public know that a total amount of 72 weapons (63 on the Dutch side, 9 on the French side) were delivered by citizens who stated to support the project 'Stop, Drop and Go'/'Deposez vos armes'.
A categorization can be made about what kinds of weapons were surrendered between October 15th and November 14th 2014. In total the Dutch team received 16 rifles, 23 handguns, 5 shotguns, 19 pellet guns. Some of the weapons that were surrendered on the Dutch side will be transported to the NFI, the forensic institution in the Netherlands. They will be investigated by them, and (almost) all the others will be destroyed. Why 'almost' all the others? Some of them were antique, and it would be a waist to destroy ancient weapons like that. The 'Stop, Drop and Go' team will make them unusable and exhibit these ancient items.

It isn't over yet

As was mentioned earlier by the 'Stop, drop and Go' team: when the project finishes the judicial actions will become tougher. After all, people have had enough chances to surrender their illegal fire arms. As we speak, plans are being made by the Public Prosecutors and the Police Departments to point out certain areas on the French and Dutch side of the island where preventive searches can be arranged. So people might run the risk that they're stopped by the police and have themselves, their cars and their luggage searched thoroughly for illegal firearms. These actions will take place in the very near future. Also the Police Force is going to respond intensively to information that's been brought to their attention recently about where to find illegal firearms. A special team is planning to pay the owners of illegal arms a house visit and search for the weapons. Since the grace period is finished now, everybody that is found in possession of an illegal firearm will be arrested. The Public Prosecutors will ask the judges for stiffer punishment. Putting an end to all illegal firearms on the Friendly island is in the interest of us all, so we're positive that the general public will cooperate and understand these actions.
The project might be over, but our island wide battle against illegal fire arms still continues!

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- The British lady by the name of Kelly Sheils who has been reported missing since November 15th, has reported to the Philipsburg Police Station on November 21st at approximately 10:00 o'clock. She sated that she is presently staying at Lucy's Guest house and does not have any means to maintain herself. Contact was made with her families back in England who will send a ticket and travel documents for her. K. Sheils who is well and healthy was turned over to the Immigration Department who will take care for her safe trip back to England.

KPSM Police Report

GREAT BAY:--- Global Missions Church, Youth Training and Counseling Program held its Lunch and award ceremony, on Sunday November 16th, 2014, at the Tiki Hut in Little Bay. First the youths were met by a warm smiling manager Mr. Marc Pritchard who welcomed the group of fifty-four (54) youngsters and twelve (12) adults. Then, Mr. Pritchard gave the group the declaration list to fill in all the names then led us to the Captain of the Ferry who ensured all the names were written on the form before boarding. Then we boarded the ferry and sailed out into the Great Bay Harbour and enjoyed a beautiful and exciting sail around Fort Amsterdam, saw and took pictures of great bay as seen by many coming into port. Then dock up to a boat house and platform in a very calm area close to Fort Amsterdam, off the little bay beach called The Ticki Hut. Yes, Marcs' idea makes all of youngsters happy with lots of smiling faces!!! The adults were surprised and happy to come to such a place to enjoy themselves, danced and sing to the tune of the music. The Lunch was prepared by caterer Sis. Victoria and team, who supervised and served to the enjoyment of everyone,. Then, the youngsters were given motivational pep talk on ways to stay set goals, stay focus on the goals and not the distractions. The presentations were done by Evangelist Helen Hunt and Evangelist Billy who did a fantastic job of motivating and involving the youths in their discussion. Then, the youngsters were quizzed on what they learned and did very well at retaining the knowledge imparted to them. Many of The youngsters then took a swim in the self made pool while several of the older youths swam and snorkeled in the waters, dived and sometimes flipped off the top deck into the water around the perimeter of the platform. Everybody just showed their love and appreciation for the captain Terry Rombley and Zet Richards his assistant for taking such good care while on the trip. Special thanks to Marc Pritcard, His assistant Margriet Nieuwenhoven and staff for their invaluable contribution to our youngsters in this regard. We thank God for graciously giving us good weather for the event which started from 1:00Pm until 5:00PM. Global Missions Church would like to say a special thank to all of our sponsors both business and individuals for supporting GMC Youth training and counseling program projects over the years, and especially our Anger management workshops, annual summer camp, lunch and award ceremony . Once again thank You! May God richly bless you!

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake said on Thursday that Minister of Public Health Hon. Cornelius de Weever brought it to his attention about tilapia fish in the Rolandus Canal.

Ministry VROMI officials met with the Nature Foundation to find a possible solution with respect to the fish in the canal. Starting on Friday, an effort will be made to remove the fish from the canal.

"The tilapia fish are breeding in the Salt Pond and as the water is pumped from the pond into the canal, they get sucked in at the intake pipe from the storm water pumps.

"A solution needs to be found in order to prevent the fish from entering the canal. Based on a stakeholders meeting on Thursday between Nature Foundation and Ministry VROMI, a net will be placed in the area of the pump intake to prevent the fish from going into the pipe.

"I would like to thank the Minister of Public Health for his input and that of the Nature Foundation as we work together to resolve this matter," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Thursday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Chief Operating Officer of Bureau Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten (BTP-SXM) Mr. Giovani King gave a presentation on national-, regional- and global Telecommunication developments during the CariCam networking summit in Miami on November 19th, 2014.

CariCam is a high level networking summit that brings together key players from telecom operators and suppliers to discuss ways to drive forward solutions in the region. The summit combines educative content, assessing the state of the industry and identifying new areas of growth with an occasion for one to one interaction and networking.

For a large audience Mr. King spoke about the challenges that regulators and operators are facing in their markets. He outlined the importance of Quality of Service Standards (QoS) in the Telecom industry and indicated the regulators & operators attitude towards the rapid growt of Over The Top content (OTT); a technology whereby audio, video and other media being deliverd via the internet without the involvement of an operator.

During the summit Mr. King also took the oppertunity to give more insight on the position BTP-SXM have on 'Net Neutrality'; which can be defined as the non-discriminatory treatment of content & applications online. BTP-SXM is in favor to bring fair access to bandwidth and content across all networks since this will benefit all citizens and visitors of St. Maarten. He stated: "it's of great importance that all internet users have the ability to access content or applications of their choice. Therefore we need to safeguard that all content is treated equally. A free and open internet promotes innovations, stimulates competition and drives entrepeneurship & democratic participation".

The CariCam summit had a large turnout and the speech of BTP-SXM COO was well recieved by many professionals in the industry. The presention is availible on the BTP-SXM website: www.sxmregulator.sx

BTP-SXM Press Release

The parliamentary election in St. Maarten on 29th of August marked a turbulent beginning to the new constituent state's political history. The substantial loss of electorate support for the more seasoned (political) party leaders to second tier/ number two party members, the failure of only but two contesting candidates to receive the necessary electoral quota to secure a seat in parliament outright. The eleventh hour of the appointed formateur to realize the formation of a prospective coalition government, with the subsequent appointment of two informateurs to facilitate a renewed attempt to garner political parties that are willing to come together and form a new prospective coalition government are but a few of the unanticipated consequences of the election. Added to these and more startling was the Royal Decree issued (October 21, 2014) by the de facto Head of State i.e., the Kingdom Government/ the Kingdom Council of Ministers instructing the Governor of St. Maarten to employ a more stringent screening process of ministerial candidates to include the prime minister before appointment. Resulting in the swearing in of Parliament and the stalemating of the appointment of new ministers and a prime minster.

Background

With continuing news reports of alleged corruption/ integrity violations and the lack of good governance within Government, the General Audit Chamber of St. Maarten decided to conduct a base line study on the integrity within Government.
Subsequent to this, the Governor (of St. Maarten) began his own independent integrity, as instructed by the Kingdom Council of Ministers – via Royal Decree with two other integrity related inquiries being carried out by the Wit-Samson Integrity Committee and Transparency International on behalf of the Government of St. Maarten.
As such, 5 of the six political parties that contested the 2014 St. Maarten Parliamentary election signed a "code of ethics" declaration presented by the Sint Maarten Christian Council, St. Maarten United Ministerial Foundation and the Seventh Day Adventist church, pledging to "bring back and uphold high moral standings and integrity within government" once elected.

The Campaign

On July 11th 2014 six political parties (The United St. Maarten Party (USP), National Alliance (NA), United People's Party (UPP), Democratic Party (DP), Social Reform Party (SRP) and the One St. Maarten People Party (OSPP) officially declared their participation in the 2014 Parliamentary election, with a total of 90 candidates competing for 21,439 eligible votes in 20 voting districts/stations. The original date for the election was set at September 5th but was changed to August 29th due to inclement weather concerns.
With the 6 political parties participating in the election, with a total of 90 contesting candidates, the probability of any one political party winning an outright majority in the 15 seat Parliament and equally any one of the 90 candidate receiving the necessary quota of votes to elect him or herself was slim at best.
Seemingly, in the months leading up to the election there were much posturing between political parties as seasoned political vote getters were lured from one party to another - all to ensure the party garner the optimum number of votes and win an outright majority in Parliament. Equally seasoned candidates also explored optimum positioning on (different) party list and in instances formed a new party - again all in an effort to ensure they are on the winning party list and garner enough votes to get elected to Parliament.

The results

The turnout of the election was 69.2 percent, with USP garnering 2 seats, NA garnering 4 seats, UPP garnering 7 seats, DP garnering 2 seats, with SRP and OSPP having insufficient support to receive any parliamentary seats. In only 2 of the 15 Parliamentary seats did candidates beat the odds and were outright elected to parliament.
In the early morning of August 30th after the results of the election were made public, and given that no party won an outright majority of the attainable seats in Parliament, the National Alliance, Democratic Party, and the United St. Maarten Party moved swiftly to announce the formation of a "Red, White and Blue" coalition government. The National Alliance with 4 seats, the Democratic Party and the United St. Maarten Party with 2 seats each.
At the eleventh hour as the prospective "Red, White and Blue" coalition was about to formerly present its governing documents to the Governor, the United People's Party was able to lure at first one and then both of the MP elects from the Democratic Party, and one from the United People's Party, thus forming a new prospective UPP/DP/Marlin-Romeo coalition government.
But all has not been smooth sailing with the affirmation of the UPP/DP/Marlin-Romeo prospective coalition government. The Kingdom government abruptly issued instructions to the Governor to suspend any and all ministerial appointments, including that of the Prime Minister by the UPP/DP/Marlin-Romeo prospective coalition government pending a more in-depth and vigorous vetting process. Under the cloud of the lack of integrity within (the present) Government alluded to in four independent integrity investigations and talk of alleged chronic vote buying and other corrupt practices, bringing the formation of a new government to a halt.
Subsequent to this, the 15 member Parliament was sworn in with no corresponding Council of Ministers or Prime Minister but not without a peaceful protest march in the streets of Philipsburg contending the issued instruction to be unconstitutional. Soon thereafter, the latter DP Member of Parliament withdrew support from the UPP/DP/Marlin-Romeo coalition thus reverting to a UPP/DeWeever/Marlin-Romeo coalition.
This election, in principle the first for St. Maarten as a constituent state of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, failed make inroads for the further sustainable socio-political development the people of St. Maarten so desire. As in the aftermath of the election and before a government could be formed there were déjà vu with the dissention within the ranks of political parties. The separation of MPs elect from their respective political party or MP elects (principally non-elected, elect Members of Parliament/ elected Members of Parliament who have not received the necessary quota of votes to outright elect him/herself to Parliament) breaking ties with their party affiliation, declaring themselves as "independent" and joining forces with another party of form government. Which has presented itself as the major descending factor in the formation of Government after the last election and the successive demise of Government twice within a three year period.
This anomaly (non-elected, elect Members of Parliament declaring themselves as independent) continues to materialize over the electoral process and warrants the strong need for serious electoral reform. Reform that would abate non-elected, elect Members of Parliament from declaring themselves as independent and joining forces with another party of form government, while providing a pragmatic solution that would further ensure and maintain political party proportionality in Parliament as voted for by the electorate. The draft "Electoral Reconciliation Ordinance" presented before the Justice Committee of Parliament (January 20, 2014) by this author addresses and readdresses this problem of among other electoral concerns. In the absent of any such legislation could result in the continued chronic instability in Government.
As things stand with the "instruction" issued by the Kingdom amid the likelihood of ethical concerns within Government as reportedly revealed by the integrity investigation studies, with consequences for good governance. It would be quite within the authority of the Kingdom Government to impose instruction, which would be in accordance with Article 43 of the Statutory Charter of the Kingdom of the Netherlands/ Constitutional order. Which warrants "the safeguarding of such rights . . . and good governance shall be a Kingdom affair" to which is affixed the signature of St. Maarten as a constituent state of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and adopted October 2010.
Of greater concern should be the expressed mindset of Dr. Oberon Nauta, a senior researcher at the Amsterdam DSP Group and an advisor on Dutch post-colonial relations on good governance. Advocating the "guaranteeing of good governance in the West" or the Caribbean parts of the Dutch Kingdom "can only be achieved through having the Governor play a more active role in governing procedures with the formal authority to nullify ministerial decisions." "According to Dr. Nauta, the Dutch Caribbean countries cannot be expected to guarantee . . . good governance on their own", because "the institutional system of the countries were not based on their own administrative, cultural context, which makes them susceptible to bad governance." "Therefore the Kingdom should be prepare to give more content to good governance through a more active role of the governor in the daily governing of the governments of the Dutch Caribbean Islands." (The Daily Herald, October 31, 2014) It's obvious that Dr. Nauta is of the opinion that the governing of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom (which includes St. Maarten) would be best served through further imperialism (indirect political control). Interesting!
What the 2014 Parliamentary election and its aftermath teach us more than anything is the absolute need for political reform and maturity. Political reform that would facilitate the smooth democratic formation of Government after elections and ensure proportional representation in Parliament, as voted for by the electorate. The need to turn away from political self-interest and keen understanding of our parliamentary democratic monarchy form of government and its statutory documents, i.e. the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Constitution of St. Maarten. Thus placing ourselves above the fray of "instructions" and further imperialism.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday the 20th of November representatives of the St. Maarten Nature Foundation met with the management of Clean St. Maarten and the Ministry of VROMI in order to come up with a plans of approach regarding the numerous tilapia that have been stuck in the Rolandus canal since the heavy rainfall of some weeks ago.

For some time the Nature Foundation has been monitoring the situation and has noticed that the water levels in the canal are of such low levels that the fish face a real danger of dying in the coming days. Consultations between the Minister of VROMI the Honourable Maurice Lake, Clean St. Maarten and the Nature Foundation was held on Thursday in order to come up with a solution on how to tackle the problem. The Tilapia will be removed with the assistance from Clean St. Maarten starting early Friday morning. It is expected to continue through the day on Friday.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament Central Committee session that was rescheduled for November 24th about election discrepancies has been postponed until further notice.
The agenda point for discussion was the Main Voting Bureau and the Civil Registry Department concerning discrepancies that occurred during and in preparation of the August 29th parliamentary elections.
The discrepancies noted are: at the Prison polling station; usage of foreign identification for voting purposes; discrepancies at specific polling stations in ballot counting; discrepancies of the lack of privacy during the supporting of the candidate list; discrepancies in the information given to political parties as it related to placement of campaign material.
Other points to be brought forward in the Central Committee meeting are: changes in the Electoral Law as it relates to having a structured chronological order; Increase of polling stations in 2014 in comparison to 2010; Implementation of electronic voting; If there any articles that are conflicting with each other?; and if there any articles wrongfully written?
This meeting was been requested by Members of Parliament (MP) Hon. Leona Marlin-Romeo, MP Hon. Tamara Leonard and MP Hon. Cornelius de Weever.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports Hon. Patricia Lourens-Philip would like to wish every child and youth of the nation happy International Day on the Rights of the Child which is observed globally on November 20th.
The day 20 November marks the day on which the Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, in 1959, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, in 1989.
Minister Lourens-Philip will be joining President of the Collectivite Saint Martin Aline Hanson on Thursday morning at the Multi-Media Library in Concordia for an official ceremony related to this universal day celebrating the rights of children.
"The world made a promise to children: that we would do everything in our power to protect and promote their rights to survive and thrive, to learn and grow, to make their voices heard and to reach their full potential, and as country, we are committed to this.
"On a global level, in spite of the overall gains, there are many children who have fallen even further behind. Old challenges have combined with new problems to deprive many children of their rights and the benefits of development.
"To meet these challenges, and to reach those children who are hardest to reach, we need new ways of thinking and new ways of doing - for adults and children.
"There is much to celebrate this 20th November as we mark the Convention, from global declining infant mortality to rising school enrolment, but these milestones must also serve as an urgent reminder that much remains to be done, and this also applies to country Sint Maarten.
"We must continue to work together to make sure our children continue to move up and their development is holistic in nature in order for them to be successful young adults in whatever they do," Minister Hon. Patricia Lourens-Philip said on Wednesday.
The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution on 14 December 1954, which recommended that all countries institute a Universal Children's Day, to be observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children.
It recommended that the Day was to be observed also as a day of activity devoted to promoting the ideals and objectives of the Charter and the welfare of the children of the world.
The Assembly suggested to governments that the Day be observed on the date and in a way which each considers appropriate.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Department is presently searching for a lady by the name Kelly Sheils of British nationality, 33 years old. Kelly was last seen by an acquaintance by the name of Angela Fuller on Saturday November 15th, 2014 at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the bus stop close to Burger King in Simpson Bay. Kelly was supposed to travel back to England on that same day but her passport was stolen. Kelly was to meet a male friend in the Philipsburg area that same day. Angela tried on numerous occasions to get in contact with Kelly but was not successful. The families of Kelly back in England are also trying to get in contact with her but have also been unsuccessful.
Anyone who may have information concerning the where-a-bouts or have seen Kelly Sheils can get in contact with the police department at telephone number 54 22222.

Suspect arrested in burglary investigation.

On Friday, November 14th, 2014 at approximately 11:00 p.m., a 21 year old man from the Dominican Republic was arrested by police suspected of committing a burglary at a home on Pearl Drive in Pelican. During the investigation of this burglary by the Detectives, they found tracks and traces of evidence that links the suspects to this case. The suspect is in custody for further investigation.

Vandalizing of Government property.

Recently the police have noticed that for unknown reasons, unknown persons have been vandalizing police vehicles which are parked in the parking-lot opposite the back of the Philipsburg police station. This criminal act takes place during the night hours. These vehicles are government property and the police will be paying more attention to this situation. Anyone caught in this act will be arrested, prosecuted and pay for the damages they have caused. This type of conduct will definitely not be tolerated.

KPSM Police Report

Department aims to "Inspire Educate & Empower"

PHILIPSBURG:--- Youth on St. Maarten can now look forward to services of a Youth Desk coordinated by the Department of Youth Affairs.
Department officials announced the launch of the newly established Youth Desk which comes as a follow up intervention stemming from the successful Youth Round Table Conference held at the Westin in September last year.
The aim of the Youth Round Table Conference was to review programs deriving from the Integrated Youth Policy and discuss possible new initiatives to achieve the indicators outlined in the policy.
During that conference, the two hundred and fifty –strong youth delegation, voiced their opinion on matters affecting them such as immigration issues, teen-age pregnancy, youth crime, and youth involvement among others. These opinions were underscored by approximately 1700 youth who participated in an online survey conducted by the department prior to the conference .
The Youth Desk, which will be housed in the John Smith Building on Backstreet, main objective will be to equip and empower youth on St. Maarten with the necessary knowledge and skills so that the outcome can yield developed youth who can have an active role and positive participation in society. The Youth Desk project also creates opportunities for internships for students studying locally and abroad.
The official activities of the Youth Desk are set to begin in January of 2015 and will address topics such as: Legal Status, National Identity and Cultural Diversity and Assimilation. These sessions will be conducted through collaborative efforts from several government ministries and UNESCO. Department officials have already begun the process of contacting schools to engage their participation.

Additionally, In order to promote more youth involvement in the decision making processes which affects them directly, the Department of Youth Affairs has decided to launch a competition for its newly established Youth Desk. This competition will allow participants to propose a project activity for the Youth Desk. The winning proposal will be executed in 2015. Details of this competition will be made available to all schools via the department.
As an added incentive , and in keeping with the ever changing communication trends, the Department of Youth Affairs has also officially announced the launch of its Facebook page called St. Maarten Youth Affairs. The page will keep the public abreast with all youth related activities organized by the department starting with the Rights of the Child Calendar of Events and the Youth Desk Competition. The department has taken a step further , by introducing a newly designed logo and slogan of its vision and mission.
The Staff at the Department of Youth Affairs is excited as the newly implemented strategies and branding, endeavors to offer improved services to the youth. Through these efforts, the Department of Youth Affairs, as stated in its slogan aims to " Inspire Educate and Empower".

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a government agency under the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, hereby informs clients of Youth Health Care/Baby Clinic that the clinic located at the Vineyard Building in Philipsburg is closed November 20 and 21.

The Baby Clinic located behind the Guardian Group (formerly FATUM) building across from Grand Marche in Cul de Sac will only be open in the morning hours of Thursday, November 20. The clinic will be closed Thursday afternoon and the entire day Friday, November 21.

Parents can call for an appointment, including those of newborns. For information and appointments at the Baby Clinic, call: 543-0295.

To make an appointment for children aged 4 and up at the Vineyard Building, you can call 542-3003.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will meet twice in two separate Central Committee sessions on November 21st.
The first committee meeting is set for Friday at 10:00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.
The agenda point for the first session is an advice regarding the installation and composition of the Permanent and Ad Hoc Committees of Parliament.
The second Central Committee meeting will take place on Friday at 11:00am.
The first agenda point for this session is a presentation of the draft National Ordinance Savings Social Security and Care, which amongst others makes it possible for bus drivers, taxi drivers and sole proprietors to receive medical insurance.
The second agenda point is the composition of the delegation to the Commemorative General Assembly on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Parlatino on December 6th; and Meeting of Young Parliamentarians 2014 on December 4th and 5th; and the Board of Directors Meeting on December 5th.
Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

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

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

PHILIPSBURG:--- Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson has issued a call to the community of St. Maarten who might have information as where they could recover some items that were stolen on Friday November 14th, 2014. Henson said the items were stolen from a residence in the Cupecoy area. The items are four pirate guns and custom made bracelet. Persons that have information can contact the Police Department by calling 5422222.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday, November 21, National Institute of Arts (NIA) will host a seminar entitled "The Path of the Organic Self: A Journey into the mysteries of the Human Body and Beyond."
The workshop focuses on the human body, health and disease and will take place at the John Larmonie Center on Longwall Road, Philipsburg from 6:30-8:30pm. Led by Osteopath – Yogacharya (Master in Yoga) Patrick Salibi, D.O., the aim of the workshops is to help participants get in tune with their inner selves.
"Pain and disease are not what they seem to be. They are a storehouse of information and energy, waiting to be tapped into. This is what Nature teaches us when we truly listen," Salibi said.
According to NIA Co-director Clara Reyes, Salibi plans to share the fundamental principles of genuine health and healing, in a way that is accessible to all. She said that he will fuse the therapeutic science of osteopathy and the ancient wisdom of Yoga in order to offer tips and tricks on how to develop a better relationship with the body, relax tensions and open up to a new world of sensations within.
"Over the past decade, Patrick's unique and down to earth teachings have helped thousands of people. They are always delivered with passion, honesty and a sense of humor," Reyes said.
The public is invited to join in on this and more information about Salibi's lecture can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eek2Tbk6HGY.
"Take the opportunity to dive deeper into the philosophy of Yoga and share your concerns and questions with an experienced health professional who is also a yogi," Reyes said.
Cost of the seminar is $20, but for those who took part in the OSTEO YOGA 2 day workshop November 2014, the fee is waived. Doors open at 6:15 in order for everyone to be settled so that there may be a prompt start.
"All are welcomed, but space is limited so for reservations, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.," Reyes said.
In addition, Thursday, November 20, will be the second day of a two day workshop on womb healing. The first part of the workshop focused on slow, sensual movement in order to allow participants to tap into their inner Goddess and allow for feminine essences to take over any inhibitions. The workshop was paired with Eastern sounds and mantras to set the tone.
"Participants who missed day one can still be a part of day two, which is also hosted by Patrick," Reyes said, "The cost for one day is $75 and special focus will be given to delving into understanding of the mysteries of the Sacred Feminine. We learn how to nurture our inner organs and relax our bodies."
Reyes explained that Shakti is feminine power and energy and that the participants will discover how to channel it as well as they use their entire bodies to flow into it. Core elements of footwork, hand gestures and facial expressions will also be introduced in order to achieve full immersion into this energy.
"We look forward to welcoming all participants to this workshop and of course to the seminar on Friday evening. These are mediums for healing and we encourage all persons to take advantage of them," Reyes said.

Six Extra Dolphins Supposedly Being Flown in, St. Kitts to Explore Captive Dolphin Facility

PHILIPSBURG:--- Dolphin Defenders St. Maarten has become increasingly concerned regarding the amount of businesses that are promoting the Captive Dolphin Facility on Anguilla on St. Maarten. Due to the efforts of Dolphin Defenders previous plans to establish a Captive Dolphin Facility on St. Maarten have ceased, however with the reopening of Captive Dolphin Facility in Anguilla many businesses are promoting an activity which should be banned. Dolphin Defenders is also concerned about reports that six extra dolphins have been transported to Anguilla to be held captive in captivity pens which are already too small for the current population. Additionally there are also concerns that neighboring St. Kitts, despite negative International Attention, is also exploring the opening of a captive dolphin facility, something which the international community significantly disagrees with.

"We cannot endorse or support local businesses which actively promote what amounts to the enslavement and exploitation of an animal that is self-aware and sentient. Dolphins are not made to be in an enclosed pen; these are animals that travel up to hundreds of miles a day. Dolphins which are kept in Captivity are done so in very bad conditions, with many of the animals showing horrific injuries and living a fraction of what they would in the wild. Dolphins living in captivity often also show social problems and neurotic behavior which results in aggression to both fellow dolphins and to the humans that train them and the humans that pay money in order to swim with them," read a Dolphin Defender statement.

The organization further states that, although the people of Anguilla should decide on an activity which is morally wrong and exists for the sole purpose of economic gain through exploitation, they were disappointed to see companies actively promote the Captive Dolphin Program in Anguilla on St. Maarten and St. Martin; "having a Captive Dolphin Facility on St. Maarten and promoting one on Anguilla or on St. Kitts for that matter is essentially the same thing; it is based on the exploitation of a majestic creature for the economic benefit of greedy individuals and we urge the companies that do promote these programs to reconsider. The tourist high season coincides with the time of year where many dolphins and whales are passing through our waters, and we encourage businesses to invest in whale and dolphin watching trips where you can meet the animals on their own terms instead of in an artificial pool or pen which is essentially a prison environment," stated Dolphin Defenders.

The increase in captive dolphins for Anguilla and the supposed plan for a facility in St. Kitts comes amidst strong international opposition to keeping dolphins in captivity. Captive Dolphin Parks and the communities that condone them are experiencing negative press through international pressure groups and movies such as blackfish and the Cove; "We urge that Governments consider a program where education and conservation of wild cetaceans including whales and dolphins is the focus, instead of captive programs which are both inherently dangerous to the animals and the people that frequent them," concluded a Dolphin Defenders statement.

This Friday the 21st of November 2014 will be a proud day for the Be The Change Foundation as they are the official Oranje Fonds partner in launching SXM DOET

PHILIPSBURG:--- SXM DOET is an initiative initiated by the Oranje Fonds (part of the Samenwerkende Fondsen) in the Netherlands with 'NL Doet' which is slowly but surely taking the whole Kingdom by storm, and with much success and appreciation. The 'DOET' initiative started in the Netherlands 10 years ago and later expanded to Curacao (CURA DOET 2014), Bonaire (BON DOET 2011) and Aruba (ARUBA DOET 2013). Due to its great success and the need for such initiatives STATIA DOET and SXM DOET will follow suit with their own volunteer programs on Friday March the 20th and Saturday March the 21st, 2015. Thereby joining the largest volunteer initiative of the Kingdom, something Be The Change Foundation has always aspired to and is thrilled to help organize.

The initiative involves all interested NGO's that have a project they need help with. This can take any shape or form as long as it promotes the NGO's goal, thereby having community involvement play a large role in attaining these goals. The NGO's must sign up via the www.sxmdoet.com website with the project they would like to have executed through the help of volunteers. For this project a maximum of USD 650,- can be requested from Oranje Fonds via the sxmdoet.com website for the purpose of the project. The projects must need at least 10 volunteers or more and may also have their usual volunteers support during the day. The funding must go to things such as materials needed for that day or transportation, as well as in part for refreshments for the volunteers. It is also stimulated to have items donated during that day, be it the loaning of equipment or the provision of snacks. Projects can be far and wide and any person with any skill or will can volunteer, be it providing your hairdressing or make-up skills for the elderly or your construction and painting skills for an educational or sports facility, take foster kids out on a wonderfully entertaining excursion, partake in a neighbourhood / beach clean-up, or use your green thumb to spruce up a local community garden. The overall coordination of SXM DOET is in good hands with Be the Change Foundation, in partnership with the Oranje Fonds, part of the Samenwerkende Fondsen.

The initiative has thus far been organized very successfully throughout the Kingdom. For example in 2013 and 2014, throughout the Dutch Kingdom 400.000 volunteers devoted their time during more than 8.500 projects, a record amount! The growth in active volunteers is testament to how fun and satisfying participating can be. When ARUBA DOET was launched for the first time, immediately over 2350 volunteers joined forces to assist 87 NGO's. During CURA DOET 2014, 108 NGO's had 132 projects executed with the help of over 2600 volunteers. Just to name some examples of how well received the initiative is and how many NGO's have had their projects come to fruition. This opens up many opportunities for Sint Maarten and their community based organizations. An opportunity not to be missed.

Starting now, NGO's can register projects for which they need helping hands. Registration is open until the end of January 2015. Please check www.sxmdoet.com for all the necessary information and criteria the NGO, school, health organization, etc. must fulfill as well as the projects they propose and necessary procedures to follow. The registration of persons wanting to volunteer opens up from January onward, be it as an individual, a company, school or other organization.

All NGO's are hereby also invited to the launch and presentation for SXM DOET this coming Friday at the Belvedere Community Center in Belvedere from 5pm. Representatives from Oranje Fonds and Samenwerkende Fondsen will be present as well. For further information: Be The Change Foundation can also be contacted at phone number +1 (721) 580 1437 or by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The Foundation is looking forward to presenting SXM DOET to all the NGO's and getting the community involved in this united initiative.

SUCKER GARDEN:--- The WBA & Motorworld and Jeep Presents Ladies Basketball Championship games continued last weekend after we week off due to the heavy rainfall. The first game of the weekend on Saturday was between Thunderz and Learning Unlimited and was never close. The Thunderz lead after the first quarter 25-6 and won the game 88-21. The Thunderz was lead by the trio of Joyettte Lloyd with 28 Points, 16 Rbs, 2 Assists & 6 Stls, Tiana "Poopsie" Lionel with 24 Pts, 19 Rbs, 4 Asts, 6 steals and Chantel Hodge with 22 points, 11 Rbs, 11 Stls and 6 Assists. The Learning Unlimited was lead by Rachadel deGroot with 8 points, 5 Rebounds, 4 Steals and Jakisha Brooks with 6 Points, 17 Rbs, 2 Asts, 5 Steals,5 Blocks. The Motorworld Player of the Game went to Joyette Lloyd of Thunderz for impacting the game from the tip and had 18 points in the first half, rebounded well for second chance points and hustled on defense.

Games continued on Sunday at Melford Hazel with Claudia Fleming having another exciting game as she led her team Cash 4 Gold Lava Girls to 57-25 victory over the Bush Tea Remedy. Fleming had 28 Points, 7 Rbs, 5 Assists, 4 Steals and was supported by Wendy Jack with 10 Points, 8 Rbs, 5 Assists, 6 Steals and Shama Flurton with 9 Points, 11 Rebounds. Bush Tea was lead by Nasmarie Doran with 7 Points, 5 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 2 Steals followed by Keri Hyman with 6 Points, 4 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 3 Steals and Cardillia Nicholas who had a big rebounding game with 15 Rbs. The Motorworld Player of the game went to Claudia Fleming once again for being the difference maker in the game to keep her team undefeated in the tournament.

Lightning played the second game on Sunday against Thunderz and got to repay Thunderz for their lost to them a few weeks ago and give the Thunderz their first loss of the season. Saying the game was intense will be a understatement, from the tip both teams played top notch defense and was not giving up a inch. The Thunderz lead at the half 20-17 and 26-25 after the third. The Lighting team turned up the defense and held the Thunderz to 5 points in the fourth quarter while scoring 16 to break open the close game and get the win. The Lightning team was lead by the dynamic Jamaiah Newton -Herbert who had 25 Pts, 14 Rbs, 5 Steals, 2 Blocks and supported by Kayla Robinson with 6 Points, 8 Rebounds, 1 Assist. The Thunderz was lead by the duo of Chantel Hodge with 11 Pts, 2 Rbs, 3 Assts, 2 Stls and Salammbo Guibert-Soutade with 10 Pts, 5 Steals. Jamaiah Netwon-Herbert dominated the game and was then named Motorworld Player Of The Game for the second time this season.

