Articles

Hyundai Getz
Year: 2006
Price: $4200
Contact: 5886464
Info: This car runs well and is fuel efficient.

Fully Loaded Nissan Sentra
Year: 2008
Phone Contact: 5202595 or 5872595
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.

Citizens of St. Maarten should immediately demand an investigation into why there is no blood bank on St. Maarten, why urgently needed blood was not immediately sought from other sources on the island (including radio broadcasts urging residents to go to the St. Maarten Medical Center), why medical authorities on Curacao refused to immediately transport blood to the clinic to save the lives of a mother and unborn child, how many deaths in St. Maarten were the result of a lack of available blood, and why citizens of St. Maarten are NOT afforded the same quality of medical care as their fellow citizens in Holland. All residents should DEMAND the immediate funding for blood banks throughout St. Maarten. A St. Maarten Bloodmobile (a mobile blood drive vehicle on a specially constructed and equipped bus) should be purchased and used to travel to many locations, making it easy for people to donate blood. The Bloodmobile should be named in honor of Mrs. Shaka Wilson.

It appears Shaka Wilson, a citizen of Eilandgebied Sint Maarten (Island Territory of St. Maarten), and her unborn baby died because St. Maarten has no blood bank, and the St. Maarten Medical Center was unable to get blood from other sources in time. This is 2010, not 1950, and the people on St. Martin still seem to be treated as "unworthy indigenous natives" not entitled to the quality of medical care afforded to citizens of Hollard, France or the entire European Union. There is absolutely no excuse for St. Maarten not to have a working blood bank!

According to the brilliant interview conducted by SMN News, "...But he <Dr. Michel Petit> was informed that the doctor in charge did not want to operate because the patient had severe HELLP syndrome and her platelets were very low. According to what I <Dr. Michel Petit> was told by Dr. Friday the patient had no coagulation and the risk of operating was rather high." The risk of operation may have been high, but only due to the lack of a blood transfusion (see below).

He said the hospital did not have the amount of blood needed and the doctor felt it was better for him to wait for blood which was to be sent from Curacao the following day. "The patient was very sick but the doctor had to take an immediate decision to assist the baby and mother."
On St. Maarten it's the decision that counts, there is no blood bank and other necessities here and doctors have to use their best judgment to save lives." Wait for the blood until the following day?

From the article: "He said when the first blood test was done the patient had a platelet count that was over 170,000 and when the second blood test was done a month ago it was 70,000. This shows that her platelet count dropped by 60% and the doctor did not take heed. Even though all of this happened the doctor who treated her when she was in the hospital did not see it fit to notify him."

The platelet count has been found to be moderately predictive of severity: under 50,000/mm3 is class I (severe), between 50,000 and 100,000 is class II (moderately severe) and >100,000 is class III (mild). This system is termed the Mississippi classification. (Martin JN, Blake PG, Lowry SL, Perry KG, Files JC, Morrison JC (1990)) "The outcome for mothers with HELLP syndrome is generally good. With treatment, maternal mortality is about 1 percent." Sibai BM, Ramadan MK, Usta I, Salama M, Mercer BM, Friedman SA (1993).
"Five to seven percent of all pregnant women in the United States develop preeclampsia and between two and 12 percent go on to suffer from HELLP Syndrome. Best estimates are that HELLP Syndrome occurs in one per 150 live births (about one half of one percent), with a maternal mortality rate of 3.50 percent. These numbers will vary with attention to the mothers care. If preeclampsia is diagnosed early and the baby is delivered, HELLP may not develop. The rate of HELLP and the mortality will then be lower than stated." -- Preeclampsia Foundation
Treatment for HELLP include blood transfusions (for severe anemia and low platelets), magnesium sulfate (to prevent seizures), antihypertensive medications (to reduce blood pressure), fetal monitoring (to check the health of the fetus), laboratory testing of liver, urine, and blood (for changes that may signal worsening of HELLP syndrome), medications, called corticosteroids, that may help mature the lungs of the fetus (lung immaturity is a major problem of premature babies) – all of which should be available to all patients on St. Maarten!
In clear language, with a blood transfusion, Shaka Wilson and her baby had a 97% to 99% chance of survival. So why not have a blood bank in St. Maarten? The cost? No need? No capability? No understanding of the urgency of blood in medical emergencies?

What are "blood banks" and what do they collect and store?
A blood bank is a cache or bank of blood or blood components, gathered as a result of blood donation, stored and preserved for later use in blood transfusions. Most hospital blood banks perform testing to determine the blood type of patients and to identify compatible blood products for blood transfusions, along with a battery of tests (e.g. disease) and treatments (e.g. leukocyte filtration) to ensure and enhance quality. "Whole blood" (WB) is the proper name for one defined product, specifically unseparated venous blood with an approved preservative added. Most blood for transfusion is collected as whole blood. Autologous donations are sometimes transfused without further modification, however whole blood is typically separated (via centrifugation) into its components, with Red Blood Cells (RBC) in solution being a commonly used product. Units of WB and RBC are both kept refrigerated at 1-6 C, with maximum permitted storage periods (shelf lives) of 35 and 42 days respectively.
The less-dense blood plasma is made into a variety of frozen components, and is labeled differently based on when it was frozen and what the intended use of the product is. If the plasma is frozen promptly and is intended for transfusion, it is typically labeled as fresh frozen plasma. If it is intended to be made into other products, it is typically labeled as recovered plasma or plasma for fractionation. Cryoprecipitate can be made from other plasma components. These components must be stored at -18C or colder, but are typically stored at -30C.

Blood banks have been around since 1915. By the mid-1930s, the Soviet Union had set up a system of at least sixty large blood centers and more than 500 subsidiary ones, all storing "canned" blood and shipping it to all corners of the country. An important breakthrough came in 1939-40 when Karl Landsteiner, Alex Wiener, Philip Levine, and R.E. Stetson discovered the Rh blood group system, which was found to be the cause of the majority of transfusion reactions up to that time. Three years later, the introduction of acid-citrate-dextrose (ACD) solution, which reduces the volume of anticoagulant, permitted transfusions of greater volumes of blood and allowed longer term storage.

Routine blood storage is limited to several weeks (5 for WB, 6 for RBC), and involves refrigeration but usually not freezing. Cryopreservation of red blood cells is done to store rare units, usually for up to three years. Very rare units may be kept even longer. The cells are incubated in a glycerol solution which acts as a cryoprotectant ("antifreeze") within the cells. The units are then placed in special sterile containers in a freezer at very cold temperatures.

Who needs blood?
The need for blood is great. Every day in the U.S., approximately 40,000 units of blood are required in hospitals and emergency treatment facilities for patients with cancer and other diseases, for organ transplant recipients, and to help save the lives of accident/trauma victims. In 2006, more than 30 million blood components were transfused. And with an aging population and advances in medical treatments and procedures requiring blood transfusions, the demand for blood continues to increase.

What are the criteria for blood donation?
Volunteer donors provide all blood used for transfusion in the United States. To be eligible to donate blood, a person must be in good health and generally must be at least 16 years of age (or in accordance with applicable state law). Minimum weight requirements may vary among facilities, but generally, donors must weigh at least 110 pounds. Most blood banks have no upper age limit. All donors must pass the physical and health history examinations given prior to donation. Individuals may be temporarily ineligible to donate due to mild illnesses (colds or flu), symptomatic allergies, hypertension, diabetes and anemia. The donor's body replenishes the fluid lost from donation in 24 hours. It may take up to two weeks to replace the lost red blood cells. Whole blood can be donated once every eight weeks (56 days). Two units of red blood cells can be donated at one time, using a process known as red cell apheresis. This type of donation can be made every 16 weeks.

Everyone should know what their blood type is, and your doctor should order a test and tell you for emergency situations. 39% of the general population has O positive blood, which are "universal donors" because anyone with another blood type can receive their blood. 31% have A positive blood. All others are between 9% and 1%.

It should be obvious that a blood bank is necessary. Hemorrhage is a medical emergency that is frequently encountered by physicians in emergency rooms, operating rooms, and intensive care units. Significant loss of intravascular volume may lead sequentially to hemodynamic instability, decreased tissue perfusion, cellular hypoxia, organ damage, and death. Hemorrhagic shock can be rapidly fatal – especially in car accidents when patients are not transported immediately to a medical care facility. The primary goals are to stop the bleeding and to restore circulating blood volume – through blood transfusion. In Afghanistan 98% of traumatic injury patients survive when they arrive at the U.S. hospital on the Bagram Air Base. Can the SMMC claim the same success without a blood bank?

With the 2010 hurricane season rapidly approaching and the probable high number of traumatic injuries from flying objects, blood supplies are urgently needed on St. Maarten. To delay the acquisition of everything needed to properly store large amounts of blood is to increase the chance of additional preventable deaths such as the case of Mrs. Shaka Wilson and Baby Wilson.

Dr. Claude Bordelon, M.D.

Have you noticed any public jubilation-, any car-rallies or any other expressions of 'festivity' after you collectively signed the most anti-St. Martin document in history, which you cynically call the draft Constitution' for country 'St. Maarten' ?
Isn't it ironic at best, that you have used the name 'St. Maarten' for this document, but have not been able- and/or willing to define the St. Martiner ?
Shame on you. Shame.
History will prove that you made an historical blunder of major proportions.
Living in denial of one's own ancestral heritage- and cultural identity is one of the most fundamental- and evil forms of betrayal anyone can perpetrate against one's own people.
It is a crime against the St. Martin humanity-, and it will exact a prize from every single perpetrator.
While you might have celebrated this so-called milestone among your own 'elite-group', on 'ground-zero', I can assure you, with the exception of one or two party 'die-hard-, cult' followers, it is not 'going down well' to say the least.
As I have stated before, all the external 'hurdles' you faced up till this point, will fade completely into oblivion, in comparison with the type of visible- and invisible reactions your betrayal of the St. Martin people has evoked.
I urge you to please, repent-, humble yourselves and take heed of the seriousness of the situation, because its consequences can be devastating beyond words.
And while we too, as grass roots movement feel totally betrayed by each of you, as a responsible organization, we will try to refrain from 'oiling the cindering fire' in people's hearts-, souls-, and minds.
As such, we are prepared to meet with you-, in order to make our contribution towards making the best out of this very tense situation, still trying to achieve for our St. Martin people what has been left undone.
However-, let it also be recorded here, that we also look forward to especially William MARLIN, ceasing his arrogant behavior, because not everyone, is willing to be intimidated by him like most of his followers are.
In addition, Government can pass whatever laws it wants, but that doesn't not mean that we will 'role over and play dead', and allow the sacrifices made by our St. Martin ancestors, to have been in vain, because of traitors in Government.
Like every people, we too will reserve the universal right to defend ourselves as endangered people from persecution-, alienation- and elimination..... by all means necessary.
On the other hand, God forbid the day, we too decide to leave it solelyup to you to deal with the pent-up anger and disillusionment you have caused the St. Martin people.
The choice is yours
Your own St. Martin ancestors, must now have become restless- and agitated, to understand that after having shed blood-, sweat-, and tears for you to have become rulers on this island, that you can now simply state in public...I knoweth thee not !
It is paramount to a sin.
Shame on you.

drs. Leopold JAMES
President grass roots St. Martin people's nation building movement and-, even prouder- than ever, native-indigenous St. Martiner, without apologies and without compromising and without selling out.

Cruise line officials have St. Thomas under a form of higher supervision where cruise onshore excursions are concerned after a 14-year-old cruise ship passenger aboard one of Carnival ships was killed after shots were fired at a funeral session at Coki Point by a local resident. A tour bus was passing a funeral that was in session at Coki Point, when shots rang out on July 11.

Updates have to be provided on a weekly basis to the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) with respect to visitor safety and security. These updates will continue for at least a month. During that period, shore excursion groups from the cruise lines will be scouting around checking things out after the incident.

Cruise officials are actively monitoring how quickly the St. Thomas government responds to the variety of concerns that the cruise lines have expressed to them.

This brings into perspective the number of armed robberies that have taken place on Front Street so far for this year. The last one was July 11 – the same day a 14-year old cruise passenger was killed in St. Thomas – when four men raided a jewellery store minutes before 10.00am.

Two store employees were sprayed with pepper-spray. The four culprits left the store on foot heading up-town. Permanent police patrol presence should be considered for different parts of the island as a new measure in combating crime. We shouldn't wait for something devastating to happen before taking pro-active measures.

The FCCA is waiting to receive a timeline as to the implementation of the St. Thomas Police Department's action plan leading to an accelerated clean-up of the Coki Point tourist attraction/activity area.

The St. Thomas Police Department safety and security plan for the cruise ships entails basically flooding the streets – violence prone areas, tourist attractions and community events – with police officers.

There will also be increased mobile patrols, upgraded surveillance cameras with 24-hour monitoring and intelligence gathering. Targeted policing entails investigating known associates of high-profile criminals and their behind-the-scene links.

Abandoned vehicles and overgrown bushes in the Coki area will be dealt with in order to ensure that the area is safe and the aforementioned does not become a hiding place for persons with criminal intent.

Visitors will be monitored and the cruise lines will be notified when events, such as funeral are held. It has become commonplace of recent to have officers present for funerals; however, they were not aware of the Coki Point cemetery funeral on July 11 as they were not notified.

Much effort has been placed in fighting crime in the past, however policing objectives and strategies of challenging crime and criminal behaviour at all levels, maintaining public order, and safe guarding the security of the nation needs to be beefed up in order to generate public confidence and safety.

Increased pro-active measures are needed before we end up with a situation similar to St. Thomas. The Sint Maarten community expects such an approach rather than a reactive approach.

Roddy Heyliger

For your best will, we care to inform you that the 'mood' of St. Martiners is extremely 'unfriendly' to say the least.
The main reason is that, successive governments have abandoned-, and sold them out completely.
Now that the date for the new election has been set, the most critical question you have to answer is;
How do you plan to give back St. Maarten to the St. Martiners, now that you have taken care of everybody else to the point of our exclusion-, and threatening extinction as a people..
So, in your own interest, be advised not make a mistake to come talking about anything else and certainly NOT about your betrayal of the people packaged as '10-10-10' and your constitution which excludes us the St. Martin people completely.
Rest assured, that it will not be business as usual-, and all those considering to run, better take heed of the 'mood' on the 'Friendly island'.
It is time, that charity starts at home for we the natives of this island.
Hopefully, corporate sponsors will also take heed that funding political parties that do not 'get the message' of the changing mood in the community and of the growing distrust in the established political parties, is like throwing their hard-earned monies 'down the drain'.
Of course, they are free to do so, but that will not be able to stop the inevitable change, which will manifest itself one way or the other nevertheless.
No-one has to take our words for the 'gospel-truth' naturally, just talk to real people, living on 'ground-zero' on the 'Friendly island'

Leopold JAMES,
President grass roots St. Martin nation building movement and still,
Proud native-indigenous St. Martiner without apologies for defending rights of St. Martin people..

Mr. Editor, please allow me some space to address the not-so-progressive behavior of the present government. It is since the NA/Heyliger executive council took office, the finance portfolio had become most controversial. Is it true that they are cleaning the mess left behind by the previous executive council, or is it that the present executive council lacks vision?
Finance seems to be the most controversial issue for several months since the present government took office last year. Whose fault? Not the DP. I mean; blunder after blunder. This is the same government that could not have submitted a budget on time, they could not have balanced it, and then the people woke up one morning only to read a headline that goes "St. Maarten submits request for Turn-over tax increase". It was the DP who shouted and screamed "bad idea!" joining the chorus of many disgruntled person within our community including business owners. Only later to hear the leader then proudly says St. Maarten withdraws turn over tax request. There were other options, but they find a TOT increase was most fitting. But mind you, the turn-over tax increase is the language this government speaks again!
In their usual excuse to their blunders, they claim to say they are cleaning the mess of the previous executive council. So, I took the time to return some pages back to 2009 and it was the CFT in its preliminary advice to the former Commissioner of Finance, stating that the overall quality and figures that were presented in the 2009 budget, presented by the DP, are to their satisfaction so, I am not convinced that the present government inherited a mess. The present coalition government simply lacks vision.
After all, the government now opens a new door for more controversial headlines with the latest! Change of tax system without the calendar year finishing and doubling the turn-over tax. Together, we are indeed moving forward! Forward to where?
Let me quote from an article that has been written by the NA; "True "Country above Self" puts people above party politics and personal gain. It is about working together for St. Maarten. It is about building people up, not tearing people down." They are contradicting their very own statement. It's either they are looking to close businesses or to drive up the cost of living. Are they ringing such an alarm? I think the government tax talk is about making the rich richer and the poor poorer.
This is the government whose supporters are proudly proclaiming; the NA have done so much in one year, but how much of these projects were initiated by the NA? And those that were NA-initiated projects; how well were they done? It's a political year and this government seems to be rushing to score political points whether it's good or bad. Their approach is simply not in the interest, nor the progress of the soon-to-be country. It is more about "doing" to get political mileage, but you know; all in all we can see who really posturing for the next election! And when that time comes again they must be held accountable for their approach as anything sealed for Country St. Maarten will govern us people for several generations.
Exactly, what the present government intends to do with the business community and the economy of St. Maarten remains a big question. However, I wish to advise the NA to take a read in the book of economics, written by the DP and read it. Apparently, they are lagging behind BIG time.

Mario A. Gumbs

My dear friend,- and soul brother Greg,

Please allow for me to bring the following under your kind attention.

Over the years, you have been a very powerful-, trustworthy-, and dependable voice of-, and for the native St. Martin people on this island.
As such you have not forgotten-, nor betrayed your own deep-, ancestral roots in this community.
In addition, as a 'roving ambassador' you travel all over the globe meeting-, and maintaining contact with many St. Martiners living in the diaspora.
In contrast to your commitment to our St. Martin people- and our heritage, it appears that a number of call-in radio programs
have given up on being a platform allowing for the native St. Martin voices to express their concerns about the fate of their island-nation.
Some of these programs have been actually transformed into surrealistic sort of 'bill-boards' promoting queen- & pageant shows-, and all kinds of relatively irrelevant 'international' issues, deliberately- and systematically refusing to deal with the issues of immediate- and critical concerns to the very existence of grass roots St. Martin people.
This systematic denial of the facts 'on the ground', clearly constitutes a contributing factor towards the 'fueling' of many of our social problems, not in the last place of crime- and youth delinquency.
Against the backdrop of the constitutional developments, such as the draft constitution for Country St. Maarten which denies our St. Martin identity, there is an escalating 'backlash' originating from grass roots St. Martiners.
Many expect this social discontent to have the potential to end up into a level of uncontrollable social violence the island has never known before.
However, it can not be denied as well, that there is a growing number of responsible-, proud-, concerned-, and very conscious St. Martiners who are publicly expressing the sentiments of many, if not all St. Martiners.
In addition, they clearly are the 'peacemakers' and the 'architects' of the St. Martin 'social solution'.
Allow me therefore to humbly recommend that you dedicate a number of installments to this development, where the politicians are going into one directions, while the grass roots St. Martin people are refusing to follow suite.
These 'peacemakers' and 'architects' are people with deep ancestral roots all across the island and who therefore hold the 'key' of the 'Friendly island' to the 'way forward' making it a 'paradise' for all.
Some of these people are; Miguel ARRINDELL, Kenneth COOK, Theophilus PRIEST, Julien PETTY, Daniella JEFFRY, Aline CHOISIE, Max CHOISIE, Jeffrey RICHARDSON, 'Baige'RICHARDSON.
Meanwhile I, Leopold JAMES, your humble servant will always be at the service of my St. Martin people.
Thank you so much brother Greg and continue being a very strong advocate for our St. Martin people.
If 'charity does not start at home' for us native St. Martiners right here in our own ancestral home-land, there will NEVER be peace-, safety-, prosperity, let alone any sustainable development-, nor any meaningful 'Country' St. Maarten.
Greg, the people need you more than ever !

With respect,

Leopold JAMES

DP President Mike Ferrier was on a popular talk show on Sunday last encouraging a bi-partisan approach when it comes to St. Maarten attaining Country Status. This, as according to him because the DP finds itself between the proverbial rock and a hard place in that when they are critical of what the present Government is doing, according to Ferrier, the DP is told that they are whining because they are not in power and that they are not being supportive of the government's efforts to get St. Maarten to the new status. However after reading the reported comments and proposals coming from appointed Finance Commissioner Xavier Blackman regarding plans to shift to indirect taxes by 10-10-10, the DEMOCRATIC PARTY can only shake its head in disbelief and wonder how a sitting government can with a straight face declare that ¾ into the present fiscal year and ten days into a particular month (October) they will CHANGE the tax system of St. Maarten? Does Mr. Blackman realize the chaos and the expenses that will be created for both Government as well as the Private sector? Switching systems in the middle of a year, in the middle of a month will be a nightmare! For profit tax: close off a running book year, prepare financial statements, file tax returns under the old system as per October 9th, 2010 and then do it again as of December 31, 2010 for the period starting with 10-10-10. For payroll: close off old payroll system nine days into the month, start up new system effective the next day, IF new payroll soft ware is available by then. In short, chaos! It is obvious that because of the DP's insistence that the government inform the people about the fiscal system they plan for Country St. Maarten, that the Commissioner of Finance now haphazardly threw out this not very well thought out plan.

Increasing the TOT (doubling it) will without a doubt (just as in 1997 when TOT was first introduced), cause a next wave of businesses with a relatively low gross profit margin to close or contemplate (again) moving to the French side. Car dealerships , building/construction supply wholesalers, construction companies, food wholesalers, etc., all work with relatively small gross profit margins. As a consequence, doubling the TOT will yield substantially less than double the present revenues. In addition consumers, to escape the higher TOT, will undoubtedly purchase more on-line and definitely look to get high ticket items such as vehicles, maybe even fridges, stoves and furniture through the internet and have them shipped to St. Maarten.

Low income individuals (people making less than approximately NAF. 20,000 per year) will suffer, as the prices of basic necessities will increase, while they will not benefit from cutting the wage/income tax by 50%, as right now they DO NOT PAY WAGE TAX. But they WILL pay higher prices because of the TOT increase! Commissioner Blackman and William Marlin's NA led government, supported by Louie Laveist and Theo Heyliger, will make life on St. Maarten more difficult come 10-10-10! The DP cannot and will not support that.

Michael Ferrier DP Party

Not that it is up to us to tell you- or to even advise you corporate sponsor to continue supporting those political parties, many of you have done for many years.
Certain, you are completely free to allocate your hard-earned money to those parties and politicians, who have taken such for granted, and have already made plans, that they will again, be recipients of your money for their political campaigns.
Traditionally, it has been the parties, and politicians, who have in fact sold out the people's patrimony who have been the ones to receive millions of campaign funds from often times bonafide business people.
But then again, we acknowledge that it is completely up to you, corporate sponsors, to continue with that tradition, should you so desire.
However, it is also up to you to take serious note of an un-mistakenly fundamental change in the air.
A 'mental' revolution within our society.
These inevitable changes are grounded in the fact that, the people have lost every bit of trust and confidence in the 'old guard'-politicians, be they DP- , NA politicians or Theo Heyliger of the UPP party.
Increasingly, more people are realizing that these soon to be 'has been' powerhouse parties, are all fundamentally the same; they are a political 'hybrid'.
Do not be fooled.
Whatever can be said about anyone of these parties, fundamentally can be said about all of them.
The fact alone that both Sarah WESCOT-WILLIAMS and William MARLIN , recently publicly admitted that, despite all their efforts, pertaining to the constitutional changes, they are completely unable to inspire, motivate enthusiasm in the people.
This inability signifies nothing less than a public denouncement and a very clear vote of non-confidence in how the current politicains are leading this country.
For that reason of course, they have denied allowing the people of St. Maarten, the right to ratify the final draft on the negotitaions with the Dutch Government.
If they though that there was still any trust and confidence in them, wouldn't they have allowed for a public ratification, like in Curacao and soon in Bonaire ?
Now, that elections for an expanded Island-council, are expected to be called, there are those politicians, who are already bragging how they have their campaign-funds firmly 'locked in' to be able to buy the votes of the people which has been their 'entrance-ticket' into their coveted arena of Government.
This attitude of taking you sponsors for granted, shows a deeply rooted dis-respect for your intelligence.
Worse yet.
It shows that these 'old guard' politicians also have absolutely no respect for the value of your finances, for which most of you sponsors, had to make very hard sacrifices to come by.
It will now be up to you sponsors, to make up your minds whether you want to continue being 'black-mailed' by the 'old guard' politicians to sacrifice your hard-earned moneys for any lazy, greedy,self-centered, lavishly-living politicians.
Or, it is up to you corporate sponsors, to finally choose to assist the new political grass roots agents of change for a social-just, stable and sustainable development.
While the choice will be yours, so will be the consequences most naturally.
Of course, we would welcome you forging a partnership with any potentially newly emerging young political movement, who are in fact not only in touch with the reality of change, but who de facto are the 'agents' of the inevitable changes to come.
In that case, by being part of the solution, you will have secured your own financial-, social- and mental investment and can expect an enduring return of these investments.
Being St. Martin's foremost influential grass roots movement, you can always count on our contribution, towards a socio-economic partnership as basis for a stable, safe and productive investment and quality-of-life environment.
As such, we can provide you with those who are the agents of change, and who simply wish to 'line their pockets' with your money to stay in office as well identify genuine agents of the inevitable change.
The choice is yours.

Leopold JAMES
President grass roots St. Martin nation building- & unification movement.
And still,
Native-indigenous St. Martinesr without apologies and compromise.

From the local St. Maarten media, we have learned that there will be a plenary meeting in the First Chamber of Parliament on Tuesday, July 6, 2010.
During that session, as we understand, will be handled, the 10 Kingdom Consensus Laws, including the amendment to the Charter.
Present at this meeting will also be a delegation from St. Maarten, among others.
Based on recent developments, such as among others, the current 'political correct' thinking in The Hague, we have no illusions whatsoever, that the issues to be deliberated upon, will once more be accepted by the Dutch Government.
Never mind, that it has become over-evident, that the constitutional process has long gone 'full speed ahead' of the St. Martin people, who have completely lost every bit of interest in that process
Worse yet.
Not only is the so-called 'constitution' for 'Country' St. Maarten, only St. Maarten in 'name', but in terms of its contents, its obvious intent and implication, it is anti-St. Martin people to the max.
In other words, in 'real life' this document is nothing but the official declaration of non-existence and betrayal of the St. Martin people.
This so called 'constitution' clearly manifests a typical and misplaced sense of pride in the Dutch 'nationality' as the utmost important 'parameter', at the expense of the acknowledgment of-, and pride in our own St. Martin heritage and cultural-identity.
It does not even mention the term 'St. Martiner' as a 'foot-note', next to the referral to DUTCH citizen or passport holders..
For the record.
During the history of the island, the ONLY human-factor that remained constant, and became characteristic for the island was the cultural-identity of the people who in fact never abandoned the island.
The nationalities governing the island, changed as often as the many colonial powers did, which is the fundamental reason for the sense of inferiority of many of our people, INCLUDING our so-called leaders !
They prefer being a 'copy-cat' Dutch national or an 'allochtonous' Dutch citizen, than a proud St. Martiner, culturally speaking.
And it is exactly this inferiority that has now been 'elevated' as the core parameter in this so-called 'constitution' ;the so coveted DUTCH nationality.
Nevertheless, we have come to realize that as a people, we have been betrayed and our rights as St. Martiners and as Antilleans taken away and sacrificed in order for the politicians, including the Dutch to meet their heralded '10-10-10' deadline.
We acknowledge that we will never be able to prevent our politicians, with the collaboration of the Dutch Government, from ramming this anti-St. Martin document down our throats.
As matter of fact we expect such to take place without any delay.
However, while wishing all politicians success in the process, for the record we also wish to impart upon you the following.
Enforcing this anti-St. Maarten document on 'ground-zero', will evoke the immediate wrath of the spirits of our departed ancestors, whose blood, sweat and tears have been betrayed by the politicians of the island aided and abtetted by others as well.
While there might be certain politicians who denounce Mr. Geert Wilders, of the PVV, we certainly do not.
Quite to he contrary, because we clearly understand the underlying root-causes for his party
Clearly, the million plus Dutch who voted for him, did such with a passion and for a reason, with which we agree.
It is only a matter of time, before the native St. Martin people also choose their own 'Geert WILDERS' to send out a very clear message.
Under no circumstances should the rights of natives of any country be sacrificed on the alter of equal rights for all national citizens.
After all, very country has a history and so does our country.
Consequently, without recognizing the natives as the host population with certain rights and privileges, which allows them to serve as foundation for a harmonious and sustainable development and for inclusion of others, there will never be genuine peace.
Therefore, forcing this constitution down the throats of the people, is like forcing a woman to become a man's bride, regardless whether or not her feelings are taken into account.
See how long that marriage will last.
For sure such a 'bully' husband better keep his eyes open when sleeping, especially with his back turned to the wife whose 'love' he 'bought'.
Long live '10-10-10'...
No, no not the arrival of the 'constitutional train', but of the the 'calender date' to be precise.

drs. Leopold JAMES
President SNBF/ L'Esprit de Concordia and still...
Proud, native-indigenous St. Martiner, without apologies and compromise.

Dear Mr. PAUL,

With great attention I listened to you as guest, along with Mr. Eldrige van Putten this Thursday morning, July 1, 2010, on Talking Point hosted by Mr. Billy D. HAMLET.
And while, perhaps in your mind, you might have sounded kind of 'smart', you were still not yet 'smart' enough to impress, nor fool any conscious St. Martiner.
The many calls that came in and did not manage to come from real and proud St. Martiners are testament to that failure of yours.
So, quite to the extreme contrary, your inflated 'smartness' simply got the best of you and exposed your real 'agenda'.
In other words, despite your nice, but very transparent 'sales-man pitch' about your 'love' for St. Martin, as many expected, you waited until the end of the program to throw in, what you thought would be a 'smart-monkey-wrench' for we simple souls, St. Martiners.
Clearly, starting off the program with all your 'bla-bla-bla-I-love- St.-Martin-oh-sooooo-much' was simply intended to 'mask' your real intention, your biggest dream and the real message to the listeners you came to deliver.
I, Lloyd PAUL, born in Dominica and sent as 'gift' from 'heaven' has come to remove the 'Caucasian-colonial-yoke' off your shoulders as and now I am poised to become new colonial 'Massah'.
Glory Hallelujah, Amen !
However, before you even get started and get carried away brother man, let me say right 'off the bat', what is one of the 'evils' plaguing the 'Friendly-island'.
It is that there are 'those', who feel they have some kind of 'International Human Right' or 'divine calling' to walk ahead of the St. Martin natives and to boldly assume the role of host, condescendingly 'talking down' to the natives of this island as if they were the guests.
To that extent some of these 'come heres' use a very effective tactic.
Marry into a traditional native-St. Martin family and make children.
That now gives them the feeling of being host like us.
Consequently, some of these neo-colonial masters disguised as our 'Caribbean brothers and sisters' feel empowered to 'crash ' St. Martin family's 'emergency- sessions' and to super-impose themselves on us.
In the process, they forget that despite how much taxes they pay here (which they better do) and how much they 'love' St. Martin (which they better do) and how much they contribute to St. Martin, (which they better do), that they are still the 'guest'.
It is time that these 'power-hungry' guests realize that, while they definitely have a role to play, such certainly is NOT to intervene in a most sensitive process, in which we St. Martiners are very busy reclaiming our rights as hosts, without outside interference and/or intervention.
If these naturalized immigrants, who married St. Martiners REALLY did that out of love and respect, they would not go before their other half publicly on sensitive issues of 'survival' for St. Martiners as a people.
They would know their place and have basic manners.
Nothing wrong with having your own views on these very delicate issues and expressing them privately.
But at this very crucial time in our vulnerable existence, please respect our emancipation and our rights to self determination as a people and simply wait on your turn.
If despite all of this, you still feel some 'urgent calling' to give your opinion, please, please speak to us on these matters via your St. Martin spouses and do not engage in any direct and argument on the matter in public with us.
that is un-acceptable behavior.
WE , St. Martiners, can do so, not you !
And even your native St. Martin spouse refuses to publicly express herself, that is her prerogative; it does not give you the right to forget your place.
One of your former leaders and a friend of mine, the late Rosie DOUGLAS once had a good friend of his of the Labor Party from Great Britain on the stage with him hugging him on the stage during a political campaign in Dominica.
While hugging this White, British politician on the stage Rosie told his Dominican audience the following (para-phrasing here).
My people, this man is a very good friend of mine and I love him dearly, but I tell you as Dominican never to trust him completely......
In ending Mr. 'Wise Man'.
Pertaining to your final statement during the interview in which you informed us of your political ambitions, we care to respond as follows.
We respect that right and do not necessarily contest it whatsoever.
However, we have a serious issue with those people who proclaim their 'love' for this island and who join the 'Love St. Maarten' Foundation, in fact as a convenient and opportune 'stepping stone' for their real political agenda, which appears to be to take over this island as 'neo-colonialists', even if they look exactly like us.
The 'good news' however is, that better than we ourselves would have ever been able to accomplish, you manage to open the eyes of thousands a St. Martiners as to those among us disguised as 'lovers' of St. Martin.
Success with your political career, which we will be closely monitoring.

Leopold JAMES,
Proud, native-indigenous St. Martiner without apologies and promoter of St. Martiners first on ST. martin, all others after......

...

We agree: the DP wrote the book. (On running an island, that is). Unfortunately neither you, nor your NA colleagues have taken the time to read it! Your press release of July 1, 2010 was an eye opener. Your NA government has been in office for more than 1 year now (and we all know how you got there)and still cannot get the 2010 budget right. Who to blame? Not the DP! On June 8th, 2009 the NA government promised the people a governing program by June 29th 2009. A year later we are still waiting. Who to blame? Not the DP! The NA government had to deal with the GEBE concession. Nottin' t'all go so! Who to blame? Not the DP! The NA government promised to deal with the new garbage collection contracts. It has not happened yet. Who to blame? Not the DP! The NA government had to deal with the agreement for the homes in Hope Estate. That too has not happened yet. Who to blame? Not the DP! The NA government had to appoint new members to the board of PJIAE NV as per January 1, 2010. No new members yet. Who's to blame? Not the DP! The NA government had to appoint new members to the board of TELEM. No new Board members there either. Who to blame? Not DP! The NA government had to vote against the motion of no confidence against NA appointed Commissioner of Finance Blackman. Oops, apparently your leader was sleeping during the meeting, while every other member of the coalition including yourself sat idly by and enjoyed letting the motion pass UNANIMOUSLY! Who to blame? Not the DP! Xavier Blackman now has the distinction of being the only sitting Commissioner in the history of the Island Territory with a motion of No-Confidence passed against him by the entire Island council, including his own party faction! Who to blame? Not the DP! The NA Commissioners Frans and Hyacinth announce NA Government's major role in churches and proudly proclaim there will be no church/state separation. Who to blame? Not the DP! Not one project completed by the NA Government to date is a National Alliance project. All were initiated, planned and started by the DP. So, dear George, you should really stop blaming the DP and may we recommend that you take the time to read the book.

Michael Ferrier
The DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Look how sweet they look.
The 'newly-wed' and very happy 'love-birds' , William and Sarah after exchanging their vows after the Dutch Senate blessed their matrimony.
Look at them.

Oh so cute......
Almost 'husbandish-and wifish'.
Or, even like fairy-tale 'Queen and Prince', or 'King-and-Princess'.
No wonder they are all smiles.
After all, hurrah, hurrah, they really pulled 'it' off (for now).
For years, they fooled the people into believing that they were political opponents and ideologically miles apart.
Finally, the secret 'love-birds' can now come out of the 'closet' and prove us right.
Sarah, William (and not to forget Theo) and their parties all have one and the same anti-St. Martin people ideology.
So thank God, finally at the upcoming polls, the voters on St. Maarten can now realize that a vote for the NA is the same as a vote for the DP and the same as a vote for the UPP.
Therefore, in the event of the ascent of a new and pro-St. Martin and Antillean people's political party on the political scene, this will finally create a real choice for the people.
They can now either vote for the anti-St. Martin/Antillean people's hybrid/blac/'love-birds'-group, disguised as separately as a DP or an NA or a a UPP party.
Or, finally they can also vote for an ideologically distinctly different pro-St. Maartin people/Antillean political party.
Meanwhile, we wish the newly-wed, 'love-birds' a very romantic 'honey-moon' , which might end with a 'hang-over' once the elections are over come September 2010 or there-about.

