Articles

I will start by admitting, that crimes occur everywhere, in every country, by all nations and will always occur one way or the other.

Also, that the perpetrators of crime, can be of every possible gender and from every social stratification.

Therefore, even among our own native St. Martin people, there are criminals and in the days before the island was 'discovered' by tourism, there was crime – albeit very minimal.

In other words, our own native St. Martin People have involvement in crimes and we must deal with them accordingly.

However, the number- and the brutality of crimes now paralyzing this island, represents a phenomenon completely alien to us, native St. Martin People and to our culture.

In addition, this trend is very damaging to our psyche, our pride, dignity, sense of justice and our economy.

Subsequently, the time has come, that we stand up in defense of our native St. Martin People, our traditional culture and values and not let all kinds of un-invited forms of 'low-lives' transform our island in some crime-infested slum.

In other words, we can no longer allow for others, entering our community to create a new questionable 'brand-name' for our island – that is un-acceptable !

For the record, it was because of the kindness, the hospitality, the respect towards visitors, that our island back in the fifties, got the name of the 'Friendly island'.

Let it be clear, that it was not because of illegal immigrants, nor because of crime, violence etc. that we got that name and that consequently millions of visitors, repeatedly visited our island and fell in love with its native people and its beauty.

It was because of us, real, native St. Martiners who were then by far the majority on the island.

Fast forward many years now.

We have an island, 'infested' with illegal immigrants, many with criminal backgrounds, deported from the US and from elsewhere.

Many are diabolic psychopaths, lacking the minimal level of conscience and morals, whose very presence and activities have intimidated, dominated and clouded the real St. Martiners from being recognized by our visitors.

Consequently, and understandably so, many of our high valued visitors have become so confused, so terrified and traumatized by the rising crimes, that many are now giving up on the once 'Friendly island'.

And, while words can not begin to express our disgust, shock and anger at the recent gruesome, double murder on the American couple, more future crimes of this magnitude can not be ruled out.

For one simple reason.

Unless our authorities in Government on both sides of the island, have the courage to start ridding, once and for ever, our island of all unwanted criminal elements and illegal immigrants, it will remain impossible to get a clear picture of 'who is who' and of what is going on here on the island.

After all, the more illegal immigrants, the more difficult it becomes for us to rebuild our traditional form of social control- and cohesion.

This lack of social control creates a community of 'see and don't see' and of 'minding my own business', which is a perfect breeding ground for criminals to operate and continue attacking those, on whose economy, we strongly depend – our valued tourists and other visitors !

In ending, on behalf of the native, indigenous St. Martin People, who are very shocked at this heinous crime, I recommend you to stress to our Government, that unless the island is thoroughly cleaned up, it will not be responsible to keep sending your people into this 'war-zone'.

Our sincerest sympathy goes out to the family of Mr. and Mr. King – may their souls rest in peace.

Drs. Leopold JAMES
President of the St. Martin Grassroots People Movement
And proud, native, indigenous St. Martiner – with out apologies.

Hard Rock has officially opened its doors in Mexico with the re-flagging of two all-inclusive resorts, Hard Rock Hotel Cancun and Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta. Each Hard Rock Hotel Mexico location is a beachfront property that features what has been described as unmatched, all-inclusive luxury accommodations including in-room double Jacuzzis, fine dining, live entertainment and much more.

Hard Rock Hotels also feature an extensive collection of authentic memorabilia from international and local music artists, while incorporating diverse music genres throughout. Additionally, in keeping with the Hard Rock tradition, each property will host an on-going schedule of live concerts, celebrity driven events and other exciting on-site activities.

A newsletter from the website Everything St. Maarten.com by Publisher Jeff Berger, over the weekend reported that the Hard Rock takeover of Simpson Bay Resort & Hollywood Casino may be closer than thought.

As mentioned in a previous commentary, the Hard Rock International brand will be a plus for Sint Maarten if all goes well with the acquisition. A reported overall expansion of the current Pelican property by an additional 150 to 200 rooms, an investment of around US$85 million, would be a very much welcome investment into the country's economy, especially for the construction sector during this phase.

Hard Rock International brand has 173 venues in 53 countries, including 138 Cafes and 15 Hotels/Casinos.

The welcome branding and expansion of the resort would be a positive economic development for the country. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its quarterly update to its World Economic Outlook expects the world economy to expand 3.5 per cent this year, and that's slightly down from its previous estimate of 3.6 per cent in April.

The IMF has also cut its forecast for global growth to 3.9 per cent in 2013, from 4.1 per cent three months ago. The IMF also warned that the United States could fall back into a recession next year if the US Congress doesn't deal with a pending fiscal crisis that comes due at the end of the year. The 17-country Eurozone appears to be heading for its second recession in three years.

With all of the aforementioned going on, the business community of Sint Maarten has been resilient in these trying times which have tested our entrepreneurial spirit. The longevity of the global economic slowdown that broke in the latter half of 2008, and didn't impact our country until the latter part of 2009, has allowed us to take stock and re-model the way we do business.

As the Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart recently pointed out at the Barbados Network Consultation 2012; a recession, though painful, provided opportunities for countries to achieve new areas of growth.

"A downturn or recession forces all those who produce goods to become more creative, efficient and competitive, in terms of quality and price, for purposes of survival. (The recession) also makes space for innovation," Stuart noted.

Hard Rock International's interests demonstrate confidence in the economic vitality of the country with respect to long-term growth and a great return on investment. Interests by the American Clinic in the development of medical tourism, is one of those opportunities that Prime Minister Freundel mentioned that comes from a global recession in achieving a new area of growth for our national economy.

Medical tourism will catapult the country into a new sphere of economic growth and prosperity over the long-term for the people and the country. Friends and family members from medical tourists will need a place to stay while their love one is being treated, and Hard Rock International hotel and other hotels and businesses on the island will all benefit from the tourism economy linkages.

Roddy Heyliger

First of all I would like to express how pleased and grateful my family and I are with the latest decision of the Courts regarding the enforcement of the Dutch American Friendship Treaty. Hopefully, it means that we are getting closer to the end of what we feel was an unnecessary legal saga and it will provide my family with some peace of mind in this regard.
Additionally, I would like to point out why I believe that if you have the attitude to look at the "glass half full" you could clearly see why the application of the Treaty will be a very positive thing for St. Maarten for the following reasons:
-St. Maarten 1956 vs. St. Maarten 2012: When the treaty was entered between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the United States in 1956 the spirit and the intent of the agreement was to facilitate and incentivize foreign investments into the Kingdom and its territories at a time when the economic situation was grim and it was much needed. Unfortunately 56 years later St. Maarten finds itself in a similar situation where foreign capital, entrepreneurship, and certain skilled labor is hard to find. Why not embrace and facilitate that investment from a country that is geographically close to St. Maarten and that has demonstrated over the years its support, love and enjoyment of the island?
-Marketing the benefits of the Treaty: St. Maarten receives an estimated 70% of its guest flow from the U.S. per year, what an opportunity to demonstrate to our major market source how we appreciate their business. U.S. tourists would now be able to stay up to 6 months without the necessity of any paperwork extensions or interference to their enjoyment. All tourists destinations are always searching for ways to extend their guest stay, since longer stays means more financial influx to their economies. Here we have an opportunity staring us right on the face, let's take advantage of it and give it a positive spin.
From the Real Estate side what a marketing tool this could be for showing prospective affluent U.S. purchasers t one of the benefits on owning in St. Maarten is the easiness of staying on the island up to 6 months without the need of any paperwork besides your passport? Since we now live in a global community where our local publications are followed by people all over the world I have already received numerous emails from people that are looking forward to spending more time on the island based on this "new" development of the Treaty.
-Volunteerism and public service attitude of U.S. Professionals: Most U.S. professional living abroad are known for their community service attitude towards the places that have embraced them as their temporary or permanent homes. St. Maarten has not been the exception. Literally dozens of Americans donate countless hundreds of hours per year in St. Maarten side by side with local professionals providing their knowledge, education and expertise for the benefit to the community and the island as a whole without asking anything in exchange. I have no doubt that the Treaty if properly marketed will serve as an invaluable tool to attract some more investors and professionals of this caliber to the island, which in turn should result in additional employment opportunities for the community.
I sincerely hope that this will be the last stage of this case. I also hope that the relevant authorities "look at the glass half full" and embrace the Treaty as quickly as possible as an opportunity for the overall improvement of St. Maarten socially and economically which we all know is badly needed.

Ricardo Perez

Dear Editor,

I am so tired. I am so tired of seeing our beautiful island being taken away from us. We build more and more concrete and now we continue filling in our ponds.
Different government? Same idea! None of them really care about our environment.
We are going to fill in our lagoon with a causeway and a sewage plant? We don't care about cleaning it up. We just want to fill it in.
Our salt pond? Part of our national heritage. Most of it is one big dump; the highest hill in Philipsburg. Now we are going to fill in even more of it for a cricket stadium and a drag strip?
Maybe I am too old, but none of it makes sense to me.
Why isn't there a public outcry over this? Why isn't the community protesting? Maybe they are just as tired as I am, feeling that government does what they want no matter what.
I just happened to be re reading National Symbols , edited by Lasana M. Sekou.
On page 107, there is an illustration of the ponds of St. Maarten.
If you have the book, take a look and count how many of those ponds are left.
The chapter in the book starts with this sentence: "A ring of over twenty ponds constitutes one of the most striking natural features of St. Martin."
Well, not any more, and it is only getting worse.
Instead of a government who says let's preserve and clean up what we have left, we have a government (another one) who says let's fill it in.

The environmentalists on the island are speaking to deaf ears and climbing obstacles that are impossible to overcome.

By the way, the annual International Coastal Cleanup will be held this Sunday at La Belle Creole, starting at 8:00 AM. I wonder how many politicians from either side of the island will join into help.
I will be counting them on one hand just like I am counting what's left of our ponds on one hand.

Sadly submitted,

Barbara Cannegieter

Environmentalist

Member of Parliament and Faction Leader of the National Alliance George Pantophlet is asking the people to work with them. The world is going through one its most economical and environmental challenges. Political turmoil continues in some countries that affect the price of oil. On our beautiful island we see this again resulting in the increase of gasoline prices. Transportation costs to import goods have also increased. There are external factors over which we have no control but we can take some steps internally to mitigate the effects and the suffering of our people. Things are hard, extremely hard. The Member of Parliament is convinced that if Government, Private Sector, Unions, NGO's and the Church can come together we can make it through these trying times. On May 21, 2012 this government took office and we understand that there are many who want to see their individual and collective situation improved overnight. But this is not the reality. The coming together of one and all is of utmost importance. There is so much to address. He will always remain steadfast that the most important thing in any country is the Social and Economic Development of its people. All of us have a role to play in this. What has to happen when we come together is that a list of priorities must be established. Our pensioner have their needs, the unemployed have their needs, the teachers have their needs, the sick have their needs, the law enforcement have their needs, the youth have their needs, civil servants have their needs and the list goes on. But everything cannot be addressed or every problem cannot be solved all at once. Again he repeats that a list of priorities must be drawn up we must work in a cohesive manner to ensure that the steps agreed upon are executed in a timely fashion. One of his major concerns has always been the relationship between Employers and employees. And this came about because of his many years working at the Immigration Department and now as a representative of the people. He gets the impression that some he hopes not too many employers feel that he is against business. This is far from the truth. It is the responsibility of government to create the environment where business can thrive. And business in turn should live up to its responsibilities by providing employment paying proper wages and benefits. And where government is concerned he has no doubt that a key to factor to its proper functioning is the civil apparatus and its ability to execute or provide the needed services. To the people of St. Maarten he says work with us.

MP George Pantophlet

Fellow St. Martin Patriots and lovers of St. Martin, North- and South,

You are kindly invited to attend our very first, monthly St. Martin nation building jollification.

The main purpose of this event, is to allow for St. Martin People to come together in fellowship with one another, to inspire one another to rebuild our St. Martin cultural-heritage and to claim our rights as native, indigenous St. Martiner People.

There will many interesting activities, while local food and drinks will be at sale.

Also, there will be booths and space for tents available for a very attractive price, where interested St. Martiners can sell their own local products.

Looking forward seeing you at this important event for all St. Martin People.

The jollification will take place on Sunday, October 7, 2012 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Mango Eco Project, opposite the Gut-side bar- & restaurant, in Friar's-bay.

Come one – come all, to witness history and to be touched by hope and unity.

The St. Martin Jollification Committee.

X REY, Kevin OLIVACCE, Miguel ARRINDELL, and Leopold JAMES.

In the U.S. there is a violent crime such as murder, rape, etc. every day. There are approximately 365 million people in the US, including approximately 20 million people there illegally who also commit murders. In fact, this story has not been reported on the "main stream media" - I only saw it on CNN on the Internet.