Games continue this weekend on Saturday 6pm as Learning Unlimited face off against Lightning for the first time this season. Sunday games continue at 3pm as Bush Tea Remedy play against Thunderz and at 5pm Cash 4 Gold Lava Girls VS Learning Unlimited.

Standings so far are Cash 4 Gold Lava Girls, 4-0, Thunderz 3-1, Lightning 2-2, Bush Tea Remedy 1-4 and Learning Unlimited 0-4.

Game Highlights, pictures, game scores and schedule can be viewed on the Facebook page 'Ladies Basketball Championship'. Highlights and full games can be seen on the Youtube page www.youtube.com/walichibasketball.

Four PAF officers went to PJIAE with firearms and did not notify Dutch Authorities

AIRPORT:--- At least four French Police Aux Frontiers (PAF) officers got a taste of their own medicine on Wednesday morning when they showed up at the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) on Wednesday morning fully armed. SMN News learnt that the four PAF were surrounded by five Dutch police officers at PJIAE. At the scene was head of the Simpson Bay outpost Carlyle Rogers.  SMN  News further learnt that the police patrol from  Simpson Bay went to PJAIE after receiving a call from the central dispatch which is located in Phillipsburg. A source said that Rogers tookit upon himself to go to PJIAE because he considered the case a sensitive one that has to be treated properly.
SMN News learnt that the Dutch police officers informed the PAF officers that they are not allowed to be on the Dutch side with firearms. According to the information SMN News received, while the Dutch police officers were attending to their counterparts someone slashed two of the tires on their vehicles and they were busy changing them at the time SMN News contacted persons at the scene. It is further understood that the Dutch police officers informed their French colleagues that since they did not see it fit to notify the Dutch that they were going to PJIAE armed then they have to escort them back to the border. After the PAF changed their tires they were escorted to the the Cupe Coy border.  While the detectives were called to the scene to open an investigation as to who took it upon themselves to cut the tires on the French Gendarmes vehicles.
It should be noted that while the French Gendarmes and PAF have been going to the Dutch side armed almost every day without notifying the Dutch authorities, the Dutch Police Officers decided to enforce the law since the captain of the Gendarmerie Slyvian Joualt and his colleagues chased two Dutch Police Officers from the French side on November 11th, 2014 while they were escorting the Prime Minister and Governor to the French side to attend the St. Martin's Day celebration.

French Officers escorted to the border.  

On Wednesday November 19th, 2014 at approximately 11:30 a.m. the Central Police Dispatch received several phone calls stating that there were four armed Gendarmes walking around at the Princess Juliana International Airport. Immediately after receiving this information a police patrol was sent to investigate the situation. On the scene the officers encountered two Gendarmes dressed in civilian clothing and two officers from the PAF who were armed and in the process of having someone deported. The French officers were asked if the had any permission through the Ministry of Justice to carry their weapons on the Dutch side. The officers immediately denied having any permission and decided to immediately return to the French with their weapons because they did not have the necessary clearance to have their weapons on the Dutch side. After finalizing the deportation process of the person they brought to the airport, the investigating officers escorted the French officers to their vehicles which were parked in front of the terminal building they noticed that during their absence unknown persons had punctured one of the tires of each of the vehicles they were driving. The detectives were immediately informed and arrived on the scene to investigate the situation. After having the tires replaced the officers were escorted the border.

KPSM Police Report

Minister Ordered Investigation while L1 was seen parked up at the Justice Ministry on A.T Illidge Road on Wednesday morning

PHILIPSBURG:--- A customs officer identified as Rasida Serrant, who is the daughter of the Minister of Justice driver got herself into trouble shortly after she was sworn in at the Belair Community Center Tuesday evening.
InselAir St. Maarten Manager Alanso Hassel told SMN News in a exclusive interview on Wednesday morning that he was in front of his house at #30 Fort Willem washing his vehicle when he saw a white vehicle bearing the number plate L1 swaying on the road going through Fort Willem. Alanso said at one point he braced himself on his vehicle when he realized that the driver (Rasida Serrant) who was fully dressed in the customs uniform was going to hit his vehicle. Hassel said the young customs officer did not seem to realize that she was going to hit him and his vehicle because she was busy speaking to another female that was in the car with her. "At one point when I saw that the car was going to squeeze me and also hit another vehicle I jumped to back of my pick-up truck. As the vehicle was passing I tapped on the car to alert the driver (Rasida Serrant) of what she was doing. The driver stopped the car when I tapped on it but before I could finish speaking two men "hoodlums" jumped out from the back seat and began beating me. The first guy took out something from inside his pocket that looked like a gun and he struck me on my head, while hitting me he said a number of times that he was going to kill me." Alanso said he began struggling with the young man to make sure he did not get shot or stabbed by the two men that were in L1 which is a vehicle that belonged to the Ministry of Justice and is driven by Marina Serrant. He said during that struggle he managed to take control of the young man and was about to throw him over a wall when the second man jumped out of the car and lashed him twice behind his right ear. The victim said that he then continued to fight off the two attackers and he fell down a number of times from the blows he was receiving, he said even his slippers bursted and the only thing he could hear is Rasida Serrant telling one of his attackers "stop babes, stop babes" while the other female that was inside the government vehicle came out of the car and began pulling away one of the young men that turned out to be her son. Alanso said the woman who was with the other persons in the car is an employee of GEBE.

Police refused to go the scene.

Alanso said as soon as the struggle was over he called the police station and asked that a patrol visit the scene because he was in endless pain. He said the police officer told him that they were not going to go there and that he should try and get to the St. Maarten Medical Center and see a doctor and when he is finished he could visit the police station on Wednesday morning to file an official complaint.
Alanso said despite the pain and his condition he drove to the St. Maarten Medical Center where he did a number of tests including a scan. "I was at the hospital until 2am Wednesday morning, the doctors even gave me an injection to ease the pain, but I still have a lot of pain behind my right ear and knees because I fell down so many times during the struggle, and while the police refuse to assist me Tuesday night when I needed help, they kept calling me this morning to go to the police station." Alanso said he spoke to a number of senior police officers including the Chief of Police Peter de Witte while he was at SMMC.

SMN News learnt that relatives of Hassel several senior officers Tuesday night to inform them about the incident and the behavior of thier colleagues. One of the relatives also told SMN News that they called the Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson and informed him of what had transpired and the Minister assured them that he will call for an investigation.
SMN News called Minister Richardson several times on Wednesday morning but he could not be reached by telephone. SMN News reporter even went to the Minister's office to obtain a comment but the security guard said that the only way anyone could see the Minister they must pass through his driver Marina Serrant. Further, while SMN News reporter was at the Minister's office the white car bearing the number plate L1 was nicely parked up next to the IND building. SMN News tried to reach Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte for a comment but he coud not be reached by telephone. SMN News was also unable to reach Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson.

Click here to view medical certificate belonging to Alanso Hassel.

Man threatened and ill-treated by two men.

On Wednesday November 19th, 2014 a man filed an official report with the detective department stating that he was attacked, threatened and beaten by two men on the Fort Willem road. He had just finished washing his vehicle when a white car drove towards him in a very irresponsible manner. To draw the attention of the female driver he tapped on the roof of the car with his hand. The driver stopped the car and at the same time two unknown young men jumped out of the car one of which started hitting the victim in his head. While defending himself he was attacked by the second man who also started hitting him in his head with a metal object he pulled from his pocket. During the fight another female came and separated them. This is where the victim was verbally threatened. The suspects jumped back into the car and drove away. This is when the victim noticed that the white vehicle in question was government owned. The victim immediately informed the Central Police Dispatch of the situation and said he would come to file an official report after getting medical attention. The victim has in the meanwhile filed his report which will be sent to the Public Prosecutors Office.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will meet in a Central Committee session on November 20th and will receive a presentation from the Ombudsman Dr. Nilda Arduin.
The committee meeting is set for Thursday at 2:00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.
The agenda point is a presentation by the Ombudsman on the Year Report 2013, "Completion, Pending Finalizing the 'Punch List'" and the Annual Financial Report 2013 with elucidation and attachments.
Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

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

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

POND ISLAND:--- TelEm Group technicians are picking up the pace with restoration works in several areas of the island following the passing of Hurricane Gonzalo in mid-October and many days of torrential rain in the past two weeks.
Following a "blitz" of reconnections in the Betty's Estate and Sucker Garden areas last week, two teams of TelEm Group technicians are clocking up the hours in other areas to get customers reconnected.
One team of technicians were out in force again in Sucker Garden Monday, before moving into the Guana Bay area to tackle outages there.
"On Tuesday this same team began working on the A.Th. Illidge Road, Madame Estate, while continuing with final connections in the Sucker Garden area," reports, Manager Outside Plant, Mr. Marco London.
He said the team will out again Wednesday, on the L.B. Scott Road, Bush Road, Gladiola Road and Carnation Road, before moving to the Pointe Blanche, and Harbour areas, the following day, Thursday.
"There is a full schedule of work on Thursday, and if weather permits we plan to begin restoration of some clients in town, more precisely, Walter Nisbeth Road and Cannegieter Street," said Mr. London.

He said if all goes as planned, the work week will end with another blitz operation - this time in the Philipsburg area, where the company will focus its resources all day Friday and into the weekend if necessary.

Mr. London said a second team of technicians and engineers are busy in the Middle Region, Mount William Hill and Dutch Quarter areas, where they are dealing with outstanding and newly reported outages while relocating overhead cables.
He said technicians will also be in the following roads this week:

• Middle Region: Richardson Drive, Basseterre drive, Middle Region Rd, Trinidad Dr, Margareth Bruce Dr., A.Th. Illidge road
• Mount William Hill: Saba Drive, Nevis Drive
• Dutch Quarter: Emergency homes, Nickspring Drive

"There are a number of damaged distribution points in these areas that have to be repaired before we can begin to reconnect customers. We also have to remove a lot of hanging drop wires so that we can run new wires for reconnection," said Mr. London.
He said the repairs and reconnections are being carried out simultaneously in some instances, however the work is proving to be a challenge at times, especially because the restoration efforts have to be carried out in close coordination with other utility companies and when the recourses of all these companies are available at the same time.
Mr. London continues to congratulate his Outside Plant staff, and their Zone Leaders for "really putting in the effort" to get services back up for customers.
"They have taken the task on as a personal responsibility, which is much appreciated by management, and ultimately by the customers themselves," said Mr. London.

TELEM Press Release

MULLET BAY:--- The St. Maarten Golf Association SMGA donated USD 4,000 to the Junior Golf Association to assist the junior golf program in their goal to provide free golf to children from 7 to 17 years old.

The Junior Golf Association is celebrating their 10th year anniversary and due to major sponsors like the Royal and Ancient Golf Association, the world's oldest and largest golf association located in Scotland and of which St. Maarten is an affiliated country, Mullet Bay Golf course, the SMGA and Emilio Wilson Estate, they are able to continue and bring the beautiful game of golf to the attention of the St. Maarten / St. Martin youth.

The Junior Golf Association organizes several events during the year. There is the annual Junior Open in the beginning of June, special events during the year with the French side as well as several parent / child team tournaments to strengthen the role of family participation. This year St. Maarten was even represented by our top 12 year old golfer Pierre Garcia who competed in the world's largest youth competition, The Junior Open Championship which was held in England, with 137 children from 76 different countries.

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon children have the opportunity to enjoy professional golf lessons at Emilio Wilson Estate from certified teachers. Golf offers children important lessons in honesty, integrity, respect and the joy of competition, which can be at all levels of play. If you have children that are interested to sign up, please contact Jim Rosen by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone: 1721-5205153.

SMGA Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Tuesday November 18th, 2014 at approximately 12:15 a.m. a police patrol from the Simpson Bay area was sent to Dunes Casino in Beacon Hill to investigate an attempted armed robbery. On the scene the investigating officers spoke to the victim who was bleeding from a wound to his head. The victim stated that he and his female companion had just left the Atlantis Casino to go to their room at the Caravanaserai Hotel. When reaching the hotel premises they were attacked by two unknown men who stepped out of a small white car and attempted to steal his companion's bag. Both men were armed with a handgun. When he went to defend his companion one of the suspects struck him in his head with the gun. The suspects realizing that they were not successful stepped back into the small white car and drove off. The victim was treated on the scene by paramedics and then taken to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for further treatment. The Special Robbery Unit is investigating this case.

KPSM Police Report

Central Committee meeting to be held on November 24th

PHILIPSBURG:--- Vice President of Parliament Leona Marlin Romeo finds herself in a very compromising position now that the President of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams has resigned from the position of the chair. MP Marlin Romeo and two other members of Parliament submitted a request to the Parliament of St. Maarten on November 6th, 2014 calling for a meeting to be held to discuss the incidents that occurred on Election Day August 29th, 2014. The agenda for that meeting was to discuss the main voting bureau and the Civil Registry where the Members of Parliament claimed that there were incidents that occurred during and in preparation for the August 29th Parliamentary Election. As it stands MP Leona Marlin Romeo is the vice chair of the Parliament of St. Maarten, she was the former head of the Civil Registry and she is one of the MPs that requested this meeting.
In the request that was submitted the three MPs elaborated on the discrepancies and they also mentioned several topics related to the electoral ordinance as well as campaign guidelines. The MPs then submitted another request asking that instead of a meeting of Parliament that a central committee meeting be held which was scheduled for November 18th but has now been postponed to November 24th.
The request for such a meeting was not only peculiar but also questionable since one of the Members of Parliament that requested the meeting was the former head of the Civil Registry where the incidents the three MPs said occurred.
Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams penned a letter to the Parliament of St. Maarten questioning the MPs where the incidents they claimed took place are recorded. She further asked if the voters of St. Maarten objected to the electoral procedures. MP Wescot Williams wants to know if the voters also objected to the ballot count.
Wescot Williams said that in the letter submitted to Parliament the three MPs cited real discrepancies that occurred on Election Day and there were all sorts of innuendos which are disturbing to say the least.
Wescot Williams said if the objective of the meeting is to reevaluate the Electoral Ordinance, then the MPs that requested the meeting should state just that and the Parliament of St. Maarten will initiate such post haste.
Wescot Williams said that the Main Voting Bureau is an independent body (article 12, Electoral Ordinance).
Furthermore, the Parliament has or in any case, should have received the procés verbals of most proceedings of the election results (article 103, Electoral Ordinance).
She asked if any of the discrepancies are mentioned in those proces verbals. Wescot Williams therefore asked for more clarification by any or all of the Members of Parliament especially those that requested the meeting in order for them to have real and meaningful discussion on the topics of Elections and Electoral Reform.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Recently Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA) Collective Prevention Services (CPS) met with the Customs Department and Coast Guard to discuss preparations related to the Ebola virus disease (EVD).

Customs and the Coast Guard were appraised about the Sint Maarten Ebola Preparedness Plan being worked on by Ministry VSA, the travel ban that was officially announced by the Minister of Public Health Hon. Cornelius de Weever on Monday, October 27, as well as the various screening layers that exist prior to a person entering country Sint Maarten.

The levels of screening entail, exit screening measures from countries affected by Ebola; entry screening measures in the United States of America and Europe and Sint Maarten.

The Customs Department has drafted its response plan since the meeting was held at the end of October and a draft a preparedness plan along with what resources would be required is being awaited from the Coast Guard for CPS to review with respect to how their respective agency would deal with a suspect Ebola case.

All stakeholders were updated about the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) protocols that are in place for cruise passengers and crew.

Another issue touched upon during the meeting was the inspection of shipping manifest prior to a vessel docking at one of the country's ports.

Present for the meeting were representatives from SXM Airport, Port St. Maarten, Health Inspectorate, Public Health Department, Cabinet of Minister VSA, CPS, Risk Communications Team, Department of Communication, Ambulance, Civil and Shipping Inspectorate.

Ministry VSA monitors on-going developments in West Africa with respect to the EVD outbreak on a daily basis outbreak which has infected 14.413 persons, and 5.177 have died, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) as of 11 November.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), hereby announces road closures due to cleaning and inspections of sewage network in Philipsburg. These works will start on Sunday November 23rd through Monday December 1, 2014.
The scheduled road closures include Sunday November 23rd 7:00 PM – Monday November 24th 7:00 PM: Closure of Front street at St. Rose Arcade (repaving Frontstreet)
Monday November 24th 7:00 PM – Tuesday November 25th 5:00 AM: Closure of Backstreet at crossing DC Steeg (sewage connection DC Steeg)
Wednesday November 26th 7:00AM – Friday November 28th 5:00 PM: Closure of DC Steeg (sewage connection DC Steeg)
Sunday November 30th 7:00 PM – Monday December 1st 5:00 AM: Closure of Front street between St. Jan Steeg and Wilhelmina steeg (Sewage house connection lot #54)
Motorists and residents are requested to be vigilant and put keen attention due to various heavy machinery on the road during these road works.
Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconvenience that this may cause.

Six more Board Members to be elected at a later date

PHILIPSBURG:--- Some 136 members of the Dutch Taxi Drivers Association turned out to the general election called by the members of the interim board to elect a new board after they ousted the former board last Monday night. The DSTA consists of some 200 members. Members that are not "paying members" and even French Taxi Drivers that are members of the DSTA were not allowed to vote. The non-paying members were not allowed to enter the PMIA Hall even though they are Dutch nationals that are holding a Dutch taxi license.
Elected as President by 133 votes is the former secretary of the DSTA board Conrad Richardson (Cisco/Taxi 177) who served on the DSTA board for four years. Perla Rombley was elected as secretary outright, no other member of the DSTA contested against Rombley during the election, while Jacqueline Jensen (Taxi 126) was elected treasurer. Jensen is a former banker.
In a very short interview with members of the media after the election was held the taxi drivers who showed up for the election expressed joy and happiness as they managed to elect the people they feel can move the association further and also those that have the interest of the membership at heart. Richardson said he was happy to be elected President but refused to say how he intends to handle the situation regarding the former board to which he was part of. While he said he intends to move the association higher but he could not say what are some of the things he intends to do differently to further develop the association.
He said what transpired within the DSTA especially last Monday night he intends to keep all of it internal since he believes all the discrepancies are internal matters. When asked if he intends to take legal action against the former board or even have an independent investigation conducted, Richardson maintained that the problems of the DSTA are internal and most of all the former ousted President Otis Hughes was his best friend. When asked when the other members of the board will be elected? Richardson said that they intend to do so very soon. "As matter of fact we will elect the other members as soon as we get some rest." The association's new secretary Perla Rombley shared the same sentiments saying that they will deal with their problems internally and will consult with the members that elected them before taking any decisions. Jacqueline Jensen treasurer elect promised to take the position she now holds very seriously since she was a former banker, when asked if she will ensure that monies are not kept in drawers and financial accountability is given to the membership. Jenson just did not respond. Curtis Richardson (Taxi 227) shouted out when the board members were preparing to speak to the media that there will be no more monies hidden in drawers, but later said that he stands fully behind the new board and he is indeed a man of the land who will ensure that the new board members do things correctly.
When asked if the new board intends to change the DSTA articles of incorporation which would allow all paying members both French and Dutch to be eligible for voting and have the same rights as the Dutch Taxi Drivers, both the President Conrad Richardson and Perla Rombley said they cannot say what they will do now without consulting with the membership. It should be noted that these are some of the things the DSTA members told SMN News will happen when the new board is elected. They even said they would have presented a motion to stop all former members of the board from postulating Monday night but that did not take place.

Click here to view photos of the DSTA Election Monday night at PMIA Hall.

CAY HILL:--- Kooyman employees and their families were invited to experience "Discovery Farm" the newest addition to the Seaside Nature Park, last Sunday November 16th 2014.

As a proud sponsor, Kooyman together with Discovery Farm organized a family day for Kooyman and Discovery Farm staff to commemorate the launch of the farm, which was symbolized during the official opening of the miniature pigs paddock. "Kooyman has been instrumental in the construction of the building of the various animal paddocks and will continue to actively support Discovery Farm as the project progresses." said Kooyman, Commercial Officer, Evencia – Carty Seabrookes.

"Discovery Farm is unique to St. Maarten, providing a space for kids to interact with miniature animals as there are a number of social benefits that are linked to kid's interaction with animals, further improving their social and comprehensive skills." said Wendy Visser, Discovery Farm, Project Director.

All families present got the opportunity to interact with the miniature animals, enjoy pony rides, work on some great arts a craft and just simply experience the nature of the farm.

Earlier this year, Kooyman donated a sum of 10,000. ANG towards the construction of the Discovery Farm, and his been an active partner in realizing the project with the team at Seaside Nature Park. The team at Seaside Nature park looks forward to officially launching Discovery Farm to the public of St. Maarten come January 2015. For more information on the Discovery Farm, visit www.seasidenaturepark.com or like our Discovery Farm page Facebook.com.

Kooyman Press Release

GREAT BAY/MARIGOT:--- The 4th annual SXM Trails walkathon is scheduled for Sunday, November 23, and will begin 5:30 am according to Manuel Juste president of the club.

The St. Martin hiking group has been on a fundraising campaign to raise funds to help maintain and enhance the various hiking sites on the island.
The route for the walk will begging at the Festival Village, pond fill road, Prince Bernard Bridge, Bush Road, Grand Marché Roundabout, Cole Bay Hill Road, Cole Bay roundabout, Union Road, until Caribbean Auto Sales where participants will engage in short mountain hike to Bellevue, and exiting under the big tamarind tree next to the entrance of the Fleming's property about 200M from the finish line at the Home N Tool parking lot where refreshments and breakfast will be served.

SXM Trails is a non-governmental organization that has been on the forefront Coastal beach clean-up with St. Maarten Pride Foundation, cleaning the trails passing through the hills of St. Martin/St. Maarten. "We are committed to keeping the existing trails open and accessible to all,

Tickets are €10/12 Dollars and include a t-shirt and breakfast. Tickets can be purchased from members of St. Martin Trails and from the following businesses:
Blue Point Gas Station in Galisbay, Change Caraibes in Belle Vue, and Tri-Sport Rue de Hollande Marigot (former Velo Caraibes) for the French side as well as tri-Sport in Simpson Bay At the end of the walk transportation will be provided after the break feast to take you back to the starting point at the festival village

Walkers will have the opportunity to win prizes raffle Style at the end of the walk. For more information and tickets call 0690678392 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake says the Monday meeting in the Dr. A. C. Wathey Legislative Hall with various stakeholders in disaster planning has led to concrete actions being drafted to be taken.

In the wake of the recent torrential rainfall event early November and Hurricane Gonzalo mid-October, outgoing Minister of VROMI Hon. Maurice Lake said he wanted to address a number of areas where he saw room for improvement and wanted to hear from the stakeholders how these could be better addressed and dealt with prior to the next hurricane season or weather related event.

Also attending was Vice Prime Minister/Minister of Justice Hon. Dennis Richardson who spoke about his experience with Hurricane Luis and Marilyn in 1995.

Minister Lake chaired the meeting. During the discussion it was stated that the country's water management infrastructure (trenches, drains) were built to alleviate flooding and not to prevent flooding.
The trenches and waterways were built according to UNESCO study recommendations based on 20, 50 and 100 year storm scenarios.

The country's drainage plans need to be reviewed and building on hillsides as well as near drains and waterways need to be looked at when it comes to spatial planning.

"My ministry is reviewing the national drainage plan and will be presenting to the Council of Ministers a revised plan along with a budget in order to start to address these challenges. UNESCO reports made a number of recommendations and we need to implement these and making sure the available financial resources is there to execute the projects.

"Funding allocation for the post disaster phase will also be addressed in a structural manner along with a quick disbursement of funds to contractors who assists with the clean-up.

"Internal and external communication are other areas to be addressed as well. The shortcomings due to infrastructure failure and the use of other communication avenues will be explored and executed.

"Public complacency was also discussed and how to address this will also be executed by the respected government agency. NV GEBE will work closely with Ministry VROMI to address challenges that were confronted with flooding where certain parts of NV GEBE infrastructure were partially submerged.

"The Marine Trades Association also made a valuable contribution where they spoke about vessels that needed to enter the Simpson Bay Lagoon and where these vessels should be moored within the Lagoon. A plan is also needed on how this should be done and where, and timely communication with mariners with respect to bridge openings. A mandatory vessel evacuation plan will also be reviewed.

"It was a very constructive meeting with an outcome of what actions need to be taken to address the challenges that were confronted in two weather related events.

"Disaster Coordinator Clive Richardson also informed the group that the new Council of Ministers will receive a presentation about the national Disaster Management system. I am very pleased with the meeting and we achieved a lot," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake concluded.

Represented at the meeting were officials from Office of Disaster Management, Disaster Coordinator, Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports, NV GEBE, Ministry VROMI, Meteorological Department of Sint Maarten, Department of Communication, and the St. Maarten Marine Trades Association.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament Central Committee session scheduled for November 18th about election discrepancies has been rescheduled to November 24th.
The committee meeting is now set for Monday at 10:00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.
The agenda point is a discussion with the Main Voting Bureau and the Civil Registry Department concerning discrepancies that occurred during and in preparation of the August 29th parliamentary elections.
The discrepancies noted are: at the Prison polling station; usage of foreign identification for voting purposes; discrepancies at specific polling stations in ballot counting; discrepancies of the lack of privacy during the supporting of the candidate list; discrepancies in the information given to political parties as it related to placement of campaign material.
Other points to be brought forward in the Central Committee meeting are: changes in the Electoral Law as it relates to having a structured chronological order; Increase of polling stations in 2014 in comparison to 2010; Implementation of electronic voting; If there any articles that are conflicting with each other?; and if there any articles wrongfully written?
This meeting has been requested by Members of Parliament (MP) Hon. Leona Marlin-Romeo, MP Hon. Tamara Leonard and MP Hon. Cornelius de Weever.
Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

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

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

PHILIPSBURG:--- Attorney at Law Jairo Bloem dispatched another letter by email to MP Andre Bosman, based on article that appeared in the Antillians Daglad on November 11th, 2014. In that newspaper article Bosmas was quoted as saying he is not obliged to respond to letters sent to him by email and that he only has to respond to letters that are sent to him by registered mail. Below is the contents of the letter sent again by email to MP Bosman.

"Dear Mr. Bosman,

You were quoted in an article that appeared in Antilliaans Dagblad on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 first and foremost disputing that you received the first open letter directly, admitting that you did receive a second letter per email, contending that you are not bound, or do not feel bound, to respond to letters that are not delivered to you by registered mail. One and other because matters can be put by anyone on the internet and alleged unclarity pertaining to the source. You were moreover quoted stating that it is unclear that our office represents the Hon. Minister Cornelius the Weever, since the letters never stated such.

Your contentious are factually incorrect and also as such remarkable, because:

1. the first open letter was also directly sent to you by email;
2. client has a read receipt;
3. you subsequently immediately reacted by making more public statements, that were meanwhile also disputed by client;
4. the content of your subsequent public reaction clearly shows that you took well notice of client's open letter;
5. the open letter explicitly states that our office represents the Hon. Minister Cornelius de Weever;
6. client's second letter refers clearly to the first open letter that as stated was also directly emailed to you;
7. you actually stated to the media in no uncertain terms that you needed to confer with your party, before reacting, thereby committing to react.

Now all of a sudden, after you were attended by means of a summons, this time directly addressed to you, to the fact that the reaction promised by you is still regretfully lacking, you adopt a complete different nota bene somewhat murky and in any case factually incorrect position, by alleging that you did not receive the first letter and that you would in any case not be bound to a reaction because - in short - the letters were not sent by registered mail to you.

You are thereby first and foremost negating and backpedaling on your published commitment to react after conferring with your party.

Please note that the purpose of sending a letter by registered mail is to ensure receipt thereof. There is no -rule of law- that compels client to send you a summons per registered mail. The mere fact that you are in receipt and able to take well notice of the letters, as is also evidenced from the "proof of reading receipts", your own public statements and response e-mail yesterday, clearly show that you did receive client's e-mails and were able to take good notice of the content thereof. The only reason the summon(s) were not also sent to you per registered mail is because client did not possess your personal (house) address. Please rest assured that the court petition will be addressed to your home address and served personally to you.

Client views your latest reactions as yet other attempts to evade the issue at hand and further unnecessary delay matters. You had ample time to address your shortcomings. The summons sent and deadlines given are in conformity with the law. You are presently in default and client will consequently initiate proper legal procedures against you.

I trust to have informed you adequately herewith.

Yours truly,

Regards,

Jairo Bloem
Attorney at Law"

Click here to view letter sent to MP Andre Bosman.

Determined athletes at home and abroad are currently training hard for one of the most exciting tests of athletic endurance taking place in the Cayman Islands Sunday 18th January 2015, the 2015 Mercuryman half iron distance triathlon, the only one of its kind in Cayman. Not only will athletes participate in this highly regarded race of their athleticism, proceeds raised from the triathlon will go to two important local causes.
Top names in the triathlon world will be competing against Cayman's own athletes in this incredibly grueling event that will see participants participate in a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike race and a 13.1 mile run. In previous years, attendance has been extremely high with 150 participants including triathlete pros, American Lisa Ribes in 2014, Pedro Gomes from Portugal and American Lesley Smith in 2013.
Organisers expect to attract Lisa, Pedro (a now Ironman Champion) and Lesley back to participate in 2015, as well as Canadian triathlete Angela Naeth, a ten-time 70.3 Ironman Champion known for her prowess on the bike. Other big names in the triathlon world looking to attend include Bree Wee 70.3 and Ironman champion from Hawaii, Leanda Cave, the 2012 Ironman Triathlon and Ironman 70.3 World Champion, the first woman in the history of the sport to win both titles in the same year, Kim Schwabenbauer a triathlon coach and dietitian who has several podium finishes in Ironman and has competed multiple times in the Ironman World Champion, Canadian triathlete Jennifer Lentzke who is new to the professional circuit has achieved multiple top 10 finishes in the 2014 season.
Mr Trevor Murphy, Race Director, said this year's event is set to be huge.
"Mercuryman triathlon has attracted some of the biggest names in the sport because we offer an excellent location in which to participate," he said. "Triathletes can enjoy Cayman's pleasant tropical climate, clear and warm waters, good roads for cycling and running and an all-round excellent destination which athletes and their families can enjoy during their post-race vacation."
The 2015 Mercuryman event is being dubbed 'Race for a Cause' because organisers have pledged the bulk of the proceeds to be donated to the Estella Scotts Roberts Foundation, along with a donation to East End Primary School.
Mr Murphy said it was important for the event to give back to the community.
"The 2015 Mercuryman promises to be one of the sporting highlights of the year for not only the Cayman Islands, but the Caribbean region, as well as internationally, which means we are able to spotlight the ESRF to a wide audience, an organisation that promotes gender equality and a life free of violence, for all, an extremely worthwhile cause," he said. "In addition, the race will take place in East End of the Island, so we couldn't think of a better recipient of some of the proceeds than East End Primary School, which has been a part of the event since its inception. The children volunteer on the run course interacting with the athletes and see first-hand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. The organisers also visit the school each year."
The swim course starts and ends on the beach by The Reef Resort on Grand Cayman's North East end, consisting of two laps of 0.6 miles each. The bike course starts and ends at the transition area by The Reef Resort on Grand Cayman's North East end, and also consists of two laps – 28 miles each. The run course starts and ends at the transition area in the parking area by The Reef Resort.
Mr Murphy addressed the need for support from sponsors.
"Sponsors are highly encouraged to get involved in this very visible, high profile sporting event and valuable sponsorship opportunities are still available for organisations both local and international, to partner with one of the most unique and challenging endurance events on the Cayman sports calendar," he said. "Don't miss your chance to promote and grow sport in the Cayman Islands and at the same time help to raise funds for organisations associated with children, gender equality and education."
Find out more by visiting: www.mercurymantri.com

PHILIPSBURG:--- Many persons on St. Maarten are still reeling from the devastation suffered due to the torrential weather system that battered our island on November 7th and 8th.
The individual and collective losses are greater than many can imagine and the cost to infrastructure comes at a time when the country can ill-afford such.
It is therefore understandable that persons are calling on government for assistance and that yet others point fingers in all directions.The weather reporting has also been much criticized.
My heart goes out to the many persons who lost possessions during the torrential rains. And even though those are only material things, many persons are still pondering how to replace lost or damaged goods.
However, as a country we must admit that this will not be the last time. Weather patterns are changing, the effects of climate change are noticeable also or maybe more so, on our island.
More than ever in the past from my recollection, even our vegetated hillsides have seen some considerable mud slides during the recent rainstorm.
In my view, government must revisit and urgently so, the drainage plan for our island.
Several initiatives are already underway. I can mention, the risk reduction project for the area of Belle Plain, which is being pursued as a joint project for St. Maarten-St. Martin.
I have also taken note of the announced action by the Ministry of VROMI, but again, only a comprehensive drainage plan will somewhat mitigate the flooding that will result from any heavy rain fall.
No longer can we only look out for so-called flood prone areas. The last storm has shown how prolonged rainfall affects everyone in one way or another.
Homes in areas never before affected, were flooded.
Of course, we must be thankful that no loss of life was suffered, but it is not sufficient just to recognize such.
I have, following the recent rainstorm decided to approach the offices of the United Nations that assist countries with this type of planning and expertise.
But the last rainstorm has shown that this matter must become one of national priority. It would be unrealistic to expect that such a plan could be executed in one shot and so a plan of approach must provide a basis for the execution.