Cut the cake and celebrate, while still on 'cloud-9'

Leopold JAMES, and still your humble, but very proud native-indigenous St. Martiners without apologies.

While, the TODAY-newspaper in its Opinion & Commentary section (United we stand, Friday, July 9, 2010) continues to do what it does best, which is to demonize me for fighting for we the St. Martin people to come first in our own land....the calls of support keep my phone ringing off the hook.
Not only are the callers expressing their support for what we are doing, but many are sending information about many ills and giving examples of how, within the existing political parties, deals are made excluding St. Martiners.
The information comes to us even from even high-ranking members and core-supporters within the DP and NA.
One particular top-politician even after having called me, came to me home personally totally frustrated.
The information shared with me, is nothing less than a political bombshell for that party, but will not be revealed (as yet)
So, let the TODAY-newspaper continue to 'dream on' into believing that our 'message' is not solidly entrenched already in the souls and minds of the St. Martin-, Antillean and many other people as well.
In addition, we are receiving information from Antilleans in the Netherlands-, and from all the islands, that there is a growing resentment and reaction against the 'whole-sale' sell out of the rights of the Antillean people, while empowering the politicians with the aid of Holland, for its colonial agenda.
So, we agree with many people, to encourage the TODAY-newspaper to continue exposing and confirming where it stands...in the way of the people of the enjoying the the universal principle, that charity should start at home for all people, including for St. Martiners on St. Maarten/St. Martin.

Thanks for your support.

--
Leopold James
President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia
---------

It has been announced that elections for the new Island Council, consisting of 15 members, will be held two months from now, on September 17 2010.
This new Island Council is expected to be the first Parliament of Country Sint Maarten on October 10 2010.
Country Sint Maarten will have a Council of seven Ministers that will be responsible for the daily running of the people's business.
Up to this moment, we have not heard any suggestions or confirmations regarding the salaries of the members of this new Parliament and the Council of Ministers of Country Sint Maarten. I think the decision makers (the politicians) needs the guidance of this society on this issue.
Perhaps more important than the question of who is going to be our first Prime Minister, is the question of: What are we, as a society, willing to pay our members of Parliament and the Ministers of Country Sint Maarten? Think about it for a moment.
In order to be elected as a Member of Parliament, you must postulate yourself on the slate of a political party contesting the upcoming election. To be appointed as Minister in the Council of Ministers, you do not necessarily have to postulate yourself on a slate.
On becoming a country, a society should aim to have the best and brightest from within their own community, private and public sector, seated at the highest elected and appointed positions of that country.
Procedures must be put in place to ensure that those that are elected and/or appointed are held to be as transparent and accountable as possible in the execution of their tasks.
In most countries, there is always a discrepancy with regards to remuneration between the public and private sector. More often than not, this means that in the private sector, the best and the brightest are paid at a higher rate than those in the public sector. This is why Governments throughout the Caribbean have been increasing salaries of top civil servants to better retain them to the line of work they basically volunteered for.
Are we willing to encourage the best and the brightest, from private and public sector to postulate themselves on a slate and/or be a candidate to be nominated in an appointed position and from now decide that they will be compensated properly?
If we offer peanuts as salaries, who and what do we expect to get to run the affairs of Country Sint Maarten?
The media, talk shows and community groups are hereby encouraged to talk about it and pose the question: WHAT ARE WE WILLING TO PAY OUR MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT AND MINISTERS IN COUNTRY SINT MAARTEN?
Naturally, this debate/discussion must be held without emotions playing a part, and it must serve as guidance for the present Island Council to take a decision on the matter. It would be politically unethical for the decision on the remuneration of Members of Parliament and Ministers to be left for the incoming Parliament.
It is time for the people to truly let their voices be heard. Remember, it is not about who carries the torch through the gates as Prime Minister, but rather, who keeps it burning steadily so that the new country can see the way through.
Time is running out on this one and trust me the politicians from both side of the aisle can use some guidance from the community on this issue.

Marcel F.A. Gumbs
Presently Citizen
Former Observer of Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles
Former Member of Parliament of the Netherlands Antilles
Former Member of the Island Council of Sint Maarten
Former State Secretary of Justice, General Affairs and Home Affairs of the Netherlands Antilles

The Sint Maarten Hospitality & Tourism Association (SHTA) last week met with the Executive Council to discuss a number of important matters related to tourism development and the nation's economy.
One of the areas discussed was marketing, and the SHTA learnt that budgetary cuts have not affected marketing plans, but familiarisation trips for foreign press and tour operators have been cut.
Local tourism officials have reported that the new charter flight from Brazil with GOL Airlines is overbooked. Between June and December, the flight is expected to provide 5,000 seats to the island. Brazilian airline GOL has seen record demand growth in its international network especially in the Caribbean.
The Island Government is reportedly committed to strengthening Sint Maarten's position in the Brazilian market.
Several Caribbean island nations are looking at the BRIC countries as an avenue of new opportunities and as a new frontier for sustainable development. The BRIC countries are Brazil, Russia, India and China.
One of the areas keenly being explored and developed is tourism. China has developed a Caribbean region policy whereby it hopes to enhance relations with Latin American and Caribbean countries in order to achieve common development.
China seeks to deepen political trust, economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges to ensure stable development of bilateral friendly cooperation for mutual benefit. The world Tourism Organization (WTO) predicts that China is becoming the fourth most important outbound travel market, and will in 2020 have 100 million outbound travellers.
More Asians are heading abroad on holidays than ever before according to the WTO and Asia's outbound growth rates and travel potential far exceed that of other economic blocs, such as Europe or the Americas.
The top reasons that Asians travel, among them is health and wellness, city breaks, shopping and visiting TV and film locations. The Chinese get much of their travel information on the internet. Group travel is losing popularity and independent travel is gaining. Asian tourism is becoming more activity-based rather than destination based.
Indians like to visit several countries on each trip. Shopping is the favourite activity of Indian tourists. On average, Indian tourists spend more per day than other nationalities. India is Asia's leader in real tourism growth.
The Bahamas is one Caribbean nation that is taking advantage of the potential that exist for Chinese visitors. China has signed an approved destination agreement with the Bahamian Government. Statistics show that roughly 1000 Chinese have visited The Bahamas each year since 2003. Even though there are no direct flights between The Bahamas and China, tourists transfer through Toronto, London, New York, Chicago and Philadelphia.
Once our island nation achieves country status, the Minister responsible for Economic Development needs to develop a BRIC policy with respect to the fastest developing economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China. We are already on the right track where Brazil is concerned, however we need to immediately build on that so in 2011 we either double or triple the number of Brazilians coming to the island especially during the summer month period often referred to as the slow season.
Commitment to sustainable development is necessary if we want to deliver sustainable employment opportunities for our people and additional business for our commercial sectors. A new approach, a new way of thinking outside the box will be the success of country Sint Maarten.

Roddy Heyliger

The St. Maarten people should observe carefully what is happening to our once Friendly Island St. Martin, which our ancestors built in becoming the on of the most attractive island in the Caribbean where tourism is concerned. Unfortunately our island is now being destroyed by politicians who continue to blame each other for the many problems we are facing today instead of trying to come together to find solutions for the problems that we have.
When I read the Daily Herald of Tuesday, July 13, 2010 I was disappointed in realizing that our politicians are only busy with blaming each other, especially around this time when election is near approaching and they feel that the voters will join them by voting against politicians who are making decisions that are not in the interest of the St. Martin people. We are at a serious crossroad and the blaming does not do us any good. It's just allowing parties to keep on pointing fingers at each other while forgetting the bigger picture.
Crime amongst our young people is escalating, our people are not interested in the change of status because of lack of involvement, 10-10-10 is near approaching and no date is set for island council elections which should be held before October 10, 2010, the Public Works or ROB saga is not yet solved which is now taking a toll on the speedy issuance of building permits, the new Government building is not being utilized while rent is being paid to the Financiers RGM a company from Trinidad, the Hope Estate Housing project is completed while potential tenants are still waiting to sign their rental contract to be able to move into the apartments, the traffic congestion are not being handled, Cost of living is soaring trough the roof while salaries remain the same, proper governance is a key element because we notice that Government, especially this one keep setting dates for the finalization of certain responsibilities and not living up to them, the educational system is in shambles and there is no explanation of how this issue will be remedied while our children are suffering from the system, unemployment of young people are becoming a normal phenomena which I believe sometimes causes the increase in youth delinquency and every day we read about more and more negative news.
I believe that Government should be there to help and not to hurt our people, which is something persons are experiencing on a daily basis. Some people get involved in politics just to get back at someone they feel hurt them in the past. Where are our moral standards? Are we still considered the friendly island or should we change our name to something else that would suit what is happening in our society.
Government should rather re-direct their energy and start looking at ways and means to work with the Northern side of the island in order to strengthen our ties and binds us more together so that every decision that is taken on any side of the island would be consulted with the other side to synchronize all efforts and to work as one, based on the spirit of the Concordia Treaty which we should uphold and ensure that the oneness of our people be maintained.
Our former Senator Marcel Gumbs is one of the liaison officers between the Northern and Southern side of St. Maarten which I believe that this gentleman would do good by spending more time to bridge the Northern and southern side of our island and to seek collective ways in solving our islands problems which we see affects both sides of our island. This is vital because whatever affects one side of the island impacts the other. This is no secret, like Dr. Petit once say that the Gail (hurricane) does not stop at the Frontiers. It rains on the Northern and Southern side and Crime is rampant on both sides.
Then tell me don't you think our time will be better spent in planning and consulting with Authorities on both sides in order to solve the many challenges that were faced with. This is a new Era and St. Martin will only be able to live on if we put aside all party politics. There should be no favoritism for whether you are a D.P., N.A. or a P.P.A. supporter, but there should be the quest for St. Martiners to come together in these very crucial times and allow everyone to play their role in ensuring that our nation St. Martin becomes once more the island, as we know it to be in the past.
We can only do this if all hands are on deck and we allow UNITY to prevail.
The blaming will not solve the problem. It just stagnates the process and makes us go nowhere fast. Let us always move forward (semper pro gredients) and do what is right in the interest of our island St. Martin soon to be a country. We have only 88 more days to go before we become a country so let us not try to solve all our problems in those days but let us make sure that we come with structural long term solutions for the many challenges that we are faced with and we can only do this if all St. Martiners get involved with the building of this very unique nation called St. Martin. Long Live St. Martin.

C. Jeffrey Richardson
Pro St. Martiners and anti No Nationality
We all have our role to play and we must live together as one, both St. Martiners and Immigrants.

It would have surprised no one.
Not even a child.
It was almost inevitable, that the DUTCH First Chamber would have in this particular case, 'rubber-stamped' what the DUTCH Second Chamber had already agreed upon, the so-called 'Consensus Kingdom Laws'.
After all, haven't the Dutch got what they wanted ?
Haven't our so-called leaders not simply gave them all they wanted ?
Who with 'butter dripping from their fore-heads' , wouldn't have given in as well ?
Never heard of a 'quid pro quo deal ' then ?
Aren't now not all 'doors' wide open for Dutch annexation, re-colonization and control, over what you are proud to call 'Country St. Maarten' ?
Hope you will have a very good explanation to the people of this island when they realize, that the Dutch will not only take control over Government, but will also impose their liberal cultural life-styles on our people, whether they like it or not.
Also, you will have to convince, especially young people why prices of real-estate will be going through the roof for them, while the Dutch will be buying the best places, living like colonial masters.
Check the situation on Curacao and Bonaire already.
Nevertheless 'Leader of Government', we congratulate you for succeeding in selling out our country in order to get your puppet country state, although you will simply be figure-heads, or symbolic figures at best.
Still you have one last chance to correct this whole-sale betrayal of St. Martin people.
The constitution.
As it is now formulated it is neither for-, of-, nor about us; it is totally subservient to the DUTCH rule.
This so-called 'constitution' is a disgrace for any proud people, whose ancestors have shed blood, sweat and tears to make it possible for some of us to call themselves 'Leaders of Government'.
In reality, as it now stands, it is nothing else, but the official declaration of our non-existence as a native St. Martin people.
Knowing your attitude, we do not expect you to even take us into consideration, especially since the DUTCH are 'backing' you (of course, for their own agenda).
Nevertheless, we repeat it again.
Your so-called 'Country St. Maarten' and its 'Constitution' have to prove themselves right here on 'ground-zero'.
There should be no misunderstanding that failing to clearly-, and unambiguously recognize the native-indigenous St. Martin people, their history-, their emancipation-, their norms and values-, and especially their ancestral rights in the constitution, will evoke the wrath and pour out a generational curse on all those who betrayed their sacrifices.
In that case, not even having a green card,- or a second home elsewhere will protect the perpetrators of this atrocity.
We urge you to please take this deep sentiment very seriously, because there is a lot of anger out there William !

Leopold JAMES
Dutch and French passport- holder, but more-so,
Proud, native-indigenous St. Martiners without apologies.

We have said so many times before in the hope that you, our leaders would at least listen to US, the natives of this island as well as our Antillean brothers and sisters.
Not do, what we ask, but at least...
At least, listen to our voices and listen to our cries.....
Listen to our concerns, listen to our fears.....
Listen as well to our proposals to contribute towards a more equitable society.
Alas, all in vain.
A 'wall' of arrogance-, of refusal and of exclusion was firmly erected by you against the grass roots St. Martin people.
After all, weren't we just a small-, insignificant minority compared to the exploding numbers of immigrants and naturalized citizens on the 'Friendly island' ?
At every step of the way, you pushed their constitutional agenda 'down our throats', which did not even take our very existence, let alone our rights as a native St. Martin people into consideration.
In the 'best case scenario', you were proud, simply to INFORM us about our future, but NEVER willing to allow us meaningful INPUT in shaping the future of ourselves, based on our in-alienable right to self determination as a St. Martin people.
We are now in charge, we have your votes, so we will decide for you, and you simply have to accept whatever we decide for you, your children, your grand-, your great-, great-great grand children and all those coming after.........
We and our selected group of educated 'elitists', void of any sense of their identity, will decide even on all matters without your input.
Even on matters of 'life or death' of you as a people.
'To hell' with your justified desire- and rights to ratify, what have decided for you and for your generations upon generations to come.
But, lo- and behold.
Now, after having received the 'blessing' from the colonial masters for YOUR 'Country St. Maarten status', you, under the proud leadership of William MARLIN and Sarah WESCOTT WILLIAMS, suddenly seem to realize, what we have always told you.
After your 'euphoric and ecstatic' experience and 'honey-moon' on 'cloud-9', you must sooner or later descend to 'ground-zero'.
Your 'return-ticket' will eventually take you right back to the land of harsh reality, with real people, hungry-, homeless and frustrated people.
You will have to drive-, or walk through the 'valleys and alleys' of 'ground-0', with its own codes, its own justice-system-, educational system governed by its own 'Consensus street-laws'.
Now, all of a sudden you realize that the most important 'blessing' for any politiciand and government is the one coming from the people of the land, especially from those whose ancestors, shed blood sweat and tears to create the hospitable and attractive foundation for its development.
The 'Friendly island' with all its incentives for investors and others was the result.
Now, only AFTER you have signed away our 'birth-rights' and have denied us our rights to ratify what you negotiated, Mr. MARLIN now says ; 'It is now up to us'.
Now, let this message to our political leaders and Government, therefore be very loud and clear.
When WE (St. Martiners) needed your ear and heart and soul, you denied the very existence of us.
OUR kind of 'us' is not even defined in any shape of form in YOUR constitution.
So, it is simply hypocritical to put it politely, to now try to appeal on the 'us' who never existed for you, to help make YOUR new status work on 'ground zero' and to protect YOUR 'derriere'.
You did not deem us worthy then when it really mattered to ratify the outcome of your negotiations, so logically we should now be equally 'unworthy' to share in the 'blows' you can expect, when your 'chickens come home to roost'.
The prize and consequences for you having sold out our birth-rights and having abandoned and betrayed us as a people, for your nice and lucrative positions in 'Country St. Maarten' are exclusively for your account.
While the 'window of opportunity' for making the necessary corrections of the draft-constitution, may a very last resort to get some 'blessing' from us, knowing your arrogance, we will not exactly hold our breath on that one.
Meanwhile, we wish you God's richest blessings and wisdom.
But as far as we are concerned, since we do not exist for you, 'thanks, but no thanks'.
Our kind of 'us' can not be in solidarity with you, when your 'chickens come home to roost on ground-0'.
You wanted to make up your bed by yourself, without our input, no problem.
Now, the privilege is yours to sleep in it by yourself as well.
Sleep tight.

Leopold JAMES
Proud, native-indigenous St. Martiner with no apologies or compromise that 'St. Martiners should come first on St.Maarten/St. Martin and all others after'

When some months ago renowned American talk show host, Bill O'Reilly referred to the authorities on St.Martin as pinheads, many persons, even within Democratic Party circles, did not take kindly to this statement. As far as those of the Democratic Party were concerned, it was felt that in referring to pinheads, Mr. O'Reilly generalized his reference to authorities. Some persons within the DP even felt, like some others did that pinheads or patriots, no one should come to our country and call persons elected by the people of St. Martin pinheads." If there are pinheads amongst us, they're our pinheads."
However, when the situation gets to the point where well respected citizens and professionals of this country, refer to actions and statements by members of government as Idiotic, Ignorant and Stupid, then we need to take notice. Are these persons voicing general sentiments? The leader of government who is responsible for actions and statements by the members of his government needs to sit up and take notice and accept responsibility. The deputy leader of government needs to speak up, as silence is consent.
Again we re-iterate, in less than 3 months from today the people of St. Martin will be called to elect 15 persons to the Parliament of country St. Martin. Those members of parliament or any combination of these members, will have to appoint ministers of government. These ministers together will be responsible for every aspect of our daily lives.

Sarah Wescot Williams
Leader of the Democratic Party.

In a letter dated 22 June 2010 sent to you, Prefet Jacques Simmonet, and the French Ambassador to the United States in Washington, D. C., I asked for a response to only ten (10) questions. That letter was posted in this newspaper's website that day and now is on the Internet for everyone to read. People want answers from you, as do I.

I have been told by staff at the Embassy of France in Washington that the responsibility to investigate and respond to this inquiry rests with you alone, not the head of the Gendarmerie or others who report to you. They have told me to expect a reply from you. You have my address, as does the world. It is time to live up to your responsibility conferred upon you by the Government of France.

You, sir, have the staff and resources to order a complete and thorough investigation and report on the results. People on St. Martin have reported to various news reporters and other residents on the island who I have been in communication with that an investigation was initiated within days of the posting on my letter in this newspaper. So what happened? Have you decided the best response is no response? Has anyone instructed you not to respond? Is this the lack of transparency all citizens of French St. Martin can expect from your office? Now is the time to demonstrate accountability not only to the citizens of the French side of St. Martin, but to the people in the French Government who have faith in your integrity and honesty.

Recently there have been shootings on the French side of St. Martin and the violence seems to appear weekly in this newspaper. People have died. Robberies are becoming more daring and dangerous, as in the Grande Case shooting at midday this week.

The Gendarmes make much publicized "controls" where fifteen (15) Gendarmes armed with machine guns surround the cars of citizens and tourists to demand their papers and be subjected to searches for guns and drugs. Arrests were made and guns and drugs seized. Is this how you administer the French side of St. Martin? With four Gendarmes per vehicle carrying machine guns stopping cars for "control" checks? Is this how the world's tourists should see "The Friendly Island"? Instead of the use of massive and overpowering force, could you request from France professionally-trained investigators and real detectives, not the clowns posted at the Grande Case Gendarmerie who sit back, smirk at victims, threaten them, and then dismiss them?

You must recognize 85% of the island's revenues are from tourists like myself. To intentionally ignore a letter sent as a result of apparent misbehaviour by your Gendarmes sends a clear message to people considering coming to the French side of St. Martin: travel in groups, hire your own security, film any interactions with the French government officials, or if necessary, go to another island.

I am publicly requesting you respond to the letter I sent to you on 22 June 2010 within the next two weeks. Please indicate you will allow me to post your reply in this newspaper for all to read. I am asking only for a reply to the ten questions contained in my letter of 22 June 2010.

How difficult is that, and why should it have taken so long to get the answers? If you are incapable of answering questions, you should resign your postion and return to France to request a competent Prefet for St. Martin. That might save lives.

Claude Bordelon

The St. Maarten Youth Development Program has launched its awareness campaign for the business community under the slogan "Giving our youngsters in the community a second chance". The aim of the campaign is to generate awareness of the program amongst the business community and to get the businesses involved in the program as much as possible as the business community plays a key role in the development of our youngsters.

The St. Maarten Youth Development Program is part of the Education & Youth program project. It is a corporation program between the island government of St Maarten and the Dutch government and funded by USONA. The program is especially for youngsters between the ages of 16 and 24 years who were unable to finish secondary education. With this program youngsters obtain the basic qualifications needed to enter the job market or further their studies at the SBO/ASVE schools. The program currently offers the courses Front Desk Agent, Bartending/Waiter/Waitress, Room Care Attendant (general maintenance), PC Repair and Networking, Cook and SPW1 (assistant caregiver). Before the students are able to begin these courses, they must complete three months training in social skills, computer lessons and if necessary English lessons.

During the next few months, the program's team will be contacting businesses and arranging informative meetings to provide information on the program and to ascertain businesses that graduates of the program are capable of doing the work they are qualified for. The feedback from the businesses is also important in further developing the program and the program is aiming to establish a relationship where businesses can help in the development or adjustment of courses.

Letters to a selection of businesses will be sent out in the next couple days so businesses are asked to look out for the letters that are kindly requesting their time and assistance. Project Leader Janelle Presentacion stated "We are working extremely hard to teach our youngsters a trade and instill a positive attitude that will help them lead positive lives. However we need the assistance of the businesses to show these youngsters that with hard work and determination, success is possible but our youngsters cannot experience this without the helping hand of businesses". For more information on the campaign or the program, please contact Janelle Presentacion at 543-0497 or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Great Bay, St. Maarten (Friday, July 16, 2010) – Paul the Octopus may have been retired after successfully predicting the results of eight World Cup matches, including the final one, but it seems Puerto Ricans are being called upon to match his prowess in a new promotion launched on Thursday, July 15, 2010, by the St. Maarten Tourist Office in Puerto Rico.

Themed, "Escaapate a St. Maarten con San Patricio Plaza" (Escaape to St. Maarten with San Patricio Plaza) participants are asked to guess how many seashells are inside a plastic urn filled with an unspecified amount of seashells.
The person who guesses or submits the closest number of seashells in the urn will win a 2 nights / 3 days vacation for 2 in St. Maarten at the Holland House Beach Hotel, including a return airfare courtesy of American Eagle.

The plastic urn is located in San Patricio Plaza's main hallway, next to Kmart's main entrance, which has a lot of traffic, especially during this time of the year due to the on-going back-to-school shopping.

http://www.diviertetemas.com/caracoles or by sending an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Persons can also participate by scanning the QR-Code (two-dimensional barcode) on the display with their Smartphone. By doing this, the person's phone will open the specific website address with the promo registration from.

This Sunday, an ad El Nuevo Dia newspaper will also have a call-to-action to the promo and the QR-Code that people can scan with their smart phones. This marketing strategy is new in Puerto Rico and people will find it very curious and fun. In this way. St. Maarten will engage people to participate.

The promo is also being advertised on Facebook and via an e-mail blast to over 18,000 addresses. San Patricio Plaza will also do their part to promote this with their Facebook group and Twitter account, as well as in their bi-weekly newsletter. The promotion will run through August 22.

San Patricio Plaza is an upscale mall specializes in clothing, jewelry and footware boutiques. Located in Guaynabo, San Juan's tony neighborhood, over 150 stores are under one roof for your shopping. A movie theater and a food court featuring popular fast food restaurants provide other attractions.

Philipsburg:---Staff of the St. Maarten Nature Foundation have captured the venomous Lionfish on the "Bridge" dive site on Saturday morning with the help of a local Dive Centre. "Ocean Explorers Dive Center contacted us late Friday saying that they and their guests would be heading to the dive site where the lionfish was reported by another Dive Operator, Octopus Diving, on the 15th of July. The diving community have been excellent in sharing information with the Nature Foundation regarding sightings of the lionfish", commented Nature Foundation Manager Tadzio Bervoets.

On Saturday morning Nature Foundation staff, assisted by Ocean Explorer Divemaster Cayley Mackay,were able to capture the specimen and bring it to the surface. The specimen was a nine centimetre long juvenile and was hiding within a wreck, so capturing it using specially designed collecting nets proved difficult.

The specimen was euthanized, samples were taken and stomach contents were analysed. The Nature Foundation stresses that it is very important that every specimen be reported, euthanized and important data collected. "Unfortunately we need to kill every specimen which we collect because we need very specific data which is necessary to manage the infestation. We feel guilty killing such a beautiful animal but we need to in order to protect our reef fish and limit its spread."

Lionfish are an invasive venomous fish that can inflict a painful and sometimes fatal sting. Lionfish are usually found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans but were introduced into the Atlantic thru the aquarium trade. "Our native fish species don't recognize the Lionfish as a threat so they are unable to defend themselves against it. In other places were lionfish were spotted there are hardly any snappers and grouper because those are the type of fish the lionfish likes to eat."

The Nature Foundation will be hosting an information session on the Lionfish at La Bamba Beach Bar on Kim-Sha beach on Wednesday, the 28th of July. If a lionfish is seen contact should be made with the Nature Foundation at 5444267 or 5270490 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Philipsburg: --- Leader of Government William Marlin at a press conference on Wednesday said that the executive council of St. Maarten had agreed to take a decision on how to proceed with the BTA permit recipients. Marlin said he already notified the Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba that the executive council would sign off on the agreement sometime this week. Jacoba is expected to inform the general public about the agreement on Thursday.
Marlin said the council has decided to grant the holders of the category one permits a three year residency permit and they will be considered as permanent residents when the three year expires.

The island leader of government said that while going through the file it has been determined that there are people who were residing on St. Maarten for 39 years and they were not registered.

Marlin said years ago the situation was different and people did not pay attention to the immigrants who came to live on the island. These people he said also did not bother to regulate their statuses. At that time he said jobs were in abundance and there was no control. Furthermore one of things government had to look at is how long these persons have been living on St. Maarten with children that were born here and those children knew no other home. Marlin said while these children are carrying their parent's nationality and they were born on St. Maarten. Marlin said it would be rather unfair to apply the labor policy to these people now and to have them constantly renewing their papers.
Marlin said when the three year expires then government would have to treat these persons as permanent residents, simply because these persons have been living on St. Maarten for a number of years.
Marlin made clear that even though the agreement is in place it will be signed off during the course of Wednesday.

...

Philipsburg:--- Members of the National Alliance and the executive council of St. Maarten including independent member of the island council Louie Laveist voted in favor of denying Olzina NV their variance permit. While members of the Democratic Party faction and caretaker commissioner Theo Heyliger voted against the proposal submitted by the executive council which was basically in keeping with a decision taken by the executive council on October 20 2009.

Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt said with the outcome of the second voting the variance permit is now officially denied by the island council of St. Maarten. On Monday the council debated the issues surrounding Olzina and its variance permit and the reason the developer took government to court. The court ordered the council to take a decision on the request submitted by Olzina or face a penalty fine of Naf 2,500 or a maximum of Naf: 5000 per day if decision was not taken by July 28th.
According to information reaching SMN News is that the developer will be returning to court as he contests the decision taken by the council.
At a press conference on Wednesday leader of government William Marlin told members of the press that the display they witnessed on Monday with caretaker commissioner Theo Heyliger who holds the ROB portfolio was not a representation of the executive council.
Marlin said over the past year Heyliger has refused to take action at the Public Works Department and while he probably got away with things when he was part of the Democratic Party that would not happen under his watch or leadership. "The former leader of government Sarah Wescott Williams failed to put her down and she allowed Heyliger to get away with certain things which caused the fall of her government". Marlin said.
Asked if the National Alliance government would replace Heyliger who resigned on July 19th. Marlin responded sharply by saying that he has had no discussion into replacing Heyliger. He said even though Heyliger resigned from the executive council, the political agreement signed on June 6th 2009 is still in place. "While Heyliger may not be reporting to work in his office he has been present at all the island council meetings and central committee meetings. One should also see that Heyliger is still sitting at his seat on the executive branch." Marlin then reminded the media of the events that took place when former commissioner Maria Buncamper Molanus resigned when she was confronted with a motion of non-confidence. He said Buncamper Molanus remained in office until she was reappointed.

Insurance agents, brokers and regional offices that represent NAGICO Insurances in more than twelve territories throughout the Caribbean region will be here on St. Maarten to attend the company's annual midyear conference and awards ceremony slated for this Friday and Saturday respectively. This year's theme message is: It's Hard to Hit a Moving Target. Countries represented at the conference include, the British Virgin Islands, ABC islands, Montserrat, the federation of St. Kitts & Nevis, Anguilla, Antigua, Dominica, St. Eustatius, Saba and Dutch St. Maarten.

Marketing Officer Jimmy Challenger: "Over the past years, the Executive Management Team of NAGICO Insurances, under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer Mr. Imran McSood Amjad, with the support of a dedicated team of employees, has continued to move NAGICO in a direction which has resulted in an expansion of the products and services offered, an increase in the number of sub-branch territories, and continued support for community enhancement projects, despite the difficult economic environment caused by the international financial crisis. Hence the theme, NAGICO a moving target that continues to stay ahead by making sound investments and management decisions, to provide value added, sound insurance products and services that give a peace of mind to its customers, - knowing that once they purchase insurance coverage from NAGICO or one of its agents, that they are covered against risks in their lives."

At the conference this Friday, Guest Speaker Mr. Bertrand H. Doyle, a Chartered Insurance Practitioner, will give a two part presentation : "Strategies for Success in Achieving Targets and "Insurance Education – A must, an Option or a Privilege." In addition to this, NAGICO's Marketing Department will launch the corporate newsletter and give an update on other marketing related matters. The two-day conference will end on Saturday with a dinner and awards presentation to its top insurance producers for 2009, including recognition of last year's Life Insurance Sales Top Producer, a newly recognized category. The awards presentations will take place at the Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Casino and is scheduled to start at 6:30 pm sharp.

Countries represented at the conference include, the British Virgin Islands, ABC islands, Montserrat, the federation of St. Kitts & Nevis, Anguilla, Antigua, Dominica, St. Eustatius, Saba and Dutch St. Maarten.

Basseterre:--In a captivating and robust presentation in the High Court on Thursday, Counsel for Lindsay Grant Mr. Terence Byron made a most powerful appeal to Judge Hariprashad-Charles as to why his client should be afforded his rightful day in Court to allow his Election Petition against the Labour Party and Glenn Phillip to be heard at a trial on its merits.

"The amount of energy spent by the Respondents in delaying and avoiding a trial of this Election Petition is telling." Counsel Byron said Thursday morning.

Moreover, he asserted, it was clear during the oral submissions of Dr. Henry Browne and Anthony Astaphan, S.C., that they failed to point to any relevant law to support their Application to strike out Grant's Petition. For, while Mr. Astaphan referred to laws from Dominica and elsewhere, he could not make any link to the laws of St. Kitts and Nevis such as the National Assembly Elections Act which differ tremendously. And while Dr. Browne spoke eloquently, he could not cite even one case to substantiate all his arguments.

Counsel Byron declared: "The Constitution stipulates that you vote only in the Constituency in which you reside. Votes which were cast by people who do not live in Old Road were therefore not good and valid votes. This is a Constitutional imperative and the Constitution is supreme. Any Government policy or Act of Parliament which gives people the right to vote where they do not live is unconstitutional and a perversion of justice." Byron then pointed to the SR&O 18 of 2006 which purported to establish the Labour Government's electoral reform policy. This SR&O was already declared "unconstitutional, null and void" by Judge Errol Thomas in the Constituency Boundaries cases last year in which the Attorney General was found in contempt of court. Byron declared that he therefore made no apology in calling the Government's policy perverse and illegal.

There were dozens of objection hearings that remained unheard up to Election Day. Lindsay Grant asserts that adequate arrangements were not put in place for these voter registration objections to be heard by the Returning Officer before January 25th, 2010.

Counsel Byron emphasized that the law of St. Kitts of Nevis dictates that the Court must uphold the will of the Electorate. "That is," Byron advanced, "the will of those people who are qualified to vote in that constituency by virtue of their residence, in accordance with the Constitution".

"I am confident my legal team's arguments were well-grounded in the law and equally confident that the Judge will see the corrupt nature and immensely fraudulent activity that seriously skewed the results in my constituency in the last general election," said People's Action Movement Leader Lindsay Grant.

The Judge has reserved judgment in the matter and is expected to give her decision in late August.

GREAT BAY (GIS)—The Insular Department of Education, section Study Financing would like to inform all study financing recipients and their parents that the deadline for submitting grades is July 15.

In connection with the extension of study financing for the upcoming school year 2010/2011 all study financing recipients are required to submit the following information:

1. Official transcript is required for the 2009/2010 school year
2. 2008 filed tax papers of parents

Students who fail to meet the abovementioned deadline will be given the opportunity to submit their information by July 31, 2010 with the understanding that they are late and as such payments cannot be guaranteed in a timely manner.

Those who fail to submit the required information will not receive any payments for the upcoming payment period.

The following information should also be submitted by all students:
1. Local address and contact number
2. Address and telephone number at place of study
3. Email address
4. Expected graduation date

In accordance with the regulations under which study financing has been granted, students are required to keep their information current at all times.

Failure to do so may result in the delay of study financing payments.

Students may update their contact information by sending an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by visiting the Study Financing section.

Simpsonbay, (Red Cross SXM) - Red Cross Sint Maarten has filled two critical positions to ensure a proper organizational structure is in place to handle the day to day functions of the Red Cross. The board of Red Cross Sint Maarten has appointed Ms. Julia Boasman as Brigade Commander and welcomes back Mrs. Marjan van der Steen as manager of the renewed chapter.

Commander Julia Boasman, daughter of the late Captain Gaston Boasman was born in Aruba, is a mother of three and has served in the Red Cross Brigade for 15 years. Ms. Boasman says "she is very happy to serve in her new position." Ms. Boasman no stranger to Red Cross, she has been responsible for the Red Cross medical department, shelters, she has served as field commander and is presently a First Aid Instructor. "I'm looking forward to taking the Red Cross to new levels" said Ms. Boasman.

Meanwhile the Red Cross SXM board is pleased to welcome back Mrs. Marjan van der Steen as the Chapter's new Manager. "I am happy to be back. After a break of 3 years I got the opportunity to return to the Red Cross organization and it feels great!" said Marjan, who came to St. Maarten in 1997 after working fifteen years for the banking industry in Holland.

"While the work was steady and often intriguing, I did not find it completely fulfilling. I longed for a greater challenge, a challenge that was rooted in helping others and when presented a job opening as Assistant Rehabilitation Coordinator for the Netherlands Red Cross Delegation after hurricane George in 1998, I accepted it. I worked 4 years for the Delegation because after hurricane George we had to deal with the damages caused by Jose and Lenny in 1999. The next 4 years I volunteered my time as Board Secretary for the Red Cross St. Maarten and as Project Coordinator for the Saba and Statia Red Cross. Unfortunately I had to leave the organization in 2007."

When asked what she like most about working for the Red Cross Mrs. van der Steen said "that it is such a strong international body that doesn't discriminate and it's not politically connected. These are two of the seven Fundamental Principles on which the International Red Cross Red Crescent Organization is build on. In essence, there is no bureaucracy to tangle with when emergencies arise. Instead, help and services flow freely to those who need it most."

As it relates to Red Cross functioning on a local level Marjan says, "Locally we need to remain focused on Vulnerability in our community and work more with our youth. Additionally, we need to update the training of our volunteers, interact with the other islands and bring more Red Cross awareness into our own volunteer groups and the community."