What makes this murder so different from the murders that occur daily in the US is very simple to understand. The island makes 85% of its money from tourism, including cruise boat one-day visitors, tourists here for a couple of weeks, and Americans who have invested money in property and businesses on the island.

St. Martin has always had two faces. The French Gendarmes intentionally under-report crime. They openly discourage tourists from making crime reports. The Dutch side is no better. Create the image to tourists that the island is safe, and more money will arrive in local businesses and in tax receipts! Crime is bad for business. Let's pretend St. Martin is safe for everybody to get the tourist money? Is that what we want on our island?

I will pray for the entire King family. I will not jump to conclusions, although much of the information leaked to the press makes it sound as though they arrested at least one of the murderers. This senseless murder affects the family, friends, and every resident of St. Martin. The Kings were well known and liked by many here and at home, and their murder will not be forgotten.

The American FBI should be called in to investigate and make an arrest in the murder of two American citizens. The FBI has superior technology, does not have political influence of the island's politicians, and they have authority to investigate and prosecute world wide when American citizens are murdered. The accused should face American justice.

Dutch law in Aruba failed the family of Miss Natalie Holloway, and the Dutch murderer went on the kill again in Peru - on the 5th anniversary of Natalie's murder! The FBI should have handled that case, but were prevented by an ignorant Dutch Government.

I ask all residents of St. Martin to write and plead with the American Attorney General, Mr. Eric Holder, to order the FBI in. Letters can be sent to:

U. S. Attorney General Eric Holder
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001

C. F. Bordelon
Supporter of Better and Safer Life on St. Martin

Dear Editor,

Just when we thought that things couldn't get any worse for our only tourism industry, the recent killings of the US couple in Cupe Coy has had much international publicity.
In my opinion, these crimes are committed due to the state of disrespect and lawlessness taking place in the presence of our very tourists, if I may really call them tourists. Many come here to settle in both countries of this island. Dutch St. Maarten and French Saint-Martin. The time has come for government and most of all the Justice Department to seriously address the following acts of disrespect for another man's land when they come here: Motor Vehicles - Eliminate those vehicles from all roads on the island that do not conform to the normal standards of operating on the roads such as:
The Vehicle's Road Worthiness
The Noise Pollution Produced
The Smog Pollution Produced
The Appearance Of The Vehicle
The Obstructions Caused By The Vehicle and last but not least of all, Fix And Create Roads with the appropriate facilities for pedestrians, cyclists, walkers and the handicapped. Where are the so-called environmentalists?
St. Maarten/Saint-Martin is in desperate need of a new image now, let's stop being so conceited and make that change happen for its user-friendliness and other benefits to all who live and come here. And one last thing, turn the much unnecessary causeway, so that it can be used, into the much wanted drag strip for the island. Problem solved!

Norman C. Wathey

Opportunity is knocking! On July 25 ground was broken on the island of Nevis for a US$15 million medical facility, the New River Medical Centre. The facility will be completed in late 2013 and according to media reports, will be the Caribbean Region's first medical and rehabilitation centre.

Nevis Minister of Health Hon. Hensley Daniel says: "This is a new component being added to diversify the health sector. The health and medical tourism industry has emerged in response to the incredibly huge cost of having most surgical procedures performed in countries like the United States, Britain and Japan.

"Medical tourism has become big business for these countries by offering costs for patient care in an atmosphere that can often rival five star hotels, previously only found in the hospitality industry." Health Minister Hensley further explained that there were several mitigating factors which led to the increasing popularity of medical travel among them the high cost of health care, long weight times for certain procedures, the ease and affordability of international travel and improvements in both technology and standards of care in many countries.

Nevis Minister of Health Hensley: "The avoidance of waiting times is the leading factor for medical tourism in the UK (United Kingdom), whereas in the US the main reason is cheaper prices abroad. In 2009, there were 60,000 patients going for medical treatment abroad in the UK."

Opportunity is knocking! At the end of August, Indian Cardiologist Dr. Devi Shetty, his partners and Cayman Islands Government leaders broke ground at the new medical tourism centre. Dr. Shetty gave an overview to invited guests saying the facility will bring lower costs, a high quality hospital with the aim to be known as not the cheapest hospital, but as the 'safest hospital' in this part of the world.

Shetty added that he sees 60 to 80 children a day in his office back in India, and has to tell their mother's how much an operation to repair a hole in the heart would cost, and if they cannot pay for it, it means the difference between life and death for the patient. He added that patients all over the world face the same situation, and that only 10 per cent of the world's population can afford so-called tertiary health care. The cost of health care has become a big issue everywhere, a Cayman media house reported.

Dr. Shetty described the aforementioned as a drama and that someone has to stop it. He commended the Government of the Cayman Islands for putting the necessary instruments in place to facilitate the Shetty Hospital to be built, creating an opportunity to stop this calamity that he described earlier.

The first phase of the project entails the construction of a 140-bed tertiary care hospital which is scheduled to be operational in November 2013. More than 200 construction jobs will be created to build the first phase of the hospital with another 300 jobs being created when the hospital opens in November of next year.

The Premier of the Cayman Islands McKeeva Bush said the ground breaking not only marked the beginning of construction of the new hospital, but the advent of a new leg of the Cayman Island's economy – medical tourism. Bush said that during the next 10-years, the project would add more than $3 billion to Cayman's Gross Domestic Product.

While the hospital will be catering to medical tourists seeking cancer treatment, open heart and bypass surgeries, organ transplants, angioplasty and orthopaedics, local patients will also benefit from the services and care and may no longer need to travel off island for such treatments. Imagine the cost savings.

Medical tourism is also knocking at Sint Maarten's door. The interests shown by Florida-based Advanced Orthopaedic Center since 2009 to invest approximately US$250 million in Sint Maarten in the construction of a medical facility catering to tourism would also complement the St. Maarten Medical Center.

Nevis, Cayman Islands as mentioned in this piece, and soon Barbados. Officials from Winners Development and American World Clinics are planning to travel to Barbados in the week of September 22 to meet with business and government officials to discuss health care tourism and the development of a US$100 million international medical centre on that island. It will feature 60 beds and 12 operating rooms and expected to be open in 2015.

Opportunity is knocking! The benefits to the Sint Maarten economy, to the business community, the employment opportunities, and the health (health care) of the nation, will take this country to another level in its overall national development of its people, future generations, and the economy.

Medical tourism is the key for the future development and enhancement of our tourism product and as a tourism destination. Opportunity is knocking at our door!

Roddy Heyliger

According to the World Food Summit Plan of Action of Rome, 1996, "Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life."

A study of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) found that food security is compromised not so much by lack of food availability as by inadequate access to foods and dietary patterns that adversely impact on nutritional status. Many countries are experiencing a shift in nutrition patterns that has resulted in increasing rates of obesity, which in turn has contributed to an increase in nutrition-related Chronic Non-communicable Diseases including diabetes and hypertension, according to the CARICOM regional food, nutrition and security policy of 2010.

CARICOM's food security may not be compromised by lack of food availability, there are issues related to the declining trend of food production, and increasing trends in favour of imports.

Our country is totally dependent on food imports.

Rising food prices during 2007-2008 and the economic crisis of 2008-2009 have affected all countries, increasing unemployment, reducing income opportunities, tourist arrivals and remittances and decreasing purchasing power with very serious impacts on the poor.

Sint Maarten and others in the Caribbean Basin live with the daily reality that small populations and land masses along with distances from other Caribbean countries and trading partners and insufficient strategic planning reduce the possibilities of exploiting economies of scale.

According to the study, these factors result in higher prices for imported inputs and higher costs of export products, as smaller purchasing and sales volumes increase product, transaction and transportation costs.

Back in July it was announced by Project Coordinator for Sustainable Agriculture Development Roseann Rumnit, that approximately 120 million Euros is available for the development of farming projects on the North side of the island. These funds have been available since 2002.

The European Union (EU) and French State made funds available 10-years ago in the form of a grant under the Re-development of Agriculture, Tradition, Culture, and Agro-tourism Programme. The funds will be provided indirectly to landowners individually on a case-by-case study of applications.

A number of meetings have been organized between land owners and the Prefet of St. Martin. These landowners can be considered as "Smallholder Agriculture."

The world population today stands at over seven (7) billion and counting. By 2025, 13-years from now, it will climb to eight (8) billion, nine (9) billion in 2043, and this will require a 10 per cent increase in water for agricultural use.

The Governments of both sides of the island should come together to discuss a strategic alliance in the area of food security. Business organizations should also be involved in this process from both sides of the island.

The current situation in world food markets, characterized in sharp increases in maize, wheat, and soybean prices, has raised fears of a repeat of the 2007-2008 world food crises. Three United Nations (UN) agencies, Food and Agriculture Organization, International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the World Food Programme, agree that urgent action is needed to make sure that current price shocks do not turn into a catastrophe hurting tens of millions over the coming months.

The two main interconnected problems identified that must be tackled is the immediate issue of some high food prices, which can impact heavily on food import-dependent countries and on the poorest people; and the long-term issue of how we produce, trade and consume food in an age of increasing population, demand and climate change.

Sustainable smallholder agriculture is seen as the way to go for the future where smallholder farmers are able to contribute to raising food availability by 70 per cent by 2050, which is what will be required to feed a growing, more urbanized population.

That is why a strategic partnership between the North and South sides of the island, is very much valid, since it would tackle two very important insular as well as global issues, food security and climate change, especially looking at the long-term future of St. Martin/Sint Maarten.

Roddy Heyliger

Dear Editor,

For over a week now I have seen a police van parked parked on a invalid parking. I think it is a big shame that a) the driver apparently didn't see the problem of parking the vehicle there and b) all other officers apparently didn't see a problem either as no one has moved the vehicle up to this day. The Police station has its own parking in front, in the back and next to the salt pond. Any regular vehicle that would park on this spot would have been (and should have been) towed and fined from day one.

I would like to have the attached picture published in order for police to realize they have to set the right example. They will never gain respect from the public if they only enforce the law on others, and not on themselves. A well known comment is: you can have my spot, if you take my disability also.

Best regards,

Hedy Richardson

Climate change: refers to the long-term shift in overall weather conditions over a period of time. Within this century, significant changes are expected. The change in climate has to do with human activities. Scientists are very concerned, because climate change will have significant implications on the natural environment and on our daily lives. There is no longer any serious doubt that climate change is taking place, as there is a wealth of science supporting the conclusion that humans are causing climate change.

In its Fourth Assessment Report released in 2007 – five years ago – the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, an international scientific body, concluded with "greater than 90 per cent confidence" that global warming is due to human activities. Some of these activities include the burning of fossil fuels in power stations like GEBE for electricity, the use of petrol and diesel in trucks, busses and cars and deforestation.

The type of impact varies per country. The warming of the earth changes weather patterns, increasing the severity and frequency of extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and hurricanes. Higher temperatures causes the ice caps in the North and South poles to melt which results in an increase in sea-levels around the globe, therefore threatening low-lying areas. Other impacts will be on the natural habitats of animals and plant species, and effects on food crop production.

Countries have noticed trends in their local weather, which are consistent with global observations of climate change. Some experiences have been warmer weather conditions; the sea level has also increased; more heavy rainfall over short periods; increased food prices when countries which we import food from experience intense storms or prolonged droughts.

Sint Maarten is not immune to climate change. It is very much a concern to us and the wider Caribbean region.

Considerable steps are being taken within the region on various fronts. The Third Caribbean Sustainable Energy Forum and Exhibition was held last week in St. Kitts & Nevis. It was held under the theme: "Advancing Energy Integration and Energy Access through Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in CARICOM."

The forum looked at the critical role of the Region's abundant renewable energy resources in facilitating energy integration in the Caribbean and access to clean energy. The burning of fossil fuels is a clear example as mentioned before as one of the contributing factors to climate change.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) forum was held against the backdrop of the Region's continued search for adequate response to the major energy sector challenges and national development challenges for most Caribbean countries, with respect to the issue of the lack of energy security reflected in lack of affordability of energy linked to their over dependence on imported petroleum and its derivatives; and for all countries, the matter of lack of energy sustainability in the context of the climate change challenge.

Isn't it about time that climate change within the Kingdom should become a Kingdom discussion point? The Netherlands has already made considerable inroads within this area. For Sint Maarten, I haven't heard anything, and I am not able to say too much about Aruba and Curacao and the Dutch public entities known as the BES islands.

It was stated a few months ago that the Prime Ministers in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom (Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten) will be meeting next month to discuss areas of cooperation and ways in which they can work together. Work groups have already been established and were preparing relevant proposals in preparation for the October 26 meeting referred to as the Arikok meeting.

The three Prime Ministers should add the discussion point of climate change to their agenda. It has been considered one of the most important and pressing challenges facing the international community of nations, and is one of the key issues of the 21st century where no country in the world big or small is immune.

