Articles

There appears to be a growing consensus in the international community that the worst of the crisis is over and recovery in some economies is underway.

The current crisis according to global economist was long overdue and was a necessary correction to the global economy. At the end of 2008, when the crisis was still unfolding, there was concern that governments were not investing enough. Today, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other international financial institutions have started calling for governments to consider an exit strategy.

Some Governments from the very beginning when they introduced unprecedented amounts of stimulus in special relief packages and programs 18-months ago to assist businesses and consumers to deal with an unprecedented crisis, they clearly stated at the onset that the relief would only be for a specific period of time, such as a year. Businesses and consumers knew that it was only for a certain period of time.

As governments make adjustments, the tourism and travel trade is also adjusting to the demands of consumers in order to get the business. Thomson and First Choice opinion poll in the United Kingdom (U.K.) carried out an independent online survey that was completed by about 1000 people regarding their travel plans for 2010.

Eighty per cent expect to take a 2010 break despite the current economic climate, and similar numbers also revealed that the recession in the U.K. will not lead them to change their holiday plans. About half of the respondents plan to spend the same amount of time on vacation as this year and almost a quarter aims to spend more. Many hotels have changed their products to satisfy consumer demand for 2010. U.K. travellers have indicated that they are interested in packaged holidays and all-inclusive holidays.

A leading U.K. operator Hoseasons,’ reports that bookings through agents were up by 25 per cent this year, with bookings overall rising by 30 per cent. For 2010, overall bookings were up by 70 per cent.

U.K. Sunvil Holidays director admitted to be petrified at the start of 2009 as bookings slumped by a quarter over the same period in 2008, but said business had since recovered to now be almost level.

TUI distribution director reportedly stated that sales for summer 2010 had started off strongly, leading him to be optimistic for next year, adding that people who stayed at home in 2009 will go abroad in 2010.

Another interesting thing to note is that U.K. travellers are not too concerned about pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) flu also referred too at times as swine flu, with six out of 10 expecting their holiday plans to be unchanged next year in the event of a change in the pandemic.

Overall, signs of optimism are returning to the U.K. travel industry which saw the number of visits to the island fall by nine per cent in the last 12 months compared with a year earlier. Visits from residents of Europe dropped six per cent while visits from North America fell by 21 per cent. The number of overseas visits by U.K. residents fell by 12 per cent in the 12-months to July compared to the previous year. As noted before, there are signs in travel to the U.K., where a slight improvement was recorded from May to July 2009 of two per cent when compared with the previous three months.

A poll of almost 300 leisure and business agents plus business partners shows that more than half (55 per cent) are quite optimistic for the future, with eight per cent saying they are very optimistic. Travellers are shopping around for the best packages and consumers are booking later and are demanding more price matching.

Holidays outside the Eurozone have increased in popularity and more people are booking online.

Travel trends in North/Latin American and European markets are very important for Caribbean destinations as it reveals what we can expect for 2010 as well. This type of information is very important for destination-marketing planning and with the worst of the crisis over; we would do well to research and spend our scarce resources wisely while getting the biggest bang out of it.

 

Roddy Heyliger

 

 

 

Philipsburg. On Tuesday afternoon, September 15, 2009 a very interesting power-point-presentation was made on a proposed Joint public private partnership between the Island Government, the Collectivity and the grass root nation building movement, the SNBF/Association L’Esprit de Concordia.

Due to the fact that a number of officials were off-island and otherwise unable to attend, the organizers are now preparing to make a joint presentation to representatives of the Island Government and the Collectivity.

Efforts are therefore now being made to come to a consensus on a date and location for this event.

It is very clear to those who attended the event, that those in Government would do very wisely to welcome this attempt by a grass root St. Martin movement, to contribute to a situation, in which St. Martiners once more feel at ease in their own home-land.

In addition, this very unique initiative can allow them to contribute enormously to effectively dealing with many issues which affect the entire island, and which can not be tackled effectively by only the Collectivity of Saint Martin or by the Island Government of St. Maarten.

Fighting crime is one such issue that knows no border.

Given the serious socio-economic crisis the entire island finds itself in and particularly considering the escalating juvenile delinquency, refusing to accept this partnership by the authorities would send a totally wrong message to the youth.

In addition, such refusal might very well fact be interpreted by the population and young people in particular as proof of government not being interested at all in preventing social confrontations.

Needless to state that this negative signal, especial on the eve of St. Martin Day, November 11, 2009 could only aggravate an already crisis, even some in law-enforcement admit now already is beyond their control.

The public will be kept updated on the response by the authorities to meet and come to a an understanding of how to establish this vital form of partnership, which can signal a sign of hope under the current tense social situation on the island.

Transcript of the presentation can be heard on www.stmartinnation.org. Download media September 15, 2009.

--

Leopold James

President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia

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DEAR EDITOR,

In just three days volunteers from across the globe representing all walks of life will participate in the Ocean Conservancy's 24th. annual International Coastal Cleanup in improving the health of the ocean.

Here on St. Maarten we will be joining over 90 countries around the world on the same day Saturday September 19 to clean our beaches and waterways, and to document the trash collected on special data cards.

Last year over 826, volunteers came out and gave a helping hand to the environment, with 640 of those volunteers showing up at the Mullet Bay Beach alone.

Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation is once again inviting all social groups and school students to come out this coming Saturday to the Mullet Bay Beach from 7am-10am.

The foundation will have trash bags, gloves, rakes and the data cards ready for all those participating.

This year we have added a second location for our volunteers, and that is Mullet Pond. The foundation is asking only adult volunteers to come out to the Mullet Pond area as the area is covered in much fallen trees and bush. Some kayaking will take place in this location to remove trash from the mangrove trees, which are home to many birds and juvenile fish.

Volunteers who are experienced and certified divers can participate in the under water diving cleanup, under water diving cleanup is being supervised by the Ocean Explorers dive center located on Kim Sha Beach. Volunteers must sign up in advance for the diving program, as space is limited on the boat.

Snorkelers can also take part with Mr. Brooks who will be guiding snorkelers around the Mullet Bay water shoreline, removing trash from the water.

We are all connected to the ocean. The amount of trash afloat in the sea, littering beaches, and piling up on the ocean sea floor affects the health of Earth's life support system, the ocean, and all the living things in it. Marine debris or marine trash is a threat to our food supply, to tourism and economic activity, as well as wildlife and ecosystems.

We as a people, as a community, must do all within our powers to help bring across awareness and start by being an example ourselves.

We are here on this planet for only a very short time, in this time we have a duty and moral obligation as well as a responsibility to act and behave in the interest of keeping our planet Earth safe and livable for our future generations.

Cake House Bakery and Supermarket has stopped giving out plastic bags to their customers. I hereby applaud the Cake House management for their decision and by doing so; they are an excellent example of a local company working in the interest of the environment.

Last year volunteers collected 2,703 plastic bags from Sint Maarten beaches. This figure tells us a story and that is we have too many flimsy plastic bags given out randomly at our grocery stores. These flimsy plastic sacks end up in our trenches, our ponds, lagoons and our ocean-eventually killing sea turtles, dolphins, sea birds and many of our marine wild life.

As consumers and shoppers, we should be thinking and acting responsibly by taking our own canvas or reusable bag or box to the grocery stores.

Businesses should also take their responsibility to the environment at heart and follow in the footsteps, of the Cake House Bakery and Supermarket.

This coming Saturday, everyone has an opportunity to come out and give a helping hand to the environment. Remember, Trash does not fall from the sky, it falls from humans hands. In addition, human hands have the power to stop it.

 

Jadira Veen

Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation

local coordinator for the International Coastal Cleanup

 

 

As the ‘magical’ date of ‘10.10.10’ approaches for ‘Country St. Maarten’ to replace the Netherlands-Antilles, so too are the risks of a ‘still born country’ being delivered.

So, while Leader of Government is trying to sound as optimistic and confident as he possibly can, the more publicly many in the Dutch Parliament are expressing doubts that the ‘Friendly island’ would be ‘ready’ on the same date many of our 'pregnant' politicians expect to ‘deliver’ this constitutional 'child'.

While we have in the past on many occasions emphasized that a constitutional ‘Plan B’ should never be taken 'off the table', at present its probability is ominously looming larger and larger…...

Not withstanding those who are ‘screaming’ that achieving ‘Country status’ was the ‘wish’ of the people (many ‘moons’ ago by the way) and that the island has an in-alienable right to self-determination, such only makes sense if the choice of the people is to completely ‘exit’ the Dutch Kingdom, and become politically independent.

Obviously, that is why ‘Mr. Independista’, Joseph LAKE once more is doing his ‘political rounds’ at the various ‘talk-shows’.

As an astute political 'predator ’, he simply ‘smells blood’ of a very ‘ailing’ constitutional ‘prey’.

Reason being, that as long as the island remains part of the Dutch Kingdom, Mr. William MARLIN and all other politicians can 'scream' until they lose their voices, reality and not any so called ‘equality’ within the Kingdom dictates that ‘partner’ The Netherlands will always have the final say.

Therefore, the constitutional train is approaching a 'cross-roads’ or even a 'mine-field', and must now proceed with utmost caution.

So, what are the realistic interim options ?

Not too many prbably.

Here is one.

What about completely canceling the entire process of status change and allow for the islands to once more consider restructuring of the Antilles in a way that allows for the maximum local autonomy for each island while maintaining the federation for collective responsibilities ?

Many POLITICIANS might for their own good reasons ‘dread’ this interim-solution, but then consider another form of ‘Plan B’.

St. Maarten is placed under a BESS-structure thereby joining the other islands already slated for such destiny.

Or, St. Maarten might be placed under a special kind of Higher Supervision from The Hague.

Whether or not our politicians might ‘sputter and kick’ against the very notion of a ‘Plan B’, the wise thing to do might well be to hope, and even pray for the best, but nonetheless prepare for the worst case scenario.

Reality teaches that ‘hoping and wishing’ alone might come up very short of what will actually happens.

Our advice to the powers that be ?

Not that they will listen, they have never done that before.

Will give it anyhow.

Prepare your own ‘Plan B’, because believe it or not, the Dutch HAVE their Plans B's, C's, D's until the X's and more ready ‘to go’.

Involving your ‘own people’ in the process, might not be a very bad idea.

After all, it might be better to have them on your side, than allowing for them to freely operate as being an 'unofficial' and 'defacto' partner in constitutional matters with ‘others’ across the Atlantic.

Certainly time is not on your side.

--

Leopold James

President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia

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Placing BIJNSDORP'S 'bravery' in realistic perspective.

Dear Mr. CHARLES,

Respectfully, I hereby respond to your letter to the editor entitled, 'Names of letters writers must be included', in the Daily Herald of Saturday, August, 22, 2009.

First of all, I could not agree more with your general reasoning in that particular article and I commend you highly for doing such under your own name.

For your information, I too have publicly expressed, on many occasions my objections to letters by anonymous writers which criticize and condemn others.

In the event you did not know already, few persons have been attacked as often and as mean like I have, by writers whose identity have been conveniently protected by the editors of the local news-papers.

Nevertheless, I have continued expressing myself, in the process very clearly identifying myself, while on many occasions my letters were never published in which I tried to defend myself.

Talking about freedom of expression and democracy for all !

Nevertheless, Mr. CHARLES, while I agree with you and oftentimes can not stand the use of 'obscurity' and 'anonymity' as a 'shield' for certain people to express themselves, I also understand WHY that is the 'modus operandi' at times for certain people.

Therefore, where I disagree with you is on the 'praise' you bestow upon Mr. BIJNSDORP for his 'bravery' in identifying himself when writing his articles.

With all due respect to you and to Mr. BIJNSDORP, I fail to see where he deserves any policy to be named in his honor for this 'bravery'.

Gimme a break, please !

Quite to the contrary.

My position is based on your lack of 'enabling perspective' in concluding the man being 'brave'.

It is well known, that history has created some very 'uneven' and 'unequal' life-determining circumstances for people.

These differences can explain to a great extent a person's and/or a people's behavior and culture.

Whether one wants to acknowledge it or not, it is an undeniably fact that there are very understandable reasons for many of our local St. Martin people, not always identifying themselves when criticizing politicians and others.

The psychological trauma of slavery passed down through many generations is a very potent one for instance.

Being too 'conscious' or too 'brave' then and still in our 'modern times', can carry very 'unattractive' consequences and 'penalties' for an individual, and at times for entire families.

Since too many local St. Martin people have become victim of political victimization, for many therefore, there is not exactly much incentive for being 'brave'.

Now, take your 'brave' Mr. BIJNSDORP now.

He comes from a society of former colonial masters, with a very strong sense 'superiority' versus other cultures and a history of total domination over large portions of the world.( 'We benne klein, maar dapper' )

Just check out the Dutch literature and study the effect of the deeply rooted 'Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet culture'.

In addition, in the Dutch culture being outspoken, knowing one's own rights and freedom has always been encouraged and rewarded as opposed to being persecuted.

Expressing one's self freely, with no limits in a satirical manner, has resulted in a long tradition of well-respected and highly paid 'conferenciers' in the Netherlands.

Therefore, in that larger perspective, there is absolutely no courage necessary for this type of self-expression; niks, nada, niente, zilch.....

Besides, I daresay, that Mr. BIJNSORP, like many of his compatriots full well know that many of us Black people still are troubled with the 'lingering remnants' of feeling inferior to 'White'Man'.

Consequently, many Caucasians make very effective use of that psychological 'edge', even if they are in a predominantly Black environment.

As a matter of fact, some behave like 'Kings in blind man's land' in certain countries, with the exception of course with showing such 'bravery' in so-called fundamental Muslim countries !

So, as long Mr. BIJNSDORP chooses the 'Friendly island' over countries like Yemen, North-Korea etc. to identify himself while criticizing the country's social- and political leaders, his 'bravery' might be nothing more, nothing less than pure opportunism.

In ending, I hope to have brought some 'perspective' and balance in the exercise of 'praising one to the skies', while 'criticizing the other to the ground'.

In my opinion, it would be much more constructive for the media to encourage critical, but rational and intellectual debates about the root-causes of the issues affecting our society and ways to resolve them.

Hopefully this letter could be a very modest beginning.

However, I will patiently await whether or not this letter will 'qualify' and pass the high bar set by the Daily Herald in order to be published.

My website (www.stmartinnation.org) will for sure though,

Leopold JAMES

As always, a proud, conscious native-indigenous St. Martiner, with out any apologies.

 

 

It is with great frustration and disappointment that I read the article published on the front page in your Saturday paper entitled « Man gunned down in Marigot”.

I could understand fully that your main objective as a media is to sell papers but it is also the duty of any professional and ethical news media to collect the proper and correct information knowing that when the news hit the public , it is somewhat impossible to turn around the false information that has time to spread over the island and most of all on the Internet!

Journalism must be about sensational breaking news , yes, but you should check your sources and not publish what this one or that one said ! How can a newspaper like the Daily Herald depend on another French newspaper, Le Pélican, to get information!

This young man has a mother and her father , they are hurting to see what was published about their loving son! At no time was he convicted! It is incredible to see how many of us including journalists are so eager to condemn the young people! Right away it is a drug dealer, a robber !

I have noticed over the past years that most of the news media on this island are so eager to publish only negative and destructive news about Saint Martin as if there is a real policy to annihilate us!

I would like to ask you, Mr Editor to carry out your investigation and publish your apologies to the family on front page as how Rigobert’s image was torn down !

Rest in Peace, my lil Geegee ! And to all his family: hold on, be of good courage , God is with you all!

 

Aline CHOISY

 

 

A nation’s most precious resource is its young people. They are expected to carry on the socio-economic development of a nation as it passes from generation to generation. Some of our young people have turned to violence to resolve problems, a very disturbing trend within a small developing nation such as ours.

Most recent incidents once again bring the issue to the forefront. Within two weeks after the 2009/10 school year opened, a gang fight on a school bus broke out. Weapons confiscated at the scene and from controls at other locations include machetes, hatchet and a sword. When Police questioned those on the bus involved in the fight, none of +

them according to media reports gave any information about the incident.

Another disturbing and troubling development is when two 11-year-old primary school pupils were caught with a knife on school grounds. They reportedly told teachers and police that they intended to stab a girl pupil from another primary school with whom they have been having problems with.

In recent years, there has been a major growth in the understanding of how violence burdens communities and contributes to a wide spectrum of health consequences and health risk behaviours in children and adults.

Violence accounts for over 1.6 million deaths per year globally or 4000 people per day. This has been described by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a significant public health, human rights and human development problem.

The health impact of violence is not limited to physical injury. Long-term effects can include depression, mental disorders, suicide attempts, chronic pain syndromes, unwanted pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, and other sexually transmitted infections. Children who are victims of violence have a higher risk of alcohol and drug misuse, smoking, and high-risk sexual behaviour.

Violence is preventable and its impacts can be reduced. There are proven and promising prevention strategies according to the WHO.

Proven individual prevention strategies include pre-school enrichment programmes during early childhood (ages 3-5 years), life skills training and social development programmes for children aged 6 to 18 years and assisting high-risk adolescents and young adults to complete schooling and pursue courses of high education and vocational training.

Proven family prevention strategies include providing training for parents on child development, non-violent discipline and problem-solving skills; promoting parental involvement in the lives of children and adolescents through programmes to develop home-school partnerships; and mentoring programmes to develop attachments between high risk youth and caring adults in order to build social skills and provide a sustained relationship.

Proven and promising community prevention strategies include increasing the availability and quality of childcare facilities, increasing the availability and quality of pre-school enrichment programmes and improving school settings, including teacher practices, school policies and security.

A considerable amount of investment will have to be made in the aforementioned in order to tackle the challenges being faced by a certain segment of our society. These investments and interventions need to be made sooner than later.

 

Roddy Heyliger

 

 

‘Country St. Maarten Status’, NOT about St. Martiners.

 

On Thursday, last September, 3, leader of the St. Maarten Government, Commissioner William MARLIN was guest of the midday program of Lloyd RICHARDSON.

The interview focused on many of the challenges facing St. Maarten, as well as the other islands of the Netherlands Antilles obtaining the statuses championed for by the islands political leaders.

In this interview as usual, Commissioner William MARLIN easily brushed aside public statements made by Dutch Parliamentarians and others on the island with a dissenting take on the matter of constitutional matters affecting the island and thus affecting the future of the people for generations to come.

Despite efforts of host Lloyd RICHARDSON to prevent the caller, Mr. Eldrige van PUTTEN from getting his point across, this dispute clearly exposed the fact that successive Governments on St. Maarten are very afraid to allow for a ratification to take place on the island.

Commissioner MARLIN clearly is no different in this aspect as well, because it is clear that he dreads allowing for a ratification of the results of the negotiations.

From all indications, popular interest for so called ‘Country St. Maarten’ is all but non-existent, for the main reason that the public has no trust in the local politicians and feel deceived by them to believe in a ‘status change’.

In addition, according to Mr. VAN PUTTEN, there are taped statements made by Mr. MARLIN during the call-in program ‘ONLINE’, that at the end of the negotiations on constitutional matters, the people would be given the opportunity to have their final say.

Since Mr. MARLIN now denies ever having said that, it is time for the tape to be replayed.

Also, during the interview, Mr. MARLIN did not even mention the very existence of Antillean people, nor of native-indigenous St. Martiners residing on the island.

Clearly, like most other politicians, he deliberately steers away from addressing, not only their existence, but consequently their human- and ancestral rights as well.

The more Mr. MARLIN tries to defend his ‘quest’ for ‘Country St. Maarten status’ the more in fact he reveals that it is purely about more power for politicians, rights of immigrants, infra-structure, but that it has absolutely nothing to do with the rights of the St. Martin people and other Antilleans to exist in their own country.

That in return for their hospitality which was why the name ‘Friendly-island’ came about.

In other words, hostility, denial and rejection of St. Mariners have been the price and result for being hospitable.

Instead of standing up for the sacrifices made by the people, the only justification and argument for Mr. William MARLIN to ‘break away’ from ‘Curacao’ is the need for more power for St. Maarten politicians, nice government buildings, great infra-structure and not to forget the rights of illegal immigrants and their children.

In the meantime, that St. Martiners are being outnumbered, marginalized and threatened with genocide by substitution, seems to be of absolutely no concern to him ‘en route’ to ‘Country St. Maarten’.

However, from many indications, it appears that even within the NA and the DP as well, there is a growing concern that being ‘politically correct’ by mainly catering towards the large numbers of immigrants, will happen at the expense of the St. Martin people.

The key question therefore is ;’When will ‘party-loyalists’ stand up to their party leadership and say.

Enough is enough, we are party loyalists, but St. Martin and its people must come first if we are to build a country called ST.MAARTEN.

Clearly, an eventual confrontation based on this very fundamental issue, is a matter of time.

The earlier, the politicians on both sides of this island realize that there is a ‘prize’ for betrayal of one’s people, the easier it will be to preserve the ‘Friendly island’ and to prevent the in-evitable.

Leopold James

President SNBF & L'Esprit de Concordia

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MY DEAR FRIEND GERARD,

 

There are many things in life you and I do not 'see eye to eye' on with each other.

Nothing exactly 'revealing' about that statement.

However, one thing for sure we both have in common.

We both are real men who dare stand up for, and dare say what we believe in.

Whenever we write critical articles, we do not hide in the 'comfort of dark anonymity', but we proudly sign with our own names, which both by now have become 'brand-names' good for guaranteeing a broad reading and/or listening audience.

Based on our well known track-record for being able to defend what we believe in ourselves, both you Gerard and myself do not need others to come to our 'rescue'.

Therefore, I appreciate it even more that you once again have shown to be a man, by publicly coming to my, albeit unsolicited defense by means of your letter to the editor yesterday, Monday August 31 in both papers entitled; 'Unpaid advisor in defense of Leopold James'.

I thank you for this gesture and for showing the public that one does not have to like another person, or agree with that person's views, in order to defend that person's democratic right to make use of his/her freedom of expression.

Obviously the Management of the TODAY news-paper believes in excluding opinions it does not like and/or dis-agrees with.

In doing so, the TODAY newspaper underestimates and disrespects the intelligence of the public to read what others have to say and to draw its own conclusions.

If the TODAY news-paper had published my letter and challenged me in an interview to defend myself, I would have admired that more, even if the paper had in the end disagreed with me.

Therefore, like many people, I am not angry at the TODAY-publication, because that would be very unfair on my part.

My 'pathos' for that paper, would be more appropriate.

Certainly I, Leopold will not exactly hold my precious breath, hoping that the TODAY-newspaper would acknowledge its blunder.

That might prove to be too tall an order.

Meanwhile, we will continue to make use of other more professional news-outlets, including our website www.stmartinnation.org as well as more surprises to come from us.

Once more Gerard, my due respect and thanks to you.

Leopold JAMES = (A proud + conscious native-indigenous St. Martiner) - minus any apologies

 

 

Willemstad Curacao N.A

During the recent weeks there have been a few allegations leveled against the Justice system, the police force in particular, that demand clarity by means of an independent investigation. These kinds of serious assertions, when made by distinguished senior personnel from within the police force, disrupt the very trust and one of the main pillars of our society.

Undoubtedly Mr. Carlton Phillips, is a well known and I dare say decent and respectable law enforcement officer in this community. Over his many years of serving St. Maarten we have never heard his name mentioned in any form of wrong doing or misdeeds. When considering the well known reality of St. Maarten’s history this is an honorable and admirable accomplishment to be emulated. We know that the road of life has many detours but in absence of clearing his reputation and integrity, no one is safe from being used, abused, and victimized by unscrupulous powers of evil. Having a firsthand understanding and knowledge of cunning politics is like playing a dangerous game with life. To falsely accuse or make allegations against a police officer for discarding or manipulating criminal intelligence and to allow this to linger and fester for no less than 7 years is indeed a very serious charge; especially if it concerns an outstanding officer of the law with such impeccable integrity. This cannot and should not be acceptable and should not be taken lightly as an innocent and in-deliberate oversight. Evidently, Mr. Carlton Phipps understands that the detrimental implications of scenarios surrounding fabricated injustice can and will breed anger, hatred and ultimately a criminal. For him to fight against any perpetrated shroud of corruption tarnishing 35 years of dedicated service isn’t just about protecting his reputation and his family. Whether this is done to him deliberately or not, the probability of future prosecution of himself or whoever involved may be left unresolved but remains inevitable. At the end of the day, somebody will be held accountable and will be prosecuted. The implication that many of our upstanding leaders in our community is being set up and imprisoned is reaching to epic proportions, which is turning into much distrust. The last high official within the police force who claimed to be willing to expose matters within the justice system got himself involved in a dubious accident that is yet to be resolved and has people at different levels of society saying that it seems like murder.

In light of these and many more cases it is time to have an independent, non-partisan team of law enforcement agents investigate the police department. If for nothing else, for heaven’s sake let it serve to restore confidence and integrity to this vital part of any healthy society. It is quite obvious that a breakdown of law and order in our society is rapidly taking place on St. Maarten. In our homes, schools, community even on our jobs; nowhere seems to be safe anymore. These are very troubling times demanding urgent and decisive attention. Injustice to the law inevitably breeds criminality and subsequently to hard core criminals.

Respectfully yours,

Mr. Eldridge van Putten

Social & Political Activist – cell 5995223775

Cc. Antillean Parliament / Council of Ministers

First / Second Chamber Dutch Kingdom

Human Rights Department United Nations

 

 

Our nation’s highest legislative body the Island Council is set to discuss a very important issue on Monday, namely the impact of the global economic/financial situation on the island and what is being done to assist businesses and the wider community.

The Island Government signed an agreement with the Dutch funding organization USONA for a sum of Naf.840,000 ($467,000) that came from the Social Economic Initiative (SEI) program to go towards marketing the destination. Commissioner of Tourism Frans Richardson has also called on the private sector to do its part.

The market effort is part of a four-phase initiative with this phase primarily focused on the island’s primary market, the US. According to media reports, the Commissioner of Tourism Richardson reportedly said that the nation’s re-branding efforts, particularly through the internet, will be in the market by September 15, Tuesday. Some of the funds will be used in the print and broadcast media.

St. Maarten is not the only island that has rolled out a marketing plan for the upcoming 2009/10 tourism high season. The Cayman Islands promotion includes flight discounts, a fourth night free, property specific upgrades and value added on car rental, water sports, attraction and restaurants.

According to the Cayman Department of Tourism, the industry tends to agree that there isn’t that much to be gained by spending a ton more money on advertising for September, October, November, because people aren’t booking and it’s not unique this year – this is just worse than usual. The Cayman tourism board strategy involves mostly online advertising.

Antigua’s Minister of Tourism convened a strategy meeting recently that included representatives from the public and private sectors to address challenges facing the tourism industry. Out of that meeting, one of the points was to work on producing a short-term joint marketing plan to be implemented over the next few months.

Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism, intends over the next few months to grow its existing markets and make significant inroads into new destinations, through an aggressive promotion campaign that will involve integrated public relations, advertising and sales strategies.

According to Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, ‘Now more than ever, we need to be very visible in the marketplace…we need to use strategies that will get the most of every dollar that we spend,’ he said. One of these strategies includes increased use of the Internet and other web-based technologies, as these new communication tools have changed the way tourism is marketed. Direct and cable television is also included in the advertising campaign. Particular focus will be on passion travel, focusing on family, music, weddings, faith-based tourism, cuisine, sports, edu-tourism, volunteer tourism, eco-tourism, health and wellness tourism.

The crash of the financial system in the second half of 2008 did not fully filter through the global economy until 2009. According to the UN World Tourism Organization, (UNWTO), the negative trend in international tourism that emerged during the second half of 2008 intensified in 2009. Our 2008/09 tourism season did not feel the full effect of that meltdown either as visitors had already made their reservations. The year 2009 has been different where there has been a noticeable decline. The 2009/10 season will also be different.

In trying times, the only thing that can be done is to adapt to the circumstances that you don’t have any control over. As a nation we must persevere. Some islands have designed their own home-grown initiatives to take them through this difficult period. For example, Barbados launched ‘staycation,’ where Barbadians, residents and Caricom nationals were offered discounts and packages to spend their vacation at home and patronizing local hotels, bars, restaurants, water sports and other attractions.

According to the UNWTO, international tourism slumped by eight per cent between January and April to the same period last year. International tourism is now forecasted to decline by between four and six per cent. The pace of decline is expected to ease during the remainder of 2009.

 

Roddy Heyliger

 

 

Bailiffs for criminal case post doesn’t exist anymore

In an article in printed in The Daily Herald, the Public Prosecutor Offices has complained that’s there is no bailiff to serve summons and extension papers to the people in criminal cases.

Lawyer Maarten Le Poole also reacted in this newspaper with surprise, saying he didn’t know of this situation. I ask myself where Le Poole has been living the past 8 years.

Allow me to explain the situation with the bailiff for criminal case (straf deurwaarder) to the new Public Prosecutor.

In 1996, Mr. B.W.E. Riemsdijk at that time acting Attorney General (Wnd PG Advise # 5741/1996) advised the government of the Netherlands Antilles that there was no bailiff for criminal case on St Maarten and that the police was doing the job but could not handle it. This was going wrong at that time Mr. Fangman was chief prosecutor in the Windward Islands and the Chief Prosecutor was Dick Piar. Government employed me on February 1, 1996 to work in Curacao and later transfer me to the Windward Islands to work in August 1996.

I started working to help out with the problem in St Maarten, the same reason that Mr. Mud has stated in the newspaper this week. When I started, St. Maarten was busy recovering from Hurricane Luis and all street names were down and container village was still there in Dutch Cul de Sac. As a young man, 25-years-old not knowing where St. Peters, Dutch Quarter or Cole Bay was I managed to do my work to the fullest extent and succeeded. Not knowing anybody, I made my way to the best and surprise many who were working with me at that time.

As I always said my father was a guide to me. He did the same work for 28 years and I saw these documents since when I was small. Every prisoner got there paper on time and the summons was serve to them in person.

In 2000, a Judge named Bracht came to St Maarten to work. This man is who we need to blame for the confusion that today is been publish in the papers. He started saying things about me that I am not doing my job and that I was busy taking picture and leaving the government work on a side. Those who know me know I confronted my problem face to face and I went to ask him why he is busy talking things that were not true. He, in his position as judge, did not like it and influenced Mr. Grass who was at that time chief prosecutor and together with Dick Piar moved to fired me. This did not go well because there was never a mistake and I was always on top of my work. No backlog and I always got people even if they didn’t have the same address anymore.

The Central Government was going through a so-called crisis and laid off 313 civil servants by “closing off” their positions so they weren’t needed anymore. This is what the Public Prosecutor Office did with the function of the Bailiff for criminal cases. They terminated the function, which this meant no one could have this job anymore because bailiffs weren’t needed.

What Mr. Mud said about being short on bailiffs is not true. He does not know the history of this position and this is why he made that statement.

The court of the Netherlands Antilles has two types of bailiff one for civil case, which falls directly under the courthouse, and one for criminal cases which falls under the prosecutor’s office. The Public Prosecutor’s Office in St Maarten had only one bailiff position so you have one or none. The prosecutor in 2000 had advised government that a bailiff was not needed so I was gotten rid of and the function was made obsolete.

Now, there is no money because if a do away with a function that mean the salary disappears from the budget. Mr Mud continued saying that because police is understaffed the job is not being carried out. This is the same reason as in 1996 the when I was brought to St. Maarten to be the bailiff for criminal cases.

To quote Mud, “If the person doesn’t show up and there’s no record (that he or she was served), then we are in trouble…we do have a problem.”

The Prosecutor’s Office has admitted 8 years later what I told the judge during the civil servant court case in November 2000: the police is understaffed and this was why I was sent to St Maarten and if this continues, the department will have problem. I had said the public prosecutor’s office need a bailiff for criminal cases in St. Maarten.

I was sent to work in here on the request of the High court of the Netherlands Antilles (Gemeenschappelijk Hof van Justitie van de Nederlandse Antillen) which also had problem with the police not being about to do the job and people were not receiving their court summons. Every time, the judges came to St. Maarten they were confronted with people not appearing because they didn’t receive the summons.

I advise the new Prosecutor Office team to seek information from these people just in case they doesn’t believe me: Ludwina Spock who is now part of the Public Prosecutor team, Head Court Recorder Maritsa James, Attorney General Dick Piar (he is my neighbour in Curacao who met my father as bailiff so he has known me from a little boy walking in the Courthouse in Curacao).

I blame Mr. Piar and former Attorney General now Governor General Fritz Goedgedrag for pleasing former prosecutor Grass and former Judge Bracht for the situation now. Two men’s personal vendetta was the cause of the problem that we all have to live with today and long after that I had to vacate my office under less than honourable conditions.

This is an issue of over 8 years and not one of yesterday as Mr. Mud brought it over to your newspaper.

I have one message to those concerned: I have never lost my trust in God Almighty. It has taken me 8 years to prove to the same judge who rule in favour of the Netherlands Antilles Government in March 2001, who is now our honourable President of the Court Mrs. L.C. Hoefdraad who could not see what problem this would have caused in the future.

My lawyer E.F. Sulvaran aka “Peppie” Sulvaran and I explained the problem that would come if the ruling was in favour of government. Now, the Public Prosecutor’s office in St. Maarten is out bawling about problems that extension papers are late and summon are late to suspects.

I just have to say shame on Maarten Le Poole. He knows that I was the bailiff and he knows government got rid of the function because he was a lawyer for criminal cases so he knows. He is just playing a game as if he doesn’t know.

I believe that the new Central Government and the Attorney General have to rectify this big mistake by reemploying as bailiff for criminal cases and bailiff for civil cases as they also have problem with their workload. No ex-police or anybody else can be employ as bailiff at the prosecutor office because there is no function. The Prosecutor’s Office has to request the re-opening of the position and have it back on the budget. I have a verdict that shows clearly that the Central Government don’t need anyone in that function although it put forward the same issues as Mr. Mud has brought now, I still lost the case.

I will sit and see what will happen because of not working there anymore my life took a hell of turn and my dreams went up in the fire. Somebody has to take responsible for this and compensation has to be made for the bad advice the prosecutor gave the Central Government back in 2000.

 

Gromyko Wilson

Ex- Bailiff for criminal case

 

 

On Monday I called Gebe in order to ask to re-locate the water meter because since Government removed part of my fence no one has taken measures to ensure that the water line is protected. The traffic is now using the property that used to be enclosed and constantly break the water pipe.

Since Monday I called Mr. Steven Duzanson every day twice and still today is Friday and still no water. I called Gebe and ask the operator to speak with the supervisor of Mr. Duzanson. The operator told me that the supervisor is Mr. Brooks himself and he is off island. I then ask to speak with the assistant of Mr. Brooks and I was told to call back on Monday as no one was available. I then call again and ask to speak with Mr. Duzanson as it is 5 days now without water. Finally I spoke with him and the story was the same. I am still awaiting the report of the planning department. I then ask him how to contact the Board of directors of GEBE. He said to that there was no physical address and I should contact Mr. Lambert. I then ask him if any commissioner carry any responsibility in regards to Gebe and he told that it was Mr. Th. Heyliger.

Before I make my final remarks I would like to share another story regarding the “The good and efficient” service provided by GEBE. More then 6 months ago I ask that the electrical meter be re-located. Last week the pole of which the meter was hooked up fell down and the meter was re-located the same day. Who is responsible? MANAGEMENT. If management fails the only option is replacement. My observation is nothing personal but based on logic interpretation of “doing business”. I report and you decide.

With a heavy heart I write these things because I love Sint Maarten. This is and was my home town for 37 years and I want the best for it. Nevertheless we are in difficult times and no matter what status we want to achieve it will not work unless we change our attitude and the way we doing business. I can write every day a page on the frustration that you encounter just being in Sint Maarten.

It has nothing to do with the economy it is a simple issue of lack of respect, lack of moral values and obviously lack of political leadership. I do hope that the younger generation step up to plate because there is a need to make changes in the political arena and bring more dynamic and positive leaders to the fore front.

Sint Maarten is still one of the better islands in the Caribbean but we need to CHANGE if we want to preserve our island for the next generation to come. There is still hope to make Sint Maarten a better place to live. We deserve it.

Hen Ling Soon

 

 

As I am trying to concentrate on my business my “inner man” keeps holding me back and tells me that my job is to open the people eye and let them know that they need to stand up. How can you do as if nothing happens while God has given you the knowledge and the capability to expose what is wrong? I am not here to judge anyone but hope that the information provided will help you to take a stand. People will always trample over you if you let them. It is time to rise against injustice and at least speak up your mind. Join others and create an opposition to fight and the rise above oppression.

Today issue: As a businessman I apply for a work permit via the legal channels and I obtain the work permit. With this work permit I went to the immigration and obtain a landing permit. I sent the landing the permit and the person got his ticket and travelled to Sint Maarten. Upon arrival he was detained because according to the immigration officer he suppose to have a visa in his passport. I review the landing permit and this is the phrase listed on the landing permit:

“ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR CONTINUING THE JOURNEY OR RETURNING TO THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN (VISA, ETC)”

I told the officer in charge that the only document this person need is a passport. He obviously did not agree with me and he said that the person will remain in custody of the police department. I ask him to have the person remain with me until I can sort this out tomorrow with the office of the lt. Governor as this person has a legal work permit and also a landing permit. I am the employer, as such responsible for this person, and also there no other risk by letting this person remain with me until the problem was solved. This request was denied and this person was locked up maybe the first time in his life and for DOING NOTHING WRONG.

The next day I went to the office of the lt. Governor to get this problem sort out and I was brush off by his office. I was sent back to the Police Department. Obviously the result was the same as you cannot file a complaint to the same division that issued the order to lock up the person. I went to the office of the Consul of the D. R. in order to inform them of the abuse that is taking place and did hope through their intervention that this issue could have been solved. Nevertheless it seems that this Consulate has been infected by the same decease of “ineffectiveness” of our governmental system and I had to accept the situation as is. I sent an e-mail to the United Nations claiming Human Rights abuses, I wrote to the lt. Governor, to the minister of Justice, commissioner of labor, management from Insel Air and the office of the Dutch Embassy in the D.R. So far the only office that responded was the office of the commissioner of labor. I had a brief meeting with him and hope that he will make the necessary recommendation to the relevant authorities to have these problems solved.

Again I realize that on Sint Maarten the normal person does not have a right to file a complaint when his rights have been violated. It is all about who you are and who you know. These incidents are clearly indicators that tell you that we are not ready yet for country status. A professional approach from the office of the lt. Governor could have solved all these problems and unnecessary accusations.

I do hope that others bring there stories to the media and let the people decide if we are ready for a new country status or not. YOU THE PEOPLE HAVE TO DECIDE. If they cannot fix this house, sent them home. I told mr, Hyacinth Richardson that I was very much surprised when his office called me as I did not expect no response from none of these governmental institutions. I only hope that this is not politics as usual and that he makes the necessary recommendation to the E.C. to have these problems regulated properly. The person was locked up for 3 days and was sent back to D.R. Up to now he cannot obtain a visa to come to Sint Maarten. Within short I have to ask to renew his papers and he has not worked one day in Sint Maarten. Is it not a shame???

Hen Ling Soon

 

 

PHILIPSBURG, 15 SEPTEMBER 2009

 

I, Carlton PHILIPS, have taken note of your undated press release in the media on September 15 2009.

Your kind attention is requested for the following:

Point number 1

Management failed to acknowledge that I, Carlton PHILLIPS, requested since February 11 2009 that an investigation be carried out concerning the accusation of “destruction of information” (in 2002). I am certain that management is aware of the fact that this is punishable by law (article 366 of the penal code of the Netherlands Antilles). I have indicated several times that I am innocent, that someone fabricated a lie, and requested that an investigation be carried out. I also indicated, that my name should be cleared and that I will not rest until my good name and honor is restored. A person’s credibility, honor and character are very sacred. Management paid no attention to my request. It seems that the fact that the open letter which appeared on September 10 th and 11, 2009, in the newspapers and on the internet finally convinced the Management of the KPSSS that I am very serious about this matter.

Point number 2

I also, believed that this issue involves an internal personnel matter. Had management dealt with this internal personnel matter in a professional and speedy manner, there would have been no reason for me going public. The fact that management indicated that no further announcement will be made at this time, is for the account of management. Management also indicated that the accusations that were launched in general terms, will be investigated. Take your time. For my part you can take another seven months to investigate these accusation, and whatever other matter you choose to investigate.

I am clean and I am determined in my quest for justice.

Point number 3

The fact that management indicated that, in general terms, management would like to say that it works hard to constantly improve the quality of the KPSSS should be applauded. That management is ambitious to always appoint the most suitable candidate within the corps when a vacancy is available is something tremendous and should be encouraged.

In January 2009, Mr. Richard PANNEFLEK left his post as acting chief of police. In February 2009, another person was approached and appointed to this position. There was no selection procedure. There was no other candidate. This means that, in this particular case, no mention can be made of “the most suitable candidate”. I can vividly remember that the former minister of justice indicated that the present acting chief of police will have to upgrade himself. I sincerely belief that his advice should be followed as soon as possible. This could maybe, lead to greater trust within the police organization.

Point number 4

Mention is made of the fact that the candidate that is not appointed to a position may protest the rejection of his candidacy.

I believe that management is trying hard to deviate from the core of my open letter. There is no need to mention anything about court for civil servants. After being on the force for 35 years I definitely know the procedure.

Further, the issue at hand is not the position that was awarded to the most suitable candidate, but the big lie that was fabricated. For me that position is something of the past. I believe that management is underestimating the intelligence of the people and that this statement is misleading.

With god’s blessings, I am looking toward a bright future, hoping that soon we will have a police organization consisting of honest, dedicated and professional people in the Management team. All this, in preparation for country St. Maarten.

Your friend and colleague

Carlton PHILIPS

Philipsburg: --- The executive council of Saba has decided that they are going to secede from the Netherlands Antilles so says Leader of Government Chris Johnson in an interview with SMN News.

The process is expected to begin as early as Tuesday when a letter is presented to the Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende; the letter will be presented to Henk Kemp, addressed to the Prime Minister. Johnson said the contents of the letter are to inform the Dutch Prime Minister that Saba intends to secede from the Netherlands Antilles. Johnson made clear that the island would not be holding any form of referendum neither would they be seeking to go independent. He said Saba is in their full rights to expedite this process since it was done before. He said the last time this was done was in 1921 when Limburg declared succession from the Netherlands. He said Sabans believe they can leave the Netherlands Antilles as country especially in light of the calls by Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles Emily de Jongh-Elhage to hold parliamentary elections in January.

Johnson said it is clear to him that the PAR party in Holland who is acting moderate are top heavy with politicians. He said in Curacao there are four layers of government namely, parliament, council of ministers and the island and executive council, and this party would stand to loose at least 10 to 15 political positions if they leave the Netherlands Antilles as a country. Johnson said the people has to face reality because Curacao or namely the PAR would never allow the dismantling to take place even if they smile and say everything is going to be fine for the smaller islands.

Johnson explained that Saba has other alternative since that island is the only one within the constellation that had a stable government for the last two years, while Curacao had a very close referendum, while St. Maarten and Bonaire had new executive councils while in Statia a motion of no confidence was presented against the Lt. Governor Hyden Gittens.

The leader of government said the decision taken by his executive council is not an easy one but they are fully prepared to leave the Netherlands Antilles. He said they see no more reason to stay in the process neither should they continue to fool themselves. He said his government looks as succession as a legal alternative to remove themselves from the country of the Netherlands Antilles. He said they are proud of the steps they have decided to take because that does not mean they are leaving the Kingdom; instead, they are seeking to have direct ties with the Netherlands, reason why the letter was addressed to Prime Minister Balkenende.

Johnson said his faction would take this proposal to the island council within another month for ratification. He said the island intends to take some symbolic steps by November this year, which marks the 5th anniversary since Saba, held its referendum. During this period, they intend to withhold the turn over taxes from the island territory, which sends this money to the Central Government and the removal of the Antillean flags from all government buildings. The flag he said would done symbolically, however all of this would depend on the answer given to them by the Prime Minister Balkenende.

Another objective to all of this Johnson said is to bring this matter to the international front since Saba went three time already to the United Nations. He said even though they are the smallest island they were able to change the manner in which the negotiations were taking place.

 

 

GREAT BAY:----On Sunday afternoon, August 30, 2009, the Belvedere Home Owners and Tenants Association held its 5th Annual Fun and Sports Day on the sporting area of the residential community.

There were competitions in Basketball, Soccer, and Bike racing, while there were demonstrations in Tae Kwon Do and K-9(Guard Dog).

There were a few hundred persons that attended the event, where there were stands of food and with cakes, face painting, bouncers, swimming pools, domino playing, among other activities.

Commissioner William Marlin was on hand to take part in the event.

He said that the homeowners and tenant association should be commended on their anniversary and for having another successful Sports and Fun day.

Commissioner Marlin was also on hand to provide the winners of the soccer match with the trophies.

 

 

GREAT BAY:---– St. Maarten is now under a Tropical Storm Warning which means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the next 24-hours or less.

Tropical Storm Erika is expected to pass very close to St. Maarten as a severe tropical storm. Residents should have their hurricane season preparations already in place and after having gone through the most recent experience with the passing of Hurricane Bill.

Due to the possibility of deteriorating weather conditions on Thursday; looking at the safety of pupils, teachers and parents, schools are to be closed on Thursday.

Contractors must secure building sites today. Lumber and other building materials should be properly stored away.

The Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service at 8.00am Wednesday morning reports that even though Erika has weakened a little, the system is expected to strengthen on Thursday.

Conditions that can be expected late tonight and intensifying from Thursday 2.00am are gusty winds especially in and near showers; shower and thunderstorm activity is to become more frequent and locally heavy tonight and especially on Thursday; expected heavy rains could last for quite some time causing street flooding.

The National Hurricane Center reports that Erika is expected to produce total rainfall of two to four inches during the next couple of days with possible isolated maximum amounts of six inches.

Boaters are required to seek safe haven and properly secure their sea craft. A small craft warning is in effect.