Sarah Wescot-Williams, MP
(Caretaker PM)

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- To ensure that integrity on Sint Maarten is handled in an adequate manner, the Council of Ministers approved the organizational structure thereto. The recommendation to install a workgroup to be tasked with the implementation of the various reports (PwC, Wit-Samson, and Sint Maarten General Audit Chamber) was formally complied with in two Council's meetings in the period of October 31st and November 13th 2014.
This workgroup, now established as a project bureau, consists of the Acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Finance, the Secretary General of the Ministry of General Affairs and is led by the Acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice and supported by the Secretariat of the Council of Ministers.
The necessary preparation meetings of the project bureau have been ongoing since October 2014 and the plan of approach is currently being further detailed. For effectiveness, the recommendations of the reports were categorized into six priority areas. Each priority area will be headed by a project leader for the actual execution and drafting of policies, laws and other products needed according to the recommendations. The categories are defined as follows: Legislation, Integrity Chamber, PR /Communication, Human Resource Management, Governance Development as well as Maintenance of Law, Order and Governance.
The initial time schedule for the implementation of the integrity measures covers a period of nearly two years, in which phase one concerns implementation activities determined for the period until the January 2014, phase two: between January 2015 and July 2015 and the third phase from July 2015 until the middle 2016, whereby new legislation is the most time consuming factor. This planning is being further detailed at the moment.
Independent Oversight Committee Integrity
In addition, an independent oversight committee has been established to monitor the progress and to ensure that the plan of approach meets the required deadlines. The government is in the process of approaching high profile persons both on a local level and elders to sit on this committee. Already President of the Constitutional Court of Sint Maarten, the honorable judge Jacob Wit and member of the Council of Advice of Sint Maarten, Mr. Jan J. Beaujon have agreed to serve on the oversight committee. A third candidate in the Netherlands is being approached.
Integrity Chamber & Integrity Controller
High priority for the Council is also the establishment of an integrity chamber. Awaiting the necessary legislation, an independent person meeting high standard qualifications will be appointed as Integrity Controller ("Toezichthouder Integriteit"). The main responsibility is reporting on integrity breaches, recommended sanctions and remedies directly to the Council of Ministers as a body. Finalization of this appointment will occur within short.
Integrity: weekly topic Council of Ministers
On a weekly basis the Council of Ministers will be discussing the topic State of Affairs Integrity and its progress to be based also on reporting of the Project Bureau Integrity, the Integrity Controller and the Oversight Committee Integrity.
Fixed agenda point: conflict of interests
The Council also decided to give follow up to the recommendation to avoid a possible conflict of interest by ministers, by addressing this matter at the onset of every Council of Ministers meeting. Ministers will have to state if there is any conflict of interest with matters to be discussed and or decided on in the meeting. In the event that such is the case the chairperson will see to it that there will be no participation in the decision making process on that topic or topics by the respective minister or ministers.
Heightened security and anti-abuse measures at the ports
The Minister of Justice has taken measures and is taking more measures to heighten the security at the airport and harbours to prevent abuse of these critical infrastructures by criminal elements. A project organization is being put in place to coordinate the efforts in this regard between all law enforcement agencies. The port authorities are being requested to participate.
Strengthening Public Prosecutors office and National Detective Service/anti-corruption campaign
Permission has been granted to the Public Prosecutors office to expand its support staff with two "parket secretarissen". Also the National Detective Service has permission to expand the organization with four full time detectives/specialists this year. Recruitments however takes time. Furthermore the Prosecutors Office will appoint one of the five prosecutors as coordinator for the investigations by the National Detective Service who will then be able to help give content for the implementation of the recommendation to execute an anti-corruption campaign.

Input Netherlands
Reacting to an only on Thursday, November 13th, last communicated offer of the Netherlands to be allowed to provide input to Sint Maarten's plan of approach on integrity, the Minister of Justice, Mr. Dennis Richardson, stated that the Council of Ministers is receptive to any constructive offers of support to Sint Maarten as an autonomous country in addressing integrity matters. However, as Sint Maarten has been accused (albeit wrongly) of "doing too little too late" and "being not aware of the urgency of the matter" too much is momentarily at stake to permit a possible delay. Pending receipt of a concrete written offer and or suggestions from the Netherlands, therefore, the trajectory to improve integrity and to fight integrity breaches and corruption as set out by the Government of Sint Maarten continues.

GREAT BAY:--- The book Language, Culture, and Identity in St. Martin by Rhoda Arrindell was launched recently in Costa Rica at the Caribbean cultures conference, said University of Puerto Rico professor Dr. Danabang Kuwabong.
Dr. Arrindell's paper, titled after her new book, was also delivered at the 17th annual Eastern Caribbean Island Cultures Conference in the Central American city of Limon, at the University of Costa Rica, November 6-8, 2014.
"The launch went very well, and I also read Rhoda's paper, which was well received," said Prof. Kuwabong. Arrindell and her publisher HNP worked closely with Kuwabong for a St. Martin presence at the regional conference but the author was unable to attend.
"Dr. Kuwabong was the practical godfather of the St. Martin presence at the Caribbean cultures conference," said Jacqueline Sample, president of House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP).
"In Dr. Arrindell's absence the professor personally presented the new book to fellow scholars and guests during the book launch ceremony on Friday. On Saturday morning he took charge of reading Rhoda's scholarly paper on the 'Language Maintenance in the Caribbean' panel," said Sample.
Language, Culture, and Identity in St. Martin is the newest study, with a strong research base, of St. Martin's language history and current developments. Arrindell opens the book writing about the island's sociohistorical background and concludes with the chapter entitled "Toward a National Identity."
The book is available at Van Dorp, Arnia's, Shipwreck, Amazon.com, and SPDbooks.org bookstores. In the Netherlands Dr. Arrindell's title is available at bookishplaza.com.
The 17th annual Eastern Caribbean Island Cultures Conference was organized by the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, University of the West Indies-Cave Hill, Virgin Islands Caribbean Cultural Center, and the University of Costa Rica (Cátedra de Estudios de África y el Caribe y la Sede Regional del Caribe).

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake is very pleased to learn that the marine community has accepted his initiative appeal for a coastal clean-up of hurricane related debris due to the passing of Hurricane Gonzalo from inland waterways and lagoons. The clean-up is slated for December 6th weekend.

Representatives from the St. Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA), Nature Foundation, St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies, Maritime Affairs Authority, Ministry VROMI, met recently with Minister Lake to discuss the minister's initiative and how to move forward from a logistical and planning perspective.

The Minister was informed that the process to remove boats that are partially sunk is on-going since after the passing of the hurricane mid-October. A majority of the boats have been removed.

The clean-up and removal of hurricane related debris within the lagoon is scheduled for the weekend of December 6th. This clean-up campaign would include the marine sector, general public volunteers, other private sector companies as well as schools that have community service programs.

"I am very pleased with the interests and cooperation from all stakeholders concerned. On November 10 we had a very good meeting and this will be a successful clean-up of the lagoon. I call on other businesses to join the clean-up effort of our lagoon by contacting the SMMTA," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.

Nature Foundation in an assessment after the passing of hurricane Gonzalo noted that approximately three dozen boats sunk and that there was significant debris such as wood, fiberglass and other solid materials.

The initiative of Minister Lake for the clean-up is based on this assessment as well as the upcoming high tourist season.

"Mega yachts will be arriving in the coming weeks as we move into the high tourist season. You also have tour companies that offer tours on or via the lagoon, and they will see the debris either floating around or along the shoreline. It wouldn't be a pretty picture.

"It's our environment, and our responsibility as well as the responsibility of stakeholders to take care of it and keep it clean. I do hope the lagoon clean-up will become an annual affair," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake concluded.

Various marinas along with Simpson Bay Lagoon will be providing boats, work rafts, and equipment to assist with the clean-up.

GREAT BAY:--- INFOBIZZ, a foundation aimed at developing successful entrepreneurs, wants to wish all entrepreneurs a dynamic and prosperous Global Entrepreneurship Week. This includes all micro-businesses, small and medium enterprises, those you have not yet started their business officially, those are in the creative and artistic industry, those who have online businesses, and those who are seasoned entrepreneurs with one or more long-standing businesses.

Ife Badejo, Founder and Director of INFOBIZZ is a passionate advocate of entrepreneurship education and development. "Simply put without the entrepreneur, there is no good or bad economy. It would just not exist. Also is there aren't more people deciding to embark on their entrepreneurial journey and succeed, there would be no job creation or alleviation of poverty. However, the most important thing one needs to succeed is knowledge and we have both international and local entrepreneurial leaders to share this knowledge during the Global Entrepreneurship Week", she stated.

Entrepreneurship is defined as the pursuit of opportunities beyond the resources currently controlled (Harvard, Stevenson). Using this definition means that anyone who wants to go to the next level in life can be an entrepreneur. One of the key characteristics to become successful as an entrepreneurship is the ability to lead one self and others. Thus many of the activities organized include the development of this skill.

GO DOMINATE ™ Workshops, held on Friday, November 21, 2014 to be held at the University of St. Martin, are specifically designed to develop this skill. Dr. Will Moreland (USA), the #1 Leadership Life Trainer in the US will be the primary facilitator for this workshop. Registration starts on November 17, 2014. For more information about activities during the Global Entrepreneurship Week, please call +1-721-523-1842 (whatsapp) and +1-721-554-2523 (for vendor details) or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Former Board Members cannot postulate until investigation is completed

PHILIPSBURG:--- Members of the Dutch Taxi Drivers Association (DSTA) will be holding an election Monday evening at the PMIA Hall on Back Street. The election came after almost 100 DSTA members gave a motion of non confidence against the entire DSTA board last week Monday. The DSTA members said that on Monday they intend to present a motion to bar all former board members of the DSTA from postulating because there is gross financial mismanagement that has to be investigated by police when they file an official complaint and a committee that will be installed by the new board.
One of the main reasons the members of the DSTA took action last Monday night was because they obtained the chamber registration of a company called AMIGO Tours that is registered in the name of the ousted DSTA president Otis Hughes and a former secretary of the DSTA Rigoberto Gumbs. The DSTA members said that Hughes was using his position as president of the DSTA to enrich himself by taking jobs that are entitled to taxi drivers and passing them on to his tour company.
Another set of taxi drivers also told SMN News that the former board of the DSTA took monies from them as extra-ordinary members and promised to call them for jobs, but while they were paying and hoped that one day they will start obtaining work from the DSTA they never got work and they were not refunded.
Last Tuesday a member of the DSTA called police when the former board refused to hand over the keys and to the interim board that was established Monday night. They said when police reached the scene they forced the former board members to open the office and safe and police discovered some $27,000 inside a safe. The drivers said that the police spent almost three hours counting the monies and made sure it was deposited in the DSTA account. The taxi drivers said that since the former board will be investigated they believe that none of the members could postulate for the next three years and even until they investigation is completed.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA), the largest private business representative on the island, organized a Sunset Networking Mixer onboard Aquamania's Lambada, last Friday evening. "Although we live on an island in the Caribbean surrounded by turquoise waters, we tend to miss out on much of the fun that our tourists come to our island for. Working in the hospitality industry can become a little overwhelming at times and we could all use some time out of the office to enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise, together with our business partners" said SHTA's Executive Director, Karen Hana.
SHTA Board Member and Managing Director of Indigo Bay, Marc van de Bilt was very pleased with the high turn-out and thanked the SHTA team for organizing the cruise. "I think all agreed it was a great success and everyone I talked to would welcome more of these "networking events" being organized by SHTA. In addition to catching up with "old" friends and business contacts I hadn't seen for a while, this networking event actually generated several new business leads for Indigo. Events like these also provide an excellent opportunity for SHTA to invite prospective members so they can have a "sample" before joining SHTA. I look forward to attending the next networking event."
Many of the new SHTA members that recently joined the association, including MGM Consulting, Budget Marine, Bluebeard Charters, Alicia's Inn and WINAIR, were able to network with the existing SHTA members. 2014 has been a great year for the association, including the St. Maarten Annual Regional Trade Show, the Political Mixers, their Annual General Meeting with Prof. Ryan Peterson as the guest speaker on engaged education, and most recently, the Employment Law Seminar. More than 35 new companies have joined the efforts of the SHTA this year and the membership base has grown to almost 180 members.
The next Membership Mixer is scheduled for December 4th, 2014, when Prof. Age Bakker and several other representatives of the CFT will be conducting a presentation for all of the SHTA members and answering from the audience. For more information on upcoming SHTA events and on how to become a member, please contact the SHTA office at 542-0108, via e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit their website www.shta.com.

SHTA Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Crystal Pineapple Awards voting period closed on November 12th with once again a record number of votes for the more than 65 nominees that are all looking forward to be the winners in the various categories of this year's Crystal Pineapple Awards. The organizing committee is pleased with the record setting votes cast and thanks the public for their enthusiasm.
This year, Sonesta Maho's new Executive Chef Misja Ruijs will be the one preparing the culinary extravaganza that over the years has continuously surpassed everyone's expectations. Glitter Events has been contracted to transform the venue into a magical ambiance suitable only for St, Maarten's best and brightest stars in the Tourism arena. Guests will be delighted by Arias, St. Maarten's new classical young vocalist group consisting of sopranos and tenors, who will be opening with the Sweet St. Maarten song and closing with "Time to say Goodbye".
With only 4 days left till the Award Gala Event, limited tickets are still available at the SHTA office at a cost of $150 per person. Individuals also have a choice to purchase a table of 10. Each ticket gives access to the welcome cocktail party, the recognition ceremony, a sumptuous dinner, the silent auction and live entertainment. This year's Crystal Pineapple Award Gala Event promises to be even bigger and better than before.
The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association is hosting its 9th Crystal Pineapple Awards Gala Event on November 21, 2013 at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino, recognizing excellence in service in the Tourism, Trade and Environmental industries. For more information, please contact the SHTA office: 542-0108, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website www.shta.com.

SHTA Press Release

Suspects Escaped to the French Side

CUPECOY:--- Three gunmen stormed into Atlantis Casino on Sunday morning around 11:30 am and robbed the gaming establishment of an unknown amount of monies. During the broad daylight robbery the robbers shot a security guard in his leg. The suspects escaped from law enforcement in a small blue vehicle that headed over the French border.
The robbery of Atlantis Casino on Sunday morning made it the third casino that was robbed recently.
Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte confirmed that an armed robbery took place at the Atlantis Casino just before midday on Sunday. De Witte also confirmed that one person was shot in his leg, he said the suspects were dressed in female garments when they committed the robbery. He said the detective department is busy investigating the case and that they also informed their French counterparts because the culprits escaped to the French side.

Attempted armed robbery/security guard shot.

On Sunday November 16th, 2014 at approximately 12:00 p.m. several police patrols, detectives and paramedics were sent to the Atlantis Casino in the Cupe Coy area to investigate a robbery at that establishment. On the scene the investigating officers learnt that three suspects, all dressed like females, entered the casino and threatened the cashier with a gun with the intention to rob the establishment. The security guard who was alerted of the ongoing situation confronted the suspects at which time he was shot in the legs. The suspects were prevented from taking any cash and immediately fled the scene, possibly in a small car, after the shooting of the guard. The victim was treated on the scene by paramedics and then transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for further treatment. Detectives were on the scene interviewing witnesses and the Forensic Department collecting evidence. No one has been arrested so far in this investigation. Anyone who may have any information that could be valuable to this investigation should call the police department at 54-22222 or the tip line # 9300.

KPSM Police Report

General

PHILIPSBURG:--- The SER is an advisory council and not a higher council of state that gives requested and unrequested advises to government. Recently the SER has let government use it for political reasons during the last elections and it published the report recently.
The write off of the taxes prior to 2006 is well documented and thought out and is based on sound advises.

Facts

1. The Parliament of St. Maarten passed two motions requesting that the amounts prior to 2006 be written off.
2. The CFT, SOAB and Audit Chamber have made comments about those old amounts in their reports.
3. In the financial statements of the government of St. Maarten those amounts are written off yearly. A provision is made for about 90% of the amounts in the accounting system.
4. Common sense tells you that f 4.4 billion is a ridiculous amount to have in your system since the GPD of St. Maarten is about f 1.2 billion yearly. That means that you have collectibles of 4 times the entire economy of St. Maarten. Total nonsense.
5. Writing off those amounts decreases the possibility of fraud.
6. Since those bills take up a lot of space in the computer system, they slow down the system and makes the service to the community ineffective.
7. In the last few years less than 1% was collected on the outstanding amounts.
8. It is proven scientifically that amounts older than 5 years are difficult to collect. Why waste time on old bills when there are new ones to be collected.
9. The relief was given to give an impulse to the economy. Individuals and businesses can use that money to make investments and purchases thus giving the economy a needed boost.
10. The law was made and signed prior to the fall of the government. However, I made sure it was published before I left office. Thus it was published in May 2013 and became law. No one should pay any of those taxes that are prior to 2007. Thus 2006 and older. A Ministerial Decree is a law and there should be no discussions about that.

Conclusion
The SER conclusion that the old amounts should be collected does not have any basis and is worthless. It was not based on evidence nor did they have the decency to contact the former minister of finance to verify their findings. Thus they were used as a political football and complied.
The Today newspaper also did not do their research before jumping to their conclusion of criminal intent. However, they rectified the following day with a more balanced article.
What should be investigated is the fact that the receiver is breaking the law by issuing a directive to its employees to collect the written off amounts prior to 2006. That is breaking the law in accordance with the LMA.

By: Roland Tuitt, MBA, CPA

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will meet in a Central Committee session on November 18th.
The committee meeting is set for Tuesday at 2:00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.
This meeting has been requested by Members of Parliament (MP) Hon. Leona Marlin-Romeo, MP Hon. Tamara Leonard and MP Hon. Cornelius de Weever.
The agenda point is a discussion with the Main Voting Bureau and the Civil Registry Department concerning discrepancies that occurred during and in preparation of the August 29th parliamentary elections.
The discrepancies noted are: at the Prison polling station; usage of foreign identification for voting purposes; discrepancies at specific polling stations in ballot counting; discrepancies of the lack of privacy during the supporting of the candidate list; discrepancies in the information given to political parties as it related to placement of campaign material.
Other points to be brought forward in the Central Committee meeting are: changes in the Electoral Law as it relates to having a structured chronological order; Increase of polling stations in 2014 in comparison to 2010; Implementation of electronic voting; If there any articles that are conflicting with each other?; and if there any articles wrongfully written?
Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

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

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

Awareness campaign to focus on Child Abuse

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Youth Affairs is launching its official annual awareness campaign in commemoration of the International Day of the Rights of the Child, which will be observed on November 20th.

The campaign which is a collaborative effort of the Department of Youth Affairs, the Department of Sports, UNESCO, schools and non-governmental organizations (NGO's) aims to bring awareness to children, parents, and the community about the rights of children.
Child abuse, the theme for this year's campaign, will be spearheaded under the slogan: " My Rights to My Protection, My Freedom from Abuse". The theme which addresses articles 35, 36 and 37 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child, was deemed necessary considering the spate in reported child abuse incidents since the beginning of 2014. Consideration was also given based on the UNICEF report entitled: "The Situation Of Children and Adolescents on St. Maarten" which focused primarily on child protection. Owing to this, the stakeholders committee for the "Rights of the Child" decided that the subject required more attention and saw it appropriate to raise awareness on this issue on a vast societal level.
This year's calendar of events, as has become customary, will see activities hosted by various stakeholders. Last Saturday, the activities kicked-off with a kids Bike-a-thon and Family Fun Day hosted by the St. Maarten Early Childhood Development Association. The event which started at the Raoul Illidge Sport Complex, ended at the Jose Lake Ball Park with various activities for the children.
Subsequently, UNESCO and the ASCD Foundation will open a week –long exhibition from November 19th through November 28th on children's rights at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library.
On November 20th, several students and a delegation from the Government of St. Maarten will attend the official commemoration ceremony organized by the Collectivité of St. Martin. This ceremony will be followed by a youth discussion and will include selected students from St. Maarten, St. Martin and Anguilla.
A movie night hosted by the St. Maarten Promoting Young Ambassadors Foundation will be held also on November 20th for children on the theme of child abuse.

The Youth Parliament will be making a presentation on the Convention of the Rights of the Child to the Members of Parliament on November 21st at 4.00 pm at the Parliament Building. Additionally, an official from the Department of Youth Affairs will also be making a presentation on the developments of child abuse on a policy level. This presentation will be aired live on television.
On Saturday, November 22nd, the annual Rights of the Child Sports Day will be held in Marigot, St. Martin and will include friendly competitions in track and field, volleyball, tennis, basketball and football.
Finally, on November 28th, the Voice of Our Children will host its annual panel discussion at the Belair Community Center. Other activities are also scheduled and will be hosted by the Collectivité of St. Martin on the French Side of the island.

Historical Developments
Over the years, many individuals in our community have contributed to the cause of the rights of children by organizing various activities that endeavored to empower them on the island. Radio programs, uniformed groups and performing arts were among the ambitious undertakings by loyal persons.
The importance of recognizing the Rights of Children on St. Maarten began as early as 1978 when Mrs. Mavis Salomon Brooks and Dr. Linda Banks wrote the lyrics of a song entitled "Our Rights" for a children song festival.
Since then, the developments on children rights on St. Maarten throughout the years have been steady. The former Department of Social and Cultural Development has formulated policy and laws in benefit of children on the island. The now existing Youth Policy, which was finalized in October 2006, can be considered as one of the direct tangibles stemming from the convention that was signed and ratified by the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1996.
By 2004,The Department of Social and Cultural Development, jump started its campaign strategy by employing a unified approach in bringing awareness regarding children's rights to the community. During that year, an inter- governmental agreement was forged between the Island Government of St. Maarten and the Commune of St. Martin to jointly organize and host activities for the entire island. This cooperation has now resulted in the further inclusion of Saba, St. Eustatius and Anguilla in the annual programs.
One year later, in 2005, the former Department of Social and Cultural Development, the Commune of St. Martin and then Children's Rights Advocates Group represented by the Federation Antillean Youth (FAJ), the White and Yellow Cross, I Can Foundation, MPO, Safe Haven, SIFMA and Victorious Living Foundation celebrated, St. Maarten's first week of activities for "The Rights of the Child" awareness campaign and thus officially marking this year, its tenth consecutive year of observing the Convention of the Rights of the Child.

Subsequently since the latest UNICEF publication, the Department of Youth Affairs as it is now formally called, is representing St. Maarten on a regional and international level. The department has been involved and has participated in the Inter- Parliamentary Kingdom Conference held in April 2014 on Aruba.
The UNICEF report was studied by the Kingdom Partners and established that a Kingdom Taskforce should be instituted to collectively develop an action plan based on the recommendations of the UNICEF report and should include child abuse as one of its priority areas. St. Maarten is scheduled to attend another Kingdom Taskforce consultation in the Netherlands to present its draft plan of action in November of this year.
Ten years later, in an effort to advocate the rights and privileges of children on the island, the present Department of Youth Affairs strives to hone its reputation among the youth by fostering a sense of involvement, by creating more policy and implementing diverse programs and activities that aim to " Inspire, Educate and Empower".

PHILIPSBURG:--- Toastmasters Kimasha Williams & Rolando Tobias have joined the Executive Board of Disciples Toastmasters Club in the capacity of Vice President Education and Vice President Public Relations respectively. Both Officers were elected during a special business session to replace previous Executive members who could not continue the duties.
As Vice President Education, Kimasha will be responsible for the educational program of the club. She will coordinate the successful execution of the Club's success plan and also oversee the Club's mentorship program. The Mentorship program is crucial to ensure that new and recently installed members are properly guided through the program and achieve their personal objectives. The Club's success plan consists of the goals and plans for achieving the Club's goals in the areas of Education, Membership, Training and growth for the year (July 2014 to June 2015). Kimasha has been a Toastmaster Kimasha has been a member for over 2 years and was the Club's Vice President Public Relations last year.
As Vice President Public Relations, Tobias will be responsible for the Club's promotion in all aspects, both in as well as outside the Club. He will be responsible to revitalize the image of the Disciples Toastmasters Club in the community. As a Sponsor of the Disciples Toastmasters Club since its inception in 2007, Tobias decided to join the Executive Board for the first time this year. He has been involved in Toastmasters for close to 20 years and has reached some of the highest ranks in the organization. Club President Linda Moises-Flanders thanked both Kimasha & Tobias and said she was happy to have a full Executive Board to continue with the work of the Club. She also thanked the two Toastmasters who had served for the first few months in those capacities. The complete Executive consists of Linda Moises-Flanders; President, Kimasha Williams: Vice President Education, Patricia Peter; Vice President Membership, Rolando Tobias; Vice President Public Relations, Sharon Layne; Secretary, Kenneth Hall; Treasurer, Fran Constantine; Sergeant-At-Arms and Ingrid Holaman; Immediate Past President.
Disciples Toastmasters Club meetings are held every second and fourth Sunday from 4:45pm to 6:30pm at the St Maarten Academy academic section in St Peters and anyone is welcome to join.

NEVADA:--- It was time for the negative, offensive, racist and discriminatory caricature of Black Pete (Zwarte Piet) to vanish from the traditional festivities of Netherlands, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed stressed in a statement in Nevada (USA) today.

Country of Rembrandt and Van Gogh which had a long history of social tolerance and which hosted International Court of Justice should not be in the business of such negative stereotyping, Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out.

Rajan Zed noted that it was absolutely baffling that racist stereotypes like "Dutch Black Pete", which should have been extinct many decades ago, continued to exist in 21st century world. Was not Netherlands famous for promoting equality? Zed asked.

Zed indicated that "Dutch Black Pete" might be a popular Dutch tradition but it appeared to be a racist throwback to the slavery era.

Rajan Zed urged His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands to urgently intervene to put an end to the character of "Dutch Black Pete".

Zed suggested His Holiness Pope Francis and other religious leaders to also come out with a strong statement against "Dutch Black Pete" tradition as religions were supposed to speak against racism.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Director of Bureau Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten (BTP-SXM) Mr. Antony Carty together with supporting staff paid a working visit to St. Lucia to meet with the ECTEL, the Multi-State telecom regulator of the Eastern Caribbean, to discuss bilateral- and regional telecom issues and to establish a working relationship between the two regulatory bodies.

During the visit, Mr. Carty, Mr. King, and Mr. Wijngaarde from BTP-SXM met with the Managing Director of the ECTEL- Mr. Embert Charles, the Director of Technical Services- Mr. Andrew Millet, and Director of HR- Ms. Pat Payne.

Topics discussed during the meeting with the regulatory counterpart were; spectrum management, mobile spectrum interference from neighboring islands, Universal Social Funds, talent management, policy development, the impact of mergers and acquisitions in the region and opportunities & threats within the telecom industry.

Mr. Carty and Mr. Embert Charles mutually agreed that ECTEL and BTP-SXM will work together in the future by effectively making use of each other's level of expertise. Mr. Carty stated: "we are operating in the same region, performing similar activities, carry the same responsibilities, facing the same challenges and sharing the same objectives. To operate as efficient and effective as possible, it's beneficial to all parties to establish good working relationships, join forces, learn from each other and assist each other in finding solutions for national, regional and global issues in the sector. All with the overall goal to further enhance telecom services in our region".

The working visit was deemed productive, fruitful and successful and Bureau Telecommunications and post St. Maarten will continue to develop strategic alliances in the region.

BTP SXM Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- As 12th highest vote getter out of 90 candidates and 3rd highest vote getter in the DP, I have been requested many times to comment on the current political situation, I felt that making comments before things were clear could be disruptive to the formation process. Now that Sarah Wescot-Williams, leader of the DP, has made the position of the DP clear, I believe it is reasonable to make a statement.
As the dust settles, I would propose that opposition forms a united coalition since providing quality opposition in Parliament is a critical part of any properly functioning democracy. I will continue to make my contributions by supporting the DP's opposition efforts in Parliament. When and if the time comes that the DP can find its goals of Open Government in a governing coalition I will also be able to support this as well.
My reasons for getting involved in the political process remain unchanged. St Maarten is my home and I believe that as a member of the community, I have an obligation to get involved and to try to make St Maarten a better place to live. I believe that St Maarten is full of undeveloped potential and when properly managed St Maarten can support its entire population with a high quality of life.
I entered the political arena because I believed that real change for St Maarten would only come from real change in government and that government would only change from within. It is unrealistic to expect the beneficiaries of a broken system to change that system. The more involved I become in St Maarten politics, the more convinced I am that change must come from within government.
During one of the early DP/NA/US coalition meetings, I naively asked... "so when do the politics end? When do we get to a stable point where we can focus on the business of governing the island?" With a chuckle, I was told.... Poli-tricks never end... The reality is that to a substantial degree, the people's business is secondary to political brinksmanship.
It is my hope that our current cast of political players will put the interests of St Maarten above the political games which are destructive to St Maarten and only serves to deteriorate the people's already skeptical perceptions of the stability, sincerity and effectiveness of government.
There are some that believe that a concerted effort has been made to keep me out of government. While all of the political parties campaigned on open government, transparency and accountability, some believe that the political establishment was afraid that Emil Lee might actually come in and make it happen.

It has been reported to me that some politicians felt that it would be too disruptive to have me as a Minister that would:

1. Put Ministerial budgets on line with regularly updated reporting on expenditures.
2. Develop a clear Ministerial Business/development plan with updates.
3. Develop and implement a clear departmental travel and expenditure policy.
4. Be transparency on all Ministry expenditures.
5. Revise the public tendering procedures allowing for small and micro businesses to participate.
6. Make government issued licenses, permits like bus, taxi, vending permits public record
7. Review of Ministerial expenditures to see where savings, improved efficiency could be achieved, thereby allowing more valuable services to reach the people.

What we say on the campaign trail is a matter of record. The people of St. Maarten deserve to be able to raise their expectations of their elected representatives living up to the reality of those claims.

Press Release from DP Candidate Emil Lee

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will meet in a Central Committee session on November 17th.

The committee meeting is set for Monday at 2:00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.
The first agenda point is an invitation for the 39th Saba Day celebration on December 5th.

The second agenda point is the draft National Ordinance to establish the 2011 Annual Accounts.
Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

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

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

PHILIPSBURG:--- Managing director of Let's Travel, Terrance Rey, commends Inselair on their proposed direct flights from Curacao to Georgetown, Guyana, starting Thursday, December 18th, 2014, with good connections from St. Maarten on Thursdays and Sundays with their Inselair flights to Guyana. The return flights from Guyana to St. Maarten via Curacao are on Fridays and Mondays departing at 6:45am as the aircraft to be used, a Fokker 70, will overnight in Georgetown, Guyana, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

"I highly commend the management of Inselair on taking this bold step to provide a service that has long been demanded from the Guyanese and business community on St. Maarten," says Terrance Rey. "Not many on St. Maarten are willing to stick their neck out and invest in a commercial service that the market demands, but Curacao-based Inselair has done exactly that and for that I must applaude their decision."

The travel agency and tour operating company owned by Terrance Rey will now offer its clients the introductionary fare offered by Inselair starting as low as 601 Antillean Guilders including taxes. "With this fare we can offer our clients an attractive throughfare from St. Maarten to Guyana that would allow travellers the option of spending a long weekend
or week in Guyana. "Our next step will be to create interesting packages with accommodation providers and tour operators in Guyana to make the trips to Guyana worthwhile for visitors and business travellers alike," says Rey, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AirStMaarten, a company specializing in private charters and shared charters to various destinations in the Caribbean.

"Through our AirStMaarten airline company, we still have the possibility to organize charters depending on demand during the summer holidays and Christmas season." explains Rey. "Clients still prefer the option to arrive in Guyana during the day instead of late at night as the Inselair and Caribbean Airlines flights presently offer."

Rey pointed out that most travellers to Georgetown, Guyana, still have a two to three hour drive ahead of them before arriving at their final destinations in Guyana. "That is why we are still looking to do daytime charter flights to Guyana directly non-stop from St. Maarten as this will allow us to land in Georgetown, Guyana, at the earliest at midday, a solution which the market is still asking for."

Inselair flights will arrive in Georgetown, Guyana, at 10:20pm at night, while the Caribbean Airlines flights arrive past midnight. "We are presently in negotiations to obtain the necessary landingrights to execute charters between St. Maarten and Guyana and between St. Maarten and Jamaica," says Rey. "We expect to have a positive decision in this area and as soon as we do, we will make the necessary announcements to the general public."

In the meantime, AirStMaarten will refer its customers to book their vacation and business travel to Guyana via its official travel agency, Let's Travel. For more information, customers can visit the travel agency's website at www.lets-travel.com.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Philipsburg Seventh-day Adventist Church will be hosting a "New Beginnings Gospel crusade from Sunday, November 16th, 2014 until the 6th of December.