Roddy Heyliger

Honorable members of St. Maarten government,

More and more people who were and still are being deprived of or not being able to claim their inheritance as well as unacknowledged offspring of various deceased property owners in St. Maarten/Saint-Martin have been approaching me for assistance in getting them the technological and legal work done in order for them to be able to receive their rightful share of their biological parent's estate.

Needless to say, these procedures cost money and many of these offspring can not afford them, and as such, these offspring in most cases suffer mentally and financially as their other, in control of these estates, spouses sisters and or brothers are also sometimes not able to do the necessary to get their estates documented, appraised and divided.

For these reasons, I, who these persons are approaching, hereby appeal to those responsible in government to set up a fund in the amount of around Naf. 2,000,000.00 in its budget in the name of a foundation to be called: National Inheritance Claimants Fund (NICF) to pay for the costs of establishing an office to handle requests for these procedures from individuals or families seeking the necessary financial assistance on a "no cure, no repay" basis to keep the fund liquid.

Because of my 14 years experience in these types of cases, for myself, I am willing and able to offer concrete and effective advise to all requiring my assistance especially when it comes to the part of hiring and dealing with legal advise in these complex matters.

I trust that this open letter will get your immediate attention for this very urgent matter and look forward to a positive response within 2 weeks from the date of this letter.

Norman C. Wathey

...

The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams will travel to Aruba on Wednesday where she will be attending the ECOCT Steering Committee and Planning Meeting from the 5th to the 7th of September. The Prime Minister is the Territorial Authorizing Officer for the Project Steering Committee and as such will be chairing the meeting. "The meeting that will be taking place on Aruba on the sixth and the seventh to be exact is in the context of the EU Program for the Dutch and British OCT's as far as the HIV Aids Response is concerned. As the Territorial Authorizing Officer, which I am, I will be chairing the meeting on Aruba," commented the Prime Minister.

The meeting is being coordinated by the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), with financial support from the European Community (EC). Participants will include focal points and steering committee members from the British and Dutch Overseas Caribbean Territories and community advocates from St. Maarten, the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica and Venezuela. "All of the territories will be present and we will be discussing the EU funded HIV/ AIDS program within the territories, which in the case of St. Maarten is an important part of our overall HIV/ Aids Response. There will also be an examining as to how far the territories have been able to come from their own national perspective on combatting the epidemic and also with regards to the programming and the funding made available by the European Union," continued the Prime Minister.

The European Community Overseas Caribbean Territories (ECOCT) Project, designed to 'strengthen the integration of the British and Dutch OCTs into the regional response to HIV/AIDS through the PANCAP', was signed by PAHO/WHO and the European Community in 2008. PANCAP is a regional partnership established by Carioca heads of government in 2001 to respond to the HIV and AIDS epidemic in the Caribbean. Some PANCAP regional partners including the UNAIDS, OECS HAPU and CRN+ will attend as observers. Participants will also review progress of the project's year three work plan and present updates, achievements and challenges.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

For Residents & Stakeholders of Cul de Sac Basin (South Reward, Ebenezer, St. Peters, Saunders, St. John's Estate), Little Bay, and Cay Hill. A development plan is being drafted for the aforementioned areas. Residents, stakeholders and interested persons have the opportunity to present their ideas and views for the future development of those districts. Come out and have your say.

DATE: Tuesday, September 18, 2012
VENUE: Belair Community Center, Cay Hill
TIME: 7:00PM – 9:30PM

Leader of the United Peoples (UP) Party and former Vice Prime Minister Hon. Theo Heyliger, issued the following statement over the weekend in connection with the death of a tourist couple who were found dead in their vacation home in Cupe Coy on Friday.

"On behalf of all Sint Maarteners, my wife and I offer our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Michael W. King and Thelma S. King, an American tourist couple who met an untimely and unwarranted death.

"I can assure the nation and visitors on the island, and those contemplating to visit the country, Sint Maarten continue to be a safe and secure destination for tourists.

"The United Peoples party condemns the tragic stabbing of this couple. We condemn, equally, all acts of violence against visitors and residents. We are very confident that our law enforcement officials will quickly apprehend the perpetrator(s) who have committed this hideous crime. We share along with the Sint Maarten community in the sadness of this loss, and mourn with the friends and families of the victims.

"I use this opportunity to call on the community who know those who may have information, to contact the authorities so that the culprits can be brought to justice quickly."

Hon. Theo Heyliger

Leader of the United Peoples party
Sunday, September 23, 2012

Pembroke Pines, FL:--- The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association is gearing up for the Caribbean's largest cruise conference and trade show, the annual FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade Show, taking place in Curaçao, October 1-5, 2012.

Cruise industry partners from destinations' public and private sectors will come together with cruise executives from the FCCA Member Lines to share ideas and discuss industry trends. These cruise executives will participate in round-table discussions, meetings and events catered to prompting the networking between the attendees and cruise executives.

These networking opportunities are valuable for anyone doing or wanting to do business with the cruise industry, and they are certainly plentiful during the schedule and format built around the delegate, ensuring that attendees have a chance for one-on-one meetings with the executives, workshops available that discuss important and relevant topics with hand-picked panels, and evening functions that help attendees unwind and meet executives in a more casual atmosphere.

There will also be a highlighted attention on the trade show floor to provide a steady flow of attendees to gain the attention of the cruise executives and industry partners. With expanded number of booths and special destination pavilion options, this is the perfect way to showcase destinations as a team - from ministries of tourism to port/tour operators and vendors who want to sell their products to the lines, all have a chance to showcase a destination that wants to display its entire product and make the greatest impact at the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show.

The Conference officially opens Tuesday, October 2nd at the World Trade Center Curaçao. For more information, please contact Terri Cannici at (954) 441-8881 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Philipsburg:--- Police arrested at least four persons on Friday, one of which was a male with initials A.K.J., this suspect was arrested for a burglary to which he has confessed.
Three persons were also arrested in Middle Region on Friday during a raid of their homes. According to information provided to SMN News, the suspects all born on St. Maarten were suspects of an ongoing investigation. During the raid police confiscated 2 kilos of marijuana.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Office of the Ombudsman will close at 1:00pm on Wednesday, September 26.

The closure is due to ceremonies to be held in celebrating the life of Rosa Maria Bryson Philips, the mother of Patricia Philips, Secretary General of the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman Dr. Nilda Arduin, apologizes for the inconvenience, and extends sincere condolences on behalf of herself and staff to the Philips and Bryson families with the loss of their loved one.

The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams opened the Training of the Protective Services Operations Officers on Monday. The training, which is being given by specialist operators from the United States, is a weeklong course given to law enforcement officers who engage in protective services.

The Prime Minister wished a warm welcome to those conducting the training for St. Maarten's security officers; "I am sure you will be having an excellent and exiting time bringing your information across" the Prime Minister said to the visiting instructors. To the participants at the training course the Prime Minister said that those attending should be proud to be selected as a first group for this particular training; "I wish you a very successful course and take in all that you can take. Things change every day in the area of security and now, after this course, you can be at the forefront with some of the things that are happening in this field and I encourage you to take active part in what is taking place. We want to make sure that our people are at the front of being able to offer security and protection services and I am proud of you and I look forward to hearing about your experiences. So I appreciate you helping to build this country step by step and block by block" concluded the Prime Minister.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

73 days left for the 7th Annual SHTA Crystal Pineapple Awards Fundraiser and nominations are now welcome. Nomination forms have been digitized and can be found on our Crystal Pineapple Awards Facebook page, along with a list of category details. Nominations period will close on November 9th, or until all categories have been filled.
The awards consist of 13 categories and this year we are only accepting four nominees per award, which means 52 individuals or organizations, will be recognized and valued for the work they have accomplished over the years. The organizing committee is calling out to the community of St. Maarten to nominate early. Individuals, who have been nominated in previous years, can be nominated again. "We ask you to please write why you would like to nominate the particular individual". "Let the person or organization shine. This, in combination with the results of the voting, is the deciding factor.
This year adjustments have been made to existing categories, and some removed. The award winners are chosen based on their contribution to tourism and the community, achievements described in their nomination form as well as the outcome of an online poll. SHTA will once again have the support of Price Waterhouse Coopers for auditing the nominations voting system.
SHTA encourages the community to visit us on Facebook: "Crystal Pineapple Awards" and stay up to date on the latest updates.
For more information, please contact the SHTA office: 542-0108, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Philipsburg:--- In honor of New Generations Month, The Rotaract Club of St. Maarten Sunrise took up the challenge of chairing two Rotary Club meetings on Tuesday 25th 2012. The Rotaractors conducted the first meeting with Rotary Sunrise at Air Lekkerbek at 7am and the second meeting was held with Rotary Mid Isle at Le Charlais at 7:30pm.

President of Rotary Sunrise Marcillia Henry and President of Rotary Mid Isle John Hart took the back seat as they allowed President of Rotaract Sunrise Elisia Lake and her members to preside over their meetings discussing agenda points and matters of the Club.

September is designated as New Generations Month in order to focus on all activities that support the development of young people up to the age of 30. New Generations Month acknowledges the positive change implemented by youth and young adults involved in leadership development activities, community and international service, and exchange programs that enrich and foster world peace and cultural understanding.

The Rotaract Club of St. Maarten Sunrise would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Rotary Mid Isle and Rotary Sunrise for allowing the members of Rotaract Sunrise to conduct their general meetings. "The advice and encouragement from both clubs were appreciated and we thank you for your continued support".

Philipsburg:--- APS, the general pension fund administrator, has launched a series of extensive information sessions for all of its participants.
The sessions are being held in order to provide as much information as possible regarding the APS organization and what it does for participants.

At each session, participants are explained about core responsibilities of APS, pension and pension funds, entitlements, participation in the APS fund, pension premiums (contributions), calculation of pensions, pension benefits and the process of requesting pension.

At the sessions, participants are given an outline of how APS was established as a new pension fund as a result of St. Maarten attaining status of a new country.

A principle message communicated to participants is that APS works for them and the more than 2500 (former) employees of the St. Maarten government, subsidized schools, government companies and agencies.
APS assures all participants that its goal is "to ensure your pension is there for you when you retire".

The sessions outlines that the primary activities of APS are pension administration and asset management.

During the sessions, participants are reminded that, as time advances, persons have been living longer and healthier. On the other hand, there is less disposable income and increased cost of living.

Entitlements offered by APS are those of senior's pension, widow(er)'s pension, orphan's pension, disability pension and burial assistance.

Pension premiums are based on the employee's contribution as well as that of the employer.

The sessions use examples of current salaries to illustrate to participants how much they may expect in gross pension.

With regards to requesting pension, participants are advised to request such, on time, and to have the required documents ready to submit to APS.

APS representatives hosting the sessions provide participants with an opportunity to ask questions.

At one recent session, questions were posed regarding entitlement of a participant's life partner to those left behind after death and pension benefits if the persons were not married, at the time of passing.
Other questions included those on registering in the fund and how to confirm that one is registered.

All participants are reminded that they can always to visit the office of APS at the Yogesh Building in Cul de Sac or call the office for specific information on their individual situation.

Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise in collaboration with St. Maarten Volleyball Association is planning an Annual Rotary Sunrise Volleyball tournament scheduled for Saturday, September 29, 2012, and the finals to take place on October 6, 2012. For this two day event, which will be held at the Melford Hazel Sports Complex, from 9am – 4pm, we have invited secondary school's volleyball team (male and female) to participate.

The schools that will be participating in Saturday's volley tournament will be:
a. St. Maarten Academy
b. St. Maarten Academy PSVE
c. Learning Unlimited
d. Sundial School
e. Milton Peters College

All schools participating have a male and female team. A rotating cup will be presented to the winning team and medals will be given to the schools that finish in first, second, and third place on October 6, 2012, which is the finale.

The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise and the St. Maarten Volleyball Association are encouraging the community- parents, children, teachers from the various schools to come out and support our local young athletes.

The more than 200 members of the Sint Maarten Seniors and Pensioners Association this year will commemorate the International Day of Older Persons for the third time since they were founded in July 2010. The SMSPA encourages all persons and organizations in the Sint Maarten community to observe the day as intended by the UN in establishing the International Day of Older Persons. The day is a day to appreciate the contributions that older people made and still make to society. It is a day to commemorate the achievements and challenges of the seniors. This can be achieved by raising awareness about issues affecting the elderly, such as how society is dealing with aging, how far we are with the implementation of the 2nd International Action Plan on Aging and to address elderly abuse.  

 

THANKSGIVING SERVICE

On Sunday afternoon 16:00 pm, one day before the official commemoration of International Day of Older Persons, the seniors of the SMSPA upon invitation of the Home Away from Home Foundation joined in a thanksgiving church service which was held in the Methodist Church here in Philipsburg.