Residents are also advised to continue to monitor radio broadcast for official information coming from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and for weather reports issued by the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center.

Tropical Storm Erika is expected to pass approximately 77 miles from St. Maarten according to Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service based on a 5.00pm intermediate advisory.

 

On Wednesday morning, Governor Franklyn Richardson ordered all schools closed on Thursday as a precautionary measure due to the anticipated weather. Normal school activities are to resume on Friday.

During a specially convened Emergency Operations Center (EOC) meeting at 5.30pm, it was decided that Government offices and businesses should operate as normal on Thursday based on the Wednesday 5.00pm intermediate weather advisory. The EOC will continue to monitor weather conditions throughout Thursday in case any special advisories are necessary.

Strongest winds and heavy showers are expected Thursday afternoon going into Thursday night and possibly into Friday. Gusty winds to tropical storm force may be expected, but not sustained. The system still has the possibility of turning to the West North West. The Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service still expects total rainfall of two to four inches.

Motorists are requested to exercise a level of caution due to the aforementioned possibility of localized flooding in low-lying areas. Residents living in hillside areas should be vigilant for rock falls that may be caused by any heavy rainfall.

The Police are advising motorists to exercise caution in the Madame Estate area, Pointe Blanche and Beacon Hill road with respect to possible rock falls and sand blocking the latter. The Police and Public Works Departments have made provisions to close the aforementioned roads if necessary. The Police are also advising motorists to remain off the road during heavy rainfall as a safety measure.

The Public Works department has reported that garbage has been removed from the Cul de Sac Basin in order to prevent clogging of the drainage systems in that area thereby possibly preventing flooding in the event of major rainfall.

The pump stations have been checked and are functioning to pump water from the ponds into the channel leading to the ocean. Water capacity in the ponds have been reduced in order to accommodate any large amount of rainfall.

The Fire Department has reported that all systems and resources are in place for any eventuality.

GEBE has informed the Governor that they do not expect any outages during the passing of Tropical Storm Erika.

Residents are also advised to continue to monitor radio broadcast for official information coming from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and for weather reports issued by the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center.

At 5.00pm the poorly organized Tropical Storm Erika was located at 16.4 degrees North and 61.7 degrees West or very near Guadeloupe.

Tropical Storm Erika has sustained wind speeds of 40 miles per hour with higher gusts is moving West at 10 miles per hour. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 205 miles from the center of the system.

 

 

Philipsburg:----The Board of the WITU has decided to call a General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the John Larmonie Center on Pondfill located next to the L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium.

The agenda is as follows:

Opening

Welcome

 

1. Cost of Living Adjustment 2006, 2007 and 2008; How will your salary be affected?

2. Periodic Increase of August 1, 2009 and the non-compliance of several school boards (only two School Boards implemented this payment to their teachers). What is WITU’s Plan of Action?

3. Vacation Allowance 2009 for Public School Teachers

4. Vacant positions for 3 substitute board members until Election 2010

5. World Teachers’ Day - October 5th, 2009

6. Position on three Committees:

a. Women's Committee

b. Sports Committee

c. Fundraising Committee

7. Open Floor

8. Closing

 

 

French Quarter:--- Residents are asked to call the police at 54-22222 or 911 if they noticed a burgundy Ford Explorer with license plate 298 ZBC. Inside the vehicle are two armed robbers who held up Henri Arnell in French Quarter this morning.

the bandits after committing their act headed to the Dutch side of the island. Anyone who sees this vehicle should not approach it single handedly but should call the police immediately or the gendarmes at 17.

 

 

Philipsburg:--- The Democratic Party has submitted a letter to the chairman of the Central Committee requesting meeting on September 7 requesting a central committee meeting. The meeting is to deal several laws that were drafted by the former executive council. Island councilman Roy Marlin a signatory to the letter said the laws include the codes of conduct for civil servants and political functionaries, the establishing of an ombudsman, the electoral law and the registration and financing of political parties. A second letter was sent to the chairman on Tuesday where the DP faction has requested that another agenda point be added to that meeting which is the appointment of members to the monument council.

According to Marlin, these laws were drafted and were ratified by the island council as in keeping with the agreement with the Kingdom on good governance.

 

 

 

PARIS:--- Some people wondered how the proclamation of the abolition of slavery issued somewhat urgently by the Governor of Guadeloupe, would have reached the dependency of Saint-Martin at 250 kilometres further up north-west on that same Saturday 27th May 1848 ?

Paradoxically, it is the Archives of the Dutch side kept in Philipsburg (Sint Maarten) that have released the exact date; nothing has been found for the time being at the Departmental Archives of Guadeloupe and the National Overseas Archives of Aix-en-Provence are yet reserving their answer… It is with the help of Mr Alfonso Blyden, the archivist, that Mrs. Daniella Jeffry [1963, A Landmark Year in Saint-Martin (2003) … The status scandal on the island of Saint-Martin (2006)] has recently shed full light on these documents.

The subject is known; in his thesis "Vrije slaven" [Free Slaves] published in 1993, Dr. A.F. Paula recalled the situation of the slaves of the Dutch side after the abolition was proclaimed on the French side. He especially quoted a letter dated 30 May 1848, kept in the stock "Ministry of Colonies" of the National Archives of The Hague, where the Governor of the Dutch side asked the Commander of the French side to return the Dutch slaves who had fled "to the other side" for a better destiny; to which the latter answered negatively. But Mr. Paula inferred the 27th of May as the date of the abolition on the French side, without any more precision … thus referring to the decree signed by Governor Layrle in Guadeloupe.

The two excerpts brought forward by Mrs. Jeffry are more precise:

 

From a letter sent by the Commander of the Dutch Side of St. Martin to the Special Commander of the French side:

"N° 11/31 Philipsburg, on 31th May 1848

Mister Commander !

Mr. Percival owner of the Dutch side came to inform me that on the 29th of this month, the day after the day when the abolition of slavery was proclaimed on the French side, Twenty-Six Negroes left his plantation and took refuge, mainly on the mont fortune plantation belonging to Mr. de Durat, bordering on the Dutch side. (…)"

From a letter dated 30th May 1848 sent on the Dutch side by the Commander to the Commanding Officer [translated from Dutch]:

"I have the honour to inform you that the Commander of the French side has informed us of the emancipation of the slave population by proclamation of the Governor of Guadeloupe and dependencies dated 27th May 1848 on the French side last Sunday, and seeing that this proclamation was made without compensation to the owners for the loss of their property, we are fearing that the slaves of the Dutch side are trying to flee to the French side, and over there they will be treated as free. (…)

This would put the Dutch side in a precarious situation (…)"

And Mrs Jeffry to conclude: "we can declare with certainty in view of these letters that the official date of proclamation of the emancipation of the slaves in Saint-Martin is Sunday 28th May 1848. However, according to our oral history, I have a feeling that this abolition was not effective immediately on account of the upcoming picking of salt in the Great Salt Pond which had to take place within 10 to 12 days after this proclamation. Economic reasons could have delayed the implementation of this abolition…"

ANDREW STEINMETZ COMITÉ DE LIAISON ET D'APPLICATION DES SOURCES HISTORIQUES.

 

 

Philipsburg St. Maarten: NAGICO has agreed to sponsor the Soualiga Toastmasters Corporate Club’s Walk-a-thon for the second consecutive year. The event is scheduled for October 3rd 2009. A donation of 10 cases of water was presented to the club’s current president, Leona Romeo-Marlin and immediate past president, Catherine Arrindell Conner. Making the presentation was the NAGICO Life Manager Howard Chen-A-June who, stated how delighted he was for NAGICO and NAGICO Life to be able to donate to causes such as the upcoming walk-a-thon. Mr. Cheng-A-June added “It is always in the best interest for the community of St. Maarten when organizations such as NAGICO and Toastmasters can work together. Events such as walk-a-thons are just one of many activities that can work to have a positive effect on a person’s health and their overall well-being.”

Mrs. Romeo-Marlin stated, “We are very pleased with the sponsorship that NAGICO has provided. We are very grateful that they have agreed to sponsor this event for a second year.” The walk-a-thon and exercise breakfast is being held to raise money for members to attend the Annual Toastmasters Conference which is scheduled for Barbados on October 16th until the 18th. “NAGICO is a great example to businesses of how they should give back to the community.”

 

 

The first dictionaries were distributed today, which marked the official kick off the dictionary project of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten. In recognition of World Literacy Day International Committee Director, Mr. Manoj Alwani presented to the students and teachers of the 3rd grade of the Martin Luther King Jr. primary school 36 dictionaries. 1000 dictionaries will be distributed to third graders throughout the island, which coincides with the practice of providing the students their first dictionary during their 3rd school year. The Rotary Club of St. Maarten takes this opportunity to thank all sponsors who made this project a reality. Anish Chugani, representing Shams, which took care of the shipping cost, was on hand to assist with this kick off the project. As a result of this project, all third graders on the island in the 2009 /2010 school year will have the opportunity to own their own English dictionary. "Is it beneficial to all concerned" is one of the 4-way tests of Rotary; The Rotary Club of St. Maarten hopes that this community service project will be well received and considered as a positive contribution to improving literacy on our island.

Great Bay:---Last Thursday and Friday, September 10-11, representatives from UNFPA, Leah-Mari Richards and Mario Aguilar conducted a successful two-day workshop at Carl & Sons Conference Center on “Reproductive Health Commodity Security and Comprehensive Condom Programming.”

Those in attendance at the workshop ranged from pharmacy workers, condom distributors, social workers, youth organizations, women’s organizations and faith-based groups. During the two days lots of interesting information was exchanged between the facilitators and the attendees of the workshop. The main focus of the workshop was to introduce the new female condom and discuss its benefits, with the aim of empowering women and increasing their opportunities to make wiser decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

On day one of the workshop, facilitator Mario Aguilar made a presentation on the Linkages between Sexual Reproductive Health and HIV as a means of showing how reproductive health is linked to HIV. An overview of the Male and Female Condom as a means of increasing awareness about the two; Demonstrations of male and female condoms and negotiation techniques were also discussed. During this presentation, attendees were trained on how to properly use a male and female condom. A group exercise was given at the end of day one on how to respond to common excuses about not using a condom.

On day two participants were introduced to comprehensive condom programming. During these sessions, participants were brought up to speed on how to increase awareness and build demand for condoms; sustaining supply of condoms; and increasing attendees understanding about comprehensive condom programming with a particular emphasis on maintaining support of condom programmes.

At the end of the workshop, participants broke into groups to develop a condom action plan that targeted specific barriers to condom programming, after which each group presented their work.

UNFPA will now make a report on the suggestions that were given to them at the end of the workshop and the information obtained during the assessment meetings on September 9 will be compiled into one report for St. Maarten.

Dr. Daphne Illis, a participant from Public Health, Social Development & Labor section Policy, Epidemiology & Prevention stated: The presentation on the history of the condom was very interesting along with the female condom demonstration. Women can now empower themselves, and take more initiative by having the female condom, and not have to depend on their partner. The fact that you can insert the female condom eight hours before means that you are already prepared, and their will be no surprises.”

 

 

Philipsburg: -- The St. Maarten Nation Building Foundation/ L'Esprit de Concordia presented a draft- proposal for a joint public and private partnership between this grass-root St. Martin movement and the government of both sides of the island. The power point presentation was made at the UTS-Training & Development Center by members of the movement, which are legally established on both sides of the island.

President of the foundation Leopold James said while this first presentation was intended for government officials and representatives of the private sector from both sides of the island, notices were received from a number of officials that they were not able to attend.

Meetings are being set up to make the presentation to those officials who missed out this time around.

It is not clear whether or not, these officials had other more important matters to attend to, and fact is that the people on the island With the rising and paralyzing fear for crime within our community and especially concerns for the safety of school-children, support for such a partnership by both governments is a no brainer.

Certainly, the officials would be advised that any perceived lack of interest could be interpreted by the youngsters as a lack of caring for the situation on the island, which could result in a further alienating of youngsters within the society and even more crime. James explained.

This presentation was meant to make a contribution towards improving the quality of life of all residents on the island and to give St. Martiners once more the feeling that they counted and could play a very important role on the island and its development.

Especially since native St. Martiners have their roots and heritage on both sides of the island, they can play a very important role in assisting governments on both sides to deal with issues of common interest and concern for the people.

In the presentation, James highlighted the origin, motivation of the concept as well as the partners and the need for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which if signed by all partners on St. Martin Day 2009, would certainly take the unity of the island to the next level

All present at the presentation agreed with the basic concept for the partnership and expressed that it could really give content to the celebration of the St. Martin Day, beyond the annual rhetoric of the officials.

The lively discussion that followed resulted in a number of suggestions, such as promoting this concept among all groups, such as the community councils, associations and other established groups on St. Maarten.

It is the intention of the organizers to contact the Collectivity and the Island-government in order to make an official presentation to them as well. James said, certainly, under the present circumstances on the island, saying no to this offer of solidarity by a St. Martin grass roots organization to assist government in areas of common interest is not a very positive option, because that would indeed tell the youth that Government has no interest in providing a better community its people.

 

 

Philipsburg:---The general membership of the Democratic Party of St. Maarten , is hereby invited to a membership meeting on Wednesday September 23, 2009, at the JOHN LARMONIE CENTER on the Long Wall Road in Philipsburg, commencing at 7:00 pm.

At this meeting, the party's membership will be informed of the extended medical coverage for seniors by the SVB, the financial-economic situation of St.Maarten, the constitutional process and the DP’s participation in the upcoming January 22nd Parliamentary election.

This meeting is important, so kindly make every effort to attend. If Transportation is required for you to get to the meeting, please contact any of the following Board members:

Mike Ferrier 520-5555

Roy Marlin 520-1885

Julian Rollocks 553-7580

 

 

Cole Bay: --- Several persons within the community, including elected officials from both French and Dutch side of the island joined the Ozkan’s on Saturday evening to celebrate their tenth anniversary. The invited guests were treated with dinner and live entertainment.

The USS CARR (FFG-52) will arrive in Curacao for a port visit on 25 September, 2009. The USS CARR is currently deployed in the Caribbean under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, conducting counter-illicit trafficking operations in support of Joint Interagency Task Force-South, U.S. Law Enforcement, and U.S. and participating nations drug control policy.

While in Curacao, the USS CARR crew will participate in a community relations project together with the Jeugd Luchtvaart Brigade (Youth Air Brigade).

The USS CARR, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, is named after Gunners Mate Third Class Paul Henry Carr, USNR (1924-1944) who came from Checotah, Oklahoma. Paul Henry Carr served as gun mount captain, of the after 5-inch gun, on the destroyer escort USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (DE 413) during the battle of Leyte Gulf.

USS CARR is home ported in Norfolk, VA and is commanded by Commander Eric H. Ver Hage. The ship was commissioned in 1985 and has a crew of approximately 212 officers and enlisted personnel. For more information on USS CARR, please visit their webpage at: http://www.carr.navy.mil/

 

 

Philipsburg:---It is so clear that even a blind man can see that the Democratic Party is not about the people or the country but about egos and power. Their agenda remains unchanged which is; to frustrate, stagnate and delay the process of constitutional change and to attempt to hinder the National Alliance led government from working in the interest of the people of St. Maarten. Senator and Island Councilman George Pantophlet said in a press release.

Pantophlet said that the people of St. Maarten should rest assure that his government us up to the challenges because with God’s wisdom and strength along with the encouragement of the people they will overcome, and continue to run the daily affairs of the government. Some weeks ago the D.P. requested a meeting on the Financial and Economic situation of St. Maarten. This meeting was opened and adjourned until Friday October 2, 2009.The timing of this meeting was such that both the commissioner of Finance and acting and second acting director of resources were on a working visit in The Netherlands. As soon as this became known, the DP faction suddenly requested a meeting. On September 24, 2009.

The councilman said in his function as the chairman of the Central Committee received a letter dated September 22, 2009 from the Island council members of the Democratic Party requesting that a central committee meeting be convened to discuss the following: Implementation of the new rules on corporate governance, Operations and investments of the respective companies and status annual accounts, performance during 2008/2009 and prospects for 2010.

The letter also requests him to schedule such meetings in such fashion that ample time is given to the respective Managing Directors of the various companies to make a complete presentation to the central Committee on subject matters. It is interesting to note two things about this meeting request. First of all the letter starts with a request for a (1) meeting and then continues to suggests that these meetings “ (more than one, for which separate requests should be sent) be scheduled over numerous days to accommodate the presence of the respective managing Directors and Supervisory Board members. Secondly, the DP faction suggests to start the meeting(s) or at least the first meeting on Friday October 2, 2009, knowing very well that the island council meeting on the financial economic situation will be continued on that same date. The fact that the DP suggests to have the meetings scheduled over numerous days already indicates what their purpose is, keep the National Alliance led government busy answering questions to which the DP already well know or should know the answers. Furthermore the fact that the DP suggests to start the meeting(s) outside of the legal time frame which is October 1, 2009, proves that they are either attempting to set up the National Alliance led government or they are not aware of the Rules of Order. In either case the very fact that the DP island council members suggested the date of October 2, 2009 shows their intent and disregard for the civil servants and the people of St. Maarten in general .Some might call this good politics but as chairman of the Central Committee he has no name for it.

 

 

Philipsburg/ Marigot:--- For those of you who have been wondering what have happened to that wonderful thing called laughter and joy on Sint Maarten for the past 4 years. Well get ready for it, cause Laugh 'Till Belly Burst is back. Organisers would first like to apologise to the fans and comedy lovers for what they missed out last year. This was due to engagement for which the organizwers couldn't get the necessary time to put the event together. As simple as it might look, such an organization does take 5 to 6 months of constant work.

Nevertheless the love of doing this is greater than all other challenges, because the people of Sint Maarten/ Saint Martin deserve such and event. A population essentially dealing with tourism, need to relieve their stress, worries, anger and get some of the cheapest of medication that doctors can prescribe: Laughter.

Later in the year and by staying connected to SMN-NEWS, you'll be able the get acquainted with the humorist coming from Sint Maarten and all corners of the world, to have you rolling of your chairs with belly aching laughter.

The 5th edition of Laugh 'Till Belly Burst is schedule for the 4th, 5th and 6th December, 2009 giving us the opportunity to bring in the Christmas season with an extra spirit of joy and togetherness with our friends, family and love ones.

The organizers have a reputation to keep and we assure this by selecting carefully the type of comedians that we caribbean people can relate to.

We've been hearing already from our fan club and in which so many have confirm their presence. But for those that for some reason or another have never been to this comedy festival, we encourage you to don't miss this year event.

 

If you don't have a car, then ketch a Bus

For a few dollars, your pocket won't burst

But if you miss it, then your ears will burst

When your friends will be telling you all you miss at Laugh Till belly Burst

 

 

Philipsburg: --- The island council carried the amendments of the articles of incorporation for the St. Maarten Telecommunication Company and the St. Maarten Medical Centre on Monday. Some ten island council members were present to vote for the amendments, which was put forward by the executive council since August 13. Of the ten votes cast, nine voted in favour of the amendments while Island Council member Petrus Leroy De Weever said he was not voting for something he did not see.

De Weever said he requested the names and credentials of the permanent committee and to date he has not received them. He said he cannot vote for something that would never get back on the floor of the island council, shortly after making his statements De Weever said he would abstain from voting and headed for the door, but the chairman of the island council Franklyn Richards called out to him saying its either for or against since he is present at the meeting. De Weever then said he opted to vote against the motion.

Island Councilman Roy Marlin prior to voting reminded the chairman that during the discussion the island council was promised copies of the article of incorporation of the other government owned companies. He said the island council needed to have the articles for the airport and harbour, both the old articles and the amended version, which is still forthcoming from the executive council.

Also addressing the same issue was island council lady Sarah Wescot Williams who said that outside of the articles of incorporation they also have to receive certain answers that were posed to the executive council. Wescot Williams said her faction would be submitting their request to the executive council in writing and they also expect the executive council to send them the answers in writing. While island council lady Maria Buncamper-Molanus said, she believes every member of the island council is disappointed with the actions that led to where they are today. She said he hope in the future the island council would be able to conduct itself in a more professional manner particularly how they view the actions of the executive council.

Leader of government William Marlin also addressed the council prior to casting his vote, Marlin said it is clear to the National Alliance/ Heyliger and Laveist government that the issue of voting for the amendments could have been put to rest earlier. He said that the only reason the members of the opposition walked out of the island council is because they realised that the executive council did not have the majority that day and they needed them for a voting quorum. Marlin said in the past there were several adjournments something they are used to and it is unfortunate that members of the Democratic Party chose to play politics simply to delay the process. He said he hoped that the DP faction realised that their actions are only hampering St. Maarten and not the executive council.

 

 

St. Maarten– Winair has advised that based on the latest information and projections from the meteorological services it would like to advice passengers that they may be some interruptions of its flights for Wednesday September 2, 2009.

This is as a result of the anticipated passage of Tropical Storm Ericka, however the company continues to monitor the progress of this system.

Winiar will maintain normal business operations; however, passengers should continue to check with their local airport for further updates.

 

 

Philipsburg:--- A committee comprising of about 15 persons met yesterday with commissioner of Culture Hyacinth Richardson to discuss the preparations that are underway for this year’s St. Maarten Day. This year marks the 50th anniversary celebration, which would take place on the Dutch side of the island. Chairman of the committee Fabiana Arnell calls on the private sector to join them as they prepare to once again celebrate the island’s culture. Arnell also calls on all other cultures living on St. Maarten to also make contact with the committee so that they can also participate in the cultural activities planned for that day.

In the meantime, commissioner of culture Hyacinth Richardson has promised a grand celebration, reasons why he said the committee was broadened. He said several members of the private sector including someone that would look out for environmental issues has been added to the committee. The commissioner and his team would soon release the “theme for this year’s celebration.

 

 

Airport,– Winair has announced that there will be a number of changes to its schedule for Thursday, 3rd September 2009.

We would like to indicate that despite the following destinations Nevis, St Barths, Statia and Saba operating normal today they would join the other destinations tomorrow in not operating.

As such, we would also like to inform that the planes that are usually kept in St Maarten, Nevis and Antigua have been routed to St Lucia where they will remain until the passage of Tropical Storm Erika.

Therefore, passengers with confirmed bookings to the affected destinations are asked to contact Winair or their travel agent before heading to the airport.

Passengers are advised to contact their local airports and continue monitoring radio stations for further updates.

Winair will continue to issue further Advisories so as to ensure that passengers are effectively kept informed.

 

 

Philipsburg:---This week marks another anniversary of the passing of hurricane Luis.

It has been 14 years since this deadly storm hit St. Maarten, leaving behind a trail of material damage and human suffering, previously unknown to this island.

Steadfast, devoted and resilient, it is the people of St. Maarten that will forever be remembered for doing an extraordinary job in getting the island back on its feet, in the wake of hurricane Luis.

It is against this background that I wish to send a clear message regarding what was, once, the island's flagship institution.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the 600-room Mullet Bay Resort and Casino was one of the finest resorts in the Caribbean.

Today, during the last seconds of an airplane's approach, our visitors are exposed, as a first impression, to roofless ruins of two-level buildings littering a large golf course, in an area looking like a war zone.

There have been ample opportunities for the property owners to demonstrate some seriousness towards resolving this situation in a decisive manner. This has not been the case and for 14 long years, the public has had to bear witness to a lack of accomplishments in this matter.

While insurance money had been released after the 1995 disaster, we have had to endure legal battles between the individual owners of the condominium units and the former managing company.

The period for excuses has now passed. It is high time that significant deeds get underway, starting with the property owners and former managing company.

The people of St. Maarten deserve better and the present situation cannot continue without being addressed, once and for all.

The same can be said about abandoned buildings in the Cupecoy area, left behind as dilapidated structures. Here too, the situation must be resolved in the shortest possible period of time.

 

 

Philipsburg:---On Friday September 4th two patrols of the Zero-Tolerance Team were sent to the Prins Willem Alexander School in Sint Peters where an eleven year old student from that school was caught with a large butcher knife in his bag. At the school, police officer spoke to the principal of that school who stated to the officers that she had received information that the student in question was in possession of the knife and when she searched his bag the knife was found.

The student has been identified with initials R.M. stated to the officers that he along with another student with initials J.W. also 11 years old intended to stab a female student attending the Sint Peters Christian Hill Side School with whom for some time now he has problems. Both students were taken to the Philipsburg Police Station and their parents were called to the station. The knife was confiscated for further investigation. The case was handed over to the detectives of the Juvenile Division who will continue the investigation.

 

 

GREAT BAY Commissioner of Culture Hyacinth Richardson and the St. Maarten’s Day 2009 Committee want to involve the community of St. Maarten in selecting the theme of this year’s St. Maarten’s Day celebration, which is its Golden Anniversary—50 years.

“St. Maarten’s Day is probably the most important day on the calendar in terms of celebrating our heritage; it is a day marked by togetherness. As a gesture of such, I would like the public to submit their theme to the St. Maarten’s Day Committee,” Commissioner Richardson said.

The submission process will last for a period of one week, beginning Monday, September 7th and ending Friday, September 14th. The theme has to be accompanied by an explanation as to why they chose the theme for St. Maarten’s Day.

After the last day, out of the many suggested themes that were submitted, the committee will select one theme as the official theme for St. Maarten’s Day 2009.

That person will be recognized as the competition winner and will be awarded a gift and handed a token of appreciation from the committee and the commissioner.

Persons entering the St. Maarten’s Day Theme Competition should submit their suggested theme and explanation to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., along with their full name and contact information.

“This is the one day of the year when our entire community comes together in unity to reflect and celebrate St. Maarten, its culture and the blessings our island has given us. When coming up with a theme we are hoping that people will really think about what St. Maarten means to them,” chairlady Fabiana Arnell said.

 

 

 

The Rotary Club of Sint Maarten Netherlands Antilles, International Committee Director, Mr. Manoj Alwani along with Committee Members Mr. James Ferris, Mr. Bert Hofman and Mr. Stef Rumeser, in recognition of World Literacy Day, are proud to present their Dictionary Project. This project entails providing each Grade 3 student their very own English dictionary. The timing coincides with the practice of providing the student their first dictionary during their 3rd school year. This was a great opportunity for the Rotary Club of Sint Maarten to step in, making a difference where there was a need for more dictionaries. The Dictionary Project will be undertaken over the next couple of weeks with over 1000 dictionaries to be presented allowing each child to own, keep and use their very own dictionary.

GREAT BAY (GIS)—The Committee for St. Maarten’s Day 2009 and the Commissioner of Culture, Hyacinth Richardson, are asking all uniformed and cultural groups in the community of St. Maarten to attend an information meeting on Thursday, September 10th 2009.

The Uniformed groups are asked to attend the 7:00pm session and the cultural groups are requested to attend the 8:00 pm session.

The meetings will take place in the Claude Wathey Legislative Hall of the Government Administration Building.

St. Maarten’s Day will once again experience two types of parades, namely, the official uniformed parade and the cultural parade.

The uniformed parade is open to all uniformed groups on the island from the Police Force of the Netherlands Antilles to the various scouting groups.

As for the cultural parade, this is open to all groups and/or organizations that would like to participate.

As we are looking forward to yet another grand St. Maarten’s Day celebration with a day full of activities and fun events for all, we are looking for the total involvement of all persons and/or organizations to make this event an extraordinary one.

 

 

Philipsburg:----Last week, August 31 thru September 3, 2009 , Cycle II FBE teachers participated in the Mathematics & Science trainings prepared by Sergeant Training International (STI)

The STI consultancy was awarded the contract from DERPI to prepare and execute the module for Mathematics & Science for the Teacher Retraining & Upgrading Program. This module is part of the mandatory Teacher Retraining & Upgrading Program for the Cycle II FBE teachers as stated in the Law for Foundation Based Education.

(Earlier this year during a working visit Minister O. Leeflang stated that all teachers working in FBE schools should have completed all the retraining & upgrading programs by the end of 2011 in order to meet the requirement of the Law regarding qualifications of a teacher in FBE schools. see Article 4- item 1.1 a & b Proof of competency)

 

The Mathematics & Science trainings have been divided in two phases;

• Phase I: August 31st thru September 3rd, 2009

September 28th thru October 1st, 2009

November 23rd thru November 26th, 2009

• Phase II: will continue during the new school year

 

The training days have been divided over the five (5) school boards in the following way:

Training for Cycle II FBE teachers:

Public Schools will be attending the trainings on Mondays,

Catholic Schools & the S.D.A. school will be attending the trainings on Tuesdays

Hillside & M.A.C. Schools will be attending the trainings on Thursdays.

Each training day is from 8:00 a.m. thru 4 p.m. and the Executive Council along with the Ministry of Education W.I. has given permission for these trainings to take place on the above mentioned dates.

 

At then end of each day, the participants were asked to fill in an evaluation form.

Here follows a sample of comments made by the participants in response to the questions on the evaluation forms

 

Please make comments that would help us to improve the workshop.

 

What Went Well?

 

 Interesting – learnt a lot about patterns, and a lot of skills in math

 Very informative and useful

 Contents well delivered by presenters

 Practical activities meaningful

 Looking forward to next workshop

 Great science simulation on mixed ability classroom

 

What Would You Like Us To Do Differently?

 

 Got concepts but more examples on elementary level math

 Next time more actual situations will be appreciated in math

 Too long on one skill in math

 Copy the science activities so we can use in our class

 

 

The abovementioned training is being organized by DERPI with funding from USONA through the Project Programma Onderwijs & Jongeren 2008- 2012

 

COMPUTER TRAINING FOR CYCLE II TEACHERS

 

One of the fundamentals of Foundation Based Education (FBE) is the use of ICT (Information Communication & Technology) in the classroom. The students are introduced to the computer in Cycle I and learn how to use and operate the computer to gain knowledge and do research.

Over the years DERPI has provided all FBE schools with computers for the classrooms through funding for education projects received through USONA.

 

During the school year 2008-2009 DERPI received requests from FBE School board representatives as well as from some Cycle II teachers for assistance in organizing computer training for the Cycle II teachers. Teachers also asked for assistance on how to use the computer as an instructional tool.

 

DERPI commissioned a Digital Literacy Assessment study of all Cycle II teachers, the results indicated that a large number of the teachers were not as computer literate as is demanded for them to operate efficiently in this system.

Presently the training has started with 86 teachers from Cycle II with training in basic training in Computer/ PC – Management, Power Point, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

The 86 training have been grouped according to their computer competency levels.

 

The training is scheduled to last for four (4) months. Each month the training will focus on one component, which will be Computer/ PC- management, Power Point, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. The sessions are held once a week in the afternoon from 2:30 – 5:30 p.m.

 

The Computer institute of The Caribbean has been contracted to provide the training based on the positive results of the ICT training for the FBE school directors during school year 2007 – 2008.

 

DERPI will look into organizing training in the future for those teachers who are in the category of an advanced level according to the Digital Literacy Assessment.

 

The abovementioned training is being organized by DERPI with funding from USONA through the Project Programma Onderwijs & Jongeren 2008- 2012.

 

 

Commissioner Frans Richardson recently had discussions with representatives of local environmental groups. The meeting addressed current environmental concerns and served as a forum to exchange views and ideas regarding current topics and proposals for sustainable development.

The commissioner was joined by members of his office team, during the discussions. (GIS Photo)

 

 

Philipsburg:---On Tuesday, September 15, 2009 Mr. Leopold JAMES, president of the SNBF/L’ Esprit organizations will deliver a power-point presentation entitled ‘ A draft proposal for a Joint-private-public-partnership-Saint Martin-St .Maarten.

Representatives of Government, private sector as well as a number of well known community- and radio personalities from both sides of the island have been invited to this session.

After the presentation those in attendance will be invited to give their input on this draft presentation in order to come to a final proposal and an eventual Memorandum of Understanding.

The organizers are looking forward that such a MOU being signed as part of the celebration of St. Martin’s day, November 11, 2009 in order to add more concrete content to the notion of unity among the people of the island as opposed just the usual annual rhetoric of the officials on that day.

Considering the fact, that short of more concrete examples of real and sustained island-wide partnership and unity in the daily lives of the people from both sides of the island, the event runs the risk of losing its credibility and interests of the people.

Undoubtedly, the proposed partnership has the potential to provide in a long felt lack of meaningful experience of cooperation on all levels in the daily, real-life experience of the residents on both sides of the island.

With this historical proposal from a grass root St. Martin movement, which represents all St. Martiners, regardless of nationality, and which can form a ‘bridge’ for all residents on the island, a new era is about to begin, which can contribute towards removing the current feeling of apathy and despair on the island.

Judging from the mood of the general public, especially of the native St. Martiners, the time for nice rhetoric about cooperation between both sides of the island is over and therefore not following up on this logical grass root St. Martin initiative is not an option.

It is the intention, that in the coming days and weeks, the organizers will be available on the various talk shows and local newspapers, to promote this initiative and to solicit input from the community as well, before presenting a final proposal to the Island government of St. Maarten and the Collectivity of Saint Martin for its ratification on St. Martin Day 2009.

 

 

DAWN BEACH--St. Maarten SuperHost (SMSH) is in full swing to prepare its facilitators for the upcoming customer service training sessions with staff of various businesses and organizations. A one-day refresher course was held on Saturday in The Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort and Spa.

The twelve facilitators were updated on many developments made by Innovative Marketing Creations (IMC), the local SMSH agency and organizations that are interested and/or have dire need for SuperHost customer service training and certification.

This refresher course supplemented the original three-day (20 hours) training that facilitators received directly from the corporate SuperHost representatives based in British Columbia.

Facilitators were re-certified and received their official certificates that put them in the leadership team of St. Maarten SuperHost ambassadors.

“This group is comprised of passionate professionals, rooted in our community who are willing to go the extra mile to provide excellent customer service, and give of their time and effort to teach others the same values. Values that will help to bring St. Maarten back to the level where we can truly stand behind the island’s brand promise of being ‘The Friendly Island,’” said IMC General Manager Jacqueline Louis.

St. Maarten SuperHost tourism customer service certification programme is a very interactive training. Participants experience various scenarios and are completely involved in the process. The certification is valid for two years with refresher courses given throughout that term.

A very detailed follow-up programme evaluates how participants and businesses grow from the course through surveys and mystery shoppers. This allows for the continuation and helps to maintain quality customer service for everyone who has participated in the programme.

Louis said, “Our local facilitators know what it takes to give excellent customer service as proud members of our community. They have been given the charge to uphold the St. Maarten SuperHost standards of quality service, and also to evaluate on a regular basis the various businesses and organizations that have either gone through the training, or need this valuable service.”

SuperHost customer service training was first introduced in 1985 to prepare British Columbia’s tourism workforce to host the world at EXPO ‘86. The programme’s excellence is recognized internationally. After an extensive search for the best in the world, American Express selected SuperHost as its customer service programme.

St. Maarten SuperHost is one of several prestigious agencies certified and licensed to give this consumer service enrichment programme.

SuperHost is now the official consumer training programme for St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA).

 

 

PHILIPSBURG—NV GEBE is celebrating its 49th anniversary of providing electricity to St. Maarten, Saba and Statia. The company was established on September 16, 1960, less than 2 weeks after hurricane Donna devastated St. Maarten, destroying the few overhead lines in Philipsburg.

The NV Overzeese Gas- en Electriciteitsmaatschappij (OGEM BV), a Dutch company, established the NV Gemeenschappelijk Electriciteitsbedrijf St. Maarten (GESM) in Curacao to exploit electricity in St. Maarten.

OGEM got a concession for 10 years during which it would manage GESM. The concession was later extended and GESM was renamed GEBE (Gemeenschappelijk Electriciteitsbedrijf Bovenwindse Eilanden) to reflect the expansion of the company’s service to the islands of Saba and St Eustatius.

On Wednesday, January 25, 2006, NV GEBE was transferred from the central government to the island territories of St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius. A Shareholders Foundation was established and 100% of the shares, which are owned by the three islands, were transferred to the GEBE Shareholders Foundation. Saba and St. Eustatius each have one representative on the Shareholders Foundation while St. Maarten has three.

NV GEBE has expanded from its small beginnings of electricity for 6 hours a day with a peak of 500 kilowatts, to 24-hours service with a peak of 54 megawatts, an underground distribution grid, and water distribution. A new vision for the company was introduced in 2007 that states that GEBE strives to be the leading utility company in the Caribbean by providing high quality and reliable electricity, water and waste water management services to the Dutch Windward Islands, in a customer oriented and cost effective manner, with a skilled team of professionals that strives to exceed expectations, taking safety and the environment into account.

On the occasion of the 49th Anniversary, GEBE Managing Director, William Brooks, will be featured on the Beverly Hyman show that will be aired on St. Maarten on Channel 15 at 8:30 p.m. as well as on the Valerie van Putten show on PJD2 102.7 at 5:00 p.m. A special showing has been arranged for Saba and Statia on Channel 7. GEBE Managing Direct, ir. William Brooks will be giving an update on the company, the GEBE vision and strategy for the coming years as well as outlining the challenges the company is facing.

GEBE will be celebrating with a company toast to mark the 49th anniversary and begin the preparations for the company’s golden anniversary in 2010.

 

 

Philipsburg: ---The Windward Islands Civil Servants Union WICSU (Windward Islands Civil Servants Union/Private Sector Union) is keenly following the steps of Lawmakers to address the plight of the SIBA (Sint Maarten Insurance Brokers Association) that is now widely accepted as unfair competition with commercial banks in the Netherlands Antilles as it relates to insurance mediation.

This is a known problem for many years without any action or intervention from competent authorities. That Parliament through the person of Mr. Pedro Atacho is willing to table this matter is commendable.

We have also heard and appreciate the statements from Senator Erno Labega that SIBA will be invited soon to give clarity to the Finance committee of Parliament on this matter, which is not only unfair to its members but also limits the public and by extension our members to freely shop around for affordable insurance coverage.

We have been following this situation for sometime now and feel that customers must be given a chance to shop around, FREELY before buying anything.

With this current practice to force a client to sign-up a document on the spot and tie them to a long-term contract is in our opinion undemocratic.

These are hard economic times and we must do everything in our power as community leaders and government in particular to take care of the financially weaker-ones in our society.

We therefore with keen attention look forward to the commencement of the process to implement legislation that would provide customers the freedom to choose.

WICSU Press Release

 

 

World Alzheimer's Day is celebrated on the 21st of September each year. The day was launched with the support of the World Health Organization in 1994. Alzheimer Disease International co-ordinates events and produces and distributes materials around the world. World Alzheimer's Day is a day that unites opinion leaders, people with dementia, their caregivers and family, medical professionals, researchers and the media from all around the world. Having a globally coordinated awareness day sends a strong message to governments and policy makers alerting them of the fact that dementia is a serious health issue which will have serious implications on services and health systems around the world as the world's population grows older. In addition, by focusing on a different message each year, the day can be used to educate and challenge people's misconceptions about dementia. September 21st provides an opportunity for Alzheimer associations around the world to gain recognition and credibility for the work they do, placing themselves in a stronger position to influence opinion leaders and governments.

 

This year’s theme is “Diagnosing Dementia : see it sooner !”

 

What do you know about Alzheimer and dementia? How can you decrease your chances of getting Alzheimer or dementia? How can you help someone with Alzheimer or dementia? Why is it important to get a diagnosis in an early stage ? Are our medical professionals updated to recognize the disease in order for people to receive the treatment they need? There is an urgency for all to learn about these diseases and to know how to prevent them in themselves.

What have our legislators in the Netherlands Antilles done so far? The AVBZ ordinance has been passed and we all pay a percentage of our income for the treatment of chronic diseases in our society. Are there funds allocated for support of patients with Alzheimer or dementia? How much is needed to guarantee the Alzheimer or dementia patients and their families their human right to the highest attainable level of health care and their right to live a life in dignity?

Approximately 25 (twenty five) million people worldwide already have Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. The number will continue to grow as the baby boomers reach the age of retirement. What are the numbers in the Netherlands Antilles?

 

How to minimize your chances of getting Alzheimer or dementia?

 

1. Stop smoking! There is nothing positive about smoking. Studies have shown that smoking not only raises your chances of developing dementia, but it also increases your chances of getting other diseases.

2. Eat a healthy diet. Research suggests that the Mediterranean diet staves off the onset of dementia

3. Keep mentally active. Again studies have shown this, to be a way to delay the onset of dementia.

4. Keep physically active. Research indicates that moderate exercise at least a half an hour three times a week is another way to keep dementia from affecting you.

 

How can we help?

 

Raise the awareness of the disease. Be informed and start the prevention now. Get information how to help the people with Alzheimer or dementia at home or in institutions for elderly. What is the level of health care for people with Alzheimer or dementia in the Antilles now and what is needed to improve the level of care for Alzheimer patients, dementia patients and their families. Volunteers are needed to assist the families and the institutions with Alzheimer or dementia patients. Contact elderly organizations because they know where help or assistance for Alzheimer or dementia patients and their families is needed. Give your time and/or money. There is still no cure for Alzheimer or dementia. You or someone you know could develop symptoms tomorrow. The cost of caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia is expensive monetarily, physically, emotionally, and psychologically.

 

 

Intensifying areas of cooperation is high on the agenda at meetings being held in Tallahassee this week between the city of Tallahassee and St. Maarten.Leader of Government, William Marlin is leading a delegation to the city, on a working visit to coincide with the 10th anniversary of a sister city agreement between Tallahassee and St. Maarten.

On Wednesday, the delegation met with Commissioner Bill Proctor and the director of tourism and economic development, Lee Daniel, among others.

On photo, commissioner Marlin with both Tallahassee officials, joined by delegation members David Christian, in representation of the office of commissioner Frans Richardson, Calvin Mardembrough, section head study financing, Arthur Lugisse and Martijn Miekus of the St. Maarten Tallahassee Foundation. The latter group is coordinating the activities marking the visit.

 

 

 

 

On Tuesday September 29th 2009, The Commissioner of Transportation Frans Richardson accompanied by Councilman / Senator George Pantophlet met with Taxi Hulp - Chaffeurs stationed at the Princess Juliana International Airport to discuss a number of operational issues.

AIRPORT– Winair has launched a new initiative, which according to many is geared at seeing people travel at an exceptionally low rate. Launched under the umbrella of Winair airfare fest the promotion will run from September 7th to October 31 this year.

Managing Director Edwin Hodge said that the promotion will be open to the airline’s nine destinations and already purchases for the 41,000 odd seats have already begun since August 28th. “Beginning August 28th we have already begun seeing passengers taking advantage of our latest promotion as many persons wants to be part of this mega airfare fest,” Buncamper said.

VP of Marketing Claudio Buncamper however warned that tickets for the promotion are non-refundable and instant purchase is required within 24 hours. He also said that all Winair Fares for this promotion are available at 25% discount of the regular fare. Some Winair traditional low day trip fares have also been further lowered, examples are like follows: St. Maarten to Saba or St. Eustatius as low as US$ 81.00 roundtrip including all taxes and surcharges.

Those latest promotion forms part of a number of series of new and exciting promotions that the airline has been introducing. However, Management said that it forms part of the airline’s attempts to creating a stimulus package for persons who travels in an attempt to assist in reducing the impact caused by the financial crisis.

Management pointed out that the airline also sees its as part of its responsibility in lending assistance by way of enhancing its travelling public while at the same time enhance business related opportunities for the islands that it has flights to and from. This, Hodge said will help significantly in stimulating business in the traditional slow season whilst giving some relief to its passengers.

He noted that the public should take advantage of the promotion noting that despite the evident global challenges facing the region that Winair has sought to ease some of the challenges by introducing such extraordinarily low fares.

 

 

 

Philipsburg: ---The leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams announced on Tuesday that her party would be contesting the federal elections if it comes to that. She said based on all indications given by the Central Government the elections would take place as announced by the Prime Minister Emily de Jongh-Elhage. However, the Democratic Party faction is concerned on how the matter has been handled since none of the island members were consulted prior to a decision being taken. Wescot Williams said it sounds as if the Minister of Constitutional Affairs did not seem to know what was happening.

She said while it was decided at the political meeting of the Kingdom on June 24 to postpone the parliamentary elections, which is to be seen as the transition in conjunction with the transition date of country status.

 

The central government based on this decision commissioned a report back then was the basis for the central government submitting a draft law to postpone elections to the Council of Advice.

Immediately upon receipt of the advice, the Central government announced that they would not submit their own draft law to postpone the parliamentary elections to the Parliament.

The DP faction leader felt the most decent in their opinion would have been to await the September meeting in which a date for country status must be decided on and then deal with the matter of postponement or not of elections.

 

 

AIRPORT:---Princess Juliana International Airport operating company (PJIAE) on Friday August 28 2009 honored six of its workers for exemplary service in the first half year of 2009 and promoted two to higher ranks, as part of the company’s employees recognition and promotion policy in its endeavors to show appreciation to employees and promote service excellence.

Honored were Security Department administrator Ms. Brinda John (January 2009), Mr. Mathew George of the Facility Maintenance Department (February 2009), Mrs Liana Ulloa-Woods of the Planning Project and Systems Control Department (March 2009), Mr. Robert Brown of the Quality Assurance Department (April 2009), Mr. Shaun Brown of the ITT Department (May 2009) and Mr. Charles Thomas of the Operations Department (June 2009). At the awards ceremony Friday afternoon, two Security Officers, Mr. Joel Wilson and Mr. Abraham Rogers, were promoted to the rank of Supervisor.

Expressing congratulatory remarks to the honorees, all speakers at the ceremony commended PJIAE for being committed to recognizing and awarding workers’ excellence. PJIAE President drs. Eugene Holiday explained that giving honor when and where it is due is one of the core values of the company that PJIAE will not stray from. He congratulated the honorees and made specific mention of Facility Maintenance Department worker Mathew George, who has now received his Department Manager’s and the selection committee’s nod no less than three times. “The kind of excellence Mr. George displays in the execution of his duty is obviously, routine for him,” said Drs. Holiday.

While the promoted workers all received their appropriate epaulettes, the awardees were presented with plaques and gift baskets. Besides PJIAE officials, the ceremony was attended by family members of the awardees.