The venue is at the Philipsburg SDA Church on Zagersgut Road #28.

The purpose of the crusade is to bring the gospel to the community; bringing new hope and a new beginning to a people of this time.

Speakers for the crusade are Elders Kevin Simon and Elder Shawn Roomes.

Elder Simon is a young and passionate elder who is also a youth leader. Elder Simon is intrigued by all things scientific and enjoys linking what he knows about the laws of science to the laws of God.

Elder Roomes, a more senior elder and, he has been a youth leader for several years. Elder Rooms loves telling others about Jesus. In addition to his love for witnessing he enjoys studying the Bible, "study to show your self approve unto God" 2 Timothy 2:15.

The Personal Ministries department of the Philipsburg SDA church invites the general public to attend to hear and enjoy the gifts and messages that will be shared. "We would like you to have a new experience with the Creator of the Universe."

The meetings will be held every night except Thursday and Saturday nights from 7pm to 8:30pm.

For more information, persons may contact Pastor Vashni Cuvalay at 524-0283.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Last week PwC St. Maarten (PwC) and VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne organised a follow-up seminar of the "Boardroom Essentials" event that took place in June this year. The feedback and requests received at that time encouraged the organisations to continue with sessions covering similar (sub)topics. This sequel was subtitled "Are you in control", which indicated the objective of the afternoon: support board members and regulators to meet the challenges of their critical roles nowadays.

Four speakers updated the 40 participants about corporate governance, risk management and liability. Among others the health, transportation & logistics, education and legal sectors of St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius were represented in the audience.

Frank Kunneman, senior partner at VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne and Professor of Corporate Governance at the University of Curacao, discussed the sense and non-sense of the Corporate Governance Code. His key message was that St. Maarten should honor the differences between smaller and larger public legal entities, with regard to the Code. Herbert Beldman, director of business & accounting services at PwC, stressed the importance of putting risk management on the board's agenda. He related this directly to improvement of organisational performance and governance. Kamla Besançon, partner at VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne, summarized summarized the tasks and the (potential) liability issues supervisors and directors may have to deal with it. She indicated that the continuity of the company should be the main interest of board members, while in practice this is often not the case. Paul van Vliet, director tax and head of the St. Maarten office of PwC, pointed out that fiscal risks are often underestimated. He used tangible examples to indicate how certain business decisions might lead to profound fiscal risks.

The seminar ended with an animated Q&A and discussion session, indicating the relevance of this subject by the many valid questions that were asked. PwC and VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne both indicated they will follow up on this positive feedback and interest of the audience.

PwC Press Release

Outside help may be called in to assist with reconnections

POND ISLAND:--- TelEm Group's Outside Plant teams are determined not to let last weekend's torrential rains damped their efforts to reconnect customers after the passing of hurricane Gonzalo on the island.
The teams were all geared up to carry out a "blitz" operation in the Betty's Estate area last Saturday when teeming rain put an end to their plans.
"We were out in the field Sunday and again first thing Monday morning to catching up on what we could not do Saturday because of the rains," said TelEm Group, Manager, Outside Plant, Mr. Marco London.
He said his teams have been doubling their efforts all week to get to customers whose services are still interrupted because of overhead cable issues.
Mr. London has also indicated that a relief team of technicians is being sought from overeas in the coming days to give much-needed support to several teams of TelEm Group technicians who are already in the field in various areas around the island.
"The challenge is to use this opportunity to bring forward plans to put our telecommunication infrastructure underground in areas where the overhead infrastructure has been badly damaged," said Mr. London.

He said two areas that presently have priority are Betty's Estate and Sucker Garden, where the cables are being laid underground with the assistance of sub-contractors.
"With the additional help that has arrived we will be getting to areas that are still. We therefore continue to ask these customers in these affected areas to be patient because we are doing all that we can to get their services reconnected as soon as possible," assured Mr. London.
He said technicians began tackling the worst affected areas in Middle Region, Dutch Quarter and Nazareth Friday and will continue in these areas over the weekend
TelEm Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Mrs. Helma Etnel said company personnel have gone to extraordinary lengths to keep up with the restoration work under great pressure from the public and now from inclement weather over which there is no control.
"Management wish to thank personnel for their efforts this far. We trust that the extra support we are bringing in will provide additional support to get services back for our customers within the shortest possible time," continued Mrs. Etnel.
She said the company is more than satisfied that the greater part of its outside plant withstood the impact of hurricane Gonzalo and was able to provide continue internet and landline coverage for customers during and after the major storm.
"Where we were seriously affected was in several areas where the overhead cable networks were damaged and where we have to work along with other services to get these networks rebuilt," said Mrs. Etnel.
She said the company's mobile network via TelCell has also performed well during and after the passing of Hurricane Gonzalo with major repairs already completed on damaged cell sites and mobile network equipment.

TELEM Press Release

Ousted President was kicked out by 83 votes, DSTA Election Slated for Monday --- $27,000 found by Police concealed in DSTA safe.

POINTE BLANCHE:--- Several taxi drivers refuted the newspaper article printed in one of the dailies on Tuesday. The drivers who called an emergency meeting last Monday night at the harbor to demand that the board of the Dutch St. Maarten Taxi Association Board (DSTA) step down because of gross financial mismanagement and conflicts of interest said that Otis Hughes did not resign from the DSTA, actually he was given a vote of non-confidence by 83 members of the DSTA on Monday night when the emergency meeting was held.
Just prior to the meeting the members of the DSTA signed a petition outlining their grievances with the board which they said are:

• Conflict of Interest
• Vote of Non Confidence
• Lack of Communication on the part of the DSTA.

One of the worst things the DSTA members discovered is that the former President and Secretary for some three years formed a Tour Company called AMIGO. The chamber of commerce registration shows that the owners of AMIGO are Otis Hughes and Rigobert Gumbs. Gumbs was DSTA secretary for some three years. This they said is a huge conflict of interest and Hughes has been using the DSTA to provide his company with jobs leaving many taxi drivers out of work. They said AMIGO consists of tour buses and taxis and this company gets preference over all taxi drivers that leave their homes early in the morning to line up at the pier hoping to secure a job. The taxi drivers even said that they are forced to wear the DSTA shirt while Hughes, the former President of the DSTA has been wearing his company tee shirt to work. "Even the French Taxi Drivers were forced to wear the DSTA t-shirts while the president of the association does not comply with the association's rules; instead he was busy enriching himself through the DSTA.
SMN News further learnt that the DSTA members established an interim board that is currently headed by one Curtis Richardson while election for a new board is slated for Monday evening.
One taxi driver said that on Tuesday morning that the defunct board refused to open the office on Tuesday morning forcing one of their colleagues whose name they provided to SMN News to call the police for help and to demand that the members of the defunct board open the office and the safe inside the office. The taxi drivers said that even the police were shocked at what they discovered in the safe. They said the former president and its board had $27,000 concealed inside the safe and they could not even explain to the police officers why they had that amount of monies in an office. They said that the police gave the members of the board up to 12pm Tuesday to ensure that the monies were deposited in the association's account. "Imagine the police spent over three hours there counting the monies and made sure they deposited it. That money was not even properly secured. Furthermore, when the new board is elected on Monday they will file an official complaint on Tuesday for embezzlement."
SMN News contacted Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson for a statement on the intervention by police and the alleged discovery of monies locked in the safe as stated by some of the taxi drivers. Henson said that police was indeed called to the harbor on Tuesday morning to calm a dispute that was taking place at the location. He said that one of the main reasons police intervened was to ensure that the dispute/argument among the taxi drivers did not  escalate into violence. Henson said that police advised the taxi drivers to seek legal representation since the matter between the DSTA and its membership was a civil matter and not criminal. When asked if he would confirm or deny if monies were found in a safe, Henson said that the police will refrain from commenting on that.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake in the wake of the recent torrential rainfall event last weekend and Hurricane Gonzalo mid-October, will meet with representatives from various ministries and other government agencies related to disaster preparedness on Monday morning about disaster management planning and response.

Minister Lake has visited affected areas such as Arch Road and Foga, and has also spoken with many residents with respect to the most recent weather event.

"We need to re-evaluate exactly how things went and how better we can enhance our response, but also being pro-active. As Minister, the responsibility lies with me, and now we need to find solutions to the challenges that we were confronted with, and it goes across the board.

"Sint Maarten has lived through many storms, hurricanes and flood events, and therefore, we should be professionals based on all the experience we have gained. We need to be on the ball," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Thursday.

Minister Lake added that there is a budget to restructure the flood gates and that the project is tentatively set to start end of November. A quotation has also been requested with respect to the Arch Road trench.

Lake also disclosed that dredging parts of the Fresh Water and Salt Pond may be necessary due to top soil and rocks being washed into both water basins.

"I am very disturbed with the situation regarding the storm water pumps. Only one out of the three pumps was working at the time, and the working one also had some issues. This cannot be allowed to happen again. These pumps need to be in tip top shape where it concerns regular maintenance/servicing and frequent testing. A new plan needs to be drafted up on how things should go and perhaps placed under the Secretary General of Ministry VROMI.

"I would like to thank Member of Parliament Hon. Leona Marlin-Romeo for her suggestions and input with respect to the Arch Road area. Other flood areas also have my attention, such as the Cul de Sac Basin, Beacon Hill, Belair, Airport area (in front of the warehouse building) and Mullet Bay.

"We have to move forward to address these issues in a constructive manner and I will be seeking the input by all agencies and ministries concerned. Our people are looking forward to action and better planning. We should be leading in disaster preparedness due to all the experience we have, and we need to be prepared at all times," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake concluded.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Food Safety division of the Inspectorate of Public Health, Social Development and Labor is informing the following.
On Friday, November 7th, 2014 most part of Sint Maarten got flooded due to torrential rainfall. The rain water combined with sewage water, and pond water, and dead animals, including fish, flooded many food establishments where food is being prepared and served a/o sold. This water is by no account clean and is dangerous because it contains many dangerous microbes like bacteria, amoeba, viruses, worms, toxoplasmosis that can cause acute and chronic diseases when they have been ingested. Obviously the chance of food getting contaminated where this dirty water is present is extremely high.
The Food Safety Department of the Inspectorate Public Health, Social Development and Labor considers these situations extremely dangerous for preparing, serving and/or selling food or drinks. The Inspectorate is therefore urging all those that are preparing, serving or selling food or drinks in these conditions to immediately stop with this practice until all the contaminated water has been completely eliminated through drainage or pumping out of the establishment. Furthermore the establishment, especially the food preparation area must be properly disinfected before resuming any food preparation. All food preparation areas must be properly shielded from insects and rodents. It is strongly recommended to secure your property in such a way that this will prevent water from entering as much as possible.
The Inspectorate will be on the lookout for places where food preparation is taking place under these conditions and will act accordingly.

Press Release from Inspectorate of the Ministry of VSA

POINT BLANCHE:--- Port St. Maarten management welcomed the new Regal Princess to the destination for the first time on Thursday, November 13th. The vessel is considered the next generation of innovative Princess ships.

Captain of the Regal Princess Edward Perrin was presented with a plaque of the inaugural call by Port St. Maarten Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo on Thursday morning during a ceremony onboard.

The Captain also presented a plaque of appreciation to Mingo on behalf of Princess Cruises. The exchanges took place in the presence of senior officers as well as Port St. Maarten management staff and Supervisory Board of Directors member Renald Williams.

Captain Perrin stated it was wonderful for the passengers and crew to be on the island, and that he had visited several years ago, and was looking forward to a fantastic working relationship and being here on a weekly basis, adding that there was an exciting season ahead. Every Thursday Regal Princess will call at Port St. Maarten up until April 2015.

CEO Mingo during the exchange of plaques thanked Princess Cruises for its commitment towards the destination on behalf of the Minister of Tourism Affairs Hon. Ted Richardson and the Government of St. Maarten. Mingo also acknowledged that Princess was also celebrating its 50th anniversary just as Port St. Maarten did this year.

"Princess Cruises is one of our key partner cruise lines, and we are very pleased with the relationship that we have built with the cruise line over the years. Based on hard work in destination itinerary marketing over the years has resulted in strategic agreements being made with various cruise lines.

"Having destination St. Maarten on the Regal Princess itinerary is testament to the popularity of our island destination amongst cruise passengers and the lines, and this has to do with our hospitality as a nation towards our guests and we have to maintain that high standard," CEO Mark Mingo said on Thursday after visiting the new vessel that carries close to 5000 passengers and crew.

The 141,000 ton vessel built by Fincantieri Navali Italiani, Monfalcone, Italy, has a guests capacity of 3,560 and 1,346 crew. The Regal has 1,780 guest cabins.

The vessel was inaugurated nine days ago on November 5th in Fort Lauderdale. CEO Mingo was also present for the event.

The Eastern Caribbean seven day itinerary of the vessel starts out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Princess Cays, Bahamas; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; St. Maarten; and back to Fort Lauderdale.

The vessel is registered in Bermuda and has a length of 1,086 feet and a height of 217 feet divided over 19 decks.

Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 18 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all, provided in an environment of exceptional customer service.

The cruise line is a recognized leader in worldwide cruising. Princess carries 1.7 million guests each year to destinations around the globe ranging in depth from three to 111 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Wednesday November 12th, 2014, a massive search was carried out at the Point Blanche Prison by members of the police department in collaboration with Dutch Marines, Customs Department, Immigration and Naturalization Department and the V.K.S. This 40 man strong search team entered the Point Blanche Prison at approximately 7:00 a.m. and immediately began a general search of the facilities. The reason for the search was to locate and confiscate any illegal firearms, other weapons, drugs and other illegal items. The search lasted until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The search was done without resistance and with cooperation from the inmates. During the search a large amount of illegal items such as home machetes, knives, shanks, several small packs of compressed marijuana, home made tattoo machines, 25 cellular telephones and several telephone chargers were found and confiscated. Regular searches will be conducted in the near future.

KPSM Police Report

 Is there still a Government in Place? Where does MP Leona Marlin stand?

PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams read her letter of resignation from the position as chairlady of Parliament which she said is effective immediately. Wescot Williams then asked Parliament if they will allow her to continue the meeting that was scheduled for November 13th, 2014 on intellectual property. The Members of Parliament took a short pause and they caucused for a few minutes after which they allowed the now former chairlady to continue chairing the meeting on Thursday which will be the last meeting she will chair.
SMN News obtained details as to how the leader of the Democratic Party got the letter she received from MP Cornelius de Weever informing her that he nominated his uncle to be the Minister of VSA and Rita Gumbs as Minister of Education (the latter's brother is married to the sister of the UPP leader). According to the information SMN News received, MP Cornelius de Weever sent the letter to the Prime Minister on Monday but she was not in office, the person who took the letter then went to Wescot Williams' executive secretary to give her the letter for the Prime Minister and she advised that person to tell the Minister both him and the Prime Minister will meet at Parliament and he should give her the letter himself. Surprisingly, the executive secretary went into to the Prime Minister's office sometime later and saw the envelope she was asked to give the Prime Minister on the hand rest of her chair. The source said that the executive secretary called the person and asked him who gave him permission to enter the Prime Minister's office when she was not in office and he said that Minister de Weever told him to stick the letter under her door but he did not give any reasons as why he went into the Prime Minister's office unauthorized. The source further explained that when the Prime Minister who was busy chairing a meeting of Parliament at the time got the information as to what transpired in her office she instructed a security guard to take the letter to her and when the security guard went over to Parliament with the letter MP De Weever approached him and took the letter and told the security guard he could not enter the public tribune where the meeting was being held. The source said MP De Weever then took the letter and gave it to the Security Guard of Parliament and instructed him to hand the letter to the Wescot Williams when the meeting ended.
As the second political turmoil began on St. Maarten on Wednesday November 12th, 2014, just over two months after the August 29th Parliamentary Elections; well placed sources have informed SMN News that the chips have just begun falling in the UP/De Weever/Marlin coalition as Member of Parliament Lloyd Richardson has indicated to several of his advisors and friends that he intends to declare himself as an independent member of Parliament. It is left to be seen if MP Richardson will follow through with what he said to several persons on how he will proceed in his political career.
The source said that the "Doc" has indicated to them that he has pride and he will not be played by any political leader. According to the source, Member of Parliament Lloyd Richardson is extremely upset at the way he was played and even fooled not once but twice by the leader of his party Theodore Heyliger. Those that spoke to MP Richardson said that the "Doc" said that no one will treat him like a child whom they will give a sweet and then take it back for their own self interest. Friends and advisors of MP Richardson said that Heyliger first made MP Richardson chairman of parliament and within no time he took it back and handed it to the leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams, likewise he was given the Ministry of VSA where he has full expertise and without any notification he had to learn through the media that the leader of the UPP had taken that position away from him and handed it to Leroy de Weever someone who orchestrated the fall of the former coalition (NA/DP/USp) even though he did not postulate on any political slate. Those that spoke to MP Richardson quoted him as saying he will never accept the position as chairperson of parliament now that Wescot Williams dropped the ball. They said that MP Richardson made it clear that he has to give accountability to the persons who placed their confidence in him, moreover he said has to remove himself from the current political matrix. One of the persons MP Richardson has to give explanation to is Silvio Lindo of Curacao whom he asked to take up the position as Minister of VSA when he was assured by his political leader that he was going to get the Ministry of VSA.

Other sources in the House of Parliament said that independent Member of Parliament Leona Marlin is demanding the position of the chair since she is the vice chair of Parliament.  SMN News will bring you more information as these political developments continue.

MIDDLE REGION:--- United People's (UP) party Member of Parliament Tamara Leonard recently discussed career choices with sixth graders of Sister Marie Laurence Primary School in Middle Region. The sixth graders will head to high school in the new school year.
Leonard, a businesswoman, spoke to the pupils about the vital careers the country needs now and in the future for it to continue to progress and grow stronger as a country. She highlighted careers St. Maarten will need should the country decide to move away from the Dutch Kingdom and become an independent country in the Caribbean.
Pupils were also given a motivational talk by Leonard, who encouraged them to stay in school, focus on achieving the highest educational standards and to choose careers that will benefit their country.
Leonard will return to the school in two weeks' time to see the career choices the pupil chose for their future. The school will hold a small career expo with displays from pupils about their career choices. Pupils are expected to also give explanations about their career choice.

HARBOUR VIEW:--- His Excellency the Governor of Sint Maarten, drs. E.B. Holiday, met with formateur Theo Heyliger to discuss the progress of the formation process. During the meeting the formateur presented the Governor with the names of the candidates for the function of Prime Minister, ministers and the candidate Minister Plenipotentiary. The process of the vetting of the candidates will start as from now.
As stated before, the Governor requested Mr. Heyliger to present him the final report of the formation process ultimately November 30th, 2014.

From the Cabinet of the Governor of St. Maarten

Names of Persons Submitted to the Ministerial Position.

SMN News managed to obtain the list with the names of persons that were submitted to Governor Eugene Holiday for vetting in order for them to form the next government. The names of persons are:
1. Peggy Ann Brandon for the Ministry of VROMI.
2. Rita Gumbs for Education, Youth, Sports and Culture.
3. Clarett Conner for the Ministry TEATT.
4. Marcel Gumbs for Prime Minister.
5. Richard Gibson as Minister of Finance.
6. Dennis Richardson for the Ministry of Justice.
7. Petrus Leroy De Weever for the Ministry of VSA.

PHILPSBURG:--- A group of 20 Tzu Chi volunteers helped clean eight classrooms and sections of the compound at Methodist Agogic Center (MAC) Browlia Milliard Campus, which was in a terrible state with muddy slush on the lower levels following the torrential rains over the weekend.

After receiving a call to assist in the clean up efforts on Sunday, November 9, the Foundation mobilised the group of volunteers on short notice to assist at the school. One of the volunteers - Bradly Attyl - had been celebrating his birthday, but cancelled his plans to help clean to school to minimise disruption of classes.

Several persons from the Fire Department as well as some teachers were also on hand to assist at the school.

Tzu Chi took cleaning products and cleaning supplies to help in the cleanup efforts. The Foundation also provided drink, water, juice and snacks for persons who assisted in the benevolent effort.

Tzu Chi Commissioner Sandra Cheung said we should use every disaster as a learning lesson for ourselves and our children. She was very grateful that Tzu Chi was able to mobilise its volunteers in a short period to help. The youngest volunteer was an enthusiastic four year old, who had a fun time helping under the guidance of adults. Cheung was heartened to see Attyl give up his birthday plans to help out.

She said Tzu Chi's Founder Master Cheng Yen teaches us that there are two things that should not be delayed: doing good things; repaying our parents and using our bodies to do good deeds. She said volunteer Attyle achieved all of these on his birthday.

She thanked all volunteers for coming out on short notice to assist the school and was happy that the clean up efforts had been completed by the end of the day Sunday.

Tzu Chi Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday November 7th, 2014 at approximately 6:15 p.m. police patrols and detectives were sent to Midtown Hotel to investigate an armed robbery. On the scene the investigating officers spoke to the three victims from Venezuela. Two of them stated that they were on the island to conduct business and while they were in their hotel room they were attacked by three unknown armed men who were dressed completely in black and had their faces covered. These men threatened the victims with their weapons and forced them to the floor. They were tied up and their hotel room searched and all their personal belongings were stolen by the robbers. After committing this act the robbers fled the scene. The third victim arrived a little later at the hotel room and met his colleagues tied up. They were untied at which time the police were called. An undisclosed amount of cash and some electrical equipment were stolen from the room. The Forensic Department was also on the scene to collect evidence. The Special Robbery Unit is busy conducting this investigation.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- Book week is aimed at arousing the value of reading in our students. The program of celebration is designed to include essay and poster contests, book exhibitions, spelling bee competitions, battle of the books, visits to the library and various establishments. This year's theme is 'Living Things' and the slogan is 'Branch out with reading'.
On Friday November 28th; at 8:00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m.; Oranje School will be hosting their annual book week parade. Students will be wearing book week t-shirts created by a student of the school while other students will be wearing costumes depicting living things, such as plants, mammals, amphibians, fish, birds, reptiles, and insects . The Soualouiga jump-up brass band will be leading the march/parade along with St. Maarten Vocational School drummers.
The route is from Oranje School on Front Street – straight down to jump-up casino – turning onto backstreet– continue straight down on backstreet- until- turning into old galaxy alley and back to the Oranje School.

Oranje School's Book Week Committee

PHILIPSBURG:--- Currently there is much discussion on the cost of Petroleum Products, whereby the public has indicated that government is over-charging by including turnover tax (TOT) in the price build-up. The TOT is an indirect tax, a gross receipt tax with the character of a consumption tax, which is levied on sales of goods and services at every stage in the supply chain as it makes its way to the final end user and is aimed to tax the consumption of goods and/or the use of services (See the Explanatory note by the introduction of the Ordinance on Turn over Tax 1997, P.B. 1996, no. 210, Statenstuk, zitting 1996-1997, no. 3, Memorie van Toelichting: "De BBO is een indirecte belasting, een omzetbelasting met het karakter van een verbruiksbelasting die de "voortstuwing" van goederen èn diensten op hun weg van producent naar consument belast en die beoogt het consumptieve verbruik van goederen en diensten in de heffing te betrekken"). The TOT is very similar to a sales tax; whereas a conventional sales tax allows the seller to itemize the tax separately from the price of goods or services, the TOT requires it to be included in the price (tax-inclusive). As such, it is allowed to charge TOT at every step in the supply chain, from the wholesaler, to the retailer, to the end consumer.
The TOT is calculated over the turnover the entrepreneur has realized. Referencing the example given: if a company sells a product for 1 guilder to a consumer (thus the consumer pays the 1 Guilder) the entrepreneur is required to pay a 5 percent turnover tax over his gross receipt of 1 Guilder to the government. Therefore if the entrepreneur sells a product for 1 Guilder, than in this 1 Guilder should also reflect the TOT, which is included in the price-buildup.
In response to the current discussion regarding to the cost of Petroleum Products, the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication (TEZVT) decided to show the thorough and complete breakdown of all the components that determine the end consumer price of Petroleum Products, which also includes the TOT in the price-buildup. This approach was taken in order to be transparent and to help the public understand the pricing structure.
In conclusion, it should be noted that the calculation and the pricing of Petroleum Products by the Ministry of TEZVT is correct. Questions may be referred to the Minister and inquiries directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Division for Educational Innovation (DEI) is currently conducting a desk research within several government departments, divisions, government owned companies and schools subsidized by government in order to lay the groundwork for the creation of a national study database.
The study database is part of the "Studying in the Region 2014-2015" project plan. DEI has been tasked with conducting the desk research necessary for development of this database. One of the goals of the study database is to create better matches between existing vacancies (or positions that will become vacant within a 10 year period) and students currently studying for a particular area of study. The database will provide an overview of study financing recipients, an overview of critical vacancies as well as an overview of expatriates on contract and of persons retiring within ten years in the civil service, government owned companies and subsidized schools on the island.
This project is the result of the bilateral protocol that was signed in the policy areas of Education, Culture and Science between our Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports and Minister of Education, Culture and Science of the Netherlands. An Action plan for 2014-2015 for the execution of the bilateral protocol as well as the project plan "Studying in the Region: Budget 2014" was also signed.
Businesses in the private sector that wish to be part of the national study database can contact Janelle Presentacion, Project Manager DEI, at 542-4594 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Formateur Shuffled the pack again this time appointing Petrus Leroy De Weever as Minister of VSA, the Doc was fooled.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams was fully played by formateur Theodore Heyliger and Democratic Party member Cornelius de Weever. Wescot Williams told members of the media on Wednesday afternoon that she signed an agreement on the night of October 9th, 2014 on behalf of the Democratic Party with formateur Theodore Heyliger. That agreement she shared with reporters to show that she did not sign an agreement on her own behalf and furthermore all parties including Minister/Member of Parliament Cornelius de Weever agreed that the nomination of Ministers will be done in consultation with parties. Wescot Williams said that the basis of that agreement is that integrity will be the government's number one priority, Ministers will be appointed in consultation with the coalition partners, while all government owned companies will be overhauled.
Wescot Williams said based on the discussions she held with all parties including Petrus Leroy de Weever, MP Cornelius de Weever and formateur Theodore Heyliger, all parties agreed that the Democratic Party would appoint two Ministers, namely the Minister of VSA, Education or TEATT, the Democratic Party would also appoint one person for a post in the Netherlands while they will also get the chairmanship of Parliament. Wescot Williams said on October 28th, 2014 she submitted  three names because later it was agreed that the Ministry of TEATT stays with the UPP. Therefore the Democratic Party submitted Emile Lee as the Minister of VSA, Yvette Halley as Minister of Education and Perry Kerlings as substitute Minister of Plenipotentiary. Wescot Williams said that she waited for two weeks and she did not get any response from the formateur but on November 10th, 2014 she received a letter from MP Cornelius de Weever informing her that he submitted two names to the formateur on behalf of the Democratic Party, those names are Petrus Leroy de Weever as Minister of VSA and Rita Gumbs as Minister of Education. Wescot Williams said when she got the letter from MP De Weever she contacted the formateur for an explanation and he responded by stating that the names submitted by "Connie" are more in line with the agreement and the scenario at hand.
Wescot Williams said upon hearing that she penned a letter to the formateur to which she is expecting a response, in that letter she also informed him that she will make the position of chairperson of parliament available to him. Wescot Williams further explained that she sent a letter to MP Cornelius de Weever who is still a member of the Democratic Party and depending on his response the board of the Democratic Party will take a decision.
Pressed by members of the media on whether or not she as leader of the Democratic Party will give her support to the coalition, Wescot Williams said that she prefers to wait on a response from the formateur before stating her position, she however stated that based on what transpired it is hardly likely that she will continue to give her support to the UPP/De Weever/Marlin coalition.
SMN News reported several times that the current coalition government was in shambles, this media house also reported just two days ago that MP Lloyd Richardson got the Ministry of VSA and he was appointing Silvio Lindo as Minister. Just on Wednesday MP Lloyd Richardson confirmed to some of his colleagues that he got the Ministry of VSA, so while one of the UPP candidates believed that the name he submitted to the formateur for vetting went to the governor it is clear that is not the case because the formateur submitted the names to the Governor on Wednesday morning. THe list of names submitted to Governor Holiday surely does not have Silvio Lindo's name on it but it has been replaced by the man who formed the UPP/De Weever coalition, Petrus Leroy de Weever.

Click here to see agreement signed by Wescot Williams on behalf of the Democratic Party.

MULLET BAY:---- The annual face-off between the Dutch side and French side golf teams in the Concordia Cup was won by Team Saint Martin. After 3 years of dominance by the St. Maarten team, the French side recaptured the Concordia cup with a score of 14 to 13 points.

The two day tournament that is yearly organized around St. Maarten's Day was reduced to one day due to the torrential rain on Friday and Saturday morning that battered the golf course and made it impossible to play or for players to reach the Mullet Bay golf course.

On Sunday morning, under soggy though sunny conditions the best 18 golfers of the Dutch and French side faced each other for their first test. While the Fourball matches were skipped as a result of the shortened tournament, the French side took a comfortable 5.5 to 3.5 point lead after the Foursomes matches (alternate shot) in the morning.

After enjoying a delicious combined team lunch on the course, both teams went out on the course again in the afternoon for their individual Single matches. The Dutch side was able to fight back and win this afternoon format with 9.5 to 8.5 points but in the end is wasn't enough to overcome the deficit of the morning and beat the French side, who were crowned the 2014 Concordia Cup Champions.

After all the fierce battles on the course had come to a conclusion the Dutch and French side enjoyed drinks and snacks in great camaraderie at the Mullet Bay Golf Course. It is without a doubt that this tournament wouldn't be possible without the tremendous support, sponsorship and dedication of Mullet Bay Golf Resort, ILTT – Heineken, Bob Hilbert, Prime Distributors, the SMGA, Les Tamarins Association de golf, Dauphin Telecom and Howard Hobgood.

Wide scale Research into the Status of National Symbol

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Nature Foundation recently concluded its annual Pelican research Project. The Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is one of St. Maarten's national symbols, the depiction of which can be found on the island's Flag and Coat of Arms. The bird also lends its name to various businesses and institutions on the island but despite this there was previously very little information publicly on the status of Pelicans on St. Maarten. The Nature Foundation therefore decided that in order to properly conserve and manage this culturally important species there was a need to collect vital information on nesting areas, how many pelicans we still have left, and what type of threats the bird faces. Research has shown that the pelican population has severely decreased over the last few decades. The health of St. Maarten's pelicans also reflects the general health of the marine ecosystem; with more pelicans present the better the environment.

Research was carried out from St. Maarten's Day the 11th of November 2013 to St. Maarten's Day the 11th of November 2014. Each site was counted once every two months with the General Public also assisting on numerous occasions.

Based on the conducted research an overall total of 339 individuals were recorded on St. Maarten with 8 chicks and 35 sub-adults recorded. It was further determined that breeding season for adult pelicans runs from approximately the beginning of June through August with the peak occurring at the end of July through the beginning of August.

The numerous threats faced by the resident pelican population on St. Maarten were also researched with the primary threat being related to habitat destruction. The resident pelican population has decreased drastically in the last four decades which coincides with the building boom experienced on St. Maarten during the nineteen sixties and seventies when numerous breeding locations had to make way for sea-front development.

The final threat to the species is related to the entanglement in fishing line and marine debris such as plastic bags and other garbage. The Nature Foundation often responds to incidents where pelicans are caught in fishing line or hooks, fishing nets, plastic bags, or soda can holders. Steps are therefore currently being taken by the Nature Foundation to introduce a line recycling program which the Foundation hopes will reduce incidents of Marine Entanglement to not only Pelicans but numerous other Marine Wildlife.

PHILIPSBURG:--- This report briefly summarizes the activities of the Nature Foundation post significant rain event and subsequent flooding on the 7th and 8th of November 2014.

This is the second report regarding the activities conducted by the Nature Foundation.

Water Quality Tests were conducted at Great Bay, Little Bay and Simpson Bay Beaches in the vicinity of Kim-sha beach in order to determine the levels of Water Quality. Whenever there is a large rain event such as the one experienced on the 7th and 8th of November there is significant runoff and overflow of the Great and Fresh Ponds which can result in poor water quality at the aforementioned beaches. Based on the results of the water quality tests the St. Maarten Nature Foundation recommends that people still avoid swimming or bathing at the beaches in the wider Great Bay area. Water Quality at Kim-Sha Beach has increased to the level which makes it safe for swimming. Tests have shown that water quality is of a reduced level, which may cause negative reactions in swimmers including swimmers ear and ear infections and irritated skin.

The Nature Foundation is still conducting removal of Tilapia and other species of fish in numerous areas.

The Nature Foundation will continue to follow-up with continued tests and monitoring and will report accordingly.

GREAT BAY:--- Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA) Collective Prevention Services (CPS) Dr. Virginia Asin representing Sint Maarten, took part along with 100 participants from 30 countries in an Emergency Risk Communication Workshop for Caribbean Countries on Ebola in Barbados.

The purpose of the workshop is to strengthen national capacity for emergency risk communications. It focused on current and potential risks to people's health – influenza-like illness/pandemic; dengue haemorrhagic fever, Chikungunya; and Ebola virus disease (EVD).