For more information on how you can become an active member of Red Cross St. Maarten, please call 545-2333/2304 or send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SINT MAARTEN– Despite a variety of angry accusations unleashed recently at Royal Resorts Caribbean from Board members, Union workers and others, the company, which manages the Pelican Resort Club, continues to have the financial success of Pelican as its primary objective. To this end, in early 2009 the company moved its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to be based at the resort to personally oversee the management and operations as well as to continue to implement appropriate cost savings for the resort.
"In order for Royal Resorts to continue to manage Pelican Resort Club we must first ensure the financial stability of the resort, therefore anything other than our interest in seeing success for Pelican is completely ludicrous," said Richard Corso, CEO of Royal Resorts Caribbean. "If Pelican fails, we are out of a job and therefore only financial success will enable both Pelican and Royal Resorts to continue together," he added.
Royal Resorts has a 13-year history of implementing cost savings for Pelican, many dating back to August 1997 when the company first came on the scene to manage the property. At the same time, the company has continued striving to improve the guest experience at the resort. Royal Resorts brings 35 years of resort management experience to Pelican Resort Club.
Royal Resorts added new machinery to provide a Reverse Osmosis system in order to serve the needs of guests at Pelican, and, at the same time, saves more than US$300,000 a year. The company purchased and installed a trash compactor which saves the resort US$25,000 a year. And when Royal Resorts installed an industrial laundry, the annual savings increased another US$100,000 a year.
Additionally, Royal Resorts retrofitted 100 villas with central air conditioning saving US$25,000 a year and implemented a "Going Green" program which reduced costs by US$30,000 annually.
Royal Resorts Caribbean, as the management company for Pelican, also got insurance costs reduced which produced an annual savings of US$150,000 and managed legal issues which saved another US$250,000 a year and provided many IT (Information Technology) and Property Management System (PMS) resources for free.
Royal Resorts has also moved management offices out of the Great House which saves Pelican US$264,000 per year in rent.
These cost savings, instituted over the past 10 years, amount to a reduction of expenditures of more than US$1.1 million each year.
Some of the recent complaints have centered on the need to operate Pelican at a drastically reduced budget which the Board of Directors of the Tenants Association Pelican Resort Club (TAPRC) ordered earlier this year as a result of the continued economic downturn. Royal Resorts instituted requested budget cuts, which resulted in additional aggravation from Union officials as some of the regular workforce had to cut back hours.
A major issue arose when some of these Union workers retired or took other jobs and was replaced, by outsourced workers at a cost savings to the TAPRC of 50% or more.
"We had no choice but to follow the wishes and orders of TAPRC and take every opportunity to cut costs, but only did so when it did not impact a current employee," Corso said.
Additional complaints by some of the new TAPRC Board members indicated that they were upset with what some have termed "a cozy relationship between the old Board and Royal Resorts."
Corso's answer is simple: "We have always tried to maintain a good relationship with the Board of Directors because we work for TAPRC and it is not in anybody's interest to have an adversarial relationship with the Board of our owners' association. But that does not mean that there were any improprieties or irregularities. We did what we could to keep everyone happy."
Corso added: "We still attempt to make everyone happy, but occasionally some of the Board members have their own personal agenda and that often is contrary to the interest of TAPRC and we then find ourselves at differences."
Royal Resorts has been managing and protecting the interests of the owners of Pelican Resort Club in a variety of ways over the past 13 years including deferring management fees so the resort can stay open. Royal Resorts has also provided the resort millions of dollars in interest free operational loans and have used its position in the global marketplace to secure additional lenders to cover operational shortfalls over the years.
For example, in 2008 Royal Resorts renegotiated the Long Term Lease for Pelican Resort saving US$30,000 a year and extending the lease term from the year 2050 to 2068. At the same time, Royal Resorts renegotiated the Union Worker contract to get performance based pay increases rather than automatic increases, thus protecting the resort financially.
Corso also notes: "At the same time, we strongly support our workers as can be seen from our recent payment, from Royal Resorts' own funds, of US$9,000 to help the uninsured mother of one of our workers when she had a brain aneurism that required an air ambulance from St. Kitts to Puerto Rico. We also found medical support for her."
With more than a decade of management experiences with Pelican Resort Club there are many other stories that demonstrate Royal Resorts' unending support for Pelican owners and workers including:
When Royal Resorts took the management contract in August 1997 there were 32 villas on the first floor of 'B' building that were completely out of service and neglected by the previous management. Royal Resorts put them back into operation by 1999. In addition to those 32 villas, the company also put Villa A-11 back into operation with funds personally invested by Richard Sutton, Chairman of Royal Resorts, from the purchase of 40 weeks for that villa.
In 2000, Royal Resorts helped to sell off 4,004 non-performing Pelican Resort Club intervals at no cost to the current Pelican owners or TARPC. Funds from this sale were used to help resort reach financial stability at that time.
In 2004, Royal Resorts found a lender to bail out the resort from operational shortfalls despite the fact that TARPC had no credit worthiness.
In 2005, Royal Resorts voluntarily transferred a Tax Holiday to Pelican Resort Club at no cost providing significant annual value to the timeshare owners to this day.
Also in 2005, the resort would have been closed with significant negative impact on the timeshare owners if not for the needed emergency loan of US$3.185 million found by Royal Resorts to protect the resort and owners. TAPRC attorneys Roozen & Matsunaga reported that "the risk was quantified by a threat from Vlietman entity to force the Resort into an involuntary bankruptcy. The risk could have added up to US$6 million and for less than that amount, the settlement gave a release of those issues and cleared the way for the resort to go forward financially."
In 2007, when worldwide oil prices spiked at US$150 a barrel, Royal Resorts volunteered to defer US$700,000 of payments interest free so the resort could stay open.
Royal Resorts also funded and opened the first computer training room on the island to benefit employees of Pelican.
Royal Resorts Caribbean operates four resorts in three destinations with more than 400 employees. The company manages more than 49,000 timeshare intervals for nearly 25,000 families. The management company provides a variety of services for resorts including full operations management, vacation ownership sales and vacation rentals.
The Royal Resorts Group was founded in 1974 in Cancun, Mexico. Now with over 60,000 members, Royal Resorts has been rated among the top-rated resort companies in the world since 1975. The resorts have received the coveted Five Star Rating from Interval International every year since 1983 when the rating was first established. Since 2008, they have also been classified as Premier Resorts in the Interval International Resort Recognition Program, the highest distinction awarded to resorts that offer an outstanding vacation experience.

Philipsburg;--- Chief of Police Peter De Witte in an interview with SMN News said on Tuesday July 13 th 2010, during breakfast, as he opened the newspaper, and his eyes immediately fell on a page size advertisement, as the story goes by the police corps chief of St. Maarten.
In this advertisement interested persons were asked to react to vacancies at the police corps of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. Police corps chief, Peter de Witte, of course whishes the BES islands, a first class and professional police corps.
St. Maarten also is facing the challenge to make 10-10-2010 a success and with that date the police corps of St. Maarten is an independent police organization just as the police on the BES islands, with responsibility for safety and maintaining the law and regulations on the island.

All of this is not a small challenge, and that is why we have the plans ready to develop and strengthen the police corps these coming years. The plans have been presented to the island government and are awaiting the formal approval.
1. The plans contain a personnel as well as a financial growth;
2. The St. Maarten government has reacted positively toward these plans.
The Police Commissioner would like to lift a little more of the veil and give some more information and explanations. The Corps will increase in size and expand even more and because of that, many new employees are needed. The Police will have to reflect on her task and role in the community and should want together with the inhabitants effectively take care of the safety of St. Maarten and finally the Corps has the ambition with the use of modern means and methods to achieve a "securer" St. Maarten.
The Corps cannot attain this on its own. Everyone who can and wants to contribute is most welcome to do so. Being active in the sense to supplying information to solving crimes and also to preventing them from happening.

The Corps is investing much into steps to be taken to the new future. That is the reason why the Corps chief is requesting everybody to think good in which way the inhabitants of St. Maarten can be helpful by realizing a safer island.
And of course he hopes that with the growth of the Corps the inhabitants, the young as well as those some of the older, will think about their responsibility for the community and show their interest for a function in the new Corps within the new country. It is a guarantee that possibilities will be created for attractive positions.

The coming years we will grow with surely 150 new employees in various capacities and roles. We will also appeal to new workers who not necessarily have to go through the complete police training. These persons will be put in a new service department who will take in reports and give support to the emergency service in the form of "call-takers". Also we would like to welcome many new workers who will be put in for "detention care" for arrested persons and these workers can eventually stream through to the function of police-officer.
In short, much is going to happen and there are just as many possibilities. All these possibilities can be filled by the children of the soil.

The Corps Chief fully supports the words of the acting lt. governor Groeneveldt, who commented earlier this week in the newspapers, that "nobody should be excluded", for we need all hands on deck.
We will have to work on many areas when it comes to security. At schools with attention for the youth and the possibilities for them. On the streets where it regards their behavior and their social interaction in the neighborhoods and districts, where they know well what is going on and the things that can be achieved.

Of course we have to look at ourselves as Police. We want to be more service minded and public oriented. To make clear what the St. Maarten public can expect from us and count on when it comes to our responsibilities.
The plans that are made with support from experienced advisors, look good and should enable us to become THE POLICE, that the island deserves.
At the moment that the plans are approved by the relevant authorities, we can start with the execution of the activities. The public at large will notice it and that is what I promise. Of course by then I will tell exactly what the police are going to do. Until that time I am asking everybody who thinks they can contribute towards a safer St. Maarten, to seriously consider this and to support all the plans that are later made known.

The police commissioner is very optimistic with the new possibilities created for country Sint Maarten.

St. Maarten Pride Foundation delivered a letter to the Department of General Affairs this week in which the Foundation urged Government to provide for the protection of the environment in general and beaches in particular in the Constitution of Country St. Maarten. The core of the letter reads as follows:

"Considering that the health and overall well-being of a people is closely interlinked with their surroundings; the Foundation strongly urges your Council to ensure the protection of the environment in the Constitution of Country St. Maarten.

In addition to the aforementioned the Foundation also urges your Council to provide for the protection of- and secure public access to St. Maarten's beaches. St. Maarten advertises the island's beaches as public, yet over the past decade there have been Court cases, public debates and even group confrontations between developers and residents about access to and ownership of beaches.

As St. Maarten's beaches form part of the people's patrimony Pride Foundation strongly believes beaches should never be sold nor leased out to third parties. The Foundation therefore advocates that St. Maarten's beaches be mentioned in the Constitution as protected, public and belonging to Government and by extension thereof are owned by the people of Sint Maarten.

The protection of our beaches and the rights of the people to access our beaches can be enforced by updating the currently existing Beach Policy, by converting it into a Beach Ordinance and by zoning beaches as public and protected".

Philipsburg, At the request of Minister Duncan the Ministry of Constitutional and Home Affairs hereby releases the following statement by the Minister:
The Curacao daily newspaper "Ultimo Noticia" on page 10 of its July 20, 2010 edition published an article titled "Minister Duncan Antias a "rip off" St. Maarten pa mas ku 50 ana". A majority of the quotes were correctly attributed to the undersigned, although the article contains several errors and fails to provide the full story.
The Curacao political party MAN has rushed today, July 21, to issue a note on Facebook, signed by its president, Mr. Eugene Cleopa and general secretary, Mr. Giovanni Atalita - its extra-judiciary representatives - titled: "Partido MAN ta rechasa deklarashon di minister Duncan ku Korsou a "rip off" St. Maarten" . The MAN's note is an emotional diatribe aimed at inciting the people of Curacao against the undersigned.

Some pertinent facts

1. The acronym MAN of this party stands for "New Antillian Movement" ("Movimento Antiyas Nobo"). The party has stubbornly continued to hold on to this name despite the demise of the Netherlands Antilles.
2. The party further deliberately - and erroneously - confuses and personifies Curacao ("Korsou") with the Netherlands Antilles.
3. Contrary to the nonsense that Curacao politicians feed the people of Curacao, St. Maarten contributes more than its fair share of tax revenues to the Government of the Netherlands Antilles. Since January 1, 1997 a Turnover Tax of 3% on gross receipts of businesses has been levied and collected by the Antillian government on St. Maarten. The Government of the Netherlands Antilles has collected each year more than 80 million guilders PER YEAR from 1997 until today! (St. Maarten gets 1/3 of these taxes back). Additionally, the Government of the Netherlands Antilles collects (a) gasoline excise, (b) transfer tax, (c) succession tax, etc. The Bureau Telecommunication and Post collects license fees in the millions annually. Then, St. Maarten - the tourist island - provides the Central Bank of the Netherlands Antilles millions annually in foreign exchange license fees. Social security premiums are also levied on St. Maarten.
4. Anyone living on St. Maarten can attest to the fact that the services of the government of the Netherlands Antilles have been deficient. Most services and departments of the Netherlands Antilles Government are not enough staffed or existent on St. Maarten. In short, St. Maarten contributes MORE to the Government of the Netherlands Antilles than it receives in services from the Government of the Netherlands Antilles.
5. A "rip off" is when the provider does not provide or deliver the services or goods that it has contracted to or is bound to provide or deliver! Fact is that the Netherlands Antilles have failed not only St. Maarten, but all of its constituent islands it is bound to service! This is logically the primary reason this "country" has fallen apart and the islands are going their own ways!

Some 'ad hominem' statements by the MAN party

• The MAN party has accused the undersigned of "living a life of luxury on Curacao from the tax payers of Curacao" and finds it a shame that I should therefore dare say what I said;
• The MAN party further alleges that the undersigned does not like Curacao and its people.

Not only are these allegations false - as the undersigned is entitled to the same privileges that all ministers enjoy (Curacao has 6 Ministers to St. Maarten's 2) - but assume that the undersigned would therefore not be free to speak his opinion. In short, I do not have the fundamental freedom of speech. The MAN party is therefore typically trying to "kill the messenger" but cannot successfully refute the message! Moreover, the MAN party has proven its undemocratic nature and attitude!
The MAN party is highly insulted by the statement of the undersigned that the police department and prison on St. Maarten are deficient. But is that not true? What contribution has the Government of the Netherlands Antilles made to the infrastructure of St. Maarten in the last 50 years? Before they say that such is the responsibility of the island territory, I humbly refer to the many infrastructural projects and funding the government of the Netherlands Antilles has carried out on Curacao! Then, the MAN party alleges that the taxes of Curacao have covered the budgets of St. Maarten. This dribble does not merit much of an answer. When and how so?
The MAN party then shirks the responsibility of the Netherlands Antilles to its constituents by blaming Holland for putting the capital in Curacao.

It is logical that - if Curacao politicians (like those of the MAN party) wish to assume responsibility for the running of the Netherlands Antilles - then they must also carry the responsibility for their failed management and leadership. By the way, who incurred a 5 billion guilder debt? And where were these funds spent? Let us compare Curacao's and St. Maarten's shares in this enormous debt!!

It is evident that the MAN party is deliriously yet holding on to the defunct political system called "Netherlands Antilles" and continues to cry and lament its demise and - thus - also fight the constitutional process and the end it will bring to mentioned political system. But then again, the MAN party is itself in an identity crisis, with a party board (President and General Secretary), Party Leader and now also 'Number one on the list", all representing it. We wonder who represents what; especially now that the board also makes 'political' statements, as in the note referred to.

In light of the aforementioned, I need not apologize to the people of Curacao. Neither do I have to prove my love and ties to Curacao, as well as the other islands, including Aruba. That's not for the MAN party to judge! Ta fei su kwenta!!

What the article in "Ulitimo Noticia" failed to mentioned was my further statement that I believe and maintain that once the islands have left the Antillian political system, they shall be able to cooperate and functionally cooperate much better, more efficient and beneficial than before, because they shall be dealing 'one on one' and not in an undemocratic political system dominated and run by (politicians from) one island. I always use the European countries as examples to justify cooperation. They have put aside a 1000 years of wars and dominance of each other to bind themselves to a union in which they act as a group, 'one on one' and based on agreements reached voluntarily! St. Maarten and Curacao - and for that matter - none of the Dutch islands in Caribbean have never fought a war against each other. We can cooperate on a voluntary and mutually beneficial basis, if we are sensible and rational.

I further maintain that the Netherlands Antilles and its government have also failed the island of Curacao, with its inefficient, deficient and stifling governmental double political layer.

Philipsburg: --- Commissioner and grandson of the late Dr. Claude Wathey, Theodore Heyliger captured the attention of a large group of people when he launched his new party the "United People's Party or the UP party on Saturday afternoon.
Family members, supporters and candidates of the new kid on the block first gathered in front of the government administration building where they lay wreaths in memory of the late Dr. Claude Wathey marking his birthday on Saturday. Heyliger laid the wreath on behalf of the executive council, while the party's president Franklin Meyers and its vice president Josianne Fleming-Artsen laid the wreath on behalf of the UP and two great grandchildren of the laid Dr. Claude Wathey laid the wreath on behalf of the Wathey family.
The crowd then moved over to the boardwalk where the official launching took place. It was clear that Heyliger a veteran politician made sure he mingled with his supporters before officially launching his new party which has been in the making some years now. While the Barefoot Terrace was decorated in green and orange a clear signal that the People's Progressive Party (PPA) and the UP has come together there was no sight of Drs. Gracita Arrindell PPA leader. SMN News learnt that Arrindell and one of her biggest supporters Dr. Ruth Douglas already took photo shoots to appear on the posters of the UP list. Visible was some supporters of the PPA among the gathering in their green shirt. Among the supporters backing Commissioner Theo Heyliger were several long time supporters of the Democratic Party. They were Rene Richardson, Attorney at Law Cor Merx. Toochie Meyers, Jerry Sardine, Commissioner of Police Richard Panneflec, Invocation was conducted by Eualie Meyers.

Several persons were heard expressing their frustration with the current state of government and the constant bickering taking place with the two oldest parties on the island the Democratic Party and the National Alliance.
Board members of the UP are President- Franklin Meyers, Vice President Josianne Fleming Artsen, Secretary—Miss Rosina Romeo, Treasurer, Mrs. Joyce Wathey Yee, Board members also include Ms. Tamara Leonard, Mr. Cleveland Bresford, and James Roidis. At the launching the official notary paperwork were signed in front of the gathering in the presence of notary Gijsbertha. The UP's theme for this year's election is "teaming up for a country we all love so much."
UP Party President Franklin Meyers told the crowd that the party started with him and Heyliger when they began discussing the "should, would, and then could". Meyers said the UP party is no longer a dream but is now a reality and something the people of St. Maarten want. He described the UP –Party as a party of the people, by the people and for the people of St. Maarten. Meyers also confirmed that Gracita Arrindell is with the UP party even though she was not present at the launching. He said Arrindell and members of the PPA has shown that for them it is country above self when they were able to put aside all differences and come together to form a new party for the unity of St. Maarten. Meyers further explained that St. Maarten is going down a road where they would need all hands on deck and politicians should stop their fighting and put their hands together and begin fighting for the people of St. Maarten.
Party leader Theo Heyliger in his address said the UP party was created to meet the challenges of the 21st century. He described the UP as modern with the vision to work in a complex global economy, an organization that is based on timeless values which would be in keeping with the everyday needs and concerns of the people. Heyliger said it is the belief of the UP that country St. Maarten would require decisive leadership in the new era. "St Maarten cannot afford the old and divisive politics of the recent past that at time have crippled government and cast serious doubt on the ability to govern."
Heyliger said the people of St. Maarten need and deserve a viable alternative compared to the tired politics of ego and pride currently on offer. He said he has left that kind of politics behind simply because the people was forgotten therefore he is calling on the people to also leave that type of politics behind and join him as they move St. Maarten forward.
Some of the concerns of the UP are the alarming rise in crime and the enormous challenge placed on St. Maarten in a globalised economy. He said St. Maarten needs people who could provide solutions, such as ensuring jobs, providing stability in the economy's growth, affordable housing, safety and security must become a priority, while everyone must have access to proper health care. The tax system he said needs to be reformed, while the youths of St. Maarten must be able to get a sound education.
While Heyliger did not announce the candidates that will be contesting the election on the UP slate, the community can look forward to seeing people like veteran police officer Johan Janchi Leonard, Sylvia Meyers, Gregory Richardson, among others who are eager to lead St. Maarten to the next level.
Stealing the show on Saturday afternoon was Janchi Leonard who tried to convince the people that St. Maarten is in a desperate need for change as the island is facing serious troubles such as crime, and the lack of jobs. He said the UP is the start of a new era where the "boy and his dream' has become the Man on a Mission. Referring to Heyliger as the youngest island council member who has cemented his name in politics over the past years.
Leonard said the people have a right to be angry and frustrated and the members of the UP are deeply concerned and it is time for them to win back the confidence of the people. He said St. Maarten is hungry for new ideas, mostly for a new kind of politics and with the launching of the UP is what the people would get. Leonard described the UP as a mix of new blood and maturity, a formula that would create immediate impact. One of their missions he said is to create more jobs which will ultimately decrease crime, come with structured solutions to take better care of the elderly who has carved the road for this generation. Leonard said the UP will make sure they put in place a better system to fight crime and to root out the cancer, while investing more in the youths will be a priority. Leonard also reminded the public that they should not look for Janchi on the ballot instead they need to look for his correct name which is Johan Erwin Leonard, he said is bringing with him 41 years of policing, a former island council member, former chairperson of the domestic committee of the island council, former state secretary of justice, while his mission is to serve what the others have ignored.

Philipsburg:--- Some six construction companies submitted their bids to construct the new elementary school in Cay Hill which would consist of 16 classrooms and a gym hall. The bids submitted are from six major contractors. Present to open the sealed envelopes from each bidder was commissioner of education and leader of government William Marlin.
The companies that submitted bids are as follows:

                                                                                            A                      B                                         Total NAF

Betonbouw Caribbean Construction N.V.        7,889,000.00     1,007,000.00                             8,896,000.00
ALTERNATIVE                                                    7,589,000.00     1,007,000.00                             8,596,000.00

F.M. Contracting N.V.                                         7,622,531.40         850,421.90                             8,472,953.30

K.S. Construction & Maintenance Services     8,115,600.02     3,046,733.62                            11,162,333.64

LICCOM N.V.                                                       8,750,000.00     1,098,000.00                              9,848,000.00
ALTERNATIVE                                                    8,110,000.00         978,626.00                             9,088,626.00

M.N.O. Vervat- St. Maarten N.V.                        9,583,005.00         989,457.00                           10,572,462.00

TALIESIN Construction N.V.                              7,291,364.00      1,388,701.00                              8,680,065.00

Commissioner Marlin said Pream Consultants has been given the task to study the bids and to send an advice to the executive council. Marlin said as soon as the advice is received it will be signed off and the contract will be awarded to the company that is selected. He said however, this is not the only project government is working on and as soon as this one is finalized then it would pave the way for them to work on another project.

Minority Leader in the Trinidad and Tobago House of Assembly and political leader of the Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP), Ashworth Jack,is slated to be the Guest Speaker at this weekend's 45th People's Action Movement , PAM convention.

Jack, who also leads the Tobago United Force/Democratic Action Congress (TUF/DAC), successfully led his TOP Party in the recent historic Trinidad and Tobago General Elections in all the seats they contested .
The Jack led T.O.P Party is a part of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissesar's historic People's Partnership Coalition .
Mr. Ashworth Michael Jack is the parliamentary representative for the Trinidad and Tobago Providence/ Mason Hall/ Moriah Electoral District. He has represented this district for the last thirteen years as an elected member of the House of Assembly.
Mr. Ashworth Michael Jack has been involved in politics for 31 years and has participated and been the focal point in many historic parliamentary sessions, including events of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and in many conferences around the World.
Jack has been Chairman of the Tobago Democratic Action Congress and Constituency Chairman of the National Alliance for Reconstruction, Tobago .
Jack along with Party Leader Mr.Lindsay Grant are the featured speakers at Sunday's event which is expected to draw thousands of party supporters, friends, and dignitaries to the People's Action Movement headquarters on Lockhart Street.

The convention has for the last 45 years been the highlight event for the party's faithful. It has also been a time of reflection and inspiration as members recall when in 1965 the four original PAM stalwarts (Billy Herbert, Kennedy Simmonds, Michael Powell, and Richard Caines) decided that for the love of country they would sacrifice their lives and challenge the dictatorial policies of the Labour Administration led by Sir Robert L. Bradshaw. Other pioneers included Colin Pereira, Cecil "Moonlight" Roberts, Joseph Sutton, Victor Maynard, Richard Shelford, Shefton Warner, and Courtney Dickenson.

The People's Action Movement 45TH Convention will be held on Sunday July 4th starting to 1pm.

Marigot:--- The members of the EPIC board that is governing the Office du Tourisme has voted unanimously in favor of Silvane John on Wednesday June 30th confirmed President of the Board Ida Zin Ka Ieu. John will be talking the helm of the French Tourism Office on September 1.
The EPIC president said that it is her belief that John and herself would bring about some changes to tourism. She said Silvane John has strong ties with the American market and she also has the charisma and diplomacy to attract more people to the destination.

Zin Ka Ieu said that some members of the EPIC board wanted to know why the former director of Office du Tourism Corrine Picaut resigned before voting unanimously for John. Asked about that she said that the director's job is to make sure they follow the rules and regulation that is set down by the EPIC as well as to execute the decisions taken by the board. She said when the director or any other employee does not do that then there is a problem. Zin Ka Ieu further explained that when one has to constantly remind people to do their work or what is expected of them then something must be done. The EPIC president said that she has in her possession the resignation from Corrine Picaut which paved the way for the hiring of a new director in the person of Silvane John.

...

"In the last week I have been shocked at the large volume of calls that I have received from terrified residents all over St. Kitts as the crime wave has made itself strongly felt in a wide variety of ways over just a few days," said St.Kitts-Nevis Senior Opposition MP Shawn .K Richards.
This week , like many others, has been littered with outrageous and serious incidents of crime. On Thursday 24th June there was the vicious beating of a couple in the Half Moon Bay area where robbers savagely vented their frustration at not getting the loot they were expecting. This was followed by the brazen daylight robbery of the breweries truck on its delivery route and several shooting incidents including the shooting of two men in the Soho area of Basseterre. The criminals then showed their contempt for law and order by attempting an armed robbery on the Cayon Police Station in the wee hours of Monday morning.
"The attack on the police station and the scandalous fact that there was only a lone female police officer, Ms. Diana York, on duty at the time who was violently attacked showed that the criminals have passed a terrible threshold. If police stations can be attacked where can anyone be safe?" said MP Richards
The week did not end before their was yet another brazen daylight robbery. This time it was the armed robbery on the Royal Bank next to Valu Mart at 9:00am on the first day of July.
"Even while we can say a silent prayer of thanks about the fact that there was only 1 killing for the month of June I must recognize that it was a lucky break because any of the shooting incidents or armed robberies could have had at least 5 killings. As I considered this state of affairs I could not help but reflect on the recent sitting of parliament just the day before the bank robbery. There we were as the lawmakers of this Federation talking about silliness while out on the streets those we are being paid to represent and ensure security and prosperity for are being traumatized by violence that is out of control," MP Richards lamented.
Richards went on to chastise the Prime Minister and the gov't who have been complaining of the constant criticisms being levelled at them in their handling of the crime issue.
The 2 term Parlimentarian Richards said "How can the Prime Minister or Minister of National Security complain about the criticism that they receive when people are increasingly afraid of doing ordinary things like going to the bank or even relaxing at home in the evening. The economic crisis will become much worse as people are afraid to conduct business and this will paralyze our economy further. Now that our detection rate has finally been recognized to be well below international standard, perhaps now something will be done about it."
Richards expressed the hope that the government does not try to throw the blame off of themselves either by encouraging silly and dangerous talk pretending that our criminals are not from St. Kitts and Nevis or that the real cause of crime is the fact that people are too scared to give evidence.
"We must accept the fact that just as our country has become the most indebted in the world due to labour's mismanagement the same can be said of our crime situation. Crime is out of control because of gov't mismanagement and inability to properly resource our security forces," said Richards.
Richards continued "In the first case if anything will be done then we must recognize that a murderous and crime ridden country is exactly what our country has become under Labour and we must also recognize that our police force has been seriously undermined and that has damaged the morale and professionalism of the officers".
In 2007 officers of the police force expressed grave concern about their living and working conditions. The officers complained and it is alledged that the mass sick-outs of officers back then was in protest over these concerns. The government responded with a Commission of Inquiry , report of which has not been released to date. In 2009 the Commisioner of Police Austin Williams told BBC news that his forces were under-resourced and "ill-euipped to handle the current crime situation". This was a scathing indictment on the gov't which is mandated to ensure that our security forces have the neccessary resources to effectively combat crime.
"The government was elected (it claims) to lead in precisely this kind of crisis and the lives of our children depend on effective leadership. The current situation is intolerable," said Richards
St.Kitts-Nevis has had an unprecedented 16 homicides for the first half of this year alone and has seen an increase in murders, rapes and robberies over the last 3-4 years.

The St. Maarten Youth Development Program is now registering youngsters interested in following one of the upcoming courses. These courses are Front Desk Agent, PC Repair & Networking and Cook of which the preparatory programs for these courses are set to begin in September.

The St. Maarten Youth Development Program is part of the Education & Youth program project. It is a corporation program between the island government of St Maarten and the Dutch government and funded by USONA. The program is especially for youngsters between the ages of 16 and 24 years who were unable to finish secondary education. With this program youngsters obtain the basic qualifications needed to enter the job market at an assistant's level or further their studies at the SBO/ASVE schools. The Youth Development Program is executed by the Department of Educational Research, Policy and Innovations (DERPI) of Island Government which forms part of the Sector Education, Youth, Culture and Sports.

The preparatory program is a three month phase in the program where the students focus on developing their social skills, computer skills and if needed English reading and writing skills. Students need to complete this phase of the program before being able to move on to their career courses that they have chosen. The main goal of the preparatory program is to provide the youngsters with not only the knowledge but the social skills needed to succeed in the workforce.

The Front Desk Agent and the Cook course will take 6 months to complete and will be taught by the Caribbean Institute for Social Education Foundation (CIFSEF). The PC Repair and Networking course will take one year to complete and will be taught by the Computer Institute of the Caribbean, directed by Daniel Berry. All courses include mandatory job training.

Registration for the above- mentioned courses will take place throughout the entire month of July. Interested persons are asked to please bear in mind that there are a limited amount of spaces available for these courses. All you need to register is a copy of your St. Maarten identification (I.D) card. Registration will be held at the Youth Development Program office upstairs of Carl and Son's Bakery on the Pondfill Road in Philipsburg. The office is open Monday thru Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. For more information, you can contact Janelle Presentacion at 543-0497 or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

GREAT BAY:--- Due to maintenance works activities that need to be carried out, the Department of New Projects Development and Planning, is informing the public that parts of the L.B. Scott Road will be closed to vehicular traffic as of Monday, July 12.

Directional signs will be erected to indicate how the diverted traffic will flow and motorists are asked to pay attention and drive carefully.

Traffic will be disrupted at the intersection of L.B. Scott Road/Boulanger Road, as of Monday, July 12 at 7.00am until Wednesday, July 14 when the road will be re-opened for vehicular traffic.

L.B. Scott Road will be closed between St. Peters Road and Messapple Road as of Tuesday, July 13 at 7.00am until Thursday, July 15 when the road is re-opened to traffic.

The execution and completion of the maintenance works are conditioned on weather conditions.
The Department of New Projects Development and Planning apologizes to the public for any inconvenience that these necessary activities will cause.

Philipsburg:--- In just a few weeks half a decade will have passed since the at that time unregistered Emilio Wilson Estate B.V. submitted its planning permit request for the subdivision and development of the Emilio Wilson Estate in August of 2005. August 2010 will therefore also mark five years since the Emilio Wilson Estate Foundation, the Emilio Wilson Cultural and Historical Park Foundation, the Heritage Foundation and a large number of concerned residents launched renewed efforts to protect the Emilio Wilson Estate.
From 2005 through 2008 Government implemented a number of basic measures towards the protection of the area, including placing the entire Estate on the monument list.
In its verdict on the court case between the Emilio Wilson Estate B.V. and the Island Government, regarding Government's decision to deny the planning permit request submitted by the B.V., the Court of first instance advised the Executive Council to draft a comprehensive conservation zoning plan for the Emilio Wilson Estate to ensure the legal protection of the area.
In 2008 the VROM department of Sector ROB compiled a "draft preparatory resolution Conservation Areas" which includes what is in essence the first step towards the aforementioned zoning plan for the entire Emilio Wilson Estate. Two years later in July 2010 the Zoning Plan for the Emilio Wilson Estate has not yet been completed. The Foundations are concerned that not enough is being done to legally ensure the protection of the estate.
Information reaching the Foundations revealing that Estate shareholder and initiator of the much disputed plans for the development of the Estate, Mr. Henri Brookson has partnered with a Realtor and former Commissioner in the drafting of new plans and strategies for the development of the area only adds to the Foundations' concerns.
The Foundations do not wish to be confronted with a situation whereby the Courts decide to grant developers permission to develop the estate because Government did not take sufficient measures to protect the area.
Emilio Wilson Estate Foundation and St. Maarten Pride Foundation once again urge Government to pursue all possible legal and financial means necessary to realize its commitment to the people of St. Maarten to secure the Emilio Wilson Estate as the Island's first protected area.

Philipsburg:--- Since Sunday July 11th 2010 a group of 20+ members of the Voluntary Corps of Curaçao (VKC) has been on Sint Maarten. Together with members of the Voluntary Corps of Sint Maarten (VKS) they have been very active executing the announced joint training. The main focus of this training is to prepare both groups for possible hurricane situations and to forge a closer cooperation. Furthermore advanced military training skills are being instructed.

Some of the highlights of this week's training so far have been the rappelling of the high Blue Mall building in Cupecoy, target practice on the Emilio Wilson Estate's shooting range and the riot drills executed on Pond Island. Instructors from the VKC were instrumental in making sure these drills were successful.

The Commander of the VKS wishes to thank the community, businesses and other entities on the island that are making this joint training possible.
In the pictures scenes from the riot drill, the rappelling and the target practice.

GREAT BAY,– Contractors and builders are requested to have a plan in place to prepare and secure their job sites as the nation approaches the peak months of the 2010 hurricane season.

Even though the season has been quiet so far, every effort should be made to be prepared in the event of a threat.

Contractors and home builders during severe weather are responsible for securing job sites for the protection of the public, property and surrounding areas.

Materials such as plywood, shingles, zinc, and scraps of 2x4s could become flying missiles capable of impaling brick walls or anything in its way.

Construction debris can cause severe damage to property and cost lives. With building and construction activity still taking place on the island, every construction site supervisor or foreman is advised to have a plan in place with respect to what action they will be taking.

A tropical storm system could form during any part of the hurricane season and not necessarily during the peak months of mid August to mid October.

As a general rule, all jobsites should be kept clean. Arrange of timely pick up of trash dumpsters, and only keep materials on the job site you actually will utilize at any given week, and keep construction equipment secure. Any planned supply deliveries should be postponed if the possibility exists of a hurricane threat to the island.

When a hurricane warning is issued, remove all scaffolding, and remove, or safely secure, all building materials and equipment. Sub contractors should also be alerted to their responsibilities as well with respect to securing or removing their materials and equipment.

Stop job processes that will likely become damaged by the hurricane, such as window installations, house wrap, or landscaping. Complete those construction tasks that will likely prevent damage, such as concrete work, closing in a house, or filling in foundation excavations.

Follow through with a quick inspection of your job sites. Do not wait until the last minute to inspect your job sites, as you may need that time to go home and secure your own family home. Employees will need to also do the same.

Once the hurricane is over, return to the job site for damage inspection only when the all clear sign has been given by the Emergency Operations Center headed by the Acting Lt. Governor of the Island Territory of Sint Maarten. Keep in mind that damages from the hurricane may impede efforts for immediate attention of job sites.

Philipsburg:--- Commissioner of Tourism Frans Richardson in a press release said he is gravely concern regarding to the present crime situation on St. Maarten. Richardson said he is of the opinion that the crime wave has the potential to harm St. Maarten's tourism product.
"No one would want to visit a destination that is not considered safe."
While St. Maarten has been reaping the fruits of a re-branding effort and increased airlift possibilities, crime may hamper the island's efforts to make more money in hard times by enticing visitors to St. Maarten.

Even minor crimes like pick-pocketing and harassment of visitors can have a disturbing effect on tourism for the island – since it is not uncommon that incidents are widely publicized on, for instance, internet sites.