 

 

Great Bay--- Sports Commissioner Frans Richardson is extending words of congratulations and deep appreciation to the St. Maarten Special Olympics Foundation (SOSM), on occasion of its fifth anniversary.

Commissioner Richardson says that he is supportive of the endeavors of the foundation and looks forward to their continuing to conduct activities throughout the year, with volunteers donating their time.

As commissioner with the portfolio of sports, Richardson has taken note that St. Maarten has been represented at regional Special Olympic programs in Aruba, Bonaire and St. Kitts. The SOSM also participated at an international Special Olympics meet in Shanghai, China in 2007, when the two St. Maarten athletes participating in the event, Lindomar Carvon and Linda Richardson, brought back medals.

On occasion of the foundation’s anniversary, Commissioner Richardson wishes to extend words of encouragement to the foundation’s 10 volunteers, the 40 athletes participating in athletics programs, coaches, supportive family members and its dedicated board, chaired by first lady Angela Richards-Huggins.

Commissioner Richardson is calling on the public and commerce sector to get more involved with the foundation so that it may reach its goals of, among others, acquiring better sports equipment and organizing additional coaches training workshops.

This would be in addition to whatever support government can provide, says Commissioner Richardson.

 

 

Philipsburg:--- The spirit of the National Alliance that was rekindled during the Retreat last Saturday, prompts president of the interim board, Mr. Dexter Doncher, to call the Party council together for deliberations on the recent determination of Parliament elections in 2010 by Emily de Jong. Elhage, prime minister of the Netherlands Antilles,

It is a decision that has serious consequences for the proper, timely, and expedient preparations for country Saint Martin. A major accomplishment of the National Alliance leader, William V. Marlin, was having the Central government comply with his wishes to make haste with the dismantling process of the Central government. The central government, as a prerequisite, will support a fortification trajectory to enable the transfer of central government tasks at the latest per January 1, 2010 to Saint Martin. This transfer of central government tasks to the islands of Curacao and Saint Martin will begin in October 2009.

In the Central government Newsletter Nr. 1 - 2009 the National Alliance leader, commissioner of general and constitutional affairs, William Marlin and prime minister of the Netherlands Antilles, Emily de Jong-Elhage are featured on its front-page signing the agreement to set up central government dependencies on Saint Martin in a meeting of June 23, 2009.

On Friday, July 10, the Council of Ministers agreed with the presentation of a concept transition regulation to decentralize the Netherlands Antilles, with explanatory memorandum and appendix, to the island-territories of Curacao and Saint Martin for their concurrence. – As stated in the central government Newsletter, Mr.

The consequences of Parliament elections in January 2010 are crucial to the expediency of country Saint Martin. It will significantly delay the process of dismantling the Netherlands Antilles; it will derail the proper transfer of the Central government tasks to the island territory of Saint Martin. Most of all, it sends an ominous signal to the island of Saint Martin; a signal of ignoring the integrity of the Central government as it concerns its commitment to realize constitutional change - in effect, true democracy,

In essence, it means the Central government has recklessly handled the wishes of the people of the Netherlands Antilles and in particular, the island-territory of Saint Martin, as they were expressed with the adoption of the referendum of 2002 and ratified by the island council of Saint Martin on December 2006.

Therefore, Dexter Doncher, president of the National Alliance board, at the behest of the National Alliance leader, William Marlin, and based on the resolutions of the Retreat, convenes a Party council meeting.

It is imperative that all members of the Party council be present, as well as the participants of the Retreat to deliberate Prime Minister Emily de Jong-Elhage’s proposed Parliament elections in January 2010 and establish a date for the National Alliance Congress.

 

 

Philipsburg:---The Management of the local police force (KPSSS) has recently announced, that in connection with the upgrading and professionalizing of its personnel , all persons employed with police department and hold a supervisory position will be following a “Coaching and Supervision Course”. The total amount of persons to attend this course will be thirty-one. Twenty-one of them are from Sint Maarten, seven from Sint Eustatius and three from Saba. The course would be for four days course supplied by Linkels en van Wilgen and given by the instructor Eligio Reenis. This course instructs the supervisor that they have the responsibility to coach their employees, to deal with pressure from their own superiors and to efficiently deal with many challenges a supervisor is confronted with. Some of the topics that will be discussed are: The supervisor and management process, Working with people, Communication and -Disciplinary Action.

At the end of the course an examination will be given to the participants and those who a score a six or higher will receive a diploma. The first group to attend this course ended their session on Friday September 4.

 

 

Philipsburg:---State Secretary of Health, Mr. Patrick Illidge and his Executive Assistant, Terry J. Peterson, made a courtesy visit to the St. Maarten Laboratory Services (SLS) on Monday, 7th September, 2009. Mr. Illidge met with the Managing Director of SLS, Drs. Ing. Hose S. M. Booi, Team Leader and Microbiologist Lab Technician, Ms. Lourdes M. Richardson, and Supervisor, Mrs. Wilma P. Vrutaal-Arrendell.

Drs. Hose Booi, used the opportunity to discuss various issues as they relate to the structure, expansion and functioning of SLS, since he assumed the directorship of the lab. The State Secretary expressed that he was very impressed with the improvements at SLS since the Council of Ministers approved the resolution guaranteeing the complete transfer of laboratory services to the Island Territory of St. Maarten in September 1, 2008. He noted that Drs. Hose Booi had come highly recommended by his predecessors, particularly former State Secretary of Health, Drs. Rodolphe Samuel, and that he was very pleased with the vision and foresight of the new director. He also commended the staff of SLS for bringing home quality, prompt and efficient service to the community, and hoped that other possible new labs in Sucker Garden and Cole-Bay can also complement those in Dutch Quarter and Betty’s Estate in the near future.

The State Secretary said that SLS must be better than just a mirror of ADC. He expressed his willingness to assist SLS wherever he can to seek possibilities and opportunities for water testing and pathology. He emphasized the importance of recruiting our students and training local St. Maarteners to take up new opportunities that will be available as the lab continues to expand and move into its new location in Cay Hill. Finally, Mr. Illidge promised to remain in close contact with SLS and to follow-up on its progress.

 

 

The Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation is gearing up for the upcoming International Coastal Cleanup scheduled for Saturday September 19. 2009 at the Mullet Bay Beach.

This year volunteers can choose between the Mullet Bay Beach location or the Mullet Pond location, which is situated at the old Mullet Bay water, sports-near the Towers.

Site Captain for the Mullet Pond cleanup is Mr. Rueben Thompson.

All volunteers are welcome at both locations.

In addition, an under water cleanup for experienced and certified divers will also take place on September 19.

To participate in the under water diving cleanup, please register with Jefferson and Luciana at the Ocean Explorers dive center located at Kim Sha Beach. The dive cleanup will start at 9am.

Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation visited the Sr.Borgia school in Philipsburg on Tuesday morning to explain the 6th. graders about the importance of the International Coastal Cleanup. The students will be attending the cleanup along with visiting students from the United States that are on an ex change program with the school.

 

 

Philipsburg:---Councilwoman Maria Buncamper-Molanus cautions the Executive Council about reinventing the wheel and wasting precious human resources and time.

The Councilwoman is referring to the idea of establishing an e-zone (economic zone) on St. Maarten. This topic appeared in the local media in August when the present commissioner of economic affairs met with a group of interested business people.

“With the objective of achieving a balanced and managed economic growth, consistent with the constraints of the island (i.e. size of land, resources, labor market, educational facilities, health and social services) the government commissioned and received several studies aimed at this objective, including the Carrying Capacity Study, the Tourism Master Plan (Tourmap) and the Economic Diversification Study (EDS), to provide a basis to develop and implement an social-economic strategy. The Social Economic Initiative (SEI), which was prepared in collaboration with the Netherlands, provides coherent program with measures aimed at improving the start-position of Sint Maarten as a prospective new country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; this program will replace the current Comprehensive Economic Development Plan (CEDP) as a frame work for joint funding by the Dutch and Sint Maarten governments of the socioeconomic development”. This is a quote from the DP Government Governing Program 2007-2011.

It is about creating an attractive tax environment says the former commissioner of economic affairs. “Falling under the umbrella of diversification, the DP Executive Council already did the necessary research and received a report from KPMG regarding this topic. The DP Government also had, the previously mentioned diversification study, done in which financial services, was listed as a feasible economic activity among others. In February of this year councilwoman Buncamper-Molanus, then commissioner of economic affairs, traveled to Curacao with among others the Director of Economic Research and Development on a fact finding mission and met with the relevant persons in this field in Curacao including the State Secretary Mr. Alex Rosaria”.

Finding our niche was the recommendation given from all corners when it comes to developing our financial services. We should be cautious not to copy Curacao or anyone else for that matter, as St. Maarten has its own unique market say the Councilwoman.

The Harbour through its chairman expressed the interest in establishing, for the purpose of being competitive, an economic zone for transshipment. In addition the American University of the Caribbean, represented by attorney Suzy Romer, met with the DP Executive Council to discuss their interest in applying for an economic zone for this educational institution as they approached the end of their tax holiday.

Parallel to this, far reaching discussions were held with Soualiga Development Group who submitted a proposal to Government to help St. Maarten prepare the establishment of our very own “Bureau Intellectual properties”.

This same group was also preparing a proposal for the establishment of an office that could properly facilitate businesses interested in doing business on St. Maarten within the e(conomic)-zone. This would naturally only be possible after St. Maarten effectuates the federal legislation. The latter being a rather simple process of bringing a draft ordinance to the island council for approval.

The assignment was given to the department of economic development and research in May of this year by the DP Executive Council to prepare the draft legislation, making it possible to establish economic zones on St. Maarten.

However government should not act without properly evaluating the pro and cons of establishing geographical economic zones compared to establishing economic zones in particular service areas. The wrong decision could distort the economy to such an extent that instead of generating more employment and revenues the contrary takes place.

At the end of the day the benefit to the overall economy must be the primary objective. This is no simple subject, but if properly done can be the solution to totally changing the labour market, elevating it to the level necessary to create job opportunities particularly at middle and high income levels.

“It must be emphasized that precious resources have already been invested in research, reports, and the NA/Heyliger Executive Council should not simply discard this investment made because the process was initiated by the Democratic Party Government. The draft legislation should be presented to the Island Council and should the present Executive Council choose not to do so, the Democratic Party faction will,” concludes Councilwoman Maria Buncamper-Molanus.

 

 

Commissioner Frans Richardson met with the vice-president of the territorial council, Daniel Gibs, on Thursday at the Government Administration Building. Purpose of the meeting was to discuss ongoing issues in public transportation. Vice-president Gibs was accompanied by public transportation officials of the collectivity of Saint Martin while several officials of the sector Economy and Tourism along with advisors to the commissioner were present during the discussions.

A follow-up meeting at technical level is expected to be held shortly, to further iron out issues. (GIS Photo)

 

 

Philipsburg:--- Senator and chairman of the Central Committee George Pantophlet in reaction to the constant meetings called by the Democratic Parry faction said the Democratic Party has resorted to calling meetings every week as they have promised is not to prove how concerned they are about the business of the people but an attempt to frustrate the National Alliance led government.

Pantophlet reoffered to an editorial in one of the local newspapers the editor was hoping that they would see maturity at this time and cooperation in the interest of the people but alas this will not be the case.

He said in critical times such as these instead the members of the DP using their experience to inform the people they have decided to play politics.

He asked why should he as chairman, of the central committee call island council members to schedule meetings? Aren’t they the ones who said they would be calling meetings every week? Are they not aware that if a meeting was requested on Monday September 7, 2009 that it has to be convened within 7 days? Are they not aware of the upcoming summits on Curacao September 16 and 17? Are they not aware that the constitutional process of which both parties agreed to work on in the interest of the people is in high gear? Yes they are, but as was stated by a member of the minority government, they will be calling meetings every week.

On the matter of the agenda point for Monday’s island council meeting the financial economic situation of St. Maarten, there should have two presentations. One by the former Democratic Party government from 1998 until June 7, 2009 and one from the National Alliance led government from June 8 until September 12, 2009. Pantophlet said need not go into the issues of the unrealistic budgets that were presented over the years. The latest information is already known to the media is that the debt at this time is 50 million guilders and climbing. He said he is sure this did not occur in the last 100 days. With regards to the Central committee meeting, the following agenda points: the Codes of Conduct for civil servants and political functionaries, the establishment of the Ombudsman, the New electoral Law, Registration and Financing of Political Parties and appointment of members to the Monument Council what was the former Democratic Party government waiting on to deal with these issues? He concluded by saying that his government knows what the priorities are and that is administrating the business of the people in a responsible manner.

 

 

Philipsburg:---This agenda point has been requested by the faction of the Democratic Party in the island council and not without reason.

But before I go into the reasons, let me explain what we expect out of this meeting. In our opinion, we have passed the stage of “government, do something about it”. But we are asking the government, what can we together do about it? To get to that point, however, government needs to be forthcoming with information, with data, that only they have or can get.

There is no denying that the financial and economic situation of our island and that of its citizens is on the mind of every inhabitant of this island. Whether it is business, labor or government, how our people are faring must be a concern to all.

The effects of the global financial crisis and the ensuing economic slump, especially in the United States have hit this region hard and St. Maarten is no exception. In fact, regional reports suggest that the Caribbean economy is close to a depression.

(15 JULY 2009) THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) OF LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN WILL CONTRACT 1.9% THIS YEAR, RAISING UNEMPLOYMENT TO 9% AND AGGRAVATING POVERTY LEVELS, ACCORDING TO THE ECONOMIC SURVEY OF LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN 2008-2009 PUBLISHED BY ECLAC.

LOWER EXTERNAL DEMAND LED TO A 30% VALUE AND 7% VOLUME FALL IN EXPORTS DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR WITH REGARD TO THE SAME PERIOD IN 2008. REMITTANCES ALSO DROPPED (5%-10% BETWEEN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 2008 AND THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2009). FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT FLOWS ARE EXPECTED TO DECREASE 40% THIS YEAR DUE TO THE GENERAL DETERIORATION OF FAMILY AND BUSINESS EXPECTATIONS, WHICH NEGATIVELY AFFECTED CONSUMER AND INVESTMENT DECISIONS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.A CURRENT ACCOUNT DEFICIT EQUIVALENT TO 2.3% OF GDP IS EXPECTED FOR 2009, COMPARED TO THE 0.6% OF GDP DEFICIT OBTAINED IN 2008. THE TERMS OF TRADE WILL ALSO FALL 10.8% THIS YEAR, FROM A 3.0% INCREASE IN 2008.

ALL OF THIS HAS IMPACTED THE LABOUR MARKET. FROM EARLY 2008 TO THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2009, OVER A MILLION PEOPLE HAVE LOST THEIR JOBS IN URBAN AREAS, AN INTER-ANNUAL RISE IN UNEMPLOYMENT OF 0.6%. THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE FROM 7.4% IN 2008 TO ABOUT 9% THIS YEAR, LEAVING AN ADDITIONAL THREE MILLION PEOPLE WITHOUT WORK. THIS WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY GREATER LABOUR INFORMALITY, WHICH WILL AGGRAVATE POVERTY LEVELS AND MAKE COMPLIANCE OF THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS MORE DIFFICULT.

 

While some might feel that the aftershock of this all to the economy of Sint Maarten was not as severe as other places, far and near, the effects of such have crept up on us and are spreading rapidly.

In the first quarter, and even into the second quarter of this year, we have held our ground somewhat.

Not to say that the economy was booming, but we managed, without a serious collective (!) effort really, to somehow hold it together until now.

Surely, several factors can be attributed to this:

We were on an upswing, and so you saw a slowing down, before an actual decline.

The flexibility of our people and as an extension of our economy kept us going, when others were already reeling from the effects of the global crisis.

If this were not the case, then surely, it would be unthinkable that the government of Sint Maarten (mind you, I am using the collective term) could take so long to come up with what has been dubbed an economic stimulus package.

I use my words very carefully. And I do so, hoping to avoid even the perception of looking for some-one to blame.

This matter, in our opinion is one in which the quicker we can find each other, the better it will be for all the people.

Recognized agencies, representatives of business, labor or even of government have a platform from which they can launch their queries, suggestions, yes and even pressure for governments to act.

But what about the man and the woman in the streets?

They too hurt. They too wonder.

We might try to dispel or downplay this fact, but people are losing their jobs. Right here on Sint Maarten and it is happening today.

A serious deficiency that we have as an island, is the lack of a statistical agency, where economic information can be collected, analyzed and made available to policy and decision makers in a timely fashion. An agency that functions on the basis of a law and where cooperation with that agency in terms of providing truthful information is obligatory.

In the absence of such, we go by bits and pieces from different sources, difficult to assimilate, because of the lack of synchronization.

The airport collects its data, the seaport does the same, there are tourism statistics, labor statistics, banking statistics, marine statistics.

What do they tell us?

I know what people tell us. And it is not only me. Because the very things that I am saying today, not too long ago, the former opposition was saying as well.

What are we hearing on the streets?

As I said before, people are losing their job. The control on the labor market is not as effective as it should be.

Business is hurting! There is no denying that fact. And of course, one has to do with the other. That businesses look for cheap labor is a consequence of the foregoing as well. Or better said, it is exacerbated by the foregoing. It is made worse.

I think I am preaching to the choir here. But there is much more to it. The effects of all of this on our community, on the mental state of our citizens are alarming.

And I know that there are always extenuating circumstances. E.g. if I tie in to what I said earlier about joblessness, and speak of families who face poverty because of this, I acknowledge that it is not the only reason.

Some people who have work, face poverty. They either don’t make enough or they do not have their priorities right, that also happens.

But if we can agree here today, that large sectors of our community are hurting; that prospects for economic recovery are not immediate, that there is no one group (in our out of government) responsible for this malaise, then we can go one to the next topic.

What can we do?

Again in my opinion, people need to hear some-thing concrete. Something tangible. Hope for the future gives strength to weather the storm.

There might be a legitimate reason for the delay in arriving at a economic stimulus package. I don’t know, but if there is, government should explain this. To the island council and to the people of this island.

Is there some type of relief for the average citizen? If there is, can we hear about it? I would not have to break my head about suggestions for relief, if something is already in the making.

Has any-one checked their utility bill lately? Especially electricity? Has any one of us in this council wondered how the person on a low and fixed income is able to survive? Well I have and I have not come up with the answer.

 

What is in the package for these persons?

 

What about the elderly? Has government considered this group?

Has government analyzed the effects of the medical insurance for 60-plussers by the SVB?

And I stress, by the SVB.

Because I know that the DP-administration was busy with amendments to the medical care ordinance, specifically to deal with medical insurance for the elderly. As you might know, if the income of an elderly is above a certain maximum, that person can not receive a government doctor card. However, the elderly, the pensioner who has a little apartment or 2 on rent along with his or her pension, cannot get a government doctor card. And for doctor consultation and the like, that person might not even want a doctor card. But when it comes to a chronic illness, such as cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes, and others, this can wipe out whatever little savings that person has. Insurance is out of the question for this category.

And I know we are working on a general insurance, but for now, will government finalize the amendments to medical ordinance for the elderly?

If not, does the government have the assurance that the recent SVB policy which is yet to be put in law, and which details are unknown to our faction as least, will fill this gap?

Does the government concur that this SVB policy should be publicized and explained consistently to the people of Sint Maarten?

We know our people. And if they once know that after pension, you get no medical coverage from SVB, they are not going back to the SVB.

What about some ads on tv and radio?

But again, and before anything else, has government analyzed this SVB proposal and what are the benefits, compared to e.g. the expansion of coverage via the government doctor card system?

In essence I ask the government a couple of things:

What is the status of the economic stimulus or economic relief package?

What are the immediate prospects for the elderly and their medical care?

Give us the data regarding unemployment and the trends in the last 6 months or so.

Dismissal requests?

Performances of key sectors such as the harbor, airport and marine and the prospects for these sectors for the coming season?

Any information on real estate performances?

By the way, 2008 budget figures of the central government for transfer tax on Sint Maarten were surpassed and one of the budgetary adjustments was this post, adjusted upwardly with 3.9 million guilders

The same holds true for turn-over tax, also an upward adjustment of 5.4 million guilders. You see why it is important that data is collected centralized and analyzed. Does the government have information how real estate transfer tax and turn-over-tax have been performing in 2009?

We are advocating as the Democratic Party, considering the transfer of responsibilities from the central government to the island government; that as far as we know the central government has not yet broken down their budget to transfer the funds along with the tasks, and given the surplus on the central government, which has now become a reserve, we don’t think it is a cry in the wilderness, to seek either a reduction in the turn-over-tax by the central government or a bigger portion than the one-third to come to the island government. Because if the latter happens, then the island government can reduce income and profit tax that will benefit the business and the consumer, and thus stimulate the economy. I recognize that the island government can only reduce the surcharges on the profit and income tax. And while it means less revenue for the government, the question is whether government is willing to bear this loss for the gain of the entire community.

That is a question to the government?

Again, maybe this is part of the impending package of relief. We just don’t know.

What economic model has or will the government use for this package of relief? Where matters like, should the government get or keep the money or should it go in the pockets of the citizens can be analyzed?

I just want to have a sensible discussion with government on these matters. One of the council members of the other faction always refer to the DP faction as a minority government. This is not correct. A minority government is a government. We are not the government, but we are part of the governance of this island.

Part of the highest governance of this island.

The last part of my discourse ties into the finances of government.

Members of the faction of the Democratic Party have been asking questions regarding the finances of government. Unfortunately to no avail.

However, again we are not blaming any-one for having to amend the 2009 budget. We would have had to do it, if we were in government.

When can we expect the amendments to the budget of 2009 to reach the island council?

Will these amendments include: any additional cost for compulsory education; the reduced work permit fee for certain categories/

How much has the change of government on June 8 cost the tax payer, in terms of additional personnel, office equipment and vehicles? Were the applicable financial rules followed for the purchase of office equipment and vehicles?

Can we receive an overview of the monthly income and expenditures of government for 2009? These are available at a press of the button. Can we have it before this meeting is over?

The point is that there is information that the NA/Heyliger executive council has to submit information to the island council, which they have not.

The quarterly reports, according to the Kingdom resolution on the CFT. We haven’t received the first quarter, let alone the second quarter, which was due on mid-august. What we have heard from the Commissioner of finance and that was on July 17th was that the first quarterly report was submitted to the CFT and it “was well received”. Now that might be so, and that is not the issue, The issue is that in accordance with art 18, these reports must be sent to the island council. Why have we not receive any of these reports?

On July 31st, the Commissioner was still of the belief that the 2010 draft budget and the annual financial accounts should be ready by August 15th. A month later, where do these matters stand? Annual accounts and draft 2010 budget?

The Commissioner of Finance stated publicly that the 2010 budget, which by the way is overdue, can not be balanced. In broad numbers, explain the island council what the total of the draft budget 2010 is, and which are the largest components of the deficit?

These are the numbers I suspect that the Commissioner will be pleading his case with for permission to submit a budget with a deficit, so these numbers must be known.

This question I have before: what is the overall financial standing of the government-owned companies, especially in a dividend relationship with government. (All of them should be, but we know some are just not making money)

I think more than 2 weeks have passed, but I have not received any information regarding SLAC and the fees charged by that government company? That company too, I would like to know how it stands?

Can this government tell us: what is going to happen with GEBE? With all the debacles, can the consumer expect relief in this area? If not, why not?

How is the government going to prioritize its spending in the light of the economic slow-down (some prefer melt-down) according to the following pillars?

Education

Health

Human resources (personnel)

Economy

Infrastructure

Constitutional Affairs

How will this differ from let’s say, what was spent in these areas in 2008?

 

What is the status of the payment by the Netherlands to the outstanding creditors of the island territory?

In how far have the stipulations regarding government’s bank accounts been apply? Article 22 of the Resolution on Financial Supervision:

I am going to try from the financial angle to get an answer as to whether there is an agreement with the Dutch Government as prescribed by the Resolution on Financial Supervision on the matter of corporate governance? Article 32.

I wish to interject here that good governance and good corporate governance (buzz words lately) also encompass the elements of accountability (to the island council); openness and transparency (towards all citizens and especially the taxpayers) and dialogue (with stakeholders). Communication is also an element of good governance. In fact, without these elements, the formal parts of good governance (laws, policies and ordinances), will remain exactly that: formalities, on the books.

 

And finally; considering the agreement between the island government and the central government of June 24th last and the efforts up until then to have the consultancy of KPMG provide the support to establish and strengthen the services of country Sint Maarten, have these efforts been abandoned? Has the input by KPMG been changed? What in essence is the status now? What has it cost government until now? Or until it was stopped?

 

 

FULL STATEMENT BY WESCOT WILLIAMS.

Philipsburg:--In the earlier meeting of the island council today,(Monday) the members of the Democratic Faction had attempted to sail a new course in the relationship between government and opposition. We tried to steer clear of attacks, rhetoric, blaming, accusing, innuendos etc. etc. It is clear from the proceedings in the island council meeting of this morning that this will not be easy and we are not close to an ideal situation. That’s a pity.

The well known quote by Maria Robinson (author and poet) has been paraphrased in many different ways, but the essence remains the same:

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”

We can rehash old things over and over again, but unless we make up our minds how we want to change things for the future, we will remain going around in the same circle, over and over again.

 

This stalemate is also evident, from your release regarding this central committee meeting. It is our belief that the office you hold as chairperson of the central committee should be a neutral one. In that position, you represent the island council, not a political faction.

I am not sure how to interpret your statement regarding convening of meetings.

Maybe you can explain that and I re-iterate again, the DP faction is not a minority government.

We are part of general governance. In democratic forms of governance, you have the government and the opposition. The roles of these 2 are quite clear and internationally accepted.

Some regard these roles more serious than others, whether it is in government or in opposition. It is pretty much a personal choice and dependent on personal circumstances (knowledge etc) how one acts or neglects to act in carrying out the function entrusted to him or her.

Our letter requesting this meeting is self-explanatory. We expected with the elucidation provided in our letter to set the tone for this meeting.

We stressed the commonality of purpose to get beyond the stage “who did or who did not do”. If getting beyond this stage takes me admitting that I should have anticipated a sudden government change on June 8th and thus rush through everything that could have been finished before that date, then let’s accept for argument sake, that that is the case.

And indeed, I could have put everything aside and focus for example on this matter. Or put this aside and focus on completing some other matter before June 8th. I yet need to see the day that any government can brag: “today we are where we should be with nothing left to be done”. That would be the day.

The matters mentioned in our letter are but a few that contribute to improving governance, that contribute to good and better governance. How the governance of a country is measured, includes many components. The more complex the society, the more governance and governing need to be regulated. And it is not static. As a nation develops, so does the need for new practices and new approaches to governance. In this morning’s meeting, I mentioned accountability, openness and transparency, dialogue and communication as tools to improve governance.

With the crafting of our country’s constitution which in itself has been a process of several years, we needed to rethink our basis of governance: the rudiments of the relationship between the government and those who are governed.

Discussions like on the fundamental human rights of all citizens are discussions we have never had the opportunity to have until now.

With a constitution comes the enshrinement of other rights and obligations as well.

Our constitution establishes the basis for more than 40 laws. These laws embedded in the constitution are called organic laws.

It was a quite a feat completing those organic laws that needed to meet the criteria as agreed to in the letter of the VRTC of March 2006. Some of them could be taken over from other parts of the Kingdom, but others need to be crafted carefully to suit St. Maarten.

Having done this, having passed the vetting process of these laws and receiving the acknowledgement of such in the RTC of December 2008, as commissioner I embarked on identifying those laws, already drafted, that we have the authority as an island territory to implement presently.

The first one that comes to mind is that of the ombudsman. The relevant law for country Sint Maarten can be adapted to serve as an island ordinance.

This is one of the first laws for which it was commissioned to prepare the implementation plan. A plan of which the first draft was submitted in May.

Roughly, we have analyzed that at least the four mentioned in our letter can be implemented without having to wait for country status.

Upon close scrutiny, there will probably be more, where while the matter has until now been regulated by the central government, nothing prevents the island government from establishing legislation in that area. The “comptabiliteitsverordening” is one that comes to mind in this context.

We would gladly hear from the government which other draft laws specifically can be passed and implemented now.

Let it be stated that none of these draft laws, although they have been deliberated upon and vetted, have been handled in a public meeting of the island council.

And while it might have politically expedient to call for an island council meeting, we don’t believe that the objective would have been met.

Namely, to discuss:

1. Does this committee agree with converting these existing drafts to island ordinances?

2. Are there others that the central committee feels should be added to the list?

3. Can we have a research done to determine such?

If there is a general consensus, then we ask of the island secretariat that these draft be submitted within short to the island council with an advice as to the conversion of the drafts into island ordinances, which will then follow their course.

 

For clarity sake, it is not as if there is no consensus on the issues under consideration, the only thing is they were approved for country Sint Maarten. Given the reasons outlined in our letter of September 7th; the constant pounding on “show us how it will work in practice”; the apparent consensus amongst us, we think it can work.

With respect to the matter of integrity, we have a two-prong trajectory: 1) the draft country ordinance “integrity in government” and part of the integrity trajectory of the island government, we have 2) the draft code of conduct as referred to earlier.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- A national of Curacao is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday next week to answers charges of drug smuggling confirmed prosecutor Rienk Mud. The suspect was identified a N.S.H who arrived on the island from Curacao with some 55 bolitias(750 grams) in his stomach. Mud said the case is set for Wednesday next week.

GREAT BAY– The Preventive Health Department (PHD) is advising persons at risk with the onset of the annual flu season, to get their flu shot. One must also bear in mind that the flu shot will not protect you against pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus.

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

It can be mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. One of the best ways to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and lessen the chance that you will transmit to others is to get a ‘flu shot,’ and the other possibility is preventive measures or good health habits.

There are two types of influenza vaccines that protect against seasonal flu.

The ‘flu shot’ is an inactivated vaccine that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. Persons who are at risk and should take their seasonal flu vaccine include person’s 65-years and older; pregnant women, persons with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, and persons with immune compromised conditions.

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

The second type of influenza vaccine is the nasal-spray flu vaccine. It is administered by nasal sprayer and is approved for use only among healthy people 2-49 years of age.

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine.

Consult your family physician about seasonal flu shots, which can also be administered by the former.

Good health habits may also protect you against the flu. These include covering your cough and washing your hands often, which can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and keep your distance from others to protect them from getting too sick. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

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

Practice other good health habits such as getting plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- NAGICO Insurances on Thursday launched the Leeward Islands Cricket Association one-day tournament. NAGICO has been sponsoring this tournament for the past seven years and has committed itself to continue sponsoring it despite the economic hardships confirmed Chief Executive Officer Imran Macsood Amjad. Amjad told reporters that despite the hardships and the economic backlash investors and businesses on St. Maarten cannot give up instead this is the time for everyone to get on board in trying to keep youths off the streets of St. Maarten. Another objective Amjad said is to make sure youths on St. Maarten get involved in the sports that can take them to greater heights. Amjad said no one should allow economics to decide what should happen to any society since they all have to continue to develop the youths. He said youths have to be developed in a positive direction, which is to keep them off the streets and fight the effects of drugs and unemployment which can negatively influence any society. He felt that this is the time people especially businesses have to invest more in the youths especially sporting activities. The CEO of Nagico said they rest committed to continue sponsoring cricket and other sporting activities throughout the region.

Amjad said that already the company has been donating to sports, education, and other social activities; however, they are honored to be able to host the LICA (Nagico) one-day finals on St. Maarten. The company CEO presented a check of EC100, 000.00 to the president of LICA Gregory Shillingford.

The St. Maarten Cricket Association would be the host for this year LICA one day tournament. The St. Maarten Cricket Association has also revamped its board and has installed several committees who would target youths in all schools so they can become active cricket players. Amjad who is also the Chairman of the St. Maarten Cricket Association said there were concerns as to where cricket was going on St. Maarten. He said that because of constant pressure from the community he returned as chairman of the association, which has been restructured and they believe would benefit the future of the sport and well as the island. Presently the association has an executive board as well as general board and several committees to enhance the sport.

The LICA tournament is set to kick off on October 12 and will culminate on October 18.

St. Kitts, Anguilla and St. Maarten are the venues for the this year’s zone A and B preliminary matches. The semi finals and finals will be held on St. Maarten on October 16 and 17 at the Carib Lumber Ball Park.

The competing teams are assigned in two groups, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, and the BVI make up Zone A while Zone B teams are Anguilla, Antigua, St. Maarten and USVI with the defending championship is Antigua.

 

 

Regional Jet Express announces its impending launch October 18th , which will see the company become the only jet operator in the Caribbean when it establishes daily flights to 5 islands next month.

Regional Jet Express’ Fairchild Dornier 328 jets will serve ; Dominica; Puerto Rico; Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic; St. Croix and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Regional Jet Express will add Cuba and Haiti to this list of island destinations soon, using non-U.S. registered aircraft for these two countries.

The Fairchild Dornier 328 jet is the world’s first 32-seat regional jet, which was adapted from Dornier’s 328 turbo-propeller plane, the premier turboprop in the 30-seat class. A regional jet is simply a short-haul, turbofan-powered aircraft used for commuter flights.

Major commercial airlines that have used Fairchild Dornier’s 328 jets and its turboprops for their commuter flights include Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation (AWAC), Delta Connection, Hainan Airlines, and Midwest Connect.

The fuel-efficient, wide body twin turbofan-powered Fairchild Dornier 328 jet features:

Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306B turbofans that provide better fuel efficiency and higher speed than other forms of transport in the Caribbean region, resulting in halved flying times and cheaper fares (Fares range between $100 USD and $700 USD, depending on the destination)

• A spacious cabin that offers two seats on one side and one on the other, and ample cabin height (headroom) of 6 feet, two inches

• A whisper quiet ride unlike noisy turbo-propeller planes that fly in the Caribbean region

• Cutting-edge technology that allows the 328 jet to climb fast (3,690 feet per minute) and land on short runways; its state-of-the-art cockpit has the same instrumentation as a Boeing 777

• A seating capacity of 32 to 34

• An upper altitudinal limit (flight ceiling) of 35,000 feet

• A high-winged design that enables excellent views because the wings and engines are positioned above the windows

The Wyoming-based Regional Jet Express will have a satellite office in St. Croix, USVI. Contact the Regional Jet Express call centre at 1-767 440-7184 to access flight/reservations information. The call centre will start accepting phone calls shortly. It will operate Monday through Thursday from 8:00a.m. to 8:00p.m., and Friday as well as Sunday from 7:00a.m. to 3:00p.m.

 

 

As part of a working visit to the city of Tallahassee, Florida, a St. Maarten delegation led by Leader of Government, William Marlin, on Wednesday paid a visit to Tallahassee Mayor John Marks III. The visit is coinciding with the marking of the 10th anniversary of the sister city agreement between St. Maarten and Tallahassee. The event was celebrated on Wednesday afternoon during a ceremony at the Tallahassee City Hall.On photos, Mayor Marks and Commissioner Marlin exchange plaques of appreciation, during the earlier mentioned visit to the Mayor's office.

Philipsburg:-- The third graders of the Christian Hillside School received their English dictionaries from the Rotary Club of St. Maarten as this community service club continues to make its contribution toward improving literacy on the island. The project will continue throughout the Dutch side of St. Maarten until all 1000 dictionaries have been distributed.

Committee chairman Manoij Alwani and other committee members assisted with the distribution. It has become evident to the Rotary Club that more assistance is necessary and encourages all to join in the effort to improve literacy on St. Maarten, in particular amongst the island's children.

 

 

GREAT BAY :--The Department of Permits & Licenses, Public Vending & Economic Control (VOSEC) and the Department of Control, Inspection, and Security (CIB) are taking part in a Customer Service & Productivity Improvement training for three weeks at the John Larmonie Community Center.

Commissioner Frans Richardson was present to provide words of support and advice.

“When given the opportunity, it always gives me pleasure to provide words of encouragement. This morning you are going to take part in a very important training session to upgrade your skills in crucial areas.”

“This training should be embraced by all because it provides us the opportunity to learn, to improve ourselves, and to deal with the public in a better manner. Too often civil servants are criticize and forgotten. This training, however, allows you to upgrade and develop yourself; take advantage of the opportunity. St. Maarten will be a better place because you are here now,” Commissioner Richardson said.

The Island Government has made these courses available to their personnel to enhance the level of service while increasing productivity within departments such as CIB and VOSEC, said Miguel de Weever, who is the Director of Economy and Tourism.

Head of the VOSEC Department Justine Webster extended to the participants a congratulatory message, “Thank you for your efforts in coming out to this training. It will be for 3 weeks and it will be interactive. Take as much as you can from the training.”

The facilitator for the training sessions will be Clarence Richardson, who will focus on providing quality service, communication successfully, dealing with difficult customers, positive attitude, and team work. He added during the introductory part that it will be up to you, the participants, to absorb the material and learn as much as you can so that you could provide excellent service to the community.

The Department of VOSEC, Webster said, renders service to the public by processing applications for business/directors/branch licenses, operational and vending licenses and the issuance of these licenses. As well, the department executes various economic controls. Both departments have daily contact with the public, so it was important that we have such a workshop.

The Control, Inspection, and Security (CIB) Department have daily contact with the public as well through controlling and inspecting of traffic and road related matters. The security officers deal constantly with the public.

Head of CIB, Shervin Frederick said that the department performs the inspection before the issuance of operational licenses and conduct controls whenever the business is in operation.

In addition, the Taxi dispatchers, who are the first our visitors meet after they have cleared their luggage, regulate the taxi operations at all taxi stands. They ensure that the passengers are transported in a clean and safe vehicle.

A total of 32 persons will participate in the training: 19 persons from VOSEC and 13 Taxi Dispatchers from CIB.

The Training was approved by the Executive Council on July 21 2009.

 

 

 

Last week all the teachers who teach Spanish as a subject for the TKL/PKL and PBL at the various PSVE schools gathered at Carl’s Unique Inn for a three day – Spanish teacher training.

This training was especially designed to cater to the specific needs of the teachers for the TKL/PKL and PBL educational tracks. During these days, the teachers discussed the attainment targets, examination requirements and they were offered practical hands-on exercises for listening comprehension, verbal and reading skills. They were able to share their knowledge and experiences with the professional support of two experienced trainers from Curacao.

On the last training day, the participants prepared a presentation for the School Managers of the various PSVE schools. The presentation, entailed among other things, their input and specific suggestions for improvement and upgrading of the subject Spanish at their respective schools.

The teacher training was well received and had a total of 15 attendees from Sint Maarten and 2 attendees from the G. van Putten PSVE School in St. Eustatius.

This initiative was organized by the DERPI office and funded with Dutch Development funds, trough USONA.

 

 

 

Philipsburg: --- Island Councilman Roy Marlin has sent a letter to the leader of government and commissioner of housing William Marlin asking several key questions pertaining to the purchase of Hope Estate. The island councilman said even though the island leader made the announcement on the purchase of the land his sources told him no decision was taken in the island council. He said based on newspaper reports the commissioner said the land would be purchased by the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation whereby government would be providing a subsidy to the latter.

The councilman said while he applaud, the initiative of government to embark on such venture t provide affordable homes he needs to be provided with certain information.

Marlin wants to know when the executive council took the decision to purchase the land in Hope Estate. He wants to know what the purchase price of the land is and which financial institution will provide the loan to the SMHDF and at what interest rate.

 

The former commissioner of housing said he also wants to know how long the executive council would be subsiding the SMHDF for them to pay back the loan.

For how many years will the Executive Council have to subsidize the SMHDF to pay back the loan? Marlin said if the period is longer than five years if the decision of the executive council would have to be sent to the island council for approval, which is according to the law on financial management.

 

Has the Executive Council considered including the amount needed to purchase the land as part of governments capital expenditures which would have allowed this to be financed from the borrowing authority awarded to the Island Territory of St Maarten, which also entails that the Dutch State can at all times subscribe to a bond in order to make the interest rate competitive? Marlin said he also wants to know the total amount square meters of the island that is to be purchased and how much is suitable for the construction of homes. He is also asking for the certificate of ad-measurement if there is any or with a topographical map of the property. The island councilman said he also wants to know if there are appraisals for the property and if so he can be provided with copies of those appraisals.

Marlin made clear that when he was about to sell the lands in Belvedere he was accused of having a hoax, he said today there are number of people who are now seeking their building permits since the lands was indeed sold. He said he believes that the announcement made by the leader of government is one to be called a hoax.

 

 

Marigot— A 19 year old young man was arrested at the Marina Royale sometime around 4:45 pm by gendarme brigade who was patrolling at the Marina. The youth was among several youths who were in the process of robbing a business establishment. The other suspects managed to escape, while the 19 year old is scheduled to appear in court on December 3 2009.

Philipsburg: --- Three members of the Democratic Party faction have requested a meeting of the island council. The letter of request was sent to the Chairman of the island council Franklyn Richards on Monday.

Island Councilman Roy Marlin in an email said three members of the DP faction signed the request while council member Leroy de Weever is off island and therefore was unable to sign.

When the meeting is called the members of the DP faction would be requiring clarification from the Executive Council on a number of issues with regard to the finances and economy of the Island.

Issues such as the preparations for the budget 2010, the statement by the Commissioner of Finance reference the 2010 budget that will have a deficit, clarification on the quarterly reports to the CFT, which have not been submitted to the Island Council as prescribed by law, budget amendments 2009 and an overall review of the performance of the 2009 budget projections v/s receivables.

 

In addition, the Democratic Party feels at this point and time that the Commissioner of Economic Affairs and the Commissioner of Finance must be in a position to provide clarity to the Island Council and in extension the business community and the people of St. Maarten on the economic stimulus program of the NA/Heyliger government. As recently as last week, the SHTA called for the implementation of the proposals, which came out of the economic summit. The Executive Council remains mute on these issues. In the absence of a governing program of the NA/Heyliger government which was due in three weeks since the NA/Heyliger government took office, which should be among others the guiding factor for the management of the finances of government and the economy of this country it is essential that government will then have to clarify its plans on the floor of the Island Council.

 

 

GREAT BAY: --- Head of the Ambulance Department Cylred Richardson is very pleased that two certified ambulance nurses namely, Khalilah Blijden and Tynisha Arrendell, have received the opportunity to attend Intensive Step-Up Course 2009 currently taking place in Curacao.

The course has been organized by the Netherlands Antilles Foundation for Clinical Higher Education (NASKHO). The course, which started on September 7, runs until September 12 in the Ballroom of the Renaissance Hotel.

“The course focuses on a variety of topics in emergency medicine and participants will receive hands-on skill and simulation during the entire course,” Head of the Ambulance Dept. Cylred Richardson told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Tuesday.

Nurses will be studying some of the following course subjects also referred to as skill stations, Mega Code (practicing airway), Trauma Code (peak flow), Insertion and maintenance of tubes and catheters, Fundoscopy and small procedures (small surgical procedures and stitches).

“The skills gained offer each participant to the course an opportunity to practice and to

“The topics being addressed are of importance to the ambulance department certainly in the field of emergency medicine. Upon their return, the two nurses would be requested to make various presentations to the remaining operational staff members of the department,” Richardson said on Tuesday.

 

 

Airport: ---On Sunday September 13, six new cadets from the Windward Islands flew to Curacao where they will be attending the Police Academy to become police officers. In Curacao these cadets will be joined by one more cadet who already is in Curacao

The names of these cadets are G. Lake, S. van Bosse, F. Perres-Torres, D. Every, R. Henson, J. DeBruin from Sint Maarten and I. Woodley from Sint Eustatius. These cadets will be accompanied to Curacao by the coordinator of the recruitment campagne 2009, Chief Inspector Carl John. On this trip Chief Inspector Carl John will be having talks with the management of the Police Academy ( LPO) with regards to the progress of all students (police and immigration) presently attending the police academy. Several trips to Curacao by members of the recruitment team in Sint Maarten will take place in order to monitor the progress of the cadets. The amount of cadets from the Windward Islands attending the Police Academy in Curacao at present will be 40 persons. 20 for police officers and 20 for immigration officers. The management-team of the KPSSS wishes the cadets much success.

 

 

French Quarter: -- A woman who was riding a scooter in French Quarter was hit off her machine as she tried to overtake a car. The rider had to be taken to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital. Several bystanders that witnessed the accident gathered at the scene and had to be controlled by the gendarmes. The accident occurred next to the entrance of the French Quarter Clinic and Pharmacy. According to bystanders the rider attempted to over take the car that was about to turn in the entrance leading to the pharmacy when she collided with the car. A press release from the gendarmes confirmed the accident, no details on the victim’s condition was not released up to press time.

Philipsburg: --- Island Councilman Louie Laveist has sent a letter to the chairman of the island and executive council on Tuesday seeking clarity on certain information he has been receiving concerning a senior civil servant.

Laviest in his letter to the council said that he understands that the civil servant in question has been seeking out unscrupulous business for his wife, a member of the island council. Laveist said he received information that the department head has been lobbying and possibly threatening companies that does contract work for the island government to use his wife’s consultancy firm.

Laveist said he understands that the consultancy firm charges some $10,000 per month and per company that utilizes their services. He said if the allegations are true and if ten companies commit themselves to this retainer’s fee then the firm in question would receive $1,200,000 annually. Laveist said in light of this he is posing certain questions, which is in accordance with the island’s regulation of the Netherlands Antilles. He asked if the executive council could inform the island council if the above allegations are true. If answered is in the affirmative would this be in conflict with the code of conduct regarding civil servants and government officials. The island councilman said he also would like to know what would be the response of the executive council on this issue. Laveist said he also wants to know if the companies that has committed to the consultancy firm can be issued with a fine if they fail the report this blatant abuse of power from a senior civil servant. Laveist also wants to know if the executive council would condone any member of the civil service core to abuse their power with the ultimate goal of enriching their immediate families and their self.

 

 

CAY BAY--- Shell service stations in St. Maarten are performing to very high standards. In recent weeks Shell stations in St. Maarten scored well in cleanliness and presentation, and in customer service, prompting commendations from both Shell and its Caribbean representatives Sol.