COMMEMORATION MONDAY OCT 1 EMILIO WILSON PARK

SMSPA members to observe the contribution they made to society will join the seniors of the Home Away From Home Foundation, the seniors from the Sint Maarten Home and the seniors from the Hope Estate Seniors Citizen Recreational Center and seniors from the French side today Monday October 1st in the Emilio Wilson Park from 10 am in the morning till 4 pm in the afternoon.

 

CONFERENCE WEDNESDAY MORNING OCT 3 JOHN LARMONIE CENTER

To reflect upon the achievements and challenges in the realization of the objectives of the International Action Plan on Aging the SMSPA is inviting all the seniors and pensioners in Sintr Maarten to attend a half day conference on Wednesday morning from 10 am to 12 noon in the John Larmonie Center here in Philipsburg. Speakers from the Sint Maarten Seniors and Pensioners Association and of social organizations in the Sint Maarten Anti-Poverty Platform will address the seniors after which on 11.30 am the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, the honorable Minister Dr Cornelius de Weever will join the speakers in a panel to share and discuss the challenges the seniors still have to face.

After the panel session all participants in the Conference will be offered a lunch sponsored by the Sint Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industries as a token of appreciation for the seniors in Sint Maarten.

AWARENESS INTERVIEWS WITH LOCAL RADIO HOSTS

Talk show host Lloyd Richardson on Monday October 1st from 12:00 pm -13:00 pm at Radio PJD 2 and talk show "Lady Electra" Mercedes Wyatt on Wednesday morning 8:00 am - 9:30 am at Radio Laser 101 will have an extensive interview with board members of the SMSPA to review the achievements of the seniors and the challenges of the seniors for equal rights in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, an equal treatment that the seniors on the French side already have acquired being part of the Republic of France.

Philipsburg:--- On August 28th, 2012, the Secretary General of the Bureau Ombudsman presented the Ombudsman annual report 2011 to the local representative of USONA, the Managing Adviser Mrs. Angela Dekker. USONA is the financier of the establishing costs of the High Councils of State under the project "Opbouw Hoge Colleges van Staat."
A presentation was also made to the Department Head of BAK, Mr. Marc Arnold.
The BAK (Department of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations) is in charge of the execution of the USONA projects.

Philipsburg:--- The Sint Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) is happy to announce the launch of its Dollar a Day Program Facebook page.
The SHTA have decided that the Dollar a Day Program also needs its own Facebook Page where the public can Like the Dollar a Day Facebook page and receive updates on the program and receive information on how they can contribute towards the Dollar a Day Program.
It's important to know that the Dollar a Day Program was launched by The Sint Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association in January 2000 with the objective of creating an educational, environmental, marketing and development fund for Sint Maarten. How it works is by charging every tourist that stays by any of our member hotels a$ 1, - a day for the remainder of their stay. This money in turn goes towards investing in our most precious resources; the Social and Economic Development of our youths, Marketing our Tourism product, and supporting environmental protection programs and programs that are aimed at creating a safe environment in which our children can learn such as after school programs.
Executive Director for SHTA Alfred Harley said that the hotels must be commended for their contribution because they are a key part of making the Dollar A Day program possible. He said SHTA was sincerely grateful for the continued effort of the hotels for making sure that the guests were aware of what the Dollar A Day Program was about.
He said, "Our ability to continue supporting various community service development programs depended largely on the hotels. This is also true regarding our ability to market the island, and I am truly pleased that they have been able to see the benefit in making the Dollar A Day program successful."
For more information on the Dollar a Day Program we encourage you to have a look at the Dollar a Day Facebook Page. A Dollar a Day goes a very long way! So don't forget to like us today on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/DollarADayProgram

October 4th is World Animal Day and to commemorate this day the I Love My Island Dog Association is holding a "Know Your Dog" Seminar: an educational evening for pet owners and dog lovers.
The seminar will take place on Thursday, October 4th 2012 at 7:00pm at the Captain Oliver's Conference Room and is followed by an after party at the Iguana Bar.
Topics such as Canine Health and Nutrition, Dog Training and First Aid for Dogs will be presented by a panel of professionals, including Dr. Gary Swanston and Dr. Eva de Vries from the St. Maarten Veterinary Clinic.
"Being an avid dog lover it was a no brainer to support the I Love My Island Dog Association in organizing this fundraiser. We truly believe this is an evening pet owners and dog lovers alike will enjoy and not to mention the knowledge one will walk away with at the end. Knowledge that might someday help save your dog" said Riselle Celestina from Glitter Events, the organizer of this evening.
Island 92's Soc will be the moderator and a French translator will be available for the non-English speaking guests.
After the seminar there will be an after party where guests can mingle with the speakers and other pet owners.
To participate is simple. Just call Glitter Events (721) 526 3734 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and register. Registration is only $20 or 15 euros p.p. and includes a free drink, free appetizers and Pedigree giveaways.
All proceeds will go to the I Love My Island Dog Association and the Chevrise Shelter and Adoption Center.
You can also help by buying raffle tickets for the 50/50 raffle where the 1st prize winner will walk away with 50% of the net raffle earnings. The raffle tickets are only $2.00 each and will be on sale at the seminar. To pre-order your raffle tickets call (721) 526 3734. The winner will be announced at the after party and posted on the I Love My Island Dog and Glitter Events Facebook pages.
Contact Glitter Events (+1 721 526 3734) or Ursula at the I Love My Island Dog Association (+690 50 34 07) to reserve your spot. Limited Space available.
Event sponsors: Glitter Events, Captain Oliver's, Pedigree, Island 92, Team Golden Dog and RomaDesignz.

The management of the Bureau herewith informs the general public that the Bureau will be closed on Friday, September 14th 2012 to allow the entire staff to attend a work shop.

The Ombudsman apologizes for any inconvenience this closure may cause.

Philipsburg:--- It was is the Ultimate Summer Sweepstake and because the customers of Xtreme Communications, Chippie, and FW Vlaun & Sons have remained loyal for years, the organizers and sponsors did not hold back this summer. Xtreme, Chippie, and FW Vlaun & Sons gave away an brand new 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC LTZ to a lucky Xtreme Chippie customer. The winner was Barbara Booker.
On June 1, 2012 the Xtreme Chippie CHEVROLET SONIC Summer Sweepstake was launched. On that day, the Sales Manager Mr. Vincent Hunt announced the Summer Sweepstake.

Mr. Hunt explained that the sweepstake was exclusively for Xtreme Chippie customers, all they had to do to participate in the CHEVROLET SONIC Sweepstake and have a chance to win a brand new 2012 Chevrolet Sonic was to have a Chippie phone and TopUp at any Xtreme Chippie TopUp machines.
The chance to win was greatly increased if you bought Chippie Pins Vouchers or TopUp in the amounts of $10 or higher, and in order for a winner to be validated their Sweepstakes Pick vouchers had to add up to a value of $160 or higher.
In the case of Mrs. Barbara Booker, her vouchers added up to $162. Barbara said she never had a new car before; she always purchased a used car. She said her old car was overheating because it was a very old and it needed many repairs. She would use it just to get from home to town, and then take to bus over the hill to go to work. When ask what she wound do with the old car now that she won the brand new Sonic? Barbara said she will give it to her husband.

The way the sweepstake worked was: letters or numbers would appear on all Xtreme Chippie $5, $10, $20, and $50 pin vouchers and on all Direct Top Up receipts of $1 and up e.g. (Sweepstake Pick –H-). Customers had to save the receipts and vouchers with the Sweepstake Pick on them until you have all the letters that spell "CHEVROLET SONIC".
Vincent said Xtreme had done a variety of Sweepstakes Challenges since 2004 and have awarded many excited winners. There was the Travel Sweepstakes where customers had the opportunity to win trips to different Caribbean islands from a pre-selected list simply by spelling the name of the island. We also did an "Xtreme Chippie Challenge" where we organized a one week vacation to any Caribbean island, the winner desired. Then we did a "Seven Day Cruise for 2", that was won by one of our local taxi drivers.
The biggest Sweepstake we did was back in 2005, when St. Maarten celebrated 36 years of carnival. We put together a Chippie Sweepstake event that gave away $36,000 in prizes. We produced a dynamic concert that included the Youth Waves band from St. Martin, Krosfyah from Barbados, Fab Five from Jamaica, and ERA from Curacao. As you can see, Xtreme and Chippie have a history of grand productions for their customers
Vincent also confirmed that their next sweepstake was going to be for the new hot Apple iPad 3. The company would be giving away five (5) or more iPad 3 for the Christmas holidays. The sweepstake will start in the middle to late October and will end during the Christmas week.

Click here to view photos of the winner claiming her prize.

ROSEAU, Dominica:--- Discover Dominica Authority will be hosting an Access Conference at the Fort Young Hotel from September 25 to 27, 2012 - the first of its kind in the Eastern Caribbean. This Conference will bring together key stakeholders and engage the support of Caribbean carriers to develop a holistic approach to improving intra-regional and international access to Dominica whilst enhancing the viability of the carriers.
Over the last year, work has been ongoing on the development of an Access Strategy for Dominica. The Access Strategy and resulting Access Conference will address limitations faced by Dominica in its drive to increase year-round visitor arrivals to the island.
Many airlines servicing the region have already expressed keen interest in the Conference. Further, regional organisations such as the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariats have indicated their intention to have representation given the pivotal role that improved access plays in by filling gaps in Caribbean intra-regional travel.
Over the three day period, presentations and discussions will cover: Dominica's tourism product and marketing strategy; the hotel plant; partnership opportunities between Discover Dominica Authority, tourism private sector, and air and sea carriers; the port infrastructure; network access; the importance of distribution systems to getting the visitor to Dominica; and the role of financiers in assisting interested carriers. Whilst discussions and presentations will focus mainly on Dominica it is anticipated that the Conference will provide much needed input into formulating a workable regional approach to solving air access challenges.
Presentations will come from Dominica Air & Sea Ports Authority, Dominica Hotel & Tourism Association, Costa Rican airline – Nature Air, Distribution system providers – Radixx and KIU, Access Consultant – Ian Bertrand, Ross University, Dominica AID Bank, and Discover Dominica Authority.
For more information on Dominica, contact Discover Dominica Authority at 767 448 2045. Or visit Dominica's official website: www.discoverdominica.com, or follow Dominica on Twitter and Facebook, and take a look at our videos on YouTube.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL:--- IGY Marinas is pleased to announce its most recent addition to its network, Red Frog Beach Marina in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Resting in a protected bay outside the hurricane zone, the marina lies just 133 nautical miles from the Panama Canal, making it one of the closest marinas to the canal catering to megayachts. Isla Bastimentos, part of the Bocas Del Toro Archipelago where the marina is located, is about 20 square miles, making it one of the largest islands in Panama. The island can only be reached by boat and there are no cars on the island; instead, it is home to native villages, renowned for its biodiversity and includes a National Marine Park that is listed as a World Heritage Site.

Full access to the Resort includes the beautiful Red Frog Beach, restaurants/bars, hiking and nature trails, luxury vacation villa rentals each with a private pool, a surf lodge with private suites, rainforest canopy zip-line tours, kayak and horseback tours and more. Jungle carts are also available to rent for exploring and getting around the resort.

Currently able to accommodate vessels up to 250 feet, the marina plans to expand with a dockside bar, fuel services and capacity for much larger vessels. "IGY is privileged to add Red Frog Beach Marina to the network; its unique location and amenities make it a truly exciting destination for our customers to explore. Strategically, we have significantly grown our network within the emerging market of Central and South America, giving our customers access to another region to explore with the Caribbean Anchor Pass," welcomes Kenny Jones, CMM MBE and Executive Vice President of IGY Marinas. Central and South American marinas within the IGY network now include Marina Cabo San Lucas in Mexico, Marina Papagayo in Costa Rica, Marina Santa Marta in Colombia and now, Red Frog Beach Marina in Panama. These recent marina additions re-enforce IGY's overall expansion strategy into this emerging market with even more destinations to come.

A helipad is located adjacent to the marina, and complimentary Wi-Fi and boat transportation into Bocas Town (just 15 min away) is available as well. An idyllic locale for avid sportfishermen, the Bocas Del Toro archipelago is made up of 68 islands and keys making offshore runs short and convenient. Tuna, Wahoo, king mackerel and snapper are the most common catches. This island property in Panama boasts luxury vacation villas with private pools, Balinese-style jungle lodges as well as rainforest, beachfront and hillside lots with ownership opportunities.

Marina highlights include:

• Total berths/megayacht berths: 84/15
• Maximum length: 250 feet/76 meters
• Maximum draft: 25 feet/7.5 meters
• Floating docks with movable cleats and bollards
• Helipad landing area
• Assistance with yacht clearance
• Complimentary WiFi
• Fueling dock (2013)
• Nearby vessel provisioning
• Brand-new shower and laundry facilities
• Safe and tranquil location with many eco-touristic activities
• 133 nautical miles to the Panama Canal

By joining the IGY Marinas network, Red Frog Beach Marina guests are now privy to a host of benefits, including the IGY Anchor Club, the marina loyalty program where captains and owners accumulate and redeem points for dockage. Other network-wide dockage programs include the Caribbean Anchor Pass, where vessels can roam the IGY network for one upfront discounted price as well as the HomePort Program, a semi-permanent option for yachts looking for longer term dockage.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- During the past 110 years, health in the Americas has improved significantly, but inequalities persist, says the 2012 Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organization (WHO) report Health in the Americas.