"We cannot afford to lose our edge over other destinations, simply because of a small group of individuals choosing to target both resident and visitors in acts of crimes." Richardson said.

As a community, everyone must place a higher priority on stamping out or, at least, curbing criminal behavior in St. Maarten.

Everyone have to also understand how tourism accounts for most of the economy, and it is still the largest foreign exchange earner and employs many people in tourism related sectors.

Reports of the past few days indicate that St. Maarten is positioning itself to do well in the upcoming important winter travel season.

But, if crime is not brought under control soon, travel agents and tour operators will begin worrying about rising crime and will have a difficult time selling St. Maarten as a destination.

Violence and crime rates will always be a consideration for tourists when choosing a destination.

While some may not consider violent crime as a high-level concern for destination St. Maarten right now, we cannot idly sit by and ignore the situation until it is too late.

On crime in general, we have to recognize that incidents involving the loss of lives are to be condemned and cannot be tolerated, under any circumstance.

The public needs to understand though that the combating of crime is not only the job of the police and the justice system. It is also a task for parents, social institutions, the church, schools, the business sector and the average citizen.

As we are weeks away from becoming a country, aspects of security has to become our collective responsibility, recognizing that we no longer have a Central Government to blame or call on.
We must join hands and support efforts aimed at stopping criminal offenders from terrorizing residents and visitors alike and find strategic partnerships focused on the safety of our community.
It is left to each and every one of us to join the fight against crime, to recognize the effects of crime on our community and how this threatens our economy.

Philipsburg: --- Members of the executive council and the relatives of the late Dr. Claude Wathey boycotted the 12th annual wreath laying ceremony organized by the Democratic Party on Saturday.

Deputy Leader of the Democratic Party Erno Labega said that it's a pity these persons who were part of the ceremony for the past years did not show up to lay their wreaths that were at hand. Wreaths were laid by the President and Leader of the Democratic Party, the University of St. Martin, the AC Wathey Political Awareness Foundation and the Democratic Party Youth Wing. The wreath that is normally laid on behalf of the executive council over the years was done by Commissioner Theo Heyliger, grandson of the late Dr. Claude Wathey, but Heyliger did not show up for the event on Saturday morning.

In an invited comment after the ceremony leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescott Williams said parties that are normally part of the ceremony are the executive council, the foundation, the USM, the Democratic Party and the Democratic Party Youth Wing. She said they had expected that the same pattern of the past twelve years would have been followed and it is a pity that the members of government did not show up because over the past years they have always honored the legacy of the late Dr. Claude Wathey despite the composition of government. Wescot Williams said despite the no show from several persons the Democratic Party are humbled at being able to recognize the late Wathey on his birthday.
Also looking on at the brief ceremony was Senator Will Johnson from Saba who bluntly refused to part take in a photo shoot with members and supporters of the Democratic Party around his statue. When asked by Erno Labega to join them in taking the photo Johnson said he will be there later in the afternoon supporting commissioner Theo Heyliger who would laying a wreath during the afternoon hours prior to launching his own political party.
Johnson told reporters that he is on St. Maarten to support Commissioner Theo Heyliger. He said he likes Heyliger even though they have their differences about GEBE. "Heyliger has never denied his heritage because he has linage from Saba. I would like to see what Theo will do in this election on his own because for year's people thought he would have been the natural successor and leader of the Democratic Party." Johnson further said he believes Heyliger will do well in the election even though he has some controversial ways of doing business. He said despite Heyliger's business attitude he has done some good things in moving St. Maarten forward especially with his beautification projects. "Let's say I am not only supporting his endeavors but I am an interested onlooker since he is partly my countryman."

Philipsburg:--- The second State Secretary Dudley Lucia paid a courtesy visit to the acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt on Monday with his assistants.

Philipsburg:--- Judge C.T.M Luijks took the oath of office on Wednesday in front of fist assistant governor Reynold Groeneveldt at the A. C Wathey Legislative Hall. The new judge is came from Aruba. Groeneveldt welcomes the new judge and his family to St. Maarten. He said he was given the authority to swear in the judge by the governor general of the Netherlands Antilles. Groenveldt also advised the judge to make sure he enjoys the beautiful things the island has to offer. The acting Lt. Governor also informed the judge that he will be returning to his law profession when his time at the governor's office is over.

Philipsburg:--- The staff of Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba will begin the extension of the Brooks Tower Permit on Monday August 2 2010 at the Salvation Army Building in Cole Bay and will end on September 18th 2010. Minister Jacoba told members of the media on Thursday that had they abandoned the entire BTA process then a number of those persons who received the BTA permits earlier this year would not have been able to acquire a regular permit through the normal process. Jacoba said that was one of the reasons the new policy was not published while she had to wait on the decisions of all the islands and their stakeholders before announcing the new strategy.

The Minister said that persons who qualified for the category 1 permit would receive a three year permit at no additional cost. After the three years is over in 2013 the intention is to grant those persons permanent residency because many of them have been living on the island for a number of years now. Persons falling under Category 1 are for those that have been residing on the islands from 2001 to 2005.

Tiara Hasselhoef, head of the BTA project said that the Category 1 has been divided into two groups. The first group which is called Category 1 (A) is for persons who are working with companies or private individuals. These persons she said can begin picking up their employer's declaration form and the list of requirements as early as Sunday at the Philipsburg Police Station at the BTA window.
Hasselhoef said the application forms will be filled out by attendants on Monday in the presence of the applicants. Information she said will be taken directly from the applicant's passport and temporary BTA permit. Applicants are asked to make sure they walk with all the required documents when going to file for the permits. Hasselhoef made clear that the attendants will not be accepting incomplete files and this is once in lifetime opportunity. Persons who do not have all the documents on hand will be sent away and asked to return when they have all that is required to for the processing of the BTA Residency permits.
Hasselhoef urged the BT applicants to make use of the time allotted for the renewal of these permits because the Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba can only sign these permits up to October 9th 2010. She said currently the BTA project team is aiming to process at least 200 applications each day since they are open from Monday August 2 at 8am to 6pm. The processing of these permits is expected to last a maximum of two weeks since the procedure has been simplified. Applications she said is available in English, Spanish and Creole.
The Minister said persons who fall under the steering group would also fall under the Category 1 A and B. Jacoba said the project team is still working on the appeals case and many of them may also receive their permits during this period.

Documents that have to be provided by the applicants are a valid and authentic passport of each family member, A complete BT Application form which must be filled in and signed at the location, copy of the current temporary Resident Permit (BTA) of each family member, declaration of work of the employer, together with a copy of the employer's passport, extract from the Chamber of Commerce of Company, (if the applicant is working for a company), Personal crib number of the main applicant, Official entry statement from school of school aged children (4-18 years) and children above 18 years that are still studying.

Applicants that fall under Category 1 group (B) are for persons who are self supporting. These persons Minister Jacoba said has to register at the Chamber of Commerce as small business entrepreneurs (Sole Proprietorship). The Minister said these persons must go to the Chamber and register and when the registration is complete they can then proceed to the Salvation Army Building as of August 9th. Hasselhoef said the Chamber of Commerce is currently making preparations to have a separate window in place to handle the BTA candidates. Hence there is a short delay in accepting the category 1 (B0 forms. Hasselhoef said that persons who registered for the sole proprietorship cannot sign for any other person. Persons such as gardeners, cleaners and other workers who are working petty jobs for several persons or entities are the ones that fall under this category.

The Minister said for persons who were given the Category 2 BTA permit they would receive a standard one year permit which is renewable and the applicants will be subjected to pay the normal processing fees as stipulated by the island government. The applicants that fall under Category 2 group "A" have to submit the following documents. A complete and signed BT application form, copy of a valid and authentic passport of each family member, copy of the current residence permit BT of each family member, declaration of work of employer (s) together with copies of passport, proof of payment fees at labor department, signed guarantee by the employer, when family members statement of guarantee for each must be signed by the employer of the applicant, extract of chamber of commerce of the company, personal crib number of the main applicant, official entry statement from the school of the school aged children (4-18 years) and children above 18 that are still studying.
Persons falling under group D are for those persons currently studying on St. Maarten.
These applicants would have to submit a complete and sign BT application form, copy of valid passport, copy of current Temporary BT permit, official entry statement from the education institution the applicant is attending, statement of guarantee signed by the guarantor or proof of sufficient financial resources.

State Secretary for Justice Ernie Simmons has called on the BTA recipients to monitor the news and to make sure they follow instructions in order for them to get their status regulated. Simmons said the BTA procedure is a once in a lifetime process and everyone who has been living on the islands illegally should take the opportunity to now and regulate themselves now. He cautioned that the opportunity given now by the Minister of Justice cannot happen after 10/10/10 when the Netherlands Antilles is dismantled.

GREAT BAY,– The Control Unit of the Island Government will resume vehicular traffic flow relief in the high density school area of Saunders, St. Peters and South Reward when classes resume in August.

Section Head of the Control Unit Floyd Skeete told the Government Information Service (GIS) that the exercise to enhance the flow of traffic coming out of the high density area has been successful.

"I would like to thank motorists for their adherence to the rules of the road when driving through a high density school area. Due to the involvement of the inspectors, there have been less traffic incidents.

"The Control unit will continue with their traffic policing in the new school year and we look forward to the continued cooperation of all motorists. Our primary goal is safe roads," Skeete told the GIS on Wednesday.

Control unit inspectors would be placed at strategic intersections such as the crossing of Zagersgut and Coralita road, the crossing at L.B. Scot road and Gladiola road and near the entrance to the Sint Maarten Academy.

Inspectors start off from 6.30am and work through up to 8.00am from Monday to Friday from the beginning of the school year to when classes close for the summer recess.

The main objective of the traffic flow relief initiative is to improve and manage traffic flow, and assist with the safety of pedestrians.

Skeete and his staff would like to wish all the school kids and their parents as well as school management and teaching staff, happy summer holidays.

Work is moving ahead at a feverish pace towards the completion of all preparations for the successful hosting of the 2010 Windward Islands Senior Male Basketball Championships, scheduled to be played at the Tanteen Courts in Grenada July 01 – 05, 2010.

A new synthetic surface have been aid at the Tanteen Courts, part of the approximately EC$300,000.00 budget being spent by the Grenada Basketball Association.

This year's tournament will be the culmination of months of efforts led by the Grenada Basketball Association, aimed at the revitalization of the Windward Islands Senior Male Basketball Championships.

The Windward Islands Senior Male Basketball Championships was last held about ten years ago in Saint Lucia, which was won by Grenada.

The head coach of that successful Grenada team was Fitzgerald Joseph, with Nigel McKie as his assistant.

All four island federations have confirmed their participation, with the opening ceremony secluded to be held on Friday afternoon from 3:00 p.m., with two matches being played daily on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Marigot: --- The gendarmes are calling on the community of St. Martin who may have information pertaining to the armed robbery which led to the murder of an employee on Thursday to come forward.
The gendarmes said that they have launched an investigation into the armed robbery which took place around midday on Wednesday at Popular Supermarket in Concordia claiming the life of the cashier identified as 32-year old Ying.
Persons who have information on the two suspects can submit the information on the condition of anonymity by calling 00590 52 30 00 or by dialing the emergency number 17.
On Wednesday two armed robbers entered the Popular Supermarket around midday and shot Ying the cashier and the manager of the store before making their escape on a scooter.

Philipsburg:--- On Thursday evening police discovered the body of lifeless man identified as Jean Paul Jeremie on Cupe Coy Beach. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the victim's body was found in his vehicle. Henson further explained that the police patrol was sent to the scene where they spoke to a witness identified as
L.A.J. who stated that her husband Jean Paul Jeremie was supposed to come and pick her up from work, however he never showed up.
The bereaved woman said that she felt that something was wrong and immediately notified the rest of the family. A search for Jean Paul Jeremie started immediately. During the search the vehicle of the victim was found on the beach in Cupe Coy and the man was not showing any signs of life. The victim who is a diabetic has been complaining recently of pains in his chest and for some time was admitted in the hospital in Martinique. The doctor that arrived on the scene stated that the victim had died of natural causes. The body of the victim was transported to a morgue. There are no indications of foul play in this case Henson said.

Marigot:--- The gendarmes is urging witnesses of the gruesome murder of the Popular Supermarket cashier to come forward and assist them with whatever information they may have. In a press release the gendarmes said that they questioned a number of persons over weekend and they were all released after the interrogation.
The gendarmerie said they have launched a simultaneous operation over the weekend in Low Town, St. James and Sandy Ground in order to catch the persons responsible for the slaying of the cashier at Popular Supermarket. Persons having information are urged to call 00590 52 30 00 or dial the emergency number 17, information can also be submitted with complete anonymity.
The release stated that one of the two operations is related to a drug investigation and a 53 year old man has been arrested after he was caught attempting to get rid of a package that contained marijuana.

Philipsburg:---The Commander of the Voluntary Corps of Sint Maarten (VKS) and the VKS Summer Camp Committee are thankful for the generous donation received from the Sky is the Limit Foundation. The annual VKS Summer Camp started on Monday July 5th, 2010. Close to 80 children, ages 7-15, are attending the camp to participate in the exciting program that has been prepared for them.

Over the years the Summer Camp has been able to count on the Sky is the Limit Foundation for a financial contribution. Once more this foundation has proved to be loyal to the VKS Summer Camp and donated funds for the camp. These funds will be used to execute the planned activities during the summer camp week.

In the picture Mrs. Maria Buncamper-Molanus from the Sky is the Limit Foundation hands over the cheque to VKS Commander Jean Illidge (left) and Summer Camp Committee President Bernice Charles-Richardson (right).

The VKS would like to express once more its sincere gratitude for this generous donation.

Philipsburg:--- Members of the St Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) met with members of the executive council. In a press release issued by the SHTA they said they opened the meeting by stating that it is the objective of the private sector to hire local labor as long as they have the appropriate qualifications. Applying for work permits only arises when it has been determined that qualified locals are not available.
SHTA's concern is that the business sector isn't performing well at the moment, meaning in terms of labor, that many businesses are operating with core staff only. For businesses that are heavily reliant on foreign labor, the SHTA is receiving complaints that lately the application process has become more cumbersome thus impeding business operations.
The main areas of discussion were:
1. Processing time for renewals of permits
The SHTA was informed that there are structural changes happening at the Department of Labor as it is transitioning into a Ministry. However, this has not affected the processing time for permits, which is 6 weeks.

2. Clarification on which employment permit policy is being used
There is some confusion on which policy is being used. SHTA was informed that the policy that went into effect in December 2009 by the NA/ Heyliger Government is still being used and that copies are available at the labor department. The policy is meant to be reviewed with stakeholders and introduced in July.

The SHTA also brought up examples where renewals for long time employees (10+ years) were rejected. Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson informed that such incidents should be brought to his attention immediately.

Philipsburg:--- Island councilmember and Senator George Pantophlet said it is about time that someone took the bull by the horns and that is exactly what commissioner of Finance Xavier Blackman is doing in addressing the need for Tax Reform. The discussions on indirect or direct taxes, wage tax, profit tax, turnover tax you name it has been ongoing for quite some time now but nothing concrete was ever done, said Pantophlet in a press release.

The very fact that the commissioner of Finance is willing to take the bull by the horns should be commended. A lot has been said, is being said and will be said on the issue of taxes and how it should be addressed. What should not be forgotten is that nothing has been approved or applied as yet. Suggestions have been presented and many good arguments have been brought forward. Pantophlet said he is convinced that the commissioner knows what he is doing and has done. He said he is also sure that Blackman is still conducting an indebt study on the plan of approach. The senator siad that consultations have taken place and these will continue. And before anything concrete is done it will come to the representatives of the people along with the stakeholders. He called on everyone not to forget a statement the commissioner has been repeating all the time which is a module that is suitable for St. Maarten.
Pantophlet said if anyone could show him the country with the best tax system in the world that has no loopholes then man did not make it. Travelling to the Netherlands does not mean government will apply the same tax structure used there. St. Maarten is unique and whatever module is implemented has to take into consideration the French side of the island and also the neighboring islands. He said as St. Maarten approach country status there are many more challenges that lie ahead. One thing that is very discouraging in the tax world is that a proper module still cannot be found for legalizing morality and integrity.

GREAT BAY (GIS)—On July 15, at the High Performance Training Center in Yogesh Commercial Center, Cul de Sac, there was a kick-off ceremony for Michaelangelo and Ivan Bell, who will be traveling to Puerto Rico tomorrow, July 16, to represent St. Maarten on the team of the Netherlands Antilles who will compete in the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games.

The moderator of the event, Artwichgt Bell welcomed everyone present and provided some information about the event and the competition that the young men will be traveling to.

The games are held every 4 years, starting at the end of the week and finishing at the end of the month. These young judo athletes will represent us with the NA delegation with 14 sports, and about 140 persons. This event leads up to and is a crucial part of the preparations for the 2012 Olympics.

On behalf of the office of Commissioner Frans Richardson and the Tourism Bureau, David Christian said that knowing the track record of the individuals who will be traveling to represent St. Maarten on the NA team, he expects nothing less than them coming home with gold. "I wish them the best," he said.

Head coach of the Bell brothers is Ludson Evers, who will be traveling with the young men to Puerto Rico, said some encouraging words. "We are going out there to represent St. Maarten as part of the Netherlands Antilles team. The goal is to bring home some medals," Evers said.

President of the St. Maarten Judo Association, Franlklyn Cuffy wished the team well and expects the duo to do well, given the hard work that they have put in training and practicing. They are prepared. I am sure they will make St. Maarten proud.

Judo athlete Ivan Bell said some words also, saying that he has been practicing judo for 12 years. When I compete, I am serious and transform myself into a "sort of machine" ready to take on anything. I will also be proud to bring back a medal.

Dr. Spencer will travel along with the delegation as the Sports Doctor.

The NAOC representatives will be Maria Bass and Elvin Henriquez.

The St. Maarten Sports Federation organized the kick-off ceremony for the athletes from St. Maarten.

GREAT BAY:--- Sector Public Health, Social Development & Labour (VSA) Inspection Pharmaceutical Department, has instructed pharmacies to discontinue selling Tylenol, Benadryl and Motrin IB medicine, and consumers are advised to stop using the aforementioned products.

McNeil Consumer Healthcare (Johnson & Johnson) is recalling 21 lots of Tylenol, Benadryl and Motrin IB. This action is a follow-up to a product recall that McNeil Consumer Healthcare had originally announced January 15, 2010 when consumers complained of a musty or mouldy odour, which has been linked to the presence of trace amounts of a chemical called 2,4,6-tribromanisole (TBA).

The recall is in line with public health safety. The product lot numbers for the recalled products can be found on the side of the bottle label.

Persons can contact the Inspection VSA Pharmaceutical Department on 542-2059 for more information.

Airport:--- In its continued quest to make air travel affordable despite the current challenging financial times being experienced by many, regional airline, WINAIR has once again launched an attractive carnival fare package from all stations to flights to Saba and St. Eustatius.

According the Claudio Buncamper, VP of Marketing he said that this new fare is geared at ensuring that the public can attend and or participate in the carnival activities.

"Recognizing our role as an airline for the communities that we serve we are cognizant that we need to get involve in facilitating easy and affordable travel thus we though it best to provide this package which we are confidant of will aid significantly in enhancing the respective carnivals," he said.

Buncamper pointed out that his company will continue to provide these packages in an effort to continue boosting travel to the various destinations we serve especially in these trying times
"We have our own challenges and difficulties but we have been able to ensure that we can provide the needed opportunities for the public to continue with traveling plans and our commitment is that we will continue," he assured.

The VP of Marketing in disclosing the new fares disclosed the following;

From the various Islands to Saba or St. Eustatius, the following fares apply:

St. Maarten US$ 75
St. Barth's EUR 100

Nevis / Antigua / Montserrat / Tortola / St. Lucia and Dominica US$ 220.00

Buncamper stressed that all quoted fares are roundtrip and excludes taxes noting that travel are valid from July 21 until including August 02, 2010. He further indicated that these special fares to have restrictions and urges passengers to check with the carrier. "We want the public to know that seats are limited thus we urge and beckon them to make absolute benefit of these exceptionally low fares," he declared.

He pointed out that travelers should make maximum use of the fares noting that it provides them with an excellent opportunity of being part of the carnival celebrations.

"Travelers certainly have an opportunity of being part of the respective carnivals so with these very low fares I am very confident that the public would take advantage of this offer," he noted.

GREAT BAY– Due to the recent shower activity during the past couple of days, residents are advised to be proactive and take preventative measures against mosquito breeding in order to avoid mosquito-borne diseases developing such as dengue fever, according to the Collective Preventive Services (CPS).

Contractors on job sites are advised to empty buckets and cover water storage drums and have the site cleaned up at the end of the work day of anything that can hold water even plastic bags.

A special appeal is going out to owners of plots of land to have these checked and cleaned of all overgrown vegetation and debris/old containers that were dumped there and due to the overgrown vegetation cannot be seen. These could become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Measures that residents must take to prevent mosquito breeding are:

Debris, old tires and stagnant water in yards are the source or can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes bringing about an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

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

In the case of where containers are used for storing water, residents should keep these covered. Inlets and outlets of cisterns must be covered with a mosquito net or cloth to prevent mosquitos from breeding in the water.

Persons or businesses making use of the landfill in Philipsburg for the dumping of barrels, buckets or anything that can hold water should cut holes into the items to avoid the accumulation of water.

Airport:--- The Texaco gas station on the Airport road was robbed at gun point on Saturday July 17 2010 reported acting police spokesman Humphrey Giterson. The police spokesman said the robbery took place at approximately 7:45 pm. The suspect is a man of dark complexion, slim type, and is about 5'8 tall.
He was wearing blue jeans pants and white t-shirt. The suspect also covered his head with a black t-shirt. The suspect walked behind the gas station when he committed the robbery. According to the police report the bandit walked over to the gas station attendant when she went in the office and forced her to gave him the sale of the day which amounted to about US $ 2400,-. After he committed crime he drove away in a waiting car,
a grey Hyundai Getz, without number plates and dark tinted glasses.
The gas attendant could not give a clear description of the weapon used by the suspect. The Detective department is investigating the case.

Philipsburg: --- Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams said it is time independent member of the island council Theo Heyliger breaks his silence and let the people of St. Maarten know what he did for them while in government this past year.

Wescot Williams said at the Democratic Party press conference on Tuesday that Heyliger had said in the past that he had to remain in government for the sake of the people last year June, thus he left the Democratic Party and formed a coalition with the National Alliance. "He could not afford not to be part of government because it was all about St Maarten and the people." Wescot Williams said during the month of June 2009 they heard many promises from Heyliger and his coalition partners. She recalled the statements on June 8th when the National Alliance/ Heyliger government said they were working on a governing program that had an action plan of projects and programs where priorities were going to be established.
The coalition promised to put priority on housing, the allotment of the Hope Estate apartments, and the environmental fee where they said they were working on the final legal touches. This coalition also promised that they would purchase of the Emilio Wilson estate while they would work on the crisis in education and the environment.
She said with respect to the resignation of Heyliger who would remain commissioner until his successor is appointed. She said reporters contacted her on Monday to comment on the resignation of Heyliger but she does not believe it is the place of the Democratic Party to say more instead the commissioner has to now give account of his stewardship from June 2009 to July 2010. "Remember Heyliger was not just a commissioner in the coalition he was also deputy leader of government for more than a year and he is now called to give account of his stewardship of the people's business." Wescot Williams said.
The leader of the Democratic Party said the people also needs to hear from the coalition partner the National Alliance as to what the resignation would mean for government.
Wescot Williams said although the resignation of Heyliger was rumored for sometime she said coincidentally in the elucidation to the change to the electoral law in the central committee meeting government mentioned that they are preparing an ordinance to expand the executive council by adding two more commissioners. She said the Democratic Party asked government if they intended to appoint two other commissioners. Wescot Williams said they are faced with an interesting situation because at any time they could see a proposal to expand the council as well as to appoint not one but three commissioners.

PHILIPSBURG,– The Global Missions Church Annual Gospel Concert planned for July 25 at the Celebration Palace has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, Pastor Esmond Flemming announced on Thursday.

Instead, a free rally for Jesus will be held at the same venue starting at 7.00pm featuring Rita Richardson and Odyssey.

Persons who have purchased tickets can hold on to them as they are still valid and can be used to enter the concert in October. Date and time as well as venue will be announced in the coming months.

The concert would have featured international guest artists Gerry Thompson from Canada/Jamaica along with some local and regional talents such as Tebron Flemming and Rita Richardson. Tebron is the daughter of pastors Esmond and Sandra Flemming.

Dania Jansen seen as an aspiring young rising singing star is the niece of Pastor Andre Webster was also to take part in the concert along with Cedric Rey.

Great Bay;--- Hip-hop superstar Joseph "Fat Joe" Cartagena, considered to be among the world's most influential rappers, whipped up a storm at trendy night club, 1-Eleven where he performed before a standing room only audience recently. The inclement weather did not prevent lovers of hip-hop music from thronging the show, which a young adoring fan described as "simply excellent".
"I was amazed to see how humble he is," the fan said, adding "Fat Joe dissed the image of the trouble-making rapper; he was simply cool and he gave a fantastic show."
The multi-platinum selling artist and entertainment impresario was here from July 16th – July 19th to perform and to shoot a video special at various locations on the island showcasing what makes St. Martin such a unique tourist destination. He was accompanied by his personal chef Mark. They were both invited to Temptation's by award-winning chef, Dino Jagtiani where they "cooked up a storm". Jagtiani said he was pleasantly surprised by Fat Joe's "culinary expertise."
The video footage will feature hip-hop's first and only professionally-trained gourmet chef, on a mission around the Caribbean to find the best restaurants and the most authentic island dishes. Chef Mark and Fat Joe will show places on the island to dine, beaches, shopping, nightlife, the local culture and how to travel while being hip at the same time. The special will run for 30 minutes.
"Fat Joe has sold over 2.5 million albums and discovered some of the hottest hip-hop artists," said Edward Dest, Director of Marketing at the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, who attended the concert at 1-Eleven.
"His appeal goes beyond the large Latino community and spans young people around the world and the hip generation. His presence on St. Maarten is in itself an endorsement of our product and the Television special he shot with his personal chef Mark, will further boost our image as the Gastronomic Capital of the Caribbean," Dest added.
No date has been established for the release of the video, but fans of Fat Joe can "lean back" and await what promises to be an exciting half-hour special on St. Martin with the artist who gave us the blockbuster hit album, J.O.S.E. – "Jealous Ones Still Envy".

Philipsburg:---- The police department is calling on parents and guardians to look after the whereabouts of their minor children especially after 7pm. Police Spokesman Geronimo Juliet said due to the increase in crime and the spate of armed robberies committed this past week the police department is making a special effort to decrease crime by conducting severe road controls.
The officers in blue he said will not show mercy on youngsters who are on the street after hours especially those in suspicious company. Everyone including teenagers is urged to walk with their identification cards when on the road.
In the road control conducted in the vicinity of Le Grand Marche on Thursday night some 15 cars were stopped. Five of the drivers received fines, while three of the vehicles were towed away for the lack of proper documentation.

All motorists are urged to have all their documents with them in order to avoid being towed or fined said Police Spokesman Geronimo Juliet. Drivers are also urged not to drink and drive. The police and traffic is also calling on drivers to avoid using their blackberries while driving. "Do not send and read emails while driving or even chat on the phone, this is a very dangerous practice and it is better to be safe than sorry." Juliet warned.

Philipsburg:--- Recently the police department has stepped up the general controls. The Zero Tolerance Team which is mainly conducting the controls has reported that on Tuesday July 27th a total of 52 motor vehicles were checked in connection with the required documents to drive on the public roads. A total of seven cars and one motorcycle were towed. Fines totaling 21 have been given to drivers for traffic violations.

Also during these controls 72 persons were checked in connection with their legal status on the island and the identification laws. One person was arrested taken to the police station in connection with the violation of these laws.

The Police department is once again sending out a very stern message to the general public (residents from the Dutch and French side) that they should at all times, when in public, carry a valid pictured identification to their name with them, to avoid any unnecessary inconvenience or delays.

This measure is stipulated and required by law. If some-one who is being checked by police and asked to properly identify themselves and cannot do so, they will be taken to the police station. They will be then granted the opportunity to contact some-one who can bring their proper identification to the station. Once their identity has been established and everything found in order that person will be given a fine and then be allowed to leave. The police department is also sending out warnings to all business owners/managers that controls would be carried out in connection with the closing time of their businesses that is stipulated in their business-licenses or permits. Not adhering to these stipulations will result in the immediate closing of the establishment and receiving a fine.

The officers who are conducting the controls will be checking the many "blocks", "hot spots" where groups of person's gather/hangout or areas identified by police as areas where these types of gatherings take place will constantly be controlled in connection with any criminal activities that may be taken place in these areas. Parents should encourage their children to stay away from these areas. The police department also states that these controls will continue indefinitely.

Philipsburg:--- Leader of the People's Progressive Party (PPA) Gracita Arrindell has officially resigned from the party on Thursday. SMN News learnt that the PPA leader met with members of the party on Wednesday to inform them of her decision to leave the PPA and join hands with the United People's Party (UP).

According to reliable information reaching SMN News Arrindell was hoping that the other board members of the PPA would have also resigned which would have paved the way for them to dissolve the party, but two of the members it is understood has refused to resign and as so far stated they would not be giving Arrindell their support.

SMN News also learnt Christopher Emanuel board member of the PPA is one of the candidates that have not resigned. The source said Emanuel has been discussing with both the UP and the National Alliance and he is yet to take a firm decision on which slate he would run. SMN News also learnt that Emanuel held some meetings with former island council member Lenny Priest who is also contemplating to form a new party.
A press released from Gracita Arrindell states that she has signed on as a member of the United People's Party (UP) that is led by caretaker commissioner Theodore Heyliger. Arrindell also called on the other members of the PPA to join her on the UP slate.

Arrindell said seven and a half years ago- on January 21, 2003- she was introduced to to the people of St. Maarten as the Founding Leader of the Peoples Progressive Alliance- the PPA, a brand new political party which was about to step into the political arena for the first time.
On that occasion, they announced that the PPA would be contesting the 2003 Island Council elections and we launched our election campaign stressing the theme,
"It's time for a change"
Arrindell said Sint Maarten has changed much since then, but regrettably, Sweet St. Maarten land has not witnessed the sort of positive change they had envisioned.
"Today, I stand before you, disappointed in the quality of governance to which St. Maarten has been subjected. However, I wish to assure you that I stand undaunted and unbowed and even more determined to help engineer the sort of transformational change needed in Sint Maarten as we prepare to embrace the challenges of a new constitutional status., In the company of family, friends, former candidates, members, supporters and well wishers, I stand before you and announce that after much soul- searching and much strategizing , I have decided to step down as Leader of the People's Progressive Alliance- the PPA." The press release states.
"Stepping down from the leadership of the party I have led and have helped to nurture has not been an easy decision to make, but I stand behind it fully confident in my belief that by stepping down and combining forces in a new endeavor We will be best able to rise to both the existing and the new challenges of the trying times ahead." The release continued.
Arrindell said while there are several factors prompting this decision, there is one overarching, clear and compelling reason: For the last several years, Sint Maarten has been on wobbly legs and in danger of collapsing under the pressure of unenlightened leadership. In different words, and we all know it, Sint Maarten is crying out for help. Sint Maarten is yearning for competent and enlightened leadership.
By combining resources with others who are also capable of providing the bold leadership needed, Sint Maarten's rescue would we assured.
Over the last several years, as PPA, we have been before voters on four occasions and while, given the resources at our disposal, we are very thankful- very grateful- for the support we have received, it is clear that we need to embrace new approaches, so that we may give the people what they need. We need to do so if we are to be involved in an integral way in the decision making process, so that we may improve lives, generally, but especially, improve the quality of lives of the ordinary man and ordinary women of Sint Maarten.
And so my dear people Today, with a heavy heart and clear conscience, I say thank you. I say a big Thanks to Mr. Don Hughes, founder of the PPA who had the vision and gave me the opportunity to lead the PPA, its board and our worthy candidates. I also wish to say special thanks from the depth of my heart to all our members, our supporters, our friends and families.
Together, we have left our indelible mark on the political landscape of Sint Maarten. As a small but formidable faction in the Island Council from 2003- 2007, we have raised the bar. We have been undisputable champions for what is right, what is fair, what is just.
Equally, we have been undisputable champions of three issues close our hearts, Transparency, Accountability and Good Governance- issues which will remain dear to us and which we shall continue to pursue relentlessly from within the UP party.
History has already shown –as in the case with the Government Administration Building, for example- that because we have been hardworking and diligent and always willing to do our homework, if they had paused and listened to us, the current wasteful/ expensive fiasco would have been avoided.
As I said before, it is now time for us to embrace new approaches in order to move forward with our agenda. The people's agenda. It is time to move on and to move UP for the greater good and for the betterment of our people of this sweet Sint Maarten Land.

Philipsburg:--- Former Democratic Party member and assistant to former commissioner's Roy Marlin and Louie Laveist, Jeffry Richardson will be making history on Saturday as he launched his new party called the Concordia Political Alliance (CPA). The new party will most likely be headed by Jeffry Richardson. SMN News learnt that several persons who are holding key positions in society will be on the CPA slate.
In an invited comment Richardson said the party name was taken from the Treaty of Concordia because the intention of the party's founders to form a closer alliance with the French side.
Richardson said he is very concerned with the island status thus he felt the only way to make a difference is to get in government. He gave examples on the current situation with the 2010 budget, the closure of Safe Heaven.
Richardson said one of his main objectives is to find work for the young people who is currently doing nothing and have turned to crime. He said right now the New Era Foundation is working on several projects which are to motivate young people so that they can find their new purpose in life.
The CPA and is members is also looking into ways of getting scholarships for youngsters to go to Holland where they would learn a trade.
Pressed to release more information on his new party Richardson said all the relevant information will be released at a press conference scheduled for Saturday.
We hereby urge you to cast your eyes into the clear blue skies and you will observe that there is a GOLDEN ray of HOPE that is called the Concordia Political Alliance (CPA) who hereby invites you to attend a press conference that will be held on Ground 0 where the grass root St. Martiners reside, to introduce the newest St. Maarten Political Party contesting the upcoming Island Council Elections on September 17, 2010.

Philipsburg: --- Senator and Island Councilmember George Pantophlet in a press release said he had to take time out to address the bickering and complaining made by
member of the Democratic Party former commissioner of Finance Mr. Roy Marlin. Pantophlet said Marlin said on a radio broadcast that commissioner Xavier Blackman is not managing the Finances of this country in a good manner, and that they are coming with a motion for his dismissal. But he Marlin has failed to mention that for almost 10 years the budgets for the island territory of St. Maarten was never balanced. Marlin also failed to mention that during the debate on the 2008 Budget he stated that the accounts receivables were in excess of 1 billion guilders; he also failed to tell the people of St. Maarten of the 107 million guilders deficit.

The former finance commissioner also failed to mention the report of the General Auditing Chamber in which it states that Financial accounts were in such a deplorable condition that they just decided to overlook some of them and therefore they were never approved. Marlin also failed to mention a statement in one of our daily newspapers by the State Secretary of Kingdom Relations Ank Bijeveld-Schouten who because of the mismanagement of the former Democratic Party government finance commissioners said that the people of St. Maarten don't like good governance and Balanced Budgets. Now that we are trying to clean the mess they have left behind he wants to remove a qualified and capable commissioner. Pantophlet said the longer the National Alliance remain in government the more discoveries will be made of the mismanagement of the former Democratic Party government. And finally Councilman Roy Marlin the Democratic Party should be the last to talk about the ill treatment civil servants because the Democratic Party wrote the book the senator said.

Philipsburg: --- Ambulance personnel and other top officials of the St. Maarten Police Force KPSSS had to rush to the Philipsburg Police Station on Wednesday night after an inmate who is custody injured himself. SMN News learnt that the inmate was trying to commit suicide.
Chief Commissioner of Police Peter De Witte confirmed that the inmate managed to injure himself while in the cell. De Witte said the inmate was taken to the St. Maarten Medical Center for treatment by ambulance.