All stations in the St. Maarten network were deemed worthy of awards for cleanliness and presentation, after an audit in July by Luis Wong, Shell’s Brand Licensing Relationship Manager Caribbean. Mr. Wong carried out a thorough review of St. Maarten stations and concluded that St. Maarten boasts a world-class network of gas stations that can hold its own against any network in Europe, the US or elsewhere. “I only found a few small things that needed fixing. I am very impressed,” Mr. Wong said after his visit from his headquarters in Guatemala.

Shell audits its gas stations annually on “state of repair” and “cleanliness”, explained David Antrobus,

General Manager - Northern Caribbean for Sol Group, Shell’s representative in the Caribbean. The auditor looks at how clean the station is and how well Shell’s brand is represented. “These audits are tough. What Mr. Wong could see was that there is a good competition going on amongst the stations in our network,” said Mr. Antrobus.

He reported that since all seven stations in the network achieved the threshold of 80 %, they were all presented with awards at a special ceremony at Duzong in Cole Bay. R & R Tackling in Cole Bay, which had a close-to-perfect score with a 97 percent report-card, received a special commendation.

The ceremony also served to present Shell Madame Estate with a silver award from Sol for customer service. As part of a program called “People Make the Difference Real” 84 Shell gas stations in all 14 Caribbean countries where Sol is present were visited by mystery shoppers from the beginning of the year. The stations were judged on a number of customer service criteria.

Shell Madame Estate achieved the 80 % threshold in the second quarter of the year. Of the 16 awards -5 Gold and 11 Silver- that were given out over that quarter, Shell Madame Estate claimed 14th place and a silver award.

Sol GM Mr. Antrobus was proud that stations in his network claimed the achievements and got the appropriate accolades. “They excelled in service, cleanliness and presentation, which is what we expect from our partners. That they were awarded with prizes speaks for Sol’s core belief that excellence should be rewarded,” he said.

 

Great Bay:--- Commissioner of Tourism, Frans Richardson personally welcomed Ms. Rebecca Wilson, winner of the “Travel Reporter for St. Maarten” contest organized in July, 2009 in Holland by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau in The Netherlands and the online travel magazine, Surprisetickets.nl.

Ms. Wilson was chosen out of almost 900 participants in the online competition who submitted ideas regarding what they would write about if selected as a Special Travel Reporter for the island. The prize included a one-week stay for two at the Divi Little Bay Beach resort during the month of September plus airfare, and an extra €500 pocket money.

“I’m happy you chose to participate in this online competition to become a Travel Reporter for St. Maarten,” Frans Richardson said while welcoming Ms. Wilson to the island Wednesday afternoon. Ms. Wilson was accompanied by her brother Rob, who is also a photographer. They both arrived on the island Tuesday aboard KLM.

“I hope you enjoy your stay on our island and that you’ll return and write good things about your experience here,” the Commissioner added.

Ms. Wilson’s winning idea entails writing about a Trail Tour around the island, which would include historical, cultural and nature highlights. At the end of her stay here, Ms. Wilson, a book editor by profession, will be required to write an article based on her experience in St. Maarten for publication upon returning to Holland.

Commenting on Ms. Wilson’s idea, Director of Tourism, Regina LaBega, said she found it very interesting.

“I also think it’s an excellent idea as we are currently developing an official tour booklet for the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, and this trail booklet can definitely enhance and/or coincide with our efforts. We are pleased to host Ms. Wilson and her brother,” she said.

Rebecca Wilson and her brother were given an extensive tour of the island Wednesday, organized by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau. They are due to return to Holland on September 15.

 

 

Willemstad - Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba is visiting Bonaire on Monday and Tuesday for follow-up meetings to deal with issues she encountered during her visit in early September, The minister has studied several problems given to her during her initial visit, which she believes needs to be solved during her two day meetings.

Minister Jacoba was on Bonaire on the 3 and 4 September for a familiarization visit. During that visit she met with the police, the Registry and Public Prosecutor's Office, Probation office, the Guardianship Council, the Maria Höppner Foundation and the Department for Civil Affairs aliens. Lieutenant Glenn Thode accompanied by Minister Jacoba some of these visits where the problems were outlined.

The Minister noted that there have been some positive developments, such as the reorganization of the police, the progress avn New Admission Organization in the Civil Division and the appointment of the first residential court on Bonaire.

The minister also proposed a number of solutions to the bottlenecks she encountered. One of the institutions she believes needs urgent attention is the Probation Service, and Administration Committee institution for family.

She said that due to the problems at the Maria Höppner Foundation, which manages the children's home in Bonaire, no new children are currently placed in the home. Minister Jacoba wants an urgent solution to this problem, reason for her visit today where she would have all stakeholders sit around the table. "The interests of children must come first," said minister Jacoba "That is my starting point, and also the basis of the discussions to begin today. We need to ensure adequate care of children who for one reason or another cannot stay home. "

On Tuesday Jacoba is going consult with the leadership of the Police Corps Bonaire (KPB). There is also an information session for the Corps on the path to improvement and decommissioning. The minister is assisted by Suzy Camelia-Römer and Anthony Cijntje during her visit. She is expected to attend a nine hour training session with the Corps. She is expected to continue with her consultations with the other services later that day.

The Minister has a list of concerns for all judicial services on Bonaire. These will be discussed one by one, so there is clarity for everyone. "Transparency of policy is very important," said Jacoba. "Everyone should know where he stands, so that together we can move forward."

The delegation traveled to Bonaire, but the minister is Robert Anthony, director of the Department of Judicial Affairs, and Tiara Haselhoef, program manager Netherlands Antilles Security Plan.

 

 

Philipsburg:--- On Wednesday afternoon Lt. Gov. Mr. Franklin Richards received a courtesy visit from Mr. Jesús Silva Ambassador of Spain stationed in Jamaica.

Philipsburg:--- Island Councilwoman Maria Buncamper Molanus during a press conference on Monday is calling on government to evaluate the health care system. The issue that many of senior citizens do not have health insurance is once again in the lime light, this time however with some international pressure says Councilwoman Maria Buncamper-Molanus. “The idea of ensuring that all people have health insurance is certainly one that is undoubtedly supported by all. And so it all eagerly awaiting the detailed explanation from Minister Leeflang on this proposal. Mind you the proposal for insuring all persons over 60 who have been previously covered by SVB is not a new proposal; in fact it has been on the table for more than 10 years”, says the former member of Parliament (2003-2006).

Arguments thus far being expressed by the Central Government are that this proposal will secure health insurance for approximately 5700 persons and save the Government 2 to 3 million guilders.

Buncamper-Molanus states that a relevant question could be whether this number includes the people living on St. Maarten Saba. St. Eustatius and which Government will be saving? Some insurance experts say that the average medical expenses per senior citizen are Fls 9000 per year.

The Central Government is proposing a premium of 10.5%. The question that one would have to ask is from what; is the basis the already very small AOV pension being collected. How much can be expected to be raised in premiums? Have the necessary calculations been made to safeguard continuity and avoid a repeat of the FZOG fund which is completely depleted putting our senior citizens who have this insurance, so often in an insecure position because of the inability of the FZOG fund to cover the medical expenses. And then we have not even touched on the predicament that the caregivers and service providers are put in because of payments not being forthcoming.

Councilwoman Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the media on Monday last that a common complaint in the Windward Islands is that the SVB insurance is prohibitive; accessing healthcare by means of the insurance is in some cases particularly for the Windward Islands just not affordable. More so for Saba and Statia than St. Maarten, when requiring medical care not available on Island the daily allowances provided to the patients are simply insufficient to pay transportation to get the medical attention required. Patients leaving from St. Maarten to Curacao experience the same. So while the insurance may be in place accessing it remains a problem, the result then is the same as not having insurance at all. This means that the Central Government must address both access to insurance and the access to medical care at the same time.

Buncamper-Molanus, the former Commissioner of Public Health on St. Maarten, pointed out the fact that there are initiatives being taken by the islands themselves, St. Maarten for example with the ongoing development of a national health insurance which, at least when DP was still in Government was being developed to secure health insurance for everyone.

“How does our local government view this proposal as it relates to all the preparations being made on St. Maarten, by St. Maarten with respect to health insurance for all our people. How does the cost of the National Health insurance for St. Maarten, compare to the cost and the accessibility to healthcare of the Central Government’s SVB proposal” the former commissioner questions.

The bottom line is, with one foot in and one foot out of the Netherlands Antilles, the Central Government is surely embarking on an important proposal, health insurance for our seniors, who were previously ensure d with SVB and now have no medical insurance. The problem is that while our seniors might be paying for it they will not necessarily be accessing it says Councilwoman Maria Buncamper-Molanus.

Our representatives in Parliament as well as the Island Government of St. Maarten should look closely at all the developments. Evaluate the progress we have been making in this area and consider whether, we should go along with this Central Government’s proposal, simply because they are coalition partners, or because the idea sounds good, compared to determining the amount of persons who do fall in this category of non-insured and implement a temporary coverage for those who currently have no health insurance by issuing them a Government Doctors card, which will at least guarantee the senior citizens currently not insured, health care coverage, but most importantly accessibility to healthcare. The changes have already been drafted to the regulations while DP was in government, thus the current Island Government is advised to follow up, pick up where the Democratic Party left off, and complete the process.

“Insurance for our seniors, SVB 60 plus is extremely necessary, our representatives must also insure that these same people actually get the care they are paying for and that is the bottom line. Moreover, that all others, now not insured will also be considered. A draft proposal is at legal Affairs. We encourage our Island Government to follow-up on this proposal left behind by the DP government and concentrate on helping all our people to acquire access to healthcare,” concludes Councilwoman Maria Buncamper-Molanus.

 

 

Philipsburg–-Sundial School announced today that they would offer the new video- based Active Parenting of Teens workshop from September 01 to October 13, 2009

This six-session video and discussion program will be held on six consecutive Tuesday evenings from 6.45 -9.00. Located at the Sundial School in Phillipsburg.

“DERPI congratulates and encourage the management, trainers and leaders of all PSVE Schools to continue to assist parents in the challenges they are facing in today’s society,” says Mrs. Benschop, project manager PSVE.

“This program addresses the important issues school success, violence, alcohol, drugs, sex. It helps parents and teens get along by teaching them communication and negotiation skills that lead to improved relationships “

Active Parenting of Teens is available to parents of all PSVE schools and interested organizations free of charge.

To register, or for more information contact the VSBO / PSVE School your child is attending and ask for the Active Parenting of Teens LEADER.

Organizations can contact the coordinator for Parental Involvement Ms. Edna Rijkaard tel 553- 2488.

This initiative is organized by the DERPI office and funded with Dutch Development funds, trough USONA.

 

 

State Secretary of Health and Social Development of the Netherlands Antilles Mr. Patrick Illidge along with his Executive Assistant, Mr. Terry J. Peterson and Secretary, Mrs. Reina Lijfrock made a courtesy visit to the Bureau Ziektekosten Voorzieningen (BZV office), where they met with Mr. Robert Budike, Branch Manager BZV St. Maarten & St. Eustatius. State Secretary Illidge also met with Ms. Lorna Bennett, operations manager at BZV Curacao, who flew over from Curacao to attend this visit. The State Secretary took this opportunity to listen to most pressing issues at BZV and to the current and future Health proposals for Country St. Maarten.

Philipsburg: --- All teachers would receive their adjustments by the end of this month said commissioner of education William Marlin at a press conference on Sunday. Marlin said the executive council took a decision on Tuesday last week.

Marlin said these adjustments were to take place in August but when he was informed that it had not taken place he promised the union to look into the matter. Marlin said the union should have received a letter by now indicating that a decision has been taken and the payments should be made by the end of September with payments retroactive to August.

 

 

Philipsburg:--- The man arrested some ten days ago for allegedly raping an 11-year old girl remains in police custody confirmed Prosecutor Rienk Mud. Mud said the police are busy listening to other witnesses as the investigation continues.

SMN News has been reliably informed that the doctors report are very convincing and that it showed that the child has been raped on more than one occasion.

In the meantime, the child who is now in protective custody was also heard by the social workers of the Court of Guardianship and is expected to be questioned again on the issue.

 

 

MARIGOT— The gendarmes have conducted a spate of searches in three days at separate locations on the French side. The raids were conducted in Sandy Ground, St. James, and Concordia and four persons are now in custody as they are suspected of being part of a drug ring. The four suspects were transferred to Guadeloupe pending their court cases reported the gendarmes via a press release. The search they said was ordered by the prosecutor that is aimed at dismantling a drug trafficking ring. Those arrested are between the ages of 20 to 50 years old. Additionally three of the suspects are involved in other crimes. The raid took place after an indebt investigation by detectives that are specialized in such investigations.

Seized were 2.5kg of cocaine, 300 grams of crack cocaine, USD $7000, 00, and a handgun. 55 gendarmes participated in the operation, which is aimed at reducing street deals and delinquency.

 

 

GREAT BAY– The Preventive Health Department (PHD) has provided all principals from primary and secondary schools, as well as day care centres with a package of information on how to prevent the spread of Pandemic H1N1 Virus.

The information package included brochures, posters and a booklet.

Students who come to school with the flu and have travelled within a seven-day period are to be sent back home.

Included in the school preventive package is a letter for parents, which provide valuable information on what actions parents can take. Schools have been asked to make copies of the letters and give it to parents via the students.

Parents are also advised to keep their kids at home if they have flu-like symptoms or were in contact with a person confirmed with Pandemic H1N1 A virus.

Students and parents were informed at the beginning of the new school year via the media by the PHD, that students should practice cough etiquettes and good hygiene.

Teachers, parents and guardians are role models and should demonstrate these behaviors which are a tool to prevent the spread of the Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) virus.

Schools have a central mission of educating children and adolescents. It is crucial not to interrupt the learning process without due cause. Illness may be a cause, and schools and communities have a responsibility to balance the risks of illness among students and staff with the benefits of keeping students in school.

Children should know to wash their hands frequently with soap and water; cough and sneeze into a tissue or into the inside of your elbow/sleeve; dispose of used tissue paper in the trash properly; stay at least six feet away from people who are sick.

The symptoms for children with Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) virus are similar to that of adults. The symptoms include high fever, a runny nose, and cough, sore throat, and body aches. At times these can be accompanies by, diarrhoea, breathlessness and dizziness.

Persons seeking additional information should contact PHD at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Pandemic Influenza, A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.

 

 

Philipsburg:--- In complying with the phasing in of compulsory education, the Charles Leopold Bell School is expected to open its doors on Monday to accommodate 110 four to six year old students. Commissioner of Education William Marlin at a press conference on Wednesday called on parents that registered their children to attend school and are not yet in school to visit the school on Friday with their child.

Marlin made clear that unless a person has legal guardianship for a child the teachers would not be receiving them. He said one the objectives is to make sure the teachers have contacts with the parents of the child and not a friend.

The education commissioner said government would have to spend an estimated amount of Naf.700,000 to Naf 900, 000 for the first phase of compulsory education.

Marlin said on Monday he received the progress report on the placing of the undocumented students who registered earlier this year at the department of education. He said several students who were registered were placed at a number of schools but the 110 students were not placed will now attend the Charles Leopold Bell School.

The classes he said would comprised of three-mixed cycle 1 and 2, these classes would have students that are 4 and 5 years old, while there would be 2 classes of cycle 1 year 3, which would have six years old. Marlin said there would be 5 classes , which would have no more than 22 students in each class at the Charles Leopold Bell, which he said, is suitable for the FBE (Foundation Based Education).

Marlin said that already the education department managed to recruit two teachers who recently retired and are willing to take up the challenge to be in the classroom a bit longer, while another teacher would be transferred from one of the public schools to Charles Leopold Bell.

The teacher that is to be transferred he said would act as a class teacher and coordinator while the department is still busy interviewing other teachers that are on island to take up the vacant posts.

Besides the teaching, the teaching staff Marlin said they already identified one of the social workers and the speech therapist from the Public Schools who would be working at the new location for one day each.

Also in place are the cleaners and canteen workers. The commissioner said that public works managed to assemble the desks and benches that were donated to government by Office World. However, government still has to order some 15 computers, they are presently borrowing some books, and other teaching materials from existing schools until the new materials arrive on island.

 

 

Philipsburg:--- Police seized a number of plastic bags containing marijuana, machetes and other weapons during a control on Friday. The controls took place in certain areas of the island considered as hot spots. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said the areas controlled are Middle Region, Illidge Road, Cole Bay and Cape Bay. During these controls machetes, a knife, chair legs that used as weapons were found and confiscated. No one was arrested during these controls. These controls will be continued by the O-tolerance team.

Philipsburg: ---On Monday, September 14, 2009, Democratic Party leader and island council member Sarah Wescot-Williams tendered her resignation as chairperson of the Permanent Commission for Constitutional affairs. She also immediately convened a meeting of this commission for September 22 to handle her resignation.

In explaining this move, the DP leader stated that the PCCA consists of all members of the island council and a core group of the party leaders (the so-called steering group). The PCCA appoints its chairperson from amongst its members. The steering group is chaired by the political combination that represents the majority in the island council.

On August 19, the leader of the DP requested of Commissioner Marlin (representing the majority in the island council) that he convenes a meeting of the steering group to discuss the furtherance of the PCCA.

The ensuing public debate is known. Therefore, the DP leader resigned from the post, but recognized that a meeting needed to be called to appoint a chairperson. A responsibility she took up to keep the process moving.

In the same vein, she tendered her resignation as Chairperson of the Broad-base Committee, which chairperson is the commissioner charged with Constitutional Affairs.

In her letter to the Executive Council, the DP leader stated that “Albeit that the island resolution of March 2, 2004 no. 828 is clear with respect to the chairmanship of this committee, namely that such rests with the Commissioner responsible for constitutional affairs, I wish to preempt any argument that the chairmanship is forming an impediment to the (further) functioning of this committee.”

The DP leader wishes to thank the representatives of the different sectors represented in the Broad-base Committee for their invaluable participation in discussions relating to our constitutional future, and in particular, those relating to our new constitution.

She also expresses gratitude to the members of the island council who showed their interest in our constitutional future by participating frequently in the discussions of the PCCA.

 

 

MARIGOT—The gendarmes managed to arrest a 20-year-old man that is wanted for stealing a vehicle. The man was found hiding out in French Quarter. According to a press release from the gendarmerie, the culprit forced the female driver out of her vehicle somewhere in Orient Bay. The vehicle was also recovered. The suspect will be sent to Guadeloupe where he would appear in court.

French law enforcement is also searching for another suspect who entered a vehicle in St. James and held the driver up at gunpoint ordering him to drive across the border. When the two arrived in Cole Bay, the suspect forced his victim to withdraw monies from the ATM machine. According to the gendarmes, the Dutch police were in the area and they forced both the suspect and victim back over to the French side. Ever since the incident, the gendarmes have been looking for the gunman.

 

 

Philipsburg: ----- The Executive Council has sent the draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) to the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SHDF) on the joint development on the Hope Estate Project. Leader of government and commissioner of Housing William Marlin said the executive council has taken a decision financially supporting the St. Maarten Development Foundation in the purchase of 80, 000 square meters of land in Hope Estate.

Marlin said the houses that will be built on the property are for persons with middle income while they are also looking at standard homes, which will be sold to those persons that are granted 100% financing. He said government is already in discussion with the financial institution that would grant applicants 100% finance to the prospective buyers.

Marlin made clear that the St. Maarten Development Foundation would not be building houses and then look for buyers. The institution would be using their database as well as they would make a public appeal for persons who are interested in the project. He said those that applied would go through a selection process that will be presented the financial institution and if qualified the homes would be built on their behalf.

He said the SHDF would not have a situation where they would be burdened with paying a loan and government intends to complete the project based on partnership.

Marlin said government also identified two other parcels of land where they would be developing housing projects. One of the projects he said would be for middle income while the other low-income families. He said the intention is to build at least 50 two-bedroom apartments that would also be for sale. The apartments that would cater to low income families would be on rent. At the Hope Estate he said the 72 are being built, there would be another project with three bedroom apartments, which will, geared toward low-income earners.

 

Philipsburg:--- Island Councilman Roy Marlin in a press release said while the world financial and economic situation is showing signs of stabilization and in some parts the start of a recovery, Sint Maarten, particularly during this low season is still feeling the pinch of this financial and economic downturn.

Marlin said it is expected of the government to come with proposals that can stimulate economic growth and help the community in general to tide over the negative economic and financial trend that Sint Maarten is experiencing.

One solution that will directly affect the pockets of the working class of Sint Maarten is regulating the price of electricity.

In the past, GEBE was allowed to adjust the monthly fuel clause for electricity without any approval from government. Marlin explained.

Fact is that the current fuel clause calculation for GEBE is based on an outdated system. While they all underscore the need for a new system of calculating the fuel clause, the present system is being misused by the management of the company. Case in point is the recent decision by the Managing Director of the company to remove the fuel clause relief without consultation with the supervisory board.

When the Managing Director of GEBE removed the fuel clause relief without approval of the supervisory board a couple of months ago, DP Commissioner Roy Marlin got the ball rolling by requesting the legal affairs department of government to look into this matter in order for the Executive Council to take a formal stand towards GEBE on this issue.

Councilman Roy Marlin: “With government taking an active role in determining if increases will be allowed yes or no, GEBE will have to justify their request with facts and figures, especially on the fuel consumption operations of the power plant before permission is granted. Marlin said since the change of government this matter is seemingly not being pursued. It is urgent that government based on the Ordinance that regulates prices, also commences with the regulation of the electricity prices to the consumer, similar to Curacao were Aqualectra cannot adjust the electricity prices without approval of the Executive Council.”

At this point and time, seeing the continuous rise in the electricity invoices to households and businesses over the past couple of months, it is now imperative that the NA/Heyliger Executive Council picks this matter up post haste .

Price regulation on electricity by the Executive Council also give the guarantee to the consumer who ultimately pays the bill, that management will have to pursue the most efficient course of producing electricity in the most effective manner possible before knocking on the doors of government to increase the electricity rate. According to information reaching him, the operations of our power production facility is now heavily dependent on light fuel (diesel) which is much more costly than operating the power plant on the much cheaper heavy fuel. Because of inefficiencies in the operations of the power plant, lack of timely maintenance and other such factors, the consumer is forced to carry the financial brunt of bad business decisions by GEBE’s Managing Director.

The start up of the two new 12 megawatt units slated for the end of the year will somewhat alleviate the situation, but without timely maintenance and efficiently using the entire power production plant in such a fashion that the power plant facility can produce the major part of the electricity needs of St. Maarten, by means of heavy fuel, we may be back to square one within a couple of months after start up of these units, as they will only guarantee approximately 25 to 30% of the total power needs of the Island. Nothing less than Government stepping in and using its authority to regulate the price of electricity will bring about the much-needed relief to the consumer in these hard economic times.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- On Saturday, hundreds of volunteers turned out and braved the rains for the Sint Maarten's leg of the International Coastal Cleanup.

Held around the world in 100 countries and 6 continents on the same day, the Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup is the largest volunteer event of it's kind.

On Sint Maarten, cleanup sites were the Mullet Bay Beach, Mullet Pond, Point Blanche Beach and an under water diving cleanup around two reef sites.

Preliminary figures shows that over 563 volunteers came out to the Mullet Bay Beach and Mullet Pond combined. Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation is still awaiting additional volunteer’s data, as some persons did not sign in during the event.

At the Mullet Bay Beach 144 trash bags were filled, this amount is less than last year's 205 trash bags. Many volunteers commented that the beach had less trash than previous years.

At the Mullet Pond 33 trash bags were filled, the Mullet Pond location had more heavy debris and household trash items, like an air co, a few car tires, an old dingy, a mattress, a printer, a dryer, metal and construction debris and a boat battery.

The Point Blanche beach was cleared and cataloged by the Scouting Antisana group, 35 volunteers and they collected 98.5 kilos of trash.

The underwater diving cleanup on two reefs, had 10 diving volunteers and some of the notable trash collected was part of a BBQ grill and beach chairs.

Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation is still awaiting the results from the Sr.Basilia volunteers who had Le Galion beach as their task.

The International Coastal Cleanup on St.Maarten has successfully become an example of true community spirit shown by the various groups and companies living on the island and taking part in the largest volunteer event for the environment.

Some of the volunteer groups included the Philipino community group, the Police force, the VKS members, the Air Traffic Control staff, Windward Island Bank employees, the Daily Herald employees.

Many local schools such as the Sr.Borgia, St.Dominic, Learning Unlimited, Caribbean International Academy, The SXM Academy School with their Team Green members, had students representing their schools. Timeshare owners at the Oyster Bay Resort were repeat volunteers as they enjoyed themselves last year and encouraged other hotel guests to join them for the beach cleanup.

Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation thanks the many volunteers for coming out and showing such a true community spirit in the interest of keeping our beaches and oceans clean.

A more detailed report on of the local International Coastal cleanup will be ready in a few weeks after all data has come in and finalized.

 

 

When the program “Active Parenting Now in 3” was introduced to the G. de Weever School to the parents of that school, the principal Mrs. Doncker- Rogers insisted that it be introduced to all the teachers as well.

“If we expect the parents to deal a certain way with our students we ourselves must be an example “she then said

On August 26 the entire staff, including the secretary took part in the 3 sessions of APN in 3. In these 3 sessions, the teachers were shown how to use nonviolent discipline, positive communication, and effective encouragement catered to children ages 5 to 12.

The last sessions was held on September 22, 2009.

“The depth and range of Active Parenting Now in 3 is impressive. It's a complete, comprehensive curriculum.” The participants all admit that for them this program is eye opening and helpful not only as parents but also in their every day communication as teachers in the classroom.

DERPI applauds this bold step and encourage parents to seek help and use all tools available to deal with the challenges of today’s society

This program is part of the innovations in education and is funded with Dutch Development funds trough USONA.

 

 

 

Philipsburg:--- A press release from president of the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) Claire Elshot states that the board of the W.I.T.U. received phone calls and e-mails from a number of Public School teachers, who reported that the promised Periodic Increase in the salary that should have been applied since August 1st, 2009 was not included. This action contradicts the statement made to the local media by the commissioner of Education, Mr. William that the Periodic Increase would be paid on the month end of September 2009.

These disappointed teachers have voiced their concerns to the union and have asked what action will be taken.

WITU conducted an investigation at the beginning of September 2009 and the results of this was that only two school boards had given this periodic increase to the teachers working at their school , namely the Protestant Christian School board (Hillside Christian School) and the School Board for Secondary Education (Milton Peters College and Sundial)

Therefore WITU was able to establish that the members at the Public Schools, Catholic Schools, Methodist Agogic Centre and the Foundation for Academic and Vocational Education (St. Maarten Academy & P.S.V.E.). didn’t receive the increase that was agreed upon and mandated with the introduction of the new salary scales in February 2008.

The union further took note of the fact that a number of teachers in the various Public Schools like Oranjeschool, Leonald Connor School and Ruby Labega have not received their August salary either. After a lot of phone calls most of them were able to collect after September 21st, while these teachers have been teaching for quite some years already, so the reason for their removal from the payroll is questionable.

“To-date we still have at least one member from this group, who has not received her salary for the month of August, so this means that two months pay would be due to her.” The release continued.

The board of the WITU has not heard from the other members employed at the other school boards who didn’t apply this increase as yet, because of their status of being subsidized by the government . They will not receive their salaries until Tuesday, September 29th, 2009 or Wednesday, September 30th, 2009.

It was said to the WITU that if the monies to pay this increase of salaries is not made available to the boards by the government, then they would not be able to execute this.

WITU would therefore like to request our members to inform us immediately if this application was done .

In an effort to unify their action, the board of WITU will inform their members of any meeting to be held as soon as all the relevant information is gathered.

Initial contact with the Commissioner of Education, Mr. William Marlin informing him of this non compliance and the fact that this is now being considered by the union as a deliberate act by those responsible in Public Education, was met with no tangible explanation, however he promised to contact the head of Finance on this matter.

In the meantime the board of the WITU will continue to represent all their members in education and make sure that their rights and benefits are respected.

 

 

GREAT BAY On Thursday last week the working group consisting of the advisors to the Commissioner of Economic Affairs, Tourism and Transportation, Sports and Aviation, and the staff of the Transportation Division and Policy and Research met with the respective counterparts and technocrats from the French side.

A presentation was given regarding our transportation system and legal aspects in general.

The other topics discussed were: the transportation system, a policy vision, the legal overview, proposed changes, information exchange, and international routes.

Present at the meeting were representatives from both sides of the island’s respective departments of economics and transportation.

The current system was described as being individually driven, profit oriented versus being social conducive, and there are limited service areas and coverage in less profitable areas. In addition, there is limited infrastructure in terms of bus stops & terminals.

But there are new ideas about improving the system, the policy vision of which are:

 

 To promote reliable and efficient public transport with the formulation of new guidelines, regulations and an improved system of control and enforcement.

 

 To maximize public mobility, provide comprehensive and accessible coverage to all areas.

 

 To anticipate and rectify congestion problems, educate the public & change behaviour (commuter) and encourage alternatives to private vehicles.

 

According to the officials presenting the Island Ordinance of 30 December 1969, provides the legal foundation governing and regulating the existing public transportation system; while Abham of 24 August 1970, provides the legal foundation governing the safety and security with regards to public transportation (Bus, Taxi, Driver)

 

The proposed strategic changes are as follows:

 

 Restructuring PTC & upgrading secretariat

 Establish official domestic routes and corresponding color code

 Establish new interior routes (due to new road development)

 Establish maximum number of bus operators per route

 Establish Yearly Fee requirement & penalty structure

 Implement blue card, safety, training, code of conduct & educational requirements

 New infrastructures [bus stops, terminal (s)]

The two sides discussed: standards, requirements/samples, capacity, tariffs, documents, International & Interior Routes, a publicity campaign, and cooperation needed between the two governments.

Accordingly, the discussions are preliminary and much needs to be discussed in the future. However, the meeting was fruitful and within short the two groups shall meet again.

 

 

Paris: ---State Secretary for Overseas Territories Marie-Luce Penchard on Monday extended her warmest congratulations to Guadeloupean Teddy Riner who has won his third Gold Medal in the Over 100 Kg category at the Judo World Championships in Rotterdam.

“This victory is the result of hard work and commitment for days on end and it has turned this young athlete into a role model for all our young people,” she said in a press release. “This success has brought honour to Guadeloupe and all Overseas Territories.”

She encouraged Teddy Riner to continue his sporting career with the same success and to bring home many more victories for France.

 

 

Philipsburg: ---- A total of Naf 840, 000 has been turned over to the island government to begin its marketing stimulus plan. Bart Pasman a representative of USONA along with commissioner of Tourism Frans Richardson signed the agreement on Tuesday. Bart Pasman from USONA said the monies that are turned over to the island government are the first phase of the stimulus plan. He said the program was done through cooperation with the project bureau and the tourism department. Pasman said after several discussions it was decided that the project will be done in phases and the first phase is to begin marketing online. According to expectation, they are expecting a 7% increase in tourism compare to last year.

Pasman said USONA would be working on the other phases shortly.

Commissioner of Tourism Frans Richardson thanked those persons who worked on the project prior to him taking office. Richardson said now that this money is available they would be able to address the US market from where they have lost a significant amount of business. He said the US market is about 50% of the total amount of arrivals to the island.

The commissioner called on the private sector to put their money where their mouth is and come up with what they have promised to provide in the stimulus. He said that already American Airline has committed to invest some $400.000 while St. Maarten has to add the same amount if they are to aggressively market the island. He said already the island government has some $100, 000 while they are hoping that the private sector would come up with the balance so that they can use the opportunity given to the island by American Airlines. The commissioner said that while government has a role to the play the private sector has theirs. He said while St. Maarten is a preferred destination the island has to be out there like the other islands.

Richardson said that now that they have the first phase monies they are expecting to be in the market by September 15 they could begin marketing for the high season.

 

 

Marigot--- The gendarmes detained two men who was caught red handed trying to stealing bottles of alcohol from an establishment at the Match Howell Center on Wednesday. A 40-year old man has to appear in court on December 3 charged with theft while the other was released.

Marigot/ Philipsburg: --- The owner of a Grey Suzuki Ignis with license plate M 2252 is calling on the community to look out for the vehicle which has the word “BLESSED” on its front windshield. The vehicle was stolen while parked in Concordia on Saturday night containing three suitcases.

Anyone who sees this vehicle can contact the Philipsburg Police Station or the Gendarmes in Marigot. No questions will be asked.

 

 

Philipsburg:--- Leader of government William Marlin in reactions to statements made by Island Councilman Leroy de Weever last week as he refused to vote on the law on cooperate governance said the island councilman has mislead the people of St. Maarten with inaccurate information. Marlin said De Weever was the chairman of the Central committee and he never objected to the law, which was prepared by his party the “Democratic Party”. Marlin said the National Alliance/Heyliger and Laveist executive council did not change anything from the proposed law because they all supported it. He made clear that the advisory council would be a permanent council that would advise government.

This council he said would have a minimum of three members with a maximum of five members. These members are going to be installed for a period of four years, with an external assessment in its third year. Marlin said he believed the councilman is probably confused with the ten articles of the law. He said article four states the council members have a four-year life span while another article states the council is permanent.

Marlin said the excuses given by De Weever is ridiculous one of which is wrong. Outlining the wrong statement, Marlin said De Weever in his statements said it is the NA/Heyliger executive council has been changing things to the island’s detriment. He said the council on cooperate governance was established when the Democratic Party was in government which has to be appointed by the executive council and felt if these members were to be appointed by the DP then De Weever would not have had a problem with it. He said De Weever came to the meeting with the intention not to support or even vote on the law on cooperate governance.

Furthermore, Marlin said ever since the Democratic Party was thrown into opposition they have been criticizing everything the current executive council does. Marlin explained that most if not all the things that are being criticized by the Democratic Party are things they themselves did while in government. The island leader said he does not expect the opposition to lie down and play dead but to mislead the people is not acceptable. He said all of sudden they are concerned about things that they did not do while in office. Marlin said if someone really listens to the leader of the DP they would get the idea that while she was leader of government and in charge of the permanent committee of constitutional affairs they were meeting constantly. Marlin promised to release the records of that committee which would show how often they met and where they were times he was not even invited to the meetings even though he was a partner in the constitutional process. Marlin said prior to the road trip to The Hague there was no meeting of the permanent committee on St. Maarten. He said that does not mean that his government would do the same, but for the leader of the DP to accuse his government of shutting her out of information is unacceptable.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- A petition have been filed with the Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards and Assistant Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran against the Carolina’s Bar sometime this week claiming that it is illegally operating as a house of prostitution. SMN News understands that Carolina’s only has a permit to have dancers but right now, the women at the establishment are working as prostitutes (animeermeisjes).

The sex industry policy of 2003 strictly forbids dancers from working as prostitutes. An operator found guilty of violating this policy could be fined a maximum of Naf. 100,000 and have their license revoked. Club owners who are allowed to have animeermeisjes are facing unfair competition from Carolinas it is alleged and are suffering financial loss.

SMN News also learnt that the operator of Seamans Club has illegally relocated the club; therefore, it is operating without a permit. The signatory of the petition has asked government to close the business establishment until their relocation has been approved.

 

 

Philipsburg - The Commissioner of Health Hyacinth Richardson congratulated Sector Health, Social Affairs & Labour and United Nations Population Fund for having organized a two-day workshop and encouraged everyone to have two fruitful days of discussions.

The commissioner indicated that he had taken note of the topics up for discussion and believes that they are very important as it relates to matters that really need attention.

One of the tasks of the United Nations Development Fund is providing supplies and services involving reproductive health.

In has been stated that reproductive health can be identified as the freedom to have a responsible and satisfying sex life. Your reproductive health is influenced by many factors such as age, lifestyle, habits, use of medicines and exposure to chemicals in the environment. Everyone has the right to enjoy reproductive health, which is a basis for having healthy children, intimate relationships and happy families.

Besides reproductive health we also acknowledge reproductive rights. According to the World Health Organization reproductive rights rest on the recognition of the basic right of all couples and individuals to decide freely and responsibly the number, spacing and timing of their children and to have the information and means to do so.

Reproductive rights may include some or all of the following rights: the right to control one’s reproductive functions and the right to access quality reproductive healthcare. It may also be understood to include education about contraception and sexually transmitted diseases.

The other topic to be discussed during the workshop is about contraceptive methods.

Years ago the word condom was taboo and mentioning the word was equal to swear words. Today that is all changing and the good old condom is actually becoming a life saver. There are now even condoms for women.

Condom use is often seen as the tipping point in the success of HIV/AIDS education and prevention. It has been widely proven that the use of condoms is the most effective way to reduce exposure to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among sexually active individuals.

However there are many forces out there who object the use of a condom and these objections are oftentimes based on religious or other reasons. Particularly many young people do not see the need to use a condom and they give a variety of reasons for their actions.

This disbelief can be solved through education. As a result of the increasing awareness about AIDS and STI’s, many people are changing their sexual behavior. Some are abstaining and others have started using condoms regularly. However there are huge numbers of people out there who still refuse to use a condom.

Efforts should be made to educate people and explain to them the dangers they face if they do not use a condom if they are sexually active. Condoms should be distributed freely to those who wish to use them.

 

 

PHILIPSBURG:-- A special team consisted of officers from the Zero Tolerance team and Voluntary Korps are now controlling school areas in the vicinity of all secondary schools. The police department has launched the new team to help combat the increasing amount of fights taking place around the island’s schools. The team is presently concentrating around areas of South Reward, St Peters and Cul-de-Sac, announced police spokesman Ricardo Henson. The officers will be seen in the area just before the end of school each day. These measures are temporary which have started about a week ago and requires the input and cooperation of the entire community to do their part, until effective and definite solutions to these problems are found and put in place.

These measures are also to prevent and suppress this type of negative behavior, to ensure the safety, and to protect the other students attending those schools and the persons living in those neighborhoods. The Zero-tolerance team will be removing any one who is loitering in the neighborhood of any of these schools or who does not have any valid explanation or reason for being in the vicinity of these schools.

The police department is asking the cooperation of all parents who have to drop-off or pick-up their child or children at any of these schools to do so on time. This measure is to avoid having the children hanging around the school areas unnecessarily.

Parents are urged to instruct their children not to venture to any of the other schools to catch the bus or for any unnecessary reasons. They should catch the bus at their respective schools. Most of all they should instruct their children to refrain from getting involved in any physical confrontations or any other type of negative behavior. The O-tolerance team will be carrying out the O-tolerance policy and any of the students involved in a fight will be taken to the police station and their parents will be notified. At the end of the school hours, several units of the O-tolerance team will make sure that the students that are boarding the buses will do that orderly and safely and in doing so clearing the school area as quickly as possible. The measure will also minimize the possibility of any fights taking place. This is a community problem and police department will do their part and expects the cooperation from the entire community to give a helping hand in solving this problem.

 

 

...

The Coastguard for the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba in collaboration with the guards of the Valero oil refinery and the Maritime Police, in Aruba arrested five illegal immigrants.

A press release from the Coast Guard states that around 03.30 am on September 16

a report came in at the Coast Guard that illegal immigrants were on the reef near the marina of the Valero refinery. Immediately, two units of the Coast Guard were sent to that position the release states.

The Maritime Police was also enabled, on arrival they found three illegal immigrants on the reef. All three were arrested immediately. Valero had also arrested another two immigrants by then.

It appeared as if a boat had departed from Venezuela with 20 people on board. At some point the vessel hit the yola on which they sat. The Coast Guard with maritime police and Warda Nos Costa are still looking for the other 15 missing persons.

 

Besides counter drug operations and saving lives at sea, the detection of illegal immigration is also one of the tasks of the Coast Guard for the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba.

 

 

Philipsburg:--On Tuesday September 15th at approximately 03.10 p.m. several police patrols and detectives of the Special Robbery Unit was directed, by the Police Central Dispatch, to Tac Gaz located on the Cannegieter street for an armed robbery.

On the scene the patrols spoke to an employee of Tac Gaz, with the initials L.P. who stated, that shortly before she and two other persons who were in the establishment at the time, were robbed at gunpoint by two unknown men of dark complexion. L.P. stated that while in the establishment one of the suspects walked into the building, pulled a gun and at the same time threatened to use it if no cooperation was given.

The robber actually put the gun to the head of the employee.

The other robber stayed on the look-out at the entrance. The robber in the building took all the money from the cash register and also stole the wallet from the other persons in the establishment. After committing their act both robbers calmly walked out of the building and left the scene. A description of the suspects was given to the investigating officers and the investigation is ongoing.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- Chief Executive Officer of the St. Maarten Telecommunications Service Peter Drent would be leaving St. Maarten sometime soon as his contract with the company will end at the end of September and the island government would not be renewing the contract announced leader of government William Marlin. Marlin told reporters on Thursday that TELEM board was busy recruiting the next person who would take up Drent’s position. While the selection process is not over the commissioner said, they are seriously looking at one of the candidates who may be contracted. The candidate who was not named, Marlin said can be considered a veteran in the telecommunication business. However, the island government would not be entering into any long-term contract with this person if chosen. Marlin said the island government would enter into a very flexible contract that can benefit both partners when it comes to terminating the contract within a month’s notice.

Marlin said government is taking the necessary precaution to safeguard itself from any lengthy procedures if they are not satisfied with the person’s performance.

Marlin said to date the executive council has not taken any decisions on the issue of partnering with any other company neither did they decide if shares are going to be sold. Marlin said he already indicated to the executive council to take a step back, which would give him the time he needed to put into prospective all the different opinions in order. He said the company does have a board and management but Drent was the fourth person that was hired to restructure TELEM. Marlin further explained that even though Drent is leaving shortly there is no final decision on the restructuring.

 

 

Marigot: ---- While it is clear that the Collectivity of St. Martin has no money and employees of the COM are probably stressed out, some of them sure did find a peculiar way to release their stress. SMN News has learnt that a senior civil servant has confessed to sexually harassing a civil servant of the COM, the source said the female victim is also having a relationship with the culprit’s son and at some point; she was living at the alleged suspect’s house.

It is understood that the victim was working in the same office as the suspect who eventually wrote a letter to the victim admitting that he sexually harassed her and that he was sorry. It is understood the incident occurred at the victim’s place of abode.

It is further understood that the victim used the letter to get a transfer from the department she was working to another department she would prefer to work. However, it is said when she approached President Frantz Gumbs and produced the letter written by the senior civil servant and her request for transfer it was told to her that her transfer would be granted but the employee would not get to work in the department she wants, instead she would have to go where she is needed. Since then it is said the employee stopped working claiming that she became ill from the entire ordeal. SMN News also learnt that the victim also filed a complaint against the suspect with the local prosecutor.

SMN News was also reliably informed that the prosecutor is now investigating three cases of sexual harassment all deriving from the Collectivity. Efforts made to contact Prosecutor Jacques Louvier on the issue proved futile up to press time.

 

 

MARIGOT—Bandits held a couple at gunpoint in their home on Orient Bay reported the gendarmes in a press release. According to the release, the couple had left their front door open while sitting on their terrace when two gunmen entered the home and held them at gunpoint. The culprits escaped with a number of valuable items including a laptop, cellular phone, and money. The victims are said to be traumatized by the incident.

The gendarmes are still busy investigating the incident.

 

 

Philipsburg:-- Police Chief Inspector R. BARBY who will be heading the new Immigration and Naturalization Department located on the A.T. Illidge road, is informing the general public that due to unforeseen circumstances, this office which is scheduled to start operating officially on September 28th 2009, will not take place. The tentative date for the official opening of this department, if no other setbacks occur, is set for October 12 2009. Chief Inspector BARBY apologizes for any inconvenience the situation may have cost.

La Savane:-- Television Talk Show host and camera operator Jean Mark Sharpless (Markavelli) will be transferred to Guadeloupe today(Tuesday) as the investigation into the slaying of Rigobert Bertin- Maurice continues.

Sharpless was arrested early Sunday morning at his Cripple Gate home as a suspect and was placed in garde de vue, since he was involved in an argument and altercation with the victim (Rigobert Bertin Maurice) on Thursday.

According to statements received from Sharpless prior to his arrest the victim had flattened his car tires as he parked in front of the Collectivity. Sharpless said he was called by a territorial police who showed him what the victim was doing. He said he had taken a photograph of the victim as he was damaging his property, that he said caused the argument to become bigger. Sharpless also said he had problems in the past with the now dead man, but those problems he said were resolved. Several persons who overheard the confrontation on Thursday said Sharpless had told Bertin-Maurice that he was going to be a dead man. Because of those statements and the altercation Sharpless is considered to be the prime suspect in the slaying.

 

Sources close to the investigation has said that at least three persons were involved in the shooting, one of which matches the description of Jean Mark Sharpless. So far Sharpless is held as a suspect to the murder.

This media house also understands that the gendarmes are still looking for the murder weapon.

Several persons in the community has expressed outraged into the senseless killing of Rigobert Bertin Maurice and Jean-Dany Theodore Richardson, both victims were the same age. SMN News received a number of emails expressing doubt that Sharpless cannot be the one who killed Bertin-Maurice. Some of the writers also said that the victim was also involved in a second altercation on the waterfront that same day.

 

 

Great Bay,– Some 31 students of the Oranje School, ranging from 9 to 11 years old were given a special World Tourism Day treat by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau last Friday. The students were accompanied by their Principal, Kay Philips and three class teachers on an island tour organized by the Tourist Bureau, with a lunch break at Subway restaurant at Maho Village.

“We learnt a lot about our island,” many of the students commented at the end of the almost 5-hour tour, which took them to most of the historical sites and landmarks of the island, while showing them the natural beauty of the island.

“The idea of the tour is to make the young students see what our visitors see when they come here and what makes St. Martin so special,” explained Mr. Augusto Priest of the Product Development Division of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau.

According to Ms. Lisa Noel of the same Division who accompanied the students on the tour, they showed keen interest in all the information they were being given.

“The children asked very intelligent questions and were all very excited,” she said.