Average life expectancy in Latin America and the Caribbean, rose from 29 years in 1900 to 74 years in 2010, and today, 98 per cent of children live to see their first birthday, while 100 years ago only 75 per cent did.

The report was presented at the 28th Pan American Sanitary Conference in Washington, D.C. last week, in which it describes the progress made by the countries of the Americas and the challenges they face as they work to improve in the Region.

However, differences among countries of the Region persist. These differences are also seen within countries.

Major demographic trends in the Region of the Americas include population growth, urbanization, and population aging. In 1900 the population of the Americas was 194 million people; 110 years later, it has risen to over 940 million. It is estimated that by 2020 it will rise to slightly more than one billion inhabitants, representing 13.4 per cent of the global population.

French Quarter:--- Due to heavy traffic on www.smn-news.com (Saint Martin News Network) these past weeks the server that our site is hosted on in the United States became overloaded. Therefore, we encountered some technical issues that resulted in the site being down for several hours. Our team has already made the necessary changes and the website is back up and running optimally.
We want to assure our readers that the site was not hacked as was rumored and apologize for any inconvenience this caused.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) has opened its competition for a logo, an identity, for St. Maarten's Carnival. Once selected, it will mark the first time that Carnival as a festival will have a logo that can be branded worldwide and make St. Maarten's Carnival instantly recognizable.

President of the SCDF Mike Granger explained that while the foundation has an official logo that is used on correspondence and promotions, the festival itself does not have a visual identity that can be splashed worldwide and branded on merchandising items.

"We want to have logo that clearly identifies and sets St. Maarten's Carnival apart. We have opened this competition to find such an image, such an identity. The good folks at the Heineken Regatta can be used as a good example of this. The Regatta has a set logo with a set slogan, "Serious Fun". It is used annually and people know that it's St. Maarten regatta when they see that. Carnival should have such an image," Granger said, adding that it is step one in the effort to push St. Maarten's Carnival internationally.

"This will be a phased process. The ground work has to come first and this is just a first step. Once we have that image, we'll get to work on the rest of the plan," he explained.

The competition is open for everyone, amateurs, professionals, young and old. The design should be comprised of the words "St. Maarten Carnival" accompanied by a short, catchy slogan. The design must be festive, legible and visually appealing. The deadline for submissions is October 31, 2012 and submissions can be emailed to 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.. Designer may seek clarification by sending an email to the aforementioned addresses.

The winning designer will be awarded a season pass to Carnival 2013 and 2014.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Philipsburg Jubilee Library in collaboration with Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise will be hosting an E-reading workshop for teachers, through the Readers are Leaders program, during the month of September 2012.
The Readers are Leaders program was started by the Philipsburg Jubilee Library and the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise in March 2010. As part of the program, the teenagers run their own book club. The aim of Readers are Leaders is to turn St. Maarten's teenagers into avid readers. High school students are challenged to read at least 2 books per month.
The workshop will be conducted by Ms. Tamara Hughes, an Instructional Technology and Distance Education Specialist; Marcellia Henry, an Educator and President of Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise and Monique Alberts, the Director of Philipsburg Jubilee Library. The workshop is scheduled to be held on Thursday, September 6, 2012 between 6:00 pm and 7:45pm, at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library.
The goals of this free, E-reading workshop are for participants to become effective
implementers of technology, in and out of the classroom, and for participants to promote reading through technological devices such as: E-readers, smartphones, tablets, and computers.
We look forward to your support in making this E-reading workshop a rewarding and educational experience for the teachers of St. Maarten. If you require any further information, please contact the library at 542-2970.

On Monday the Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams held a meeting with the Kingdom Minister of Defense Hans Hillen regarding numerous aspects related to safety and defense on the island. One of the focal points of the meeting was centered on the establishment of the Marine Base on the island. "The meeting with Minister Hillen was in his capacity as Kingdom Minister for defense. Defense is one of the few areas which is a Kingdom responsibility and as such Mr. Hillen and his Ministry is responsible for that matter. However in the case of St. Maarten, as well as the other countries within the Kingdom, there is also a national ministry which coordinates defense matters and this part falls under my ministry; the Ministry of General Affairs. So keeping this in mind one of the things Minister Hillen wanted to specifically talk about was the establishment of a Marine Base on St. Maarten. Again if you look at the other countries there is a base both on Curacao and on Aruba." Commented the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister stated that the establishment of such a base in St. Maarten is important when one takes into account the protection and defense mission of the marines. "In cases of disasters St. Maarten would previously have had to request the deployment of Marines for assistance all the way to the Minister of Defense in Netherlands via the Governor after which the Marines would be able to be deployed if necessary. Having such an establishment on St. Maarten will assist that procedure and will ensure that we have a faster deployment in the event of a Hurricane for example," continued the Prime Minister.

The PM also stressed that having a Marine Base on St. Maarten will also have an economic impulse by having a contingent of Marine Officer stationed on the island at a location to be determined full time, with rotating groups coming in frequently.

"What is also important is that we could and will have as part of the Marine Base on St. Maarten a social formation program for young local people. The Marines on the island would be instrumental in taking care of the program which would also be an important aspect of the Marine Base here. So if we look at an economic aspect, safety and defense aspect, and a social formation project we are in agreement with the Minister in having such a base come to St. Maarten," concluded the Prime Minister.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Disaster Coordinator Winston Salomon would like to inform the Sint Maarten community that a Tsunami Watch issued for the entire Caribbean by the US National Weather Service Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, has been cancelled.

An earthquake has occurred off Costa Rica measuring 7.6 in magnitude, on the Pacific coast of that country within the past hour.

The tsunami watch was initially meant for the Pacific and was inadvertently sent to the Caribbean by mistake by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

There is no Tsunami Watch for Sint Maarten.

...

A new Toastmasters year is in full swing and so is the Soualiga Corporate Toastmasters Club. Toastmasters is an international organization that offers a program of communication and leadership projects to help members learn the art of speaking, listening, and thinking.

On St. Maarten there are 5 Toastmasters clubs, of which the Soualiga Corporate Toastmasters Club is one for Civil Servants of the Government of St. Maarten. Soualiga Corporate Club held its second exciting meeting last week, The Dr. Seuss theme "You are you, that is truer than true" inspired very intriguing, emotional, humorous, and informative speeches by new and experienced speakers.

Evaluations were based on evaluation techniques introduced during a recent workshop organized by the Area Governor Leona Romeo Marlin. The highlight of the club meeting was the table topic segment which turned the meeting place into a court room. Toastmasters took on the roles of plaintiff, defendant and judge to determine whether Batman or Catwoman was responsible for the supposed theft of milk and some fruit. This exercise forced Toastmasters to think on their feet and practice careful listening, consequently producing a very entertaining discussion.

The new board, in the persons of Linette Gibs (President), Danaë Daal (VP Education), Harriet Rogers (Secretary), Sharine Romeo (Treasurer), Denise Vijber (VP Public Relations), Swinda Richardson (VP Membership) and Alexandra den Ouden (Sergeant at Arms), promises a year filled with innovative, fun and educational meetings and activities.

The Soualiga Corporate Toastmasters Club meets every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 5:15 pm at the Claude Wathey Legislative Hall. All are invited to attend.

For the last few weeks the St. Maarten Nature Foundation has been monitoring the Coral Reefs inside of the Man of War Shoal Marine Park for incidents of Coral Bleaching. Coral bleaching is the loss of color from corals under stressful environmental conditions. While any stress can cause corals to bleach, high water temperature has been the major cause of coral bleaching events worldwide in recent decades. When corals bleach for a significant period of time they run the risk of dying all together. The Nature Foundation decided to check for coral bleaching due to the prolonged period of hot, calm weather the island has been experiencing over the last few weeks.

During the latest monitoring dive staff of the Nature Foundation discovered that bleaching was starting to affect various coral species inside of the Man of War Shoal Marine Park. It was decided to put into effect the Coral Bleaching Response Plan which was drafted by the Nature Foundation in 2010. The initial phase of the plan includes continued monitoring and the implementation of various management strategies to combat the effects of Bleaching.

Although the consensus is still out, the increased incidences of Coral Bleaching is more than likely caused by the heating up of the earth due to global warming. In the past decades the Caribbean in particular has seen an increased number of coral bleaching events with the last major bleaching occurring in 2005, where more than half of the Coral Reefs in the Caribbean, including St. Maarten, died.

The man of War Shoal Marine Park and the coral reef areas within it are of significant environmental and economic importance as diving in Marine Parks is globally on the rise and generally accepted by the diving tourist as a "must do" vacation activity. An economic valuation study conducted by the Nature Foundation of St. Maarten's coral reef ecosystem has placed the monetary value at close to US$58 million in contributions to the economy of the country.

With proper management and restoration the area will increase the St. Maarten Tourism Product and local fisheries will also be enhanced through the regeneration of the depleted fish stock surrounding St. Maarten. Research has shown that Marine Protected Areas increase fish populations and fish size of commercial species in nearby fishing grounds.

The Nature Foundation will continue to implement the Coral Bleaching Response Plan until the situation improves.

Distinguished delegates,

My name is Raymond Jessurun and I am Alzheimer's Disease International's (ADI) representative to WHO/PAHO. ADI is the global umbrella organisation of national Alzheimer associations worldwide, in official relations with WHO since 1996. This Sanitary Conference takes place in the middle of the first World Alzheimer's Month organized by ADI with the theme "Dementia: Living Together." This to address worldwide the stigma surrounding Dementia, to raise the awareness and advocate to make Dementia a Public Health Priority.

More than 8 million persons in this region today (worldwide 36 million) are living with dementia, roughly the same number as those living with HIV/AIDS. The largest numbers of these have Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder, which creates memory loss, confusion, disorientation to time and place, and which, when it progresses, leaves the person unable to work or care for themselves over the course of several years. Left unsolved, this number in the region will almost double by 2030 to 15 million (and worldwide to 65 million). The largest amount of that growth will occur in lower and middle income countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, with related economic hardship and challenges at the family and health care systems level.

Let me call to your attention three areas which require attention and ADI stands ready to partner with PAHO and the governments represented here today.

We are very proud to have partnered with WHO to produce in April of this year the WHO report "Dementia a Public Health Priority." This report is now in the process of being translated into each of the official WHO languages for dissemination. A key policy recommendation in this report calls for the creation of National (and sub national) Dementia Action Plans, and ADI is stand by to work with countries that wish to do so. In addition we want to ask this regional assembly to set aside time for its own learning and planning about dementia in the region, first through a workshop at PAHO headquarters to look at how dementia issues connect to ongoing work, and then a report from staff on the workshop findings to be discussed in your meeting of next year.

Secondly, we appreciate the role the region had in the realization of the "United Nation High Level Meeting Political Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases" of last year, which called for recognition of Alzheimer's disease and dementia as a major NCD. At this moment, the World Health Organization (WHO) is drafting the WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs 2013-2020, and are member states being consulted on a comprehensive global monitoring framework, including indicators, and a set of voluntary global targets for the prevention and control of NCDs. For very practical reasons dementia is not yet included. ADI supports the drafting of the monitoring framework, especially because of the growing consensus that dementia shares most of the same risk factors as the other NCD's. A complete paper on risk factors for Dementia is available for your consideration, but the simplest way to think about it is "What's good for the heart is good for the brain."

Thirdly, based on the recognition of Dementia and Alzheimer's in the "United Nation High Level Meeting Political Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases we look forward to recognition of age as a driving force in NCD's and dementia issues to be addressed in the proposed NCD Strategy for 2012-2025 , as the document for this plan does not yet include even a mention of the Dementia social and health threat as major non-communicable disease in our region. As the WHO-report on Dementia urged governments to develop a National Dementia Action Plan, the NCD Strategy should call for dementia surveillance tools in the NCD country level surveillance systems. We recommend developing these by multi-sectoral all-of-society partnerships. ADI offers its partnership and support in all of the fore mentioned efforts, with its time and expertise from around the world. As we did with the WHO Global action plan on the prevention and monitoring of NCD's, we have purposed to do with PAHO's Regional Strategy for the prevention and monitoring of NCD's including Dementia. In turn, when measurement systems are complete, we urge the adoption of an outcome target for dementia: reduce the number of person's living with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia of 25% as with other NCD's or at least 10% from current projections. This strategic objective promotes and protects the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health and other related human rights of this vulnerable group.