Philipsburg:---In an effort to always support the performing arts, Council woman Maria Buncamper-Molanus, on behalf of the Sky Is The Limit Foundation, made a financial contribution to the Imbali Center for Creative Movement on Wednesday.
Buncamper-Molanus, whose early years included dance, re-iterated the importance of supporting centers like Imbali and committed persons like Imbali's Director Clara Reyes as they continue to mould young people in their formative years, through the arts.
The donation will go towards the annual teacher/student upgrading program, which will take a group of teachers and students to New York City where they will attend classes and view several Broadway performances.
"Whenever and wherever we can, we have to support the arts. The Sky Is The Limit Foundation is proud to do its part in helping positive organizations like Imbali and initiatives such as the New York trip. We wish them the best of luck as they sharpen their skills in representing St. Maarten," Buncamper-Molanus said.
She went on to encourage other to assist financially as Imbali is still in need of funds. Despite many requests for sponsorships that were sent out, Buncamper-Molanus was the first to respond to Imbali.

Chippie recently sponsored Dows Musical Foundation to assist with the monthly rental expense of the current location the foundation holds on the A. Th. Illidge Road. The foundation currently uses this location to teach approximately 80 students to play the traditional musical instrument called the steel pan. Foundation president, Mr. Isidore York has been teaching children and adults for many years and stated that it has become increasingly difficult to obtain support from various partners in the community to continue doing so. In the past we would be able to teach at certain schools, which would make a big difference in the expenses of the foundation. This also made it easier for the students at these schools who want to learn to play, to learn more about this musical instrument. The classes would take place at their own school or closer to home so students would have something to do after school and .

'The steel pan music and is an important part of Caribbean heritage that needs to be preserved and passed on to younger generations as an artform.' says UTS Marketing and Communications Officer, Ivy Lambert. 'In supporting the foundation financially, we are trying to make sure that this happens. We hope that other stakeholders in the community will also seek to support Mr. York in his efforts to teach young and old to play the pan.' 'Most of my students are children and young adults, but anyone can learn to play the steel pan. I try to encourage anyone that is interested to give it a try. A new student can learn to play something fairly quickly.' Dows Musical Foundation currently teaches approximately 80 students to play steel pan music.

In picture: UTS Marketing and Communications Officer, Ivy Lambert, presents Dows Musical Foundation President, Mr. Isidore York, with a check donation towards the foundations' expenses while surrounded by a few of the foundations young students playing the steel pan.

CAY BAY—An oil spill was discovered on Friday morning at the GEBE power plant. It is thought that the oil spill occurred during the night but could not be detected by GEBE personnel in the darkness. The effects on the environment are at this point yet to be determined. GEBE has dispatched a team with oil pads and a vacuum truck to clean up the oil.
The cause of the oil spill has been linked with the overloading of the Waste Oil Treatment System (WTS) that is used to skim off any waste oil from the production process.
GEBE had begun putting containment measures in place in the form of an oil boom and WTS re-training to mitigate any effects of oil spills, but these are still pending to be completed. Further a valve has been installed to be able to shut off the runoff of the WTS in case a leak is detected.
Mitigating measures currently in place have prevented more oil from flowing into the sea. A lot of oil accumulated on the Western side of the boom allowing the clean-up crew to remove it quickly.
On Wednesday, the oil boom was placed in the ocean and the necessary attachments were being made by the contractor. Unfortunately, the oil spill occurred before the boom could be fully completed. This resulted in oil escaping from the not yet attached section of the enclosure and drifting out to sea.
GEBE will continue its cleanup efforts to minimize the effects on the environment.
In the meantime the Nature Foundation has responded to the spill said once again a significant Oil Spill originating at the GEBE power plant on Friday morning. Staff of the Nature Foundation responded with their vessel Yellow Tail to monitor the situation and asses the environmental impact the spill is having on the marine environment. Initial assessment found that a large quantity of oil has been entered into the sea due to overflow at the GEBE Power Plant. During the assessments executed by the Foundation it was found that the spill stretched for approximately five kilometres in a west south westerly direction, which indicates a large amount of oil was leaked and the oil slick could be seen from the top of Cole Bay Hill stretching to the horizon. Contact was immediately established with the Environmental Department of Anguilla so that they were made aware of the situation and so that they could monitor for oil in their coastal waters.

The Nature Foundation determined that the oil slick covered a large section of beach in Cay Bay and offshore coral reefs, both of which have a significant ecological and tourism value to the island. Contact was made with the dive operators advising them that certain dive sites should be avoided because of a large amount of oil in the water and swimming in Cay Bay and certain areas of pelican should be avoided. Fishermen were also informed that they should avoid fishing along the south-western shore of the island until the oil has been dissipated offshore, as the consumption of petroleum contaminated fish could cause significant health problems. The nature foundation will be conducting survey dives to determine the extent of the damage which occurred on local coral reefs and the possible compensation which can be requested for their damage. "Aside from the damage caused to the coral reef ecosystem this oil spill is also disastrous to the sea turtle population. We are in the middle of sea turtle nesting season and inevitably turtles will die because of all of this oil," commented Tadzio Bervoets, Manager of the St. Maarten Nature Foundation.

GEBE was busy conducting clean-up efforts in the Cay Bay area and meetings and consultations were held with the EPIC and St. Maarten Pride foundation, the Prosecutors Office, ROB, VROM, the Fire Department, and GEBE on the origin of the spill and the follow up actions which should be taken to clean the spill and to ensure that such an event does not happen in the past.

"It is unfortunate that something like this is still happening, especially considering that this is the fourth incident of an oil spill in the past few months, and especially considering what is currently happening in the Gulf of Mexico. St. Maarten depends heavily on the Marine Environment for tourism revenue and for fisheries so if events like this continue to happen the island will eventually loose the value of its tourism product and its fishery will collapse. Without proper protection, such as the approval of the Marine Park Ordinance, events like this will continue to happen and will go unchallenged," commented Bervoets.

The Foundation will be active all weekend monitoring the situation and investigating the effects the spill is having on the Marine Environment. The Foundation can be contacted on 5444267 or on 5270490.

GREAT BAY,– The Island Territory Government of Sint Maarten has a new official website online which can be found at www.sintmaartengov.org.

The site features the structure of the Executive and Legislative branch of government along with the different sectors responsible for providing various services to the island community.

The site also carries the latest news developments within government besides links for residents, business, visitors and students.

The site also has a count-down clock to country status along with a civil servants corner, health update, government information page news, as well as employment opportunities within the civil service corps.

The site which is managed and updated by the Government Information Service (GIS) webmaster Jeanelle Mardembrough on a daily basis will also feature weekly news and special video programs of the government news service. The site is still in development and additional information will be added in the coming weeks and months.

The site will also feature the various organic laws for country Sint Maarten along with the Constitution. At the moment the Kingdom Charter is link listed followed by Constitution (Staatsregeling) of the Netherlands Antilles as well as a link to the Island Regulations of the Netherlands Antilles.

The site has been established to facilitate information and news in a timely accurate manner to internal and external publics on the policies, programmes and projects of the Government of Sint Maarten.

Acting Head of the GIS Rodney Richardson, is inviting the public to get online and check out the new official government website. Richardson pointed out that the site will under-go dynamic changes as the island transits from a territory to country Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG – The University of St. Martin is formally without a president, and the disrespect to the staff continues since to date the staff members have not been formally informed as to who will take on the responsibilities of the former president, now that she has officially retired.

Josianne Fleming-Artsen resigned as USM president on June 30, and during her last meeting with the staff, she announced that an acting president would be appointed in the interim, until a new president is appointed at the start of the new year.

The WIFOL chides the USM Board for lack of transparency and respect for the staff and for ignoring the principles of proper corporate governance.

"The USM Board members, who have been touting transparency, are themselves not transparent and lack professionalism and accountability. It has been days since the president resigned and the staff is entitled to know who they should give account to," says WIFOL President Theophilus Thompson

Months ago the board promised to come clean to the public and to date we have not heard a squeak. The board raised over a million dollars in pledges and donations from the community but to date has not given an account of the funds raised. In 2008 three persons-- a dean, chief financial officer, and librarian-- were hired at substantial salaries to turn the institution around. Since then the dean has left after one year of a two year contract, and a substantial amount of the staff has left. There is still not a fully functional library at USM, the CFO is constantly meddling in managerial matters including attempting to do away with key functions critical to the accreditation process, and the institution is practically bankrupt.

The WIFOL, which represents the workers at the university, on previous occasions has requested a meeting with the USM Board to find out what its succession plans are. To date board representatives have avoided such meetings.

The WIFOL reiterates its call for the current board to do the honorable thing and let qualified people with St. Martin's interest at heart take over the reigns of the university, the island's only tertiary level institution.

MARIGOT—The gendarmes have arrested the parents of a 3 year old boy who died at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital. According to a press release from the gendarmerie the boy was taken to the hospital with severe wounds about his body. The gendarmes opened an investigation after the child was admitted to the hospital brain dead.

The Gendarmerie opened the investigation on Monday after the child was admitted to hospital brain dead. The child's body also bore marks of violence which is consistent with beatings. According to the release the parents who are now in custody will be transferred to Guadeloupe. They along with three children were homeless over a week ago. The children were ages 1, 3, 7 years old were found to be living in a car. An order was issued for the two other children to be taken into protective custody.

Airport:--- Frank Arrindell, Owner and Founder of Arrindell Aviation Services, accompanied by Roy Mingo, Managing Director, and Matumi Shigemoto, Operations Manager will depart for Hampshire, England next week to promote Arrindell Aviation and St. Maarten at the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA). They have meetings planned with NetJets Europe as well as numerous FBOs from Russia, Dubai and Asia during the weeklong event and hope to bring business to St Maarten as a result of this trip.
FIA, a bi-annual trade show, is one of the worlds' most iconic global aviation events and takes place July 19-25. The first five days of the show are traditionally trade days only, followed by a weekend where the exhibition is opened up to the public. FIA is expecting 1,300 exhibitors from the private, commercial, civil and military sectors. The show is specifically designed to facilitate tailor-made and unrivalled opportunities to meet, negotiate and announce business transactions.

The most recent airshow, FIA 2008, was a record-breaking year for business with $88.7 billion worth of orders announced during the show. 2008's event also featured 165 aircraft in static displays and spectacular flying displays and the public weekend attracted a staggering 153,000 visitors.
Arrindell Aviation is the guest of Aviation International News (AIN) Managing Director, Wilson Leach. Remarked Frank Arrindell, " We are honored to be AIN's guests at this renowned airshow and to be able to promote St Maarten to all."

Frank Arrindell founded Arrindell Aviation Services with five employees who set out to provide unmatched service, while meeting the meticulous demands of the industry. By never compromising this goal, they grew to 100 employees who personify a unique corporate culture of excellence. Arrindell Aviation has received many honors—such as number one FBO on St. Maarten and number five FBO in the Caribbean by Pro Pilot Magazine. Arrindell Aviation Services personnel travel frequently to promote St. Maarten and the surrounding islands.

Philipsburg: --- The armed robbery unit of the KPSSS is busy investigating an armed robbery which took place on Monday morning at the Queen Fine Jewelry Store on Front Street. Acting Police Spokesperson Humphrey Giterson said when police arrived on the scene they were told by the store manager that three men armed with a hammer and pepper spray stormed into the store and began breaking the glass showcases. Giterson said the robbers also bagged the jewelry that was on display before escaping on foot. "The suspects ran towards the Down Street Area" Giterson said.
The police spokesman said while there were three suspects in the store, a fourth suspect was on the outside looking out.
Humphrey Giterson further explained that robbery was captured on camera and that one of the suspects also left biological traces behind which can used as a sample to identify one of the culprits. The acting police spokesperson said one of the suspects was injured either on his upper or lower arm section. "We were able to collect blood samples from the crime scene because the suspect was bleeding when he was injured. Giterson said the robbers also used pepper spray on the employees while committing the robbery.

In unrelated news on Saturday July 10th a rental car Toyota Yaris 2006 with license plate 82ZAL97 was stolen. The vehicle was parked in front of a residence on Melford Hazel Road in Ebenezer. Anyone who have seen this vehicle are asked to call the police station at 54-22222 or 911 emergency number. While on Sunday July 11th police patrol was dispatched to Sia Pialo Dutch Quarter Road number 7 for a case of ill-treatment. Upon arrival the patrol found the man identified as. F.J.C residing at aforementioned address F.J.C was bleeding from a wound on his head. He told the police that he was ill-treated by two men whom he doesn't know. It appeared that hours before when F.J.C was dancing at the Lucian bar at Oyster pond he got involved in a scuffle with the two men. Onlookers succeeded to part them after which F.J.C decided to go home. However, to his surprise, shortly after he reached home he noticed that a grey car had stopped in front of his house. The two men, one armed with a shotgun and the other with a revolver caliber 38 special, stepped out their car and approached F.J.C. Both men ill-treated him by hitting him with the butt of one of the weapons on his head. They also threatened to kill him but his mother who saw what was happening to her son rushed in and intervened. She managed to avoid the worst. After the crime both suspects drove off.
F.J.C was transported to the SMMC where he received medical treatment. The detective department is investigating the case.

Philipsburg:---Council lady Maria Buncamper Molanus, on behalf of the Sky Is The Limit Foundation, has come to the assistance of St. Maarten's reigning District Queen Marjorie Ramirez who will be competing against girls from 11 other islands later this month at the annual Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant in Nevis. The pageant is part of the annual Culturama festivities.

Buncamper-Molanus and the foundation are continuing to assist young persons and youth oriented events who are excelling in various art forms and are proudly willing to represent their island in local as well as regional events. "We wish to congratulate Marjorie in advance and wish her the best of luck at the pageant. I am sure she will do us proud," Buncamper-Molanus said.

The 19-year-old won the District Queen pageant for her hometown of Philipsburg during the 2010 St. Maarten Carnival. The Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant is scheduled for July 27. Culturama is a two-week mix of music, culture and entertainment. Marjorie's video clip can be viewed by logging on to Facebook and searching "nevisculturama".

French Quarter:--- A Portuguese national and resident of French St. Martin has claimed that employers on French St. Martin and other territories are abusing the labor and human rights in their territories. The 58 year old man identified himself as Rui Bagini said he began a hunger strike some five days ago in the hopes that government would pay attention to the labor situation on the island.

Bagini said he had fought a number of court cases all of which he won but to date his employers are not living up to the court's decision and his lack of finances is preventing him from going after them. The frustrated father of two said that even the legal aid services on the French side is of no use to workers and victims who are not able to dish out huge sums of monies to pay them. "The aid jursidictionelle does not pay for hotel and airline tickets when cases such as these are tried in Basse Terre." Furthermore the case takes forever to go to court.

As for government he said they are negligent which the main reason employers are abusing their workers. "This is one reason our crime rate is so high, there is no place in society for the youths and when they find a job they are being abused. Employers are stealing tips and service charges from their waiters and these workers cannot say anything fearing that they would be fired. Bagini said he wrote letters to the Inspector du travailler on several occasions asking them to come and visit the workplace where workers are working seven days a week and is not paid overtime and to date the French labor department has not shown any interest. He said there are employers who are not giving their workers pay-slips and to date nothing is done.

Bagini said he has decided to challenge his bosses because on several occasions he witnessed the theft and abuse and being a holder of a European passport allows him to contest the abuse.

Bagani also accused certain lawyers who are representing many of the French side employers for blackmail. He said on three occasions he was terminated after one year service because the lawyer that represented one of his employers made sure she informed her other clients about him. "This lawyer openly told a handicap woman who had no rights being on St. Martin to get rid of me because I am someone who fights against labor abuse and unfair treatment." Bagini said.

Bagini has worked in British and French Guiana prior to moving here some 12 years ago. He won two court cases in French Guiana and to date is not paid according to the court's ruling. He also worked several places on French St. Martin and won many court cases. Bagini said he also worked on the Dutch side and the experience was the same and government on that side of the island is also negligent.

Why Stay on St. Martin?

SMN News posed some questions to Bagini who is currently on hunger strike and this is how he responded.

Q. Since when are you on hunger strike?

A. Today (Thursday) is my fifth day I have not eaten anything since Saturday.

Q. Has anyone in government on the French or Dutch side contacted you?

A. No one except two reporters. About a month ago I went to see the President of the Collectivity of St. Martin and I explained him my situation and I also told him that I wanted to leave St. Martin since I can no longer take this and the President told me to write him a letter and I should also tell him where I want to go and I did just that but to date I have not heard from President Frantz Gumbs.

Q. Where exactly do you want to go and work?

A. I would like to go to Canada because based on my research the labor laws are respected and workers are given their benefits. Besides that I can no longer find work here because the employers are now telling me that I am too old.

Q. Why Canada and not your home country?

A. I don't want to go there because I lost my father who committed suicide some years ago. And I feel responsible because I had promised my dad that I would have returned home to be with him but my financial situation has prevented me.

Q. Where are your family, wife and children.

A. My wife and two children went back to Guyana they are also very depressed since I cannot fully provide for them. But they are coming back soon.

Q. Do you have food and water in the house?

A. Bagini opened his refrigerator to show that it was empty.

Q. Are you drinking water at least?

A. Yes, I drink water because my son and wife insisted that I do that.

"The hiring of Merchant and Jeffers is another example of government wastage and mismanagement of already scarce financial resources," says PAM Leader Lindsay Grant

Basseterre, St.Kitts (July 17th 2010):- Peoples Action Movement Leader Lindsay Grant is questioning the wisdom of the Minister of National Security's recent announcement that former Police Chief Robert Jeffers and former Attorney General Dr. Dennis Merchant have been hired as consultants in the Ministry. In a press release dated Friday 16th July from the Police Public Relations Office it was revealed that both Jeffers and Merchant were introduced to members of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force at the Police Recreation Room, Police Headquarters, Basseterre, by the Minister of National Security the Hon. Sam Condor as consultants to the Police Force via the Ministry of National Security.
"It is difficult for me or any fair-minded citizen of this country to uncover the wisdom of these two appointments," said Peoples Action Movement leader Lindsay Grant. "Here we have two gentlemen who have held two of the most significant posts in our justice system as well as our national security within the last 5-6 years. Dr. Merchant was our country's Attorney General and Mr. Robert Jeffers was our country's police Chief as recently as 2008. None of these gentlemen while holding these offices were able to curb the crime in our country. In fact under their watch crime escalated every single year. So it begs the question why are these two gentlemen who have essentially failed in their former roles as prominent figures in our justice system are now hired and paid as consultants in the Ministry which they made no positive impact to crime while they were there," Grant lamented.
Jeffers retired in 2008 after having successive years of record breaking crime including the number of murders which saw a drastic increase during his tenure as commissioner.
Merchant was Attorney General for the Federation of St.Kitts-Nevis for the last 4 years before which he served as Director of Public Prosecutions. During his tenure as Attorney General the number of murders in the country grew from 16 in 2006 to 27 in 2009 a more than 50% increase. In 2009 he became the first Attorney General in the entire Commonwealth to be held in contempt of court.
"The hiring or appointment of Merchant and Jeffers is another example of government wastage and mismanagement of already scarce financial resources. These appointments are another means of lining or filling the pockets of party activists," said Grant. Grant asserted "What can they bring now that they couldn't while they served as Attorney General and Police Chief respectively up to as recently as last year".
The Federation National Security has come under tremendous pressure as crime continues to escalate with significant increases in robberies, shootings and murders. Within the last 2 weeks at least 7 incidents of robbery including the attempted robbery of the Royal Bank of Canada as well as a number of shooting incidents have taken place raising the concerns of citizens about their security and safety. St.Kitts-Nevis has had 17 homicides for 2010. In 2009 they country recorded 27 murders.

Airport--- Within one hour of being launched a number of persons have already entered a regional competition being promoted by regional airline WINAIR. The competition which was launched by the airline's marketing department seeks to provide two free tickets to five of the airline's destinations for their Carnival and Cultural Festivities.

The competition has been launched on the airline's social network, face book and like its previous competitions continued to generate increased and rapid interest.

According to Vice President of Marketing, Claudio Buncamper he pointed out that these tickets can be used from any of WINAIR's eleven (11) destinations to the respective festive islands. Buncamper said that in totals some ten tickets would be given away for this promotion which has been growing rapidly with keen interest being shown.

Explaining about how the campaign will be run, he said that the promotion is from July 14th to July 22nd at 4pm. However, Buncamper noted that taking into consideration that St. Lucia's Carnival falls on the 19th and 20th of July, the decision for that destination will be made on Friday 16th July, 2010.

Quizzed on how someone can win, the VP of Marketing said, "...it's very simple as we want as many persons to win. What they need to know that for them to qualify to win they must answer via comment to the question "Which Island Carnival would you like to attend and why?" he said.

Buncamper added that the list of the various islands carnivals have been added so as to provide the public with a better opportunity of making an informed decision. St. Lucia Carnival July 19th & 20th, Saba Carnival July 31st & August 1st, St. Eustatius Carnival July 31st & August 1st, Antigua Carnival August 3rd & 4th, Nevis Culturama July 22nd - August 3rd, British Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival 23rd July - August 7th,

Commenting on the specified travel period, Buncamper disclosed that this must be completed between July 18th and August 8th, 2010. He stressed that the pubic should note that the prizes does not include any relevant airport taxes and fees, and hotel accommodation.

Winair is pleased to announce that Davina Toussaint has won the competition for the two free tickets to St. Lucia with her remarkable comments.

The Marketing boss added that based on the response thus far it has shown that the public's favorite choices are Nevis, Antigua and Saba.

...

Philipsburg:---During the change of board meeting the St. Maarten Rotary Club, in particular outgoing president Pierre Decelles, recognized several Rotarians for their outstanding contribution. In a series of articles Rotary would like to share this recognition starting with Fredrick Fleming.
All Rotarians strive to improve their club and community to the best of their abilities, but once in a while, if only by shear perseverance in serving, a Rotarian must be recognized and acknowledged for his continuous effort in pursuit of the ideal of Rotary, "Service Above Self". This year's Presidential Citation is awarded to a Rotarian who has been considered controversial, obstinate, often inflexible and even at times downright difficult. But, he rarely misses a weekly meeting, attends every fellowship events and always assists in all club and community projects. His commitment to Rotary, our Club, his Fellow Rotarians and the Community is second to none. He is well versed in all aspects of the Rotary world, keeps abreast of new developments and his years of experience in Rotary give him an insight to understand and resolve the Rotary issues he is confronted with daily.
If he's never late for the weekly meetings, it could be due to the fact that he insists on sitting in the exact same chair and table every week. He rarely engages in any discussions, usually simply waiting for the most opportune moment to express his straightforward comment on the issue. One could say, a man of few words but always to the point. He's a Rotarian who cares, a man who devotes himself to his family, a community minded person willing and able to listen and serve.
It is my honor and privilege to award this Presidential Citation which reads:
"In recognition of your dedication and continuous commitment to Rotary and the Community, as well as your remarkable effort in serving the Rotary Club of St. Maarten for the past 23 years".
Now past president Pierre Decelles concluded: "To my Friend, my Fellow Rotarian and Past President Fred Fleming".

Philipsburg: --- Members of the island council will be discussing the draft constitution for country St. Maarten on Wednesday confirmed leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams. The leader of the Democratic Party said that the draft constitution was discussed in the central committee meeting on Friday but her faction is still unsure as to whether they will support it. Wescot Williams said her faction would continue discussing the matter on Tuesday prior to going to the island council where it will be publicly discussed.
The former commissioner of constitutional affairs said during the year 2009 they did not hear anything on the draft constitution and just recently they are bombarded with copies which showed that certain articles must be changed. One of the articles of concern is the one which states that there must be a two third majority vote by members of parliament for loan agreements Island Councilmember Roy Marlin said this is one of the proposals of government and the DP faction wants to know why there would be need for a two third majority vote for loan while the country budget is carried by a simple majority of the members present.
Marlin said when this matter was raised in the central committee meeting government then acknowledged that has to be changed since it made no sense.
Wescot Williams said a number of other changes were made to the draft constitution which was voted by her executive council in October 2006. She said that they also noticed that government made several changes to the article which stipulates that any elected official can face removal of office if they are convicted or suspected of a crime. She said just recently they noticed that government added another clause to the article that states that the article on removal of elected officials will not be retroactive. Government went as far as adding in specific offences which constitute the removal of office of elected officials.
"While St. Maarten was lauded in the past for having this in the constitution it now becomes a matter of infringements on ones constitutional rights. "Right now we are discussing the active and the passive right to vote." She said if government is still thinking on how to add this article in the constitution then it should be taken out completely from the constitution and regulated by an ordinance at a later date.
The matter of the dismissal of a politician if convicted or suspected of crime goes back very far and St. Maarten was praised for taking the initiative to add it in their constitution.
She said there was a lot of vetting and discussions that took place prior to October 2006 and another one was available after the RTC meeting in December 2008. That draft was available in January 2009.
Government she said also changed the constitution to have country St. Maarten with a two year and balanced budget. Another concern for the Democratic Party is the fact the document is in the Dutch language which limits the input of the people. She said for 2009 nothing was done with the constitution and now government is pressed with time now that 10/10/10 is almost here.

Philipsburg: --- Independent member of the island council and caretaker commissioner Theo Heyliger who recently resigned from the executive council is scheduled to launch his own party on Saturday afternoon on the boardwalk. Heyliger confirmed that the official launching will take place at 4:30pm.

A meeting was held with members and supporters of Heyliger at Great Bay Hotel on Wednesday night as they prepare for the launching. SMN News has been reliably informed that former island council lady and leader of the People's Progressive Party Gracita Arrindell has agreed to run as the number two candidate on the United People's Party list headed by Heyliger. SMN News also understands that the discussions were on the party logo, and details of the party. It is understood that the board was also introduced to the candidates and supporters of Heyliger's new party.
SMN News also learnt that Josianne Fleming Artsen who resigned from her position at the University of St. Martin to concentrate on politics would not be a candidate on the list. The source said Fleming Artsen is a member of the UPP board. SMN News further learnt that many persons who were supporting the other two major parties were at the meeting on Wednesday night showing support for Heyliger and his team.

Philipsburg:--- The police department are busy investigating a shooting incident which took place on Wednesday. According to police spokesman Geronimo Juliet police were directed to the St. Maarten Medical Center where they met two met who were shot. Juliet said one of the victims identified as C.C told police they were leaving an establishment to go to his car when he was shot by unknown persons. Police could not interview the second victim in this because he was intensive care at the time. So far no witnesses have been heard by police because all of the other patrons of the establishment had already left when police reached the scene.
Juliet said police are also busy investigating another armed robbery which took place on Monday July 19th at the Golden Island Restaurant. According to the police spokesman the owners of the restaurant was at the back of the establishment relaxing when two gunmen surprised them. The robbers they said were carrying a sawed off shot gun. They managed to rob the business approximately $300. After committing the act they ran in the direction of the board walk. The suspects were said to be wearing black clothing, one of wearing a black hoody over his head while the other used a red cloth to cover his face. They are both slim and of dark complexion and about 1.75 meters tall.
The detective department also arrested four persons who were caught in the vicinity of SOL Gas Station on Sucker Garden Road. The men were seen in a vehicle and looked suspicious which prompted police to conduct a body search. A number of ATM cards were found on the culprits. Further investigation revealed that the owners of those cards told police that their homes were broken into and their cards were stolen.

Grand Case;--- The gendarmes are busy investigating a case where at least eight masked men slammed a vehicle carrying four persons inside. It is understood that the men attacked the victims and robbed them of their personal belongings. SMN News learnt that one of the suspects even tried raping one of the victims.
In an invited comment Commandant Stephane Brunet did not give much details about the incident except to say that the victim was not raped. Commandant Brunet said it appeared as if one of the suspects fondled with the victim during the freak robbery. The suspects he said robbed the victims of all their personal belongings while severely damaging their vehicle.

Philipsburg: ---The discussion on the current crime rate on St. Maarten served as an eye opener to those that attended and viewed the live discussion on Sunday afternoon. The five panelists comprising of St. Maarten's youths were invited to by the executive council to share their views on the rising crime rate on St. Maarten. They spoke out against the lack of the community's involvement in shaping their environment.
Surprising is that even though the discussion was organized by the island government of St. Maarten, persons working in the department of education, social affairs, and policy making were nowhere to be seen. One would believe that if government is looking for possible solutions to curb the escalating crime rate then these persons working for government would have been there to gather first hand information. The question one would ask is if the information provided by these youths who took time out of their busy schedules to engage in the discussion would go on deaf ears.
The panel was specifically asked to elaborate on rehabilitation of youths who have chosen the wrong path, education and saving today's youths. The panelists as well as the experts believe that the community needs to play a bigger role in their surroundings. They also referred to the old saying that says it takes a village to raise child.

The five member panel and three experts within the community elaborated on how important it is for parents to take on an active role in the upbringing of their children. Parents were criticized for not spending enough time with their children, for allowing the television to be the parents of their children simply because they do not want to be bothered. Teachers and schools were criticized for the fact they focus on academia rather than skills and tradesmen. Suspending students who are not behaving well in school they said only promoted delinquency at the expense of the community. Teachers they said need to work on their relationship and bond with their students. Discipline they said need to be brought back in the schools. Students they say have no fear for their parents and teachers simply because the current mechanism in place is not working.
The entire panel agreed that there is too much focus on academic education based on the current system and availability and the lack of a proper trade school on St. Maarten and more importantly the lack of juvenile detention center. The panel believes that while the youths on St. Maarten are labeled as delinquent, there is simply not enough opportunities provided to them. They also believe that youths have to take the initiative if they are to shape their lives in a positive direction.
The panel also agreed that the business community should play a more active role in giving youths a fair chance to work. These businesses they said need to participate more so that schools and government could work on providing the right kind of employees that are needed in the job market.
The police force took shots for being unfriendly, and not being able to respond to the full needs of the growing community simply because they are short staffed.
Leader of government William Marlin whose office organized the event said that things have changed today as from when he was a teacher, he said society has allowed the rights of the child has taken away the island's values. While Marlin made clear that he was not advocating abuse he said that there needs to be some level of discipline in schools. Agreeing with the commissioner of education was someone in the audience who said today the police are making it their duties to arrest parents when they try to correct their children.

GREAT BAY– The Collective Preventive Services (CPS) of Sector Public Health, Social Development & Labour, is asking persons who travelled to this year's World Cup in South Africa to watch for the possible development of measles.

A laboratory confirmed case was found in Australia after a 24-year-old male traveller was diagnosed with the measles after attending the FIFA World Cup.

The patient's symptoms first appeared on Friday, July 2, 2010 and the rash appeared on July 4, 2010. It could be speculated that he became infected in either Cape Town or Rustenberg.

The first signs of measles are usually a high fever, which begins about 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus, and last four to seven days.

A runny nose, a cough, red and watery eyes, and small white spots inside the cheeks can develop in the initial stage. After several days, a rash develops, usually on the face and upper neck. After three days, the rash spreads, eventually reaching the hands and feet.

The rash lasts for five to six days, and then fades. On average, the rash occurs 14 days after exposure to the virus. It can be transmitted by an infected person from four days prior to the onset of the rash to four days after the rash begins.

The virus remains active and contagious in the air or on infected surfaces for up to two hours.

As of April 28, 2010, there were over 12,000 cases of confirmed measles in an outbreak that started in South Africa in January 2009.

CPS is requesting persons who have travelled to South Africa to monitor any health conditions evolving and immediately consult their physician.

Everyone from young adults to senior citizens can benefit from immunizations. Some adults incorrectly assume that the vaccines they received as children will protect them for the rest of their lives.

Therefore, it is very important for adults to review their vaccination status by checking with their physician or if the adults have attended school on Sint Maarten, they can check with CPS for their vaccination status and records. One of the recommended adult vaccines is Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR).

CPS is also urging parents/guardians to take their child during the school summer vacation to Youth Health Care at the Vineyard Building in Philipsburg to check their child's vaccination status and/or have them vaccinated against preventable communicable diseases.

Those requiring further information can call 542-3003 for further information.

Philipsburg: --- The Detective department is presently investigating several cases of
theft where the suspects distract their victims by intentionally letting the air out of a tire of their car during their absence. When the victims want to drive away with their car, they would realize that one of the tires has no air. The suspects will then offer the
victim their assistance to have the tire changed or repaired. While distracting the victim another suspect would gain access into their vehicle steal whatever items the victims have in their vehicle. In connection with the ongoing investigations the detective department has arrested a Mexican man and woman as suspects in these cases. The detective department is cautioning the entire community to pay very close attention to these type of criminal activities. Also the detective department is encouraging anyone who has recently experienced this type of criminal activity to come into the department
to file an official report.

Philipsburg: --- Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards may have a lot of explaining to do to the people of St. Maarten or maybe law enforcement officers if an investigation is opened to determine his involvement with Olzina NV.
At the island council meeting convened on Monday to discuss the appeal filed by Olzina NV, leader of government William Marlin opened the Pandora's box when he informed the council that Richards allegedly said someone forged his signature when he signed documents pertaining to the building permit that was requested by the developer for additional floors.
Marlin said one would want to know that if in fact someone forged the governor's signature why he did not request an investigation be conducted by the prosecutor's office. The island leader said he later learned that Richards retracted those statements and it was said that Richards probably signed the documents by mistake. Marlin said another turn of events was that the governor even visited the work site in Cay Hill and he did not instruct ROB to issue a building stop even though the developer did not have the required permits. Furthermore, the governor's cabinet Marlin said ordered general affairs to send all documents pertaining to Olzina NV directly to his cabinet instead of it going to the executive council.
Marlin said he does not know if the documents they have are all the documents that relates to the request filed by the developer. Also questioning the statements of forged signature was island councilman Louie Laveist who said that he wished Richards was the one chairing the island council meeting on Monday because the people has a right to know. Laveist also asked the chair that if any member of the council is directly involved with the businessman or the company that is being discussed by the council if they are entitled to vote. It appears that the island councilman was indicating that there might be some sort of conflict of interest taking place and that would question the integrity of the council. Already it has been determined that an island council member is doing business with the developer who is renting tour bus licenses from the council member.
Marlin said a number of mistakes were made when the file for Olzina NV was handled beginning since 2007. He asked if the island council should continue to cover up the wrong doings of the other members of the council. He said it would have been good if island council members were called to pay for the mistakes they made. Marlin further explained that those that handled the processing of the building permit mislead the developer who went to court to force the council to make a decision. The court is expected to rule on July 28th. Should the council not take a decision then they can be fined by the judge to pay Naf, 2.500 per day to a maximum of Naf. 5000.00

Split Executive Council.

Caretaker commissioner who holds the ROB portfolio in his presentation explained to the council that a number of mistakes were made when handling the requests of Olzina NV. However, Heyliger wants the council to grant Olzina its variance permit with an added condition that Olzina NV submits and carries out all beautification-greenery plan, which will be subjected to approval by VROM. While the other members of the executive council feels that the island council should admit the appeal of Olzina as admissible but deny them the permit based on a decision taken by the executive council. Marlin said it is ridiculous for the commissioner in charge of Public Works to submit such a proposal when he voted in favor of denying the variance permit on October 20th 2009. Marlin further explained that he was not even present in the meeting when the council took the decision. He said the developer was informed of the council's decision on October 29th after which he proceeded to court.

The members of the executive council clearly indicated that the council was split when they discussed the variance permit on Vorst Estate in the Little Bay area submitted by Olzina NV. Leader of government William Marlin said while the council has different opinions based on the amount of mistakes made with the handling of the file. He said it is his firm belief that that a judge should rule on the case that is presently before the court of First Instance. Marlin described the Vorst Estate file as "unusual case which has been dragging on for years now. "Granting the permit now would be setting bad precedence especially since St Maarten has a bad report card. Marlin said the island has promised to go forward clean. He said the majority of the members in the executive council who were present when the legal experts gave their advice have decided not to grant the variance permit and to let the courts decide.

The Democratic Party leader Sarah Wescot Williams asked that the two proposals be provided to her faction prior to any decision taken by the council. Wescott Williams also asked for clarification as to the current executive council. She said she wants more explanation on the majority and minority in the executive council.

Theo Votes against the Denial of Variance Permit.