The welcome opening remarks were given by Dr. Godfrey Xuereb, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organization (WHO) representative for Barbados, and the eastern Caribbean countries.

The objective is to strengthen national risk communications capacity, building on efforts made to establish and maintain it in compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR), and the 2014-2016 National Extension Action Plans and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework.

The benefits taken away by the participating countries and territories was a re-invigoration of pandemic communications in the Caribbean sub-region; strengthened collaboration amongst staff from different units and sectors contributing to pandemic communications and emergency risk communications; and the revision, updating, and consolidation of existing risk communications strategies and plans.

Kendol Morgan, Program Manager for Communication for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat briefly highlighted the CARICOM meeting of Heads of Governments with respect to Ebola.

The feature address was made by Barbados Acting Minister of Health Hon. Donville Innis who applauded the initiative for the workshop.

The training team for the workshop was made up of facilitators and communication experts from the PAHO and WHO.

The workshop was held at the Crane Beach Hotel from November 6 to the 8.

DUTCH QUARTER:--- An Oasis Games introduction workshop will take place on Friday, November 14 from 9:00am to 5:00pm at the Dutch Quarter Community Center. Community leaders, civic groups, Community Councils, and other interested persons are invited to the free workshop.
Workshop attendees will learn about the seven step Oasis Game philosophy.
To realize an Oasis Game, energetic and inspiring volunteers are invited to attend the aforementioned.

Community members from Dutch Quarter who want to work for their own community are also invited to the meeting.

Volunteers from other communities, who would like to learn how to prepare and organize an Oasis game for their own community, are more than welcome. Help your community, learn and have a lot of fun!
.
In 2012 an Oasis Game was organized in Dutch Quarter by Niels Koldewijn from Elos Netherlands and Kurt Schoop from Oasis Caribe Movement.
The Oasis game originates from the favelas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Oasis games have been organized on Curacao and Bonaire.

An Oasis game is filled with games, dance and surprising activities. An Oasis game is an event for community members to make their dreams come true. By realizing their dreams, they also raise their capacity to help themselves in a better way and to connect them with their fellow community members.

During the Oasis Game in Dutch Quarter two years ago, community members were encouraged to express their dreams for their community. The second weekend, the community members start working together to realize one of their dreams.

The Oasis Games presents techniques that can be utilized for the positive development of society.

For more information email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or go to the Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/oasiscaribemovement.

KRALENDIJK, Bonaire:--- On Monday, November 10th, the course for police, Coast Guard and Koninklijke Marechaussee (KMar) officially begun. This is a historic moment because it is the first time that the course is being given on Bonaire, and because it is a combined course for all three units.

According to Chief of Police Caribbean Netherlands Hildegard Buitink, it is a historic moment that the training for the police, Coast Guard and the KMar is jointly given, just when all three units have moved into the newly renovated police station on Bonaire. There is good cooperation between the ministries in the Netherlands, Caribbean Netherlands and other Dutch Caribbean islands. The group of students consists of a mix of young people from the Caribbean Netherlands, the Netherlands and Curaçao. "We hope for a good mobility between the police, the Coast Guard and the KMar mainly because of this. I want to congratulate the students and wish them a lot of success with the training", said Buitink.

Deputy director of the Coast Guard Hans Schreuder stated that the Coast Guard has indeed always had its own training, but that it does not differ much from the police: The Coast Guard investigates at sea, the police does the same on land. "By training together, you get to know each other and the collaboration will only get better. Such collaboration is important because you meet each other at the border where the water meets the land ."

Aard Lettink, Brigade Commander in the Caribbean of the KMar, calls it "very important that the candidates forge a professional but also a relational bond for life through this joint training. I think the method of design of this course can serve as an example because you go around together, learn from each other and use each other's strengths. We as KMar invest lots of energy and capacity in strengthening the collaboration between the different services, as this will boost the best results for the society."

Jan Kooijstra, Manager Education Police Academy Apeldoorn Netherlands, was also present at the start of the joint training. "We think it is a great challenge to provide training for the police, Coast Guard and KMar in the Caribbean Netherlands. It is an mbo-3 course, in which students are trained in two years time to perform the most common matters in the street, such as investigation, enforcement and control. The strength of this joint teaching is that we can also perform together in the three areas mentioned. That makes it unique," said Kooijstra.

After the official part all participants could enjoy a piece of cake and some beverage before starting the first day of the course.

KPCN Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Sunday November 9th, 2014 at approximately 5:05 a.m. a Simpson Bay police patrol was sent to Cape Bay road for a shooting. On the scene the investigating officers spoke to a witness who directed the officers to the victim. The victim was found at his home, which is also located on the Cape Bay road. The victim was bleeding from a gunshot wound to his right shoulder. The victim stated that while he and his girlfriend were walking towards his home, he heard what sounded like a gunshot behind him. When he turned around, he saw an unknown man dressed completely in dark clothing and a ski-mask over his head with a gun in his hand running towards them. Fearing for their lives he and his girlfriend took off running in the direction of his home. The victim further stated that while running he heard numerous shots being fired off, one of which hit him in his right shoulder. The victim also stated that he could not identify the person who shot at him and his girlfriend. The paramedics treated the victim on the scene and then transported him to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for further treatment. During the investigation on the scene by the Forensic Department numerous bullet shells were found and several parked vehicles were damaged by the bullets that were fired. This case is under investigation by the Detective department. Anyone who mat have information that could shed some light on this investigation, are asked to get in contact with police department via telephone number 54-22222 ext. 223, 224 or the tip line 9300.

PUBLIC NOTICE: STOP, DROP & GO.

The team of the gun awareness project "Stop, Drop & Go" is reminding the general public that the project is still operational and will end Friday November 14th, 2014. This means, that there is still the opportunity for those persons who are in the possession of an illegal firearm or are in the possession of a firearm that they have no use for anymore, to surrender their weapon at the office of the Solicitor General, which is located on the third floor of Puerta del Sol Building located on the Welfare road in Cole Bay. The team encourages everyone to make good use of this opportunity. This can be done without any fear of prosecution. On the French side of the island these weapons can be turned in at the Gendarmerie in Marigot and in French Quarter.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will meet in a plenary public session on November 13th. This session is related to Bureau Intellectual Property which was initially held on Monday, November 10, but due to a lack of a quorum it was closed and rescheduled for the aforementioned date.
The plenary session is set for Thursday at 2:00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.
The first agenda point is incoming documents; the second agenda point is the draft National Ordinance regarding the Bureau of Intellectual Property with respect to current rules, responsibilities and obligations.

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

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

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

People of St. Maarten need to rise up and protect their heritage and culture – PM

PHILIPSBURG:--- The official and traditional St. Martin's Day celebration that was hosted by the French side did not see much Members of Parliament from the Dutch side. Even the ten seat majority in parliament did not show their faces on Tuesday at the church service that was held at the Methodist Church. In attendance were Member of Parliament Leona Marlin Romeo, Minister/Member of Parliament Maurice Lake and Minister/ Member of Parliament Cornelius de Weever along with Prime Minister/ President of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams. Among them were Governor Eugene Holiday and his wife, Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson, Minister of Finance Martin Hassink and Minister of Education, Youth and Culture Patricia Lourens-Philips.
The official ceremony was supposed to kick off at 9am but that was delayed by 25 minutes because the French authorities were not at the church to welcome their guests from across the border.
Prefet Delegue Phillipe Chopin arrived on time but after Governor Eugene Holiday and his wife Marie- Louise, Acting Governor Reynold Groenenveldt, Prime Minister and President of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams were all inside waiting on the arrival of the French elected officials whom it was said got delayed by the relay and bicycle races.
The sermon given by Pastor Rawlins dealt with integrity and other matters that are plaguing government currently.
After the church service the official wreath laying ceremony was held at the Belvedere border. The first set of wreaths were laid by Prefet Phillipe Chopin and Governor Eugene Holiday while the second set by Prime Minister/President of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams and President of the Collectivity Aline Hanson.
During the traditional ceremony the gunslingers played the French and Dutch anthem.
Dignitaries posed for the various cameras for the perfect photo shots before leaving to French Quarter where they sat under a tent to view the various troupes that participated in the troupe parade. While enjoying the steel pan music and the performance given by Mighty Dow and his troupe a heavy shower of rain came down causing some minor flooding. However, by the time the dignitaries reached the Thelbert Carti stadium where the official speeches were given the rain stopped.
There were six speakers for the annual event they were Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Patricia Lourens-Philips, President of the Collectivity of St. Martin Aline Hanson, Prime Minister/ President of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams, Senator Guillaume Arnell, Governor Eugene Holiday and Prefet Delegue Phillipe Chopin.
All of the speakers placed emphasis on unity and cooperation, especially the Treaty of Concordia that was signed and respected some 366 years ago. The 2014 St Martin's Day celebration marks 66 years since this auspicious day is celebrated jointly.
Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams called on the people of St. Maarten/Martin to protect their heritage and culture especially now that the French are considering implementing border controls at the island's border. Wescot Williams asked the gathering if they still have the fire in their belly for the entire island? She also insisted that both sides local governments have been working closely as they enhance cooperation between the two sides. Therefore, it is up to the people of St. Maarten to ensure what they are enjoying now is being safeguarded and they should not allow outsiders to decide or dictate for the island. She asked how the younger generation can carry on the legacy that has been left by their forefathers when they have failed to transfer that legacy and pride that goes with it to the younger generation. "How do you want them to know if they are not being reminded of the way it used to be in the past? How do you expect them to take on the battle against any adversaries?" Wescot Williams said the Treaty of Concordia is alive and kicking and it's the people that have to bring it across to the young people of St. Maarten. "Today we are taking for granted what outsiders talk about St. Maarten in the most degrading way, most of the time when this happens the people of St. Martin turn their heads the other way and they repeat what is being said by outsiders about St. Maarten and its people." We are getting indications about proposals to close the border and instead of reacting it is left up to those that are saying it. Wescot Williams said many questioned why she gets preoccupied with such things but should that happen she herself will not be able to come across on the French side to request a birth certificate. "When I react they say that St. Maarten people are emotional. Yes we are emotional but we have to be emotional about the right things. We should do so to protect this land we call our own, even the treaty of Concordia states that when it comes to outsiders seeking to destroy the unity among St. Maarten and its people they will stand together." After the official speeches some of which were lengthy, the official toast to celebrate St. Martin's Day was held then lunch was served.
One of the things that was highly noticeable both on the French and Dutch side of the island on this St. Martin Day is that the people were not part of the celebration, there were hardly any vehicles carrying the St. Maarten flag, there were also not much persons along the roadside. The relay and bicycle races held on Tuesday morning were not as exciting as previous years.

Click here to view photos of St. Maarten/St. Martin's Day 2014 celebrations.

Click here to read Governor Eugene Holiday's St. Maarten Day Message.

FRENCH QUARTER:--- The Captain of the Gendarmerie Slyvian Joualt along with other Gendarmes ordered two officers that escorted the Prime Minister and Governor of St. Maarten to the French side to leave the French side of the island since they were carrying their firearms. SMN News reporter saw the Chief Security of the Prime Minister speaking to the Captain of the Gendarmerie and his officers when he asked the Dutch Police Officers to leave the French Territory. According to information SMN News obtained from the Dutch authorities, Joualt told the Dutch side police officers that he was given orders from the Prefet to have the officers of KPSM that were escorting the Prime Minister/President of Parliament to leave because they were carrying their service weapon and no one from KPSM informed the Gendarmes that officers of KPSM were going to be on the French side where the official St. Maarten's Day celebration were held. SMN News further understood that the Dutch side protocol department had contacted with the French side protocol department and they were fully informed that two police officers from KPSM were going to be on motorcycles to escort the Prime Minister.
The incident took place while the both sides dignitaries and their invited guests were inspecting the uniform and other troupes on French Quarter main road in the vicinity of the French Quarter Cultural Center. As soon as the parade ended the two officers went back to the Dutch side leaving the Dutch dignitaries in the hands of the Gendarmes and Territorial Police. At the stadium where the main event was held a former convict that is well known both on the Dutch and French side approached Governor Eugene Holiday with a stack of documents explaining Governor Holiday that he has been having some problems with the Dutch side. The well known French Quarter citizen was removed from beside Governor Holiday who had to stand up to speak with the French citizen by a Territorial Police.
A senior officer at KPSM said that what took place on St. Maarten's Day was indeed an embarrassment. The officer further stated that if KPSM and its officers want to act like the Gendarmes then they would be chasing Gendarmes from the Dutch side everyday when they cross over the border to go to clubs and other places armed.

The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication herewith makes the following known that:

Tuesday, November 11, 2014 (St. Maarten's Day) is an official holiday.
In keeping with the Law on Shop Closure, all places of business must be closed on this day.

In accordance with Article 3 of the Law on Shop Closure, the afore-mentioned is not applicable to the following businesses:

• Pharmacies, as far as it concerns the sale of medicine and medical products;
• Bars and restaurants;
• Hotel and guesthouses;
• Stores located in hotels and on airport and harbor premises;
• Funeral parlors;
• Gas stations and
• Bakeries selling pastries, milk and milk products

No dispensation will be granted for stores to be opened on St. Maarten's Day, November 11, 2014.

Claims that there is Financial Mismanagement

POINTE BLANCHE:--- Several Taxi Drivers called an emergency meeting with the board of the Dutch St. Maarten Taxi Drivers Association (DSTA) on Monday afternoon demanding that the board step down since they have proof that there has been financial mismanagement with the association's funds. Some concerned taxi drivers told SMN News that the members of the DSTA signed a petition demanding that the current board resign. On that petition they mentioned three points as grievances:

• Conflict of Interest
• Vote of Non Confidence
• Lack of Communication on the part of the DSTA.

The taxi drivers said that several of the DSTA board members have their own companies and they are using their position on the board to take cruise passengers from the ships via their companies.They further explained that the DSTA board are forcing taxi drivers to wear the DSTA orange shirts but the board members are wearing the shirts belonging to their companies. One of the board members they said own a company called "Amigo" and this board member wears his company shirt everyday and no one from the board tells him anything because they all are doing the same thing. "When they take the passengers and give it to their companies the taxis that are paying a monthly fee to work at the harbor does not get jobs. Many days some of us going home without a job while the board members are enriching themselves."

The taxi drivers said that while the members and the board started the meeting, it became very heated they ended up in a deadlock because the current board headed by Ottis Hughes has refused to step aside. The taxi drivers told SMN News Monday night that while they are negotiating with the board members of the DSTA they are in a deadlock because the DSTA board does not want to move. They further stated that Hughes has been the DSTA president for the past four years and he has taken it for granted. They further stated that their intention is to have the board resign and then they will appoint an interim board until elections of a new board can be held.

When SMN News contacted the DSTA secretary for a statement it was clear that the taxi drivers were not at all happy as they were very loud as they expressed their concerns. There was loud shouting in the background as the taxi drivers expressed their displeasure at the current board. The DSTA said that they are unable to make a statement on Monday since they are still in a meeting and negotiating with their members, they did promise to get back to SMN News with a statement when the meeting concluded.

SIMPSON BAY:--- The search team that is busy searching for the Skyway Short 36 wreckage that crashed off the coast of St. Maarten on October 29th, 2014 recovered some human remains along with clothing and some wreckage on Monday afternoon, Head of Coast Guard Glen Werleman confirmed this to SMN News on Monday.
Werleman said that the team of searchers found two fragments of human bones, clothing and parts of the aircraft. The head of St. Maarten's Coast Guard said that it is clear that the Short 36 smashed into pieces when it crashed. He said that the searchers found part of one of the aircraft's wings and the front of the cockpit. Werleman said that the items and human bones that were found were brought into the Coast Guard's office on Monday afternoon. He further explained that the search team resumed their search efforts at 9am Monday morning until Monday afternoon. "At the moment the team is meeting and discussing whether or not they will continue the search."
While the head of the Coast Guard refused to speculate on the find  (fragment of bones) it likely that the human remains that were found at the crash site are those belonging to the missing co-pilot Rigoberto Lopez.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Philipsburg Jubilee Library is getting all geared up for Children's Book Week 2014. Between November 16th and November 22nd the library will once again host a spectacular event, focused on the joy of reading and storytelling. This year's theme is "Folktales and Fairytales from around the world ". The main event this year will be the children's play "The Donkey tale", performed by Youth theatre group Bonaire, under the leadership of artist and dramaturge Jackie Bernabela. The library was very happy to be able to collaborate with Ms. Bernabela and her group once again, since the "Donkey tale" was highly appreciated by the little ones during Children's Book Week 2011. The play will be performed in the morning hours during the entire book week in the Cultural Centre.
Children's Book Week 2014 will be launched on Sunday, November 16th, around 4.00 pm, with a swinging mini-parade from the library's parking lot to the Philipsburg Community and Cultural Centre . This parade will be followed up by an opening event in the Cultural Centre. The highlight of the opening events will be the official opening of the book week by Governor Holiday as well as a performance of the children's musical "Anansi and the Great Salt Pond". All children are welcome to participate in this children's book week parade and the opening event!
Other highlights of Children's Book Week 2014 are storytelling afternoons with Papa Umpo and Dorothy Richardson and family movie nights. With a great lineup up of exciting events throughout the week, the Children's Book Week of 2014 promises to be a wonderful occasion for all children that cannot be missed.
Please contact Maryland Powell at the library for more details about the Children's Book Week program.
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PJL Press Release

The Division of Study Financing of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports Affairs hereby announces that:

The study financing application period for the scholastic year 2015/2016 commenced on Wednesday October 15, 2014 and will close on Thursday January 15, 2015.

Persons applying for study financing are required to submit the following documents:

• Proof of Dutch Nationality from the Census Office or a copy of the Passport
• An Original Birth Certificate (If the applicant was born outside of the former Netherlands Antilles, the original birth certificate must have the apostille stamp).
• A detailed registration form from the Census office.
• A valid health certificate
• A tax assessment statement from the Inspectorate of Taxes supporting parental income for 2013
• Most recent grades/report card, transcript or high school
• Proof of application or admittance to educational institut
• A copy of a career interest test
• 2 recent passport pictures

Please note that:

The study must be a priority area of study for the Government of St.Maarten.

Students are being encouraged to pursue their studies in the region (USA, CANADA, Curacao, Aruba, Bonaire, Barbados, Trinidad, Puerto Rico etc.)

Application forms can be downloaded from our website: www.studyfinancing.sx

All the above-mentioned documents must be handed in at the office of the Division of Study Financing located at N. De Brotstraat #3, Vlaun Building, (Opposite the Post Office) from Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 17:00.

No applications will be accepted after January 15, 2014.

For more information regarding the application requirements, procedures, the study financing regulations and policy, interested persons can visit our website www.studyfinancing.sx or contact the Division of Study Financing via telephone 5422363 or 5427318 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A. M. Aventurin
Head of Division of Study Financing

Click here to view the 2015 Study Financing Year Draft Priority List.lick here to view the 2015 Study Financing Year Draft Priority List.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The public meeting of Parliament called on Monday was postponed for the second time since the Parliament of St. Maarten did not have a quorum to continue the meeting. Those present were the President of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams, MP Cornelius de Weever, MP Johan Janhci Leonard, MP Leona Marlin and MP Franklin Meyers, Also present for the meeting was MO George Pantophlet who signed in but MP Chrisptopher Emmanuel was at the meeting but did not sign in. Most of the MP's that were absent are from the UPP Faction that has the majority in the Parliament of St. Maarten.
The chairlady of Parliament announced at 3pm on Monday that there was no quorum to continue the meeting therefore she would have to reschedule the meeting within the next two days. This same meeting could not be held on November 5th, 2014 for the lack of a quorum.

Attorney at Law Jairo Bloem Issued Summon to Bosman if not face court injunction

PHILIPSBURG:--- Attorney at Law Jairo Bloem has issued a summons to Dutch MP Andre Bosman to issue an apology to his client MP/Minister Cornelius de Weever by Monday November 17th, 2014 or face a court injunction.
In a letter sent to MP Bosman dated November 10th 2014, Bloem stated that MP Bosman made erroneous, slanderous and defaming statements against his client MP De Weever shortly after MP De Weever abandoned the NA/DP/USp coalition and formed a government with the UPP.
Bloem said on October 22nd, 2014 an article was published in the Amigoe newspaper in Curacao stating that you received the open letter of client and first wanted to discuss the content thereof within your party. You were next quoted as follows:
"Maar het feit dat ze me de mond proberen te snoeren is misschien een indicatie dat ik op de juiste weg ben...."
The published article states that you referred to a declaration of the State Council Member of Sint Maarten, hon. Mr. Christopher Emmanuel that even he was offered 2 million dollars to go independent as a State Council Member. Furthermore you were quoted stating: "ze kunnen dus heel erg boos worden als wij iets zeggen in Nederland, maar het klopt dus blijkbaar wel."
Other newspapers subsequently published same and/or similar statements made by your person.
Today, marks the 32nd day after my client sent out the open letter inviting you to do the honorable thing and address your erroneous and defaming remarks. Exactly 42 days have elapsed since these disputed statements were made and 19 days since you stated that you wanted to first confer with(in) your party, apparently in order to adopt a standpoint.
Your sudden incapability or difficulty in formulating a prompt response stands out in dire contrast to the rapidness wherein you are always seemingly capable of drawing conclusions and relating same to the media, often without any –adequate- due diligence and fact finding.
The contention made by you that you must now all of a sudden confer with your party before responding makes client wonder whether or not you also discussed your first defaming statements with your party before making them. Needless to say that this could result in your party also being liable next to you in this matter.

You are hereby requested and insofar as is legally necessary summoned to inform client on or before November 17th, 2014, at 17:00 hours St. Maarten time:

1. whether or not you will publically retract all your disputed statements, as also outlined in client's previous letter;
2. if you conferred with your party before making the disputed statements published on September 30th, 2014 and quoted in client's previous letter;
3. if the statements quoted/described above were indeed made by you.

These last statements are also defamatory and as such tortious. They furthermore unnecessarily add insult to injury.
You are responsible for your continued unfounded and derogatory statements and as such liable for the monetary equivalent of all damages suffered by client in this matter.

Click here to read letter sent to Andre Bosman.

POND ISLAND:--- TelEm Group will be laying on a shuttle bus service for employees Monday, to ferry workers to the company's main building on Pond Island.
The bus will pick up personnel in the government parking lot, Pond Island, from 7:00 in the morning Monday and will transport the workers from this location to the main building via University Boulevard and into Soualiga Drive. Both roads are presently flooded following a torrential downpour Saturday.
"Conditions are such that employees may be forced to turn back rather than face having to navigate through the high water line on the roads leading to our offices," said Manager Procurement and General Affairs, Mrs. Carmen Lake-Reyes.
She said the parking lot and areas around the TelEm Group building is not under water, therefore access to the building itself is normal.
"Management has hired the shuttle bus for the convenience of its personnel, but members of the public who have business to conduct will also be able to make use of the bus," said Mrs. Lake-Reyes.

She said the shuttle will remain in effect until the water subsides and it is once again safe for vehicles to navigate Soualiga Drive, the road leading to the TelEm Group Building.

TELEM Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- UTS has signed on to support the yearly broadcast on the occasion of St. Maarten's Day, organized by Elton Richardson of Mc. Laren Media & Entertainment. The company will be supporting the broadcast with a monetary donation as well as by supplying internet connectivity through its CaribServe brand of broadband internet service. "We are happy to support a broadcast which will highlight many of the cultural aspects of our island celebration," said UTS Marketing and Communication Officer, Ivy Lambert. "We are happy to assist the broadcast organizers with our more flexible internet solutions which will allow them more mobility while covering the various festivities and official ceremonies on our national holiday," Lambert continued. The broadcast will be coming from the Belair Community Center, which will also feature various culinary and other cultural activities.

UTS Press Release

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a government agency under the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, is calling on residents to step-up mosquito prevention measures due to the weekend of torrential rainfall.

Mosquito fogging did start about a week ago but had to be halted due to rainfall. Fogging will resume shortly.

Residents are advised to step-up by taking measures at home and at their business to mitigate mosquito breeding such as the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labour Hon. Cornelius de Weever, 'Get Checked" campaign, is in line with the responsibility of residents, and business owners, to check around their homes, and businesses in order to reduce breeding sites of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, and making them mosquito-free zones.

Minister De Weever is also calling on residents to encourage and ensure that their neighbor (s) clean their yard in order to be more effective in eliminating breeding sites.

Mosquito fogging is one intervention of several, and the main measure is for every household and business to take action by removing potential mosquito breeding spots in and around their premises on a daily basis.

Residents must bear in mind that rain events can disrupt mosquito fogging activities. Homeowners should remove containers or turn them over; boat owners who have boats stored on land should make sure the drains are open for water to run out rather than accumulate creating a breeding ground for mosquito's; spouts should be cleaned; overgrown vegetation should be cut; and old tires should be cut up.

Call for information on the Aedes Aegypti mosquito breeding sites and respective preventive measures at 542-2078 or 542-3003 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour is advising residents not to consume any fish from the country's ponds. Observations were made on Sunday of individuals catching fish from the Salt Pond for possible human consumption.

The Salt Pond fish could be poisonous and residents should refrain from eating fish from the Salt Pond of Fresh Water Pond.

Fish poisoning symptoms can occur anywhere from two to 12 hours after eating fish. Symptoms include: abdominal cramps, diarrhea (severe and watery), nausea and vomiting.

Residents and other persons are strongly advised to leave the fish, do not take them home to cook as the fish are not fit for human consumption.

Curacao Policy Advisor to be Appointed Minister of VSA by MP Lloyd Richardson

PHILIPSBURG:--- Two months and days after the August 29th Parliamentary Elections there is still no Government on St. Maarten and while the Governor of St. Maarten has extended the formation period for the UPP/De Weever/Marlin coalition to appoint a Ministerial cabinet. SMN News learnt that there is severe trouble in the coalition and that certain members of the UPP are not at all happy with their leader who chose not to involve them in appointing Ministers.
One of those persons is Member of Parliament Dr. Lloyd Richardson who jumped from the National Alliance and joined the UPP for the August 29th Parliamentary Elections. It is understood that prior to the instruction given to the Governor of St. Maarten the leader of the National Alliance tried to meet with MP Lloyd Richardson to inform him that as elders in Parliament they should try to form a broad based government and to avoid the instruction. Sources within the UP party told SMN News that when the leader of the UPP heard of the meeting between MP Richardson and MP Marlin he decided to appoint MP Lloyd Richardson chairman of Parliament but when the leader of the Democratic Party joined the coalition on October 9th the leader of the UPP took back the position he gave to MP Richardson and handed it to the leader of Democratic Party.
According to an UPP insider, the UPP does not see the need to have MP Cornelius de Weever who broke up the NA/DP/US coalition on September 24th, 2014 because they now have on board MP Leona Marlin and MP Sarah Wescot Williams. The source said that the leader of the UPP has decided to grant some of the people that are up in arms with him the opportunity to appoint Ministers if they do not feel comfortable in giving up their seat in Parliament. The source further stated that MP Lloyd Richardson wanted to take up the Ministry of VSA and become the Minister of Health, Labour and Social Affairs. SMN News learnt that MP Richardson had intentions of changing all the civil servants that are currently working at that Ministry. One person that MP Richardson had intended to bring in as his chief of cabinet is Silvio Lindo from Curacao. Lindo is a senior policy advisor at the Ministry of Justice in Curacao based on the information he has on his LinkedIn profile. Lindo also worked as a senior policy advisor for the Council of Ministers in Curacao.
It is now understood that since the grounds in the coalition camp is shaky; MP Lloyd Richardson contacted Silvio Lindo and asked him to take up the Ministerial position in the Ministry of VSA, while MP Lloyd Richardson will hold on to his seat in Parliament. SMN News further learnt that Lindo already sent up his documents to be vetted to become the Minister while Peggy Ann Dros Richardson will no longer get to become the Minister. Other candidates that were on the UPP slate and are up in arms with the UPP leader and felt that they are being bypassed are Miguel de Weever, Terry Peterson. Josianne Artsen Fleming a woman that has years of experience in education, Dr. Rhoda Arrindell, former Minister of Education, Maria Buncamper former Minister of VSA, Jules James, Claret Conner, Angelique Roumou and Jason Peterson. All of the names mentioned are highly qualified persons that ran on the UPP slate for the August 29th parliamentary elections. However, sources say that Claret Conner will be appointed Minister of TEATT but that could not be confirmed.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake would like to commend the emergency services (Fire, Police), public works and other government agencies (Department of Communication, Meteorological Service) and semi government agencies (Airport, Harbour, NV GEBE), and Minister Hon. Ted Richardson for their role in the post flood experienced over the weekend.

"Once again the country experienced a natural disaster within a short space of time. I was out assessing the situation after the intense flooding that was experienced throughout the country.

"I do believe there is room for improvement, because we have had experience in the past and with two natural disasters within four weeks, there are certain lessons that should have been learnt," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.

Minister Lake added that he will be working along with colleague ministers to improve "Standard Operating Procedures" based on different natural disaster scenarios.

"I have a very good working relationship with the Chief of the Fire Department/Disaster Coordinator Clive Richardson and the Minister of Justice Hon. Dennis Richardson who is over the Police Force of Sint Maarten.

"The various stakeholders need to come together to see where standard operating procedures can be improved, because on Saturday there were challenges on the roads, and we need to look at the bottlenecks, and have a plan of action to deal with them rather than going over and over the same thing every time.

"I can understand the frustrations of some members in the community. One of the observations that I have made is we need to have a better traffic circulation plan in place. Every ministry including my own should know what to do under a flood scenario and don't wait for the last minute to act.

"There is a need to restructure certain things within my own Ministry VROMI especially how to deal with these types of events. I know there is always room for improvement.

"This is a back to basics approach, and we need to be better prepared for these types of weather events. Of course we have no control over Mother Nature, but we can implement certain measures sooner to avoid traffic congestion on the roadways which then allows for a quicker clean-up, but at the same time and first and foremost, we have to make sure persons are not placing their lives in danger, public safety," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake concluded.

POINT BLANCHE:--- On Saturday, November 8 Carnival Valor docked at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility as part of its weekly call to Port St. Maarten.

Due to the inclement weather, the port provided cruise passengers with hundreds of poncho's along with entertainment at the cruise facility in order to brighten their stay under grey skies.

Once the country-wide curfew went into effect at 12:00pm on Saturday, November 8, none of the cruise passengers and crew were permitted to leave the facility via taxi, walking or via water taxi.

Arrangements were in place for those who had already made their way to Philipsburg to return via water taxi after the curfew went into effect Saturday afternoon. These services were available until 4:30pm.

This report briefly summarizes the activities of the Nature Foundation post significant rain event and subsequent flooding on the 7th and 8th of November 2014.

As soon as the all clear was given the St. Maarten Nature Foundation responded to various items as part of its post rainfall event management protocols.

Water Quality Tests were conducted at Great Bay, Little Bay and Simpson Bay Beaches in the vicinity of Kim-sha beach in order to determine the levels of Water Quality. Whenever there is a large rain event such as the one experienced on the 7th and 8th of November there is significant runoff and overflow of the Great and Fresh Ponds which can result in poor water quality at the aforementioned beaches. Based on the results of the water quality tests the St. Maarten Nature Foundation recommends that people avoid swimming or bathing at the beaches of Great Bay, Divi Little Bay/ Belair Beach and Kim-Sha Beach until follow-up tests can be conducted by the St. Maarten Nature Foundation or other relevant authorities. Tests have shown that water quality is of a reduced level, which may cause negative reactions in swimmers including swimmers ear and ear infections and irritated skin.

The Nature Foundation was also made aware of numerous residents complaining about live tilapia in flooded homes. The Foundation assisted in the removal of some of the live invasive species but recommends that no one consumes this or any other fish species as they may pose a public health risk and are unfit for consumption.

The Nature Foundation will continue to follow-up with continued tests and monitoring and will report accordingly.

Thanks community for widely supporting endangered sea turtles on St. Maarten

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Nature Foundation has recorded a moderately successful Sea Turtle Nesting Season for the 2014 period. From May to August three species of Sea Turtles come to lay their eggs on local beaches, one of the few places on earth were this actually occurs.

"This year we have had a total of 9 nests, with a total of 710 confirmed hatchlings of all three species (Hawksbill, Leatherback and Green) so far. Our first recorded nest that was laid from a leatherback sea turtle on Guana Bay beach mid-May and our last nest was laid on Gibbs Bay on October 11th from a Hawksbill Sea Turtle," commented Soraya De La Fuente of the Nature Foundation Sea Turtle Program..

The Nature Foundation also commended various agencies and individuals in the community and from abroad in helping the organization broaden out its sea turtle management program. "This year more than other years we have received a lot of support from the community with regards to the sea turtle work that we are doing. We received great help from the Fire Department in controlling the amount of beach bonfires which are lit on the beaches that are very harmful to turtles. Similarly many beachside businesses and restaurant voluntarily shaded their beach lights off during nesting season. Also a few security guards from the Westin Hotel took excellent care of the Sea Turtle Nest which hatched on the beach in front of the hotel. They made sure that the hatchlings made it safe to the ocean."