Principal Ms. Kay Philips disclosed that she would personally make sure the children, who were all taking notes, wrote about their experience and what they learned on the tour in a class project to be supervised by their teachers.

World Tourism Day was marked on September 27, 2009 under the theme, “Celebrating Diversity.” Commissioner of Tourism, Frans Richardson, appeared on several radio talk shows on the day, including Culture Time on PJD-2 Radio, hosted by Fabian Badejo and Fernando Clark, to talk about his efforts to boost tourist arrivals to the island during this period of global economic meltdown.

Among the other activities the Tourist Bureau organized to mark the day were several appearances in the local media of officials of the Bureau, paired with some of the more prominent cultural workers on the island. It also published a newspaper supplement that appeared in The Daily Herald of Friday, September 25, 2009.

 

 

COLE BAY - University of St. Martin Teacher Education Program (TEP) students recently volunteered to assist with the reading and writing assessments at Charles Leopold Bell School.

This is a public school, which recently reopened to accommodate undocumented students ranging in ages of 4-7 years old.

The USM teacher education students were trained on a Saturday by their language arts instructor, Ms. Patti Maier, and were coached and supervised while they tested the Charles Leopold Bell students during the past two weeks.

The future teachers gained some practical experience by observing how children begin to read and write.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- On Saturday September 26, an official report was filed a man with initials R.Y. who stated that he was a victim of an armed robbery, which took place on that same day at approximately 03.30 a.m. in the vicinity of Banco de Caribe in Simpson Bay.

According to the victim, he and a friend had been visiting Soggy Dollar that evening. The man told police that his friend went to their vehicle, which was parked in the parking lot of Banco de Caribe; they were approached by two men.

One of the men grabbed and held him from behind, while the other pulled his very expensive gold necklace from his neck. After committing this act, both men jumped into an awaiting black vehicle that was driven by another man. The robbers then sped off in the direction of Philipsburg. The victim further stated that he chased the vehicle in which the robbers were and managed to overtake and block them in their path. One of the robbers then jumped out of the vehicle attacked him with what seemed to be a machete. The victim was then struck several times in his face with this weapon. As a result of the beating, the victim suffered several cuts to his face from which he started bleeding. However, the victim managed to reach the Sint Maarten Medical Center to seek medical attention. The Special Robbery Unit has already gathered some very vital information in connection with this case and an investigation into this matter is ongoing.

 

 

On Thursday 27th of August, representatives of the NAOC (Netherlands Antilles Olympic Committee) Board met with Commissioner Frans Richardson (picture: second from right) from St. Maarten. Mr. Richardson visited the island of Curacao to have different meetings. Mr. Richardson discussed various topics with NAOC.

A possible new sports structure was discussed as well as ways to develop sports associations of St. Maarten. NAOC also brought forward that some athletes received scholarships in the past and that this will take place before the end of this year.

The commissioner asked to keep up the good work, to continue organizing courses and to support the organizations, such as the St. Maarten Sports Federation.

It is important that everybody on St. Maarten knows what NAOC stands for and how they can make use of the different programs.

The next meeting is planned to take place on St. Maarten, where the official announcement regarding the scholarships being granted, will take place.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- Island councilman Petrus Leroy De Weever at a press conference on Tuesday told reporters that he has been consistently expressing his concerns about the legislation that was put together by his party while in government. The island councilman said he posed several questions to the notary who worked on the document and he was not satisfied with the answers or modifications made to the document. De Weever said he also expressed these concerns to former leader of government and leader of his faction Sarah Wescot Williams prior to making his decision not to even vote on the document. He said he also asked the current government what was their reasons to appoint a committee for life, and what sort of message they are sending to students studying abroad. However, the executive council he said did not intend to provide the answers neither the names of the people that were to sit on the permanent committee.

He said should something go wrong how and what means government would use to remove any member of the committee. De Weever said he even asked for the names of the persons to be appointed and their resume but none of the information was forthcoming.

The island councilman said the only people that are appointed for life are judges and this situation placed him in a rather awkward position since be believed in the ordinance on good governance most importantly De Weever said they all worked on the legislation and he did not feel having a review of the committee after three years were sufficient for government. The island council man said he is rather frustrated with the National Alliance/Heyliger and Laviest government because in his opinion they believe they would hold power forever, thus they have not been showing respect to the other members of the island council. De Weever said the executive council has refused to answer questions posed to them by the opposition reason why he felt he needed to take the route he took which was to establish his frustration. Asked why he did not stop the process when he was the chairman of the central committee De Weever said he submitted a seven-page letter with concerns and asked questions even then. He said the legislation was geared at controlling commissioners and to take away their responsibility and put in the hands of a foundation is not ethical or correct, because it was belief that responsibility lies with those elected.

 

 

Great Bay: ---United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) representatives will be on St. Maarten next week to conduct meetings on September 9 with stakeholders and to hold a two-day workshop on September 10 and 11.

The purpose of their visit is to do a country assessment on reproductive health commodity security, comprehensive condom programming, and the female condom programming. They will also do a site visit to various brothels, a pharmacy and will also visit a condom wholesaler. The findings from the assessment will be gathered and analyzed by UNFPA and represented to St. Maarten in the form of a report, along with the evaluation results from the training workshop.

The objectives of the two day workshop are: to increase partner awareness and understanding of reproductive health commodity security; to increase partner understanding of comprehensive condom programming so that it can be applied at a national level and assist partners in the development of a National Plans for Condom Programming and Promotion; to increase partner awareness of the second-generation female condom and strategies for programming and promoting the female condom.

Cornelius de Weever, Assistant HIV/AIDS Programme Manager said”: I wish that all stakeholders attend and hopefully out of this workshop the need for a sexual reproductive health policy arises. For this we need great leadership to ensure access to these sexual reproductive health services and supplies, such as condoms, pills and counseling in order to reduce social inequity, poverty that runs from one generation to the next and continues to erode St. Maarten’s middle class.”

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is an international development agency that promotes the right of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. UNFPA supports countries in using population data for policies and programmes to reduce poverty and to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every young person is free of HIV/AIDS, and every girl and woman is treated with dignity and respect.

 

 

Philipsburg: -- Police on Tuesday September 1 apprehended a well-known drug addict who was seen by two detectives on a bicycle carrying a box. The alleged addict began acting suspiciously when he noticed police who immediately did decided to check what the contents of the box were. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson identified the suspect, as W.K.R.who was caught leaving Eddy’s Auto Supply with the box, which had in two new car batteries. Henson said when police questioned the suspect about the car batteries and where he obtained them for the man could not provide a reasonable answer, as such police arrested him. It turned out that the batteries were stolen from Eddy Auto Supply as the following morning that an official complaint was filed by management of the Auto Shop. The suspect remains in custody as police continue their investigation.

Philipsburg – The 20th Anniversary celebrations for the University of St. Martin will now be held on November 7, 2009 due to logistical issues, officials announced this week.

The original date scheduled for the event was today, Saturday, September 5.

“The organization of the full evening of activities is on track and being refined. Refinements are also taking place at our facilities,” USM officials said.

The 20th anniversary celebrations are scheduled to be held at the campus in Philipsburg and include speeches and presentations honoring founders the late Dr. Claude Wathey and Dr. Hushang Ansary. Especially important in the evening’s event will be the expression of gratitude to all of the donors that have helped to make the second floor of the current building a reality. The second floor consists of five new classrooms and office and other space, including a new teacher’s lounge, conference room and office spaces for Board of Directors and the Student Government Association (SGA).

“We are very enthusiastic about the commemoration of this milestone and we are looking forward to playing a more pivotal role in our community as we forge ahead,” USM officials said.

In addition, as part of the Open House, in many of the new classrooms there will be Powerpoint and pictorial presentations. Some of these presentations include: 20 years of history of USM, and degree programs offered by the institution. The USM students, the alumni of USM, the USM faculty and a program of the Fundraising and construction of the second floor of the building will also be featured. Guests can visit each of the classrooms to view the presentations.

Invitations have been sent to the minister of education and leader of government/commissioner of education and deputy leader, respectively, and various stakeholders in the community.

“We apologize for the postponement of the event and we urge all invited guests and stakeholders to mark your calendars for November 7th, 2009. Once the weather holds, we expect to see you at this historical event,” the USM officials noted.

The Foundation of the University of St. Martin, Board of Directors (BOD) will also be unveiling special plaques and donor boards at the institution. The Partners in Education, the Classroom Sponsors, the Patrons, and friends of the University will be honored for their generous contributions.

The celebrations are expected to get underway at 6:00pm. Music will be provided by a steel band and a local string band.

The University of St. Martin is the only institution of higher learning on the island offering several associate degrees in business and general liberal arts, bachelor degrees in business, education, and hospitality and one master’s degree, in education, in addition to several non degree programs such as the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) Tutorial and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs.

USM has more than 550 alumni many of whom have gone on to work internationally and locally in various sectors.

 

 

 

Philipsburg:--- Media representatives on St. Maarten were treated at a cocktail party on Wednesday evening at the Chesterfields restaurant and bar in honor of press day. Kooyman is also celebrating its 70th anniversary said the assistant store manager Binkie van Es. Es said the company recognizes the work and dedication media workers do for the community and thus they feel compelled to honor them on this solemn occasion of press day.

He said free press dates back to article 19 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights in 1948 that states that everyone” has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impartial information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”

Since the adoption of the “Windhoek declaration on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press” in 1991 that led to the establishment of World Press Freedom Day in 1993 and is celebrated ever since.

The Windhoek Declaration emphasized the importance of a free press for developing and maintaining democracy in a nation and for economic development.

Now, 26 Years later this is still as important today as it was then , our own country is in both political and economic turmoil and needs a free press more than ever to safeguard our democracy and economic growth. “You as a group assembled here tonight are the guardians of our society, here as much as elsewhere in the world there are political and economic forces that would prefer to silence you. We ask you not to be silenced but continue to report abuse, incompetence and other sorts of behavior that does not benefit our society.” Es said as he addressed the media workers.

With this great Freedom, also comes great responsibility and another great roll of the press is educator, he continued, by reporting about worldwide events, health issues, technical developments, environmental issues and many others, you take on the job as educator of your audiences and with this come the added responsibility of reporting honest and well researched facts.

As a society have come to rely on the media as a prime source for our information to base their daily decisions on and for this important role we salute you.

On behalf of the company he said they would be celebrating their 70th anniversary of Kooyman as a company. 70 years ago Adrianus Kooyman founded his company on Curacao and to day his children are still the sole shareholders, several of his grandchildren are also in various positions in the company.

In the, past seventy years Kooyman has grown to become the leading building material and home improvement company in the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba with three outlets on Curacao, two on Aruba, one on Bonaire and since January 2007 a Megastore in St Maarten.

Kooyman B.V. suppliers are located in all parts of the world. The assortment includes products from countries specializing in their product areas, e.g. tiles from Spain and Brazil. Other countries include The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and The United States of America.

Kooyman considers their staff as their most valuable asset, at the moment Kooyman has over 400 employees on the islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao and St. Maarten.

We consider the knowledge and efficiency that has been adopted over the years regarding the import of goods into the islands one of our core competences. For a relatively small island Kooyman is a company, which import a vast amount of building materials and hardware on a weekly basis.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- Island Councilman Rudolphe Samuel, a member of the National Alliance declared that the Democratic Party has begun their election campaign on the floor of the island council on Monday. Samuel said when he listened to what the current opposition had to say and the questions they posed it is clear to him that they begin campaigning for the January 22 2010 elections.

The island councilman said that it seems as if the Democratic Party had to be placed in the opposition benches so that they could hear the cries of the people. He felt it is good for politicians to be on both sides of the isle since it is only then they can get the true feelings from the man in the street. He said when the Democratic Party was in government for at least 10 years the voice of the man of street could not be heard.

 

Samuel said the agenda point up for discussion, the financial and economic situation of the island was on the floor for the third time this year. He reminded that the National Alliance who was in opposition earlier this year had brought the agenda point to the floor seeking answers from the former government.

He said when they asked if government had increased the amount of monies going to Social Affairs in their budget and they were told it was not increased. The councilman said it is his understanding that the former government, now opposition did not anticipate that things would become this bad, reasons why they did not reserve monies to attack the crisis.

Samuel said that while the speakers before said they did not come to frustrate the government he wants to know why they would mention it. “If your intention is not to frustrate government why did you mention it or maybe you want to say you come to frustrate the government,” Samuel said the opposition even mentioned that they asked some of the questions before and were provided the answers but because they did not get them in writing, they are asking them again. He reminded the Democratic Party of their statements when they said that the National Alliance/Heyliger and Laviest government does not deserve a honeymoon.

 

Regarding the sand that is used to build to Ring Road that has a value that was asked he said this is not the first time sand from Great Bay harbor was used for other projects on St. Maarten.

 

The statement that the Ring Road sand has value. He said this is not the first time sand from Great Bay harbor was used for projects. He said questions are being asked about turn over tax while the same opposition while in government said they were going to increase the turn over tax, today they want it reduced. He reminded of the former commissioner of finance who said he could go to Curacao and speak with the Minister of Finance to increase turn over tax, is now asking that it be lowered.

As for the questions that was posed about the recipient of government land. Samuel said he hopes the executive council would comply and release the names of the people who received government land in the Belvedere area in one weekend. He said when the answer is given it would be revealing for the people of St. Maarten to know who got these land then and who are the owners today. Samuel said that land was given to certain persons back then but today owners have changed.

As for the consultants, the island councilman said the very people that are asking those types of questions are the ones who hired the director of TELEM that has a salary of Euros 20,000 per month. He said a quick calculation would show that this person would receive some Euros 300,000 by the time his term ends. He said he wants government to tell him how much money made during the year 2007 compared to what is made in 2008 after Drent was hired.

 

Samuel condemned the leader of the Democratic Party who used the Caribbean statics to make her point on the economic crisis. He said the same person was in charge of finances and they did not put in place a system to track and store data.

 

Samuel charged that the Democratic Party has used political gimmick to say the small man is struggling and they need relief from GEBE. He asked who managed the island for the past ten years. Samuel made clear that the effects seen today did not happen over the past three months.

As for diversification of the economy, he said he could clearly remember Oswald Richardson and Mr. Joslyn Richardson who pleaded with the former government to do something about agriculture.

He reminded the opposition who was said that investing in education is not an investment yet they are asking about the amount of monies is spent on education.

As for the unemployment rate question, Samuel says he too wants to know the figure, because he already asked how many gas stations and drug stores are on the island, to which the answers were not provided.

 

Also addressing these issues was councilman George Pantophlet who said he used the media in the past when he was asking for information and never got it. He said he called on the former government almost two years ago to form a plan to deal with the global economic crisis that is currently affecting the islands. Pantophlet said he sent a letter to the executive council and never received a response. He said when he questioned how much money was set aside for the pensioners he was told that is private information. Pantophlet said the deficit on St. Maarten stands at 50 million and it is climbing. He called on the opposition to bring proposals to tackle the crisis instead of grandstanding government or the island’s people. The island councilman said it is time the Democratic Party use their 10 years of experience to garner proposals, which he assured the executive council, would consider.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- A team of experts from Curacao is on St. Maarten to assist immigration with the implementation of the Brooks Tower Accord. Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba said the delegation that is on St. Maarten came to install and check on the new immigration system. Jacoba said the team met with the Lt. Governor of St. Maarten Franklyn Richards who asked the team of technicians for their assistance in the implementation of the Brooks Tower Accord.

Former Minister of Justice David Dick had said on August 4 that the Brooks Tower Accord, which is aimed at regulating the undocumented persons in the Antilles, would be implemented on September 15 2009.

Dick on his last day in office had said the matter of regulating the undocumented had been discussed with the current Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba. Dick said it was

not possible to publish the information earlier seeing as the basic conditions for The Admissions organization had not as yet been met. The condition is that the regular service sector is guaranteed before the problem of undocumented persons can be solved. To realize this, a basic provision is needed, consisting of a sound infrastructure with adequate housing, sufficient qualified personnel, and customized ICT.

On Bonaire, the Foreigner Management System (FMS) is already operational. The employees are busy removing paediatric illnesses from the system. Following Bonaire and Curaçao, St. Maarten now also has an adequate furnished location on Illidge Road in order to be able to offer regular services, be it within a new organizational structure, the New Admissions organization.

In the meantime, an interim-chief has been appointed on St. Maarten. The move to Illidge Road should have taken place at the end of August, after which the location at Sun Color Building will be furnished so that the project ‘registration and handling undocumented aliens’ can commence.

In order to also start the project on Curaçao, a suitable location is being looked for in consultation with the Department of Labour Affairs. The offices at the Waaigat will still be used to offer regular services. The negotiations for a new location are in full swing.

It is expected that all infrastructural renovations on all islands will be implemented by mid September, after which the handling of undocumented persons on all of the islands will take place in phases and in an orderly manner. The fact that an alien is considered undocumented as long as he has no legal status, is expressly pointed out.

In the Brooks Tower agreement, which was signed on the 2nd of March 2007 on St.Maarten by the Minister of Justice and the deputies of the five islands, it is described how the problem of the undocumented persons will be dealt with. The aliens are divided into three categories according to the date of arrival. In due time, the Minister of Justice will implement the Brooks Tower agreement in phases. The categories are:

 

1. Persons who entered the Antilles before the 31st of December 2001;

2. Persons who entered the Antilles between the 1st of January 2002 and the 1st of January 2006.

3. Persons who entered the Antilles after 1st of January 2006.

 

Persons from group 1 can apply for a permit on their own merits, while the persons from group 2 need their employer to apply for them. Persons from group 3 will be treated humanely, but for them there is no possibility of legalizing their status and they are requested to leave the country. If necessary, they can apply from abroad and await the process of the application in their own country.

The conditions will be published in the media soon and will be available at various embassies and consuls, at the Admissions organizations and the Department of Labour Affairs. The implementation of the project registration and handling of undocumented aliens will be evaluated along the way. In practice, situations will be revealed which were not held into consideration during the development of the policy. If such is the case, then the policy will be adapted. The new project will commence between the 15th and the 20th of September 2009.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- A teacher from the St. Maarten Vocational School has reported to police that he was severely ill-treated by a student who was disturbing his class on Tuesday. According to a press release from police spokesman Ricardo Henson identified the teacher identified as J.O who told police that a student identified as J.C hit him at the school. According to the teacher the student in question, stood outside the classroom behind the door with a bottle of water and while hiding behind the door he would throw water on the other students in the class-room and in doing so interrupted the class.

The teacher further stated that to pull the attention of the person hiding behind the door he pounded on the door with a piece wood. It is then that he noticed that the person hiding behind the door was the student. The student J.C. who apparently became very angry attacked the teacher and started beating with his fist. He struck the teacher several times in his face and chest. The teacher did not want to file an official report, however he requested that the student be severely reprimanded with regards to his behavior and also that his parents be informed of the incident.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- Senator and Island Councilman George Pantophlet has taken the initiatives to discuss at least two issues that are pending and relates to St. Maarten with the newly appointed Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba.

The senator in a press release said he recently held discussions with the Minister concerning the implementation of the Brooks Tower Accord. Pantophlet said the Minister Jacoba said the Brooks Tower Accord would be implemented on October 31 and not September 15 as was reported. However, this is contingent on some judicial procedures that have to be finalized. In addition, the immigration and naturalization building is almost ready and the possibility exists that the personnel from the relevant departments from the Immigration and Police Affairs might be relocating there sometime this month. The Minister also emphasized that this is not a grace period or amnesty. The senator sent a strong message to not to use this opportunity not to apply for working permits for their employees. “The Protocol has three different categories and these will be published as soon as the legal procedures are completed. He cautioned that no one should under estimate the social and economic impact this protocol would have on St. Maarten.

The other issue that Senator Pantophlet discussed with Minister Jacoba is the legal positions of some brigadiers and inspectors at the St. Maarten Police Force (KPSSS). Pantophlet said the Minister informed him that she is working on trying to resolve the situation. She has requested certain information from the management of the police force, which will allow her to solve this problem once and for all. The Minister is working in close cooperation with the Lt. Governor and Local Chief of Police Mr. Franklin Richards in gathering the necessary information and in resolving the issue.

On the matter of Inspector Carlton Phillips, the Minister said that she could not go into any details as the matter is under investigation.

 

 

Philipsburg: ---Several other staff of the police department is now speaking out against the victimization they face with the management of the police force. Sources say some of the workers have  have already contacted their union who are now dealing with the issues with Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba. Several officers of KPSSS is supposed to be paid for work they did and the management of KPSSS is making sure these workers are not paid.

Sources close to management of the KPSSS said management is refusing to pay certain employees their over time or extra monies that is owed to them. One of the persons that are yet to be paid for the work she executed for a period of six months is Belinda Brison. Brison was in charge of the daily operations last year when Sylvia Gibbs, head of human resources was sent home by management of the KPSSS. According to a federal government ordinance if any civil servant hold a position for a certain amount of time in the absence of the department head that person has to be paid extra which is equivalent to the department head.

It is understood that the police management under Assistant Chief Commissioner Ademar Doran has refused to process the necessary paperwork for Brison to be paid instead they are busy seeking advice from other police organization to see if they can deny Brison the monies she has worked for.

SMN News also understands that both the NAPB and the ABVO were inform on the case and is said to be discussing it with management. SMN News further understands that Brison has been waiting for over three months for her extra monies.

SMN News also learnt another police officer was placed in another department to set up the IT-Data of the KPSSS and immigration. According to our sources, this officer has to also receive compensation for the work he did. The system has been already installed but the officer in question remains in the department to monitor the systems. Sources say the management of KPSSS has to process the documents so the officer can be compensated but to date they have not done so. Unless management does their work the finance department cannot make the payments.

The disgruntled workers of KPSSS said that while management is busy hindering the staff who is actually working for the people of St. Maarten, they (the management) makes sure they do all they can to make sure they are promoted to higher scales. The source said that the management team would put heads together when it involves their own benefits while they make it their business to stifle the workers. In the meantime, Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba has met with Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran on Saturday to discuss the issues facing St. Maarten. Jacoba said ever since she took office she has been dealing with problems and to date she is not able to sit down and do her work. Asked for a comment on the accusation made against the management team Jacoba said the federal detectives are busy investigating the case. She said unless she gets some information from the investigating team she is not able to say anything. Asked if the police management is investigating themselves since they sent a letter with several questions to detective Carlton Philips. Jacoba said the management team is not investigating the case; however, as management they are within their rights to ask questions. The Minister said the detective made lots of claims and he has to come up with some proof on these matters. Minister Jacoba said St. Maarten in particular has a number of issues that has to be dealt with.

In the meantime, SMN News has learnt that the former Assistant Commissioner of Police Richard Panneflek has sent a letter to Minister Jacoba requesting to take over the management of the police force. It is said a number of officers have been encouraging Panneflek to return to the helm. So far, the Minister has not responded to Panneflek’s request.

 

 

POINTE BLANCHE,– Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo says marketing efforts need to be stepped up in the German market as that market is the fastest growing market in cruise passengers in Europe and will become the biggest market in Europe.

This is one of the main trends in cruise tourism that he learnt from attending Seatrade Europe, the leading meeting place for the Cruise, Ferry, Rivercruise and Superyacht industries, held from September 15-17 at the Hamburg Messe Fairground in Germany.

The European cruise market overall grew by 10 per cent in 2008, with 4.3 million taking a cruise. Germans represent the second largest group that takes a cruise, with the United Kingdom being the first. However, Germans spend two times more than their British counterparts.

Ninety per cent of Germans book via travel agents and make their reservations six months in advance.

“Germany plays a significant role in the global cruise market sector stretching from participation in new ships being constructed, vessel repairs, ownership and management to name a few.

“Germany is the second largest source market for cruise passengers in Europe with an estimated 907,000 residents having purchased a cruise in 2008. We need to spend more money in the German market especially where stay-over visitors are concerned,” Mark Mingo pointed out.

One of the leading German owners of ocean tonnage includes AIDA Cruises. The number one German brand is AIDA Cruises which claimed almost 40 per cent of the German domestic market in 2008.

AIDA will be making 10 calls to the Port of St. Maarten for the 2009/10 cruise season. TUI Cruises, a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., entered the market in May, and will also be making calls to St. Maarten.

Mingo was accompanied by Supervisory Board Chairman Michel Soons and Cruise Manager Nzinga Lake who also attended Seatrade Europe.

 

 

GREAT BAY:---The HIV/AIDS program is having a two-day workshop for Health Care Providers in the area of HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment. In addition, this training will expand the pool of health professionals that deal with the growing number of HIV/AIDS cases. Currently, two doctors deal mainly with 90% of the HIV/AIDS cases.

The session, according to the HIV/AIDS Program Manager, Suzette Moses, is intended to train other Health Care Providers to deal with HIV/AIDS patients in a more consistent and sustainable manner through a managed Care and Treatment program, geared towards St. Maarten with the input of the local factors regarding St. Maarten situation from health care providers.

Other topics that will be dealt with are access to medication and procurement systems.

Dr. Noreen Jack, based in Trinidad with the Health Care Organization, PAHO, was the facilitator of the workshop, which is over two days. Dr. Jack, a Care and Treatment specialist, will review the current situation on St. Maarten, such as HIV testing and counseling and HIV Care and Treatment, among other topics that will be discussed.

The second half of the day will focus on discussing target setting, models of care, health systems strengthening, capacity building, and patient information systems.

Day two will consist mostly of work-group sessions using the operational plan template, dealing with target setting, models of care, sites and providers, health systems strengthening/Capacity building/standards and guidelines, access to medicines/procurement systems, comprehensive care, patient information systems, monitoring and evaluation, and surveillance.

Each group will present the group’s model and in the end, an amended and comprehensive Care and Treatment plan would have been developed from the ground up, Moses said, one that is workable and that involves everyone.

Present at the meeting were nurses, doctors, sector health care workers, pharmacists, HIV/AIDS program mangers, and other health care providers.

 

 

My St. Maarten (http://www.mystmaarten.com) is a new initiative that has evolved out of a partnership between a very successful St. Maarten based Internet marketing company which has developed sites such as St. Maarten-Info (www.stmaarten-info.com) and Saint Martin Activities (www.saint-martinactivities. com) , and a team of Vacation professionals with many years of experience in the resort and vacationing industry on St. Maarten .

My St. Maarten is specifically designed for St. Maarten residents allowing them to directly book their vacations at the lowest prices.

As a St. Maarten resident you do not have to travel far to be able to have a great vacation. In fact, all it takes is a short drive and you can discover some of the great resorts the Island has to offer. Direct Resorts St. Maarten makes it possible to book your own vacation directly at the providers, at the lowest prices.

Of course, you are not restricted to booking a vacation on St. Maarten. The affiliated providers offer more than 1,000 resort locations, as well as villa rentals, hotels, cruises, car rentals and air fares all over the world.

How are discounts available? Resort properties and their developers do not always have 100% occupancy and owners at these properties do not always use the inventory. As a result, this “excess inventory” is made available on a limited basis.

Iit is important to be flexible when making a condominium selection. That is why you should not try to be set on a specific resort, destination or week. Travel provider offerings are on a “first come first served” basis. As a result, the greater your flexibility, the greater your chance of securing a satisfactory week for an enjoyable vacation.

Condos are available on a first come, first served basis. Therefore, the greater your lead time in planning and booking with a specific provider the greater your opportunities. Keep in mind that holidays, peak seasons and other factors also play a part in availability.

Direct booking means you cut out the middlemen and save both time and money.

Is there any limit as to my use of Direct Resorts? No, provided that it is only for your personal use and that of your family living in your household. You may not book travel for others or to operate a business.

 

 

Christopher Velasquez, an 18 year-old student of St. Maarten Academy, and a member of the St. Maarten Archaeological Center (SIMARC), last July in Antigua made an archaeology presentation at the International Congress for Caribbean Archaeology (IACA). It has now come to pass that Chris has been invited to attend introductory classes at City University New York (CUNY). While at the IACA congress with fellow student Matthew Halley and SIMARC Director Dr. Jay Haviser, Chris had the opportunity to meet Dr. Cory Look who is the head of the Forensic Science department at CUNY. Dr. Look was very impressed with Chris’s presentation at the IACA Congress, and after subsequent correspondence invited him to attend some classes at CUNY to see if he is interested in pursuing a career in the field of Forensic Archaeology. “We are extremely pleased that the professional networking opportunity that Chris got by attending the IACA congress has resulted in this kind of career potential for him”, said SIMARC director Dr. Haviser. “It is one of the central goals of SIMARC to stimulate more St. Maarten youth to look for careers in scientific fields, and here we see success towards that direction”, Haviser further stated.

Mullet Bay;---Last weekend the Royal Dutch Marines kept their annual Hurricane Exercise (Hurex) with the Fire Department, Voluntary Corps of St. Maarten (VKS) and the Sint Maarten Red Cross, several of the agencies responsible for disaster relief on the island in the event of a hurricane.

On Saturday August 29th the focus was on support of the fire department. During the day the marines were instructed by and trained jointly with the fire department at Mullet Bay. Several scenarios were staged where marines would arrive first at an incident and had to deal with the matter at hand. The focus was on stabilizing a situation, creating a safe work area and putting ones own safety first. All exercises where performed under the supervision of the fire department’s instructors.

The training day ended at night with a big staged accident. A police car in hot pursuit of a criminal ended up under a tree, whilst the criminal’s car crashed into a house. The criminal was launched into the bushes and the car burst into flames. The house itself was about to cave in while the owner was trapped inside. Marines reached first at the scene and feverishly tried to stabilize the situation before the arrival of the fire department. Several citizens tried to rescue their trapped neighbor by entering the unstable house. They also wanted to attack the wounded criminal. All the different exercises of the day culminated in this large scenario.

Cooperation between the various agencies went very well. In the event of a hurricane situation or any other type of disaster, assistance by the marines might be needed. Good cooperation between the several entities is therefore essential. Both marines and the fire department look back at a day where the relief groups worked as one team.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- Island councilman and former energy commissioner Roy Marlin has issued a public call to Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards to step in. Marlin said GEBE has some loans with Pacific Life the financing agency over the last ten years. He said the company managed to live up both agreements with the agency over the last ten years. However, right now the financial agency may soon have to call on GEBE to pay up its outstanding loans, which is in excess of 40 million US dollars. Marlin said the concession with Pacific Life will expire in January 2011 but government and Pacific Life has agreed to have a new agreement in place by January 2010. Marlin said he began negotiations since last April but based on the current correspondence between Pacific Life and GEBE may not be able to pull off an agreement. He said should this happen it would bring dire consequences to the island and its people. Marlin said he believes the governor has the right and power to look into the extension of the concession, and have the executive council deal with this matter post haste.

The island councilman said government has given Pacific Life a letter of comfort ensuring them that they would take the necessary steps to ensure all is done for the renewal of the concession. Marlin said he is making is appeal so that GEBE would remain the main concessionaire for the production of light and water for St. Maarten. He made it clear that the issue at hand is above politics instead it’s about the sustainability of the island which would also ensure that GEBE can live up to his obligations and financial agreement. Marlin said to date the financial statement for GEBE is not yet ready or finalized to be sent to Pacific Life by September. He said so far management has not completed the task and everyone knows his position on the managing director of GEBE. He said he was accused by the opposition that he is head hunting but now those people are in government and he is eager to see how they are going to deal with the issues at hand. He said he still believes that if the managing director William Brooks cannot do the job then he needs to vacate the seat and allow the supervisory board to take the necessary actions.

Marlin said the working situation at GEBE has deteriorated to an extent where several workers are on sick leave simply because they disagree with the style of the management. He said no one at this time should allow a company such as GEBE to go down the drain because of one person. He said he was accused of head hunting a local St. Maartener but if the company is being jeopardized then the executive council needs to take action or the governor. He said presently there are key managers out on sick leave and just recently, the automation was down because they were demoted within the company.

 

 

PHILIPSBURG – The Soualiga Optimist Club of St. Maarten is inviting persons to register for their upcoming gospel competition, which will take place on October 4th 2009. Young people in schools, churches and the wider community are invited to participate in this event. The objective of this program is to allow young people to express their creativity in song, while sending a positive message to the community.

Registrants are accepted in two categories: Individual and Group. Participants must be between the ages of 9 and 15 years old. The deadline to register is September 15, 2009.

In this day and age when our youth are under so much pressure, it is important that we provide them with opportunities to keep themselves positively engaged while showcasing that our youth can and will do well if given the opportunity to shine, Olga Mussington President of the organization said.

To register, persons should contact Optimist Julian at 522 0248 or Optimist Angel at 520 7200. One may also email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Soualiga Optimist Club of St. Maarten is a service club that conducts positive service projects aimed at providing a helping hand to our youth. As a member of Optimist International, the club strives to accomplish a number of goals while assisting youth in our community and have executed numerous programs such as essay contests, oratorical competition, youth appreciation week, donations to underprivileged families in our elementary schools.

Persons interested in learning more about the Soualiga Optimist Club may contact the persons listed above.

 

 

Philipsburg:--Bandits held up some four men on September 1 at gunpoint reported police spokesman Ricardo Henson. The men are from the Netherlands and are here on vacation.

According to report, the men were attacked around 12:30 am while walking near Defiance Club.

They told police that they were followed and then suddenly attacked by two unknown black males. During the attack, one of the suspects pulled a gun and fired a shot in the air. After that, he pointed the gun at them and demanded they handed over all their money. The victims said to avoid being shot the victims complied with the robber’s demand, by handing over their money. After committing their act, the robbers took off running. A description of the robbers was given to the Special Robbery Unit and they are presently busy with this investigation.

 

 

Marigot: --- Scores of gendarmes raided two homes in the St. James area early Friday morning. According to residents, the gendarmes arrived at the scene soon after 5 am. Jean Claude Bryan said he heard strange sounds outside of his wooden house but thought it was his neighbors who were working, but shortly after the gendarmes pulled open his door, where they found him and his companion naked.

The man said they were told by the gendarmes that it was a routine search. Bryan said the gendarmes searched the entire apartment using dogs. He said at one point he was taken outside as the search was taking place shortly after the gendarmes took him back inside the house and placed him to sit down, as they continue the search. Bryan further explained that when he enquired from the officers what was the purpose of the search he was told that it was a search for narcotics (drugs.) Asked if anything was found and what was taken from his house Bryan said the officers left empty handed.

Bryan said after the gendarmes finished at his home they went across the street where they broke down the front glass door of a house to gain access.

At the scene were a number of gendarmes, in and around the home of Leroy Mussington whose house and yard were being searched. Inside the house, several gendarmes were searching as they converged at the back of the home in boats to make sure no one escaped. Mussington was also arrested and taken away by the officers who spent over four hours at the scene.

The wife of Mussington had to be taken by ambulance to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital as she collapsed when the officers left her house with her husband. The woman was overheard saying that the gendarmes were beating her husband prior to taking him away.

Another resident of the area Patrick Lake was also very vocal about the search; he condemned the gendarmes saying that they do not have a warrant to conduct such searches. Lake said his house was also searched sometime ago and felt that the gendarmes are targeting locals.

In the meantime, several residents of the area who converge at the scene to witness what was taking place were heard lashing out at the gendarmes. Most of them were saying that the gendarmes are racist and that they are targeting the locals or black people. Some even threatened to get them out of their neighborhoods.

Several other long time residents of St. James and Low Town who spoke to this reporter anonymously praised the gendarmes for the work they are now doing. One elderly resident said that Friday marked two years since Mussington’s former girlfriend was found dead in her house. One woman said crime is escalating and that something has to be done to clean up the area. She went on to say that almost a year ago another family woke up to find two people killed in their house. She was referring to Nejumbia and Ronelia Fleming who was brutally murdered during the early morning hours of October 30. Notwithstanding the slaying of Biko on January 30, 2009 in a house in Low Town.

SMN News has been reliably informed that the gendarmes seized a large quantity of drugs that was destined for St. Martin. The source said at least two shipments were seized and one person has been arrested prior to the raid at the St. James homes on Friday.

Efforts made to contact the local prosecutor Jacques Louvier for a comment proved futile while the Captain and Commandant of the gendarmes Stephanne Brunet and Stephanne Arrouseau could not be reached for a comment.

 

 

GREAT BAY--– Commissioner of Education William Marlin says that one of the greatest requisites in the world for personal development is being able to read and write – literacy – and is therefore is calling on parents and guardians to make some time on Tuesday, September 8 to read to their child/ren on the occasion of International Literacy Day.

“Literacy plays an essential role in the lives of our people. Let us join hands together on Tuesday and make that time to read to our kids. Select their favorite book and story, sit down with them, and read either before going to work, after picking them up from school, or just before they go to bed.

“As a nation we must continue to reinforce the importance of being able to read and write. It is not only the responsibility of the teacher in school, but also that of the parent and guardian. Everybody has a role to play,” Commissioner William Marlin said on Monday.

International Literacy Day is celebrated every September 8 around the globe. It was instituted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), to bring literacy awareness to the top of the international agenda.

The day was first celebrated back in 1966. The aim of the international day is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities, and societies. UNESCO has been at the forefront of global literacy efforts since 1946.

Commissioner Marlin adds that being literate comes with benefits such as being able to get a job at a higher level. A literate society is also able to formulate solutions for community problems and social development.

“As a member of our community, if you are able to contribute some time each day to read to a child at the library, a voluntary reading program in our school system, or a reading session in an after school activities project, it will make a tremendous difference not only to the child you are reading too but to society overall.

“Literacy skills are for life and literate nations are better geared to meet pressing national development issues,” Commissioner of Education William Marlin pointed out on Monday.

 

 

MARIGOT— A 17-year old student of the College Mont des Accords is scheduled to appear in juvenile courts sometime later this year after he was caught with a machete during a fight outside of his school. A press release from the gendarmes states that they moved in swiftly to break up the fight, which started outside of the school just after their midday break. The fight was between two groups. Since then security has been reinforced to diffuse any future occurrences.

Philipsburg:--- Head of New Projects Kurt Ruan and the traffic department of the police force conducted a test run at the Cole Bay roundabout on Wednesday to prove that the roundabout is adequate for heavy equipments. On the scene, there were two trucks capable of carrying a 40-foot container to demonstrate the use of the round about. However, it was clear that the first driver did not know that he had to use the two arms on each side of the lane if he plans to turn next to the Daniel’s property. Without using the two arms, the back of the truck is not able to move along safely.

After having instructions from control unit and Ruan, the driver managed to turn even while another 40-container is next to him coming from the opposite direction approaching the roundabout.

On the scene, Police Spokesman Johan Janchi Leonard told reporters that they have proven to everyone that both vehicles can pass freely without going on the sidewalks, neither is there any obstruction. Leonard said they have proven there is no need for concern and that the roundabout is indeed a success. Leonard said the entire “nay” Sayers this is a success. Asked if he believes that there needs to be some announcements to make drivers aware on the use of the roundabout, Leonard said that the police have to continue monitoring the situation until the road users are accustomed to the new traffic rules.

In the meantime, head of New Projects Kurt Ruan said the reason they conducted the test run is to show those persons who shared their concerns in the media earlier this week that the round about is safe. He said they see no problem in terms of danger when heavy equipments making use of the turn off. Ruan said they are urging all drivers to take the necessary precautionary measures when driving around the Cole Bay Roundabout.

 

 

SABA—GEBE will be taking its Reusable Shopping Bag Supermarket Challenge to Saba this week to promote the use of reusable shopping bags instead of plastic shopping bags. Saba shoppers could win Naf 100, - on the spot from their favorite local supermarket if they shop with any reusable shopping bag during the GEBE Supermarket Challenge.

Participating supermarkets are Big Rock Market, Corner Imports, D & A Supermarket, KawVaw Supermarket, and My Store Supermarket. Each shopper will only be allowed to win once, so they are encouraged to tell their friends and family as well.

The Saba Conservation Foundation has endorsed the campaign and will be working alongside GEBE to also increase the awareness of the dangers of plastic in the environment. Dave Levenstone will be kicking off the awareness on his radio program with a number of quizzes where listeners can win a reusable shopping bag and conservation package.

Plastic shopping bags usually end up caught in trees littering the environment and can kill marine life because they are mistaken for food. Instead, GEBE is promoting the use of reusable shopping bags, which can be used over and over again as part of the company’s environmental program aimed at Saving Some Green.

Used twice a week for a period of two years, each GEBE reusable shopping bag can replace up to 1664 plastic shopping bags in its lifetime. The 10,000 bags that GEBE distributed could therefore mean a total plastic bag reduction on these islands of 16 million bags. The bag is for the conscious shopper who like GEBE takes the environment into account. GEBE distributed 10,000 reusable shopping bags in January 2009 to its customers on St. Maarten, Saba, and Statia. GEBE is also planning to launch the Supermarket Challenge in Statia.

 

 

Philipsburg: ----- The Democratic Party Faction has stated its position in the central committee meeting held on Thursday and had hoped the Island Council would have opted to make a statement concerning the upcoming parliamentary elections. Members of the DP faction at a press conference on Friday said while every member of the island council expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision taken by the central government to hold elections in January, the executive council namely the commissioner of constitutional affairs did not see the need for St. Maarten to make its concern public. Leader of the Democratic Party Faction Sarah Wescot Williams said all they were hearing from the majority is that nobody can change St. Maarten’s position. She said while they agree that no one can change the island’s position on constitutional change. The make up of the new parliament when elected can affect the process.

Wescot Williams also indicated that they are hoping that a date be pinned down on when St. Maarten would obtain its separate status during the meetings to be held on September 30. She said this situation could not remain open ended if they are going to have parliamentary elections in January. She explained that unless the laws are changed, parliamentary elections would be held in January, and those elected would be elected on a four-year mandate.

Another suggestion the faction is making sure; if the parliamentary elections are held at the end of January then the necessary measures must be taken to ensure that the lifespan of that parliament is shortened and documented. She said it must be that the transition and the termination date of parliament are connected.

Wescot Williams said her factions have concerns to the tying down of the date on September 30. She explained that it is their opinion that several conditions would be placed on St. Maarten if a date were attached since it is murmured more often that there will be conditions attached. Wescot Williams said she believes that St. Maarten need to begin talks now to discuss the consequences if unwanted conditions were attached to the island. “We need to see what the consequences are going to be attached and prepare our response now.”

The former constitutional affairs commissioner said they have the gut feeling that there are more to the whole situation that meets the eye and St. Maarten should be on its guard.

She said the position of the Democratic Party is that St. Maarten should not shun any discussion when it comes to constitutional process and they do not agree with the decisions of the parliament of the Netherlands Antilles to refuse the meetings with the Netherland Antilles and Aruban Affairs (NAAZ commission.) According to Wescot Williams the island councils members were invited to a meeting, which the parliament of the Netherlands Antilles rejected.

The DP faction also wants to know what are government’s positions and what were the proposals that were sent to the Central Government regarding the central government branches that are to be established locally. The councilwoman wants know how possible it is for the central government to set up the branches locally and what and how the recruitment would take place. She also wants to know who would be financing the process.

She said her faction intends to bring these questions to the floor of the island council on Monday, since they want to know how this would jive with the agreement of November 24 2008 on decentralization. She said based on that agreement competencies had to be transferred to St. Maarten as of July 1 while another set of tasks would have been transferred by December 31.

Wescot Williams said her faction wants an update on the decentralization law and when will this law go through the formalization process.

 

Island Councilman Roy Marlin in his statements said over the years St. Maarten has had numerous agreements signed on the transfer of these tasks, which is yet to begin. Marlin also expressed his concerns on the parliamentary elections and its effects on the constitutional process. He said one needs to look at the political landscape in Curacao and for those that know the opposition has been criticizing the current government and if elected they would need to do something different. Should this happen Marlin said it could cause a delay for the constitutional change, which is currently underway. In outlining the facts, he said Saba has decided to secede, Bonaire and St. Maarten wants out while the PNP, FOL and PAR in Curacao also wants out, with this grouping it would be more than two thirds of the parliament of the Netherlands Antilles. He said that would put pressure on parliament to execute the agreements that were made since now there is none, reasons why he believed that a date must be attached on the lifespan of the new parliament. This he said would give all the islands the guarantee they need for the constitutional change. He said he believes that the necessary actions should be taken to have a law is established to end the life of parliament. Marlin said the leader of government did not pick up on the proposal his faction offered during the central committee.

 

 

Published June 22 2009

Philipsburg: --- Several red flags were raised when the inspectors from SOAB began their investigation at the department of ROB/VROM. In the preliminary report which was submitted to the island Lt. Governor it stated that the executive council should conduct an indebt investigation into domain affairs. The investigation conducted by SOAB showed that there are irregularities at the department even though an indebt investigation was not conducted in that specific department.

One of those flags was the fact that several civil servants working both at the department and in offices of commissioners managed to secure domain land even though their request was recent. The report stated that a detailed control was not done at that department yet the discrepancies were written on the wall. Several persons who just recently requested domain land including workers of the department already got the land even though there are persons on the waiting list long before them.

Among those persons who received domain land is the head of domain affairs. Sources told this media house that this person was allowed to choose the parcel of land they wanted, and when they were not satisfied with what was available they created a plot of land. The parcel of land that was approved by the executive council for the head of domain affairs was not designated for development but as the head of the department that person was allowed to create the plot which was given to department head and the daughter of the former leader of government, these plots it is understood is located in Pointe Blanche. Also receiving a plot of land in the same area is the head of inspections another senior civil servant.

The source said the acting head of VROM also managed to secure a plot of land in Pointe Blanche, while a senior civil servant in the department got a parcel of land in the name of teenage daughter who is studying abroad.

Among the recipients is the executive assistant to one of the commissioners whose land is located in the St. Peters area while the campaign manager for another former commissioner also received a parcel of land in Pointe Blanche even though he already occupies a parcel of domain land.

Another highlight in the SOAB report is that the director of ROB is not in control of that department. The rules and regulations are not being upheld and procedures are not being followed. It is not clear, if the director is aware of the discrepancies or if he is part of the ongoing scheme. Based on these facts the SOAB advised the executive council to relieve both the director and his assistant from their positions and to hire an interim manager who would bring about order in the entire sector.