Despite the pleadings of Marlin the council members of the island council was clearly split when they voted. Members of the council voted in favor of one part of the proposal submitted by the executive council which is to admit the appeal submitted by Olzina NV. However, when it came down to second point which was to deny the variance permit there was a hung vote since the members of the Democratic Party and caretaker commissioner Theo Heyliger voted against the denial.
The council it is said will be voting on this issue again on Wednesday. Clearly the members of the Democratic Party and independent member of the island councilor Theo Heyliger were looking into ways to clean up the mess they created some years ago regarding the granting of the building permit and the letters sent to the developer telling him that they would grant his permit. Listening to the entire proceedings on Monday was the developer Sameer Andramos and his attorney Cor Merx.

GREAT BAY (GIS)—Preliminary results show that economic activities in St. Maarten have decreased with 0.9 percent in 2009 compared to the year 2008 as measured by the real Gross Domestic Product.

Analysis by industry shows that the decrease was primarily caused by a decrease in economic activities in the industries "hotels and restaurants," trade, and "transport and communication."

Economic activities in the hotels and restaurants industry have lessened by more than 6 percent. This is mainly related to the world economic recession of 2009. St. Maarten's stay-over tourism has dropped in all its main markets.

The main US tourist market dropped with about 7 percent, South America with 9 percent, Europe with 4 percent, and the Caribbean region with 19 percent. For the rest of the world there was an overall drop of 12 percent.

Economic activities in the trade industry have dropped with 3 percent. Trade plays a major role in the economy with a gross share in GDP of about 25 percent. The decrease in trade is related to a drop in merchandise imports of about 10 percent, which influences the overall activities percentage.

Economic activities in "transport and communication" have lessened with 0.2 percent in 2009. In particular, cargo activities have declined.

If a comparison is made among the islands of the Netherlands Antilles with regards to economic activities, St Maarten has a lower outcome (-0.9%) than Curaçao (-0.5 %) and Bonaire (+0.4%). Compared to other regions, the decline was relatively modest.

Real economic growth in the US, the Euro zone, and the Caribbean region has dropped in 2009 with respectively 2.5, 3.9 and 2.3 percent.

Philipsburg :--- "We've got a Country to build, and a people to protect," remarked Stuart Johnson Democratic Party (DP) of St. Maarten parliamentary candidate in the last Central Government Election held in January. "As we approach a historical election, we must be cognizant of the woes affecting our island and its people. We will be saying, "farewell" to the Country Netherlands Antilles and usher in a new era with Country St. Maarten," Johnson said. Johnson ran as the number seventh candidate on the DP slate. Johnson vehemently stated, "this and any election you shouldn't sell your vote; your vote is a priceless and powerful gift. I've always held firm to this belief, do you?" Johnson questioned.
He stated, "Country status is within sight but there is far more issues still left unsolved such as our education system, health care system, and justice system."
I firmly believe a ban should be placed on the use of any cellular phones, video cameras, and cameras in the voting booths on Election Day. Johnson said, "I call on the Acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt and the governing coalition to do the right thing in keeping with the principles of democracy and transparency throughout the entire election."
Johnson questioned, "Has the sale of the votes improved anyone's situation after an election?
Have there been sustainable non government jobs created by the buying of an election?"
"Our people must progress while jobs must be created, opportunities must be fostered for our youth, our heritage/culture must be preserved and our environment must be protected. We cannot change the past but we are surely shape the future," Johnson said. "For those individuals who've engaged in those sorts of activities in the past or the present, let their conscience by their guide and let them deal with whatever consequences should come their way," Johnson added.
"I hold firm these beliefs and have always remained committed to the cause of working in the best interest of our island all the time, unlike some individuals who only pop up around election time to disappear afterwards again. Remember, "We've got a Country to build, and a people to protect," Johnson concluded.

PHILIPSBURG,– As a result of many ongoing deliberations between Health officials, the Executive Council, and representatives of BZV St. Maarten and Curacao crucial steps have been taken to ensure that there would be a continuous working relationship between the Island Territory of St. Maarten and BZV.

It was determined during the meeting that new applicants will be receiving a guarantee letter which is valid until October 10, 2010.

The Executive Council of St. Maarten on July 30, 2010 received a letter from BZV confirming that the services to ensure the continuity of Health Care for the insured will continue until 10-10-10.

The Commissioner in charge of Public Health, Mr. Hyacinth Richardson stated on behalf of the Executive Council late Thursday, as a reaction to the decision from BZV that this result was to be expected.

He has stated in the past that there would be no interruption in the provision of Health Care Services on the island during his watch.

He further stated that he is requesting the cooperation of all Health Care providers on the island; as we work towards a new chapter in the history of St. Maarten.

The Health Care Providers and all relevant stakeholders will receive a letter stipulating the details pertaining to the provision of continual Health Care Services on the island within short from the Executive Council.

Philipsburg: --- The tripartite committee which was formulated by the Democratic Party executive council and the office of the commissioner of labor is at odds SMN News has learnt. Source says that the commissioner of labor is trying to get the committee around the table with other persons from the community to discuss certain matters in the amended labor policy which is currently in effect. SMN News also understands that the commissioner has intentions to restructure the committee since it was never ratified by the executive council of St. Maarten. SMN News further learnt that while there was an informal proposal the former executive council never deliberated on the installation of the committee. "One hears a lot about the tripartite committee and the role they play in labor related matters but the former government did not make it their business to legalize the committee" said one source.
However, other sources say that the members of the tripartite committee have documents that were signed by the former government and the Minister of Labor Bruney Elhage.
Well placed sources say that the commissioner has invited the committee to a meeting on July 15th and members of the committee requested a postponement which was granted to them. The new date for the meeting it is understood was set for July 28th at the government administrative building. However, some members of the committee caucused at the WIFOL building and decided they were going to boycott the meeting and submit a letter to the commissioner's office.

SMN News learnt that the members of the tripartite committee did not inform all parties that they had intended to boycott the meeting because the secretary of the UFA showed up to the meeting and was highly embarrassed with the tactics used by the members of the tripartite committee.

SMN News also learnt that while several members of the committee had agreed to attend the meeting, one member representing the Chamber of Commerce is the one they said instigated the other members to boycott the meeting for political reasons.
According to the letter submitted to the commissioner's office on Thursday afternoon it states that "following the second request to have a meeting with the Tripartite Committee that will include other partners in the community and has an agenda point "Restructuring of the Tripartite Committee" as mentioned as an agenda point in your mail of July 15th we the SHTA, the Chamber of Commerce, the UFA, and the WIFOL are hereby informing you of the following. Considering that the Tripartite Committee that was officially established through the recommendations of the Minister of Economy and Labor Bruney Elhage and confirmed by besluit 3993/06 on July 19 2006 and also ratified in a letter from the executive council 1175/09 on April 2 2009.

The committee is officially established comprises of two representatives from labor, the UFA, and the WIFOL representing the island government: The labor department and a representative of the Minister.
As such the members of the committee are of the opinion that before any initiative to be taken with regards to any changes to be brought to the present tripartite committee a meeting should take place with the current members first.
SMN News further learnt that the intention of government is to broaden the committee with other members from the private sector and the unions. One of the persons they said government intends to add to the committee is the CBA representative Elco Rosario someone the business sector is contesting because this person they said filed bankruptcy and he should not be a representative of the private sector.

Currently the office of the labor commissioner is dealing with several cases where workers are being penalized based on the current labor policy and they were hoping that the committee would have assisted in finding solutions for the grey areas of the policy.
While some adjustments were made to the age limit in the amended labor policy they said that are several persons who are currently working and had working permits in the past can no longer get their permit renewed. SMN News learnt that several security companies on the island are scratching their heads into finding a solution for their workers.
Managing Director of Checkmate Security Michael Kuiperi said currently his company has four workers working illegally due to the age limit. Kuiperi said one of his employees is 24 years of age and she has working documents three times before and now her papers were denied because she is not 25 years old. The businessman said his workers have been contributing to society and they are paying their dues yet government is not able to find a solution to regulate the so called grey areas in the labor yet they were able to find perfect solutions for those persons who applied for the Brooks Tower Permits.

GREAT BAY (GIS)—On June 30, Commissioner William Marlin conducted the ROOFWETTING ceremony at Sister Magda school.

William Marlin went on top of the roof on the new two level building of Sister Magda School, and conducted the roof wetting together with the contractor and Angela Dekker, Project manager Innovations.

Also present were Mr. Mathias Voges for the school board, representatives from ROB, Consulting firm ICE, the school manager, teachers and most importantly the students.

When school starts in August, the school will have 1 extra classroom, a resource center, 2 offices for student care, a large covered playground with canteen and kitchen.

The costs involved for this project are NAf 1.000.000

This is part of the construction program in Foundation Based Education that started in 2004 financed through USONA by the Dutch Government. The total of the infrastructural expenses for the FBE schools is NAf 20.000.000.

In the coming year 2 new schools for FBE will be constructed, and there will be extensions for 2 other schools.

Philipsburg --- Five students attending the University of St. Martin received scholarships from the institution. Outgoing president of USM board Josianne Fleming Artsen said the students were selected by the scholarship committee. The committee she said looked at the student's grade, (GPA) their contributions to society and their extra-curriculum activities.
Also given out on Wednesday was the President's award. Fleming-Artsen said six students applied for the USM scholarship which is granted annually. The five students that were selected are Cassandra Richardson recipient of the President's award. Ramzan Juman, the only male majoring in Education and webmaster of SMN News, Hadassah Arrindell, Lisel Toss and Paul Wilson. Five of the six students were awarded with the scholarship. Of the five recipients that were awarded with their scholarships, three of them are majoring in Education, while the other two are majoring in Business.
Fleming said the recipients have to maintain a 3.0 GPA to keep their scholarship for the duration of their studies. She said the cost for each scholarship ranges from $15,000 for those students going for their bachelor's degree and $7.500 for those in associates.
In unrelated news SMN News has been reliably informed that Arjen Albert a former teacher of the St. Maarten Academy and St. Dominic High School and now employee of DERPI is the selected candidate to replace Josianne Artsen Fleming. Albert was once the adviser to Claudette Labaga of the Education Department and he is currently working as a policy worker with DERPI.
Fleming-Artsen has resigned from her post at the USM to follow her aspirations in politics. It is understood that Fleming-Artsen is one of the top candidates that would be running on the UP list headed by Commissioner Theo Heyliger. Fleming-Artsen once said that the only way education would receive top priority on the island and USM getting its accreditation is if she is placed at the helm in government. SMN News understands that Fleming-Artsen is hoping to become the first Minister of Education when St. Maarten achieves its new status.

Philipsburg:---Commissioner Frans Richardson, during an interview last week, regarding the signing of the USONA-funded project "Changing Lanes", stated that the Executive Council has lifted the moratorium on bus and taxi permits.
The Changing Lanes project is a project initiated by the Democratic Party administration, so the original project is known to us.
To hear government now state that they have lifted the moratorium on bus and taxi permits, "to do a study on the public transportation system", defies all logic.
In our opinion, ahead of this announced study, government should exercise restraint and hold off on lifting the moratorium, until they are better able to assess the entire public transportation system.
But since government has (matter-of-factly) announced the lifting of the moratorium, I submit the following questions to the Executive Council:
How many applications are currently pending for bus and taxi licenses?
How many permit holders make use of assistant (help) chauffeurs?
How many bus licenses are in name of a company?
How many of these permit holders(companies) employ independent bus owners as chauffeurs?
What will government's policy be in granting taxi and bus licenses, now that they have lifted or will be lifting the moratorium on bus and taxi licenses? How many licenses has government issued since the lifting of the moratorium?
Is the Commission for Public Transportation operational? Who is on the Commission?
I look forward to a speedy answer to these questions,
Respectfully,

Sarah Wescot-Williams, Island Council member, Democratic Party Faction

PHILIPSBURG:--- On the heels of their first powerful evening of dinner and poetry Lysanne Charles and her team of poets are returning to the Crazy Thyme Restaurant on Tuesday, July 6 for another evening of both.
According to Charles these evenings are a part of a weekly spoken word session called Summer Speaks. She explained that Summer Speaks was an initiative started by her last July in order to give local, young poets a medium to showcase their work and allow audiences to see the best of what St. Maarten had to offer as it concerned poetry.
"Last year Summer Speaks was really successful. We started out small, in terms of attendance, and continued to grow throughout the month of July. Both the poets and those that came out to hear them all enjoyed the event and because of that I had to bring it back again this year," Charles said.
Last week's lineup included young poets Daniella Arrindell, Peter Lake, Shanica Richardson, Lucinda Audain, Rene Violenus and Charles herself. This week artists are Lorenzo "Sigma" Gomez, Deborah Drisana Jack, Gino Ollivacce, Rochelle Ward and Dion Gumbs. Charles herself would also again take the mic. The majority of the evenings would be emceed by Clara Reyes, whose Imbali Center for Creative Movement remains a tremendous support to this endeavor.
Charles explained that the format of the evening was as follows; attendees arrive at the restaurant at 8pm sharp and are served dinner, after which they receive dessert and the poets take to the mic for roughly an hour of spoken word at 9pm.
This year all 5 nights of Summer Speaks will be held at the Crazy Thyme restaurant on airport road (across from the Winair ticket office), where dinner is prepared by chef Andreas Sczcypiorski. Charles said that she wanted to extend appreciation to Sczcypiorski and Bevil Byam for their willingness to host this year's evenings. This Tuesday will be the second night of poetry, with the remaining days being July 13, 30 and 27.
"Crazy Thyme is a beautiful location and the mood once the poets begin to recite is amazing. I believe that this event is not one to be missed, especially for those who really enjoy delicious meals and of course poetry. So I'm encouraging everyone to come out and support us this Tuesday again," Charles said.
She explained that seating at Crazy Thyme is limited so all interested in attending should purchase their tickets in advance. Tickets cost $25, which includes dinner, dessert and a drink and then the spoken word. They can be obtained at the restaurant or by calling Charles at 522-2513 or 586-1266.

GREAT BAY (GIS)—All public schools held a year-end meeting & social gathering to celebrate the end of the school year and at the Sonesta Great Bay Hotel & Casino in Philipsburg.

At the event, public school teachers, administrators, and principals were present, along with some students who performed moving pieces of ballet/dance; there were some singing, and a band that played popular Caribbean and international songs for entertainment.

Glendorline Holiday-Davis Head of Public Education gave a speech at the end of the period to culminate the event.

"On behalf of public education management, I want to comment each staff member for their commitment, hard work, dedication and perseverance. I know that the job is tough, and we have to deal with all range/degrees of students, but we have to make the adjustments to do what we love, which is to teach.

Though there are a lot of talks out there, only those who are in the kitchen know the heat, and there is a lot of heat.

I am proud to say that any teacher, once they have decided that this [teaching] is the profession for them, must decide to put all stumbling blocks, hang-ups and personal issues aside in order to teach.

Yes, there are things that we don't have, or the salary might not be what we want, but we are paid well. We just have to live within our means, and we have to concentrate on the things that matter most in life. Once we have a roof over our heads, the bed is not wet, family we love, and life is good. Like what I tell my children, Mommy and Daddy could buy what you need, not what you want. So we all have to live accordingly," Davis-Holiday said.

"We have to plan our futures well, especially those teachers who will retire in 15 and 20 years. We are not getting younger, but older. We have to change some things, and we have to start now. Don't waste money, don't spend on things that we can't afford.

In addition, we have to start recruiting more male teachers. Female teachers have to be both male and female, father and mother, whether in school or at home. It is rough on us as women in Education. We have to be an example to your students. Let's move public education forward. We have invested in much, materials, books, and training, don't let that go to waste. One of the most rewarding things in the teaching profession is when we see our students at the workplace. The interaction is priceless. We are glad to see these former students, under whatever circumstance and we are glad when they have achieved something in life. In the end, it is all about the students.

PHILIPSBURG, The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise presented their new board for the year 2010-2011 at a ceremony held at the Westin Dawn Beach Hotel and Spa on Friday July 2, 2010 in the presence of dignitaries such as President of the Collectivite Mr. Frantz Gumbs, Acting Lieutenant Governor Reynold Groeneveldt and friends and families.

Outgoing president Peter Dialani thanked his fellow board members and the entire membership for their support and dedication during the year, he summarized the executed projects including donation of a Warm Bed for the Pediatric Ward of the Medical Center, donation of eyeglasses to students of the St. Maarten Academy, Launching of the Reading Program "Leaders are Readers", support to Haiti in the form of Shelter Boxes, Big Kid Project, Reading to the youngster at the library and to the elderly at the Senior Citizens Home, St. Maarten Cultural Poster Project to all schools on the island, Donation to the University of St. Maarten towards it expansion plans, Youth mentoring with Victorious Living Foundation, etc.

Outgoing president Peter concluded in wishing the incoming president, Bernadette Davis, and her team of board members a successful Rotary Year 2010/2011. The new Rotary board consists of: President Bernadette Davis, Vice-President/ International Service Director Martha Pouchie Secretary/President Elect Hendrik-Jan van Iperen, Club Service Director/ Immediate Past President Peter Dialani, Community Service Director Lucy Gachette, Vocational Service Director Marcellia Henry, Treasurer/ Sergeant-at-Arms Angela Gordon, Fundraising Director Cookie Bijlani, Rotary Foundation Chair Kenny Parwani, Rotaract Chair Claret Connor and Youth Chair Bernadette Davis.
In her speech incoming president Bernadette Davis mentioned how appropriate this year theme is: Building Communities / Bridging Continents. We do not have to look far to put that theme in action and it is more apparent here in St Martin/Maarten than anywhere else. With more than 100 nationalities sharing this little piece of land, we have a representation of
every continent in the world right here; therefore, building our communities and bridging the continents are a vital component for a better St Martin/Maarten and a better world.

Our focus this year will be on the building blocks for the next generation, which is our Youth. I would like to acknowledge the importance the Rotary Club has placed on this sector with projects such as Early Act, Interact, Rotaract clubs, Rotary Youth Leadership Institute and the National Youth Science Forum. This year they have gone further by encouraging every club to create a Youth Chair. In addition, we will continue with the Readers are Leaders Program, Provide Fresh Water to all schools on the island, Big Kid Project in Haiti, Assist the Simpson bay Community Center and the Belvedere Community Center.

The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise thanked its sponsors and Rotarians who made this event possible with their contribution.

Sunrise Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at the Restaurant Air Lekkerbek (near the Prince Bernhard Bridge) at 7:00AM to 8:00AM.

GREAT BAY, St. Martin Author Felecita Williams (R, bottom photo) has presented her new book Because of Prayer to ir. Javier Hernandez, chairman of the Board of Directors and current general director of the St. Elisabeth Hospital in Curacao (6/22). Williams also presented a copy of her autobiography to Anita Kerdijk-Rotsburg (L, top photo) of the Dialysis Department at the St. Maarten Medical Center (6/16). In both cases, said Williams, "I briefly explained that I wrote an autobiography that included my near-death experiences and treatment for my kidney failure. Seeing that part of my medical history was experienced at the hospitals in St. Maarten and Curacao, I wanted to present a book to both institutions for their library or reading lounge as motivational reading for patients and visitors. I was happily received at the SMMC.
After the presentation at St. Elisabeth I got a tour of the hospital. The hospital officials were happy to show me especially the children's ward. Much had changed since I was there as a bed-ridden child patient. And now, thank God, I was walking around, visiting." The Curacao Nobo newspaper was impressed enough with Williams's story to report the presentation in its July 3 edition. Because of Prayer is available at Van Dorp and Arnia's, and through family members in Willemstad. (Photo courtesy FW)

GREAT BAY (GIS)—Last week, at the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Hotel & Casino, 4 known, trained and experienced chefs provided insights into their profession in front of about 10 potential students who might apply for the SBO Chef level 2 course.

The chefs' present were: Nathalie Baptiste and Lesley Martina of Big Fish Restaurant and Dino Jagtiani of Rare and Temptation Restaurants, and Iwan Hokahia from Sonesta Great Bay Beach Hotel & Casino.

Chef Jagtiani of Rare and Temptation explained about the experiences of a chef, what life was like being a chef, its ups and downs, realities of being in the kitchen, and the attitudes that one should have.

Jagtiani said that life is not easy being a chef, it is hot in the kitchen, and sometimes there is no tremendous amount of money to be made in the chef/restaurant business, there is a lot of standing on the feet, so one needs discipline for the profession. It is also advisable he said that to begin being creative, start to experiment with different taste, among different pointers.

The registration date for the Chef level 2 program is August 20th, from 12.30 till 14.00 at Sundial School media room. The course Chef level 2 will start in September 2010.

Because a lot of students want to attend this course, we held excursions, interviews and pre intakes in June. The students who attended these days have preference over the students who didn't show up or called at a later date.

We only have place for 20 students and at the moment there are 34 students who want to enroll into the program. Still everyone can call the SBO Service Center (5430497 / 5430498) to put their name on the list, but the selection is strict.

There will also be an interview with different chefs and (new) students in August to make sure we select the right students for this program.

During the year there will be a second course for the business to follow the course to become a Job Coach in the kitchen. This will be in September / October, because we really need chefs to train the students on the floor.

The chefs who spoke at Sonesto Great Bay Beach Hotel all attended the Job Coach course for 6 mornings. They also came up with the idea for this lecture to make sure the students will know where they have to sign up.

During the year different chefs will give workshops to the students, also chefs from abroad. This is to train the students in different fields and prepare them to become all-round chefs. The program will be for 2 years, and we will start this program again in 2012.
At the chef's lecture, another chef, the Executive Chef by Sonesta Great bay Beach Hotel & Casino, Ewan Hokahia, spoke as well about the realities of being a chef and being different levels in the kitchen. He said that it was though, you will be spoken to in a harsh manner, and you just have to take the instruction and do it.

There is little room for niceties. In addition, persons who work in the kitchen have to work as a team for the greater good of providing a really good meal to the customer. There is no need to like each other per se, he said, but there is a great need to please the customer. It is all about the food and the service, he added. And there is no time for special holidays, like Christmas, New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, etc. Those days are the best business days in the restaurant business, Hokahia said.

So the students got an ear full from the experienced chefs about the realities in the kitchen.

Friday, August 20, 2010 is the only day for registration. It will take place at the Sundial School from 12:30pm to 2:00pm.

Students who want to enroll in this course have to bring their:
1. Census registration
2. Copy of diploma or last report card
3. Copy of passport or ID card
4. One ID photo

All cost for the school year 2010-2011 will be:
1. School fee, including knives: $425
2. Chef uniform: $70
3. Book lease: $120

Philipsburg:---On Sunday July 11th 2010 a group of 20+ members of the Voluntary Corps of Curaçao (VKC) arrived on Sint Maarten for a week's stay on the island. A joint training exercise with the members of the Voluntary Corps of Sint Maarten (VKS) will start on Monday morning July 12th. Preparations for this joint training have been ongoing for the last few months. Focus of this training will be on scenarios that might develop during a possible hurricane situation. If any such event might occur members of the VKC will join their counterparts on Sint Maarten for assistance. Since hurricane situations very rarely happen on the island of Curaçao it was deemed necessary to develop this joint training to familiarize the VKC members with the island and reinforce cooperation with their VKS colleagues.

Scenarios that have been developed are securing vital objects, riot situations, scaling down high altitudes, shelter management, search & rescue, roadblocks, shooting practice, etc. The group will stay partly at the Sundial School, but also at the Emilio Wilson Estate. The training will be done at various locations on the Dutch side of the island. Residents are therefore warned they might see or hear Voluntary Corps members executing this exercise. Besides the above mentioned the opportunity is also given for socializing, joint sports activities and sightseeing. These social events will also strengthen the bond between the members of both organizations.

Philipsburg, After decades of almost singlehandedly promoting the St. Martin nation building process against all possible odds, the tide is rapidly changing for Leopold JAMES, president of the grass roots St. Martin nation building movement.
His movement received a tremendous boost, when acting Lt.-Governor Mr. Groeneveldt, in an interview with one of the newspapers on July 12, 2010 admitted that St. Maarten must embark on a nation-building process in order to make country St. Maarten work after 10-10-10.
It is a forgone conclusion, that the nation building movement founded and headed by Leopold James is the undisputed champion of the St. Martin nation building process.
Consequently, this organization has published more publications, and has more than any other organization, built up an impressive track-record and credibility on the matter.
Leopold James shared with the SMN News, that this statement by the Governor has created an even greater pressure on him to now take his nation building experience and advantage into the political arena.
It is evident, that the climate for such a party is more receptive than ever before, since the yearning for a fundamental change in the direction of the island is very present in all sectors within our society.
Already, a number of high ranking politicians on the slate of the NA and the DP have personally contacted Leopold James at his home, in order to form a new political party to participate in the upcoming Island-council elections slated for around September this year.
Also, it appears that unlike all other years, money will not be the determining factor, able to buy people's votes.
This might make corporate sponsors very cautious not to waste their moneys in trying to maintain established politicians, who will not get elected anyway.
It appears that more than ever winning the election will be about having a very convincing and appealing message and not about people any longer selling their votes to have everything remain as bleak as ever for them and their families.
Although Mr. James, emphasized that as president of the non-partisan nation building movement, he is not allowed to be politically active, he is hoping that there are persons who are willing to capitalize on the work and efforts made by his organization.
After been pressed, he admitted to have been contacted by a few very interested persons, soliciting at least possible endorsement by him should they start such a new political party.
While Leopold James flatly refused to comment, from very reliable sources its has been learned that if approached by real, serious and committed candidates, he might be willing to consider giving advice as to how best to capitalize on the boost as created in particular by the call to promote nation building by acting Governor Groeneveldt.
It seems politically now almost inevitable that any new party based on nation building has the potential of winning at least of number of seats in the expanded Island-council and to become Parliament of Country St. Maarten after 10-10-10.
A number of experienced politicians have also admitted that any group that gets the endorsement of Leopold JAMES stands a great chance to capitalize on the goodwill he has now accumulated among most St. Martiners and other naturalized citizens who also really want for their children to have future on the island.

Philipsburg:---After meeting with the Executive Council to discuss mainly major labor issues, the SHTA suggested the idea of a labor workshop to address the concerns of its members. The SHTA is again stressing its support towards the employment of local labor, but feels that in the event that local labor is unavailable the legalization process for foreign labor should be logical and efficient. The SHTA remains of the opinion that a cumbersome process only adds to the hardships and expense of businesses, which is passed on to consumers as higher prices.
Therefore, in preparation for the proposed labor workshop, the SHTA is calling on its members that have sent in applications under the current labor law to please provide sample cases of their experience with the functionality of the existing labor law. The submissions, which should be specific exceptional cases, should be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. These will then be compiled, reviewed and addressed in the upcoming workshop.
All aspects of the Dutch American Friendship Treaty, including legal views, will also be addressed in the upcoming workshop. The Executive Council's response to the private sector's questions on the role of the treaty in the permit application process for U.S. nationals was misleading and was wrongly reported in the press earlier this week as coming from the SHTA.
The SHTA also wishes to inform its members that all labor issues will be openly discussed at the upcoming labor workshop. Details of the workshop will be released once preparations are complete.

Belvedere:--- The detective department is busy investigating a stabbing incident which claimed the life of a 22 year old man identified as Otmar Fernando Alfred Leonard born on July 21, 1988 and resident of French Quarter.
Assistant Police Spokesman Humphrey Giterson said on Wednesday July 14 2010, approximately 10.30 pm a police unit was dispatched to Prospect Estate in Belvedere where someone had been stabbed.
Upon arrival the police officers found a young man who was lying on the ground in a pool of blood. The victim was bleeding from a wound under his left arm. Giterson said even though the victim was critical and had problems breathing he managed to tell police that he was stabbed with a knife. The police spokesman said despite efforts from the personnel of the ambulance department and doctors at the St. Maarten Medical Center where the victim was transported for medical treatment he passed away shortly after admission.
So far police have not confiscated the weapon that was used in the fatal stabbing.
In the meantime, the suspect identified as H.K.I 17 years old from St. Maarten surrendered to police sometime during the day on Thursday said police spokesman Humphrey Giterson. Giterson said the suspect is now in police custody as the investigation continues. The body of the late Otmar Fernando Alfred Leonard has been confiscated pending an autopsy.
SMN News found several photographs of the suspect on Facebook where he openly criticized the police. The suspect also posted photographs of himself where he was arrested during the 2010 carnival.

Philipsburg:--- The department of VSA (Public Health, Social Welfare and Labour) has informed businesses that they are now officially in charge of making sure the island ordinance on illegal employment is maintained. Letters were sent to the businesses informing them that the civil servants at VSA will be conducting the various controls to make sure the ordinance is respected. The letter was also sent to the public prosecutors office. Below is the full text of the letter:--

Re : Inspectorate VSA's policy on the employment of illegal/undocumented foreigners: Informative

Dear stakeholders,

By means of this letter the Inspectorate, an independent and autonomous body, that is part of VSA(Public Health, Social Welfare, and Labor) would like to inform the general public, employees, and employers in particular of the following:

In accordance with the 'Landsverordening Arbeid Vreemdelingen' hereafter called the L.A.V. art.13, first paragraph, the Inspectorate VSA is the legal supervising authority.
(Met het toezicht op de naleving van het bij of krachtens deze landsverordening bepaalde zijn belast de door het bestuurscollege aangewezen ambtenaren).
(The Executive Council designated civil servants are in charge of the supervision on compliance with this country ordinance)
A violation is considered non compliant according to Article 2, first paragraph of the L.A.V.
(Het is een werkgever verboden een vreemdeling arbeid te laten verrichten zonder tewerkstellingsvergunning).
(It is prohibited for an employer to employ a foreigner without an employment permit).
In respect to the infringement referred to in the previous sentence, the employer may receive a penalty of up to one hundred thousand guilder (NAF 100,000), L.A.V. art. 19, first paragraph.
(De werkgever, die het in artikel 2, eerste lid, neergelegde verbod overtreedt, wordt gestraft met een hechtenis van ten hoogste drie maanden of een geldboete van ten hoogste honderdduizend gulden).
(The employer who breaches the prohibition which is stated in article 2, paragraph 1, will be punished with imprisonment of up to three months or a fine of up to one hundred thousand guilders)

If employers violate the L.A.V. they will be addressed according to the supervision and enforcement pyramid (Handbook for the supervision and enforcement plan Inspectorate V.S.A.) which is as follows:

Step 1: Convince, instruct, advise (verbal warning)
Step 2: Social monitoring, social control, shaming
Step 3: Warning (written warning)
Step 4: Fine / penalty payment
Step 5: Revoke license, shut-down enterprise

After verbal and written warnings to employers , the Inspectorate V.S.A. will take repressive measures in consultation with the Public Prosecutor's Office.

The enforcement is as follows (these fines are set by the Public Prosecutor's Office):

• If on the day of the finding of the violation, less than 3 months have elapsed after the period of validity of the employment permit, the employer will be warned and they must start the process for the renewal within two weeks.
• If on the day of the finding of the violation, 3 months have elapsed since the period of validity of the employment permit, the employer will receive a transaction proposal (settlement) in order to prevent the occurrence of criminal prosecution by the Public Prosecutor's Office at the sum of NAF 500,- and he/she will be given two weeks to the start the process of renewal.
• If the employer employs a foreigner for whom an employment permit is deemed necessary, and the employee has never had a employment permit before, the employer will receive a transaction proposal in order to prevent the occurrence of criminal prosecution by the Public Prosecutor's Office at the sum of NAF 5000,-.
• If the employer employs a foreigner whose application for renewal has been rejected by the Executive Council, it shall be deemed that the employee does not have a valid employment permit, then the employer will receive a transaction proposal in order to prevent the occurrence of criminal prosecution by the Public Prosecutor's Office at the sum of
NAF 5000,-.
• If on the day of the finding of the violation, less than 24 months have passed and the employer does not comply with the same legal obligation, the transaction proposal increases by 50%.
• The above mentioned transaction proposals are offered "per infringement '. If a proposal for the transaction is not accepted, the employer will be served with a summons. At the hearing, the Public Prosecutor's Office will request higher fines than the transaction amount of the Court.
• For large-scale violations (a large number of violations per employer) as well as in the case of several recurrences of infringements, the Public Prosecutor's Office maintains the right to directly go on to subpoena the employer to appear in court.

In the context of planning the illegal employment, we trust the stakeholders are sufficiently informed.

For more information, please visit the office, located on Frontstreet #1, above Diamond Casino.

Philipsburg:--- The 17 year old suspect who surrendered to police for slaying of Otmar Fernando Leonard ( 22) last Wednesday is refusing to cooperate with the investigators. Police Spokesman Humphrey Giterson said the suspect has chosen to use his right to remain silent. Giterson said the suspect told them that whatever he has to say will be said in front of the judge on Monday.
Prosecutor Rienk Mud in an invited comment said that the suspect appeared in front of the judge early Monday morning but he maintained his silence. Mud said while the suspect is using his rights to zip his lips that would not prevent his office from prosecuting the suspect.
The 17 year old identified as H.K.I surrendered to police on Thursday with a lawyer. It is believed that the suspect who is known to police is acting based on the advice he received from his legal representative.
Members of the voluntary Korps were seen doing their very best to cover the face of the suspect as he was taken to court. It is understood that the officers were ordered to do so since the suspect is a minor.
In an invited comment Attorney at law Brenda Brooks said that she advised her client to remain silent until the file is available to her. Brooks said her client is a minor and he is probably traumatized at the turn of events. The case she said will be tried behind close doors as she intends to make sure the law is respected.
"Minors cannot be questioned without their attorneys present based on the law." Brooks said she would also be fighting to get her client out from the Philipsburg holding cell because right now the young man needs help and he cannot get that help among hardened criminals.
The stabbing incident occurred in Belvedere somewhere close to midnight during a fight. "I don't know what the circumstances are right now, this could well be a self defence case." Brooks said.

Philipsburg:--- The members of the Democratic Party has sent a letter requesting that the chairman of the island council consult with the executive council and to add the discussion of the GEBE concession to the agenda of next island council meeting which is scheduled for Wednesday.
Island councilmember Roy Marlin told members of the media on Tuesday that he believes that the GEBE concession is of great importance to the government owned company and the people of St. Maarten to ignore.
Marlin said GEBE wants the island council to decide on the new tariff structure for GEBE. Marlin said the company has a 5million guilder concession fee which is paid to the island government for having the concession right GEBE also has a variable cost proposed by the island government which is dependent on the total cost of the waste and energy plant. Marlin said the waste and energy plant will consist of several components such as cost, (probably 80 million) yearly operational cost, the return on investments, and other costs.
Marlin said if the island council is given the opportunity to establish what would be the variable fee then they are giving their authority to the executive council. He said if the variable fee is not yet determined they are not able to pass on the authority to executive council simply because the variable cost will be passed on to the consumer.
Marlin said even though St. Maarten needs a waste and energy plant and even though they are aware that government will have to take care of garbage the island council also would have to decide at what cost to the consumer they are going to have this plant. He said another question that has to be answered is if it would be feasible to have this plant if the cost for electricity is doubled.
Marlin said the Democratic Party faction already indicated to the executive council that if the proposal is sent to the island council without the variable cost then they would not support the concession. He said giving the executive unsupervised power would have gross effects on the island when country status takes effect. Marlin said then matters such as these would not be put in the hands of the council of ministers but it will be in the hands of an individual minister who could choose to do as he or she likes for political mileage.
Marlin said they this concession as is would have financial consequences on businesses, and those that are not considered as the less fortunate by government. He said these costs would reflect in goods and services.
Marlin said on Friday the Managing Director asked when the draft concession will be handled since they already have over 300,000 guilders in penalty fees by the financier. Marlin said if the concession is not in place within short then the financier Pacific Life can then go over to call option on the loans which is between 45 to 50 million dollars to Pacific Life. Marlin said despite this the executive council is not keen on dealing with the issue. He said the island leader William Marlin had promised to deal with the concession on Wednesday have on St. Maarten the DP faction has decided to ask the chairman to have the matter be dealt with at the next island council meeting to avoid the island further embarrassment. He said even though the energy commissioner has resigned from the executive council he is still responsible until his successor is appointed. Marlin said they also intend to ask the council to deal with the Olzina case since there is verdict by the court which would expire in the next eight days. Olzina wants its variance permit and if they do not get it within the next eight days then penalty fees would also kick in.

...

...