Sea turtle population numbers have plummeted to dangerously low numbers throughout the past century due to human impacts, bringing many species close to extinction and causing them to be listed as critically endangered. In order to reverse this trend, all sea turtle species are now protected by international laws and treaties as well as local laws. Based on ARTICLE 16 and 17 of the Nature Conservation Ordinance St. Maarten it is illegal to kill, wound, capture, pick-up, have animals that belong to a protected animal species, to directly or indirectly disturb their environment resulting in a physical threat or damage to the fauna or to commit other acts which result in disturbance of the animal. It is also forbidden to upset an animal belonging to a protected species, to disturb damage or destroy its nest, lair, or breeding place, as well as to take the nest of such an animal. Also, it is forbidden to pick-up or to destroy the eggs of animals belonging to a protected species.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will meet in a plenary public session on November 10th.

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

The first agenda point is incoming documents; the second agenda point is the draft National Ordinance regarding the Bureau of Intellectual Property with respect to current rules, responsibilities and obligations.

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

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

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

Reuniting the Caribbean with Africa!

GREAT BAY:--- The influence of the African continent on the Caribbean culture is undeniable. Through food, clothing, dance, and art, the African culture (especially West African) is still alive in the Caribbean. However, there is still a huge disconnect between the Caribbean and Africa, especially in economics, travel, and to some degree culture and education.

Recently founded, the African Caribbean Heritage Alliance (ACHA) was created to reunite Africa and the Caribbean in the areas of heritage, culture, economics, education and travel. Started by Okama Ekpe Brook, who has worked for the United Nations in different parts of the world and is now based in St. Maarten, ACHA is uniquely based in the hub of the Caribbean, St. Maarten. Mrs. Brook, originally Nigerian, fell in love with St. Maarten and the Caribbean. Her background working in nation building has uniquely given her a perspective on the relationship between Africa and the Caribbean that can be strengthened and nurtured.

To expose the similarities in culture, ACHA will be hosting its very first cultural evening. On November 26, 2014 at Belair Community Center from 7-9 PM, various Caribbean and African artists will come together in a night of awareness and fun. There will be dancers, artisans, and various foods (available for purchase).

Though, ACHA will launch with a cultural event, it is really focused on bringing and building awareness to both Africa about the Caribbean and vice versa as well as facilitating the opportunities in various sectors that may arise thereafter. One of the missions in 2015 is to go to Africa and assess feasibility of hosting an African Forum in St. Maarten.

Admission to this cultural evening is free to the public and encourages the entire community of St. Maarten to come out and support. For more information, please contact Okama Epke Brook at +1-721-520-7286 or e-mail the foundation at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

International and Local Entrepreneurs providing information throughout the week

GREAT BAY:--- During the November 17-23, 2014, Global Entrepreneurship Week, St. Maarten will be among 150 countries around the world celebrating and stimulating entrepreneurship. On November 19, 2014 at the Belair Community Center from 7-10 PM, the POWER HOUR, a networking event for entrepreneurs and professionals, will take place. To mark the first anniversary of this event, a mini EXPO will also take place during the evening. Under the theme, Heels & Cufflinks, close to 100 entrepreneurs and professionals are expected. This networking event is unique in that it provides tips and tricks from entrepreneurial leaders on how to succeed in business and in life.
Two international entrepreneurs will be part of all the activities scheduled that week, Dr. Will Moreland (USA) – a best-selling author and the #1 Leadership Trainer in the US and Kenton Lord (Trinidad)- a serial entrepreneur under 30. In addition to the POWER HOUR, there will be workshops held at the National Institute of Professional Advancement (NIPA) and at St. Maarten Academy PSVE with these experts.
Also, Foundation INFOBIZZ, which was created to develop successful entrepreneurs will conducting workshops for the public under the title "Go Dominate". These workshops are designed to help individuals go to the next level in career and business. Both local and international entrepreneurs and leaders will be sharing information at a nominal cost to empower individuals on their journey of success. These will take place on November 21, 2014 at the University of St. Martin.
Lastly, INFOBIZZ will host a Master Mind with invited guests to discuss how to adequately create the environment in which entrepreneurs can thrive in. This is a closed event and will include training from Dr. Will Moreland, himself.
Tickets for the POWER HOUR: Heels & Cufflinks are available at Family Bookstore and Van Dorp. Tickets are $30 and include refreshments. Registration is required to be a part of the mini expo which costs $100 and admits two persons. For more information on how you can participate during this week, call +1-721-523-1842 (whatsapp) or email INFOBIZZ at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

GREAT BAY:--- The Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labour Cornelius De Weever is fully aware and has been addressing the situation involving the Coliseum Casino and the associated employees. It is important to note that an arrangement was made with all parties through the involvement of the Labour Department since AUGUST to continue the monthly salary of the 12 employees until a solution has been realized.

"Financial and employment arrangements were made to keep the employees on for a bridging period," said Minister De Weever.

The minister in an attempt to attain an appropriate solution in this matter ensured that the Labour Department had discussions with parties involved. After discussions with the employees and management Mrs. Dros-Richardson briefed the Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, who concluded that because of the complexities of the case and the new regulations of employment agencies a more in depth analysis of the case is warranted. It is for this reason that the minister has given the Mediator – Mr. R.A. Boasman this assignment.

Minister De Weever mentioned that it is extremely important that all parties and union leaders are honest and substantiate their statements made to the media. "Should they not have the complete story they can contact my cabinet instead of making assumptions and misinforming the public," said Minister De Weever.

"In addition it is important to protect the confidentiality of our clients as well as companies and/or individuals who they are in dispute with. Also the confidentiality of our clients who have been offered legal assistance by our ministry. Legal assistance can still be provided if and when needed upon request."

Once this research is completed, the Mediator will make recommendations as to how the parties involved in this current situation can be resolved. The Minister would also like to remind the general population, and especially the operators of employment agencies, that legislation regulating the do's and don'ts of employment agencies has been enacted and has been enforced as per August 1st, 2013.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The fourth annual convention of the Pink Orange Alliance will take place from Thursday, November 13 – Saturday, November 15, 2014 on St. Maarten.
The Pink Orange Alliance is a lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and intersex (lgbti) network, consisting of representatives from all of the islands of the former Netherlands Antilles, including Aruba, and also The Netherlands. The various representative organizations have been meeting for the last three years on various islands in order to come to a more cohesive alignment of overarching goals.
In November, 2010, lgbti rights activists from all islands of the Dutch Caribbean, except St. Eustatius, and also a representative of COC in The Netherlands, signed the Pink Orange Accord, which laid the foundation for further and future cooperation. This document acknowledges the stigmas still often associated with lgbti lives in the Dutch Caribbean, which can lead to structural imbalances and inequality, but also notes that equal treatment, non-exclusion and non-discrimination are rights afford to all citizens of the Kingdom of The Netherlands. It is based on the latter that the Pink Orange Alliance pledges to tackle the former.
"Considering that our plight is seldom heard by our own political and social leadership, that the present statuses of the Dutch Caribbean islands limit the possibilities of support for international redress, it is without prejudice that the Kingdom and its institutions will become evident subjects to reclaim our rights, and that to achieve this we will seek cooperation and alliances with partner organizations in the European part of the Kingdom," is stated in the 2010 document.
In the document it is also written that, "All islands in the Dutch Caribbean need a center or other physical point of reference for the provision of emotional, physical and spiritual health services, psycho-social and legal support to the LGBTI community, we will promote the visibility of our LGBTI communities in all their diversity, present positive role models and fight stereotyping, we will create opportunities to report instances of exclusion, discrimination, bullying, violence and other rights violations and develop strategies to address misinformation and defamation in our media, we will promote an environment in our schools that is more inclusive of LGBTI sexual diversity, health and rights issues."
The various organizations have spent the years since 2010 working individually and collectively towards these goals and there have been successes over the years. In 2013 St. Maarten's first LGBTI organization (St. Maarten/St. Martin Alliance For Equality or SAFE SXM) was established on December 10 (International Human Rights Day). In 2014 Born This Way was established on St. Eustatius. Surveys have been undertaken across many of the islands and will continue on others in order to better understand the dynamics and needs of the LGBTI communities on the various islands.
During this year's conference the delegates will chart the way forward for the next four years; looking at the psycho-social health of the various communities and also drafting a regional strategic approach.
As part of the conference there will also be an LGBTI production called "Don't Be Afraid Of Rainbows," produced by SAFE SXM and directed by Clara Reyes. For more information about this production please contact SAFE SXM at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
President of St. Maarten/St. Martin Alliance For Equality, Lysanne Charles – Arrindell said that St. Maarten was pleased to host this year's event.
"Last year's event was held on Bonaire and we really had a great experience discussing common challenges and approaches as LGBTI activists. So this year we are excited about the conference coming here to St. Maarten so that together we can further our work in the best interest of LGBTI people, particularly on the various islands," Charles – Arrindell said.
Charles – Arrindell said that looked forward to many, many more years of great work and good experiences within the Pink Orange Alliance.
"As an LGBTI organization, SAFE SXM is well aware of its obligations to the local community, but we are also aware of the facts that there is strength in numbers and that knowledge something that is best shared. So we can learn from others who have more experience and they can also learn best practices from us and this way we can all see that we are not in this struggle alone. There is still a lot of work to be done to 1) alleviate the misinformation that people have about LGBTI individuals, 2) eradicate the prejudices that people come with whether they are religious or culturally based, 3) prevent self-stigma and self-hatred amongst LGBTI people. We cannot do it all alone and therefore we are thankful that we have our partners in the Pink Orange Alliance to work with as we tackle these complex issues," Charles Arrindell said.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports Hon. Patricia Lourens-Philip on Sunday released the following message on the occasion of the national day St. Maarten/St. Martin's Day:

My Fellow St. Maarten/St. Martiners,
The significance of St. Maarten/St. Martin Day from a cultural perspective is a day when St. Maarteners from North and South come together to celebrate their national Culture. It's a display of treasured memories dating back for more than half of a century. It is unity through diversity. It is a reflection of a joint history.
For me St. Maarten's Day is always a day of reflection and appreciation. Reflection on the sacrifices that those of the past made so that we can today enjoy a measure of freedom, choice, friendships and togetherness and ...... appreciation for the people and the society in which we live here on this island.
This day is meant for families/friends/neighbours/community groups/civic organization/cultural groups, service oriented organization, nationals/non-nationals/social clubs/sporting organizations to come together to celebrate the culture that laid the foundation for the St. Maarten that we know today.
It was a culture of respect, integrity, compassion and of hard working people that earned the island the name "Friendly Island". Families should reflect from whence we came to where we are and where we want to go in the spirit of optimism.
My message is a very simple one in the unsettling social and political times that we are in: Don't lose focus of who you are as an individual but even more so don't lose focus of who we are as a community/people.
We come from a strong resilient people, we all want the best for our children and there is room under the sun for all of us to achieve this but we must remain true to the core values that got us to where we are and that can take us far beyond our imaginations. I am referring to those core values of respect and love for neighbour, respect and love for hard work, respect and love for the family unit and above the love, respect and adoration for God.
Have a pleasant and most wonderful St. Maarten Day!

Minister Hon. Patricia Lourens-Philip
Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sports

Some wreckage recovered on Sunday, body of co-pilot not yet spotted

PHILIPSBURG:--- Head of the Civil Aviation of St.Maarten  Luis Halley, Head of the Coast Guards Glen Werleman, and Minister Ted Richardson were among the persons who came in from Puerto Rico to assist St. Maarten with the search for the Skyway Aircraft a SHORT 36 that crashed just off the coast of St. Maarten on October 29th, 2014.
The team from Puerto Rico consists of the head of the State Department of Puerto Rico Javier Inclan, Miguel Rios, and the director of the Puerto Rico Search and Rescue Nino Correa. Correa said some more divers are expected to arrive on the island at a later date.
Halley told reporters at a press conference on Sunday that the Civil Aviation of St. Maarten established a team that consist Richard van Pinter heading team on behalf of St. Maarten, two senior persons from the UK, members from the FDA and the NSTB. Halley said that the team is responsible for investigating the cause of the accident, the report he said is not yet compiled when it is finished it will be sent to St. Maarten who will then distribute it to the other parties involved. Miguel de Weever Secretary General of Civil Aviation confirmed when asked if the investigation will include the incident that occurred on the runway of PJAIE the Monday before the tragedy that the investigation will go into the maintenance of the aircraft and its log book. While Halley said that the investigation will focus on the accident because the incident on the Monday prior to the crash was a hydraulic failure which was identified and fixed before the aircraft left St. Maarten that same day.
Halley said that St. Maarten had to request assistance from neighboring Puerto Rico because St. Maarten does not have the resources and equipment necessary to conduct a full scale search. He said that they managed to obtain a location through a GPS that was found and sent to the NSTP for analysis. Due to that analysis the search and rescue were able to narrow down where the aircraft went down. Halley further explained that on Sunday some wreckage was recovered but up to the time of the press briefing the body of the missing co-pilot Rigberto Lopez was not spotted.The team from Puerto Rico also told reporters that while they have an idea as to where the aircraft went down they will also expand the search outside of the space, this he said will be done in order to find every part of the aircraft and the possibly the body of Lopez who is a son of Puerto Rico soil.
Head of the Coast Guard Glen Werleman put to rest the speculations by Puerto Rico media outlets that reported the search began some three hours after the crash. Werleman said the coast guard received a call at 6:45pm and immediately after that call the coast guard sent out its patrol, while the Dutch Caribbean Sea Rescue and the marines joined the search. He said the body of the pilot was found and brought into to the Coast Guard office in Simpson Bay by 11pm that night. Asked about the weather conditions on the night of the fatal crash that left two dead, Halley said that on the evening of the crash the weather conditions on St. Maarten was bad as it was raining and the wind speed was up to 10 to 20 knots, besides that the wind was changing direction constantly and that is why the body of the pilot was found in the Maho-Cupe Coy area.The search and rescue team resumed searching for the aircraft and body as of 4pm on Sunday.
Asked by SMN News if what was found on Sunday gave the search team any indication that the missing co-pilot could be found trapped in the aircraft. Halley said he could not say that because he is not sure if the shell of the aircraft was found but one thing for sure the wreckage that was recovered on Sunday was found 75 feet under water.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will meet in a plenary public session on November 05th.

The plenary session is set for Wednesday at 3:00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The first agenda point is incoming documents; the second agenda point is the draft National Ordinance regarding the Bureau of Intellectual Property.

The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, and Transportation & Telecommunications will be present for the House session.

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

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

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

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):----  After a review of the current situation in the country and a review of weather reports, and after careful consideration, the curfew will be lifted as of 6.00PM, Saturday, November 8th.

Businesses that care to the service sector are allowed to reopen at their own discretion. Employees who reside in areas seriously impacted by flood waters should look at personal safety.

Motorists who do not have to be on the roadway should remain at home out of harm's way.

Compromised areas due to flood waters such as Pondfill in Philipsburg, and other inundated areas throughout the country, should be avoided.

The Walter J. Nisbeth/Pondfill road up to Guana Bay intersection entrance will be closed off to traffic. Ministry VROMI is busy with mobile pumps to remove the water from the area.

People should avoid walking into flood waters due to the possibility of electrocution and the run-off water being contaminated. Children should refrain from playing in the water and parents should advise them accordingly of the dangers.

Avoid hillside areas due to the threat of mud and rock falls.

The Meteorological Department of Sint Maarten will be releasing their latest weather forecast within short.

Attendees can win two-night stay in new Sonesta Ocean Point Resort

MAHO:--- Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino will again be the host of the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association's (SHTA) annual Crystal Pineapple Awards on Friday, November 21. The resort continues to be the picture perfect setting for the annual gala event during which SHTA recognizes excellence in service and outstanding performance at the various levels and throughout the different sectors of the tourism industry.

"Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino is always delighted to host the Crystal Pineapple Awards. The gala event brings together people from throughout the hospitality and trade world to our resort where excellence is an everyday concept. The event also exposes our staff - those who are nominated and those who are working the event - to the rewards of dedication and commitment," says Jurgen Bailom, Vice President Operations, Maho Group.

Sonesta Maho is happy to once again be chosen by SHTA as the venue for this prestigious gala event and looks forward to welcoming all attendees in the resort's newly renovated space. The gala evening includes a sumptuous dinner, live entertainment, a silent auction, a raffle and much more. Several Maho Group's employees have been nominated for Crystal Pineapples. The Maho Group wishes them much success come the night of November 21.

"All of our employees are outstanding. The return of the gala dinner to our resort is testimony to their commitment to excellence," says Bailom.

All attendees of the Crystal Pineapple Gala will have the chance to win a two-night stay at Sonesta Ocean Point Resort, the newest addition to The Maho Group. To enter the contest, attendees must "like" the Maho Beach Resort Facebook page and upload from the gala directly to the page and "check-in" at Maho Beach Resort. These steps will ensure the photo shows up on Maho Beach Resort's timeline.

Maho Beach Resort will share uploaded photos then people who post will need to tell others on Facebook to go to Maho Beach Resort's Facebook Page to find their photo to like, comment or share the photo. The photo with the most "likes," comments and shares will be chosen as the contest winner.

The Crystal Pineapple Award Gala is the only event on the island that recognizes Hospitality & Trade personnel, organizations and associations for their contribution towards the tourism industry. Individuals who are employed in the Hospitality and Trade industry can receive awards in the categories of Accommodations, Restaurants, and Trade as well the category Outstanding Community Service Achievement.

Tickets for the event are on sale at the SHTA office and can be reserved any time during office hours.
SHTA, the largest business representative on the island, is dedicated to bringing quality to all aspects of life on St. Maarten by promoting sustainable economic development for its members in cooperation with the social partners and the creation of a fair marketplace. For more information, please contact the SHTA office: 542-0108, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website www.shta.com.

SHTA Press Release

POINT BLANCHE:---- Port St. Maarten – Port St. Maarten is encouraging all taxi's and tour bus operators who have cruise passengers from the Carnival Valor, to return to the port as soon as possible. Due to the current situation and taking into consideration the clean-up efforts currently underway, and in order to avoid any possible delay in the vessel departing as scheduled, it is advised to return the passengers to the port.
Thanking you in advance for your attention and cooperation.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Bank Ltd Insurance Department through its partnership with Maduro & Curiel's Bank Insurance Services (MCIS) introduced BSURE as a new easier, faster, competitively priced-online insurance for the community. The fun of this insurance product started with a BSURE motorcade in the Philipsburg area throughout Philipsburg ending at the WIB's Main office building to introduce its newest insurance product followed by a social event with Control Band. The Motorcade included the Caribbean Eagle Bikers, Car dealers (F.W. Vlaun & Sons, Caribbean Auto, Motorworld, St. Martin Cars and the ROOSTER double decker bus). BSURE promo girls were seen by various pedestrians and merchants where they were given BSURE thunderstix and car freshener's .WIB once more has demonstrated that even in the insurance field WIB will always be your partners in progress.

WIB Insurance Service has made insurance easier, understanding, and fun for one and all, with the introduction of the new insurance: BSURE. In a nice atmosphere along with management, colleagues, invited guests, public and the press, WIB has introduced a different type of insurance that offers travel, home, content and car.
Ms. Elaine Patrick Manager at WIB Insurance Services gave words of congratulating and a short speech about BSURE product, and introduced Mr. Eric Erkelens, manager of MCIS gave a complete presentation of BSURE that included print advertisements and TV commercials. .

Benefits:
BSURE is an insurance that WIB clients can purchase easy online via www.bsurestmaarten.com or at any preferred WIB branch. This makes the application for BSURE much easier and faster for clients. BSURE gives the possibility to calculate the premium on line before closing the insurance. Another unique benefit that BSURE offers clients the possibility to make monthly payments. BSURE is a very new product because the policy is online via email to the client that insure instantly. For car insurance BSURE has a special card that avoids too much paper in the car. This card fits right in your pocket book which is a proof of insurance.

BSURE
Most of the time when we speak of insurance we ask ourselves "What do you know about that?" That's the reason why the experts at WIB Insurance Services has come up with an easy solution which is BSURE. Something that was complicated has become super easy. For instance the name speaks for itself, clients of BSURE can rest assure that they are always very well insured. The fact that BSURE offers home, travel, content and car makes it easier to be insured in one place and at a very convenient rate. For more information regarding BSURE, please call +1 (721) 542-0000 or visit our website of BSURE @ www.bsurestmaarten.com.
For faster insurance, easier and simpler..............the place to be is at your partners in progress, WIB.

WIB Press Release

GREAT BAY (DCOMM) :---  After assessments carried out by the country's emergency services, due to high water on several main roads and other infrastructure challenges; there are dangerous conditions along with mud slides and debris that warrant a national curfew for the public and public safety.

The Department of Disaster Management (ODM) informs the community that the Airport and Port will remain in operation.

Taxi's and tour busses are allowed to operate to take tourists to their destination (airport, port or hotels). Persons that prove they have to pick up somebody at the airport will be allowed to pass the road check points.

By order of the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, a curfew will be in effect as of 12.00PM on Saturday, November 08 until further notice. As a reminder, all businesses must close as soon as possible. Motorists are advised to stay off the road and remain out of harm's way.

The following categories are exempted from the curfew: government personnel; personnel of crucial companies and organizations (Harbour, Airport including airline personnel, NV GEBE, Telem Group, UTS/Caribserve, St. Maarten Cable TV, WTN TV, St. Maarten Medical Center, Sea Rescue, Zenitel, Red Cross, WIMA, WIEMS and White & Yellow Cross, all of the above to use their own pass to go to their place of work and return home; (sub) contractors and their staff hired by the Ministry of VROMI; transportation passes for hotel staff; business owners and members of vital organizations to assess possible damage to their property. These entities will have to show their hurricane pass at police and military check points.

Due to the extent of the torrential rainfall throughout the country; all motorists must be off the roadway by 12.00PM as a curfew will go into effect for Dutch Sint Maarten.

The curfew has been initiated to allow emergency services and clean-up crew's free access to carry out their work that is necessary to address the current situation caused by flooding.

Pedestrians are advised to stay out of flood waters which could be contaminated and could be harmful to health. There could also be hidden debris under the water.

Avoid hillside areas due to the threat of mud and rock falls. Weather conditions are expected to remain the same.

The community's full cooperation is required here.

Police and the Military will be out to enforce the curfew.

There will be another update at 6.00PM.

Please stay safe and keep out of harm's way.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Detainee U.W. from the Point Blanche prison was transferred on Sunday November 2nd, 2014 to a prison in the Netherlands. The transfer is related to the recent incidents in the prison in Philipsburg. The transfer is intended to ensure the safety of inmates and the facility.

Press Release from the Public Prosecutors Office

GREAT BAY(DCOMM):--- The Department of Disaster Management (ODM) informs the public and in particular dialysis patients, that they are allowed to go to the St. Maarten Medical Center for their dialysis appointment today, Saturday, November 8.

PHILIPSBURG/MARIGOT:--- The Ms. Modest Academy Mentorship Program is back by popular demand after two successful programs that saw an overwhelming response from young women from both the French and Dutch Sides of the island.

The third in a series of 4 week training sessions targeting teenage girls to unlock their leadership potential and focus on character development is set to take place on Saturday November 8 from 2:00 pm at the Lord's Chamber Ministries Conference Room, Marigot.

Ms. Modest Academy falls under the umbrella organization The Youth Development Centre (YDC) Foundation and is located 127 Rue de Hollande Saint James, Marigot. It caters to girls from age 10 to 21 years old.

According to YDC founder Emalie Questel, herself and co-founder Bernesha Albert-Tavanier took up a herculean task to meet the changing and challenging needs of young women in the society.

"American writer and activist Ralph Waldo Emerson once said that to help the young soul one need's to "add energy, inspire hope and blow the coals into a useful flame....by firm action, that is not easy, that is the work of divine men."

We have a burden to see young women maximize their full potential. There are just too many ideas out there and not enough effort placed into turning those ideas into action. This is why we have embraced the mandate," Questel stated.

"This is a dynamic, inspirational and life changing program," Albert-Tavanier boasted. She added that a similar pilot project had changed the direction of her life a few years ago and has now made her a valuable and influential participant of this generation.

"In the past church youth groups responded, schools sent their students, youth foundations registered in our early bird promotion and parents signed up their children. We do not expect it to be any different this time around," Albert-Tavanier explained.

Some of the topics to be covered in the Mentorship Program include understanding one's Purpose, love, dating, relationships and sex, the definition of a leader, health, nutrition and hygiene, modesty and self esteem.

Participants will also be taught goal setting, mission statement drafting and complete organic assignments and projects before a final exam and graduation ceremony.

This is the program that "Blossoms Radiant Flowers", the program that restores morals and values to our society, the program that develops world changers. An invitation is therefore extended to the general public to ensure that as many young women as possible learn from this opportunity.

A participation fee of € / $45.00, inclusive of all training aids, refreshments and graduation materials is being charged. For registration or additional information, persons are asked to call Tel: +1590 690. 26.93.66 / + 1721 580 67 96 or E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Fire and Department of Disaster Management (ODM) is requesting motorists to remain off the roadway due to torrential rainfall that has flooded low lying areas, until rain subsides and flood waters drain away.

Roads in the areas around the Salt Pond, Fresh Water Pond; low lying areas in various districts that are prone to flooding in Beacon Hill, Belvedere, may be inundated with rainwater runoff and impassable at this point in time.

For your safety, remain off the roadway, and only venture out if necessary, but avoid flooded and/or low lying areas.

Flooded areas are often deeper than they look and caution is advised.

The authorities will close certain roads if necessary as a public safety measure.

Residents living on hillside areas, exercise caution due to possible rock falls; hill sides and ground is saturated.

OSPP ISSUES INSTRUCTION TO THE LEADER OF THE UPP, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT MR. THEODORE HEYLIGER TO FORM A DELEGATION OF THE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT TO VISIT THE FIRST AND SECOND CHAMBERS IN THE NETHERLANDS TO PRESENT THEIR CASE TO THEM. "A SHIP WITHOUT A RUDDER IS DOOMED TO GO ASHORE AND THE PASSENGERS WILL CERTAINLY PERISH, SAYS LENNY PRIEST, LEADER OF THE OSPP. THE PEOPLE OF ST. MAARTEN HAS BEEN SUFFERING FOR TOO LONG AND ANY FURTHER DELAYS IN FORMING THE NEXT GOVERNMENT WILL RESULT IN THIS SHIP CALL COUNTRY ST. MAARTEN GOING ASHORE ON THE ROCKS.

PHILIPSBURG:--- It is the first time in the history of St. Maarten that it has taken such a long time to form a government. Nevertheless, we are at a point where the country is in serious need of a government that will work in the interest of the people. The campaigns are over and now it is time to work for the people.
Since the instruction was given to the Governor of St. Maarten on October 17, 2014 the parliament of St. Maarten has met on numerous occasions to debate this issue. During this debate many statements were made by many members of parliament. But the statement that stood out was the one made by the leader of the UP, Mr. Heyliger where he stated that the parliament of Aruba, Curacao and St. Maarten should meet in St. Maarten to discuss the treatment of the Dutch towards the islands and that part of the budget of Par Latino should be used to bring the other country members of parliament to St. Maarten. What is very ironic about this statement is that not too long ago the same Kingdom Council of Ministers issued an instruction to the governor of Aruba not to sign the 2014 budget. Where were St. Maarten then and what was her position on this issue? St. Maarten did not see it fit at that time to rub shoulders with their comrades in Aruba and why should Aruba and Curacao come to St. Maarten aid at this time.
The leader of the UPP, Mr. Heyliger should man up to his position as the leader of this country as did Mr. Eman in Aruba who went on a hunger strike in protest of the measure issued to the governor of that country. Nobody is asking Mr. Heyliger to go on a hunger strike for St. Maarten in as much as he indicated that he has taken a lot of blows for this country already. We'll tackle this issue at a later date and time.
The OSPP is hereby issuing an instruction to Mr. Heyliger to form a delegation consisting of the leaders of the various political parties in parliament to visit the first and second chambers in the Netherlands to present St. Maarten case. During your presentation to these chambers you should challenge them to present you with facts that they may have about integrity issues regarding your performance in government or any other members who are slated to become ministers in the new cabinet. But before leaving to the Netherlands kindly finalize the task given to you as "formateur" and present the names of your proposed candidates to the governor for the various ministerial posts. Let them go through the present screening process and announce the names of those persons who have passed our screening process and let this be part of your presentation in the Netherlands.
St. Maarten needs a cable government now and one they have voted for and we don't need a business cabinet that could come about because of the Kingdom Council of Ministers instruction to our governor.

OSPP Press Release

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Fire and Department of Disaster Management (ODM) hereby announces that by order of the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, a curfew will be in effect as of 12:00PM on Saturday, November 08 until further notice.

All businesses must close as soon as possible.

Due to the extent of the torrential rainfall throughout the country; all motorists must be off the roadway by 12:00PM as a curfew will go into effect for Dutch Sint Maarten.

The curfew has been initiated to allow emergency services and clean-up crew's free access to carry out their work that is necessary to address the current situation.

The community's full cooperation is required here.

Police will be out to enforce the curfew.

Further to the curfew that will take effect as of 12 p.m., please be advised that the Princess Juliana International Airport is open and passengers and airport workers will be allowed access to the terminal building. Airport workers need to present their airport pass and passengers are to present their travel documents.

For LIVE UPDATES on the Curfew and heavy rainfall tune in to LASER IO1

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- A delegation from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA) Collective Prevention Services (CPS) met with French colleagues (St. Martin) in Hope Estate last week to discuss preparations related to the Ebola virus disease (EVD).

CPS apprised French officials about the Sint Maarten Ebola Preparedness Plan and the travel ban that was officially announced by the Minister of Public Health on Monday, October 27.

French health department officials apprised the CPS that for the French territories to date, there was no travel ban in effect, and the French Ebola national preparedness plan has three levels when dealing with a suspected case of EVD.

After the discussion about the various scenarios, levels and possible collaboration, it was decided that there is a need for an additional meeting where all counterparts can meet and discuss associated logistics.

It was also decided that both sides will be working together to ensure an effective response and will seek the intervention of their respective supervisors and political leaders to ensure the effectiveness of the travel ban in protecting the borders of Sint Maarten/St. Martin.

Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labour Hon. Cornelius de Weever insisted that both North and South side health officials meet at the technical level before political dialogue begins.

"We did it for the Chickungunya virus where we worked together. I am a strong believer that South and North must work together and share our human and financial resources to combat any health issues that will pose a threat to our island," Minister De Weever said on Sunday.

This collective action has the sole aim of preventing and or minimizing the risks of exposure to an Ebola case suspected or confirmed.

The health officials are well aware of the challenges of one side having a travel ban and the other side not. A follow-up meeting is planned to further discuss the details of the Ebola Preparedness and Response plans from both sides of the island. Additional stakeholders will be invited to be present for this follow-up meeting.

Ministry VSA monitors on-going developments in West Africa with respect to the EVD outbreak on a daily basis outbreak which has infected 13.703 persons, and 4.922 have died, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) as of 27 October.

POND ISLAND:--- TelEm Group technicians say they are not deterred by the copper thieves who are hampering their restoration work around the island. They say they will be in the Betty's estate area this weekend restoring and repairing downed customer lines.
The technicians will "blitz" the area with equipment and personnel Saturday to get as many customers as possible reconnected - so long as the weather holds up.
"Customers in Betty's Estate have been most patient in their wait to be reconnected to our services since the damage caused by Hurricane Gonzalo," said TelEm Group Outside Plant Manager, Marco London.
He said that patience will pay off when all cables in the area are put underground instead of returning them to more vulnerable overhead poles.
"Our technicians will be disconnecting, reconnecting and testing lines in Betty's Estate all day, so we are once again asking customers to cooperate and rest assured that we are doing all we can to get them connected as quickly as possible," said Mr. London.
He said the company's restoration efforts have taken a knock in recent days because of unexpected theft of copper cables required to connect customers.

Teeming rain in the past few days has made it impossible for technicians to work in the field.
He said in an effort to speed up the restoration work, a team of technicians from overseas will be arriving on the island at the weekend and will go into the worst affected areas as early as Monday to help with the repairs and step up the reconnection effort.
Customers in Betty's Estate are requested to be on standby at their homes Saturday in the event technicians need to have any service questions answered.

TELEM Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake is calling on mariners whose vessels were damaged during the passing of Hurricane Gonzalo three weeks ago to remove the vessels from inland waterways and lagoons, and to also clean-up debris.

"I've observed some of the vessels that partially sunk or were blown ashore, have been removed within the Simpson Bay Lagoon, however, there are still a number of vessels that are partially underwater or sitting onshore. I am appealing to the owners of the vessels to make arrangements to have these vessels removed as soon as possible," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.

Nature Foundation in an assessment after the passing of hurricane Gonzalo noted that approximately three dozen boats sunk and that there was significant debris such as wood, fiberglass and other solid materials.

There was also some significant fuel in the water, both as diesel and as gasoline. Oil was also present in the form of motor oil.