Thank you

Philipsburg:--- Yesterday afternoon a second house search was conducted in an adjacent house to that of the two victims at the Ocean Club Resort. There were indications that this house belonged to the victims who were found in their house at the resort. Nothing was seized. In the victim's house several objects were secured and taken for further investigation. Some of these could be relevant for the forensic department.
Police and prosecutors have been busy writing possible scenarios on the violent death of the two victims as no motive has been established yet.
Family members of the deceased arrived in Sint Maarten this afternoon and were escorted to the Police station where they talked to the Police and the prosecutors. Late this afternoon the family of the victims identified both victims in the funeral home.
The male victim has been identified as Michael William KING, age 53. The female victim is his wife, Thelma Strickland KING, age 57.
The autopsies have been arranged for next Monday.
Police officers currently are working on gathering as much information as they can both on the deceased persons as well as the crime scene. The Chief Prosecutor is calling on anyone who may have information pertaining to this case to call the hotline number 9300.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon. Silveria Jacobs on Saturday in an early morning parade, joined with the Special Olympics Committee, the athletes, Sr. Basilia clients, members of the Mohican scouts, many members of the Red Cross Youth Chapter, sponsors, volunteers, as well many other supporters and friends of "special persons" in our community, in a parade from the Lekkerbek restaurant on the Pondfill to the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex in Cay Hill.

This event was organized to celebrate the Eunice Kennedy-Shriver Day which is celebrated in honor of the founder of the Special Olympics.

The Minister, upon the invitation of President of the St. Maarten Special Olympics Committee Angela Richards-Huggins, also took part in the opening ceremonies upon arrival at the complex.

Minister Jacobs congratulated the St. Maarten Olympic Committee for the diligence and hard work in recognizing, encouraging and supporting the special athletes of St. Maarten. She also congratulated the athletes on the many medals they have won at the International Special Olympic Games over the past years.

Minister Jacobs in her speech said, "We are as strong as our weakest link; so it is what we do to strengthen and build up the weakest among us that will determine how strong we are as a community. There is much more that we can do as government to support our people who have special needs. The upgrading of our sports facilities is way overdue and is a priority of this government."

The Minister further stated that as a community we have a lot to learn from persons with special needs, including compassion, tolerance and humbleness.

After a very healthy breakfast, the athletes and many volunteers took part in several activities and games highlighting their abilities. The Minister took part in the speed walk along with several special Olympians and volunteers. It was a wonderful day for all involved.

The Special Olympic Committee can be highly commended for this act of kindness and dedication to the special athletes on St. Maarten.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Office of the Ombudsman is currently in the process of meeting with each of the seven Government Ministries.

The objective of these sessions is an exchange of views on the procedures followed thus far by the Ombudsman, and the working relation with the Ministries, geared at improving efficiency and effectiveness of the investigations.

Ministry participants entail the Secretary General, Head of Departments and Sector Heads. The exchange sessions are organized once a year with each Ministry.

According to Ombudsman Dr. Nilda Arduin-Lynch, some Ministries expressed the desire to meet with the Bureau more often to elaborate on the standards of proper conduct government bodies are required to adhere to.

So far, the Ombudsman and her staff have met with the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure, Ministry of General Affairs and the Ministry of Finance.

The focus is an exchange with each Ministry about the experiences to date with the work procedures of the Bureau, experiences to date, future development enhancements, evaluation of procedures process, and standards of proper conduct.

The meeting with the Ministry of General Affairs focused on processes and procedures at the Department of Document and Information Management (DIV), the Civil Registry Department and the Department of Personnel Affairs.

With respect to the Civil Registry Department, the Ombudsman and the former discussed the registration of persons living on the Dutch side, and the process that is followed by the Civil Registry to verify if indeed a person is living at the correct residential address.

The Personnel Department spoke about the complaint process for civil servants with respect to placement of government organizational staff. A follow-up meeting was held at the aforementioned department with staff.

The information exchange with the Ministry of Finance dealt with proper collaboration between departments within and between the various Ministries.

The next meeting is scheduled with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports in the first week of October.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon. Silveria Jacobs, met with Chairman of the Lions Quest Programme Wally Havertong, President of the Lions Club Richard Boyd and Lions Quest Commitee member Oralie Boirard, on Tuesday September 26th, 2012.

The Lions Club have approached the Minister to discuss her possible endorsement of their programme: Lions Quest.

The St. Maarten Lions Club will be launching their Lions Quest programme entitled "Skills for Growing" for afterschool programmes and other non-school entities.

The programme is designed to equip educators with current research, materials and strategies for addressing critical issues facing youth.

Trained programme instructors can help foster in young people important life skills, healthy attitudes, strong character, positive relationships, and active citizenship, through easy-to-use classroom materials, superior professional development, and important community partnerships.

Five schools with the Community After school programme and the four after school Programmes will initially take part in the training. Each school will provide four persons for the training. The public schools will have at least 35 teachers trained to be able to implement the programme.

The Minister sees this program as a positive initiative from the community by way of the Lions Club as a service group. It is also in keeping with the Vision of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport.

The Minister therefore commends the Lions Club for bringing this Lions Quest Programme to St. Maarten and endorses the programme, as a start to being able to implement community schools in all the other schools on St. Maarten.

The St. Maarten Lions Club through its own fundraising projects and its corporate sponsors will be able to fully finance the project. The aim is to start the programme in February 2013.

...

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Central Committee of Parliament meeting that was scheduled for September 28 has been cancelled.

The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour Hon. Cornelius de Weever had been invited to Parliament for that particular meeting.

The meeting has been requested by the United Peoples (UP) Party faction.

The agenda point was the portfolios of the Minister, Public Health, Social Development and Labour.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The purpose of the town hall meeting on Thursday for residents and stakeholders of Cole Bay, Billy Folly and Cay Bay, is to hear the views and ideas of the aforementioned with respect to the spatial development of the areas mentioned.

The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure (MinVROMI) is developing the legal framework for possible future development; to designate and/or reserve land for desired use; to prevent uncontrolled development; and to offer legal security to residents about future development.

The meeting is part of process of drafting of "development plans" for country Sint Maarten. The main topics to be looked at are roads and infrastructure; tourism and recreation; commercial, industrial; residential, public space and facilities; ecology, landscape and water; cultural heritage and archaeology.

The town hall meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 6 at Carl's Unique Inn Conference room, Cole Bay from 7.00pm to 9.30pm.

Town hall presentations are currently available online for download about Simpson Bay, Airport and Beacon Hill as well as Hillside Conservation areas.

Persons can go to the Government website www.sintmaartengov.org, select the drop down tab "Government," followed by "Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure."

On the aforementioned page you then go to "Zoning/Development Plans" and below you will find both presentations. The presentation to be provided at the Thursday town hall meeting will be uploaded to the website on Friday. The revised outline of the Simpson Bay, Airport and Beacon Hill area will be available on the website on Wednesday.

Persons can send in their ideas and views to MinVROMI via the following email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. regarding the development of the island.

Do you know that the Ombudsman is called "the Public Defender"?
The Ombudsman is coming your way, to your neighborhoods.
Come and find out how the Ombudsman can help you, and how to file a complaint with the Ombudsman if you have issues with government or a government entity.

The Session will be held for the residents of St. Peters, St. John Estate, Retreat Estate, Saunders, L.B. Scot road, and surrounding areas on the following date, time and place:

Date: September 12th 2012
Place: Rupert Maynard Community Center
Address: St. Petersroad
Time: 7:30 pm.-9:00 pm.

All sessions will be organized in close collaboration with the various community councils of the districts. All citizens are invited to come out and be informed.

The other Community Councils have already been contacted, and as soon as the dates are confirmed they will be announced. Listen out for the announcement when the Ombudsman will be in your neighborhood.
Bureau Ombudsman is situated at Camille Richardson street # 13 in Philipsburg. Call us on tel. number 5421250.

Philipsburg:--- The board of the Sint Maarten Alzheimer Foundation is pleased to announce that our Secretary Drs Raymond Jessurun has been appointed by the Executive Board of Alheimer Disease International (ADI) as ADI's representative to PAHO.
We are honoured to share Mr. Jessurun's ability and dedication with the world federation of Alzheimer organizations in their effort to make Dementia worldwide a public health priority.
From the description of his new role as ADI representative for the PAHO-region we have gathered that drs Raymond Jessurun will represent ADI at key meetings and conferences in the Americas region, including the annual meeting of PAHO. He will assist with the preparation of statements to be delivered at the above meetings, based on the messages agreed by the ADI Advocacy Working Group. In regular communication with ADI's Executive Director he will assist with coordinating ADI's representation at these meetings and the work on activities in the region. Furthermore he will have to report on the above activities to the ADI Advocacy Working Group and offer advice on policy and activity relating to the region, if necessary by participating in teleconferences or meetings.

The appointment of Drs. Jessurun was based upon the following considerations: his ability to represent ADI effectively to a variety of audiences including the media, public platforms, ADI members and potential members. His ability to command respect and confidence of senior officers in the professional and political world, (drs. Jessurun has developed this ability being a senior policy adviser for public sector and private sector organizations for over 36 years now).
His knowledge and understanding of the issues concerning older people and dementia throughout the Americas region was also a consideration for his appointment (acquired as board member of seniors organizations in the Dutch Caribbean and of the Latin American and Caribbean Confederation of Retirees, Pensioners and Older Persons and as human rights defender and as PAHO-human rights consultant).

Last but not least his knowledge and understanding of ADI's aims and objectives, of which organization has benefitted over the last two years, as he has worked tirelessly to get our Sint Maarten Alzheimer Foundation accepted as a member of ADI in March 2012. With the Board members of SMAF he has contributed to the realization of the visit of the ADI chairman Dr Jacob Roy Kuriakose and in co-organizing the St. Maarten Dementia Conference on August 13. He spearheaded the historic signing of the Caribbean Dementia Awareness and Advocacy Alliance between ADI-chairman and the district governors of Rotary International and Lions International, and with the Indian Merchants Association president.

Drs Jessurun has started the preparations together with ADI's policy advisor who is living in the USA to attend the upcoming WHO-/PAHO Sanitary Conference which will take place in the PAHO Headquarters in Washington, D.C from Sept 17-21, 2012, where all Ministers of Public Health from the continent are expected to attend in preparation of the World Health Assembly for May 2013.

ADI's main objective is to get the World Health Organization to pass a resolution to make Dementia a public Health priority just as has been done for HIV/AIDS. Therefore Governments of the world has to make Dementia a public Health priority to support such a resolution. Drs Jessurun has presented in the St. Maarten Alzheimer Dementia conference of August 13, a strategy proposal to make Dementia a public health priority in the region.

On behalf of the Sint Maarten Alzheimer Foundation we wish Drs Jessurun all the best with his new appointment and want to assure him together with all our stakeholders in Sint Maarten all the support needed to fulfil this new assignment.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure (MinVROMI) is reminding residents and stakeholders of the Cul de Sac basin (South Reward, Ebenezer, St. Peters, Saunders, St. John's Estate, Mary's Fancy and environs), Little Bay and Cay Hill, for a town hall meeting on Monday evening.

The town hall meeting will take place at the Belair Community Center, from 7:00pm to 9:30pm. The meeting is part of the process of drafting "development plans" for country Sint Maarten.

The development plan will comprise of a legal framework for possible future development that would take place in the district; to designate and/or reserve land for desired use; to prevent undesired development; and to offer legal security to residents about future development in their district.

This is the first meeting for this area which will allow residents, stakeholders and interested persons of the aforementioned districts to provide their views and ideas with respect to the future development of their districts. The views presented by the public will then be included into the design development plan and re-presented to the community in a follow-up town hall meeting.

The main topics that will be discussed are traffic (roads, other infrastructure), tourism (tourism, recreation), industry (commercial, industrial), residential (housing, public space and facilities), nature (ecology, landscape and water), and culture (cultural heritage, archaeology).

The process to develop the development plans are funded by the Dutch agency USONA to the tune of Naf. 2 million.

The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams attended the Home Away From Home Foundation's Grandparents Day Celebration on Sunday. The celebration was held in order to recognize the importance and the appreciation of grandparents to the community.

The Prime Minister stated in her remarks that she wanted to congratulate the Home Away From Home Foundation for organizing the International Day for Grandparents Celebration on St. Maarten; "This celebration has been observed for many years and has been declared by the United States as official Grandparents Day since 1968. It is usually held on the first Sunday after Labor Day in September so St. Maarten is celebrating this special day along with several other countries that observe use this day to celebrate the very special people our grandparents are," commented the PM.