Philipsburg:--- The police department is bombarded with a number of armed robberies in recent days said police spokesman Geronimo Juliet. Juliet said police was directed to the St. Maarten Medical Center where they met a man with gunshot wound in his upper right shoulder. The victim identified as F.B told police that he was in his house sleeping when he heard some strange sounds. The victim said when he went to inquire where the sounds were coming from he saw an unknown man in his living room with a shotgun in his hand while another unknown man was on his porch. The victim said he began screaming and he ran back to his bedroom. The intruders and thieves then fired a shot at him prior to grabbing his television and jumped in a white car, probably a Sonata and took off. The detective department is busy investigating the case.
Also on Thursday the Atracko Team responded to GOVAR on AT Illidge Road where a man was shot in another armed robbery case. Juliet said an unknown man entered the establishment and demanded money. While inside he pushed the victim to the ground and shot him. The robber took off with the man's gold necklace.

In connection with all the current spate of armed robberies that is currently taking place on the island, police will begin severe road and house controls starting this week and will intensify the controls during the coming weeks.
The police department is urging members of the public at large to co-operate with the officers when stopped during this action.
Residents and visitors are asked to make sure they have their documents with them. Documents such as (identification card, resident/ work papers) Drivers of motor vehicles are asked to make sure they have their driver's license with them including all documents pertaining to their vehicles. While the police are urging the business community to close their place of business according to the closing hours of the Netherlands Antilles. Persons who are willing to assist police with information regarding the recent robberies are asked to call the police tip line 9300.

GREAT BAY:--- The Collective Preventive Services (CPS) of Sector Public Health, Social Development & Labour, has alerted local family physicians to the regional dengue fever situation and has asked them to look out for possible local cases.

The recent rain showers can lead to the creation of breeding grounds for mosquitoes and hence CPS/Hygiene & Veterinary Departments have urged residents to be proactive and take preventative measures against mosquito breeding in order to avoid mosquito-borne diseases developing such as dengue fever.

Dengue fever has reached what has been described as crisis proportions in several countries across the Caribbean region.

CPS is closely monitoring the local situation, however, it is all up to residents/business owners to keep vigilant and to take immediate action in and around their homes/businesses.

The Dominican Republic has reported at least 27 dengue fever deaths and more than 7,000 cases. According to media reports, Trinidad is running out of hospital beds due to an increase in dengue fever cases while officials from Puerto Rico have reported that the island could be facing the worst dengue outbreak in more than a decade with at least five deaths and more than 6,300 suspected cases reported since mid-July.

Other countries that have reported dengue fever outbreaks are Honduras and Belize.

Dengue fever is caused by a virus and is transmitted to humans from the bite of infective mosquitoes. Dengue fever is not transmitted from person-to-person.

The symptoms of dengue fever are high fever, severe headache, back ache, joint pains, nausea, vomiting, eye pain and rash.

The incubation period from the time the infection until symptoms develop, can be three to 14 days, but more commonly four to seven days.

Persons returning from islands and countries where dengue fever is endemic and who develop the aforementioned symptoms, should consult with their family physician.

Persons who intend to travel to dengue endemic countries should take preventative measures such as using a mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeve clothing and staying indoors during early dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

...

PHILIPSBURG,— The Caribbean Electric Utility Service Corporation (CARILEC), an association of electric utilities, suppliers, manufacturers and other stakeholders operating in the electricity industry in the Caribbean, will be having their 2010 Engineering Conference & Supply Chain Seminar at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort from July 25 to 28.
The theme of the conference is "Sharing Knowledge and Experience for Practical, Proven Solutions."
"I am very pleased that our island will be hosting the CARILEC 2010 Engineering Conference & Supply Chain Seminar, bringing together more than 300 persons to discuss opportunities as we approach a new era of electricity with renewable energy, regulatory reform, and new technologies.
"Without a doubt we will all be enlightened over the next four days from the speeches and deliberations that will be taking place. In addition to presentations, the conference has a significant exhibition component where over 60 vendors to utilities will feature their latest technologies. It is indeed a privilege to welcome the chief executive officers, engineers and delegates to our beautiful island and may our deliberations lead to fruitful results," GEBE Managing Director William Brooks said on Thursday as preparations continue for the conference that kicks off on Sunday.
Nigel Hosein the Executive Director of CARILEC who arrives ahead of Sunday start of the conference expressed his thanks to GEBE for agreeing to assist with the on island coordination of this regional conference.
GEBE Managing Director William Brooks, a member of the board of directors of CARILEC was very instrumental in having the conference take place on the island especially during the month of July which is considered part of the traditional low season. There will be a number of economic benefits for the local economy, Brooks pointed out.
The conference concludes with a visit and tour on Wednesday afternoon of the newly commissioned GEBE Cay Bay Power Plant Expansion.
The main sponsors of the conference are ABB, Wartsila, Siemens, SOL, Aggreko, OSI, and Morgan Schaffer.

CARILEC was established in 1989. Membership currently stands at 91 which include 34 full members that are electric utilities and 57 associate members that are companies involved in some aspect of servicing the electric utility business and three affiliate members.
CARILEC and its members serve to facilitate the development of world class electric energy services for all peoples of the Caribbean.

...

MARIGOT—Two minors identified as Roy Fabia (14) and Kevin Gumbs (16) have confessed to committing several armed robberies on the French side of the island. The two was arrested by the Dutch police late last week and was transferred to the French side on Saturday. A press release from the Gendarmerie stated that the 16 year old confessed to robbing and killing the 32 year old cashier of Popular supermarket in Concordia on June 30th. He is currently being held in a provisional detention center while the 14 year old is at an educational facility pending their hearing in front of a judge.
The two culprits also confessed to committing at least seven armed robberies St James, Concordia, and Sandy Ground from June 30th to July 21 2010.
The 16 year old also confessed to being the driver of a getaway car that deliberately knocked down a gendarme during a routine traffic control in Cripple Gate.

Philipsburg: --- The community of St. Maarten is again placed in shock when they learnt of the sudden death of 18 year old Khimouy Andromeda Antoine who died early Monday morning in fatal car accident. Police also arrested a suspect identified as R.J.I. G from St. Maarten after their investigations showed the young man and three other persons were in another vehicle chasing her. The suspected vehicle which has been impounded by police is a Hyundai Atos with license plate R. 829.
SMN News learnt that the suspect in custody is related to the victim. It is also learnt that some persons were chasing the victim last week when she and someone else were on their way home.
Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson in a press release said police and the ambulance department were dispatched to Coralita Road around 2 am in the morning when they were notified of the accident.
Henson said on the scene the patrol encountered a blue Suzuki Swift with license plate 408 ZBE 971 with substantial damage. The vehicle he said was lying on its side and the driver identified as Khimouy Andromeda Antoine was pinned under the wreckage. Henson said despite the efforts of the ambulance personnel to revive the victim she was pronounced dead on the scene. Investigations showed the victim was driving at high speed and that she lost control of her vehicle and hit a lamp post.
The police spokesman said the investigation is its early stages and a decision has to be taken on who would continue the investigation.
Henson said the police have been busy all week investigating several accidents and armed robberies.
Among the accidents that are being investigated are three hit and run, four of the eight accidents are with personal injuries including the fatal accident on Monday.

GREAT BAY (GIS)—Tomorrow is the last day for the inspection of school busses by the Department of Inspection, Control, and Security(CIB).

Although there will be follow-up sessions scheduled for a later date, those are reserved for secondary sessions for busses that have already had the initial inspection.

At this present time, Head of CIB, Martha Thewet, said that only 8 of out 64 buses have been inspected at noon on Tuesday, July 27. So there are a lot more bus owners/operators who have to contact the department and schedule an appointment for inspection. Thus, bus owners and drivers are asked to bring in their busses for inspection, and to make sure that all the paperwork is in order.

Currently, it is not sufficient to bring in partial documents, but a total inspection requires that all the technical and documentary aspects are in order.

If buses do not show up, it is considered not having passed the inspection. So considering the circumstances, it is a two-way street, each one needs the other. If owners/operators don't come in to have their busses inspected, then they cannot drive the school children to school and therefore won't get paid. On the other hand, if there are insufficient school busses then many children will not be able to go to school, Thewet said. So both of us have to go through the process.

We will not and cannot compromise the safety of our children. Every bus has to go through the rigors of inspection and come out with a clean bill of health if they are to transport school children.

Key documents to have are: the insurance up to date, the correct type of driver's license, and the general good condition of the bus—three factors that are crucial to the inspection process.

Tomorrow is the third and last day for bus inspection. For now, so it is urged that bus drivers and owners bring in their busses to be inspected.

For more information, contact Ms. Thewet at telephone number: 542-4511 or via fax: 542-3800.

Philipsburg:--- St. Maarten Pride Foundation has been closely following the developments regarding the Olzina/ Vorst Estate Planning Permit and the subsequent variance request, for the past two years and paid keen attention to Monday's Island Council meeting on the matter.

The Foundation unreservedly supports the factions in the island council that voted to withhold the granting of "Planning Permit PP#0090002 "Vorst Estate Variance-03019".

Contrary to insinuations made by Island Councilman and former Commissioner Roy Marlin, the Foundation's objections to the Variance request were not solely based on the fact that the building is a major eyesore. The undeniable fact that the building is an eyesore is mentioned as an addendum to a number of objections the Foundation submitted against the variance request.

It does not surprise the Foundation that Councilman Roy Marlin dismissed St. Maarten Pride's objections and the Cay Hill Residents' petition, which was signed by over a hundred people, as unimportant as the councilman's opinion that "permits are frivolous details" has been well documented in local media over the past few years. Former Commissioner Roy Marlin's disregard for the public's right to submit objections to projects requiring permits and his apparent inclination to allow developers to build whatever, however and whenever they please is evident in the rather disastrous legacy of his tenure as Commissioner of Environmental Affairs, Spatial planning and Public works.

Spatial planning and in some cases architectural failures such as Babaron, Aquarius at Red Pond, the Indigo Bay project, Westin-Resort, Rainbow in Cupecoy, and Porto Cupecoy all date from the councilman's term as Commissioner and are a result of Marlin's unwillingness to take note of objections and set regulations for developments by drafting Zoning Plans and updating the Building Ordinance which dates from 1935.

"Caretaker" Commissioner Heyliger's proposal to grant the planning permit variance request "with an added condition that the company submit and carry-out a beautification/ Greenery plan" is one which would set a bad precedent and may encourage developers to violate permit requirements, considering that the consequences of such a violation would be relatively negligible.

The Foundation is rather taken aback by the fact that Council members neglected to mention the serious intimidation Foundation members and Cay Hill residents suffered at the hands of the developer, whether directly or indirectly, after the respective objections were filed.

St. Maarten Pride Foundation stands by the objections filed and recommends that the Island and Executive Councils withholds the granting of Planning Permit PP#009002 "Vorst Estate Variance -03019". The foundation furthermore urges Authorities to launch a thorough inquiry of how the developer managed to obtain a building permit which was in clear contradiction of the planning permit he was issued and calls for an investigation of all other irregularities associated with this Planning Permit Variance request.

Philipsburg:--- The prosecutor's office and the traffic department has ruled out crime and car chase from the accident which caused the death of Khimouy Andromeda Antoine (18)
Public Prosecutor Jan Bart Daveling said the prosecutor's office managed to review some camera footage which led them to conclude that no one was chasing the victim and that the accident was not intentional.
Daveling said police questioned all the persons who were in the vehicle behind the victim's car and they were released. Police on Monday said they arrested one person and confiscated a white Hyundai Atos. Daveling said that person was questioned by police and released the same day. The other occupants in the vehicle were questioned on Tuesday. Daveling further explained that the road was wet and slippery and that must have been the main cause of the accident including high speed.
It is also understood that the victim not long ago received her driver's license.

The accident took place on Monday at Coralita Road on Monday July 26 at about 2am. Police said the victim was trapped in the wreckage and she died on the spot.

MARIGOT:--- The Gendarmes have detained two persons aged 20 years, for their involvement in an altercation in Grand Case on Wednesday that led to two persons being hospitalised with shotgun wounds. The victims are said to be in stable condition a press release from the gendarmerie stated.
The shooting occurred on Rue des Écoles just after midday as three persons were engaged in a heated argument over the repair work conducted on a scooter. During the argument one of the suspects took a hammer and inflicted a blow on the head of his adversary.
The victim left the scene of the argument and returned shortly afterwards armed with a shotgun, and accompanied by a friend who was brandishing another weapon.
The suspect with the shotgun fired shots towards the two persons he was having the argument with before the pair fled the scene. The gendarmes managed to arrest both suspects after launching an investigation. Both persons remain in custody as the investigation continues.
Gendarmes also arrested a 19 year old suspect on Wednesday for attempted homicide in French Quarter .
A press release from the gendarmerie states that two persons were arguing which ended up in a fight. One of the two suspects then left scene and returned with a gun and fired shots at a 25- year old man with whom he was arguing. The victim was at the time entering his vehicle to go home when the shooting took place. The victim was transported to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital for treatment. He was shot in his shoulder.

Philipsburg:--- The prosecutor's office is calling on members of the community to contact the police department if they have any type of information that would help them solve the murder of Clemencia Josi-anne Julot whose body was recovered on July 22 2010. Persons who may have seen the victim on the morning of July 20th while jogging towards Oyster Pond Road are asked to call 599 5813674 with whatever information they may have.
Public Prosecutor Rienk Mud in a press release said because Julot's body was recovered on the French side of the island on Oyster Pond road the French and Dutch authorities are investigating the murder together on both sides of the border.
Mud said the Dutch side has decided to get all hands on deck to make sure they are able to solve this gruesome murder which left the community in shock.

The Dutch investigation is taking place within the framework of a so called "Team Grootschalige Opsporing" (TGO), which is a large scale investigation. Teams like this can be formed in case of very serious crimes, with the consent of the attorney general.
Even though cooperation between several police forces has happened before, it is for the first time in St Maarten that a TGO has been formed. Working within the TGO-framework means that other police forces within the Caribbean part of the Kingdom are obliged to contribute to such a team, so that more investigative capacity is available.
The team investigating the death of Clemencia Julot consists of detectives from the local police force (KPSSS), the Recherche Samenwerkingsteam (RST), the Royal Marechaussee (both from Sint Maarten and Curaçao), the police force of Curaçao (KPC) and the police force of Aruba (KPA). This team works in close cooperation with the French Gendarmerie.
The public prosecutor said an autopsy was conducted on Saturday and it is clear that the victim met a violent death. The results of the autopsy are being awaited.
So far the investigators have determined thus far that the victim began jogging from her house in Middle Region towards Oyster Pond, on Tuesday July 20 2010, somewhere between 5:00 and 6:00 AM.
Julot's body was recovered during the early morning hours of July 22, by a search team comprising of her relatives and co-workers at Blue Point.

Philipsburg:--- Councilwoman Maria Buncamper-Molanus, on behalf of the Sky Is The Limit Foundation, has come to the assistance once again of a young, local musician. This time, Jawara "Ku-J" Joe received financial help for the release of his music video "Mr. Customs Officer".

"Here again we have a prime example of a young, talented person from St. Maarten who has worked hard at his art form to be where is he today. I am sure he will continue working to elevate himself even more in the future. We've always believed in assisting young artists in achieving the goals and Jawara, through hard work and dedication, is well underway to meeting those goals," Buncamper-Molanus said.

Jawara has performed at a number a local competitions and musical events over the years. He has also represented St. Maarten in Hollywood and other places in the United States. The release party for the video was held on Thursday evening. It will be aired on Tempo, St. Maarten Cable TV and other media broadcasting outlets in the Caribbean.

Oyster Bay Beach Resorts New GM Ricardo Perez Introduces Five-Star Perks at Two-Star Prices

ST. MAARTEN, New general manager, Ricardo Perez, is already bringing his five-star service to guests at Oyster Bay Beach Resort in Sint Maarten. His first week on property, Perez introduced refreshing cold towels to guests lounging in the hot Caribbean sun beside the resorts pool or at Dawn Beach.

"Ricardo, is without any doubt one of the most proactive managers I ever met", said Pedro Fabregas, President American Eagle, Caribbean, Bahamas and Florida.

Most recently, the Chief Financial Officer at the world-renowned, five-star property Cap Juluca Resort on Anguilla, Perez plans to increase the resorts already high level of hospitality with first-class perks and pampering.

"I want to increase the resorts already great level of hospitality and further enhance the guest experience", Perez said, during his first week at Oyster Bay.

Under Perezs management, employees are recognized for their role in creating an ideal Caribbean experience for each guest. Staff can be found offering assistance to newcomers, helping beach-goers set up towels, chairs and umbrellas and taking drink requests from sun bathers at the beach or beside the pool.

Until recently, the resort was under the guidance of general manager Jan Brosje who brought the resort from a small 40-room hotel to its current status as a well known and well-respected, multi-use resort during his 17-year tenure.

Oyster Bay Beach Resort, a multi-use property with full-ownership, luxury condominiums and timeshare units, offers the total resort package with an ocean-front hotel and full-service spa, two on-site restaurants and resort amenities like snorkeling at Dawn Beach. In addition, the property recently underwent a massive renovation and development project, positioning itself as a major contender on the St. Maarten resort scene.

Perez plans to capitalize on the resorts recent developments, including the iconic Lighthouse property and room upgrades, to help design a five-star resort experience without the five-star price tag.

Josh Gold and Mike Dolente, owners of the resorts developer Pearl Development, hired Perez to usher the resort and its multi-use properties into a new era. They feel his energy, enthusiasm and experience will help boost the resort and its dedicated staff to a higher level of achievement in the very competitive hospitality industry.

GREAT BAY:--- Disaster Coordinator Fire Commander Winston Salomon says that the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has made some adjustments to the issuing of watches and warnings for tropical storms and hurricanes along threatened coastal areas.

In the past these have been issued 12 hour earlier than in previous years. Tropical storm watches will be issued when tropical storm conditions are possible along the coast within 48 hours.

Tropical storm warnings will be issued when those conditions are expected within 36 hours. Similar increases in lead-time will apply to hurricane watches and warnings.

Another adjustment being made by the National Weather Service and the NHC is to use the term, "post tropical," referring to a system that no longer possesses sufficient tropical characteristics to be considered a tropical cyclone.

Post tropical cyclones can continue to carry heavy rains and strong winds. Another post tropical cyclone is the "remnant low," a weak system with limited thunderstorm activity and winds less than tropical storm strength.

The forecast for this hurricane season is up to 23 named Tropical Storms of which eight to 14 could develop into a hurricane. Of those, three to seven could become major hurricanes of category three or higher with sustained wind speeds of 111 miles per hour and above.

The season has already experienced its first storm system, Hurricane Alex which formed in the Western Caribbean Sea and travelled into the Gulf of Mexico last week.

The system which later developed into a category two hurricane, dumped heavy rains on parts of North Eastern Mexico leaving seven persons dead.

The Mexican Interior Ministry on Friday declared a state of emergency in 21 towns, allowing the use of federal government funds to help cover the initial costs of the disaster.

More than 10,000 people were left without electricity and water due to collapsed electrical cables. Another 11 persons were killed when the storm passed through Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador.

The 2010 Hurricane Season list of names are: Bonnie, Colin, Danielle, Earl, Fiona, Gaston, Hermine, Igor, Julia, Karl, Lisa, Matthew, Nicole, Otto, Paula, Richard, Shary, Tomas, Virginie and Walter.

The 2010 hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30.

Philipsburg:--SHTA is of the belief that this summer will be an especially difficult one for residents and businesses and feels that the need for relief and stimulus still remains. Therefore the SHTA appreciates the Executive Council's decision not to increase TOT as a measure to balance their much disputed 2010 budget. It shows that the recommendations of the private sector stakeholders don't always fall on deaf ears.

Furthermore it is partially in line with recommendations made during the Economic Summit 2009 where the SHTA proposed a complete removal of the tax that was introduced as a temporary measure 13 years ago, as a measure of attaining real economic stimulus in the local economy.

Now that the Executive Council has presented a 2010 budget with a surplus, in which no claim is laid on the portion that remains at the Federal Level (2%), we believe that as of October 11, 2010 the Executive Council should reduce the TOT to 1 % (the portion that remains on St. Maarten) for the remainder of 2010.

Furthermore as of January 1, 2011 the SHTA expects the Executive Council to completely remove the TOT. First and foremost because time has now certainly run out on this temporary measure. Secondly because the devastating multiplier effect of the TOT can certainly not be denied after all this time. And last but certainly not least because it will be the only/one economic stimulus that the Public sector has initiated to alleviate the burden on the private sector and ensure that future economic activity doesn't fall back even further, leaving Government no-one to tax.

Young Bloodz Boxing Gym will for a second time host a night of amateur boxing at the L.B Scott Sports Auditorium this Friday, July 9th. The event which is sponsored by NAGICO Insurances will feature boxers from neighboring islands of Saba and Anguilla, with local boxers representing Dutch and French St. Marten. It will start at 7:30 PM to include six boxing matches and five exhibitions.

The organizer of the event Mr. Shawn Blair of Young Bloodz Gym: "We invite the public at large to come out and support the event. It is an opportunity to see and experience amateur boxers in action. We are also pleased to have NAGICO Insurances as a sponsor and thank the company for their support for a second time in row."

Mr. Shawn Blair received a cheque from NAGICO Insurances Marketing Assistant Sandya Jiandani to help cover the costs of hosting the event.

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, July 8th 2010 - At a landmark address before the 45th Annual Convention, July 4, 2010, Political Leader of the People's Action Movement, Mr. Lindsay Grant, highlighted problems in the proposed Value Added Tax (VAT), and outlined a further concern to food security in the Federation.

Grant recalled that, "During the run-up to the election the Government denied the fact about VAT introduction. Make no mistake, it is not a global financial crisis that hit St. Kitts-Nevis, it is 15 years of recklessness by Denzil Douglas."
Mr. Grant explained, "The truth is that each one of the taxes the Prime Minister today says the VAT is set to replace has a rate – So why is it that up until now, we cannot know the VAT rate? Yet the Government has the gall to introduce a 150-page VAT Bill into Parliament this past Wednesday, but not put in the most important piece of information, the VAT rate."
The PAM Leader registered very strong concern over the high-handed manner that the Labour Government has taken to impose VAT upon the people of the Federation, and went onto express caution to the matter of food security.
Grant continued, "Our daily needs are too great to be left to the last minute whim of Denzil Douglas and we cannot be left dangling while this Government toys with the VAT rate. This is why we have said that the People's Action Movement would remove all duties on food. We are certain that the Peoples Action Movement policy for duty free food would provide much-needed relief to the citizens, residents and people of St. Kitts and Nevis ."

Mr. Grant concluded, "Government ought to reconsider VAT on food for a Country that imports 75% of its food. VAT charged on food will cause an unacceptable increase to the cost of living for Kittitians and Nevisians."

The 45th Annual Convention was held at PAM Headquarters under the theme 'The Agenda For Change Continues' which is set to identify the policies, strategies and programs required to safeguard our families in the Federation.

SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba—The Cuban release of Pelican Heart – An Anthology of Poems by Lasana M. Sekou edited by Emilio Jorge Rodríguez took place at the 30th annual Festival del Caribe (7/5/10) in Santiago de Cuba. "Among the people in the audience at the launching of the anthology was Abel Prieto, Cuban Minister of Culture," said Rodríguez (L). According to Rodríguez, the launch took place "at the most important space of the Festival, the International Colloquium 'El Caribe que nos une' (The Caribbean that joins us." The Cuban scholar is promoting the bilingual book as a way of introducing the St. Martin writer to Spanish language audiences. The outstanding Cuban poetess Teresa Melo (R) introduced the Spanish-English book at the popular festival organized by Casa del Caribe and which was this year dedicated to Curacao and Pernambuco, Brazil. Melo concluded the book party by reciting the Spanish translation of the poem "On Caribbean Aesthetics," which is originally from Sekou's collection Born Here (1986) and is one of the poems in the anthology published at the end of May 2010. The 428-page Pelican Heart / Corazón de Pelícano with its critical introduction, notes, and poems selected by Rodríguez from each of Sekou's previous poetry volumes, is available at Van Dorp and Arnia's bookstores. The title is now available in Cuba, at Amazon.com and other online bookstores.

GREAT BAY (GIS)—On Monday, July 12, Erno Labega reported back to work at the Department of the Government Information Service after serving as a member of Parliament and State Secretary.

Labega indicated that he is pleased to be back. "I am glad to be back at GIS, it is a department that is important to the government, the people of St. Maarten and the region. I am ready to take on the task."

While a Member of Parliament, I represented St. Maarten in all aspects of the law making process. The experience was very worthwhile in developing knowledge and expertise in public administration and governing.

Now that Labega is no longer in Parliament, he will resume his tasks at the Government's Information Service ending his period of Leave of Absence which was granted to serve in the elected position. It is stipulated by law that, unless a different job is obtained, the same job is guaranteed and would be available.

There are several projects that are ongoing, and I have some ideas of my own. Along with the team at GIS, we will continue our work to provide the public with up to date information from government on issues of policy, projects, events, and general information.

While serving as a Member of Parliament, as well as the State Secretary of Justice in the Council of Ministers prior to that, Labega was helpful to many in areas other than his direct line of duty. As he stated, "no one should have to take a plane to Curacao to regulate certain documents as long as our St. Maarten representatives in Curacao can assist. It's simple and the right thing to do."

With the changes of government and the moving from our present political structure to the new structure of a Parliament and Council of Ministers for Country St. Maarten, it means that much information, awareness, advice and direction must be offered to the public, says Labega. The population must have a clear understanding of how things will change and how they will be affected by any new procedures. GIS will continue to work with all departments to ensure their messages are clear, concise and timely.

Philipsburg:---The Executive Council of St. Martin is scratching its head as it ponders the reason for the lackluster support government is receiving for its efforts to make 10-10-10 a reality.
Where-ever one turns, however one turns, the same tune is heard. What awaits us on 11-10-10? Leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams said in a press release.

The government of St. Maraten seems oblivious to the fact that we are too close to this watershed in our political history to be content with government's apparent closed door handling of matters that will have a profound effect on every resident of this island.
At least, we hope that there is some action, some attention, some plan for these important areas by the members of the NA/Heyliger/ Laveist government.

The time left until 10-10-10 is shorter than the credit line most businesses apply.
How can we not be pre-occupied when less than 90 (ninety) days away from 10-10-10-, we are yet to hear government unequivocally state that:
For the time-being we will continue to operate as part of the Antillean Monetary Union (Central Bank of the Netherlands Antilles), in other words, we will continue with the Antillean currency (guilder) as the official currency ........ Or not.

In a recent interview on Curacao, the president of the Bank of the Netherlands Antilles, Dr. Emsley Tromp, stated that for a monetary union between Curacao and St. Martin to work, these islands must have agreements as far as financial-economic policies and budget discipline are concerned. Does the Executive Council of St. Martin have such agreements in place and if so, what do these agreements entail?

Are St. Martin's representatives on the Supervisory Board of the Common Central Bank to be appointed on the basis of their expertise or on the basis of political affiliation, as seems to be the norm of late?

Marigot:--- Undertakers were called on Tuesday afternoon to a home in Sandy Ground to remove the body of a man known to the residents of that area as Martin. SMN News learnt that the man was dead for least five days and the body was already decaying when it was recovered.
The sources said Martin originated from Marie Gallant and he was a well known bus driver in the area. Commandant of the gendarmerie Stephanne Brunet confirmed the discovery of the body. Burnet said it has been confirmed that the man died of natural causes and that the body was released to the family of the deceased.

MARIGOT—The gendarmes have arrested a suspect they believed is involved in an armed robbery which took place on Sunday May 30 at a grocery store. The suspect is will be summoned to court later this year.
The gendarmes also controlled a 27 year old woman who was in possession of 80 grams of marijuana. She too will be summoned to court later this year.
In unrelated news the gendarmes reported that three cars were damaged after a car accident which occurred on the Cripple Gate road last Thursday. Two persons were injured and they were transported the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital.
The gendarmes also responded to a call from a young woman who told them that her ex-boyfriend had entered her home without her permission. The boyfriend she said was drunk at the time.
The gendarmes also arrested a 32 year old man from Dominica who was residing on the island illegally. The man will be deported to his native country. It should be noted that said person was once deported by the French authorities on December 17, 2009.

Philipsburg:--- Heavy rainfall left several motorists stranded as most of the streets were flooded. Motorists and passengers were seen pushing their stalled vehicles out of the road way.
Traffic had to divert from St. Peters through Betty's Estate, A T Illidge Road was blocked due to the height of the water. In most areas the drains were severely clogged and workers from Public Works were not visible. The pump station in Sucker Garden was closed most of the day yesterday.

Residents expressed their frustration on the social networking site Facebook at the island government and mostly the civil servants working at the Public Works department. Some said these civil servants are using government vehicles to go to the night clubs and casinos instead of performing their duties.

An advisory was issued by the meteorological center of the Netherlands Antilles states that a small craft should exercise caution in open waters as there is a cloudy overcast with periods with light to moderate rain.
During the past few hours a total amount of 72mm of rainfall has been registered at the Juliana airport.
Head of Maintenance Claudius Buncamper in an invited comment said based on the system the water would take about 15 to 20 minutes before all the water would run off the roads. Buncamper said St. Maarten was well prepared to handle the amount of rainfall and there was absolutely no need to turn on the pumps because Great Bay was open. Buncamper further explained that the flood gate was also open so that there would be no overflowing of the Salt Pond. "We even open the Ring Road to avoid any type of major flooding. But one has to understand that when there is a lot of water in a short period of time there would be water on the roads." He said Dutch Quarter and A.T Illidge Road were inaccessible at one point because of the amount of water that was flowing down the hills.
Buncamper further explained that his team was on the road from 6 am and remained on the road monitoring the situation. He said he was also on the French side of the island and water was gushing down the hills. "We still have to remove some rocks from Cole Bay Hill but that will be done later in the evening."
The Maintenance head of Public Works said the residents of St. Maarten know they are in a hurricane season and the overcast was hanging over St. Maarten since Thursday. He said in such weather people who do not have to work should stay off the road.

Philipsburg: --- Police on Friday searched a hotel located in the Pointe Blanche area and confiscated a scale, crow bar, bullet proof vests and 17 live ammunitions for a .38 calibre revolver. Police Spokesman Humphrey Giterson said the hotel search was sparked after the patrols saw a vehicle parked in the area with marijuana smell emanating from it.
Giterson said when police approached the vehicle P-5670 which had very dark tint it appeared to have at least three persons inside but one of them managed to escape.Giterson further explained that the driver of the vehicle identified as C.R.C try to dispose of a plastic sack he had containing marijuana but he was caught. Police based on their suspicions and what they discovered searched the vehicle and found a loaded pistol under the seat of the vehicle. The suspect told police he was at the hotel nearby and he also gave police permission to search his room where the items were found. The two remaining suspects in the vehicle were arrested.

In other news early Saturday morning a resident of A.T Illidge Road identified as R.L.M woke up when he heard a strange noise in his yard. R.L.M went outside to have a look what was going on. Upon inspection the victim was confronted by two masked men who were busy stealing his motor bike. When the suspects noticed that they were caught, they threatened R.L.M with a fire arm. R.L.M went back into his house, took a machete and went behind the two men who at that time were trying to get away with his motor bike, a blue and white Yamaha, 225 cross bike. Giterson said the thieves managed to push the bike until it stopped with them nearby a book store in the vicinity .When R.L.M went to get his bike; he was attacked by three other men. One of the men was carrying a cut off shotgun. The police spokesman said the victim tried to run away but was chased by the armed thieves. According to R.L.M he managed to defend himself with his machete and even injured two of the thieves, but he could not avoid being shot in his leg.
The incident occurred close to the Zoo in Arch Road the victim was transported to the St. Maarten Medical Centre for treatment. The detective department is busy investigating this case.

MARIGOT—The gendarmes have arrested a 22 year old man who fired four shots at a 45 year old man injuring him in his arms and ribs. A press release from the gendarmerie stated that the two men were having an argument on Saturday night in Colombier when the younger man took out a gun and fired the shots. The victim it is said is not in danger. The suspect then escaped on a scooter but he was later captured in a house where he was hiding out.
In an unrelated incident the gendarmes apprehended two bandits on Friday after they robbed three tourists on Grand Case boulevard. The culprits threatened the visitors with a weapon when they forcefully took away their personal items including monies. The two suspects 18 and 26 years old would have to appear in court later this year while the stolen items were recovered and turned over to the visitors.

Philipsburg:--- Commissioner of finance Xavier Blackman made clear that one of the reasons he sent a letter to the Minister of Finance requesting information as to how much monies were withheld from St. Maarten was to make sure the people's money is properly managed. Blackman said the central government withheld monies from St. Maarten's share of the turn over tax without any form of agreement. He said St. Maarten has one agreement with the Central Government and that agreement states that the island would be receiving 1% of the 3% turn over tax levied on the people of St. Maarten. He said the explanation given by the Central government to say they are withholding the monies to cover the island's payment to the SVB insurance is not valid since there is no agreement with the island government and the central government.
Blackman said government should make sure there agreements and are made in writing including questions which would provide clarity in the future. The finance commissioner also argued that if the central government has 13 cents or 13 million guilders for St. Maarten they need to pay it back. He said there is a court case pending regarding the withholding of St. Maarten's money and that shows that St. Maarten never agreed with the Central government. He cautioned that deals and agreements were made in lobby of the Marriot Hotel and that those in office should have made sure proper administration was done when dealing with public funds.
The commissioner also took blows from members of the Democratic Party faction who believed that the commissioner did not conduct proper research prior to sending the letter to the Minister or even speaking to the media. Island councilmember and former commissioner of finance Roy Marlin said the commissioner's statement has created the wrong impression. He asked if the commissioner made contact with the Windward Island Bank to see if monthly payments were made since the records show that no payments were made for July and December 2007. It turned out that the payments were indeed made but proper administration was not conducted. Marlin also asked if the commissioner verified his figures with the civil servants who are dealing with government finances for years now.
Island councilmember Leroy De Weever also took a turn on Blackman reminding him that he was appointed to work for the island council and that he should not meddle in politics. "Commissioner Blackman once appointed can also be disappointed" and while he commended Blackman for making clear that he did not suggest that any member of the island council was fiddling with government money he felt that Blackman was out of place with the statements he made to the media saying that 13 million guilders were either missing or unaccounted for.
While members of the National Alliance defended Blackman's position on the letter sent to the finance Minister independent member of the island council Louie Laveist made clear that the question posed by Blackman is a win win situation for St. Maarten. He said the council should wait on the response from the Central government and not jump to conclusions. Laveist said that he felt the meeting called was unnecessary because the commissioner is only trying to do his job when he ask for queries on St. Maarten's finances.
Senator and Island councilmember Rudolph Samuel said the only reason the Democratic Party called the meeting is because they are afraid their names were going to get dirty. Samuel said politics is in the air and there are people in this council who are former finance commissioners who are sitting on edge since they did not challenge the central government with written answers while in office.

Philipsburg:--- Independent member of the island council and the coalition partner of the National Alliance Heyliger and Laveist government Theo Heyliger has officially submitted a letter to acting Lt. Governor Reynold Groeneveldt on Monday informing him that he has resigned from the executive council with immediate effect. Heyliger's resignation would not affect the current government because he did not pull his support from the National Alliance/Heyliger and Laveist coalition.

A copy of the letter was provided to SMN News states "I, the undersigned Theodore E. Heyliger hereby tender my resignation as a member of the Executive Council of St Maarten with immediate effect. I am grateful to have been able to serve St Maarten and its people as a member of the executive council of the island territory of St Maarten."

Chairman of the island council Reynold Groeneveldt informed the council of Heyliger's letter on Monday at the end of the island council meeting. The announcement prompted island council member Roy Marlin to ask if Heyliger also pulled his support from government since the political agreement signed on Saturday June 6th 2009 was signed between the National Alliance and Heyliger with Independent member of the island council Louie Laveist giving his support to the National Alliance.

Groeneveldt said Heyliger would remain as a commissioner even though he resigned with immediate effect until a new commissioner is appointed by the executive council.
SMN News learnt that the executive council will be dealing with the resignation of Heyliger and the appointment of a new commissioner in their weekly meeting on Tuesday. SMN News further learnt that one of the two persons that might be appointed as Commissioner is Rudolph Samuel or George Pantophlet.
While Heyliger made clear that he resigned to prepare for the upcoming elections which are slated to take place on September 17th. Heyliger is yet to launch the green party which he said would be called the United People's Party".