"The boat owners of vessels that are submerged or partially, and those that are near the shoreline, should check if there is fuel still on-board and have that removed in a responsible manner prior to moving the vessel. This is the responsible thing to do and I am sure every boat owner is aware of that. All stakeholders have a responsibility to take care of our natural waterways and lagoons," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.

The Minister's appeal is in line with Nature Foundation's recommendation from its first assessment report that wrecked vessels be removed as fast as possible to further reduce the introduction of fuel into the environment of the Simpson Bay Lagoon and Oyster Pond areas.

Minister Lake would also like mariners to come together to help clean-up the shorelines in the inland waterways and lagoons of hurricane related/other debris.

"Due to boats being tossed around and sunk due to the passing of the hurricane, a lot of debris washed ashore and is an eyesore, but most importantly, it's bad for the environment. I would like to see boat owners and the maritime sector coming together to clean-up the areas that they utilize as part of the national clean-up effort.

"We have the tourist season that is coming up and we should also have our waterways and lagoons clean of debris associated with the maritime sector. I think this is something that could be coordinated by the maritime sector. We had a national clean-up on land, now we need the maritime sector to follow-up suit, and I am looking forward to seeing this come together within short," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.

GREAT BAY:--- The St. Maarten Police Force, as part of their ongoing Crime Awareness Project, administered a Robbery Awareness Training to the staff, agents and brokers of NAGICO Insurances on Friday afternoon.
The training which took place at the NAGICO Head Office in Philipsburg, is just one of the many ways the police has partnered with the community to sensitize citizens, especially the business community about robbery prevention methods.
Police spokesman; Ricardo Henson explained that the training was administered in two-fold; theory and practical with special emphasis on armed robbery awareness.
He also stated that the training will be administered to other business organization that are potential targets, such as; banks, casinos and jewelry stores based on requests.
Meanwhile the management and staff of NAGICO applauded the police for their proactive step in trying to prevent robberies by spreading awareness.
The training was spearheaded by the Community Police Officers and members of the SWAT team.

KPSM Press Release

BZSE CURAÇAO OFFICE WILL BE OPENED WITHIN SOON

PHILIPSBURG:--- Well-seasoned corporate and finance attorney Karel Frielink is joining BZSE Attorneys at Law and Tax Lawyers of St. Maarten and will set up and manage a Curaçao office of the firm. The office will open on January 1, 2015, and Frielink will serve as its managing partner.

"We are extremely excited to be opening a Curaçao office and to have Karel joining the firm," said Roeland Zwanikken, managing partner of BZSE in St. Maarten. "Karel is a great attorney, lauded for his technical knowledge and experience of the local (Curacao and Sint Maarten) markets. He is highly regarded for his work in corporate (governance) and finance matters, as well as his broader commercial practice."

"Growth for growth's sake has never been what we have looked for. We have carefully measured this opportunity, which we believe to be good for the firm and, above all, good for our clients," said Zwanikken. "We offer the highest quality in terms of experience and service to our clients."

"Having a close relationship with several partners of BZSE for many years and having worked with lawyers of BZSE on several cases, I know the firm's excellent reputation is well founded," said Karel Frielink. "We also share the same values. A straightforward approach, as well as independence, integrity, quality, loyalty and team spirit are paramount to the professionals of BZSE. I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues in offering efficient and highly effective legal services to our clients."

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake said on Friday that he had stated several months ago that relief would be forthcoming for all across the board with respect to NV GEBE electricity bills.

"We first started with our senior citizens since they live on a fixed minimum income. This was implemented by NV GEBE not too long ago for a period of six months.

"NV GEBE has now executed the relief for residential and commercial consumers of electricity of four cents and one cent per kilowatt hour respectively. I would like to thank the company for bringing forth the relief that they promised to bring to consumers," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Friday.

NV GEBE informed Minister Lake that the general relief will be seen in electricity utility bills for the consumption period September 2014 to October 2014 with due payment for November 2014.

This across the board relief is for a six-month period from November 2014 to April 2015, and it will be evaluated to see the actual impact on the company.

Minister Lake added that bringing relief for seniors, residential and commercial users of electricity was one of his priority areas.

Other accomplishments as Minister is the completion of a national Energy Policy for the country, the completion of the process of making NV GEBE 100 per cent wholly owned by country Sint Maarten, and the signing between NV GEBE and Government of a Street Light Management Agreement.

The Minister is also looking into alternative energy sources such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LPG) in order to lower the costs of living and further improve the quality of life for the people of Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will meet in a Central Committee setting on November 04th.
The Central Committee meeting is set for Tuesday at 4:00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.
The agenda point is a discussion with the Sint Maarten Youth Parliament concerning the instruction of the Kingdom Council of Ministers to the Governor of Sint Maarten with reference to the screening of Ministers; the motion of Parliament and the consequences thereof for the youth of Sint Maarten.

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

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

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

"Reminder for the PEACE IS Breakfast Fundraiser"

PHILIPSBURG:--- On St. Maarten's Day, the PEACE IS Foundation will be hosting its annual breakfast fundraiser at Taloula Mango's from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The general public is invited to come out and enjoy a traditional St. Maarten breakfast.
This is the 8th year PEACE IS is organizing the breakfast to help promote peace within the schools on St. Maarten. Taloula Mango's has also been on board with PEACE IS since its first breakfast. This year's beneficiary school is the St. Maarten Academy and funds raised will be used for their violence prevention program. Tickets cost only $10.00 per person and can be bought at the St. Maarten Academy, Taloula Mango's or from any PEACE IS member. You will also be able to win some great prizes that will be raffled at the breakfast.
Get your St. Maarten's Day started with a wonderful breakfast. Your support will directly benefit the violence prevention efforts of the St. Maarten Academy.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Sunday November 2nd, 2014 at approximately 8:40 a.m. several police patrols, detectives and forensic personnel were directed to the Beach Plaza Casino to investigate an armed robbery which took place earlier in the morning. According to the investigating officers they spoke to the manager and the security guard who stated that around 8:00 a.m. a small white vehicle which was heavily tinted stopped in front of the establishment, when two heavily armed men dress in white and black with black mask jumped out of the vehicle and followed her and the security guard into the building. There is where the robbers forced both victims to lay down on the floor. The suspects then robbed the establishment of an undisclosed amount of cash. After committing their act the suspects fled the scene. The Forensic Department was on the scene to collect evidence, while the Detectives were questioning potential witnesses. The investigation is ongoing.

KPSM Police Report

PHILIPSBURG:--- Postal Services St. Maarten (PSS) in collaboration with Artisticdrive ensured all PSS workers received a special St. Maarten designed T-shirt this morning. The newly designed t-shirt proudly displays the national bird of St. Maarten which is the pelican.
Present at the brief presentation was Interim-Director Ms. Antonia Wilson, Interim-Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Directors Mr. Stuart Johnson, Mr. Loic Bryan of ArtisticDrive and some of the workers of PSS.
"We are elated that Mr. Loic Bryan and Ms. Ayanna Guy was able to complete this special order for our staff in such a timely manner," remarked PSS Interim Director Ms. Antonia Wilson on Friday morning. "We found it necessary to award all our staff members with this special St. Maarten Day shirt which will be worn by all PSS workers on Monday as part of our St. Maarten Day décor at PSS," added Ms. Wilson.
Mr. Stuart Johnson, PSS Interim-Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Directors said, "This special presentation is truly a blessing because the pelican is the primary symbol which is incorporated in our logo for PSS and the supervisory board felt it fitting to show a token of appreciation to our workers." Johnson added, "We all can feel proud of wearing a St. Maarten designed T-shirt especially one with our national bird which is iconic to PSS and our country."
PSS Management found it vital to reach out Mr. Bryan as a youth entrepreneur and encouraged other Government-own Companies to do their utmost to embrace young professionals within our community by supporting these types initiatives.
Management of PSS and ArtisticDrive thanked all who was present during the official presentation that took place in the front entrance of PSS.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday, October 30th, PANDORA St. Maarten celebrated the POWER OF PINK with the Positive Foundation. It was a lovely evening, dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness and the launch of The PANDORA Store's newest collection: PANDORA Rose™ jewelry, available exclusively at the boutique in Philipsburg.

Luminous and elegant, PANDORA Rose™ jewelry combines a unique blend of metals to capture new and unforgettable moments in warm pink-hued jewelry.

In honor of Pink October, valued customers sipped pink drinks and enjoyed light bites as they fell in love with the beauty of PANDORA Rose™ jewelry at the store in Philipsburg. A portion of event sales was graciously donated to the Positive Foundation. Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to have a screening and consultation with Dr. Grace Spencer. Marcellina " Maso" Loblack", from the Still Beautiful Foundation and a breast cancer survivor, was the guest of honor and cut a cake in honor of all those battling breast cancer.

Dilys Alphonso, Vice-President of the Positive Foundation, dedicated her time in making the PANDORA Team and their clients alert to the importance of the awareness of breast cancer – the causes, cures, prevention, and how best to live one's life with positive energy. "Positive attitudes enhances life," explains Dilys. The Positive Foundation is a non-profit organization in St. Maarten that has been in existence for 16 years now. Their mission is to save lives by continuing their breast cancer related initiatives, like free clinical breast examination (CBE), run/walk challenges and community education.

Working with the Positive Foundation and Dr. Spencer was particularly special for The PANDORA Store in Philipsburg this year as it was the first time all its sister stores in Aruba, Curacao, St. Thomas, and Miami worked together to benefit their local cancer foundations with the launch of PANDORA Rose™ jewelry. It is always important to give back to the community, for such an important cause. We look forward to working together for years to come.

The Positive Foundation invites you to contact them at P.O. Box 929, Philipsburg or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. PANDORA Rose™ jewelry is exclusively located at The PANDORA Store in Philipsburg – come by to capture your unforgettable moments.

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao:--- On Friday, November 21, 2014, there will be a sinking bond issue on behalf of the country of Sint Maarten. The bond will have a semi-annual coupon as follows:

• • 1.80% sinking bond with a duration of 30 years. On Thursday, November 13, 2014, the Dutch State Treasury Agency (DSTA) will be able to subscribe and up to Friday, November 14, 2014, 10:00A.M., the general public will be able to subscribe to this bond issue at all commercial banks on Curacao and Sint Maarten. Subscription will take place according to the tender system in which parties indicate for which amount and price they wish to participate in the loan, thereby revealing their desired yield.

After the closing of the subscription, the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten will publish the price of issue. Parties that have subscribed for a higher price than the price of issue will receive full allocation. Parties that have subscribed at a price equal to the price of issue will receive the remaining amount of the issue. As of November 7, 2014, subscription forms can be obtained free of charge at the commercial banks and can be downloaded from our website http://www.centralbank.cw/government-loans.

Willemstad, November 7, 2014
CENTRALE BANK VAN CURAÇAO EN SINT MAARTEN

St. Maarten brings together international and local entrepreneurs for GEW 2014!

GREAT BAY:--- With just two weeks left to Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), which is to take place November 17-23, 2014, Foundation INFOBIZZ is busy putting the final touches on the activities scheduled for that week. Two international entrepreneurial leaders will be on St. Maarten to inspire and empower those on their entrepreneurial journeys.

Dr. Will Moreland, entrepreneur and speaker, who is an acclaimed author with his best-selling book, Genius Potential. Committed to empowering 10 000 entrepreneurs around the world, Dr. Moreland will be giving insight throughout the week on how to "live genius" and build businesses that last. Kenton Lord, a young serial entrepreneur from Trinidad, will focus on building web-based businesses and highlight the advantages of doing business in the Caribbean.

INFOBIZZ's signature networking event, the POWER HOUR, will be marking its first anniversary during the Global Entrepreneurship Week. On November 19, 2014 from 7-10 pm at the Bel-Air Community Centre, the POWER HOUR, under the theme "Heels & Cufflinks" will include both local and international entrepreneurial leaders. These leaders will provide tips and tricks on how to live extraordinarily. To mark this anniversary, the POWER HOUR will include a 'mini' exposition. For the first time, start-ups and established businesses have an opportunity to engage in entrepreneurial activity during the POWER HOUR, which can increase the growth of their business.

In addition to the POWER HOUR, INFOBIZZ has organized workshops to the public under the title "Go Dominate". These workshops will be conducted by Dr. Will Moreland and Kenton Lord. These workshops will be held at the University of St. Martin on November 21, 2014 and are $20 per workshop. For a bundle of three (3) workshops, the price is $50. These interactive and dynamic workshops are open to the public and are designed empower people to live their dreams.

Tickets for the POWER HOUR are also available this week and include all materials and refreshments. Registration for the 'mini' exposition is $100 and admits two persons as well as provides tables and chairs. Space for the 'mini' exposition is limited. For more information about activities during the Global Entrepreneurship Week, please call +1-721-523-1842 (Whatsapp) and +1-721-554-2523 (for vendor details) or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Department of Civil Aviation, Shipping and Maritime Affairs (SMCAA) is now entering its sixth day of the investigation into the crash of Skyway Airway Short SH36 aircraft that crashed just off the coast of Sint Maarten on the October 29, 2014. The search for large parts of the aircraft is still on-going.

In this regard, SMCAA have requested and received assistance from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico with search and recovery equipment, and expert personnel to aid the department in the search for the aircraft.
The first team of experts arrived from Puerto Rico on November 5, 2014. This team consists of experts in search and rescue and recovery. A vessel equipped with state of the art sonar equipment will also be arriving from San Juan on Friday November 7, 2014.
The SMCAA investigation team has already plotted an area where it is believed that wreckage of the aircraft is located on the seabed. A Global Position System (GPS) that was found during the search and rescue operation was sent to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to retrieve the tracking information.
The information from the GPS assisted in narrowing the search area. SMCCA is hopeful that with the assistance of the experts from Puerto Rico, the location of the aircraft will be found and steps can then be taken for the retrieval of the wreckage.
The SMCAA is receiving support from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) who is currently conducting a separate but parallel investigation at the Skyway Airways maintenance base located in Florida and San Juan.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico:--- Relatives of the co-pilot that went missing at sea last week when a Skyway 360 shorts ditched in St. Maarten waters are now pleading with authorities to find their loved one Rigoberto Lopez.
The aircraft which went down shortly after take-off from the Princess Juliana International Airport had two crew members on board that were shipping Fedex cargo to San Juan, Puerto Rico. The search and rescue team on St. Maarten managed to recover the body of the pilot about 10pm the same night the accident occurred but called off the search the following day when they could not locate the exact location where the aircraft went down and the body of the co-pilot. Relatives of the co-pilot released a photograph of him and are now pleading with authorities to find the body of their loved one.

HARBOUR VIEW:--- On November 5, 2014, His Excellency the Governor of Sint Maarten, drs. E.B. Holiday, had a meeting with Mr. Theo Heyliger, who had been appointed as formateur on October 6th, 2014.
During the meeting, the formateur updated the Governor on the status of the process to form a new government. The formateur informed the Governor on the developments surrounding the compilation of the candidates list for the posts of Prime Minister, Ministers, and Minister Plenipotentiary which is nearing completion.
The formateur requested an extension of his commission to form a new government. Governor Holiday as a result extended the commission for Mr. Heyliger to present him the final report of the formation process by November 30, 2014.

From the Cabinet of the Governor of St. Maarten

Saint-Martin is the setting for the filming of the pilot of a detective series written by Franck Mirre of Caribproduction

The Saint-Martin Tourism Office, the Collectivité of St. Martin, SXM ARTISTS and Caribproduction are associated around this project. While attending the 2013 TOP RESA tradeshow in Paris, the President of the Tourism Office, Mrs Jeanne Rogers-Vanterpool met Franck Mirre (author and main actor of the series SNIPE). In November 2013 Mr. Mirre and Nicolas Dollander (director) met with the Tourism Office and SXM ARTISTS. They visited the island in order to determine if the series could be filmed here. In love with our paradise island and its divers decors, Franck Mirre decided to film two seasons of the detective series SNIPE in Saint-Martin.

The filming crew will be on island this month to shoot the teaser (pilot episode) of the series. Luc Besson (world renown French Director, Producer and author) has expressed his interest in producing the series.

The Tourism Office and the Collectivité of St Martin's will is to position the island of St Martin as a « location land » thus bringing structure to the audiovisual sector. The Tourism Office is in the process of creating a « film department » with the primary mission of developing the sector. It should facilitate on island filming and assist production teams. It should be the first contact and will assess the feasibility of projects in the interest of the destination.

Alongside the filming of the series an audiovisual training school will be implemented by the Collectivité of St Martin and SXM ARTISTS. These trainings will be open to the youth and anyone interested by the audiovisual sector. It is important to mention that registrants will quickly have the opportunity to apply the knowledge they have acquired in training as the series' set will also be their training grounds. Training considered are: actor, cameraman, sound engineer, makeup artist, hairdressing, drone pilot etc...

PHILIPSBURG:--- Management and staff of Postal Services St. Maarten (PSS N.V.) sprung a 35th Anniversary Day surprise for Interim Director, Ms. Antonia Wilson, at the main post office branch Tuesday.
Saba-born, Ms. Wilson, has been an integral part of postal services on St. Maarten ever since she joined the forerunner to the present company, on 1st November 1979 .

During her 35 years in service she has been recognized for her dedication with several promotions, the latest being Retail Director of the Windward Island for Nieuwe Post Netherland Antilles (NPNA).
Manager, Commercial and Business Development, Ms. Zaira Paulo, said managers and staff surprised Ms. Wilson with a presentation and a cake to mark her remarkable achievement, and also as a way of recognizing a "great leader".
"The celebration was well-deserved and our staff, along with the Supervisory Board of Directors were pleased to make this a special day for Ms. Wilson," continued Ms. Paulo.
She described Ms. Wilson as being very experienced in the work executed by the Post Office on St. Maarten with first-hand knowledge of how the service has been developed over the years.
"We count on Ms. Wilson's knowledge and experience to develop the modern services that new postal authority for St. Maarten has to offer and we look forward to many more years with us," said Ms. Paulo.
She described the PSS N.V. Interim Managing Director as a firm but fair personality who only wants what is best for her staff and strives at all times to provide the best postal service for St. Maarten.
Ms. Paulo said this week has in fact been a week of celebration for a number of postal service employees who are also marking Silver and Jade anniversaries in service. Among these are our colleagues Kevin Gumbs (29 years), Rita Pantophlet and B. Monson (25 years) and Mr. Rombley (25 years), who will all be officially honored in the week upcoming.
Interim Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Directors, Mr. Stuart Johnson, congratulated Ms. Wilson on achieving a milestone in St. Maarten's postal service, noting that another Saba national, Mr. Will Johnson, had also played an important part in the early development of postal services on St. Maarten when he also worked in the postal service here.
"Ms. Wilson has come a long way and although I have known her to shy away from the spotlight whenever she can, on this occasion I would encourage her to take a well-deserved bow for a long dedicated service thus far, with much more still to give," said the Supervisory Board Chairman.
He said it is a pleasure working with Ms. Wilson, noting that her dedication to PSS should serve as an example to many individuals, especially the staff of PSS."
Before cutting her anniversary cake, Ms. Wilson thanked God for her blessing, her family for the great support, her staff for their kind gesture and also members of the public and customers who have sent messages of good wishes - including former postal workers who are now retired.

"I have experienced a lot in the 35 years and my working colleagues are as close to me as my own family, because we spend so many working days together," said Ms. Wilson.
She said the new postal authority on St. Maarten has set itself on a path to modernize its services in the face of increased competition from the internet and a global change in traditional postal business.
"In the short time I have been interim managing director we have opened two new branches and with some of the new services we are offering our customers, I believe we are moving in the right direction.
"There is a still a lot of work to be done and I promise to continue to work tirelessly to build good strategic relations with our business clients and excellent relations with the general public to show that our post offices are still relevant so that our younger members of staff can also celebrate 35 years when their time comes around," said Ms. Wilson.
For more information about your post office personnel and the service and products available at the Postal Services St. Maarten, visit or like on www.facebook.com/post.stmaarten or call + (1721) 5422289.

"Wear your St. Maarten Colors, fly your flags, and show your Pride"

PHILIPSBURG:--- Caretaker Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams encourages the community to show their support for the celebration of the National Holiday on the eleventh of November. The Prime Minister stressed for the community of St. Maarten to come out in force to celebrate St. Maarten's Day "I would like to urge the community to Celebrate St. Maarten. To all the people of St. Maarten, born here, belong here, visiting here; I would like to encourage you all to commemorate St. Maarten's Day. Our Country deserves that we celebrate her and that we celebrate how fortunate we are to be living on St. Maarten so please wear your St. Maarten Colors, fly your flags and show your Pride," commented the Prime Minister.

The PM also encouraged everyone to attend the various celebrations commemorating St. Maarten's Day. "This year it is St. Martin North that will be hosting the festivities so I encourage everyone to take part in what is being offered, what is being organized for everyone to celebrate our country," stressed Prime Minister Wescot-Williams.

St. Martin north will be hosting the St. Martin's Day Celebrations this year, however there will be various events held on both sides of the island to celebrate the 522nd birthday of the Friendly Island.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

TO FOSTER IMPROVED COOPERATION IN CARIBBEAN

PHILIPSBURG:--- Emil Lee, President of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), and General Manager of Princess Heights Hotel, St. Maarten, attended the naming celebration for the Royal Princess and the launch of Princess Cruises 50th Anniversary celebrations here.

"Accepting the invitation to attend the cruise line's celebration is part of CHTA's mission to broaden and improve cooperation with key stakeholders in the Caribbean," Mr. Lee said.

"The contributions of the cruise industry to Caribbean tourism has been tremendous and, despite our past differences between land-based interests and the cruiselines, we can do so much more working together to promote our destinations," Mr. Lee added.

During the celebration event, Mr. Lee met with Micky Arison, Chairman of Carnival Corporation, which owns Princess Cruises. Mr. Lee, in his position as President of CHTA represents the interests of the hotel industry across more than 30 destinations in the Caribbean with hundreds of hotel members as well as hundreds of allied companies representing the airlines, cruiselines, tour operators, restaurants, shops and other suppliers to the tourism industry.

Lets Move a Step Forward

PHILIPSBURG:--- The President of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams called on all Members of Parliament to improve the image and perception of St. Maarten's Parliament which she said has been criticized.
Wescot Williams said that on November 5th, 2014 a central committee meeting of Parliament could not be held due to a lack of quorum, she further stated that when it comes to dealing with legislations from government Members of Parliament should put aside their political differences and deal with the legislations in order to send back a report to the government. Wescot William also called on the Ministers that are sending these legislations to Parliament to ensure they have sufficient support in Parliament prior to sending over the legislations for Parliament to deal with. When asked why there was a lack of quorum when the current coalition has a two third majority in Parliament. The chairlady of Parliament said that some of the MPs supporting the coalition did not attend the meeting on November 5th, 2014. She did say that those that did not attend sent in notices of their absence because they were off island or had other matters to deal with. When asked by SMN News if she discussed her concerns with the faction leaders, Wescot Williams said she did not do so as yet but intends to do that in their next meeting. She also made clear that this is not the first time she addressed Parliament on this matter because while being Prime Minister she penned a letter to the Parliament of St. Maarten informing them of her concerns.
"It's time that we move a step forward because the functioning of Parliament was also mentioned in the PWC Integrity Report. Right now government wants to make a presentation to Parliament on the "Water Master Plan" while parliament has to meet discuss the new pension age.'
Wescot Williams said while the meetings of Parliament are public there are a number of things that takes place in Parliament and she believes that the people should know what is happening in Parliament. She said on October 31st, 2014 a Master Class was held at Westin on public finances. This class was coordinated by the General Audit Chamber and SOAB, the theme for that class which she used "New Parliament with Dynamic Challenges and Opportunities." Wescot Williams said besides being the chairlady of Parliament and Prime Minister she is also on two other committees which is the Presidium of Parliament and the Faction Leaders Committee. When asked if the Parliament of St. Maarten was not functioning optimally during the last four years since she mentioned that there is a backlog of meetings that has to be scheduled and finalized, Wescot Williams said she is not the one to say that but what she can say that the image and perception of the Parliament of St. Maarten were heavily criticized and it is even mentioned in the PWC integrity report.
Wescot Williams also gave an overview of the other committees which she said has to be established, those are the Adhoc Committee and the Permanent Committee of Parliament. Her main goal right now is to get the Permanent Committee up and running because this committee has to deal with how they will move forward with Parlatino since St. Maarten is a member of Parlatino. The newly installed chairlady of Parliament also made clear that the Members of Parliament that are also Ministers do not receive two salaries. "What I want to make clear is that the Ministers that are Members of Parliament do not receive two salaries so let me put that to rest once and for all."

Three MPs Call for Meeting to Discuss Election Day Hiccups.
Wescot Williams said she recently received a request that was submitted by three members from the coalition requesting that a public meeting be held to discuss some of the things that transpired at several voting bureaus and the civil registry on Election Day (August 29th, 2014). Wescot Williams said the request was submitted by MP Leona Marlin Romeo, MP Tamara Leonard and MP Cornelius de Weever. When asked what are some of the concerns that the three MPs indicated in their request, Wescot Williams said persons trying to use foreign identification cards to vote and issues surrounding ballots. That meeting she said will be scheduled within the next 14 days.
On the political front the President and Prime Minister said that so far the Governor of St. Maarten did not indicate publicly which screening procedures he will use to screen Ministers. She said she simply could not say when the Ministers will be sworn in and the current Council of Ministers has already submitted their resignations to the Governor. Wescot Williams said that even though the law allows them to hold their positions for at least three months it is not a desirable situation for St. Maarten.

French and Dutch under Pressure --- Oyster Pond Issue on the Front Burner.
The President and Prime Minister also indicated to reporters that the relationship between the French and the Dutch side is under pressure due to some issues raised recently, such as the Oyster Pond border issue. Wescot Williams assured that despite the pressure on both governments, none of the issues at hand are issues the two governments cannot handle. When asked if the current situation will hamper the St. Maarten Day celebration which will be hosted on the French side this year, Wescot Williams said that is not the case at all. She said that the St. Maarten Day celebration will take place as usual and this year it will be hosted by the French side because St. Maarten/ St. Martin will not allow anyone to destroy what they have kept together for centuries.

CAY HILL:--- Representatives from the Ebola Virus Disease Incidence Management Team VSA(EVD-IMT) met with representatives from St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) to discuss St. Maarten's Ebola Preparedness Plan. The meeting was held to share ideas and discuss a coordinated response. ""The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (VSA) along with all key stakeholders have taken a rigorous pro-active approach in order to ensure that St. Maarten will be prepared to respond in the event a suspected or confirmed Ebola patient surfaces in the area", said Minister of Public Health Cornelius de Weever

At the meeting SMMC gave an extensive overview on the protective equipment they currently have in-house and what is still needed to be acquired. An update was also given as to the area within the hospital designated as the isolation unit and the necessary upgrades needed to further prepare that isolation unit.

"God forbid Ebola were to reach St. Maarten, the Ministry of VSA is working together with all key stakeholders to ensure that St. Maarten is able to respond in a professional manner", said Dr. Virginia Asin, Collective Prevention Services (CPS) Department Head.

Under the supervision of the Infection Control Practitioner, Nurse Glenda Severin, Nurse Damali Bryson and Nurse Shanna Holaman gave a live demonstration on how the health care workers at the hospital are being trained to handle patients admitted with highly contagious diseases, particularly in this case for Ebola. CDC guidelines and International Health Regulations are being used to establish the necessary protocols that will be used to guide the isolation, care and treatment procedures.

In the case of several Ebola patients on island, SMMC is looking into how the isolation unit can be expanded or what would be the contingency plan. Future meeting with the French side and Social & Health Insurance (SZV) will provide more answers to this challenge.

A key preventative measure that came out of the meeting was the request for the public at large to be aware of procedures in case they think that they may have contracted Ebola. SMMC and Government are requesting that all persons who suspect that they may have Ebola should first call SMMC to notify them that you will be coming. This will allow the hospital to prepare for your arrival and ensure proper care and treatment as well as protect others, particularly the health care workers who are most vulnerable for transmission from an Ebola patient.

POINT BLANCHE:--- Port St. Maarten was present in South Reward at Milton Peters College (MPC) Career Fair on Wednesday.

Three departments of the port were profiled, namely Cargo, Human Resources and the Commercial Department.

The presentation by port staff was hands-on. Cargo explained how more than the majority of goods and products come in via the port and these items can be found in stores and supermarkets.

Human resources spoke about the importance of pursuing a study that would increase ones employability, and concluded with tips when searching for a job.

The Commercial Department spoke about the importance of cruise tourism and the impact that it has on the country's economy. The emphasis was also placed on hospitality and friendliness of the people and the service that is provided to visitors since the island's economy is tourism based.
Cruise tourism contributions to St. Maarten as a destination is very prominent. In 2013 the destination received over 1.7 million cruise passengers.
According to the Business Research & Economic Advisors (BREA) 2012 study, Economic Contribution of Cruise Tourism to the Destination Economies, the average expenditure per passenger in St. Maarten was $185.40, which benefitted numerous industries through purchases of goods that included food and beverage at restaurants and bars, clothing, shore excursions, ground transportation, local crafts and souvenirs, watches and jewelry, perfumes and cosmetics, electronics, entertainment/night clubs/casinos, retail purchases of liquor, and telephone and internet.
The same study showed that the average expenditure per crew in St. Maarten was $135.50 on similar products and services. Plus it revealed the direct and indirect employment generated by the cruise industry, totaling 8,123 jobs and $159.8 million in employee wages.

 Coalition dispute ongoing

PHILIPSBURG:--- Well placed sources have informed SMN News that a prominent lawyer on St. Maarten has failed the screening process to become a Minister in the UP/DP/ Marlin coalition. SMN News learnt that the candidate is allegedly under investigation for molesting a teenager. According to the information SMN News received a relative of the victim filed charges against the prominent citizen and lawyer on St. Maarten about two months ago. The Public Prosecutors Office refused to comment when they were contacted by SMN News to verify whether or not the person in question is under investigation. The formateur for the UPP/DP/Marlin coalition was given up until October 20th, 2014 to submit the names of his candidates to the governor.
The outcome of the screening of the other candidates is not yet known. Those are Marcel Gumbs (Prime Minister) Peggy Ann Dros Richardson (Health, Labor and Social Affairs) Peggy Ann Brandon (VROMI) Rita Gumbs (Education, Youth and Sports).
In the meantime Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson will remain in office and Minister of Finance Martin Hassink will also remain in office under the current coalition government.
Based on the names submitted for the Ministerial positions it is clear that the leader of the United Peoples Party Theodore Heyliger has pulled his name from becoming the Prime Minister of St. Maarten and he will remain as a Member of Parliament for the governing period 2014- 2018. Heyliger said on national television some weeks ago that he will be the next Prime Minister of St. Maarten, but that did not materialize since the Kingdom Council of Ministers issued an instruction to the  Governor of St. Maarten on how to screen candidates for Ministerial positions.
SMN News further understands that the current coalition government is having severe issues which they are trying to iron out. A source within the UP political party said that the Leader of the UPP Theodore Heyliger is at odds with the Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams whom he did not sign any coalition agreement with. The UPP insider said that Heyliger is maintaining his first position and agreement he signed with MP Cornelius de Weever. However, since the leader of the DP signed on October 9th, 2014 to be part of the UPP/De Weever coalition she is making demands on behalf of the Democratic Party. At a press conference held last week the Prime Minister and leader of the Democratic Party confirmed to reporters that the agreement she signed with the UPP Leader is on behalf of the Democratic Party and not herself. She said the current coalition government is the UPP/DP/Marlin coalition since MP Cornelius de Weever is a member of the Democratic Party.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The anticipated small business weekend entrepreneurship program will be initiated by Stichting Overheidsgebouwen (SOG) and will start on November 7th – November 11th 2014 with an Official Opening Ceremony on November 7th 2014 at 7:00PM in the evening.
A variety of activities and entertainment will take place in the St. Maarten Festival Village from November 7th 2014 leading up to St. Maarten Day celebrations on November 11th 2014.
The pack schedule of entertainment and performances will be featured by the following organizations:
Performances by Telem Breakthrough Winners 2014; Gunslingers Steelband; St. Maarten New Generation Status Drumband; House of Blues; Uprising Band; Kool Berry Jam Band; Funtopia;
KidsWorld & Coney Island
Opening hours of the St. Maarten Festival Village for the weekend program are as follows:
Official Opening Ceremony on Friday November 7th at 7:00PM
On Saturday November 8th from 08:00AM – 4:00PM
On Sunday November 9th from 10:00AM – 10:00PM
Children's show at 5:00PM
On Monday November 10th from 10:00AM – 10:00PM
On Tuesday November 11th from 10:00AM – 11:00PM
Showtime at 4:00PM
The weekend program is aimed to stimulate entrepreneurship and more usage of the St. Maarten Festival Village while offering vendors the opportunity for selling of drinks, foods, arts & craft etc. The vendors will be allowed to have booths, tents or tables for vending.
There will not be any entrance fee to enter the Festival Village and therefore the entire population is urged to get involved by visiting & supporting the vendors for the start of the weekend program from November 7th – November 11th 2014 and weekends thereafter.