The Prime Minister continued by stating that regardless as to when the day is observed on St. Maarten "the most important part of it is that we are recognize grandparents, grandchildren and children and what they should mean and can mean to one another. So to see how well the turnout is tonight as well as the numerous youngsters that are here I think is very commendable. Recognizing how much our elderly grandparents and others can share with St. Maarten through their children and grandchildren we need to cherish them, respect them and hold them dear," concluded the Prime Minister.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon. Silveria Jacobs had the honor to present the winning trophies to the winners of the 2nd Annual St. Maarten Federation Domino Championships as well as to offer a few words to the participants of the tournament in a ceremony at the Flanders Bar in Suckergarden on Sunday evening.

The Country Boys maintained the title of Champions winning a trophy, cash prizes and the right to represent St. Maarten in international competition.

In 2nd place was the Super Square team winning a trophy and cash prizes as well. Team Regulators placed third, and the Undertakers placed fourth. Each team received a plaque for participation from the organizers.

As dominoes is a cultural past time as well as a recognized competitive sport, Minister Jacobs pledged her support to seeing the tradition continued with the help of the teams and patrons of this sport.

"... only the people can truly pass on our culture to the people.... So play dominoes at home, at school and throughout the community... And this part of our culture will surely never be lost," Minister Silveria Jacobs is quoted as saying to the gathering.

(DCOMM Photo)

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Health officials from Aruba, Curacao, BES islands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba), the Netherlands, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Caribbean Epidemiology Centre from Trinidad & Tobago, and PAHO Washington Office, will be arriving on the island Wednesday to attend a two-day Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Mini Meeting to be held at the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Hotel & Casino.

Sint Maarten is the host and the organization and facilitation is being done by the Collective Prevention Services (CPS) of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour.

Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour Hon. Cornelius de Weever said: "We have to be realistic about the many things we want to do. We have limited financial and human resources so we need to synchronize our efforts in many areas.

"I am looking forward to all the representatives of the Kingdom being here and participating, who can then serve as a foundation for us to continue working together in other areas as well," Hon. Minister Cornelius de Weever said on Tuesday.

The objectives of the meeting are to discuss how the constitutional change has influenced the EPI program in each country or public entity; to link plans and activities for more efficient and effective program management.

To decide on arrangements to guarantee uniformity in programs; to establish agreements on formal collaboration on EPI matters between the Dutch Caribbean and the Netherlands; and to discuss the introduction of new vaccines on the islands.

The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams will continue the U 2 Can Move fitness campaign which she initiated. Two Fridays ago some two hundred and fifty civil servants joined in the Soualiga Walk event and the fitness campaign will continue with Zumba classes which will be held starting this Friday the 14th of September in front of the Government Administration Center in Philipsburg at five fifteen in the afternoon. The PM commented that although the program is geared towards Civil Servants she actually encourages the wider community to come out and take part; "The initial idea was to encourage civil servants to take part in these fitness programs but I would also like to encourage the wider community to come out and take part," commented the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister said previously that the events are a part of a larger fitness campaign where she encourages Civil Servants and the community in general to take their health and fitness seriously. "There is much we can do for ourselves as individuals and as a country as far as good health is concerned. Information, diet and exercise are the basic ABC's to good health and are valuable in any situation. I want to encourage our health institutions, practitioners and NGO's in this field to focus on educating our community on aspects of health and I call on all, especially our women, to take responsibility for their health, regular check-ups, and to heed warning signs such as aches and pains," the Prime Minister said.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The first day of the UNESCO Consultation of the Director-General with Member States and National Commissions of Latin American and the Caribbean Region, was officially called to order by the master of ceremony Andrea Vignola, Secretary-General of the National Commission of Uruguay for UNESCO.

Welcoming addresses were given by President of the National Commission of Uruguay for UNESCO Oscar Gomez da Trindade, Director-General (DG) of UNESCO, Irina Bokova and the Honorable Ricardo Ehrlich, Minister of Education and Culture of Uruguay.

In her welcoming address DG UNESCO Bokova made mention of the role of the National Commission for UNESCO. She also touched on the importance of the Partnerships of UNESCO to work with NGO and IGO partners as well as the private sector.

Several Ministers of Education and Culture from different Caribbean islands were also in attendance. During the Plenary presentation of Member states Minister Hon. Silveria Jacobs introduced the incoming Secretary-General of UNESCO for St. Maarten Marcellia Henry.

Minister Jacobs took the opportunity to address the gathering and thanked UNESCO for the opportunity to be able to participate in the conference for the first time as an associate member.

The Minister stressed her support for the Caribbean Cluster's position that Small Island Development States (SIDS) should remain as a priority target group in UNESCO's medium term strategy 37/C4, which if adapted by the consultation will result in continuation of programs and funding being allotted for SIDS which would directly benefit St. Maarten.

Minister Jacobs also made use of the opportunity to request technical assistance and guidance from the UNESCO cluster office, as St. Maarten requires assistance in establishing its National Commission.

Newly appointed Secretary General UNESCO Marcellia Henry took part as General Rapporteur in the Sub-regional consultations on the objectives, priorities and actions that were brought forward by the Director-General, and will serve as the main presenter of the reports providing feedback of the Caribbean sub-regional consultations on the Medium Term Strategy 2014-2021, and Programme and Budget for 2014-2017 as was proposed by the Director General UNESCO Bokova.

(United Peoples (UP) Party) Former first President of the Parliament of Sint Maarten Hon. Gracita Arrindell, left the island on Sunday to attend Prinsjesdag on Tuesday, 18 September in The Hague, the Netherlands.
The third Tuesday in September known as Prinsjesdag, is when in her capacity as Head of State, Queen Beatrix delivers the so-called 'Queen's Speech' (Troonrede) in the Hall of Knights in the Binnenhof in The Hague.
United People's (UP) party Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. Gracita Arrindell had received a personal invitation from Dutch Second Chamber of Parliament outgoing President Hon. Gerdi Verbeet to attend Prinsjesdag.
Prinsjesdag marks the start of the parliamentary year. Her Majesty the Queen delivers her speech before a joint meeting of both chambers of parliament (the First and Second Chambers) in the aforementioned hall.
The members of the Cabinet and the Council of State, as well as a number of invitees are also present for the ceremonial affair.

The St. Maarten Nature Foundation Snorkel Club came to an end on Saturday at the Megaplex Cinemas where the students where treated to a showing of finding Nemo 3D. This is the third Snorkel Club hosted by the Nature Foundation Snorkel Club since the program started in 2010.

The Nature Foundation, in a continued effort to educate and stress the important role the youth plays in the future of nature conservation on this island, established the Snorkel Club program with the aim of educating local youth in snorkelling skills and marine conservation. Children were given a number of lessons with each lesson consisting of both theory and practical elements.
Lessons included snorkelling skills, marine naturalist courses, introduction to SCUBA diving, hiking tours, and a special closing activity, in this case the showing at the theatres.

After graduating from Snorkel Club the children now have the opportunity to continue on to become Nature Foundation Junior Rangers. The Snorkel Club program was made possible through the generous donation and support from various businesses who contributed to the Rockstars for Nature event earlier this year. The popular local Band Orange Grove has also continuously supported Nature Education on St. Maarten through promoting the Nature Foundation Snorkel Club trough various outreach activities conducted earlier this year and through donating a percentage of their sales during events held on the island.

Great Bay:--- Last week, Jonaika Romney and Kazembe Hickinson received their certificates after a one month training in Qualified Crew, Basic Keelboat, and Boatmaster 2 by St. Maarten Sailing school Director Garth Steyn.
Both participants are very pleased with their recent achievement. Jonaika is very grateful to the program, as she stated "I would first like to thank God, Minister Cornelius De Weever, and the government of St. Maarten along with Pastor Allen, 12 Meter Yacht Club and my cousin Zorain."
"I am very pleased to see our young people apply themselves, and make use of the opportunity that has been given to them via this program," said Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor, Cornelius De Weever.
The "Employability through Training" is a Social Economic Initiative (SEI) project, which is aimed at taking people from welfare to work and giving them the opportunity of on the job training. The goal of the project is to assist unskilled unemployed individuals to acquire basic job skills and knowledge to help bridge the distance between them and suitable employment within the local labor market by offering specialized training and mediation for a period of two and a half years. This will allow them to not only get familiar with the supply and demand but will also develop their social, communicative and professional work related skills which will motivate them to actively participate in the local labor market.
The target groups for this project are those between the ages of 18-55; Dutch nationals registered on St. Maarten; unemployed and have a willingness to learn and accept work.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Health officials from Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten, BES islands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba), and the Netherlands, concluded their Mini Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) two-day conference last week with the intention to move forward on a number of areas.

The World Health Organization (WHO) established the EPI in May 1974 in order to extend the enormous benefits of vaccination to a larger number of children.

Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour Hon. Cornelius de Weever said: "It is extremely important that we work together regardless of the constitutional changes.

"Our regional and international reporting obligations continue. We must be proactive and consider increasing the age for vaccination coverage and also introducing new and approved vaccines."

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) organizes a meeting every year for the English Dutch and French speaking Caribbean region, including the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Canadian Public Health EPI authorities.

The islands of the former Netherlands Antilles indicated previously that they wanted to continue working together despite the then imminent constitutional changes. The international setting was initially the place where the islands met separately; however the choice was made later on to have a Mini EPI meeting for the six islands apart from the big one. This is the second time that Sint Maarten has organized this Mini EPI meeting.

Each country presented its country report on the status of vaccination; achievements and challenges and plans for the future. All islands indicated that new vaccines will be introduced in their schedules. The BES will be following the Dutch schedule when applicable. Challenges with reaching certain groups in the community and interpreting foreign vaccination records were also highlighted.

One of the agenda points of discussion by EPI Managers' was surveillance. How well is reporting done and who reports and why is it important to report on occurring communicable diseases. Sint Maarten and all the other islands depend on tourism and there are still some diseases out there of which some are re-emerging and we need to be aware and ready to deal with them.

In that respect the SLS presented information on the incidence of certain communicable diseases in St. Maarten. Both the PAHO/CAREC and the Netherlands stressed on the importance of reporting so one knows what is happening in order to react adequately.

Another topic was also the introduction of the "Heel Prick" which is a health screening carried out on newborns with the aim to verify whether they have certain congenital conditions that can be treated if discovered early on, but if left untreated cause severe health and other problems for the individual.

The BES islands will be introducing this "Heel Prick" while the other islands want to make use of the opportunity to introduce this type of screening for their children, and are now looking into how the logistics can be worked out together with the Netherlands as the material has to be screened in that country. Sint Maarten also made use of the opportunity to have its cold chain equipment inspected.

PAHO, Caribbean Epidemiology Centre from Trinidad & Tobago, and PAHO Washington Office, also took part in the two-day meeting which was held at the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Hotel & Casino.

Sint Maarten hosted the conference last week which was facilitated by the Collective Prevention Services (CPS) of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Group Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of HCP Aboard Publishing's Garry Duell Jr. paid a courtesy call to St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association SHTA Thursday to update the association on new initiatives being worked on for the 2013 issue of Experience St. Maarten/St. Martin.

Duell Jr. along with HCP Publishing's Area Manager for the US, Canada, Brazil, Barbados and Curacao, Jussara Albuquerque, met with SHTA President Emil Lee and SHTA Executive Director Alfred Harley and discussed the future of the magazine.
Duell Jr. through the relationship SHTA can tap into the over US$250,000.00 in advertising dollar value that was available each year for promoting the destination. This is an added benefit that Duell Jr. has encouraged SHTA to continue to capitalize on as it gives them access to millions of potential visitors. The exposure comes through HCP Aboard Publishing being a sister company of the Miami Herald which has over 32 sister newspapers across the United States.

HCP Aboard Publishing is a sister company to International Media giant Miami Herald and reaches over 75 million travelers per year through its many publications and its experiencedestinations.com websites of which St. Maarten is prominently featured.

SHTA has been fully supportive of the work done by Experience St. Maarten magazine for over ten years. The magazine continues to be the exclusive publication that is put in the hotel rooms throughout St. Maarten.

Cupe Coy:--- Police on St. Maarten are busy investigating the gruesome murder of a couple that was vacationing on the island at the Ocean Club Resort in Cupe Coy. According to information reaching SMN News, the bodies were found by a well known restaurateur from Simpson Bay. It is not yet clear what type of relationship the businessman had with the victims and how long they were on the island.
The victims have been identified as Micheal and Thelma King of South Carolina who are also part-time residents of St. Maarten since they owned several homes on the island.

 

STATEMENT FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF ST. MAARTEN.

Officials of the Government of St. Maarten issued an immediate statement upon hearing about the murder of two American citizens in St. Maarten.

"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the couple found murdered at the Ocean Club in
St. Maarten. Since the incident is still under investigation, we cannot comment about the details
at this time, but we can assure you that every government resource is being brought into play toinvestigate and solve this case."

 

STATEMENT FROM EMIL LEE, PRESIDENT OF SHTA.

"The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association is outraged at the attack and murder of two Americans on St. Maarten. We join the people of St. Maarten in expressing our sincere condolences to the family and friends of this couple and support the efforts that have been placed by the police in quickly working to bring the culprits to justice. St Maarten is a small, diverse and close knit community. This tragedy pains everyone in the community deeply."