Philipsburg:--- The eleven member island council unanimously approved the draft constitution for country St Maarten after an amendment is made to the constitution which is to delete the article roman 7 which deals with the removal of a politician that has been convicted or suspected of a crime.
The council first voted on the amendment which was proposed by the executive council to delete article roman 7. Members of island council began debating the draft constitution from 9am on Wednesday while they voted on the constitution just after 9:30pm.
Members of the Democratic Party faction placed much emphasis on the article which they said was sneaked in by government. Some members even alluded that leader of the National Alliance and government probably made a deal with convicted island councilmember Louie Laveist to have the clause inserted in the draft constitution. Constitutional Affairs commissioner William Marlin disputed the allegation saying that the clause was added based on the advice of the legal experts. Marlin said during one of the adjournments he caucused with the leader of the Democratic Party as well as the advisors who told them that it was necessary for the clause to remain in the draft constitution but the executive council was willing to remove the clause in order to prevent any type of speculation that a deal was made between him and Laveist. It must also be noted that Laveist himself proposed that the clause be removed if any member of the council feels it was added because of him.
Leader of the Democratic Party and former commissioner of constitutional affairs Sarah Wescot Williams said there is no need for this clause because every man, woman and child including politicians are protected under the treaty of the human rights as well as in article 28 of the draft constitution.
Marlin further informed the council and in particular island council lady Maria Buncamper Molanus that it is of uttermost importance that the constitution be voted with a two third majority because it is one of the requirements for them to attend the next RTC meeting to change the Kingdom Charter to dissolve the Netherlands Antilles. Marlin said for St. Maarten to do that they must have a draft constitution in place that was approved by a two third majority of the council. He said that Curacao did not meet this criteria as such they are having early elections which would allow the new council to vote on their constitution prior to the next RTC meeting which is scheduled for September 9th. "If we do not have this in place then the constitutional process would have to come to a halt until after elections on September 17th and this would also leave St. Maarten hanging in space come 10/10/10 since provisions are already in place for the smaller islands to become BES islands and Curacao a country within the Kingdom.

The executive council also agrees to hold a PCCA meeting some two weeks from now which would allow members of the public to give their views on the draft constitution, this was based on a request by the members of the Democratic Party namely Sarah Wescot Williams who said leaving out the people would be an injustice to them. Constitutional Affairs commissioner William Marlin explained to the council that St. Maarten already has two sets of English translations but the draft constitutions has several changes since then and the executive council has decided they would only translate the final draft. He said his council has also decided they would have a number of mini-series explaining each article of the constitution. This he said would be done in layman's term so that everyone would have a fair idea as to what the constitution means for them. As for adding all information and discussions on government website as requested by the leader of the Democratic Party Marlin said the executive council has decided to make one general website for government which would have all the different sections and layers of government. He said when that is done then all discussions and signed agreements will be posted on the website on constitutional matters. This he said will serve for those persons interesting in the proceedings or students who are conducting research.
At the debate on Wednesday President of the St. Maarten Pride Foundation and EPIC foundation showed up with a sign saying the beach is our patrimony and it must be protected in the draft constitution. Marlin said discussions were held with the concerned parties namely Jadira Veen and Ruben Thompson and they were informed that the beaches and the environment is already been regulated in the constitution which states public properties will be regulated via an ordinance. Marlin said the beaches will remain public beaches with accessibility to them.
Other issues raised and what members believe should be added to the constitution is "who is a St. Maartener"? Marlin said while St. Maarten does not have the competency of granting passports he does believe that this issue needs more discussion before it is regulated. He suggested that a committee be put in place where St. Maarteners would debate the issue and advice government how to determine who are St. Maarteners. He said when this discussion is raised it opens up a Pandora box because many persons who are from St. Maarten ancestors were born elsewhere.

Philipsburg: --- A search team comprising of co-workers and family members discovered the body of a 21 year old girl in the Oyster Pond area early Thursday morning. The body was recovered on the French side about 20 meters away from the border and in close proximity of Border Bar. According to information reaching SMN News the body was found in the bushes baring severe marks of violence, it is also believed that the victim was raped before being murdered.

The victim has been identified as Clemencia Josie-Ann Julot, (21) born on July 31 1989 on St. Maarten and she is of Haitian descent. Police spokesman Geronimo Juliet said the victim disappeared early Tuesday morning when she went jogging; she is also an employee of Blue Point Store.
According to information reaching SMN News employees of Blue Point and family members including the deceased father formed a search team to look for the missing girl. The team searched most of Oyster Pond on Wednesday and resumed the search early Thursday morning when the gruesome discovery was made.
In an exclusive interview with SMN News the victim's father and best friend said they are suspicious of someone who was calling the victim threatening to beat and kill her. Clemente Zepher father of the victim said his daughter told him some time ago that a woman called her on several occasions threatening to beat and kill her if she does not leave her man alone. Zepher said his daughter told him that this person was the girlfriend of her teacher at Educa bureau RRR. "My daughter told me the teacher also tried to seduce her but she was not interested in him. The teacher went to her job and told her to choose which laptop she wanted and he will pay for it and my daughter refused it. She was a church going girl who believed in God and did not want anything to do with men who were not part of the church" Zepher said.

Mackson Jean, the victim's best friend said Josie-ann told him on a number of occasions that she is fearful for her life because of the constant phone threats. "Josie-ann told me the person on the phone said they were going to use one of her cousin's to kill her. When that happened Josie-ann filed a complaint with the police on the Dutch side but nothing came out of the matter." Jean said sometimes he was with Josie-ann when this person would call her and each time she would tell him she is scared.

Jean said Josie-ann and her teacher whom he said is from Africa were friends because Josie-ann would translate the teacher's work for him. He said because of the translations and friendship the teacher had Josie-ann's phone number in his phone which his girlfriend found and she (the teacher's girlfriend) believed that the two people were having an affair. The best friend said he knew his friend and she had nothing personal with this African man who called the family on Tuesday night and told them he and his girlfriend has nothing to do with Josie-ann's disappearance. The family said they are becoming more suspicious of the African teacher and his girlfriend because when they first called him he did not answer his regular phone and ever since her disappearance he has been calling them with private phone numbers each time telling them that he does not know what happened to Josi-anne. One of the calls came in while SMN News reporter was at the family's house on Thursday.
Another cousin who also attended Educa Bureau where the teacher was working said she also knew the teacher because he taught both of them. The cousin who preferred to remain anonymous said she told police about these calls and the teacher in question.
The family also believes that the system has failed them because when they went to report Josie-anne's disappearance they were told by the Dutch side police that they have to return in 24-hours since the young lady is not a minor. The family said they also reported the disappearance on the French side and the Gendarmes told them that they would begin looking after 48 hours. "I think if they (police) had started to look before they would have found her alive. When she was found her body looked fresh and blood was seeping out of the wounds. She was found naked and her clothing was next to her. While the killer or killers raped her they also shot her and the bullet shells were recovered on the scene." Said one family member.
The distraught and angry father said his daughter along with two friends normally goes jogging every morning but on Tuesday the two friends were late and his daughter apparently went alone. He said his daughter began exercising some six months ago after a doctor on the French side ordered her to lose weight in order for her take a surgery. The man said his daughter had multiple cists in her abdomen which had to be removed and the doctor placed her on weight loss medication and also instructed her to exercise daily.
Public Prosecutor Rienk Mud in a press release confirmed the gruesome discovery of the young girl's body. Mud said the body was found on the French side of the border and the gendarmes are leading the investigation with the cooperation of the Dutch side. The public prosecutor said police are also looking for witnesses of the gruesome murder and they are urging persons with information to contact the police at 0059954-22222 or 911.
Several efforts made to contact the French prosecutor on Thursday proved futile. SMN News could not reach the commandant of the gendarmerie either for a comment.

Philipsburg:--- Members of the Zero Tolerance Unit hit jackpot on Thursday night when the began their road controls as announced by police spokesman Geronimo Juliet. Juliet said that 11:15pm the team of officers noticed two persons in a grey Toyota Yaris carrying a rental number plate R-288.
Inside the vehicle were two suspects that the French authorities are looking for in connection with the ongoing murder investigation which claimed the life of Chinese cashier at the Popular Supermarket in Concordia.

The alleged suspects are identified as Roy Fabia (14) from St. Maarten and Kevin Gumbs (19) from the French side of the island. The police spokesman said both suspects are wanted for a number of armed robberies which was committed on that side of the island. Currently the authorities are working on extraditing the two suspects to the French side of the island where the killing and robbery took place. Juliet said both persons are alleged suspects in the brutal murder of the Chinese cashier on June 30th 2010.

Juliet said when police stopped the vehicle to conduct the necessary controls the two suspects could not identify themselves, reason why they were arrested and taken to the Philipsburg Police Station. Further investigation he said showed the suspects are wanted for a number of crimes committed on the French side of the island.
In unrelated news the police bicycle patrol arrested a youngster who was caught stealing from a tourist on the boardwalk. Juliet said the youngster in question was trying to get away with a wallet he had stolen from a bag belonging to a tourist. The tourist it is said was swimming at the time when the young thief went into his bag.

GREAT BAY:---The five-day training camp of the United Volleyball Club opens Monday, July 26 and will run until July 31, said veteran volleyball sports organizer Rhoda Arrindell. The UVC camp participants will train at the St. Maarten Academy PSVE campus and will be housed in style at the Oyster Bay Resort. The camp director is Patricio Bridgewater from the Olympic Committee of the Territory of the Netherlands Antilles. Cleophas Arrindell is the UVC trainer and coach. The age range for this year's camp is 13 - 19 for non-members (though there are UVC members up to age 22 in the current youth program). UVC accepts young people from the age of 5 in its Mini-Volleyball Program (MVP), which will be open for registration at the start of the upcoming school year, said Arrindell, organizer of the 2010 camp. For the more immediate time, the campers are already looking forward to the volleyball knockout competition, scheduled for July 29 - 31 at the L.B. Scott Auditorium.

Malou Carty-Vialenc of the St Maarten Inner Wheel Club presented a check of USD $ 1200, - to the Nature Foundation Office Manager Marisa Brandy to assist with the Lionfish Education and Outreach Program. The venomous Lionfish have arrived in St. Maarten Waters and the Nature Foundation will be holding various lectures on the impact the lionfish will have on the island. With the funds donated by the Inner Wheel Club the Foundation will be able to significantly broaden its outreach and information campaign.

GREAT BAY (GIS)—The Census Department, also known as the Department of Civil registry, is asking the public to register all changes of address in a timely manner, in order to beat the late and last minute rush at the Census office in regards to the upcoming election.

If you have moved, you need to change your address or if you need to verify your current address, please pass by the office or call the office for further information, according to the Head of the Census Office, Leona Marlin. Thus the community is asked to come in on a timely manner and provide their correct address, to ensure proper delivery of voting cards.

In this regard, the Post office and the Census Department have been working together in order to be more efficient in delivering the voting cards

According to Ms. Marlin, there is better categorization on how the cards are printed, and in turn, the Post office will able to deliver the voting cards more effectively.

There is a lot of work being done behind the scene in reference to the elections, from preparing the suit cases, to the budget, to the ordering.

At this point in time, there are approximately 19,365 persons registered to vote. The voting registry has not been yet been closed, and there was a backlog for the month of June, waiting for specific registration numbers. So what is being processed are persons with Dutch Nationality, then children, then persons related to the Brooks Tower accord.

After these items are processed in conjunction with the resolution of addresses from the public, and with the pending closing of the registry for the up coming elections, the public is urged to come in early to check on, and or resolve any issues they may have.

This time around as well, Marlin-Romeo said, the period is condensed, so there is much work to be done within a short period of time. Therefore, it is absolutely critical for the community to come in early, and not wait until the last minute.

For further clarifications on the election process, the public can tune in to Channel 15, St. Maarten Cable TV, on Monday July 26th, at 7 pm, where Ms. Marlin will be featured on the Government's Information Bulletin.

Bush Road:--- A building stop that was issued some thirteen days ago to the developers that are constructing behind Discount Furniture was re-enforced on Tuesday. SMN News learnt that the inspector from ROB Henry Ellis issued the stop thirteen days ago when the developer who was busy constructing did not pay for his building permit, neither did he pick it up from the department. Ellis said when the stop was issued the developer made the necessary payments and picked up his permit.
However, some neighbors in the area have been calling section ROB saying that the building is too close to their properties. "We received threats from a number of persons in the community who told us they are going to the media." Ellis said the persons complaining thought that ROB granted the developer a favor since he managed to get in permit days after the stop was issued.
Ellis said when he visited the site he site on Tuesday morning he asked the developer whom he identified as Mufid Mustapha Masood for his building permit as well as the drawing but the developer was unable to provide him with the drawings. Ellis said the developer told him the only reason the building was so close was because the owners of Celebration Palace built their wall on his boundary. Asked what type of building the developer is constructing Ellis said the developer got a permit for a two-floor apartment building.
The ROB inspector said that he did not feel too comfortable with the explanation he was given and as he decided to go back to his office where he pulled up the entire file. "When I looked at the drawing the developer presented to ROB it does not match the size of building currently under construction. So I had to re-enforce the building stop that was issued almost two weeks ago." Ellis said.
The ROB inspector said the developer was not quite happy with the decisions he took and there was some arguments on the scene. The ROB inspector said after a while the developer admitted that he submitted a smaller plan(drawings) to ROB in order to get the permit.

Philipsburg:--- The board members and leader of the United People's Party has to remove their bill board and posters that were placed at several locations on the island. The UP Party placed a poster on a 40-foot container next to Air Lekkerbek on the Pondfill while another one was placed on Sucker Garden road.
The party went as far as placing two flags at the side of the container on Sucker Garden Road. SMN News learnt that the party leader was requested to remove his posters since he is far ahead of postulation day. Normally the Lt. Governor of St. Maarten would announce the dates when political parties are allowed to put their bill board and posters alongside the public road. Postulation day for country election is scheduled to be held on August 18th 2010.
In the meantime, several persons have contacted SMN News stating that the UP Party labeled the "new kid" is looking for political mileage or free media coverage by placing the posters up so early. "Theo is not a new comer, neither is Frankie Meyers and for them to pull such a stunt is because they want to be in the newspaper for free." Said one angry politician.

Philipsburg:--- Education commissioner William Marlin in reaction to statements made by island council member Roy Marlin about his daughter being victimized with her request for study financing said the councilmember daughter's request was never denied.
Marlin said it is unfortunate that the councilman would drag his daughter into his personal political campaign, hoping to get mileage out of his ranting and raging under the disguise of a concern parent.
The education commissioner explained that the young lady in question was granted study financing at the University of St. Maarten but she appealed. He said when students applied for study financing they have two choices and in the case of the councilman daughter she was granted her second choice but she appealed the decision. He said the appeals committee had some nine (9) files to deal with but three of them were not ready when his office received the advice on Monday.

Marlin said he enquired about the missing files and found out it was delayed due to administrative mishaps.
Marlin said on Tuesday when he got the complete batch of files they were all signed off and the education department was given immediate notification.
Marlin said when dealing with these files he does not look at the names of the applicants. The commissioner said he is of the opinion that when one applies for study financing they expect to get it and he is not in the business of victimizing anyone. Marlin further explained that if there is anyone who could speak of victimization was his son who applied to government for a job when he returned to the island with his degree. Marlin said when his son applied for a job and he waited over a year before turning to the private sector for work.
Marlin said government has on a daily basis deadlines to meet despite they are called to unnecessary island council meetings. Marlin gave an example of the meeting that was called by the opposition to discuss the letter sent by the finance commissioner to the finance minister. He said when things like this happen the commissioners neither the support staff is not able to do their work efficiently and the work is piled up causing delays.
Marlin said the Democratic Party has embarked on what he describes as the "stall tactics" by calling these meetings. Marlin said when the Democratic Party calls these meeting and holds their press conferences for popularity one would think they are doing their work. He said however, had they done their work while in the executive branch St. Maarten would not be at the eleventh hour rushing through the constitution and the more than 30 organic laws which still has to come to the island council. Marlin said these things could have been done before while they the Democratic Party were in government.

GREAT BAY:--- Executive Director of the Tallahassee-Sint Maarten Foundation (TLH-SXMF) Arthur (Arturo) Lugisse is encouraging businesses and educational institutions to make use of the offer of King Arthur's Tools.

King Arthur's Tools is not new to Sint Maarten. In 2009, representatives of the company met with business and educational leaders with reference to the available opportunities for the island.

The company offers a unique range of carving and finishing tools and is actively committed to developing innovative products.

King Arthur's Tools has established and developed diverse proven markets that include: professional and amateur word workers, wood carvers, and sculptors, wood turners, builders and electricians, flooring and general construction, home and boat re-modellers, and musical instrument makers.

Lugisse says the island could become a distribution point for tools and products made on the island – "Made in Sint Maarten".

"I foresee a multiple number of opportunities for the island. The company has been experiencing an increase in their market share globally. Considerable investments have been made in the Tallahassee and the company is now looking at Sint Maarten based on the sister-city agreement that exist between the city of Tallahassee and Sint Maarten.

"Besides Sint Maarten businesses acting as a dealers for the tools that this company sells, our own carpenters can consider pursuing the avenue of making handmade wood work tourist souvenirs 'Made in Sint Maarten' to sell to tourists and even for export. The potential is there, but we need the entrepreneurship spirit to get it moving.

"King Arthur's Tools also donated tools and materials for two schools to re-institute their wood working programs for students. Here again is another opportunity where students can make souvenir items and other furniture and sell it besides gaining the technical experience," Executive Director of the TLH-SXMF Arthur Lugisse told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Thursday.

Businesses and educational institutions seeking to explore and develop programs/projects/policies/products/services in conjunction with entities out of Tallahassee for Sint Maarten can contact the TLH-SXMF at 850 212 2914 or via its website www.tlh-sxmf.org

The SHTA applauds the Chamber's initiative of developing a Camera surveillance system as a tool to curb crime in high traffic areas on the island. The SHTA not only feels that it could be an effective tool in catching criminals, but also in monitoring the response time of the police force. However, while this is a step in the right direction, the SHTA believes that it is but a small part of the total solution. Therefore the SHTA is re-releasing its Safety & Security White Paper, a document developed with the assistance of the community, as part of the SHTA's Vision for St. Maarten, in 2007. Although 3 years have passed, the SHTA feels that the solutions provided in this document are still very much relevant to the current situation.
The SHTA's Safety & Security White Paper can be downloaded from the SHTA's trade website: www.shta.com

Marigot:--- The gendarmes have embarked on using more technology when conducting road controls and press release stated. Metal detectors they said were used along with the search dogs on Tuesday as they try to break the trend of violent crimes. The aim is to deflate the amount of armed robberies the gendarmerie stated. A control unit was at the Round About by the Office du Tourisme on Tuesday using the detectors to find weapons. Some 15 gendarmes carried out the searches. They said while they are working on creating a climate of insecurity for would be criminals it is necessary for the community to provide the necessary information on these criminals.

Philipsburg:--On Saturday July 10 th 2010 approximately 10.45 pm, police officers under command of an acting prosecutor, raided a house in Brills drive in Middle Region and confiscated a suitcase containing marijuana substance. Six persons were arrested and taken to the police station and incarcerated.
They were identified as: E.W of Sint Maarten, 34 years of age, V.C of Jamaica , 52 years of age, L.C of Sint Maarten, 34 years of age, R.I of Sint Maarten, 34 years of age M.C of Jamaica 55 years of age and C.B of Dominica 19 years of age. The weight of the confiscated drug is 10,5 kg. This information was not released earlier because of the investigation which was taking place.
A patrol unit of the Zero Tolerance arrested on Tuesday July 13th 2010 , around 8.20 pm, two men when they were cutting and sorting out marijuana in a car carrying a Taxi number plate. This took place on the Clamond Cherry road in Cole bay near the round about. The patrol unit caught the suspect by surprise. Four plastic bags containing marijuana about 100 small plastic bags and a small scale were confiscated. The suspects by initials D.N, born on the island of Sint Maarten, 19 years of age and G.R also born on Sint Maarten, 35 years of age were arrested and are in police custody. The weight of the drug confiscated is about 365 grams. The Taxi was not confiscated because it doesn't belong to the suspects, but is a vehicle which broke down and was parked on the side of the road on mentioned street.

Philipsburg:---The St. Maarten Study Finance Students, their Parents and Country St. Maarten have reasons to be proud of their students huge accomplishments during the E.P.I. College Graduation Nights July 4 & 5, 2010. YES, the Study Finance STUDENTS TOOK IT ALL!

Academic Year 2009/2010 - Technical & Science Section:

MAYNARD, Bako Ato – Grandson of the late Rupert MAYNARD
1. Student of the Year for the Entire Technical & Science Section:
2. Outstanding Accomplishment: Architectural & Construction 2006/2010
3. Highest ranking student : Architectural class of 2010

JANSEN, Edel
1. Outstanding Accomplishments: Electrical engineering 2006/2010
2. Highest ranking student : Electrical engineering class of 2010

Monday July 5th. 2010
Academic Year 2009/2010 – Culinary Arts/ Hospitality & Tourism Management

WHITTER, Maybeline A.
1. Outstanding Accomplishments: Culinary Arts
2. Highest ranking student Award Friendliness class of 2010

Parents, relatives and friends came from St. Maarten to celebrate this wonderful graduation night.

EPI Hospitality & Tourism Unit, is a fully government-accredited institution of higher learning, granting an Associate of Science degree in Hospitality Management and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts.

Those students who want to further pursue a Bachelor's Degree, should have no trouble getting into U.S. schools, such as the Florida International University in Miami, University of Nevada in Las Vegas, University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida Institute of Technology, Webber International University, New York Institute of Technology, Cornell University, University of New Orleans, Northern Arizona University, Hotel Management School Leeuwarden in the Netherlands, or the University Of Aruba, and many others. In almost all cases, as many as 68 credits are accepted for transfer, placing the student in the junior year towards graduation with the Bachelor's Degree. EPI Hospitality & Tourism has established a working relationship with several of the previously mentioned schools.
Formal matriculation agreements for transfer exists with: Florida International University in Miami, University of Northern Arizona, University of Nevada in Las Vegas, University of Central Florida in Orlando, Hotel Management School Leeuwarden in the Netherlands, and with the Universidad di Aruba.
EPI Hospitality & Tourism is not a vocational school, nor an upper level high school; it is a full fledged two to three year of college education comparable to the first two years of U.S. colleges.

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, July 12th 2010 – Before the 45th Annual Convention of the St.Kitts-Nevis Opposition party the People's Action Movement on July 4, 2010, Political Leader, Mr. Lindsay Grant, warned about the Labour Government's attempts to trample the constitutional right to free and fair elections.

Mr. Grant recounted, "This is why success came when we challenged the illegal attempt by Denzil Douglas to change the boundaries last year. There is no politics to play when our basic rights are under threat."

Specific attention was called to the continued fight against the Labour Party's unfair, illegal and dishonest tactics, perpetrated by a concocted Electoral Reform Process.

Mr. Grant offered the success of Hon. Eugene Hamilton, who last week got the High Court to remove the names of Helena Mulrain of St. Pauls, Tracey Mason of Parsons and Donna Henderson of Parsons , from the Constituency #8 voter list, after the Registration Officer refused PAM's objections to the same.

The PAM Leader informed, "Since the January 2010 General Elections, I have objected to over 100 names on my list, who voted in the last election but who have never ever resided in Constituency #4."

Grant concluded, "We rely on such principles of free and fair elections as we take the Election Petition to Court, on the 21st July 2010, after which the People's Action
Movement will rightfully be seated in Constituency #4, where your Political
Leader will become the Member of Parliament."

On Wednesday 7th July 2010, the People's Action Movement filed
appeals in the High Court, to have over 100 names struck from the
Constituency #4 voter list.

Philipsburg:--- The executive council has taken a decision to increase the prices of unleaded gasoline and gasoil as of Sunday July 18 2010.
In a press release the council states that due to the increase in oil prices the price of unleaded gasoline will be increased to Naf. 196.00 per liter while the price for gasoil would be Naf. 164.00 per litre. The new prices will take effect as of Sunday while there is a slight decrease for diesel.

Philipsburg:--- Commissioner and deputy leader of government Theo Heyliger would be leaving the current coalition sometime this week. Some said Heyliger is expected to leave as early as Monday. However, this is the third time the commissioner has made people to believe he is ready to leave the current coalition and to launch the green party. While in the past he said he was not happy with how the coalition was working Heyliger never made the move neither did he give any official notification.
Late Sunday afternoon Heyliger posted a comment on his Facebook page confirming that was tendering his resignation on July 19th 2010. His post reads as follows "On July 19th I will be officially tendering my resignation as commissioner to the executive council of St. Maarten. I would like to THANK the entire population of St. Maarten for allowing me to have served from July 2nd 1999 to July 19th 2010. It has been an honor serving you."
SMN News also received confirmation from Leader of Government and the National Alliance William Marlin who said that Heyliger informed him that he was tendering his resignation from the executive council in order to prepare for the upcoming elections. Heyliger also thanked the National Alliance and their team for giving him the ability to have served.
Heyliger cleaned out his office on the weekend of May 24th out and promised the Lt. Governor that he would have submitted a letter to him explaining when he was leaving. Heyliger then had his staff say he was re-carpeting and remodeling his office while he refused to comment on the issue with SMN News. SMN News learnt then that Heyliger did not make his move because Island Council member and former member of the Democratic Party Louis Laveist had refused to go along with his plans. At that time SMN News learnt that Heyliger wanted to throw down the government because he was at loggerheads with the members of the National Alliance.
SMN News learnt that Heyliger indicated to his staff last week that he is leaving with or without Laveist since he has to start his campaign especially now that the date for country election is set for September 17th while nomination day is set for August 18th.
One source said that Heyliger gave his staff timely notification because most of them are political appointees and not government civil servants. SMN News further learnt that the commissioner would hire his staff that works in his office to begin his campaign at his new building in Pointe Blanche.
Efforts made to get an official confirmation from the commissioner proved futile up to press time.
Theo Heyliger submitted his resignation formally to the current government this morning.

Cape Bay:---On Saturday July 17th, 2010 at 2pm St. Maarten Pride Foundation received a call from its partner organization Nature Foundation informing the Foundation that an Oil Spill had taken place in the Cay Bay/Cole Bay area.

Upon the Foundations' arrival in Cay Bay the Foundations realized that SOL's Oil Storage facility was the source of the spill. SOL's manager Mr. David Antrobus and a staff member were observed making an effort to clean-up the beach and to prevent additional oil from entering the Bay. Based on information received from vessels in the area, concerned Cay Bay residents and an inspection of the Beach it was determined that a significant Oil Spill had taken place sometime during the course of Saturday morning.

Late last month Pride Foundation met with the Fire Department, SOL Antilles, GEBE, the SHTA, Nature Foundation, EPIC and others to discuss Oil-spill response. During the meeting it was agreed upon that those present would seek to work together to prevent oil spills and to mitigate the effects of any spills that may still take place, St. Maarten Pride Foundation is therefore very much disappointed that SOL's management did not contact the Foundations to inform them of-, and request assistance with clean-up efforts this past Saturday.

The constant Oil Spills at GEBE's power plant and SOL's facilities in Cay Bay and the Simpson Bay Lagoon point towards serious infrastructural and organizational problems at both companies. Pride Foundation has repeatedly urged St. Maarten's major Oil stakeholders to invest in Oil Spill Response material and training for their staff. The necessity of this training on St. Maarten was made appallingly evident some two weeks ago after a large oil spill at GEBE's power plant in Cay Bay when workers wearing no protective gear of any sort entered the oil filled waters, in attempts to clean the oil, and were subsequently covered in it from head to toe.

Government's and in particular the Commissioner in charge of Environmental affairs' apparent indifference and failure to publicly address these matters is allowing the spills to continue.

The Foundation once again urges government to inspect GEBE's and SOL's facilities, to require these and similar companies to provide relevant training to their staff and to have sufficient Oil Spill Response material available.

The Foundation also encourages the aforementioned companies to take their corporate responsibilities seriously. Pride Foundation will continue to monitor the situation.

Nature Foundation responds to yet another oil spill, videos posted on YouTube.

The Nature Foundation received a call from a concerned resident in Pelican regarding another oil spill coming from the Cay Bay area. Contact was immediately made with the Coastguard and other law enforcement authorities regarding the spill and Nature Foundation Staff responded to the site. EPIC and St. Maarten Pride Foundations were also informed of the spill. It was determined that the spill originated at SOL Antilles.

Site inspections concluded that due to the heavy rain this weekend and poorly maintained oil containment facilities SOL Antilles experienced an overflow of oil and a significant amount leaked into the ocean. During patrols using the Nature Foundation vessel Yellowtail an oil slick of approximately 1.5 kilometres was found. Prevailing wind conditions prevented the oil from drifting onshore and damaging Nature Foundation Installations, which were already damaged by the GEBE oil spill on July 3rd. SOL Antilles staff were busy cleaning up the spill late into Saturday.

The resident who contacted the Nature Foundation concerning the oil spill has posted video of the event on YouTube. The videos can be seen by clicking http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMTziY307XA&NR=1. If the public notices any additional oil spills or any unusual events related to the environment contact the Nature Foundation at 5444268 or on 5270490.

Philipsburg:--- Island councilmember and former commissioner of labour Louie Laveist said no one is going to use him as the scapegoat to vote against the constitution that was debated on Wednesday. "I also want to know who told the members of the Democratic Party they can intimidate me" Laveist said when he listened to the presentations delivered by members of the Democratic Party it was clear that they are alluding that he and the leader of government are in cahoots regarding a clause that was added to the constitution.
Laviest was referring to the clause regarding article 36 of the constitution that deals with how a politician or elected person could be removed from office if he is convicted or suspected of a crime. Louie Laveist was charged and convicted on five counts last year, he appealed the verdict and was partly vindicated by the appeals court. Hoping to fully clear his name the island councilman appealed the verdict in the supreme court. The arrest and prosecution of Laveist led him to break away from the Democratic Party, this is the main reason why Democratic Party is opposition. Directing some of his comments to the members of the DP Laveist said he has been through a lot since elected and simple attacks or ridicule does not make him fearful.
He said if the Democratic Party wants they can have the clause removed since he does not need it to protect him. "Let me state for the record state if they are going to vote against the constitution because of me and that line then take it out. I have enough jurisprudence to protect me within the justice system."
Laveist also called on members of the Democratic Party to show him any constitution that were voted retroactively in the world. He asked the DP members if someone was convicted for murder and should this constitution say there is going to be capital punishment if the prisoner serving his sentence is subjected to the new law?
Laveist said the display from the Democratic Party was pitiful and they should stop the whining or rhetoric. "You all created a storm in a teaspoon and not teapot. I also want to know when this constitution is passed if you all are going to pull away one of the two seats held by some members of the council."
Laveist also commended the leader of the Democratic Party for her dedication towards confusing people if she is not able to convince them. "He called on the DP members to make sure when they choose a tree to climb to make sure it is not a prickle tree.
Island council members Rudolphe Samuel and Leroy De Weever called on members of the council mainly leader of Government William Marlin and leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams to be more mature during the second round and explain the constitution. Samuel said the two leaders were in all the meetings for the past ten years and they are privy to all information. " I was not in all the meetings." This document is no one person document and no one should take credit for it. "I believe you Mrs. Wescot Williams was the commissioner of constitutional affairs for nine years and you should be out there nine times more than William explaining the people what this document would mean for them." Councilman De Weever said government should have printed thousands of copies of the document to make sure every man, woman and child gets a copy of the laws that would dictate their lives. He said there are articles that deal with the abuse of animals and he believes the people should be told what are the consequences of cockfights. "I was told these laws were made from those of Holland I also want to know if the Dutch would go over to Spain and lock up the people who engage in bull fights.

UTS Donated $5000 to the Saba Cultural Foundation to go towards the expenses of organizing the Carnival festivities in Saba. The foundation is charged with the organization of Saba's 35th Carnival Celebrations this year and was in dire need of financial support to make the planned festivities happen. Foundation representative Ms. Juliette Woods expressed the foundations thanks for UTS's continued support of the festivities over the years. 'Many people underestimate the amount of work and expense involved in organizing carnival and we are happy that UTS has offered it support over the years to make our yearly celebration happen' says Ms. Woods. UTS Marketing and Communications Officer, Ms. Ivy Lambert states: 'In choosing to support the Cultural Foundation we hope that those participating in Carnival and those enjoying the festivities will be able to benefit from our contribution. We as a company are fortunate enough to be part of the Saba business community and we hope that our contribution will help in making the yearly festivities an enjoyable and memorable event for all involved. Especially since this really is a milestone year.'

Philipsburg:--- On Monday July 12 several young police and immigration officers who joined the force about 2 years ago and passed their exams as constable or immigration officer successfully, received their diplomas during a small ceremony which took place at the police station in Philipsburg.
Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de WITTE congratulated the officers and encouraged them to do their utmost best now and in the future that lies ahead. De Witte further told the officers that he is proud on them for their accomplishments.
Some inspectors of police also received their certificates for having successfully completed the course of "competence management".
Drs FALBRU head of the Police academy on Curacao was also at the ceremony.

The venomous Pacific Ocean Lionfish has arrived in St. Maarten waters. The Nature Foundation was contacted by a local dive operator reporting a sighting of a two-inch long lionfish on a local dive site The Lionfish is a poisonous fish species which was introduced into the Caribbean and tropical Western Atlantic from the Pacific Ocean in the Early 1990's. The Lionfish has venomous spines all over its body which can cause extremely painful and occasionally fatal stings in its victim. Staff from the Nature Foundation immediately responded to the reported sighting but due to the inclement weather and despite multiple attempts they were not able to capture it. "We were unable to capture the specimen over the last few days because of the squally weather. As soon as the weather clears we will be able to once again attempt to capture the specimen. Lionfish tend to stay in one location for the majority of their lives so we will likely be able to capture it soon," commented Tadzio Bervoets, manager at the Nature Foundation.

Lionfish were first introduced after an aquarium tank carrying three of the fish was destroyed in Ft. Lauderdale during hurricane Andrew in 1992. Since then the venomous fish has steadily been invading numerous coastal waters throughout the Bahamas, the United States and the Caribbean. In addition to Lionfish posing a threat to public health they are voracious predators and will eat up to 10% of their body weight. "The problem for fisheries is that our local fish species do not see it as a predator and so they don't know to avoid it. There have been areas in the Bahamas where fishing had to stop because there were no more local fish or lobster being caught in fish and lobsterpots, only poisonous lionfish. That is why it is very important that we have a management structure in place to deal with the invasion," commented Bervoets.

The Nature Foundation has a St. Maarten Lionfish Response Plan in place since before the first specimen was observed in anticipation of the fish reaching local waters. The Foundation stated that it will be doing everything it can to control and manage the infestation but that initial control will be challenging because the Marine Park Ordinance is not yet in place which would have given the Foundation greater resources and legal backing to deal with the invasion.

If a lionfish is observed the Nature Foundation should be contacted immediately at 5444267, 5270490 or 5805703 with information on the location, time of day, and activity. If someone happens to be stung by lionfish medical attention should be sought immediately and hot water be applied to the wound which will help neutralize the venom. The Nature Foundation will be organizing information sessions for the general public concerning the invasion.

GREAT BAY (GIS)—The annual school bus inspection will begin on July 26 and run through July 28th. The inspection period went well last year; bus owners and drivers were very cooperative. The same is asked from them this year in trying to inspect the school busses that transport school children on behalf of the Island Government.

It is essential that the busses are in good operational condition. Therefore, all school bus owners are required to have their buses inspected during these days. Bus drivers and/or owners have to have their busses up to standard according to the Traffic Ordinance.

Currently there are according to the records approximately 64 busses. The school bus transportation consists of operators using T, G, P, M, and BUS license plates.

The time of the inspection is from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon and from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. The location of bus inspection will be in the parking lot at the Jose Lake, Jr. Ballpark.

Drivers and owners are asked to be on time, have all the documents in order, and bring all the busses under one owner at once to improve the efficiency of the bus inspection period.

Please contact the Control, Inspection, and Security (CIS) Department to schedule your inspection appointment as soon as possible.

CIS is also advising all bus owners and drivers who failed to show up for the annual school bus Inspection that they will not be compensated nor be allowed to transport school children on behalf of Government.