While the SOAB is calling on the executive council to conduct an investigation it must be clear that all domain land that is granted to applicants has to be approved by the executive council.

Even though the current executive council is not responsible for the decisions taken by the former executive council, there are two persons who are still part of this new executive council and were aware of the unfair distribution of government land. Those two persons who obviously have some say in these matters are Commissioner Theo Heyliger and the Chairman of the Island Council Franklyn Richards. Efforts made to contact both men for a comment proved futile up to press time.

Sources told this media house that several department heads who already own land managed to secure domain land.

 

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS ON VROM HEAD STRENGTHENING—DEPARTMENT HEADS MUST GO—SOAB ADVISED.

PUBLISHED JUNE 22 2009

Philipsburg: --- Following the questions posed at Monday’s Island Council meeting SMN News feels compelled to publish two of our stories that were published during the month of June.

 

The Federal Detectives have intensified their investigations into the extortion case against head Delano Richardson. SMN News understands that the detectives were on the island last week and they questioned the director of ROB Joseph Dollison.

The source said Dollison was questioned on the issuance of building permits at his office. It is said the detectives are also interested in speaking to Claudius Buncamper who is presently off island. Buncamper also works in the same department that handles the issuance of building permits. SMN News understands the senior civil servant is expected to be back at work on Monday.

The prosecutor’s office searched the home of Richardson on 18th December the same day he was relieved from his job after a developer Luis Goia supplied the island Lt. Governor with a letter and tape claiming that Richardson was trying to extort monies from him in exchange for a building permit.

Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein confirmed the detectives were on island and they did speak with Dollison. Stein said he does not know if the investigators would be speaking with Buncamper, however, he did not rule out the possibility that Buncamper maybe a witness in the case.

In the meantime, the investigations conducted by SOAB are now over and an interim report is now with the executive council.

SOAB was mandated to conduct two assignments from the former executive council regarding the application and issuance of building permits.

In the interim report, it states that the executive council is advised to hire someone else who has never worked at the department to bring about order. It has been determined that the Director of ROB Joseph Dollison and his assistant Claudius Buncamper have no control over the day to day management of the sector and they should no longer be working in that department.

Furthermore, the department is in chaos, the inspectors even found files in the toilet some of which were destroyed with water. Also astonishing is that some of the files the SOAB were looking for mysteriously disappeared.

SOAB finds there is no clarity in the job description given to the director Joseph Dollison especially when it comes to the dossiers that are under the value of Naf. 500.000. While this is the rule the director should follow it is said that nothing of this nature is clearly outlined on paper. Meaning that the executive council never gave Dollison his directive on paper outlining his job description as director of ROB, it was also discovered that both Dollison and is assistant Buncamper has signed permits with a much higher value. The SOAB found several files, which should have been signed off by the executive council, were signed off by the acting director of ROB.

The inspectors also found files that were botched by those working in the department. Another blatant fact is that several civil servants working in the department were conducting private work for developers. One such person who was making electrical plans was the former head of the inspections department since this civil servant earns more money with his side job than he does as a civil servant.

A situation that clearly shows there is a conflict of interest with the side jobs and the government function. Civil servants also act as advisors to the developers, for example, they advised the Blue Mall developer to cover at least two floors of his building with mud so it would not count as floors; another clear indication of conflict of interest. Several files were taken away from the regular staff and were handled by the director and his assistant. One such file is the Travel Inn that was signed by Claudius Buncamper, the original copy of the permit could not be found. The inspectors of SOAB also found that the department of inspection is willfully left out of the process, since they receive directives from Dollison and Buncamper.

Another hindrance found at ROB is the lack of sufficient staff that is hindering the control process.

There are instances found where no building permit should have been issued and building stops should have been given. However, this was not the case as the permits were issued even though basic requirements were not met. The SOAB in their investigations found that there are several buildings that do not meet the legal standards and to date no action has been taken by ROB.

Most importantly, several files or applications for building permits were incomplete yet the permits were issued by the director or his subordinate. One such file that had several missing documents is Olzina N.V that is located in Cay Hill.

Furthermore, they discovered that the sector does not live up to the rules and regulation regarding the issuance of building permits. There are cases where the inspection of the building takes place after the permits have been issued.

It is further understood that the final report will be sent to the prosecutor’s office where a criminal investigation would begin. The information in the report issued by SOAB is comparable to the information the present executive council released while they were in opposition. Another person that shed a lot of light on the discrepancies at ROB is the former VROM head Delano Richardson.

 

SMN News has decided to publish these stories once more so that our readers can see what the report states. This media house understands that the final report by SOAB is yet to be concluded and will be submitted to the prosecutor’s office.

 

 

Sandy Ground: --- Students of Sandy Ground Maternal and Primary School is without toilet paper, napkins and soap for a sometime now. However, to the surprise of the principal and other workers a number of prickly pear trees were planted in the schoolyard. SMN News understands that certain workers at the school protested when the trees were planted since there are small children attending Sandy Ground Maternal and Primary School.

However, those that were instructed to plant the trees said they are only following instructions. SMN News understands that even the director of that school who was on the opposition list felt those in power were trying to get to her by planting those types of trees in the schoolyard.

COM Finances

The source said the COM only has about Euros 220 in its accounts and to date they have not paid their suppliers for materials. The source explained that the schools on the French side do not have basic supplies even though they are asked to beef up hygiene due to the constant fear of H1N1 virus.

 

It is further understood each time the schools check with the purchasing department they are told that the “container” has not arrived yet. They said some schools have been waiting for over three months now and the excuse remains the same. In the meantime, our sources say the suppliers have refused the give the COM any more supplies unless they are paid. It is said there is Euros 220 in the COM account and so far, there is no more monies to meet the day-to-day expenditures of the Collectivity. SMN News further learnt that the Union Pour le Progres is contemplating to file bankruptcy (cessation de paiement) to avoid embarrassment. It is not clear if an overseas territory within the French Republic has ever filed bankruptcy but if St. Martin does, they would again be making history with what is considered a political move.

Several accountants and business people when contacted to voice their concern on this issue said the politicians when negotiating the status did not think about the consequences a new status had for St. Martin, instead they all wanted to become the first president, senator, and deputy.

One businessman said, in the past the State had the responsibility of collecting the taxes and when they had that responsibility, whether or not it was collected St. Martin was getting its monies for example the Octroi de Mer funds they never contributed to. “Today St. Martin has to collect its own taxes and pay its bills and with the economic crisis no one can pay their taxes.

Another reasons given for the financial squeeze is that the UPP led government has hired a number or foreign employees who have salaries as high as Euros 6,000 monthly, along with additional benefits such as housing, vehicle and travelling. The source said the pole social has the most foreign employees and amazingly these people who are receiving high salaries have to be trained by the locals, as well as attending formation, all of which is burdening the COM coffers.

 

General Director Soon to Leave

SMN News also learnt that the DGS of the COM Pascal Avern is planning to leave his post very soon, especially now that the COM is facing this financial predicament. Sources say Avern was supposed to be appointed Director of SEMSAMAR but somehow he lost the opportunity. The source further explained that Avern might become the assistant director of SEMSAMAR. It is said that if he does not manage to secure that job then he would go back to his native island Guadeloupe.

 

 

Philipsburg:---Islands, countries in the region regardless of their constitutional structure have established a fiscal regime conducive to creating more economic activity and as a result generate more employment and more funds for Government’s coffers, which as a result provide these Governments with funds to invest in infrastructure, schools, hospitals, sports, the environment etc.

In fact we don’t have to look too far, our Windward Island neigbours, as part of the BES (Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius) structure, according to their “decision list BES Fiscal Administration Consultation on January 13th 2009” made firm decisions regarding the direction in which they wish to develop their tax regime. One of these specific directives was to look into the possibility of specifically lowering the profit tax or totally dispose of it.

In July this year State Secretary Ank Bijleveld-Schouten announced that after getting the necessary permission from the tax inspectorate, companies importing and processing goods in the BES islands, that are then exported, will not have to pay indirect taxes. The expected result is that these companies also contribute to sustainable development by creating employment and realizing infrastructural improvements.

We have been debating this issue on St. Maarten for years, lectures, debates, panel discussion have been held, but the issue loses its momentum every time, perhaps because there seemed to be no urgency. It behooves us now to pick up the discussion again and this time stick to it, certainly monitoring further development of the tax regime in the region, in particular the BES islands as we may experience an exodus of St. Maarten companies to more attractive tax environments.

No one will dispute that we have taken over a Dutch tax regime which requires much more expertise and manpower than we have ever seen invested by the Central Government. Efforts to improve our Tax inspectorate as part of the constitutional process must be applauded, but we should consider a more effective fiscal approach, which will place us in a more competitive position and allow us to ensure a higher level of compliance, promote economic activity, employment, increase revenues and overall benefits for the people living on St. Maarten and businesses alike. We must ensure that the investment being made will be sustainable.

At the end of the day we need to position St. Maarten in a tax environment that will benefit St. Maarten and its people, St. Maarten workers and St. Maarten businesses. We cannot have a tax regime that does not recognize the existence of the French side, or the competitive tax regimes that are just a few minutes away by boat or airplane. The urgency has escalated, among others, as a result of the constitutional changes and fiscal changes being made around us. We hope that the NA/Heyliger Executive Council recognizes the importance of this issue. In the mean time, other partners in our community can help get the ball rolling, after all there is much discussion about a unified approach; without giving the impression that this is not an issue for our elected officials to deal with, perhaps we can give real content to unification by addressing this tax reform issue from a broad perspective including The University of St. Maarten with an academic perspective, The Chamber of Commerce, SHTA, Labour Unions and other relevant organizations to work on this increasingly urgent issue together with government. This unified approach including all who have a contribution to make, bringing to the table a different perspective, may just be the recipe for successful dialog, and the preparation of a workable tax reform proposal, backed by the entire community.

(Maria Buncamper Molanus)

 

 

Philipsburg: --- Commissioner Xavier Blackman at a press conference on Wednesday gave an outline on his working visit to Holland last week. Blackman told reporters that while in the Netherlands attended to several meetings to deal with a number of issues. Some of the meetings he said dealt directly with the tax system. The delegation he said was mainly fact finding. The finance commissioner also met with the Minister of Finance where several topics were discussed. Blackman also revived the recruitment of drive in Netherlands in the hope of finding much needed personnel.

Commissioner Blackman met with the Dutch State Secretary of Fiscal Affairs, Jan Kees de Jager, facilitated by Ersilia de Lannoy, to discuss fiscal and financial predicaments facing the island.

The pending or proposed tax system for the BES islands was discussed as well as the consequences of implementing such a fiscal system in regards to the other or soon-to-be former Antillean islands—St. Maarten and Curacao.

Though the fiscal system should be competitive, Commissioner Blackman said, it should not hamper the other islands within the Kingdom. For example, if companies were to relocate to the BES Islands due to their tax systems.

The next point that Commissioner Blackman spoke about was the Tax Jurisdiction of Rotterdam, where the delegation got a historical and a general overview of the current system.

He explained that a lot was learned, what steps they took, their challenges, and how to avoid certain mistakes that were made in bringing about a modernized tax system. Commissioner Blackman said that the St. Maarten tax system is currently about 15-20 years antiquated.

The third point that the commissioner spoke about was the recruitment of personnel. A more proactive approach was needed, he insisted.

In this regard, Commissioner Blackman visited the Antillean House, where there is a database of 700 professional Antilleans. In addition, he visited the Passat, a job recruitment organization in Rotterdam.

While in the Netherlands the delegation interviewed potential candidates(12) to fill two critical functions on St. Maarten, namely: the Head of the Personnel Department and the Finance Department. In addition, a personnel information system is being evaluated for selection and to be used to modernize the department.

The fourth point that Commissioner Blackman spoke about was his meeting with officials at the city of Amsterdam. Efforts, he said, are being made to revitalize the cooperation agreement and to expand it as well into areas not stipulated, especially he said with the service house, which administers personnel for the city of Amsterdam.

Commissioner Blackman added that during his visit he reconfirmed the Island Government’s commitment to the Netherlands on the issue of integrity within Government.

He said that initially there was a misinterpretation due to an article that was erroneous; however, he said that no doubt, the issue is still pending. In this regard, an integrity manager is being sought after.

Blackman said, the trip was cordial and productive, much information was shared, and a renewing of commitments to establish and to build relationship between and among several governmental entities.

 

 

SABA—The Saba Supermarket Challenge was a resounding success with 15 winners rewarded for their positive actions of using a reusable shopping bag instead of plastic bags for their groceries at participating Supermarkets, Big Rock Market, Corner Store, Corner Imports, KawVaw and My Store.

The GEBE Supermarket Challenge inspired the participating supermarkets in Saba took the program one step further by implementing a bag charge of Naf 0.10 per plastic bag to further deter shoppers from using plastic bags. The new charge went into effect on September 15, 2009. Charging for plastic bags is an approach used by many countries to promote the use of reusable bags while still making plastic bags available for customers who do not have bags. Le Grande Marche and Cost U Less Supermarkets on St. Maarten have begun distributing their own reusable shopping bags as an alternative for customers to move away from using plastic. Recently Cake House Supermarket in St. Maarten stopped offering plastic bags completely.

Commissioner of Energy and Sanitation, Bruce Zagers, and Saba Conservation Foundation Board Member, Carl Buncamper, joined the GEBE Saba Team of Mark Zagers, Shaun Johnson and Beverly Every, in making their rounds to the supermarkets to surprise shoppers as they were leaving the supermarkets and inspect their bags.

Commissioner Zagers commended the initiative by NV GEBE and the participating supermarkets for the unique approach to environmental awareness. “As Commissioner of Energy and Sanitation, I fully support the initiative started by NV GEBE. Their proactive approach of introducing reusable bags is not only good for the environment, but also benefits Saba as a whole. It is positive to see that the grocery stores have also joined forces with GEBE in order to make this project a success. This program is a step in the right direction towards local Environmental Awareness. In order for our Island to continue to be called “The Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean”, projects like these should come to the forefront. As a Government we fully support this initiative and will become involved in future projects in the near future.”

“There are currently plans in the pipeline for starting a recycling process for the Island. I believe anything is possible if we’re all united under the same ultimate goal: to keep Saba pristine and beautiful as God gave it to us.”

Plastic bags are often found littering the environment and are known to kill marine life who mistakes the bags for food. Plastic bags also do not biodegrade but remain in the environment for up to 1000 years.

GEBE distributed 10,000 reusable bags on St. Maarten, Saba, and Statia with the goal of removing up to 16 million plastic bags on the three islands over a period of two years. The GEBE St. Maarten Supermarket Challenge was held in February and March 2009 with nine participating supermarkets and 27 prizes. The program is slated for Statia as well.

Due to the popularity of the program in the community and the support from the supermarkets, GEBE will be repeating the program with an additional 20,000 bags in 2010.

 

 

Philipsburg: -- Police arrested a woman, a compulsive gambler for filing a false complaint. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said on Wednesday September 9 2009 the woman with initials N.G.M.H. filed an official report with the Special Robbery Unit stating, that she was robbed by an unknown man of dark complexion. She further stated, that she was robbed of U.S. $ 800,- dollars and that during this robbery she was beaten on her arms and head by the suspect. The woman also told police that as a result of the beating she had suffered several superficial cuts to her arms.

During the investigation, the detectives learnt that the victim is a compulsive gambler and the she owed the landlord rent monies. The detectives also found out that the woman had been gambling at a local casino. After repeated attempts to contact this person, she was located and told to contact the detective department. After some intense questioning by detectives, the woman in question, admitted to have filed a false report of robbery and that the injuries she had sustained were self-inflicted. Her story she stated was totally "fabricated.” She was arrested on the spot and held for further questioning.

 

 

Philipsburg:--- The board of directors and members of the St. Maarten Lions Club presented a bus to the Crystal Home on Saturday.

The St. Maarten Lions Club in its aim to continue serving this community is once more making a substantial donation to an organization in need of assistance, says president of the organization Richard Panneflek.

The presentation of this 14 seater bus to the Crystal Home Foundation came about during their Valentine’s Day Car Raffle the winning ticket was not sold and therefore there was no winner and the 2009 Ford Escape SUV remained with the St. Maarten Lions Club.

Having no use ourselves for an SUV and taking in consideration that the Funds raised through the Valentine’ Car Raffle has to go back to the Community a committee of the St. Maarten Lions Club was given the task to study of the matter.

The committee was given instructions to make a need assessment within the Community to find an Organization or institution (NGO) most in need of transportation.

After the needs assessments were completed, Crystal Home Foundation came out as the NGO to be most in need of a 14 seat transportation vehicle.

In order to realize this beautiful Project the St. Maarten Lions Club put up an extra US$7.000.00 and in collaboration with a donation from Caribbean Auto Sales N.V. it became possible to present this beautiful 14 seats bus at the tune of US$. 32,000.00 to the Crystal Home Foundation.

The keys of the bus was presented to Mrs. Williams by the Lion’s Club past president Mr. Richard Gibson Jr.

 

 

Marigot:--- While relatives of murder victim Rigobert Bertin Maurice has denied that the young man was condemned by the justice system. French Prosecutor Jacques Louvier confirmed that the victim was condemned for an armed robbery with violence on September 10 2009. Louvier said the crime was committed on May 2 2009. Besides that Bertin Maurice had a suspended sentence of six months for an unrelated crime sometime ago.

The prosecutor said Bertin- Maurice did not appear in court for the last hearing and as such he was condemned in his absence. He further explained that a warrant was out for Bertin Maurice. Despite having a criminal record, the shooting has no relation to previous crimes.

Rollina Bertin-Maurice and other relatives said the young man did not have any police record and that he served his country for 18 months in the French Army. On SOS radio on Monday the older Bertin-Maurice condemned the newspapers especially The Daily Herald for the information they printed about the victim. Information which turned out to be accurate.

In an invited comment aunt of the deceased man Rosemurie Hodge said on Tuesday they were aware of some of the things her nephew did, and admitted that he was not perfect. She said most of the things her nephew was involved in, his father was not aware of them since he was no longer a minor Hodge said.

Furthermore, she felt that the French Prosecutor should not have released that kind of the information to media since it is not related to his cold blooded murder. Rosmurie Hodge said her family is now planning to meet with the prosecutor to share their true feelings.

While not excusing her nephew’s behaviour she said that her nephew Rigobert Bertin Maurice was not someone that was bad instead he followed the wrong friends whom they believed misled him. She made clear that her nephew did not kill anyone neither was he any killer. Asked why he did not return to the French Army Hodge said her nephew came back to St. Martin during the stike in Guadeloupe earlier this year. She said when he got back here he began working at the Raddison Resort before being employed by the Collectivity.

In an invited comment Aline Choisy said she was not aware that Bertin-Maurice had any conviction. She said even though he did, it does not constitute anyone killing him. Choisy said she is wondering why Bertin Maurice was not picked up by the authorities if they had a warrant for his arrest. Secondly, Choisy said she wants to know if the prosecutor and those that are working in the media does not consider the grieving family. She argued that there are a number of people including elected officials that has conviction and they are still among society. Choisy said right now the youths of St. Martin have turned to crime because there is no work for them to do. The school teacher further explained that she has to constantly be meeting with youths who are crying out for help. She said everyone including the elected and law enforcement have been condeming the youths rather than to find a solution for them.

 

 

GREAT BAY – The constant complaints about the attitude of the current Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Kenneth Nolan, Jr., of the University of St. Martin towards staff and other members of the Management Team is the latest issue of concern for the WIFOL union.

Nolan, who was part of the so-called Leadership Team which the USM Board had tried to put in place to replace the Management Team, is being accused of harassment and intimidation of the staff at the island’s higher education institution. As of late, Nolan has refused to attend staff and Management Team meetings, apparently Mr. Nolan has a problem with St. Maarten local professionals and their desire to step up to their responsibility as role models in education. The staff is wondering why he continues to get away with this behavior without even a reprimand by the President of USM or the President of the Board.

According to WIFOL President Theophilus Thompson, Nolan acts like he is de-facto president of the institution. “Nolan has refused to be an equal member of the recently reinstated Management Team and cooperate with the management structure accepted by the Board of Directors,” Thompson said.

Thompson cautioned that the title for the job Nolan applied for, and for which he received his employment permit, was that of Financial Comptroller, which was later changed by the Board to CFO. Nolan, who is a U.S. retiree, even started to work at USM prior to his work permit being formalized by government. Several persons on-island had applied for the position, but the Lockie Johnson Board decided to hire Nolan, who is said to have been requested by another Board member.

“This disrespect toward the staff has to stop,” said Thompson, adding that the Board of USM has to withdraw the implicit or explicit mandate given to Nolan and bring him to order. The staff members have witnessed Nolan even overruling USM’s President Josianne Fleming’s position and instructions, Thompson said, adding that some staff members have even labeled him a dictator.

The WIFOL president said that recently there has been an advertisement in the newspapers for a counterpart to the CFO at USM, but he believes this is a sham

and is waiting to see if someone is hired for the position, particularly since Nolan’s work permit is soon due to expire.

Since Nolan’s arrival last year, a number of staff members have had to take legal action against the university, their employer. Nolan, currently the highest paid employee at USM, has outright refused to pay certain employees for work done, pays others below the minimum wage, and refused to order books for the USM bookstore. Other staff members say he is requiring them to execute multiple job functions under the salary for one function.

“As CFO, he has not provided any proper calculated forecasting or any documented financial records to the staff,” Thompson said. Thompson added that Nolan continues to slander the former Financial Controller, a qualified Antillean, while he himself seems incapable of handling the job he was hired to do.

As part of the hard economic times, the university, like any viable institution, has also decided to look at its finances. “In this process, despite the many proposals presented by staff, the only measure that Nolan keeps hammering on is cutting local staff, while non-Antilleans—some without proper documentation—are overlooked in his proposals,” Thompson said, adding that this form of bias is regrettable.

While supplies and payroll and other benefits for staff take a backseat, under the claims that USM does not have any money, “beautification” of the current USM building continues. For Thompson, this is all a façade because the spending on cosmetic items is continuing, but operation essentials are being cut back. Beautification of the campus should not be used as a means of deceiving the public about the real operational and educational issues at USM, Thompson added.

“The Board of USM has to realize that the core of any business such as USM is students and the employees, and proper and fair treatment of these employees should be a priority,” said Thompson. “If the Board is taking the university in a new direction, they have to let the staff and people of St. Maarten know this; they should let the people know exactly which direction they are going,” we at the WIFOL are really concerned about this man. He really do not understand that St. Maarten is moving on and soon to be a country and its future lies with its youths Thompson concluded.

 

 

GREAT BAY:--- On Thursday at 11.00am a presentation will be made about the Multi Annual Monument Policy Plan 2009 to Herman George, Director of the Curacao Monument Fund, who will also be meeting with members of the Executive Council.

The Multi Annual Monument Policy Plan 2009, which was approved by the Executive Council August 4. The content of the plan will also be shared with monument owners, stakeholders, and civil servants who have been invited to attend a presentation about the policy plan to be given by the Directorate of Programs & Projects scheduled for Thursday at 3.00pm to 4.30pm in the A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall in the Government Administration Building.

Herman George will be discussing with the Executive Council a number of matters related to Monument Preservation and the funding of a Monument Fund for St. Maarten that will give soft loans and subsidies to monument property owners on behalf of the St. Maarten Government.

The Executive Council has already designated 22 official monuments, which have been entered into the Monument Registry.

Another 23 potential monuments out of a list of 82 will soon be submitted by the VROM Department to the Executive Council for consideration and designation.

 

 

 

GREAT BAY,– St. Maarten as of 5.00pm has been placed under a Tropical Storm Watch as Tropical Storm Erika has formed East of the Leeward Islands. Residents are therefore advised to continue to monitor weather reports this evening and throughout tomorrow.

Additional information will be made available on Wednesday with respect to possible actions that need to be taken.

Erika is expected to remain to the Northeast of the Leeward Islands. At 5.00pm, Erika was located 390 miles East of the Northern Leeward Islands.

A Tropical Storm Watch means that there is a possible threat of tropical storm conditions within the next 36 hours while a Tropical Storm Warning is an indication that storm conditions can be expected within 24 hours.

The Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness (ODMP) will continue to closely monitor Tropical Storm Erika.

Tropical Storm Erika on Tuesday at 5.00pm had sustained wind speeds of 50 miles per hour with higher gusts; is moving West-Northwest at 9 miles per hour. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 105 miles from the center of the system.

 

 

GREAT BAY,– Due to the passing of Tropical Storm Erika, the planned presentation on Thursday at 3.00pm of the Multi Annual Monument Policy Plan 2009 given by the Directorate of Programs & Projects in the A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall at the Government Administration Building has been postponed until further notice.

Philipsburg: --- Well-known photojournalist and former bailiff of the prosecutor’s office of St. Maarten Gromyko Wilson has reacted to the comments made prosecutor Rienk Mud who said there is no bailiff for criminal cases on St. Maarten.

In a letter to this website, Wilson explained how and when he was appointed bailiff on St. Maarten and the procedures used by a certain judge to get rid of him.

Wilson in his letter said the same comments prosecutor Mud is making today he as well as his lawyer tried convincing the court of the consequences this would cause to no avail.

He said that in 1996 the acting attorney general sent an advice to the government of the Netherlands Antilles indicating that there was no bailiff for criminal cases on St. Maarten. Wilson said he was employed in 1996 to work as bailiff, he took up office here as of August that same year.

Wilson provided detail information on how he was hired and what transpired before the prosecutor’s office managed to get rid of him by making his position obsolete. The entire content of the statement can be found in our letters section.

 

 

Philipsburg: -- Immigration officers raided the Today Newspaper on Friday after they were tipped off by a disgruntled employee that the management of Today had at least two persons working illegally for the company.

SMN News learnt that a well-known local reporter has been having problems with the management of Today who suspended her.

It is further understood that the Today Management has decided to remove the person as a reporter and assigned her as their translator. This however, did not sit well with the reporter so she contacted immigration on more than one occasion informing them that the Today has hired two persons illegally. One of the reporters who was targeted is Sophia Jordan from Guyana.

SMN News further understands that the managing editor of the Today Hilbert Haar visited the immigration department on Thursday hoping to resolve the matter, but even though he was promised that the immigration would not visit the Newspaper’s office however, the contrary took place on Friday. SMN News also understands that Haar was invited to the Philipsburg Police Station on Friday where he was questioned about the illegal worker. It is said immigration officers told Haar he would be charged with human smuggling. In an invited comment, Prosecutor Rienk Mud said his office was aware of the situation. Mud said the case is under investigation and if it is proven that, the Today indeed hired an illegal they would be issued with a fine.

 

 

Philipsburg:--- Pastor Wycliffe Smith of the New Testament Baptist Church flew to Africa in August to meet with the Achacha family in Kenya that he had adopted and had been supporting for several years. While in Kenya, he also had the opportunity to visit President Barack Obama’s grandmother. The Achacha family belongs to the Luo tribe, which is the same tribe that President Obama’s father belongs to. By taxi, it took approximately two hours to reach the little village of Kogelo near Lake Victoria where granny Sarah Obama lives. When I got to the high Iron Gate at the entrance of granny Sarah’s homestead, I wondered if the security guard would allow me in to greet her. The guard greeted us with a smile and assured me that I would be allowed to meet granny Sarah. After signing the register, I walked up the path to Granny Sarah’s house. Several chairs were placed under the mango trees just in front of her house where she received visitors. Next to us were the tombs of President Obama’s father and grandfather. As granny Sarah does not speak English my host, Wycliffe Achacha, translated our conversation. I told Granny where I was from and that in Sint Maarten we were all very proud of her grandson. Granny said that she was pleased that I had made such a long trip to visit her. Realizing that she received visitors daily from all over the world, I asked her how she coped with such fame which also brought with it the necessary security measures such as body guards and a recently established police station near her home. “Even though all the publicity may be inconvenient at times I do not consider it a burden,” granny Sarah replied. “I see it as a gift from God. It is not a burden at all.” Granny also shared with us that she was offered a new house. However, she prefers to live out the remaining years of her life in the house that God had given her. My host Wycliffe told granny Sarah that his own grandmother is an avid fan of president Obama and that she would love to meet her. Therefore, granny Sarah invited us to bring granny Achacha the next time we came. “And by the way” she said. “Ask your granny to bring me some potato slips when she comes.” As we bade goodbye to return to Kisumu, the largest city along Lake Victoria, granny Sarah asked us if we could give her daughter-in law a ride to the city. The following day we took 89 year old Granny Achacha to see the president’s grandma. Of course, we also brought her the requested potato slips. It turned out that the families of two grannies originated from the same village so they both exchanged information about families, acquaintances, and landmarks. Granny Sarah also invited us into her humble abode where her daughter, Obama’s auntie, served us juice and cookies and made us feel at home.” I was a wonderful experience… one that I’ll never forget,” says Pastor Smith.

GREAT BAY– There is various misinterpretations that need to be clarified concerning the Corporate Governance Council, its composition and its function.

It must be emphasized that the members of the Council are not appointed for life.

The function of the Corporate Governance Council is to advise the Island Territory of Sint Maarten on issues concerning government owned enterprises in general and corporate governance in particular.

The Council will be composed in such a way that expertise, objectivity, independency and integrity are guaranteed.

The Council is a permanent advisory body for the benefit of St Maarten. It consists of a minimum of three and a maximum of five members. Its members will be appointed for a period of four years based on profiles determined by the Executive Council.

Moreover, the functioning of the Council and its members will be evaluated by external experts three (3) years after the Council has been established. The Council will come into effect when the first three members are appointed.

It is important to emphasize that the Corporate Governance Code, the Island Ordinance Corporate Governance and the Corporate Governance Council were agreed on by a unanimous decision of the Island Council of May 11th 2009.

It is nowadays widely supported that enterprises should conduct business with integrity and transparency. Checks and balances within the corporation and adequate supervision thereon are essential conditions for creating trust.

When applying integrity and transparency in government owned enterprises it is of importance to observe a healthy distance between the enterprises themselves and Government.

It is the intention of Government to professionalize the government owned enterprises in order to make them more beneficial for the community of St Maarten and in keeping with international standards of business operation and practice.

To achieve these goals the Government of St Maarten has developed a Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”) and an Island Ordinance Corporate Governance (the Ordinance”). To supervise the implementation of the Code and the Ordinance in the government owned enterprises Government has established the Corporate Governance Council.

 

 

French Quarter:---Authorities on both sides of the island is busy investigating an early morning robbery, which took place at the Arnell’s estate in French Quarter on Tuesday. Thierry Arnell said his father was held up by several gunmen who blocked him as he was leaving his estate. The younger Arnell said the bandits who were armed blocked the elder Arnell who was driving his burgundy ford explorer with license plate 298 ZBC 971 as he was coming out of the estate.

The culprits he said held his father to the ground at gunpoint before robbing him of an undisclosed amount of monies. Arnell said his father was on his way to the bank to make a deposit when the incident occurred. After committing the act, the robbers sped away with Arnell’s vehicle as well as the one they came with.

The stolen vehicle was found abandoned at the Lucian Bar at the border in Oyster Pond. The vehicle has since been recovered and confiscated as the investigations continue. Residents on both sides of the island are asked to call the police at the Philipsburg Police station as well as the gendarmes if they have information on the suspects.

 

 

Philipsburg, St. Maarten: Diabetes testing does have its benefits, as Mr. Neville Lake and Mrs. Annette Robin found out on Friday 4th September 2009 on receiving their raffle prize from NAGICO Insurances. Mr. Lake and Mrs. Robin were just two (2) of the seven (7) persons randomly chosen to receive a prize from those who participated in diabetes testing at NAGICO Insurances a week earlier. The prize, a book entitled “A Practical Guide To Health - Diabetes, Scientific, and Natural Treatments,” provides information on identifying, preventing, and controlling diabetes through scientific and natural treatments. Mr. Lake stated, “I am very pleased to have received this book. My wife and several other people that I know have diabetes. I can learn a lot that will help us in the never ending quest to deal with this potentially deadly sickness.”

 

The joint effort between NAGICO Insurances and the St. Maarten Diabetes Foundation on Friday August 28th, 2009 started slightly before 10 AM and lasted until 2 PM, resulting in 110 persons being tested for free. The aim of this health-focused event was to spread the word about Diabetes and the steps, which should be taken towards reducing health risks and increasing health awareness in the community.

The NAGICO staff also greatly benefited from the diabetes testing that was done at the NAGICO head office. NAGICO Accounts clerk Mrs. Robin who also received a book said, “Sometimes you might not have the time to visit the hospital or your physician, what NAGICO has offered is convenience. I believe that the entire staff probably got tested, because of the convenience. It really shows that NAGICO management is looking out for the well being of its staff and the community by allowing the testing to take place here.”

The other winners of the “A practical guide to health - Diabetes, Scientific and Natural Treatments.” Books were Claudine Brooks, Collin Hylton, Daveline Barry, Julian Vincent and Elle Patrick Mathew.

 

 

GREAT BAY,– The dengue fever outbreak last year started in August 2008 and for the month of September there were 48 confirmed cases. Residents are urged to take proper control measures around their homes to reduce breeding of the Ades aegypti mosquito which has the potential to transmit dengue fever.

Public action is necessary to keep the mosquito population in check, and prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. The recent rains open up the possibility of stagnant water being found in items around the home.

The Ades aegypti mosquito breeds mostly in domestic environments as a result of human activity. Residents therefore have a major role to play in eliminating the aforementioned mosquito and reducing the possibility of another dengue fever outbreak.

The Preventive Health Department is calling on households and businesses to start tidying up around their yards and premises.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection that causes a severe flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults, but seldom causes death.

Preventive actions that every household should take are: Debris, old tires and standing clear/clean water in yards are the main source and breeding ground for mosquitoes bringing about an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases. These areas should be immediately eliminated.

Immediately check for clear/clean standing water in roof spouts, empty drums, buckets, jars, birdbaths, boats, plant containers, saucers, paint cans and other items that can collect water around your homes and businesses. Where clear/clean standing water exists, one can use small amounts of kerosene, just to cover the surface as a measure to prevent mosquito breeding or just get rid of the container.

In the case of where containers are used for storing water, residents should keep these properly covered and check every three days to make sure that mosquito’s haven’t laid any eggs. Inlets and outlets of cisterns must be covered with a mosquito net or cloth to prevent mosquitos from breeding in the water.

 

 

Philipsburg: ---- Reliable information reaching SMN News indicates that the former Minister of Justice David Dick has misled the council of ministers when he arranged to have at least two senior officers of the police force upgraded to scales that were not vacant. The source said that Dick arranged for the now Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran to move up from scale 15 to 16 retroactive to 2007.

According to research conducted by SMN News it is said the former Chief Commissioner of Police Derrick Holiday was scale 17 and his assistant chief commissioner Richard Paneflek was scale 16. It is understood that for this to happen Dick had to upgrade Panneflek so that the scale 16 can become vacant.

SMN News understands that if Dick upgraded Doran illegally he can be held responsible for committing a criminal act based on the penal code. It is also understood that the former Minister also see to it that Daphne Francissca was also upgraded from scale 12 to 14, retroactive to 2007, a position that is held only by commissioners of police who have to hold their positions for at least five years. These upgrades the source said took place prior to the Minister leaving his office.

While the above was done for two members of the management team, the source said Dick did not do the same for Hildo Martina who is now part of management. It is understood that Martina was only upgraded from June this year. Another issue raised is the amount of monies that is paid to the coach Ronald Dongor whom they said is paid to do nothing.

SMN News understands that several officers within the police force have expressed their concerns with the fact that the coach was given a brand new vehicle, which his spouse is using as her personal vehicle. This they said is against the law and should be investigated since several of the officers are quite unhappy with the current management team.

Just last week detective Carlton Phillips wrote a letter expressing his concerns with the irregularities within the management team of the police force. Phillips has called for an investigation into the alleged wrong doings that are committed by these senior cops. He said members of the management team have been enriching themselves and an audit should be conducted on the police finances. It is also understood that the police union in Curacao is in cahoots with the Justice Ministry. SMN News learnt that the board of the NABP met with the new minister of justice on Friday to discuss matters but police on St. Maarten is not aware of the agenda points. The source said the members on St. Maarten have been trying to reach the union and to up press time they were unsuccessful. SMN News also understands that Phillips had sent his concerns to the Union whom they said failed to back him in his fight against injustices.

Addressing the publication of the letter on Monday Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran said the management team of KPSSS has taken note of the letter, which was published, in the newspapers and on internet sites. He said management believes that matter is of a personal and internal nature. Due to that, they would not comment on the issue. Doran said the accusations that were launched would be investigated. However, he did not say if this investigation would be handled by Federal Detectives. The Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police said that generally they work hard to constantly improve the quality of KPSSS. It is the ambitions of the management team to always appoint the most suitable candidate within the corps when a vacancy is available.

Further, a candidate that is not appointed may object to the rejection of his candidacy. This internal procedure is finally decided upon by the Court that deals with cases for civil servants. In this particular case, the colleague did not file an internal appeal. Doran did not address the issue of the allegations made against Phillips and when that would be investigated and by whom.

In an invited comment, Prosecutor Rienk Mud said Phillips has requested an investigation to clear his name. He said that while the matter has been forwarded to the Federal Detectives, the investigation did not start due to the lack of detectives in that department.

 

 

MARIGOT— The prefecture on St. Martin has taken the decision to close two classes at the College Mont des Accords for one week due to reports of suspected Swine Flu (H1N1) virus. The classes closed are the 6th/2 and the 6th/5, which was ordered, closed from Thursday September 17 to September 24.

According to a press release from the Prefecture, there are new cases of suspected H1N1, which are in several schools. The Prefet Jacques Simmonet has decided to close the establishments where there are suspected or confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus. Closing the schools he said is in accordance with the government protocol.

Earlier this week the Prefet had ordered two other classes closed at the Kindergarten and Primary School in French Cul de Sac after a number of students and two assistants at the school were showing signs of the H1N1 virus. The two classes are expected to re-open on September 21 after all sanitary measures are taken to contain the spread of the virus.

 

 

Marigot: ---The Collectivity of St. Martin it is understood is already in the red when it comes to its financial obligations. SMN News has learnt that several persons who are working on contracts for the COM have not been paid for a period of two months. It is further understood that even the salaries for the 700+ employees are not guaranteed. SMN News understands that one of the burdens faced by the COM is the amount of foreign personnel that was hired and has huge salaries and other overhead expenses that has to be carried by the COM.

The COM it is said has to also meet these workers house rent and other expenses while they are on St. Martin. Outside of that, the Collectivity has been paying out large amount of monies for the vehicles that are being leased for the elected officials. Based on this the COM does not have any types of monies for projects and other investments.

Sources close to the finance department said that the elected officials based their budget on their assessment rather than the actual income of the COM. It is said the elected officials under the UPP umbrella did not take into consideration the lost of the Octroi de Mer funds, which amounts to over 10 million Euros and the taxes, which is not always collectable. Another hindrance the taxes is collected on an annual basis and not a monthly basis. According to sources, the COM already used up the (dotation generale de functionment) general expenses and now they are not able to make their monthly payments.

Another point of concern is that the COM when making their budget did not make provisions for the loss of income due to the economic crisis.

SMN News has learnt that senator Louis Constant Fleming travelled to Paris last week where he managed to get some monies to assist the COM. Fleming could not be reached by phone up to press time to confirm if in fact the matter has been solved. SMN News will bring you an update on this matter when the information becomes available.

 

 

Airport: --- Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs William Marlin who attended a two-day meeting in Curacao told reporters that all parties are looking forward to the September 30 meeting with State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Ms Ank Bijleveld-Schouten where they intend to set a definite date on achieving country status for St. Maarten and Curacao. Marlin said both island are looking at the (10/10/10) which is October 10, 2010.

Marlin said while that is the intention of the two islands they are going to make clear to the State Secretary that the agreements that are in place must be respected even though parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held in January 2010.

As for the meetings in Curacao, he said is another step in the journey forward for constitutional change, which they hope, will culminate by October 2010 when St. Maarten would attain its country status.

Marlin said two presentations were made to those who attended the meetings and no decisions had to be taken at this time. One of the presentations he said relates to the possible continuation on the postal services (Poste NV) as one entity. He said an outline was given on what would happen if each country Curacao and St. Maarten were to have its own postal service independently. He said the challenges that would be experienced was outlined. Marlin said the second presentation was given by the Minister of Constitutional Affairs on the national archives of the Netherlands Antilles. Marlin said the islands also have the opportunity to have their materials stored elsewhere and St. Maarten would have to take a decision both issues. The commissioner dismissed reports that suggested that the islands had to take a decision now.

He said at the conclusion of the September meetings both islands would have a clear picture as to what would happen if the island is not ready in a particular area. He said even though both islands has been giving several scenarios it is still not clear what position the Dutch is going to take. Marlin said those are the biggest hurdles they are hoping to cross on September 30 and their sticking point would be the process must continue.

 

 

French Quarter : --- SMN News is oldest news website on St. Maarten. Even though the Daily Herald, and other news agencies have their websites, we are the only news agency who chose to operate solely on the internet. While we do have solid reasons that we remain solely online, we also know that technology is moving fast and sooner rather than later newspapers around the globe would be wiped out of business.

Over the past months we at SMN News are faced with a situation where a reporter and editor from the Today Newspaper have been stealing our contents without giving credit to his source. We managed to find out that the managing editor of the Today does not value our work and has on a number of occasions warned his staff not to use our content. However, the newly appointed editor of the Today Alex Holder believes he is more cunning than his boss Hilbert Haar. Holder has decided that he would continue to steal our content and instead of giving credit he would say the information was contributed. One example, is the photograph taken exclusively by SMN News on Tuesday when detecive Carlton Philips met with leader of the Democratic Party. The photograph was published in our Wednesday’s online news edition and appeared in Thursday’s edition of the Today.

When we contacted the newspaper we were told by the editor Mr. Holder that someone emailed the photograph to the newspaper. Even the content of the story was also published as a contributer to the Today. We asked Mr. Holder to provide the email and the name of the person who sent him the information. It was then we are told that our content is online for everyone. On Friday another article published exclusively by SMN News regarding the financial status of the Collectivity of St. Martin appeared in the Today Newspaper.

While SMN News are taking legal steps to have Mr. Alex Holder and the Today Newspaper respect our work, we believe it is important to teach this young man what is plagiarism.

Taken off the internet at www.plagiarism.org it states the following about plagiarism.

What is Plagiarism?

Many people think of plagiarism as copying another's work, or borrowing someone else's original ideas. But terms like "copying" and "borrowing" can disguise the seriousness of the offense:

According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, to "plagiarize" means

• to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own

• to use (another's production) without crediting the source

• to commit literary theft

• to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.

In other words, plagiarism is an act of fraud. It involves both stealing someone else's work and lying about it afterward.

But can words and ideas really be stolen?

According to U.S. law, the answer is yes. The expression of original ideas is considered intellectual property, and is protected by copyright laws, just like original inventions. Almost all forms of expression fall under copyright protection as long as they are recorded in some way (such as a book or a computer file).

All of the following are considered plagiarism:

• turning in someone else's work as your own

• copying words or ideas from someone else without giving credit

• failing to put a quotation in quotation marks

• giving incorrect information about the source of a quotation

• changing words but copying the sentence structure of a source without giving credit

• copying so many words or ideas from a source that it makes up the majority of your work, whether you give credit or not (see our section on "fair use" rules)

Most cases of plagiarism can be avoided, however, by citing sources. Simply acknowledging that certain material has been borrowed, and providing your audience with the information necessary to find that source, is usually enough to prevent plagiarism.

 

While we know that the Today Newspaper is understaffed, we have never refused to assist the Today Newspaper. On the contrary we told the editor if needed anything he can contact us and if we can assist we would. The editor did contact us for recordings and we sent it to him but it seems as if the editor does not want to write the news, he preferes to steal it.

Sometime ago the managing editor of the Today Newspaper Hilbert Haar wrote a number of articles on the publisher of Enviro News Stephane dje Robert who copied information from the internet and published it in his magazine. The Today Newspaper made sure they published a number of articles on Dje Robert exposing his wrong doing. However, it is clear that while Haar condemned Dje Robert his staff is guilty of the same crime and so far he has not taken actions to stop the theft.

 

 

Philipsburg:--From the 19 electricity companies reviewed in the Caribbean Association of Electrical Companies (CARILEC) benchmarking study, GEBE ranked 10th when comparing the cost of electricity to the consumer.

The CARILEC annual benchmarking study compared Caribbean electrical utilities in areas such as maximum electrical demand, number of client connections, and number of employees and electricity prices of residential, commercial, and industrial clients. The study, which was executed by the internationally renowned consultant group KEMA, compared various aspects of electricity production and distribution throughout the Caribbean.

The 2008 Benchmark Report found the price per kilowatt-hour on St. Maarten to be average among the member utilities, ranking #10 out of 19 participants on a scale of high to low.

Benchmarking is important for utilities to be able to measure themselves against companies of similar size and scope in the region. “The value of comparing the electricity prices in Europe or the USA with those of GEBE is limited because of differences in fuels used to generate electricity, technologies applied and economies of scale” explained GEBE’s Commercial Manager Steve Duzanson, “we have to compare our performance with small islands states of similar size and circumstances to accurately measure our progress.”

When comparing the total costs of electricity (including fuel surcharges) to the “average” domestic consumer (400 kWh/month) it was found that GEBE’s prices are average. The lowest prices could be found in Trinidad & Tobago, while the highest price for the same group of consumers was recorded in Montserrat. Trinidad & Tobago, with its oil reserves, were found to have the cheapest electricity prices of the entire Caribbean basin followed by EDF, which is subsidized by the EDF operations in France, while the highest prices could be found in Dominica and Montserrat.