CAY HILL:--- In celebration of the Kooyman group of companies 75th Anniversary, Kooyman Megastore St. Maarten will be carrying out a number of fun filled activities throughout the company's anniversary month of November. Starting with the K-Race; shoppers who purchase $75 worth of items or more will get the chance to win back $75 in shopping credit. To win, shoppers must find a mystery item in the store in 75 seconds or less! 5 lucky shoppers each won a $75 shopping voucher during the first round of the K-Race which took place last week. The races will take place every Saturday during the month of November, where 5 lucky winners will get a chance to win $75 each week. You have to be there to win!
The Fun doesn't stop there; Kooyman will be showing their true patriotism on November 10th with their St. Maarten's Day Celebration. Get ready for those St. Maarten day outdoor celebrations with Kooyman. All day long shoppers will receive 11% discount on their purchases, and every shopper gets to walk away with a token of appreciation.
It all comes to a close on November 29th with the second edition of Kooyman's signature Chirstmas Shopping Night. The event kicks off from 6:00pm-9:00pm with the launch of the Kooyman Chirstmas assortment and exclusive deals and discounts of 10, 20 and even 50% off on selected items. There will also be Music, Food, Drinks, Fun and games for the entire Family and fabulous free giveaways such as a custom Kooyman Kitchen and other great raffle prizes throughout the evening.
For more information, be sure to check us out and like us on Facebook. www.facebook.com/Kooyman.St.Maarten

PM/President of Parliament dispatched letter to the Dutch Second Chamber on Instructions given to St. Maarten's Governor

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister and President of St. Maarten's parliament penned a four page letter to the Dutch second chamber informing them of the standpoint of St. Maarten's Council of Ministers. Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams states clearly in her letter that the Council of Ministers on St. Maarten will not cooperate with the execution of the Kingdom decree and will contest the decree and all actions flowing forth there from in and out of court.

The letter starts of by stating that although the three Caribbean countries voted against the Royal Decree, the Kingdom Council of Ministers rammed through a Royal Decree putting on hold the nomination of the proposed Prime Minister, Ministers and Minister plenipotentiary. The Prime Minister further stated that the autonomy spoken of in the Kingdom Charter is being violated. St. Maarten resists this abuse of power. The population of St. Maarten chose to be part of a Kingdom where the rule of law prevails and not "might is right"

The letter went on to list six objections against the Royal Decree, amongst which was the untenable position in which the decree placed the governor.

The action of the Kingdom Council Of Ministers are therefore unlawful and in conflict with the principles of good governance.

The Kingdom Council of Ministers issued two instructions to the Governor of St.Maarten within a one year time span since the UP/DP government took office in 2013. The first instruction ordered the governor of St. Maarten to conduct an integrity investigation, which was conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers of New York. When that instruction was given by Kingdom decree to St. Maarten the government of St. Maarten fought severly against it but the Dutch maintained their stance on getting the integrity investigation conducted. The second instruction was issued on September 17th 2014 when the Dutch realized that the UPP and DP formed a coalion government. This time the Minister of Interior and Foreign Relatons Ronald Plasterk informed the second chamber of all the decisions he has taken regarding St. Maarten, one of which the Governor of St. Maarten must not sign any Landsbesluit to appoint the Ministers selected by the current coalition unless they are screened the way the Dutch wants the screening to be done.

Even though the current coalition has the majority support in the Parliament which was installed on October 10th 2014, that coalition is still not able to govern. Currently the Prime Minister is holding two positions, one being the Prime Minister of St. Maarten and the President of Parliament. Member of Parliament Frans Richardson questioned the fact that three Members of Parliament are holding doublle functions and asked if the people of St. Maarten has to pay namely the Prime Minister, MInister of Health and Labor and the Minister of VROMI two salaries untill a new council of ministers is installed.

Click here to view letter sent to the Dutch Second Chamber.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Tuesday November 4th, 2014 at approximately 5:00 p.m. a suspect in an ongoing investigation concerning an attempted murder/severe ill-treatment with a weapon, was arrested by police in the vicinity of Fisherman's Wharf in Cole Bay. The suspect with initials A.L. (24) was involved in a fight on November 2nd, 2014 at a bar in Cole Bay. During this fight the victim was seriously wounded after being stabbed. The suspect cooperated completely with police during his arrest. The suspect was taken to the Philipsburg police station where he remains in custody for further investigation.

Police visits Milton Peters College during "Carrier Day".

On Wednesday, November 5th, 2014 two inspectors of the Sint Maarten Police Department namely Inspector Felix Richards (C.P.O.) and Inspector Ricardo Henson (P.R.) visited the Milton Peters College during the hosting of "Carrier Day". While at the school both officers gave the students who attended the presentation an extensive explanation regarding the police force. The presentation consisted of a little of history of the police force, the structure of the police force, the job requirements and possibilities to growing within the organisation. The students were quite impressed and enthusiastic about the presentation. After the presentation the students were allowed to ask questions which were answered by the officers.

While at the school the officers used the opportunity to continue to promote the "Stop, Drop & Go" project which thus far has been very successful. The students were informed about the dangers of the possession of firearms and the consequences of using them. They were also encouraged to promote this project. Many students were then given a "Stop, Drop and Go" rubber wrist band which show their support of the project.

KPSM Police Report

POND ISLAND:--- Copper thieves are setting back restoration work on TelEm Group's telecommunication infrastructure, part of which was damaged with the passing of hurricane Gonzalo.
The thieves have been going into action in the dead of night, cutting copper cables set aside to connect pockets of neighbourhoods worst affected by hurricane Gonzalo.
"The latest incident happened recently in the Sucker Garden area where brand new copper cable was cut and removed from a site even before we had a chance to connect customers," said Manager, Outside Plant, Mr. Marco London.
He said the thefts are putting back restoration work for workers in the field who are forced to remove the cables from the work sites at the end of each day. The workmen are also having to ensuring the cables left behind at the end of the day, are properly concealed and protected to prevent further theft.
"We have to take these precautions and this is causing a slowdown in the number of customers we can reconnect to the infrastructure each day in different areas," said Mr. London.
He said some three weeks after the passing of hurricane Gonzalo, close to 300 TelEm Group customers in various areas throughout the island continue to be affected and are awaiting reconnection for landline and internet service.

"Unfortunately for some of these customers, there is a slight delay in having their service resumed since we have decided, along with GEBE and Cable TV to put our cables underground right away rather than repair and restore damaged overhead cables.
"This will cause some inconvenience in the short term, but the in the long term it will be better for the customer because the underground cables are better protected and will also allow for quicker reconnections in the future should there be any other hurricanes or major incidents," said the Outside Plant manager.
He said the areas where the utility companies are going underground within the next two weeks include Sucker Garden and Betty's Estate, however there are other areas, such as Middle Region, Dutch Quarter and Nazareth, where the companies cannot lay underground cables because of succession land issues and are therefore forced to maintain an overhead cabling system.
"We are doing all that we can in several areas to have customers back in landline and internet service as soon as it is physically possible.
"We are working along with GEBE and St. Maarten Cable TV in different areas for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, but none of us are helped by the inclement weather that the island has experienced in recent days," continued Mr. London.
He said the setback of heavy rain, combined with the theft of copper cables is slowing down progress, but customers can rest assured that technicians will be getting to them soon.
He has meantime urged members of the public who witness people stealing company equipment and copper cables to report the matter to the police right away.

The Outside Plant manager said in areas where customers do not have service because of felled poles and dangling drop wires, these customers should ensure they report the outage to TelEm Group's Customer Care department so that adjustments can be made to their monthly subscription fee.
"Unless we are officially informed a customer's service has been interrupted because of damage to the telecommunication infrastructure, they will continue to be charged for service," Mr. London said.

TELEM Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- Are you an adult who is looking for a volunteer job where you will meet lots of people from different cultures and ages? Do you have some spare time available in the mornings or in the afternoons? If this is the case, then volunteering at the library might be just the thing for you!
Library volunteers play an important role as partners in the library's mission of connecting people to the world of ideas and information. If you would like to volunteer and the description above applies to you, you are invited to assist in our new open library café. The café will be open daily (except on Mondays) to provide library users with healthy and delicious drinks and snacks.
If you would like to support your library by working as a volunteer in the library café, please contact us by email or phone.
For more information, call or send an e-mail to the library's director Mrs. Monique Alberts (542 2970) or contact the library café coordinator Ms. Cherida Creebsburg (554 6154) at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library. E-mail address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PJL Press Release

POINT BLANCHE:--- Port St. Maarten management would like to commend the St. Maarten Customs Department and other relevant law enforcement agencies who have been involved in the successful seizure of narcotics that arrived on a vessel on Sunday from Jamaica.

The interdiction at Port St. Maarten sends a strong message to criminals that the country's law enforcement agencies are on alert to seize and arrests any criminals attempting to use the country's gateways for any illegal activities.

"Port St. Maarten has invested in a structure to house the agencies at our cargo facility to facilitate their hands-on approach which can be labeled as successful.

"We at Port St. Maarten will not tolerate any illegal activities. We commend Customs for their alertness and other law enforcement agencies who played a role in this seizure effort," Chief Executive Officer Mark Mingo said on Tuesday.

KRALENDIJK, Bonaire:--- Bonaire has an increasing number of initiatives to develop the island in a sustainable fashion. In order to stimulate these initiatives, law firm VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne organized a seminar on forms of cooperation in sustainable projects. Under the direction of lawyer Tom Peeters, who runs the Bonaire office of the firm, attendants exchanged ideas about the various possibilities in an interactive fashion. Peeters specializes in real estate and project development, and knows the tricks of this subject-matter.

The well-attended breakfast seminar took place on Tuesday, November 4, 2014. The cooperative was the focus on this occasion. This type of enterprise is wrongly still hardly used, according to Peeters. In the complex playing field of sustainable projects, with various development phases and interests of different stakeholders, this is the most practical instrument, according to the lawyer.

The public consisted of project managers, government officials, bankers, notaries, and other direct stakeholders. Their enthusiasm increased based on examples from the Netherlands and the Caribbean. Peeters made them realize that public and private parties can work together in a flexible fashion in projects varying from agriculture to wind and solar energy, cattle farming, and wastewater. Types of enterprises such as the NV (limited liability company), BV (private limited company), foundation, and association were compared, but during the balancing the somewhat less familiar cooperative each time appears to be very appealing. The cooperative is pre-eminently suitable for bringing stakeholders with different interests together and provides a flexible, low-threshold, and easy to manage platform for cooperation.

The largest regional law firm simultaneously announced an additional cycle of classes on real estate, which will begin on December 2. The first meeting will deal with transparent acquisition and tendering. Please register through Lisette van Marrewijk (T +599 717 7557, E This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will meet in a Central Committee session on November 06th.
The committee meeting is set for Thursday at 10:00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.
The first agenda point is a draft National Ordinance to adjust the Stamp Ordinance related to Passports; the second agenda is advice regarding the installation and composition of the Permanent and Adhoc Committees of Parliament.
The third agenda is advice regarding the installation and composition of the Committees of the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino); and the fourth agenda point is composition of the delegation to attend the Commemorative General Assembly on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Parlatino on December 6th and Meeting of Young Parliamentarians 2014 on December 4th and 5th.
Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

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

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

PHILIPSBURG:--- A resident and worker for a businessman who owns a number of stores on Back Street and other neighboring islands allegedly has a special relationship with a detective who did what he wanted him to do instead of following the law one of his workers told SMN News on Tuesday in an exclusive interview.
According to the long time worker, the businessman caught three of his workers that are residing and working on the island illegally stealing his merchandize. The worker told SMN News that the  workers were working at the businessman's warehouse in Cole Bay and they were caught stealing goods that they packed in pallets and took to the harbor to be shipped off island. The worker said that the  workers were even caught on tape taking the extra goods off the pallets and those goods were left at the harbor because the workers could not produce documents for them. According the information SMN News received, the businessman then went to the harbor with one of the workers and picked up the goods, afterwards he contacted his detective friend at KPSM who gave him permission to fire the  workers instead of handing the case over to the Public Prosecutors Office for them to decide on how to proceed. "The workers admitted to stealing the goods and they were fired and not prosecuted. Further, the detective in question did not turn over the men that are residing on the island illegally instead he allowed them to go out there to find work elsewhere because handing the culprits over to immigration would land his friend (businessman) in trouble because he could be fined up to Naf. 10,000.00 for each undocumented worker he hired."
SMN News spoke to one of the workers that has been working for the businessman for 13 years. The worker said ever since he began working for the businessman that has at least three stores on Back Street; he has been working in Philipsburg. He said that one day his employer called him and told him to meet him at the police station and upon arriving there he met with the detective and his boss who began insulting him and trying to force him to admit that he knew what was taking place at the Cole Bay warehouse. The worker said the detective told him if he did not admit, he will kick him behind bars or call the prosecutor on him and he in turn told both the detective and his boss to do both because he simply does not know what was taking place at his Cole Bay warehouse. The worker said that the detective and his boss went out of the room and his boss and the detective decided that they will fire him for theft. "Ever since October 3rd, 2014 this incident happened, I contacted the labor department and I also told the person at the labor department that I was leaving the island for a short period of time. The labor officer told me that she will contact my boss and have him bring in the dismissal letter and a statement from the police department to say that he is under investigation or charged with theft. When I came back to the island this past weekend I checked with the labor department and the agent told me she did not get the documents she requested from my boss and she also told me when she spoke to him he claimed he was off island." The worker said that he also contacted another detective to file a complaint because he did nothing wrong and that other detective told him that he will check with his colleague on the case but also advised him to get a lawyer and take his employer to court.
The worker said that his boss fired two other persons from the store and one of the workers already took him to court, that case will be heard on Wednesday. When asked by SMN News if he has working documents for St. Maarten the worker said that he paid his boss $4,000.00 to file for his working document. "Even though I am working for this Indian merchant he demanded $4,000.00 to file for my documents. I paid that money because I have a family to support and most of all I want to reside on St. Maarten legally. Apart from that my nephew was also working with my boss and he too paid $4,000.00 for his documents to be filed and his boss never filed for his documents instead he kept my nephew monies and my nephew got disgusted and left the island." The dismissed worker said that a number of persons working at the Cole Bay warehouse are working illegally, he said one of the workers left his job on November 1st, 2014 and went to work for another company after working for this Indian Merchant  for five years and he refused to file for his working documents.
SMN News contacted the Head of the Labor and Social Affairs Department Peggy Ann Dros Richardson who said they are not allowed to release any information on cases or complaints filed at the department. Dros Richardson said if the person wants his information released then he would have to authorize the department in writing to do so.
SMN News also contacted the press prosecutor Tineke Kamps to find out whether or not she was aware of the case and Kamps said that the Public Prosecutors Office was not informed of this case. SMN News also contacted the businessman by email about the allegations and he said he will not comment instead SMN News should contact his lawyer, whose name he did not provide.
SMN News went further and tried several times to reach the head of the detective department Denise Jacob for an explanation. Jacobs sent an email to SMN News stating that she discussed the case with Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson who eventually made a statement in reaction to the questions posed to him. Henson said that the detective that handled the case was on vacation and he could not be questoned on Tuesday about his role in the investigation. The Police Spokesman confirmed that three persons were arrested in connection with an investigation involving LUCKY's Store, furthermore,the investigation is not yet completed even though the arrests took place early October 2014. He said that that KPSM will be conducting an internal investigation to determine it its detective did anything outside of of his duties and if that is proven then management of KPSM will take the necessary measures including disciplinary actions.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The University of St. Martin (USM) will be hosting a presentation on the book "Six 4 Nine" written by Mr. Joseph Lake Jr. followed by a panel discussion. Six 4 Nine is about the people of St. Martin, it argues that the Country and Collectivité are colonies that are not in the interest of the people of St. Martin. The book champions independence as the main solution to the problems on the island.
A patriotic book is a cry, a critique, and a challenge; it tries in these three tonalities to convey the author's prophetic opinion on the current state of his society. Mr. Lake's book, on the fate of Sint Maarten & Saint Martin after the constitutional changes can be judged thus, stated Dr. Francio Guadeloupe, USM's Interim President and Dean of Academics.
As is the case with all judgments in democratic societies it needs to be debated and discussed by a panel of experts and the wider public, USM has therefore invited Mr. Reynold Groeneveldt, Ms. Daniella Jeffry, Mr. Miguel De Weever and Mrs. Oldine Bryson-Pantophlet to give their views on the publication and in their opinion what is the fate of Country Sint Maarten and Collectivité Saint Martin. The discussion will be moderated by Mr. Wim de Visser.
USM continues to contribute to educating the community as the island proceed with sustainable development and nation building, by hosting informative lectures open to the general public and its student body.
This event is scheduled for Thursday November 6th, 2014 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm in the USM Lecture Hall. USM welcomes the general public to participate in this discussion.

USM Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- Citizens of Sint Maarten remembered the message from Minister Dennis Richardson that the 'Stop, Drop and Go' project continues until November 14th. On Monday afternoon November 3rd the total amount of weapons that were surrendered increased to 54 without the fear of being prosecuted for possessing them.
During the day the employees of the Attorney General's Office also discovered that an unknown person left a large amount of ammunition on the stairs of the 'Puerta del Sol Plaza' building. People are also very welcome to hand in ammunition, but preferably not by just leaving it on the stairs. This obviously could cause dangerous situations. The best way to hand in fire arms or ammunition is to put the goods in a brown paper bag and transport them in a plastic bag. If anyone has any questions about the project or how to hand in (illegal) firearms, they call the free Tel-Em 'Stop, Drop and Go' information line on #5444 808.
This information number is not the same as the 'Stop, Drop and Go' tip line, on which you have the opportunity to (anonymously) report someone who owns (an) illegal firearm(s). The number of the 'Stop, Drop and Go' tip line is #9300. If your tip leads to locating an illegal firearm, you will receive a financial compensation.

KPSM Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- FC Soualiga Women's Soccer Team hosted its 2nd PJIA International Women's Soccer Tournament during the weekend of October 25th and 26th, with the hosting team FC Soualiga winning both of the matches it competed in (5-2 and 7-3). This time around it proved a little bit more difficult to get teams over to the island as opposed to 2013's tournament with 6- a side games where St. Barths, Curacao and Trinidad participated along two FC Soualiga teams. This year Raoul Illidge allowed for official 11- a side games. This however proved difficult for other regional teams as airfare for regional flights are quite expensive, especially when an entire team, including coaches, need to travel. The fact that chikungunya has been circulating in the region has also made matters worse, as team Trinidad had to cancel a day before the opening match due to contracting the virus.
Considering that FIFA has deemed this year 'the year of women in soccer', world-wide more investment should be made in having women participate in the sport, it is regrettable that many teams, some affiliated with FIFA, have not yet been able to represent themselves internationally. However, FC Soualiga was still very pleased with the outcome of this year's PJIA International Women's Soccer Tournament. They were applauded for their professionalism and great organizational skills, as well as everyone being impressed by the improvement the team has shown in such a short time span. The team, only being in existence since April 2013, has proven it is a force to be reckoned with. FC Soualiga walked away with the first place prize, while their main competitor, 'Association Sportive de Gustavia' from St. Barth's came in second. Other personal prizes such as the best defender prize went to Cindy Havinga, Daphne Wittenberg was named best goalie and the most valuable player prize went to Kandice Franklyn, as well as winning the prize for most goals scored.
FC Soualiga would like to thank all their amazing sponsors for making this year's tournament another success. FC Soualiga would especially like to acknowledge its corporate sponsor Princess Juliana International Airport, and Divi Little Bay Beach Resort for always supporting the team. Without them and the sponsors Windward Islands Bank, GEBE, Sint Maarten Building Supplies, Majula Corp., Travel Planners, Holland House Beach Hotel, and Heavenly Water, the tournament would not have been as successful as it was. Special thanks also goes out to Coach David Forsythe, Rita Aikman and Ruthlyn Hooi from the St. Maarten Soccer Educational Foundation, the Red Cross Foundation, Robenson Gassant for his graphic design expertise, Mr. York from Ocean Island NV, and the Foundation Upkeep Sports Facilities for always supporting FC Soualiga in all its endeavors.

FC Soualiga Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- Sint Maarten needs a Government of integrity.
In Bible times when prophets and kings were at a crossroad in the nation and when Israel was faced with serious threats and obstacles they sought their God by means of prayer and fasting. The prophet Joel declared a fast saying: "summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD" (Joel 1:14). King Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah and the people "gathered themselves together, to ask help of the Lord..." (2 Chron. 20:4). And Queen Ester called for a fast among the Jews in the kingdom. (Esther 4:15).
In view of the fact that Sint Maarten is presently at a crossroad constitutionally and as far as putting a new government in place is concerned, the Church is calling on the nation to observe a national day of prayer and fasting on Sunday, November 9th 2014.
Why call for a national day to pray and fast? The formation of a new government for Sint Maarten reached an impasse when the Dutch Government, on October 17th, instructed the Governor not to ratify the national decrees appointing candidate ministers and the Prime Minister until, in addition to the existing vetting criteria, further screening is done to ascertain the eligibility of the proposed ministers and prime minister for their posts. This measure has been taken due to the fact that there are serious concerns regarding the integrity of the Government of country Sint Maarten. Three reports, all published this year, have pointed to minor as well as serious breaches of integrity at all levels of government. And a fourth report is still due in December 2014. The instruction given to the Governor has caused the formation of the new government i.e. the appointment of ministers and the prime minister to come to a halt. This situation is not good at all for Sint Maarten because it brings with it insecurity and instability and creates a negative image in the eyes of ourselves as a people, as well as in towards investors and the outside world.
One cannot open a newspaper or listen to a talk show on radio without hearing or coming across the words corruption, bribery, favors, dishonesty, greed, vote and seat buying, ship jumping, etc. as people make reference to parliamentarians, ministers and civil servants. In other words, there is a serious lack of integrity in government. In the constellation of the former Netherlands Antilles when a government leader's integrity was questioned, even though he/she was not yet proven guilty, we would hear of that leader "doing the honorable thing". During the past four years St. Maarten's government leaders broke with that ethical and moral custom and whether accused or guilty they maintained their positions in Government. They might have acted legally, but they certainly broke all moral laws and acted without any sense of ethics and integrity. Indeed, some decisions, actions and behaviors may be legal but they are certainly not moral or ethical. Take for example the so called "ship jumping". It may be perfectly legal, but is it moral or ethical? And what message does it send to our people, especially our youngsters. Formerly your "word was your bond". Nowadays, the example given to our young people is that one's word has no value whatsoever.
Indeed, Sint Maarten is suffering from an integrity crisis. The three integrity reports confirm this. The outgoing government also acknowledged it and consequently requested the Dutch Government for assistance in this area. Besides, the incoming 10-seat coalition government also recognized the integrity deficit in our country and has, by mouth of its leader, promised to execute the recommendations mentioned in the various integrity reports. Is this call for help and the promise to implement the integrity recommendations enough to get on with the business of forming the government? Well, we must realize that four years of integrity violations have led up to this impasse; and promises as well as requests for help are seemingly not sufficient guarantees at this time to assure the Dutch government that integrity will be restored in the local government; hence, the unprecedented instruction to the Governor. The integrity buck lies now on his desk and we believe that he should do whatever is necessary to restore trust and integrity in our government and consequently in our country.
To bridge the gap between the past government, riddled with integrity issues, and the promise of the incoming government to implement the integrity recommendations found in the various reports, the Governor and parliament should consider forming a "Zakenkabinet" that would lay the foundation for the incoming government. This interim cabinet would be comprised of professionals and persons from the business sector who have passed the stringent screening and whose integrity is above reproach. They would govern the country for a definite period of time according to an agreed upon governing accord. The main focus of this accord however, would be to deal with, among other things, the establishing, implementation and monitoring of integrity codes and standards. Once the period of time is completed the interim cabinet yields to the new government who is expected to continue to govern the country according to the acceptable integrity standards and codes.
We must remember that integrity is, in the first place, a personal issue. It has to do with our own personal choices regarding our values, norms, morals and principles. According to C.S. Lewis, "integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching". Having a fear and understanding of God will cause us to realize that even when we think that no one is watching God sees and knows every action we take and that there are consequences to everything we do. We pray that our leaders and government officials would keep in mind the moral and spiritual values they were raised with and apply these in their daily work environment. One way of keeping those values before them would be their faithful attendance at the five public ecumenical services held during the year. We applaud the fact that Government, in coordination with the Church, supports these national services. Yet it is regrettable to note that most government leaders and civil servants are blatantly absent which is really not a good example to the rest of the citizenry.
Besides praying for Government, the Church would like for parliament to consider including prayer at the opening and closing of the parliamentary year. The official moment of silence whereby everyone should pray in his/her own way is no different from the moment of silence that is observed to respect the memory of someone who has passed away. The late Island Councilman, Edgar Lynch, did his best to get the then Island Council to begin the government year with prayer. Unfortunately, this was rejected because St. Maarten, on its own, could not amend the laws of the Netherlands Antilles. Now, that Sint Maarten is an autonomous country it therefore can decide to change the law to enable prayer to be said audibly at the opening of the parliamentary year. Nowhere in the Bible does God ask us to speak to him in silence. On the contrary He says "call on me and I will answer!" The Church will soon be submitting a proposal to parliament to institute prayer at the beginning and at the closing of the parliamentary year.
Another thing that can be done to promote integrity in government is for parliament and government to have an official chaplain, similar to the chaplaincy in the US Senate and House of Representatives. In November 2010 the Sint Maarten Council of Churches requested parliament to establish a chaplaincy. Now more than ever there is a need for prayer and spiritual guidance in the chambers of parliament and in the cabinet. The Church will also be submitting a request and proposal to Parliament regarding the establishing of a chaplaincy.
The Church's God given responsibility is to pray for government. The apostle Paul urges us to make petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving for kings and all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Therefore, we should pray for our leaders, that God would grant them wisdom, understanding and skill to lead and make the right decisions. Hence, in view of the current impasse on Sint Maarten, the Church is calling for an island wide day of prayer and fasting to gather together to pray and cry out to the Lord to have mercy on our island. What better time to do this than on Sunday, November 9th, which is 2 days leading up to Sint Maarten's Day, when the entire island would be celebrating its common heritage and cultural unity.
All churches on the island are herewith requested to set aside some time during their services or masses on Sunday, November 9th 2014 to pray for God will the Government that it needs at this time in history. People can also pray during their personal and individual daily prayer times. Even if you also decide to fast from eating one meal that is better than not fasting at all. Let us cry out to the Lord our God for a God fearing-government that will uphold integrity, transparency, uprightness, honesty and people above self. Further information about the National Day of Prayer and Fasting will be given during the week. Let us as a people untie and come together for peace and common good of Sint Maarten. May God bless Sint Maarten!

SMUMF Press Release

SUCKER GARDEN:--- The WBA & Motorworld and Jeep Presents Ladies Basketball Championship games continued last weekend with the first game of the weekend on Saturday between Thunderz and Bush Tea Remedy. The game was close in the first quarter and the Thunderz lead 10-8 and it was looking as if Bush Tea Remedy could win this game and give the Thunderz their first loss. In the second quarter the Thunderz outscored Bush Tea Remedy 19-7 and blew open a close game to lead 29-15 at the half. They continued to dominate in the third quarter to then win the game 50-25. Tiana lead her Thunderz to a big game by scoring 23 points straight for her team spanning the second and third quarters to become Motorworld Player of The Game with 25 Points, 12 Rebounds, 1 Assist and 5 Steals. Top scorer for Bush Tea Remedy was Cardillia Nicholas with 10 Points and 6 rebounds.

Games continued on Sunday at Melford Hazel with Claudia Fleming having another exciting game as she led her team Cash 4 Gold Lava Girls to 71-48 victory over the Learning Unlimited. Fleming had 30 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assist, 4 steals and 1 block. She was supported by Wendy Jack with 10 points, 8 assist, 4 steals and 1 block. Cash 4 Gold Lava Girls started off strong and lead 16-6 after the first quarter and built on that lead and lead 37-24 at the half. Learning Unlimited fought hard in the third and got the lead down to 8 at 37-29 but Claudia and Cash 4 Gold Lava Girls recovered their composure to then increase their lead to 20 after the third quarter 54-34. They won the game 71 to 48.

Leading Learning Unlimited was Jakisha Brooks. Brooks who had 29 points, 15 rebounds, 6 steals and 1 assist. Alongside her was Daricia Arrindell with 13 points, 4 assist and 1 steal. Claudia Fleming and Jakisha Brooks were named Motorworld Players of the game for their outstanding individual performances.

Lightning played the second game on Sunday against Bush Tea Remedy and finally got their first win for the season by 47-40. Bush Tea Remedy lead 23-14 at the half but the game turned around and Lightning turned up the defense in the third quarter and lead 33-27 after the third. Lightning had a balanced attack of three players in double digits which were Jamaiah Newton—Herbert with 15 points, 20 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 steal, Tsjaquilla Jeffrey had 14 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals and Micaela Galva with 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assist and 4 steals. Newton—Herbert was named player of the game for impacting the game by scoring, finding her teammates and rebounding the ball.

Action continues Saturday November 8th at 6:00 pm as the two leading teams Thunderz and Cash 4 Gold Lava Girls who are both 3-0 on the season and face each other for the first time in the young season. Sunday at 3:00 pm Learning Unlimited tip off against Bush Tea Remedy and at 5:00 pm Lighting meets up with Lava Girls and look to avenge their first loss of the season to Cash 4 Gold Lava Girls. Game Highlights, pictures, game scores and schedule can be viewed on the Facebook page 'Ladies Basketball Championship'. Highlights and full games can be seen on the Youtube page www.youtube.com/walichibasketball.

KRALENDIJK, Bonaire:--- On November 3rd, 2014 the two-year training for police officer on Bonaire will start with an orientation week. The process for recruiting and selecting employees, which took place over the past few months, has been completed. The training is a joint venture between the police, the Coast Guard and Koninklijke Marechaussee; hereinafter KMar).
The Caribbean Netherlands Police Force (Korps Politie Caribisch Nederland; hereinafter KPCN) engaged 9 police officer candidates and 3 employees for the Intake department. KMar will train 6 employees and the Coast Guard will train 8 people. These 26 young individuals will receive full or partial training, depending on the position for which they have been hired.

After the first orientation week on the island, the Superintendant of KPCN will officially launch the training in the presence of the Director of the Coast Guard and the Head of Operations of KMar in the Caribbean region. Under the responsibility of the Dutch Police Academy, the trainers of the three organisations and local teachers will organize the education.

The students will acquire knowledge about policing, tracing crimes and rendering emergency assistance in several modules. The training will take place at school and on the job. Because of the collaboration this can be very diverse, varying from different locations on Bonaire to even boats of the Coast Guard. Each module is completed with an exam.
After two years all candidates will hold a certificate at level 3 of intermediate vocational education (MBO-3) and the participants of the police department and KMar can be put fully into service on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba as general criminal investigation officers. The participants of the Coast Guard can also be deployed at the Coast Guard of Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten, apart from the aforementioned islands, after graduating.

KPCN Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) has hired a new Environmental Educator to their team: Laura Bijnsdorp. Having recently moved back to the island, Bijnsdorp grew up volunteering for various environmental foundations on St. Maarten, including EPIC. She will be spearheading the foundation's educational program, combining her background in media and education together with her knowledge of the island's environment.

Since 2007 EPIC St. Maarten has worked with thousands of school children and numerous community groups by providing standardized Environmental and Natural Heritage Education classes, presentations and excursions for schools, community groups, church groups and other organizations free of cost. It has since become a sought after education program on the island.

EPIC is dedicated to ensuring consistent environmental education continues by staffing the only full-time Environmental Educator for St. Maarten. The Prince Bernhard Cultural Fund Caribbean Region is funding the position for the initial six months.

The Foundation's Environmental Education program covers a wide-range of topics and includes classes on and excursions related to St. Maarten's forests, ocean pollution, the environmental challenges St. Maarten faces and the wildlife and ecology of St. Maarten's wetlands. Interactive presentations and educational games ensure that participants are active participants in learning valuable ecological lessons.

Schools that are interested in participating in the education program including the presentations and/or excursions can contact the foundation at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 5881510. The presentations are flexible, depending on the age and education of the students and are about 45 minutes long. The program will run from November 6th 2014 to February 6th 2015. The foundation urges schools to sign up soon to secure a spot.

EPIC Press Release

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday November 8, Step Out Promotions will host the second Conflict Resolution workshop themed Conflict Resolution: From Theory to Practical.
The workshop is a follow up to an elementary session that was held in September. It will feature conflict scenarios, role playing and breakout sessions.
Distinguished Toastmaster Rolande Tobias will return in his role as facilitator of the session.
The general public is asked to register early for the three hour workshop since space is limited. A participant fee of $35 (Fls. 63) is being charged, inclusive of refreshments and workshop materials.
For more information the general public is asked to call telephone numbers 523-0901 or 523-9553 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The organizers say that due to the positive feedback received at the first workshop, they decided to host another session to take the ideal of conflict resolution from a classroom setting to practical application using real life scenarios in marriage, ministry and work relations.

Step Out Promotions Press Release