Notable in the 2008 study was also the wide range of fuel surcharges invoiced to clients. While most utility companies use a fuel surcharge to compensate for fluctuating oil prices, the fuel clause of the islands surveyed ranged from 0 in Trinidad & Tobago to US$0.42/kwh in Jamaica. Here again GEBE was found to be somewhere in the middle. The disparity in the fuel clauses between the different islands is attributed to the type of fuels used, the production process and the rate structure. In St. Maarten, GEBE produces electricity using mainly heavy fuel oil.

Contrary to what has been stated in the press, GEBE calculates the fuel clause using only the price of heavy fuel oil. The price for the use of light fuel oil for its operations in Saba and Statia as well as with some of the older and back up engines is absorbed by the company and does not affect the consumer’s price.

The price of heavy fuel oil fluctuates with the price of crude oil on the world market. The latter has increased by more than 75% compared to February of this year. It currently stands at approximately $70 per barrel. Consequently, consumers on St. Maarten have seen their electricity bills increased accordingly.

GEBE commissioned a tariff study to review the rate structure of electricity, as well as the calculation of the fuel clause in 2008 during the period of the soaring oil prices that were affecting the community. The study was completed and presented to the GEBE Supervisory Board in 2009.

 

 

PHILIPSBURG:--- Commissioner of Tourism, Economic and Aviation Affairs Frans Richardson at a press conference on Wednesday said that elected officials as well as the tourism bureau has to market the island aggressively so that the island does not lose out on anything during the global economic crisis.

Richardson condemned the statements made by former tourism commissioner Roy Marlin who said that the commissioner was wasting taxpayer’s money when he went to China last week. Richardson also called on Marlin to share any information he may have for St. Maarten to gain its revenues. He said the island only knows tourism and maybe the former tourism commissioner may have another idea on how the island can make money. He said several other islands and countries that were strong in other areas such as agriculture has almost abandoned that source of income and has turned to tourism.

Richardson made clear that he would continue to do all in his power to market the island more aggressively and to make sure that St. Maarten does not lose its visitors to any other destination who is also marketing their island.

Richardson said while in China he managed to gather crucial information, which is vital for St. Maarten especially regarding several airlines. Richardson explained that right now Jet Blue is planning to add another flight to St. Maarten on weekends if the island can work out a better landing schedule. He further explained that he would be seeking to get Lufthansa back to St. Maarten while some focus will be placed on the European Market, German and British markets.

Richardson further explained that St. Maarten has already lost over 20% of its arrivals and businesses on the island are doing badly. He said there is much work to be done to make sure St. Maarten stays on its feet.

Richardson said a number of carriers including Air Transat, Virgin Atlantic, Southwest, Jet Blue is interested in the Caribbean.

 

 

Staff of the Windward Islands Bank this week attended an HIV/AIDS workplace policy session facilitated by Assistant HIV/AIDS Programme Manager Cornelius de Weever at the Philipsburg Cultural & Community Center. Staff was treated to drinks and popcorn while they watched a short movie about how a company can embark on the process of the development of HIV/AIDS workplace policy. As part of the [RED] Campaign this year, the [RED] businesses are to start thinking about developing an HIV/AIDS workplace policy for their employees, as a means of ensuring a workplace environment that is non-discriminatory and supportive of educating the workforce.

Marigot: ---- A well-known talk show host on MSR cable Jean Mark Sharpless (host of the Markavelli Show) which airs on MSR cable was arrested early Sunday morning at his Cripple Gate home for the fatal shooting of Rigobert Bertin Maurice (20).

Maurice was shot while he was in his car which was parked in front of the Collectivity somewhere just after 10 pm on Thursday night. A female who was in the car at the time of the shooting has escaped unhurt. However, she was questioned by law enforcement on several occasions leading up to the arrest of Sharpless.

Maurice was hired some two days ago by the Collectivity and was working in service technique says his aunt Rollena Bertin-Maurice, a senior employee of the tourist office.

According to information reaching SMN News, the suspect who fired several shots at Rigobert Bertin Maurice fits the description of the talk show host who is tall and slim. He was said to be wearing a mask and was dressed in black when the shooting took place said several eyewitnesses. SMN News also learnt that Bertin Maurice received the first gunshot while sitting in his car but he tried running away from his assailant who continued to shoot at him as he ran. According to reports, Bertin Maurice fell on the vehicle of another well-known talk show host Billy D where he passed away.

On Thursday, Jean Mark Sharpless (Markavelli) parked in the victim’s parking space, which caused an altercation.

On Saturday, Sharpless spoke to SMN News after we contacted him for a statement. Sharpless said because of the altercation that occurred while he was at the COM working everyone in the community suspected he killed Bertin- Maurice. The young camera operator and talk show host said several persons in the community have called him suspecting that he might be the one responsible for the shooting. However, he was amazed that the gendarmes had not contacted him and they were in possession of his telephone numbers. . Explaining what took place on Thursday Sharpless said he parked his vehicle in the vicinity of the Collectivity as he and his colleagues went to install their equipments to air the council meeting live on MSR Cable Network.

He said at one point a territorial police told him he could not park next the COM since the parking around the COM have to be reserved for the elected officials. Sharpless said before he removed his vehicle another officer came and instructed his colleague to leave Sharpless, park in the vicinity of the COM since he was working there at the time.

Sharpless said at that point the officer removed a barricade and instructed him where to park but the victim who was on the block told him if he parked his vehicle there, he would damage it. Sharpless further explained that he ignored the young man because they had prior altercations, he said he went back inside the Collectivity to continue his work. Sharpless said that even though he had problems in the past with the victim they had settled their dispute.

Sharpless said at one point he even left the COM to interview and elderly man who was also leaving the island. He said when he returned to the COM and was inside a territorial police came inside the Collectivity and told him that the young man with whom he had the argument was releasing the air from his car tires, which was still parked in the allotted parking space.

Sharpless said when he saw what the young man was doing he took out his cellular phone and took a picture of the young man who was at the time releasing the air from his tires and he went back inside. He said there were territorial police as well the chief of the territorial police Flavien Bazile whom he said witnessed what Maurice was doing but no one intervened.

The talk show host said shortly after that the now dead man entered the COM and started an argument with him, wanting to know why he took a picture of him. Sharpless said the youth even wanted his phone. Asked by this reporter to provide the phone and the photograph that he took, Sharpless said the phone got damaged. However, he claimed he still had the phone at home.

 

Jean Mark Sharpless well known as Markavelli said he worked until the council meeting ended that night which was shortly after 8pm. Sharpless said he did not know of the killing until the following morning when the same territorial police who saw what Bertin-Maurice was doing called him to inform him the young man’s death. Sharpless said while everyone in the community was talking about the killing and have already accused him of the killing the gendarmes had not contacted him even though they had his telephone numbers.

Sharpless said that he also understood that Bertin-Maurice also had some other confrontation that day but he did not know with whom. “While several persons saw what went on Thursday, they believe I am the one that killed the young man. Some of them even called offering support while others were saying they were willing to give statements of the incident,” he said.

This media house has been reliably informed that the gendarmes were fully aware of the incident with Sharpless and the victim from the time they began the investigation but were making sure they were on to the right man. In a press release, issued on September 24, the gendarmes said Maurice died around 10:20 pm from multiple gunshot wounds.

 

Media Houses chided for Printing false Information.

 

Relatives of the murder victim Rigobert Bertin-Maurice has chided the Daily Herald and the Pelican for printing false information on the front page of the Daily Herald on Saturday regarding victim who was shot. In the Saturday’ edition of the Daily Herald it states he wrong name under the photograph that was provided by the family for a death announcement adverstisement.

Most importantly the newspaper stated that the victim had several run ins with the law, and was well known to the justice system. According to two of the victim’s aunts Rollena Bertin- Maurice and Rosemurie Hodge said their nephew had a clean police record. They said the young man not long ago came back from the French army.

The elder Bertin-Maurice said her relatives plan to take action against both media houses who chose to smear the now dead man as they are mourning his sudden lost. “We will be demanding from the The Daily Herald to print a retraction on their front page and not in the back. We will not take this lightly, how can a newspaper get away with printing false information about people they asked. Furthermore, the family said the Daily Herald used a photograph of Bertin-Maurice which they provided for a death announcement. “They used the photpgraph my brother (victim’s father) took to the newspapwer without his permission on the Front Page of the newspaper. The family said they would be taking action against the newspaper for using the photograph for the wrong purpose.

Rollena Bertin-Maurice said she would be a guest on Talking Point, hosted by Billy D on Monday morning to clear the air regarding her late nephew. The woman said while the Pelican did not print the story on Saturday they would have to explain why they passed on false information to another newspaper.

 

 

Marigot/ Basseterre:-- Talk Show Host Jean Mark Sharpless (29) (Markavelli) has confessed to shooting to death Rigobert Maurice on Thursday night. Prosecutor Jacques Louvier said Sharpless confessed to the crime during his interrogation with the gendarmes.Sharpless was arrested on Sunday at his Cripple Gate home and was transferred to Guadeloupe on Tuesday where he would await his trial. Asked how long it would take for the case to go to court now that Sharpless has confessed Louvier said there are a lot of cases in front of Sharpless and the process would take as long as 18 months to two years.

SMN News has learnt that a Sharpless already met with a lawyer when he arrived in Guadeloupe on Tuesday midday.

So far the gendarmes still have not found the murder weapon and the person who provided that weapon to Sharpless, as such the investigation is continuing. Louvier did not say if there are other persons involved in the killing of Bertin-Maurice.

Asked if the justice system would now conduct an investigation to see if the Chief of the Territorial Police Flavien Bazile and his officers are guilty of “Negligence dans l’exercise de la fonction or Manquement au devoir” (derliction of duty) Louvier said he does not have all the details on the investigation. He said he is presently off island and when he returns to St. Martin he would see if such an investigation would have to be conducted.

 

Several persons who witnessed the incident on Thursday at the Collectivity said Bertin-Maurice was armed with a silver weapon, one eyewithness said they still do not know why Bazile did not contact the gendarmes that day if he does not have the power to arrest people. Had Bazile called the gendarmes this young man they said would have been behind bars and not dead.

Residents of St. Martin are now asking what is the purpose of the Territorial Police and if they are able to reduce crime without power. Residents have expressed their disgust with the elected officials who brought Bazile to St. Martin to reorganise the Territorial Police.

Jean Mark Sharpless (host of the Markavelli Show) on MSR Cable had an altercation with Bertin-Maurice when he parked his vehicle in a parking space that supposedly belongs to the tennants living across from the Collectivity of St. Martin.

Sharpless in an interview with SMN News prior to his arrest said he was instructed to park in the space by a territorial police. He said when he parked his vehicle in that space the victim threatened to damage the vehicle. Threats which he said he ignored. Sharpless said later that day the same territorial police who instructed him where to park alerted him of the damage Bertin-Maurice inflicted to the vehicle. He said at that point he took out his cellualar phone and took a photgraph of Bertin-Maurice as he was releasing the air from his car. He said that ignited the argument because the now dead man went inside of the Collectivity demanding to know why he took a photograph of him. Sharpless had said that his phone even got damaged in the altercation.

It is clear that Sharpless did not totally ignore Bertin-Maurice since he came back that night and shot the 20 year old man to death.

SMN News received numerous emails from our readers expressing shock at the news of Sharpless arrest. Many has doubted that the well known television personality had anything to do with the slaying of Bertin Maurice. Markavelli as he is always called will be missed by a large audience on the French side of the island on Monday nights. Markavelli was well known for highlighting the ills of this community. He was one reporter who did not mingle with words when he believed the youths of St. Marten are being neglected.

 

 

Philipsburg:---On behalf of the Island Government of St. Maarten the Sector R.O.B., Department of New Projects Development and Planning would like to inform you of the following “Beautification Upgrading project”of the Cannegieter Street, Philipsburg.

We are pleased to inform you that the realization of this project will start within short and an information meeting is scheduled to answer all questions with regards to the projected project to the public and businesses situated on Cannegieter Street. The scope of works entails the beautification and upgrading of the Cannegieter Street from Kentucky Friend Chicken to Philipsburg Jubilee Library.

The information meeting is scheduled as per the following:

 

Date: Tuesday, 1st September, 2009

Place: Philipsburg Jubilee Library

Time: 17:30 to 18:30

 

The total duration of the project is estimated to take approximately 5 months and will be executed in two (2) phases more information will be provided at the information session.

We understand that it is short notice and apologize for any undue inconveniences that this may cause. Trusting to have informed you sufficiently and we hope to greet you at this very important information session.

For further information feel free to contact Mr. Kurt A. Ruan, Head of Department New Projects Development and Planning for further queries or related information at the sector R.O.B., Department New Projects Development and Planning by the following E-mail address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by telephone: 5424289.

 

 

Sandy ground: --- The body of a 25- year old man was fished out of the Simpson Bay lagoon close to the Sandy Ground Bridge early on Tuesday morning. The man whom the gendarmes said has died of drowning and bears no marks of violence has been working at Cadisco Gas Station not from the Beach Plaza Hotel. The gendarmes said based on the medical doctor and technician there is no immediate traces of a crime, however an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of death.

SMN News has been reliably informed that the dead man had suspicious injuries to the head and that the victim is from St. Lucia and resides somewhere in Sandy Ground. It is said the man was probably killed.

Commandant of the gendarmerie Stephanne Arrousseau said that would be determined at the end of the investigation.

 

Man Chops up Mother Over Girl Friend

 

In the meantime, the gendarmes are busy looking for a 21-year old young man known in the community of Sandy Ground as Mark from Haiti. SMN News has learnt that the young man who is very aggressive has a habit of beating his mother, but earlier this week he chopped his mother on her head and face.

The source said his mother and girl friend apparently had some disagreements. Residents of Sandy Ground said the woman is a known vendor in the village she has a number of stitches in her head and over her eye. The young man they said has gone into hiding since this last incident. They said on several occasions residents of Sandy Ground have saved the woman from the constant abuse from her son.

 

Commandant Stephanne Arrousseau confirmed the incident but refuse to divulge any information on the case. Arrousseau said he would send out a press release when the investigation is over.

 

 

The annual International Coastal Cleanup will be held on September 19. 2009 at the Mullet Bay Beach.

The event, which has become very popular among local volunteers as well as visiting guests to the island, attracted over 640 volunteers to the Mullet Bay Beach last year for one of the largest cleanup campaigns ever held on a single day on the island.

During the month September, several beaches will be cleaned and cleared of trash, the trash documented, weighed and tallied and the results sent on to the Ocean Conservancy in Washington D.C to be compiled into a final data report.

Local coordinator of the International Coastal Cleanup is the Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation.

Local schools may also conduct the International Coastal Cleanup any time during school hours at one of our beaches; the foundation is asking schools to register with the PRIDE foundation in order to obtain tools and material in order to properly carry out the International Coastal Cleanup and the documentation process.

Last year volunteers picked up a total of 2,703 plastic bags and 4,840 glass bottles from 5 beach locations.

According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) "Marine Litter is one of the most pervasive and solvable pollution problems plaguing the worlds oceans and waterways"

Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation is once again urging the business community and local community organizations to come out and volunteer for the International Coastal Cleanup, come out and give a helping hand to our beaches and oceans.

Schools and the business community can call the Sint Maarten PRIDE foundation on 5231188 to register or 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.

For more information on the International Coastal Cleanup, please go to www.oceanconservancy.org

 

 

GREAT BAY:--- Chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Governor Franklyn Richards would like to commend residents for being attentive to weather reports and official information that was released during the passing of Tropical Storm Erika.

At 5.00pm a tropical storm warning was lifted for St. Maarten as Erika has weakened to a Tropical Depression. The Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service has also discontinued the Small Craft warning but maintains a Small Craft Advisory for local waters until further notice.

The anticipated rain and winds from Tropical Storm Erika did not materialize even though the system passed approximately 80 miles South of St. Maarten on Thursday. Weather systems change suddenly and what is forecasted and anticipated at times doesn’t actually take place.

Governor Franklyn Richards ordered all schools closed Thursday as a precautionary measure due to the anticipated change in weather conditions. Normal school activities are to resume on Friday.

“It is better to be prepared than to be sorry. I am pleased with the actions and attentiveness of the community before and during the passing of Tropical Storm Erika. Once again for this season we have been lucky, and therefore it is very important that the populace continue to maintain a state of readiness in case we face another storm/hurricane threat.

“Our actions taken as an EOC were appropriate and well measured against the available information from the weather experts. Other islands in the North Eastern Caribbean took similar actions such as the closure of schools. There were also some disruption to flight schedules and some businesses remained closed. In Antigua & Barbuda, the emergency management coordinators opened hurricane shelters in four different communities.

“I would like to thank the Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) of our disaster management system, who did an exceptional job in making sure that national preparations were at a state of readiness for any eventuality.

“The populace can rest assure that this type of readiness will be maintained during the rest of the season by the ESFs, and it is also expected that residents maintain a similar readiness. Remember the theme of the Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness that ‘it only takes one,’ Governor Richards told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Thursday.

For official weather information during the hurricane season, check out the Netherlands Antilles & Aruba Weather Service website: www.meteo.an

 

 

Philipsburg: ---Leader of government and commissioner of constitutional affairs William Marlin has announced that the executive council will be holding a permanent committee meeting this Thursday where they would update the island council on the ongoing constitutional process. At that meeting, the executive council intends to make clear its decision regarding the announcement for parliamentary elections. Marlin said the present coalition government would not be accepting any delay or changes to the constitutional process since there are agreements already in place. He said St. Maarten is ready to accept responsibilities and the dismantling process must continue regardless of the parliamentary elections. Even though he agreed that having such elections could delay the process since those involved in the present execution would be campaigning for re-election. Should there be any type of delay then St. Maarten could approach the Kingdom Government and United Nations (Decolonization committee) or even decide to secede as Saba has announced. Marlin said then it would be time for St. Maarten to begin lobbying in the Region to expose its plight.

Marlin said while it is constitutionally correct for the Central Government to hold parliamentary elections it should not have any bearing on the ongoing process. He said St. Maarten would not accept a situation where anyone would say that since there are parliamentary elections then they would await the outcome before they can proceed with the process. Marlin said there are agreements with the Dutch and Antillean governments including the other islands where the constitutional change and motion is in process that must be maintained. The island leader said the dismantling process is on track and must continue, and the transfer of responsibilities from the Central Government to the Islands Curacao and St. Maarten should be completed by January 2010.

Also in the agreement is that Holland would help St. Maarten with the building, the organization, and infrastructure so that the island can carry its responsibilities, which must be adhered to by all partners. Marlin said he already expressed his personal opinion on holding elections in viewing of the timing and the process of dismantling the Antilles. He said the outcome of that election should not have any effect to the ongoing process since the island would not accept any change of plan because they intend to fight tooth and nail to represent the decision of the people.

Another issue to be tackled on Thursday is the delegation that would be travelling to participate in the constitutional meetings. Marlin said since there has been a change in the island council there would also be a change in the delegation since all factions of the island council has to be represented. The intention is to make sure the independent Island Council members Theo Heyliger and Louie Laveist are represented. Also scheduled on September 15 and 16 is a preparatory meeting of the Netherlands Antilles for the political steering group meeting.

St. Maarten is not Ready Reaction.

Reacting to statements made by the Dutch parliamentarians who are constantly saying St. Maarten is not ready and they are not prepared for Country Status. Marlin said he already indicated to the Dutch Representative that instead of these politicians making statements they should sit around the table with the representatives of St. Maarten and point out the areas where they believe the island is not ready.

Marlin said he is still trying to understand what “beef” these politicians in Holland have with St. Maarten because the island could not be ready with its infrastructures because Holland has not lived up to her agreements. He said the responsibilities for the island to become country do not rest on St. Maarten’s shoulders instead; it is in the hands of the Central Government. Marlin said as long as the Central Government hold on to these responsibilities then St. Maarten cannot exercise those responsibilities. Right now, there are agreements in place to transfer those responsibilities to the island and that must be done for the island to be ready. Marlin said the Dutch Politicians has to realize and accept that St Maarten has a constitutional right to choose in which direction they want to go, which is guaranteed in the resolutions of the United Nations. He said The Dutch Government has a responsibility assist St. Maarten in obtaining what the people voted for nine years ago, which is to become country. Marlin gave an example with the strengthening of the police force. He said some five persons are to come to St. Maarten to assist with the strengthening and re-enforcement and just recently, when he inquired about the process he learnt that the recruitment for these persons had not been completed. Marlin said based on one of the agreements the Dutch would have provided five top officials to help strengthen the police force locally. He made clear that these persons are not going to remain on St. Maarten instead; they are to assist with the strengthening. He said it is not well for these politicians who are on the other end of the ocean to criticize the island while they themselves are not living up to their obligations. Marlin said St. Maarten is fully ready to accept responsibilities and they are ready to become a country. He said the legal framework for country St. Maarten is there and the only need is the personnel and the infrastructures.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- The mother and grandmother of two students who were attending the Milton Peters College have condemned the police for not acting against gangs and youth violence. Ruth Alias in an interview with SMN News said she has two children in the police force who are busy protecting the community but her son and daughter, are not able to protect their own relatives against gang violence. The elderly woman said her grandson Hensley Gumbs had to leave the island on Thursday fearing for his life, while the police have done nothing with those attacking her grandchildren. Alias said there are a number of youths all students of the MPC who have been attacking her grandchildren with guns, knives and other weapons and even though they filed several complaints with the detective department and prosecutor’s office nothing is done about the matter.

The two women produced a stack of process verbal to this reporter as proof of the amount of complaints that were filed about the constant attack on their children. Alias said the gang from Philipsburg has been going all the way to her home in South Reward, and at the school to attack her grandchildren. She further explains that her entire family is at risk with the constant attacks that they had to put surveillance cameras around their home. Alias explained.

Alias said these attacks have been going on for the past three years and just recently, one of her grandson has were attacked and stabbed while he was at his grandparent’s place of business. “Even though police arrested the attackers and found drugs on one of them, he was released that same evening.” She condemned the police since according to her she does not believe police is handling the case correctly. Alias said the police would arrest the gang members and would release them shortly after, she said when they are released they go back to attacking other youths. The woman said her grandchildren are not the only victims for this gang. Alias said right now she is living in fear and is calling on the relevant authorities to take action, because she does not want to bury any of her grandchildren that she raised.

Lisa Leonard the mother of Signald and Elicio Leonard said about a year ago her sons were involved in a fight with one of the gang members and his jawbone was broken. She said ever since then the fights got worse. The distraught mother said her son was arrested for the assault and he was even punished twice because the school expelled him while the other youth that was involved in the fight remained at school.

Leonard said just recently one her sons had to attend a meeting and his brothers accompanied him to the school knowing that if he went alone he might have been attacked. She said while her son Elicio was outside a confrontation began with the same gang and a security guard from the school got hit. Because of this, the woman said police arrested her son while the others are out free even though “weed was found on one of them.” Leonard said she tried everything to get the police and prosecutor to act on this matter but they never did and bringing this matter public is her final attempt to getting justice. She also plans to send a letter to the Governor General where she would include copies of all the complaints that were filed with the police.

 

 

Great Bay– Commissioner of Youth Affairs Hyacinth Richardson on behalf of the government of St. Maarten commended former Mayor Albert Fleming for proposing the partnership of organizing activities together in observance of International Day of the Child here on St. Maarten/St. Martin.

This is the 6th year of partnership and the commissioner assured everyone present that the Island Government of St. Maarten is committed to continue observing and celebrating the Rights of Children with the Collectivite of St. Martin.

“We are not only committed to this event but to future partnerships on Youth and Child development and in other areas,” Commissioner of Youth Affairs Hyacinth Richardson stated.

This year the theme is Strong Families, Strong Communities, Strong Nation, Strong Children which is appropriate considering the amount of violence and neglect that is visible on the Island.

This theme places emphasis on the fact that it takes a village to raise a child. All families, communities and government must ensure that their responsibilities towards the children are lived up to. Only then can we be sure to have strong children, continuing to promote the ideology that all of us are responsible for the well being of our children, Commissioner Richardson pointed out.

The commissioner also welcomed the participation of our Sister Island Anguilla although unfortunately representatives of the island were unable to be present.

Participation of Saba and Statia would also be a welcome change.

The organizing committee was thanked by the commissioner for their dedication and perseverance in organizing this event over the years.”

Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson added that he looks forward to the finalization of the program and a successful celebration.

 

 

POINTE BLANCHE-- The year 2009 has been a challenging year for the Port of St. Maarten with respect to the fall-out of the international financial-economic crisis.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo says he is not deterred as the island as a cruise destination has a lot to offer cruise passengers and cruise lines.

Mingo along with Supervisory Board Chairman Michel Soons and Cruise Manager Nzinga Lake left the island over the weekend to attend Seatrade Europe which is being held from September 15-17 at the Hamburg Messe Fairground in Germany.

Seatrade Europe is the leading meeting place for the Cruise, Ferry, Rivercruise and Superyacht industries.

The European market is seen as a very important developing market where four million Europeans take a cruise on an annual basis. The top two European source markets are the United Kingdom and Germany.

“The Port of St. Maarten has done very well with attracting European cruise lines and therefore the European cruise passenger. As a cruise destination we have to continue to build upon our established relationships and secure new business and opportunities for the island.

“From an infrastructural perspective as a cruise port, we have invested heavily over the years with the most recent being the construction of a second cruise pier jetty to accommodate the largest cruise vessels in the world that will set sail later this year.

“The construction of another tender jetty near Sea Palace is part of the overall development plan to spread the number of cruise passengers throughout the Philipsburg shopping area.

“Our philosophy as management and as a supervisory board guided by the vision of Commissioner of Port Affairs Theo Heyliger, has met I would say all expectations of the cruise lines and passengers as a premier cruise port in this part of the Caribbean.

“The Port of St. Maarten is definitely in line with the thinking of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) where the current global economic crisis should be viewed as an opportunity and that you have to be at the forefront of the recovery when it comes.

“We continue to position ourselves in order to be able to take advantage of opportunities that come forth. Attending Seatrade Europe, will give us the leverage once again to meet with cruise line executives and hear about the latest trends and developments in the cruise industry and the outlook for the coming years based on the current global economic challenge. Based on this information we are able to continue to make informed decisions about our own port development and as a premier cruise destination,” CEO Mark Mingo said over the weekend before leaving for Germany.

 

 

Philipsburg:--- Island Councilman and former finance commissioner Roy Marlin posed several questions to the executive council concerning the purchase of five new vehicles which was purchased for the new commissioners. Marlin said his faction has called the meeting to address the financial and economic situation of the island because clarity is needed in several areas.

On the issue of financial supervision, Marlin posed several questions regarding the submitting of the first and second quarterly reports, which he said are both due. The councilman said prior to the NA/Heyliger took office the DP executive council had taken

a number of initiatives which resulted from the agreements made between St. Maarten and its Kingdom Partners.

Marlin said while St. Maarten excelled on aspects such as corporate governance legislation, establishing of the council for corporate governance, changes to the articles of incorporation of government owned companies, they cannot should not drop the ball.

As for the management of government finances, the ball is slipping from St. Maarten hands and if this should happen it could not be retrieved the council member warned.

Marlin said the politicians in the second chamber are constantly screaming that St. Maarten is not ready and even though he disagrees with them and would ask them to bring their issues forward, local politicians should not drop the ball by not living up to the agreements that were made.

The Executive Council is due to the Island Council in accordance with the Algemene Maatregel van Rijksbestuur two sets of quarterly reports on the budget 2009. The quarterly report for the period January to March, which was due on May 15, 2009 and the quarterly report for the period April to June, which is due by August 15.

 

Marlin called on the chairman, of the island council to perform his duty by supplying them with the necessary information regarding financial supervision. He said in the case of Algemene Maatregel van Rijksbestuur which is a law of higher order should be complied by the chairman have a role to play in this, by requesting the departments to supply the information and then submit it to the Island Council single handedly.

The former finance commissioner wants to know if the first and second reports have been submitted to the CFT and if why wasn’t this in accordance with AMVRB submitted simultaneously to the Island Council. If they were not submitted when will this be done?

He also wants to know if the CFT written any letters to the Executive council regarding the quarterly reports, or a reaction and if those letters can be provided to the island council.

Marlin said the current commissioner of finance said he intends to submit a budget with a deficit. He said he wants to know if the new commissioner read the begrotings kader that was established for budget submittal whereby it clearly states that a budget should be balanced or sluitend?

He said he wants to know what measured the executive council plans to undertake to balance the 2010 budget and if the island people would be confronted with an increase on services. He also wants to know how the executive council plans to deal with the shortfall when presenting it’s annual accounts and how would be covered in terms of liquidity.

Marlin said he also wants to know if the executive council submitted a formal request to the CFT and the Ministry of Kingdom relations to present the 2010 budget with a shortfall. If the answer to his question is yes, can they receive a copy of this request? Have these two entities already answered this request from executive council can they also receive a copy of their answers?

He asked if a formal request was submitted to the CFT for the delay in presenting the 2010 budget and if they responded. If the answers are yes, he is also requesting copies.

What is the status on the SOAB report for the debt cancellation? Is this report completed and can the island council be provided with a copy. If the report is not completed when would it be finalized?

Marlin said the executive council recently purchased five new cars for an amount of about Naf. 400.000, for the commissioners. He asked if the purchase of the these vehicles were necessary

Is this amount the correct amount for the purchase of the cars and on what date were the cars delivered or on what date did the Executive council take possession of the cars?

On what date did the executive council give approval for the purchase of these vehicles? What was the opinion of the Finance department on the purchase of the vehicles?

The commissioner of tourism recently signed an agreement with USONA for the first phase of the tourism marketing for 864.000 whereby he stated that they would expect a 7% growth. I applaud this, but he would want to suggest that executive take back in those cars, and take that 400.000 and put it towards marketing. Then we will have a 10.5 % growth, which will guarantee at the least that in these hard economic times, the small man may remain employed, the business community may see some light at the end of the tunnel.

Were the vehicles delivered prior to executive council approving the decision? If yes who authorized the delivery or signed for receipt of the vehicles?

Marlin wants to know how many persons were hired since the National Alliance/Heyliger government took office. What is the total additional monthly salary cost in connection with the new hiring’s?

Are we still maintaining the policy of maximum six persons to work with the Commissioner office, three from outside and three from inside?

If this policy has changed, can they be provided with a copy of this new policy?

 

 

Philipsburg: --- Detective Carlton Philips who went public against the alleged illegalities and victimization, taking place within the management of the police force may well have to brace himself for a long battle. According to information received, Philips who is presently on vacation was served with a long letter from the police management who indicated to him that he would have to prove the allegations he made against the management of the police department.

In an invited comment, Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba said an investigation is underway regarding the open letter the officer in question sent to the media. Jacoba said because an investigation is taking place she is not in a position to further discuss the issue. Asked if there would be an investigation to see if Philips was engaged in any wrongdoing while working at the CID in 2002. Jacoba said she was not aware of that incident. However, the Minister would be meeting with Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran over the weekend to discuss matters pertaining to the management of KPSSS.

According to a well-placed source, the detective may have to provide proof that the management of the police force is engaged in activities to enrich themselves. Philips in his statements to the media said he had requested an investigation to clear his name after Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran told him that he was informed that he Philips had destroyed valuable information while working at the CID department.

Philips said in his letter to the media, the assistant chief commissioner of police told him some seven months ago about the alleged crime he committed and he requested an investigation be done to clear his name. In his open letter to the media, Philips said he had contacted the prosecutor’s office and had written several letters to both the police chief and the prosecutor requesting that an investigation be conducted.

The officer who is obviously hurt by the accusation said he was up for promotion and the “lie” that was fabricated by the police hindered him from getting a position he had applied for. Since going public several other officers within the force has voiced their concerns about the management team whom they said are incompetent. At least one member of the management team is planning to call it quits as early as Monday SMN News has learnt.

Notwithstanding, that the assistant chief commissioner of police has requested a criminal investigation be conducted against Sylvia Gibbs. It is understood that management believes Gibbs falsified documents to get an upgrade.

SMN News understands that even though Gibbs life long partner is part of the management team he was not aware that management had requested a criminal investigation be done against the mother of his children.

 

Representing Philips in his legal battle for justice is Attorney at Law Reynold Groenveldt. In an invited comment, Groenveldt confirmed that Philips was served with a letter but he could not release any information on the case since he is now studying the files presented to him on Wednesday. Groenveldt is also representing Gibbs.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- The Police Department (KPSSS) has received a brand new tow truck, which was ordered some months ago. The vehicle is fully loaded and has a diesel engine. The police department now has one of the newest models of tow trucks which has a price tag of $85,000 paid for by USONA. According to reliable information, reaching SMN News the vehicle arrived on the island some two weeks ago and the dealer in Cole Bay (Harley Davidson) was paid half of the purchase price in advance while the balance was to be paid when the vehicle arrived. SMN News visited the dealership on Friday morning where we asked some questions pertaining to the purchase of the vehicle. We were told that the police received one of the keys when the vehicle arrived and arrangements were to be made for the final payment. We also requested information from USONA, which was not forthcoming.

However, a few hours later SMN News reporter was on hand to see when the writer of the police projects Chief Inspector Carl John brought the vehicle and parked it at the side of the Police Station in Philipsburg. It is not clear if the dealer was paid or if an arrangement was made now that SMN News began asking questions. This media house understands that the police management that is dealing with the financial aspect had the documents sitting in their office and did nothing to complete the purchase.

While it is, a known fact that all police forces would have their own tow trucks St. Maarten Police Force was without one for quite some years. According to our research, it was learnt that the police department purchased their first tow truck in 1972. The reasons behind the purchase back then were to clear the road from the obstruction of the vehicles, which were involved in a accidents. That was the main usage. After that, the KPSSS purchased another truck but apparently, management was not interested in helping out so they decide to use third parties to remove these vehicles. Those third parties are the former police officers who have since left the police force and are now operating their private business.

Earlier it was only two towing companies on the Dutch side they are HLS and another company that we know as Wally.

These companies were not used to tow away vehicles that were in violation with the traffic laws; this only happened when other police officers decided to leave the police force for one or more reasons and began operating towing services. Research showed that a former commissioner got his brother involved in the business and it was then these towing services began towing away vehicles that were in violation. This of course created a lot of apprehension since the police by then no longer had a tow truck to assist the community when they are in need. Persons whose vehicle are stolen or persons that were involved in an accident had to pay the towing services to remove their badly damaged vehicle. Something several persons in the community addressed to all legal heads but no one attended to the matter. Instead, the police has at least four towing companies that are working with them for the removal of vehicles that are in violation of the traffic rules. However, questions are still circulating as to when the police department is going to implement a policy on regulating towing services.

Several of these established towing companies has already began posing questions as to if the police department would be removing them from their list, or if they intend to leave people without a job now that they bought a new truck. Other questions that are surfacing is who would be driving this new tow truck since the police is grossly understaffed and where do they intend to park the vehicles they tow away.

Another question from several persons in society is when the island government would deal with the traffic ordinance, which has been placed on the back burner for a number of years now.

Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson in an invited comment made clear that the police did not purchase a tow truck to take away business from anyone. Henson said all police forces have tow trucks and St. Maarten is no different. He said it is hard for victims whose vehicle was stolen or badly damaged due an accident to pay towing services. Henson said on several occasions the police cars would break down and they need to have a truck to remove their own vehicles when necessary.

 

 

Geneva, - The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) are optimistic about the results, announced today, of the largest ever HIV vaccine clinical trial held to date.

The study results, representing a significant scientific advance, are the first demonstration that a vaccine can prevent HIV infection in a general adult population and are of great importance.

The two UN agencies congratulate both the principal investigators, sponsors and the trial volunteers who have made this encouraging result possible.

The RV144 HIV vaccine study results, revealing a 31.2% vaccine efficacy in preventing HIV infections are characterized as modestly protective. However, these results have instilled new hope in the HIV vaccine research field and promise that a safe and highly effective HIV vaccine may become available for populations throughout the world who are most in need of such a vaccine. No vaccine safety issues were observed in the trial.

Much more work, though, has to be done by the principal investigators and a large group of international collaborators to analyse the trial data, understand the protective mechanism, determine the duration of protection, and map next steps. Licensure at this point in time may not be possible solely on the basis of this study's results, and it remains to be seen if the two specific vaccine components in this particular regimen would be applicable to other parts of the world with diverse host genetic backgrounds and different HIV subtypes driving different regional sub-epidemics. Once an HIV vaccine does become available, it will need to be universally accessible by all persons at risk.

In addition, early HIV vaccines with modest levels of efficacy would most likely have to be used as complementary tools in combination with strategies to promote changes in behavioural and social norms, promotion of correct and consistent condom use, access to safe injection equipment, as well as male circumcision.

The Phase III trial, involving 16 395 adult male and female volunteers in Thailand, was a test- of-concept of a novel HIV vaccine regimen with two different candidate vaccines developed by Sanofi-Pasteur and the non-profit organization Global Solutions for Infectious Diseases. The trial was performed by the Thai Ministry of Public Health, sponsored by the United States Army Surgeon General and received funding from the United States National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the United States Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, Department of Defense.

WHO and UNAIDS began supportive work for this trial 18 years ago, in 1991, when Thailand was recommended as one of the WHO-sponsored countries in preparation for HIV vaccine trials and the development of the National AIDS Vaccine Plan. In particular, WHO and UNAIDS through their HIV Vaccine Advisory Committee (VAC) provided continuous technical guidance and advice for review, approval and implementation of the RV144 trial protocol. In 2006, VAC performed an external evaluation of the trial examining various ethical and community-related issues: this evaluation showed that the trial was being conducted at the highest scientific and ethical standards and with active community participation.

Moreover, WHO and UNAIDS, in collaboration with partners, such as the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise have jointly developed numerous policy documents relating to access to care and treatment for trial participants, design and purpose of test of concept HIV vaccine trials as well as scientific parameters.

WHO and UNAIDS will work with the global HIV stakeholder community to further understand and resolve a range of questions related to the potential introduction of an HIV vaccine of moderate protective efficacy. This includes additional, in-depth trials in different populations with diverse host and virus genetic backgrounds.

Until a highly effective HIV vaccine becomes available UNAIDS and WHO underline the importance of effective and proven HIV prevention methods for all people. A comprehensive HIV prevention package includes, but is not limited to, behavioural interventions to reduce sexual risk practices, including correct and consistent male and female condom use, early and effective treatment for sexually transmitted infections, male circumcision in high HIV prevalence settings, harm reduction for injecting drug users, post-exposure prophylaxis with antiretroviral drugs, and interventions to prevent HIV transmission in health care settings.

 

 

Philipsburg:---NAGICO’S offices in Philipsburg have been a work in progress over the last nine months, as the company completed several building upgrades including indoor expansion and external signage and recently embarked on the final phase of the upgrade project which will see the integration of the final portion of floor space on the third floor vacated by a tenant last year. NAGICO now occupies three-quarters of the office space in the NAGICO building on Cannegieter Street, having acquired all the sections with the exception of the Gibson Law offices.

Customers have already benefitted from improved customer service areas on the first floor which entailed the expansion of NAGICO’s claims department into the area formerly occupied by TELEM. This phase of the physical work was completed last November and the space was opened to the public with customer friendly service counters in spacious surroundings and a meeting area for private client consultation.

The Medical Department moved to the first floor in a bid to make it more accessible to the general public and facilitate the walk-in traffic which previously needed to go to the second floor to do business. The Front Office or general Customer Service section remains on the first floor and this signals a consolidation of all the customer specific business areas to a more convenient location for clients. This convenience is even more enhanced by the addition of marked parking spaces for NAGICO customers, available on a “first-come-first-served” basis.

The physical expansion of departments also continued on the second floor, as a result, the NAGICO Agency Department which focuses on support for its agents in St. Maarten and across the Caribbean has been able to improve its functionality and accommodate new staff to make its service more efficient. On the third floor, the Executive Team has had their work spaces improved with the creation of an Executive wing which will also see the addition of another conference room and more offices.

The outdoor signage has also systematically received a face lift during this period, with larger and more modern corporate signage now identifying NAGICO, including an emphasis on the brand marks such as the umbrella which has made the building façade more attractive.

Prompted by the departure of TELEM, these changes to the office layout have enabled NAGICO to put a short term plan in place for the comfort of staff and customers. As a result, even though the new building is still going to be built, it now forms a part of a longer term plan. CEO McSood Amjad explained, “NAGICO will definitely begin work on the building in the future but we have also taken the current economic situation into account and intend to ensure that NAGICO maintains its practice of prudent budgetary and financial strategies which has enabled the company to weather tropical or economic storms in good standing. We expect construction to start by the end of next year or early 2011.”

 

 

Great Bay: ---“A front page story published in The Daily Herald on Thursday, August 27, 2009 under the headline “S4 accuses former director of fraud” has attempted to smear and discredit my good name and reputation throughout the Netherlands Antilles and the Netherlands,” former director of S4, Drs. Linda Richardson, stated in her first official reaction to the accusations leveled against her in the story.

The issue of the housing allowance which seems to be at the root of these allegations has been known for almost two years by S4 Board and by my employer, the Island Government of St. Maarten,” she emphasized. “This matter is being resolved with my former employers, the Island Government of St. Maarten.”

Immediately after becoming aware of additional compensation, which was not indicated as housing allowance on her pay slips, Drs. Linda Richardson notified the Director of Resources of the Island Government verbally and in an email, dated December 5, 2007.

“The Director of Resources and I discussed this matter on several occasions. Since the Island Government and S4 did not pay all items of the remuneration package, stipulated in the Island Resolution, it was agreed to sort matters out at the end of her tenure,” Richardson further revealed.

After her arrival on the island last month, she has met with the Director of Resources and his staff on this very matter, which was still being dealt with when this story was published by the St. Maarten Daily Herald.

 

Richardson, a former Minister of Education of the Netherlands Antilles, explained that from the time she was appointed as director of S4 in 2005, she had raised concerns about the execution of the terms and conditions of her contract.

“I was appointed in July 2005 by the Island Government of St. Maarten for an initial period of 2 years. I got a resolution (detacheringsbesluit) with a number of conditions and terms,” Richardson stated. Being the first St. Maarten civil servant to be expatriated by the St. Maarten Government, execution of her terms and conditions of service could not be based on any previous precedent, leading thus to questions of interpretation which are still being resolved.

One of the terms stipulated in the Resolution clearly states that the costs for house rent would be reimbursed by the Island Government to S4 to the tune of maximum Naf. 3600 per month. In 2005 and in 2006, the Island Government made payments to S4 for several of the costs, indicated in the Resolution, including the now controversial housing allowance. It is therefore totally misleading and reprehensible to claim that the Island Government did not reimburse the rent to S4 for 4 years.

If the Island Government did not reimburse S4 for costs incurred during the remaining period, it is apparently due to the fact that no account of these expenditure were submitted to the Island Government by the Board of S4.

She describes the assertion in the Daily Herald report that the S4 treasurer and the Board became aware of this situation only recently as “diametrically opposed to the truth”. “This matter has been known to the Board since November 2007, she stressed.

In addition, Richardson explained that S4 had not been paying 2300 euro a month for the rent all the time. The rent started at 2000 euro per month.

“Rent in Holland goes up each year gradually. The lease agreement went into effect in November 2005; I negotiated to get the first month free, excluding service charges”, she pointed out.

“Furthermore, she said, “I did not rent a rather expensive furnished house. The house was rented unfurnished. I bought the furniture at Ikea,” she disclosed.

On the issue of living close to the Royal Palace, she joked “then everybody who lives close to the Central Station in the Hague, is residing next to the Queen.

Richardson stated that there have been differences of opinion between S4 current treasurer and her regarding the interpretation of a number of matters in the Resolution, drawn up and given to her by former employer, the Island Government of St. Maarten.

“But, there was never ever any agreement with S4 board that I would have to pay the difference in rent!” Drs. Richardson exclaimed. “To the contrary, on October 27, 2005, the former treasurer emailed to the other Board members and to me, that the Board would send a letter to the Island Government about the difference in rent and should suggest to have the extra costs charged to the Island Government.”

“Like any other professional organization, S4 has a financial administrator who handles all financial matters. As S4 Director, I submitted all budgets and annual accounts for approval to the Board, which is the official channel for presenting an approved budget to the funding agencies, in this case the Island Government and the Central Government. Moreover, seeing that S4 is a new foundation, SOAB, upon my request, reviewed the accounts of S4. To my knowledge, no report about any fraudulent acts at S4 were filed.”

“In fact, the same board has repeatedly praised my hard work as director of S4 and my dedication to S4 and to the students. A very positive evaluation report about my functioning was submitted to my employer, the Government of St. Maarten,” she added. “And, ironically, while the treasurer and me disagreed on the housing matter at S4, last year, several months before the end of my tenure at S4, the same treasurer urged me to leave S4 to take up a more lucrative position as the director of another foundation in Amsterdam, to which board he is also the treasurer.

Drs. Richardson was also surprised to learn via the media that the Board and her were not on speaking terms. She was not aware that the board-members were not speaking to her. For, since her arrival in St. Maarten, the treasurer telephoned her and expressed his condolences for the passing of a family member on behalf of the Board.

“I am now curious to know which board members are not speaking to me,” she said.

“I admit that the relationship between the Board and I has not been ideal over the past 2 years. This is due to my expressing my displeasure about the manner in which S4 Board has been handling the affairs of S4, including the appointment of board-members, the refusal to appoint much needed staff for the proper functioning of S4, the violation of the statutes, and other matters. A board-member who did not agree with the functioning of S4 board resigned as a result of this.

.Contrary to the Board, she brought her concerns to the attention of the Island Government on numerous occasions, the last time in a meeting with the Board and a St. Maarten delegation in April 2009.

“I therefore welcome any investigation into the operations of S4”.

“It is clear that I have tried to have this administrative error resolved with the Island Government and that process is still ongoing.”

“To be accused falsely of fraud is an unwarranted attack on my longstanding and performance oriented reputation, particularly after going into retirement. It speaks volumes of the persons, who have actively and deliberately disclosed deceiving, misrepresenting facts to the media”.

 

Commenting on the role of the newspaper itself, Richardson said it is the basic principle of responsible reporting to have all facts and be objective in retrieving information and reporting on it. A media entity that prints an article that just states the opinion of just one party, does not corroborates the facts, makes statements about the alleged party’s opinion without consulting her is not just highly irresponsible and unprofessional, but destructive to the very fiber of any society. Ultimately, what the media has done is allowed themselves to be a pawn in someone else’s chess game. I see that and I understand that. However, it is still very despicable that they have allowed themselves to be used, especially when the accuser himself publicly states that he is not on speaking terms with the other party.” Drs. Richardson said.

“Just recently, I called a press conference in St. Maarten about The Friendly Island Foundation. The Daily Herald was represented and the story was carried big time. The reporter also had my local contact information. I would like to know how is it that I could not be contacted for comments on this 37 square mile island?” she asked.

Drs. Richardson stated that she also wondered why the newspapers – when they could not get hold of her, did not contact the commissioners of education or finance for their comments? Or, those civil servants who were fully aware of this matter and involved in a solution. “After all, they were my employers and the principal subsidizer of S4.”

Richardson concluded by stating that she intends to do everything within her power to have her good name restored.

“My family, my children, my friends, my professional associates and network, and my own future have all been negatively affected by this. It is totally unfair and inexcusable to have this thrown at me at the end of a career that I am proud of. It is unacceptable and I will not take it lying down.”

“At the same time, I want to thank the many persons who have been expressing their support, privately and publicly and those who are praying for me. Your support has been a source of strength in this season.”

 

Drs. Linda Richardson full statement, following is some questions and answers put together by Richardson.

 

Q&A MEMORANDUM ON HOUSING ISSUE

 

In view of the erroneous information given to and spread by the media, upon advice, it is considered more appropriate at this time to focus on the facts in this Q&A memorandum.

In this respect, the following basic questions, which are the root of the accusations, will be addressed.

 

1. What was the arrangement at the beginning of the detachering regarding housing?

 

The costs of a rental home will be reimbursed to S4 by the Island Government to the maximum of Naf. 3.600,--.

 

2. Why did the S4 Board rent the apartment and why did you not take it in your name?

 

The real estate agent insisted that it had to be rented by the organization I was working for, despite my efforts to get it on my name. At the time, most tenants in the apartment were expats who had the same contract. The former treasurer sent an email, dated October 21, 2005 to the other board members, in which he agreed that S4 should rent the apartment for me and mentioned that the difference between the rent and the allotted housing allowance will be discussed by the Board with the Island Government.

 

3. What did you pay on housing costs during your detachering?

 

The rent was paid directly to the housing agency by S4. I did not pay any rent. Neither S4 Board nor the Government of St. Maarten ever made any agreement with me about any contribution to the rental costs.

Kindly note that since last year I had made every effort to move out of the apartment, but needed to submit an employer’s statement to the real estate agent. Despite numerous requests for this document, which was mandatory to rent another home, I never received one. Consequently, I was forced to remain in the same apartment against my will.

 

4. Did you receive the housing allowance from the Island Government?

If so, did you redeposit this allowance in S4 account and if you haven’t, why not?

 

Yes, I received housing allowance from the Island Government, but I was unaware of that until December 2007. Prior to that time, I had no reason to think that the housing allowance was being added to my salary, since in 2005 and 2006, the Government made payments towards my housing to S4. Moreover, my salary slips are sent to the Education Department in St. Maarten, and are only picked up and signed for when I go to St. Maarten or someone else comes to Holland with them. Furthermore, my net salary was far from exorbitant, especially when converted into euro. I therefore had no reason to believe that I was receiving too much money.

 

5. When did you inform S4 and your employer of the wrongful payment?

 

On December 5, 2007, I sent an email about this matter to the Director of Resources, after having received verbal information on this matter from the former S4 treasurer and former head of the Finance Department in St. Maarten, who had discovered the administrative error when he was on a working visit in St. Maarten in November 2007.

 

6. What actions did S4 Board and your employer undertake after you had informed them?

 

The former treasurer informed me of the administrative error upon his return from a working visit to St. Maarten in November 2007. The Board never brought this matter up with me after that. When the present treasurer joined the board in April 2008, I informed him of this matter. To date, I have not received any information from the Board regarding finding any solution to this matter nor did I receive any formal complaint by the Board or the St. Maarten Government about misappropriation of funds. S4 board never contacted me for an explanation nor sent a complaint to my employer, the Island Government of St. Maarten, but instead went to the media with such allegations.

 

After having been informed by me of the administrative error, the matter was discussed several times with the Director of Resources, in terms of balancing off the amount erroneously disbursed to me with the payments I was yet to receive as part of my remuneration at the end of my term. As soon as I arrived in St. Maarten in July 2009, I met with the Director of Resources concerning this matter. A number of points in my contract are not yet resolved and we are still in discussion about this matter to finalize it as soon as possible

It is quite evident, that there had never been any wrongdoing on my part and that I never withheld any information regarding the erroneous payments made to me the moment I became aware of this.

 

Editor’s Note:-- While SMN News did not carry the initial story that was published in the Daily Herald, based on our research we leant that the reporter responsible for the story did try to make contact with Drs. Richardson on several occasion by phone, she also sent emails to Ms. Richardson and her daughter in the hope of reaching Drs. Richardson. SMN News have been trying all last week to make contact with Ms. Richardson for her reaction and we were not successful.

As a media house, we believe both sides should be heard but we do not allow people to dictate what and when we publish information as we do believe the people have a right to know, if the story was never published the people would never have known about this issue. While we also understands the predicament and embarrassment Ms. Richardson is faced with we must acknowledge that there must be a free press to ensure social and economic development of any country. Most of all the issue, which has been ongoing since 2007, will now get the required attention from government and a proper solution might be found where both parties would receive what is rightly owed to them.

Philipsburg:--- Detective Carlton Philips is calling on the Minister of Justice who recently took office to conduct an internal investigation on the management team of the police force whom he said must go. Philips in a detail letter to the editor also spoke to this reporter explaining some of the grievances of several police officers of the KPSSS. He said the management team is on a mission of victimization against persons who spoke out against them, furthermore the majority of the officers of the local police force are unhappy. The officer has accused some members of the management team of self-enrichment, and is calling on the competent authorities to conduct an investigation into these and other matters relating to the police force.

Philips said he has been serving in the police force for the past 35 years and his career began going down the drain after he solved a double homicide where the main suspect was the son of his colleague. “Ever since I solved that case, the father of the suspect began taking bad news to the police management who eventually demoted him for no reason.

The officer who obviously had enough said Assistant Chief of Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran told him February that he had intended to upgrade at least three officers who have the highest degree locally and he happened to be one of the officers. However, Doran he said proposed him two positions, which he was not interested in, he said he asked Doran if he would not assign him back to his former position as head of intelligence since he worked there for several years. “It was then Doran asked me about the problems he had at that department and he explained the new chief he did not have any problem in the department instead he was victimized because he solved a double murder case, which involved the son of his colleague. After explaining this to Doran, he asked me what about the evidence I destroyed and I asked him what he was talking about and for which case. So far Doran has not provided any answers to and he assigned another person as head of intelligence.” Philips further explained that he wrote Doran several letters as well as the coach of he police force Ronald Dongor requesting that an investigation be conducted so that his name can be cleared of the false accusation. So far, the officer said Doran never replied to his letters. He said he also went to the Chief of Police who told him he needed to speak to his superiors.

Phillips explained that he even spoke to outgoing Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein and Stein has promised to get back to him but never did. In an invited comment, Stein admitted that Philips had spoken to him on several occasions and he also requested an investigation. The former chief prosecutor said he requested permission from the attorney general for the investigation, which was finally granted, and the matter is now in the hands of the federal detectives. Stein could not say if the officers who are stationed in Curacao have begun the investigation and how they have progressed.

Below is the letter sent to us:-

My name is Carlton PHILIPS. I am a member of the Police Force of the Netherlands Antilles (K.P.N.A.) for the past 35 years. My rank is inspector and presently I am a team leader at the Detective Department in St. Maarten. I have taken an oath to serve and protect and have kept this oath, at all times during my years of service. In light of this, I can no longer sit back and accept what is taking place in this police organization. I have taken a lot of time and have giving it a lot of thought. I have finally decided to go public and expose some of the wrongdoings in the Police force, with the hope that things will change. I know that things will not get better for me and I expect the members of the police Management Team to embark on a mission to seek and destroy me, even if they have to fabricate accusations against my person. It has been done before. It is evident that the majority of the members of this Police organization are not happy and have no confidence in the Management Team of the Police Force of St. Maarten Saba and St. Eustatius. Certain members of the Police Management Team are behaving as if the Police force belongs to them and use their position in management to victimize those that they dislike or have personal problems with. While they are busy with this campaign, houses are being broken into; armed robberies are taking place on a daily basis. Check the statistics. Under this management, crime has increased and the criminals are having a party. This management team has no idea what they are doing. Its time for a change .We urgently need help. We can no longer cover these people’s backs by not letting the public know what is taking place.

As we embark on our way to becoming a country, our Police organization should be in a position to serve and protect all the people of the country, and give content to the goals and mission of this organization. The people deserve the best. This means that the members of the Police Management Team should be people with integrity, honest, responsible, of undisputed character and should at least be able to manage this very important organization, in a professional manner.

Unfortunately, I have to conclude that this is not the case, at this time. After this Police force has been subjected to a period of utter shame, with several police officers, including high ranking police officers, being arrested, prosecuted and condemned, the police organization is again subjected to a very difficult period. From the outside it may seem that all is well. This is far from the truth.

It is the opinion of the majority of the members of the Police force that this Management Team is incapable of running the Police force in an appropriate and efficient manner. Certain members of the Management team are busy with a witch-hunt and a victimization campaign against a selected few who would dare to voice their disagreement on current “managerial style”. According to information received, several members of the Management team have taken the opportunity to unlawfully enrich themselves. It is rumored that the former Minister of justice probably was misled in this matter.

These things are happening while other members of the force are being wrongfully accused and condemned without even getting the opportunity to defend themselves.

I am one of the victims of the Management Team of the police force and the following is one of several stories:

On February 10, 2009 I was summoned to the office of commissioner Ademar DORAN.

He informed me of the intention of the former Minister of Justice to entrust him with the management of the Police Force. He was very enthusiastic and very happy. I was very happy for him and I congratulated him and wished him all the best in his new position.

Mr. DORAN also informed me that one of his priorities would be to promote the last 3 inspectors with the LMO diploma, to the rank of chief inspector. Being one of those 3 persons in the position of the LMO diploma, which is one of the highest diplomas from the police institute in Curacao, I was very elated that finally I would be promoted. Mr. DORAN went on to offer me at least two top positions in the Police force. I declined those positions. What I found very strange, was that he did not offer me the position of chief of the Criminal Intelligence Department (better known as C.I.D.). I knew that this position would become vacant so I told him that I would be interested in this position. I worked at the department for 11 years. From 1991 to 1994 as a “C.I.D. agent”, from 1994 to 1999 as chief of the C.I.D. and from 1999 to 2002 as a team leader. During that time I traveled on several occasions to the Netherlands, Aruba and Curacao to follow C.I.D. courses. I also attended several drug courses with one of the major topics being “intelligence gathering”. During my work at the C.I.D and in my capacity as chief of the C.I.D., I have had the pleasure of establishing very good contacts with other law enforcement agencies. I also played a very important role in solving several major cases.

My record speaks for itself.

Yet, to my great surprise, Mr. DORAN asked me about “problems” that I supposedly had in the past while working at the C.I.D. I explained to Mr. DORAN that I never had a problem at the department. I explained to him that solving a double murder case in the year 1998, had caused me a lot of pain and sorrow. Shortly after solving this case and having functioned for 5 years as chief of Criminal Intelligence Department, I was suddenly replaced without management ever providing a reason or the decency of an explanation. In fact , I was very smoothly demoted to team leader of the department. It might seem strange but this is the truth. What also contributed to my removal as chief of the department was the fact that I criticize one of my superiors for his unprofessional behavior during an investigation in another murder case. After some time, I requested a transfer from the department. I was transferred to the Narcotics/ Fire arms/ Fraud department to coordinate matters pertaining to fire arms etc. I worked from April 2002 until November 2003 at that department...

After explaining to Mr. DORAN the truth about the so called “problem”, he then proceeded to ask me about the accusation of “destruction of information” while working at the Criminal Investigation Department (C. I.D.).

One can imagine how dumb-founded I became at hearing these accusations. Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine something like that being uttered.

I was left astonished, confused, and speechless. I tried to understand what exactly this good gentleman, was asking me about.

After a short time, I realized exactly what was happening.

Seven years after leaving the department, all of a sudden, because the position of chief of the Intelligence Department would become vacant and there was nothing to prevent me from getting the promotion, I am being accused of a very serious crime, namely “destruction of information”. This is punishable by law under article 366 of the Wetboek van Strafrecht van de Nederlandse Antillen ( Penal code of the Netherlands Antilles ). Mr. DORAN informed me then, that during a meeting of the Management Team, someone had mentioned that I destroyed information while working at the C.I.D.

Who made this accusation and what kind of information or evidence that I supposedly destroyed, was never disclosed to me. I emphatically refuted the accusation and immediately requested an investigation to be carried out to clear my good name and to restore my honor. No matter what, I have to say that I am very grateful to Mr. DORAN for at least asking me about this accusation, which is a BIG LIE. Before this date, at no time was there any talk or accusation about me destroying information.

The following day, on the 11th of February 2009, I officially, by means of a letter, with copies to the local chief of police Mr. Franklyn RICHARDS, the chief public prosecutor Mr. Taco STEIN and the NAPB (Police Union) representatives, chief inspector Carl JOHN and inspector Norwin VILLARREAL, requested an investigation. I requested that the investigation, if possible, be carried out by an impartial entity, the Federal Detectives ( Landsrecherche ).

Up to this date, after waiting for more than seven months, (since 10-2-09) no investigation has been carried out. I have written several times to Mr. DORAN asking for the motive that no investigation was being carried out. He paid no attention to my letters. I have spoken to Mr. DONGOR, the coach in the Management Team requesting him to do whatever is in his power to ensure that an investigation is carried out. He promised to discuss the matter with Mr. DORAN. I have spoken to the chief prosecutor, Mr. Taco STEIN , requesting him to do whatever was in his power to ensure that an investigation be carried out. He promised to do his best.

As a sign of respect for the office of the Lieutenant governor, I subsequently tried to get an audience with him in his capacity as Local Chief of Police. He declined my request and referred me to my superiors. Needless to say that my being unable to meet with the Local Chief of Police was another disappointment to my person. This considering that I clearly recall public statements attributed to the latter, in the past, when he assured members of the police organization that he would always be willing to listen to their concerns, whenever police organization superiors would not do so.

And now it is evident that those who fabricated this shameful lie against my person, succeeded in their ugly intentions. I never received the promotion that Mr. DORAN promised me. The other two officers with the LMO diploma (earlier referred to) are sitting on a chief inspector’s chair and most probably will be promoted, which is the only good news to report at this time.

An interview session for the position of Chief of the C.I.D. did take place within the organization.

Present were Mr. DORAN, the C.I.D. Prosecutor and a member of the RST, stationed in Curacao. It is my opinion that they conspired (“fixed”) for me not to be awarded the position of chief of the C.I.D. I seriously belief that the accusation towards my person contributed to their decision. In the end, the position was awarded to a younger colleague. I wish to emphatically state that I have no problem whatsoever with the colleague who was chosen and I wish him all the best.

I informed the Police Union concerning the unfair treatment, this and other irregularities, and statements made by Mr. DORAN, with regards to the selection process.

Members of the NAPB (Police union) requested a report of the interview, asked about the criteria that were followed and the reason that I was not awarded the position. Mr. DORAN promised on several occasions to supply the report, but up until now, he has not been forthcoming. It is left to one’s imagination as to the reason that he cannot produce such a report.

I am certain that this discreditable lie of “destroying information” has been fabricated in order for me not to get the position in question. I wonder if the person or persons who fabricated this lie, will plant some kind of evidence the next time around. It is crystal clear to me that with this lie, I have been accused and condemned without even getting a formal inquiry instituted. Every suspect has the right to a hearing before being condemned. It seems that this Management Team is afraid of an investigation and is doing everything possible, in order to prevent such an investigation taking place.

By means of this open letter, I am respectfully calling on the leader of government, Mr. William MARLIN and the leader of the opposition Mrs. Sarah WESCOT WILLIAMS to approach the Minister of Justice Mrs. JACOBA soliciting her to do whatever is in her power to insure that the people of St. Maarten receive a proper functioning Police organization with people at its helm who are capable of managing such an important organization, particularly at this crucial time when we are en route to country status.

I am also, respectfully requesting the above mentioned, authorities to forward through the intervention of the Minister of Justice, a request to the Attorney general to:

Investigate the accusation against my person in order to establish if indeed any information has been destroyed and if so, by whom?

Establish if this serious crime was ever brought to his attention in 2002, and if not, the reason that this never happened?

Investigate and establish the role of the C.I.D. prosecutor and the member of the RST, stationed in Curacao, who cooperated with those who fabricated this lie against my person?

Instruct the Federal Detective Department to investigate and establish if any member of the police Management Team has unlawfully and/or unethically enriched themselves?

Investigate and establish if members of the Management Team misled the former Minister of justice in any way whatsoever, with regards to this particular matter?

Investigate the functioning of all members of the police Management Team?

Instruct the S.O.A.B. ( Government Accountant agency ) to investigate possible wrongdoings within the finances of government with regard to the Police force of St. Maarten Saba and St. Eustatius.

I do trust that my going public, at this time, and after many months of careful consideration, will be construed as my strong commitment to the upholding of the integrity of the police force and those honest and hard working members of this organization.

It is certainly my sincere hope that no other interpretation shall be forthcoming as a result of this most difficult and painful decision to publicly share my concerns and try to safeguard against further victimization of my person and others in the organization.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- Island council lady Maria Buncamper Molanus posed several questions pertaining to the Section ROB (Public Works Department) during her presentation at Monday’s Island council meeting. The meeting was called by the Democratic Party Faction to deal with the financial and economic situation of the island.

The department in question is under investigation by the SOAB who already indicated in their preliminary reports that the executive council needs to take serious action. One of the suggestions given to the executive council is to hire an interim manager for the department, which is said to be in chaos.

Buncamper Molanus wants to know the reasons why building permits takes so much time to process and how many of those permits were processed this year and what is the processing time for these permits, she also wants to know if there are applications that were submitted this year and is yet to be processed.

Buncamper Molanus asked what has happened to the “Red Dot” program, which was geared at dealing with the backlog in that department. Most importantly, the island council lady wants to know what role the governor’s cabinet has played when it comes to the decision making regarding building permits. She made clear that she was part of the executive council and she is aware that the governor’s cabinet is somewhat involved in the final stages before the permits are granted. The island council lady asked what expertise the governor’s cabinet has on building permits and if they are assisting the at ROB to ensure that proper decisions are taken. Hoping to get direct information Buncamper Molanus asked how many of these permits pass through the governor’s cabinet per month. She said the executive council is blamed more often than not or even the commissioner who is mandated to sign is the ones that carry the blame, thus she believes the people has a right to know about the procedures, especially the amount of time it stays at each department prior to the issuance of the permit.

In the SOAB reports, it is said several of these applications and dossiers for building permits were found in the toilet at the department. (see related stories).

Another question posed by the council lady regards domain land and how much revenues government gain from these properties. Buncamper Molanus wants to know how many parcels of land were given out including water rights. She asked whom the recipients of the land given out were and what price per square meter it was sold for since all of this generates revenue for government. She asked if persons using domain land is fined when they are in violation of their permits regarding domain land and how much monies have been generated for the year from domain land. She asked specifically for the registration that was compiled by the inspectors, in order to get the exact figures. She made her point by saying she knows that these monies do not end up in the coffers of the island government and thus she believes the people has a right to know how much money St. Maarten is losing since the monies are paid to the federal government.

Buncamper-Molanus also wants to know what it costs government for the maintenance of infrastructures, including properties that are damaged when a light post fall. She said the former government had an agreement with St. Maarten Road Side Services to report these accidents to government. According to the island council lady this agreement is also with the insurance companies who are supposed to pay for the man made damages. She asked if that agreement is still standing or how much it is costing government to conduct the necessary repairs.

Hammering home on the function of ROB the island council lady questions the cost of the drainage of Bishop Hill, which is presently under construction as well as the Cole Bay roundabout. She asked if there has been any overruns when constructing these roundabouts and if so what are the cost of these overruns.

Buncamper Molanus also wants to know what does it cost the island government for the beautification of these roundabouts. She questioned if there were any tendering for the statues that are placed at these roundabouts. She asked about the cost of the Ring Road and if was tendered, Buncamper Molanus said even though the financing of these projects are financed by the harbor, which she said is concession monies. She wants to know when someone takes the sand from one project and use it for another if those in charge are taking government’s money and investing it into another project. She said she wants to know if such a process does not require public tendering as described in the CFT regarding the use of public funds. She also wants to know the cost to remove the silt in the pond and who was contracted to carry out the job, she also wants to know who the consultant for the Ring Road is and what is the cost to the taxpayers.

The island council lady asked if government owes Windward Roads and MNO Vervat and other contractors for the construction of the road projects. She asked for the name of the consultants who worked on these projects.

 

Government Reserves.

 

As for government reserves she said the former executive council under the Democratic Party has managed its finances well and made sure they were reserves and she wants to know if the current government had to broke any of its CD’s to pay for the new cars that were purchased for five commissioners now in office. She asked for monies that are currently on the CD’s and if in fact government had to break, the CD has to pay the August payroll. The island council lady said they needed clarity on these issues since it affects the financial and economic standing of the island. She said government might have a reasonable argument for breaking the CD’s.

She asked about the economic indicators and what are the arrivals at the both the airport and St. Maarten Ports Authority. She said the DP faction already asked for this information but to date the answers were not provided. Buncamper Molanus said she submitted a letter to the chairman requesting this information and even though they are receiving confirmation receipt from the governor’s cabinet, the answers are not forthcoming.

 

Labour and Social Welfare.

 

Buncamper Molanus asked for the figures on the dismissals that were submitted to the island and federal labour. She asked for the list of persons who registered at the labour department seeking work, and how many have requested Social Welfare. She said she wants to know if the social welfare recipients increased or decreased compared to the same period last year. She also asked for the figures that were paid out thus far on social welfare in 2009. She asked for the overview on the amount of work permits that were submitted for the year 2009, and those that were given both positive and negative advice.

Buncamper Molanus wants to know about the vending policy, which is intended to give vendors a fair chance in making a living. She wants to know where that policy and what is government is doing with it.

 

Laviest wants more indebt answers

 

While the island council lady asked several questions on ROB, she did not touch on the maintenance department, which is headed by her spouse. Independent member of the Island Council Louie Laveist said he wants to know who manages that department and why questions were not posed on it. He asked for the financial management of that specific department in ROB. He wants to know how are the contracts from that department is handled. He said he is not attacking anyone, instead, he feels it is only fair to provide the people with answers on the entire ROB.

As for the land, Laveist said he wants to know who the recipients of the domain land were and the specifics on the issuing of this land and what part of the island they received and how many square meters they each received. Laviest warned that people needed to be careful in what they are asking for because in this case they might just get it. Laveist during his short presentation made two proposals to the council. He said it is his belief that the island council members should come forward with solutions to the existing problems and not try to grandstand anyone. His first proposal was geared towards bringing relief to the people during this recession. Laveist said he intends to send a letter to the executive council on behalf of his faction requesting that they invite the supervisory board of GEBE to discuss their rates. The idea he said is to make sure the government owned company would be able to adjust or lower its rates thereby producing relief. Laviest made clear he was not making this proposal to attack the managing director of that company since he knows there are problems between the supervisory board and the managing director. He said if necessary, the managing director should also participate in this meeting when it is held.

The independent councilor made a second proposal to the executive council advising them that they begin to sell its domain land to those occupying the land. He said this would not only generate much needed revenue but it would allow people to become property owners. The island council was adjourned to October 2 where the answers would be provided.

 

 

Hammeau du Pond:--- Relatives of another 20 year old young man identified as Jean-Dany Theodore Richardson are now mourning his sudden death. Richardson was shot dead just around midnight on Sunday close to his home. Richardson is also the boyfriend of the sister of murder victim Rigobert Bertin-Maurice who was killed in Marigot on Thursday night. Already it has been determined that the two killings are not related, even though there are connections with both victims.

According to an eyewithness who spoke to this reporter on the condition of anonymity fearing for her life said a young man dressed in black wearing something around his head walked up to Richardson and asked him for his scooter. She said Richardson who is also her cousin looked at the person and when he saw the person had a gun he jumped off of the scooter. The young woman said it was about six of them sitting on the block which is close to their home and the person who came to Richardson for the scooter walked up to him and shot him in the neck.

“This person acted as if he is a paid killer, he was calm and was not in any hurry when he came for the scooter and to kill Richardson. It was clear that someone probably paid the person to kill Richardson because there was no fight or struggle for the scooter. This is no robbery and the person who did this is no first time killer, he acted like a professional.” The young woman further explained that she hid behind a car when she saw what was taking place, she said she had her 15 year old brother whom she pulled next to her and when he saw what was happening he screamed out “ah-you” twice and the attacker then began looking to see where the voice was coming from. She said she had the feeling if that person had seen where they were hiding he would have killed them also. Asked if she recognized the shooter the young woman said she did not see his face but she had a good look at his build.

After shooting Richardson the shooter rode away with the scooter belonging to Richardson. The young woman said that a jeep carrying Dutch license plate was parked not far away from where the shooting took place. She said when the occupants of the jeep saw the shooter leaving they drove off while the shooter rode behind the jeep as they left the scene.

Asked how she feels about the ordeal the young woman said she believed strongly that the laws have to be changed on the island. She felt that the justice system is too weak

which allows criminals to continue. The young woman said she strongly believes that the death sentence has to be reinstated in the French laws.

 

Ambulance took too Long says family.

Another teenager who was at the scene of the crime said she is upset with the amount of time the ambulance took to respond to the scene. She said they called (18) six times and once the phone number was even busy. The young woman said when the ambulance and gendarmes arrived they came slowly. The teenage girl said the ambulance did not have enough oxygen to even assist the victim who eventually died on the scene.

Efforts made to contact the head of the pompier for a comment on this case and the allegations levied against the emergency services proved futile up to press time.

In the meantime, the aunt of Rigobert Bertin Maurice and lawyer Patricia Duzant- Chance was on SOS radio condemning the killings. Rollina Bertin Maurice is asking the public to stop talking negatively about her deceased nephew. She also condemned the media articles that were printed both French Newspapers and the The Daily Herald. In the meantime, the sister of Rigobert Bertin Maurice has been hospitalized due to his sudden death. The young woman also lost her boyfriend at the hands of gunmen on Sunday night which has caused her condition to worsen.

 

 

Philipsburg: --- Owners of exotic clubs who are accustomed of bringing in dancers for their clubs were confronted with a major surprise that would grossly affect their businesses on Wednesday. SMN News has learnt that the head of the labour department Raphael Boasman has informed his employees to refuse all memorandums, which allows the club owners to change the names of the dancers coming to St. Maarten. One of the businessmen spoke to this reporter on the condition of anonymity saying that the civil servants at the island labour department told him that the memorandums are illegal and those signing them were not acting in compliance with the law.

The businessman said the labour department has accepted the document in the past, which he provided to SMN News. He said he does not know when the department found out they were accepting an illegal document, neither was he told what is illegal about it. Based on the sex industry policy published in 2003 only six clubs are allowed to bring in prostitutes while the others are only allowed to bring in dancers for their clubs, but the memorandums in question states that the businessman paid to process permit for prostitutes (animeermeisjes) instead of dancers. Another concern is that immigration has no competence over island labor and the processing of work permits, reasons why the labour department has refused to honor the memorandum.

The businessman; further explained that one of the major hindrances club owners face is the length of time the landing permits take to process which on more than one occasion has caused the dancers to cancel their contracts. He said the labour department charges $900 to process the documents for each dancer and this money has to be paid in advance. When the dancers cancel because the landing permits were not ready on time then the Chief of Police would issue a memorandum, which allows the business; to use the money he paid for the dancer that canceled for another applicant.

The businessman said some 24 dancers cancelled their contracts with him this year because they got another deal while waiting for their landing permits to come to St. Maarten. He said he is now concerned with the amount of money he stands to loose at no fault of his. “It is unbelievable for us to understand this because the ten clubs on St. Maarten are the biggest clients of the labour department.” The club owner explained.

In an invited comment, the Chief of Police Franklyn Richards said he did not know what document the club owners are referring to and because of that, he has nothing to say.

Another surprise the businessman said he was confronted with on Wednesday is that he was also informed that he can no longer bring in any dancer that is under the age of 25 and no older than 57.

The well-known businessman said he contested the new rule since his permit specifically states that dancers can be no less than 18 years of age. SMN News understands that Boasman is applying the rules of the revised labour policy which states that working permits would only be granted to first time applicants that is 25 years of age and older.

SMN News has learnt that when the news was delivered to the club owners they immediately mobilized themselves to deal with what they termed as injustice against businesses during a recession. The club owners also met with leader of government William Marlin and they provided him with proof of the amount of dancers they brought in this year that was under the age of 25. Marlin was also given copies of the memorandums that were once accepted. One club it is understood brought in over 55 dancers that were under 25 since the implementation of the revised labour policy on January 12 while another two that is owned by one person had the same amount. Asked for a comment on the ongoing issue Marlin said he is to discuss the matter with the Lt. Governor to see what has changed. Marlin refused to divulge any information on the issue.

 

ONDERSTAND RECIPIENTS STANDS TO LOOSE IF OFF ISLAND

 

Recipients of Onderstand (Welfare) who are off island for more that three months would also be loosing their benefits and taken off the list. SMN News has learnt that the head of island labour has made these changes without the blessings of the executive council.

In an invited comment, Commissioner of Social Affairs Hyacinth Richardson said he also heard of these changes but assured that his office did not instruct Social Affairs to take anyone off the onderstand list. The commissioner said he is busy looking into the matter.

In the meantime, SMN News have reported that Boasman has lost his mandate for the signing of work permits, however, the changes taken by the executive council has to first be ratified by the governor general. Just last Sunday leader of government William Marlin said they are still waiting for a response from the governor general.

Sources say that the executive council is busy interviewing several persons who would replace Boasman. It is understood that Boasman would at some point be transferred to another department. SMN News have learnt some of the candidates that were interviewed are those that worked in the department before are currently on pension.

 

 

 

PHILIPSBURG/ THE VALLEY: ----It was all smiles, tears and even laughter for Elisabeth Fredericks the woman who was once called the "stateless woman” when she was presented with her British Passport in the presence of human rights advocate Terry Peterson. Elisabeth and her children travelled to Anguilla on Thursday where she was officially presented with her British passport after it was proven that she was born on Anguilla on May 4 1964 to Sylvia Richardson.

According to the records at the civil registry, Elisabeth was registered as Sandra Elizabeth Richardson of North Hill. Further research conducted by the Anguillan Civil Registry verified who some of Elisabeth’s relatives, Elisabeth did a deed poll to change her name from Sandra Elizabeth Richardson to Elisabeth Fredericks, the name she carried all her life even though Stateless and without an identity.

Terry Peterson said what seems to be a long and futile battle for an identity for Elisabeth and her children who are also affected by her ordeal has come to an end. Elisabeth was abandoned by her mother Sylvia Richardson-Gumbs who was found to be living in St. Thomas as a regular writer to the editors of the Anguillan Newspapers. Also accompanying Elisabeth on Thursday was councilor from the court guardianship Ms. Doris Dedier and a member of the governor’s cabinet.

Fredericks, who grew up on the island of St. Maarten, never had a birth certificate and was not really sure where she was born. What she does know is that she grew up at Down Street, did all her schooling on St. Maarten, and at one point worked for the Island Government of St. Maarten as a civil servant.

Fredericks also filed applications for passports for all her children who are also Stateless. The are expected to receive their passports in the next two weeks.

At one point, she was told that she had been born in Anguilla, but there were no records to prove this, and on other occasions, her birthplace was stated as “unknown.” On many occasions, she was asked to seek assistance in Anguilla, where she was claimed to have been born. A 10-year search from 1960 to 1970 in the civil registry of Anguilla revealed that there was no record of an Elisabeth Fredericks ever being born in 1964 or 1969 on the island of Anguilla, thus causing the Census Office in St. Maarten to revise its entry of her registration of 1967 and ‘British’ status to ‘Unknown’. In fact, Ms. Fredericks received letters to that effect in 1998, 2004 and 2008. In a letter to the Head of Civil Registry in St. Maarten on October 29, 2008, the Registrar General of Anguilla, Judicial Department, stated, ‘A search was carried out at the Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriage and there is no entry of a birth recorded on May 6, 1969, or any other date for Ms. Elisabeth Fredericks.” In addition, they were right.

Elisabeth along with Terry J. Peterson then took her case to Mr. Gert Jan Stortelers, Representative of the Netherlands in the Netherlands Antilles (VNP) on Monday, December 22, 2008. He agreed that she had a good case, which deserved special attention because of her health situation, and promised to do everything possible to expedite a resolution to Ms. Fredericks’ situation. During the meeting, he even telephoned the office of the Governor General of the Netherlands Antilles and pledged to consult with the Lieutenant Governor of St. Maarten at the earliest opportunity to see what could be done to expedite a temporary travel document for her travel to Holland for urgent medical attention.

Earlier this year, Elisabeth received an official written response from the Lieutenant Governor of St. Maarten, Mr. Franklyn E. Richards, in respect to her requests on last Kingdom Day. In a letter dated January 9, 2009, Lt. Governor Richards indicated that her case was high on the agenda of his cabinet and expressed his commitment to have her situation resolved in accordance with the law. He expressed that he was happy that there was a good relationship between his staff and Ms. Fredericks, and that his legal team would work diligently together to bring her case to good closure. The Lt. Governor of St. Maarten had also consulted with the Governor of the Netherlands Antilles, that in fact, Elisabeth had received a call from the Cabinet of the Governor of the Netherlands Antilles reassuring her that the case had their attention too. All of this culminated with Elisabeth being granted the temporary travel document and flying outside of the Netherlands Antilles for the first time, to the Netherlands on the first of February, 2009. However, the search for her identity continued.

Searches were conducted in all the places where her mother was thought to have lived, specifically, Anguilla, Marigot, and St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. However, there was no record of “Elisabeth Fredericks.” Until, more searches in Anguilla revealed a record of a Sandra Elizabeth Richardson of North Hill, being born on May 4, 1964 to Sylvia Richardson, a birth date that coincided with what Elisabeth Fredericks had, and it also contained information about her family. The information was further verified by the Anguillan Civil Registry. However, in order to keep her name as “Elisabeth Fredericks,” she had to undergo a deed poll in accordance with British Law. With the British nationality, her children will now be able to, if they choose, apply for Dutch nationality according to the law.

Elizabeth and her family are very happy with this development and would like to thank the Governors of St. Maarten and the Netherlands Antilles for their support, interest, and efforts in her case. She would also like to thank the staff of the Governor’s cabinet and Legal Team, the personnel at the Census office of St. Maarten and the Registrar General and staff of Judicial Affairs Department of Anguilla, the Government of Anguilla, the Bureau of Police Affairs and Prosecutor’s office (OM) of St. Maarten, the IND Office and all supporting donors and sponsors for their understanding, cooperation and assistance. However, most of all, she would like to thank especially, Mr. Terry J. Peterson, who she said, “kept fighting for me to have an identity in spite of heavy criticism, intimidation and ridicule.” “Had it not been for the death of Stanley Gumbs, he probably would have never heard my story.”

In an invited comment, Ms. Dorris Dedier of the Court of Guardianship, who had taken Elisabeth’s children away from her eleven years ago because of her inability to handle the stress and victimization she was experiencing at the time, said, “I am relieved that now Elisabeth can walk tall and proud of having an identity. She can feel like she belongs. No one can continue to treat her as if she is a Nobody. Her family and rights have been restored. Elisabeth’s children now have a place to belong and call home. Now, they can find their place in their society, culture, family, and nation.”

Terry J. Peterson added that, “No longer will they feel humiliated by employers and employment agencies wanting them to produce a passport to get a job or stressed-out by banks to present a passport to open a bank account. Her kids will have equal access to health-care, social security, and governmental scholarships. She is now able to exercise her right to freedom of movement, the right to leave and to return to her country, and the right to a nationality. Elizabeth is very grateful and is now very confident that she and her children now have an identity in time for Christmas.”

 

 

Philipsburg: --- Lack of leadership skills, lack of trust, and personal victimization are only some of the reasons why the management team of the St. Maarten Police Force (KPSSS) is falling apart. SMN News has been reliably informed that at least one member of the management team Hildo Martina has already indicated that he would tender his resignation from the management team. Sources say Martina has already submitted a medical certificate to the management of the police force on Tuesday.

It is understood that Martina would declare his intentions to the management and other justice heads on Monday and Tuesday next week when the management and other stakeholders meet to discuss the status of the police force.

It said the top cop is depressed and is now on sick leave as he contemplates the decisions he has to take. The source said Martina is not happy with his colleagues in management, namely the Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran and Lourdes Lake of Human Resources. This media house understands that the two are allegedly on a witch-hunt against officers and other administrative staff that has worked for years in the police force on St. Maarten.

SMN News also understands that Martina already had meetings with a lawyer as he intends to seek equality. As reported on Tuesday Martina who is now a scale 14 is carrying out the job of a scale 15, as he is the head of General Division. Another concern for the top cop, it is understood his colleague managed to have his promotion retroactive to 2007 while he only got his as of June 2009. Hildo Martina it is said has served the police force for over 40 years.

One of the persons that are allegedly being victimized is Jason Juliet who went for training in Curacao to work in the technical department. It is understood that because management has issues with Geronimo Juliet, (Jason’s father) they are intentionally keeping him away from the department he has to work in, they said right now the younger Juliet is carrying boxes in the police station while the central government spent over Naf. 5000.00 for his training course.

Sources say management is working hard to remove the elder Juliet from his post at the Princess Juliana International Airport.

SMN News also understands that certain members of the management team who are under qualified and not capable of performing the duties assigned to them has also been using their power in management to hinder other workers. It is said some two months ago a list was put together including files to be sent to Curacao where a number of persons were upgraded to match Curacao. One of those persons was Sylvia Gibbs who had her share of prosecution from the management team and former Minister of Justice David Dick. The source said someone in management removed Gibbs file and did not send it to Curacao, she was supposed to be upgraded from scale 11 to 12 while some immigration officers moved from scale 8 to 9. SMN News understands that all the other persons who were on the list received their extra monies while Gibbs did not, and only then her life long partner Hildo Martina found out that her files was intentionally taken out by someone in management. Some time last year, Gibbs was sent home and ordered not to visit the police station simply because she had a certain media article on her office wall. It is said the former Minister of Justice David Dick saw the article and did not feel it was appropriate and as such, he ordered former chief commissioner of police Richard Panneflek to send her home. Gibbs was home for six months and was proceeding to courts when she was asked to drop the case and return to work. Prior to that Gibbs was accused of taking out personal information from the human resources department and leaked it to the media. She was also accused of taking out valuable documents from the police department, none of which could be proved. Despite that, the source said Gibbs is being victimized on a daily basis by her superior whom they said is not qualified to hold the position. “the police force has not improved since this person took office, so it would be best for them to leave.” The source said.

SMN News also learnt that one of the requests that would be coming from the unions early next week is the immediate removal of Doran and Lake from the management team. The officers as well as the general public they said has lost confidence in these two individuals and if they are to restore peace and harmony then the two must leave forthwith.

SMN News also understands that St. Maarten is facing a major predicament because at least two persons from the management team, namely Martina and Francesca are scheduled to go on pension sometime in May 2010, while Dongor’s contract will end in April and there is no one locally to replace them. The source said Ademar Doran is also scheduled to leave the island sometime in November to begin studying in Holland. Already a Dutch national is scheduled to begin working at the police station as of October 8. The individual (Harry Sonder-wal) worked for some months in the human resource department and he left when his contract had ended sometime last year. SMN News understands that Sonder-wal is now on pension and he was hired by USONA as a technical assistant. It is also understood that at least five more professionals from Holland are expected to arrive on St. Maarten come January to take up positions in management of the KPSSS.

In the meantime, detective Carlton Philips is continuing with his mission for justice, Philips in an open letter to all media houses locally and in Curacao said, he wants an investigation to clear his name. The officer said earlier this year Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Ademar Doran accused him of destroying evidence in 2002 while at the Criminal Investigation Department.

On Tuesday, Philips met with the leader of the Democratic Party Sarah Wescot Williams where he presented his case, which he wants taken to parliament. SMN News was on hand to capture a photograph of the meeting, which was held at the faction office. SMN News also learnt that Phillips is scheduled to meet with the other senators from the National Alliance faction where he would also present his case. The officer is also expected to travel to Curacao where he would lobby other parliamentarians to take up his case.

Following is a second letter sent to the media by detective Philips on Tuesday.

 

OPEN LETTER TO THE MANAGEMENT OF THE KPSSS.

 

PHILIPSBURG, 15 SEPTEMBER 2009

 

I, Carlton PHILIPS, have taken note of your undated press release in the media on September 15 2009.

Your kind attention is requested for the following:

Point number 1

Management failed to acknowledge that I, Carlton PHILLIPS, requested since February 11 2009 that an investigation be carried out concerning the accusation of “destruction of information” (in 2002). I am certain that management is aware of the fact that this is punishable by law (article 366 of the penal code of the Netherlands Antilles). I have indicated several times that I am innocent, that someone fabricated a lie, and requested that an investigation be carried out. I also indicated, that my name should be cleared and that I will not rest until my good name and honor is restored. A person’s credibility, honor and character are very sacred. Management paid no attention to my request. It seems that the fact that the open letter which appeared on September 10 th and 11, 2009, in the newspapers and on the internet finally convinced the Management of the KPSSS that I am very serious about this matter.

Point number 2

I also, believed that this issue involves an internal personnel matter. Had management dealt with this internal personnel matter in a professional and speedy manner, there would have been no reason for me going public. The fact that management indicated that no further announcement will be made at this time, is for the account of management. Management also indicated that the accusations that were launched in general terms, will be investigated. Take your time. For my part you can take another seven months to investigate these accusation, and whatever other matter you choose to investigate.

I am clean and I am determined in my quest for justice.

Point number 3

The fact that management indicated that, in general terms, management would like to say that it works hard to constantly improve the quality of the KPSSS should be applauded. That management is ambitious to always appoint the most suitable candidate within the corps when a vacancy is available is something tremendous and should be encouraged.

In January 2009, Mr. Richard PANNEFLEK left his post as acting chief of police. In February 2009, another person was approached and appointed to this position. There was no selection procedure. There was no other candidate. This means that, in this particular case, no mention can be made of “the most suitable candidate”. I can vividly remember that the former minister of justice indicated that the present acting chief of police will have to upgrade himself. I sincerely belief that his advice should be followed as soon as possible. This could maybe, lead to greater trust within the police organization.

Point number 4

Mention is made of the fact that the candidate that is not appointed to a position may protest the rejection of his candidacy.

I believe that management is trying hard to deviate from the core of my open letter. There is no need to mention anything about court for civil servants. After being on the force for 35 years I definitely know the procedure.

Further, the issue at hand is not the position that was awarded to the most suitable candidate, but the big lie that was fabricated. For me that position is something of the past. I believe that management is underestimating the intelligence of the people and that this statement is misleading.

With god’s blessings, I am looking toward a bright future, hoping that soon we will have a police organization consisting of honest, dedicated and professional people in the Management team. All this, in preparation for country St. Maarten.

Your friend and colleague,

Carlton PHILIPS

 

 

St. Maarten Pride Foundation and EPIC welcome Government’s recently announced alteration to the Ring road project. The alteration to the original plan as announced by Commissioner Heyliger is based on recommendations by the Foundations.

The change includes the designation of the Soualiga road, which runs through Pond Island, as the proposed Ring road’s eastern border as an alternative to the previously planned filling-in and destruction of the Great Salt Pans monument.

The aforementioned change is an extremely significant milestone and victory, not just for the Foundations but for current and future generations of St. Maarteners everywhere. The Foundations congratulate Government on taking this important decision and call for the urgent implementation of a Zoning Plan for the Great Salt Pond to prevent future illegal filling and ensure the protection of the Great Salt Pans monument and internationally recognized Important Bird Area (IBA).

In principle St. Maarten Pride Foundation and EPIC continue to be against the entire Ring road project based on a number of previously publicized concerns.

The Foundations are, for instance, still very much concerned about the consequences the Ring road project will have on the water retention capacity of the Great Salt Pond. Pride and EPIC are not convinced by Mr. Kurt Ruan’s, of the New Works and Projects Department, recently published statement “that the holding capacity of the Great Salt Pond will remain at its optimal level”.

The study Government often refers to when mentioning the required water storage capacity of the Great Salt Pond (109 ha (hectare)) was carried out in 1996 (Grabowsky & Poort study) and is therefore outdated and not based on the current rate of construction or the state of St. Maarten’s infrastructure.

The removal of vegetation on the Great Salt Pond’s surrounding hillsides and in valleys for the building of homes, businesses etc. or the construction of roads continues to reduce the water retention capacity of these areas and therefore channels increasingly large volumes of water to the Fresh Pond and the Great Salt Pond. The influx of rainwater into the Fresh Pond and the Great Salt Pond over the past few years has consequently increased at a rapid rate. Recent flooding has highlighted the fact that the abovementioned activities combined with large scale land reclamation has significantly reduced the Pond’s water retention capacity. The building of the Ring road, is therefore likely to lead to serious flooding of the Sucker Garden, Illidge Road, Zagers Gut and Greater Philipsburg Area.

Considering the aforementioned St. Maarten Pride Foundation and EPIC believe Government should be planning for increased water storage capacity rather than further reducing the Great Salt Pond’s present water storage capacity.