 

Press release issued by Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos concerning the murders.

Late this morning Police were informed about a possible crime scene in a house at the Ocean Club Resort in Cupecoy. Upon arrival Police discovered the lifeless bodies of a man and a woman. Both appeared to have sustained lethal stab wounds.
The woman was tied onto a chair. The man was lying on the floor and partially over another chair. The motive of this horrific crime is yet unclear. The doctor who was at the crime scene found no indication whatsoever of a possible sexual motive. Speculations earlier today were suggesting this.
Police have secured the crime scene and the forensic department of the Sint Maarten Police Force have been conducting a thorough investigation. Subsequently a house search was conducted on judge's order. This search was completed at 6.30 PM.
Police officers have been questioning numerous possible witnesses that might be able to contribute to the investigation.
Although information on the identity of both victims has been out, Police have not been able to conduct a formal identification, as next of kin have not yet been informed. The Public Prosecutor's Office has been in contact with the American Consul in Curaçao and has requested the Consul to inform the family members. As long as no formal identification has taken place no information on the identity of the victims can be divulged.
A Police investigation team of 25 officers are involved in the investigation.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- During Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Hon. Silveria Jacobs trip to Uruguay recently, the Minister had the opportunity to meet with Uruguay government officials with respect to areas of cooperation between Uruguay and Sint Maarten.

Minister Jacobs made use of the opportunity to meet with Vice-Minister of Education, Science and Culture of Uruguay Oscar Gomez, as well as with the head of Uruguay's Cultural Department to foster ties of cooperation in the areas of promoting our cultural heritage, education, science and technology. It was a unique opportunity for the exchange of ideas.

"My delegation also was able to meet and hold fruitful dialogue with our counterparts in the Caribbean region in order to facilitate the setting up of our National Commissions. Support was pledged from the regional cluster office in Jamaica in the person of Director Dr. Kwame Boafo (who will conduct a training session in November) as well as several other State representatives and Secretary Generals of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) from various other island states such as Barbados, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis among others.

"As a Caribbean region we were unified in our approach and well represented in the committees in which we prepared and debated the final document to be submitted to Paris.

"As a result, Erik Falt, assistant Director General UNESCO also pledged the assistance of the main office in Paris in the preparation and training of our National Commission during early spring of 2013," Minister Silveria Jacobs said on Friday.

Minister Jacobs recently attended the UNESCO Consultation of the Director-General with Member States and National Commissions of Latin American and the Caribbean Region.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (TEATT) Hon. Romeo Pantophlet, issued the following message on Wednesday in connection with World Tourism Day which will be observed on Thursday, September 27, 2012.

~Theme: Tourism & Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development~

On behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten, I would like to wish everyone a happy World Tourism day!

The theme for this year's World Tourism Day is: "Tourism & Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development".

However, before expanding on my message to you today, I would first like for you to understand the meaning of sustainable energy and its relation to tourism.

Wikipedia defines sustainable energy as the sustainable provision of energy that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Technologies that promote sustainable energy include renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectricity, solar energy, wind energy, wave power, geothermal energy, and tidal power, and also technologies designed to improve energy efficiency.

When paired with tourism, we refer to the term: "sustainable tourism", which is tourism attempting to make as low impact on the environment and local culture as possible, while helping to generate future employment for local people. The aim of sustainable tourism is to ensure that development brings a positive experience for local people, tourism companies and the tourists themselves.

This year's theme for World tourism day "Tourism & Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development" is quite fitting for our situation, where global oil prices affect the cost of doing business on Sint Maarten, which in turn directly impacts the cost of living, the happiness of our people and ultimately the quality of our tourism product and our service.

This theme provides a unique opportunity for us to embrace the various natural power sources as a means to limit its impact on the environment while also reducing the cost of doing business and cost of living for us all.

As a community and a country we must move away from high-emission and oil dependent technologies and embrace the use of technologies that promote sustainable energy, such as wind, and geothermal energy, to name a few.

Just recently the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise facility began with an exemplary approach to embrace natural sources such as a means to reduce its costs through the use of wind mills. This is an example that we all should follow to reduce the costs of electricity.

I imagine that not everyone understands the direct benefit of switching to these more natural resources, but the benefits are clear and bountiful.

Firstly, by embracing this energy solution, we will play our part to fight the world's struggle against climate change, leaving future generations with an environment that they too can enjoy.

Secondly, many countries around the world who have embraced alternative energy solutions have boasted increased employment figures.

Thirdly and lastly, whether you are operating a business or managing a household, the use of low emission technologies can significantly reduce the cost of utilities.

Everyone has a role to play in sustainable tourism, so on this world tourism day; I encourage us all to join in creating a more sustainable future for us all.

Union des Parents d'Elèves de Saint Martin Section lycée Iles du Nord cordially invites all parents to a meeting at the Lycée, on Monday October 01st 2012 from 5.30pm to 7:00pm.
YOUR PRESENCE WILL BE HIGHLY APPRECIATED!

Great Bay:--- Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor, Cornelius De Weever is encouraging the community to go out and take advantage of the free HIV testing on Saturday, September 29th, 2012 at the Leopold Bell School in Cole Bay from 10AM until 4PM.
"As part of the free HIV testing day I am encouraging our community to know their status and Get Checked, get tested," said Minister De Weever.
The test will be administered by a small finger prick, and the results will be available in 15 minutes. This event is being organized by the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation. All test results are confidential.

Philipsburg:--- For the fourth consecutive year the Rotary Club of St. Maarten is distributing dictionaries to grade 3 students in St. Maarten as part of our efforts to promote literacy. This year over 700 English dictionaries will be provided to students in 15 schools. On Thursday a team of six Rotarians presented students at St. Dominic's, Hill Side Christian, Rudy Labega, and Sister Magda schools with their dictionaries. The team included Rotarians Henna, Maria, Rebecca, Kishore, Damu, Nick, and Danny. On Friday another team of Rotarians presented dictionaries to MAC 1&2 as well as the new Cay Hill Hill Side school.

The Rotary Club of St. Maarten purchases special student dictionaries through the non-profit organization, The Dictionary Project.
Third grade students receive the dictionaries at this particular time in their formal education as most primary schools teach the children to use an English dictionary in the third grade. Through this effort, each student is the proud owner of what is often their first dictionary. Students are encouraged to take them home so that the entire family may benefit.
The Rotary Club of St. Maarten would like to thank Shams in Philipsburg for their assistance once again in making this project possible. A special thank you goes out to all of the children for their enthusiasm and beautiful smiles.

The Tempo network will premier its one-hour special on St. Maarten's Carnival 2012 tomorrow night at 7:00pm. Entitled "Tempo Presents St. Maarten Carnival 2012", this is an initial two-week run with the show air 25 times and will featured scenes and interviews gathered during Carnival 2012.

A collaborative effort between Tempo and the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) and the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, the program is the first "fruit" that will bear from the three year-contract signed between the two parties prior to the start of Carnival 2012.

The intention is to re-air this program and 2013 content a few weeks before Carnival 2013 as well. Approximately five Million viewers in over 28 countries worldwide, including the United States (NY, NJ, Conn. Pa), South America and parts of Europe will get to see St. Maarten's Carnival in all its splendor.

The one hour program features glimpses into all thing Carnival on St. Maarten. Footage from almost all Carnival events, interviews with booth holders, footage highlighting the uniqueness of Carnival Village, parades, road events and more.

"St. Maarten is where Tempo comes to charge up and Carnival is the ultimate charging session," said Frederick A. Morton, Jr., Founder, Chairman & CEO, Tempo Networks. It is a pleasure to partner with the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation and the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau to present St. Maarten Carnival and to let the world know that St. Maarten Carnival Got Tempo!"

"Tempo is a first step in presenting our Carnival to the world," President of the SCDF Stuart Johnson said. "We have so much more in the pipeline planned. Tempo did a fine job covering St. Maarten's largest event and we look forward to continuing and growing our partnership with the network in the benefit of Carnival and St. Maarten in general," Johnson added.

The SCDF, since June, had already announced the dates for Carnival 2013 as part of its "Save the Dates" campaign. Carnival 2013 is scheduled to run from April 19 to May 3. The schedule is expected to feature local shows per usual, road events, about four international concerts and more.

Tempo Networks, LLC, is the first and only full service pan-Caribbean media and entertainment company producing and offering culturally relevant content on all media platforms (on-air, on-line, on-mobile and on the ground). Its flagship cable television network, Tempo, captures and delivers the extraordinary Caribbean vibe by successfully producing and delivering Caribbean content dedicated to music, culture, travel, cuisine, and social awareness initiatives.

Tempo, envisioned by native son Frederick A. Morton Jr. ("Mr. TEMPO"), is a true celebration of Caribbean life that seeks to elevate the region. Its content, therefore, is developed to rise beyond entertainment to inspirational, progressive and educational. TEMPO currently broadcasts in 28 countries, including the entire Caribbean, the US tri-state area, Costa Rica, Luxemburg, and Germany.

Bush Road:--- TelEm Group is recognizing the daily efforts of Sint Maarten's hard-working newspaper vendors who bring the day's news to motorist and members of the public - come rain or shine.

Starting today, some 28 vendors will be receiving monthly phone credits from TelEm Group along with the use of a free mobile phone to use as they wish.

On Friday the vendors gathered at the Daily Herald Building on Bush Road to also receive a tote bag in which they can carry their newspapers for sale, along with a protective apron and an umbrella for protection from the sun and rain.

In return the vendors have signed a three-year contract to promote TelEm Group and the Daily Herald by wearing and using the promotional materials.

TelEm Group says the 28 vendors are only part of the larger number of newspaper vendors scattered around St. Maarten. The company is hoping other vendors will jump on board before long.

"It's very easy to take these hard-working people for granted because they come out each morning whether it's raining or not to ensure the daily newspapers are delivered to readers," said TelEm Group Lead Customer Service Representative, Mr. Suraj Ramdas.

Mr. Ramdas thanked the owners of the Daily Herald for allowing the company to approach the vendors about the mutually beneficial promotional campaign.

He said the vendors were especially grateful that a company such as TelEm Group would recognize the contribution they make by being out on the streets each morning to delivery the daily news.

Daily Herald Publish/Managing Director, Mr. Paul de-Windt, says his newspaper backs any initiative that makes life easier or more comfortable for hard-working newspaper vendors around the island.

"While they (newspaper vendors) are not directly employed by The Daily Herald, we nevertheless take a great interest in their welfare and how they represent the sale of our newspaper," said Mr. De Windt when first approached about the campaign earlier this year.

On Friday, the Daily Herald chief provided his full support by posing with the vendors along with TelEm Group staff involved in the project including Marketing Officer, Marelva Jones and intern Eljah Gipson.

Mr. Gipson has received full praise within TelEm Group for seeing the project to Friday's presentation ceremony while only temporarily employed in the company.

"Eljah has been very focused and is already working on other projects for us," added Mr. Ramdas.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- St. Maarten Volleyball Association (SIMVA) male volleyball team represented Dutch Sint Maarten in the 2014 Norceca group D World Championship Qualifier hosted by the French side of the island.

Islands represented at round one of the qualifier were Antigua & Barbuda, Bermuda, Anguilla, French St. Martin, and Dutch Sint Maarten. Each team played four games. Dutch Sint Maarten played (1-3) winning one game against Bermuda.

Antigua placed first (4-0), French St. Martin second (3-1) and Anguilla coming in third (2-2). The first and second place teams will move on to take part in the East Caribbean Volleyball Association Championship 2012 in St. Lucia. The top 3 will continue to round two of the Norceca group D World Championship Qualifier.

The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon. Silveria Jacobs hereby congratulates the teams for their participation in these qualifier games, and encourages SIMVA and the National Team to keep on striving for success as we rebuild volleyball on Sint Maarten.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- West Nile Virus (WNV) can cause a fatal neurological disease in humans; however, approximately 80 per cent of people who are infected will not show any symptoms.

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour is currently monitoring the outbreak in the United States. There are no reported cases of WNV on the Dutch side.

As part of the Minister's public health campaign of "Get Checked," residents are asked to check around their surroundings to make sure there are no mosquito breeding areas. Minister responsible for Public Health, Social Development & Labour Hon. Cornelius de Weever says: "I am kindly asking everyone to do their share and ensure that their yard is clean to reduce mosquito breeding areas."

On a local level, information will be provided to family physicians and other health professionals, and the community is asked to continue to maintain stepped up prevention measures to keep their yards and premises free of mosquitoes.

WNV is mainly transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The genus Culex mosquito is generally considered the principal vector of WNV. Birds are the natural hosts of WNV.

Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, which circulate the virus in their blood for a few days. The virus may also be transmitted through contact with other infected animals, their blood, or other tissues.

The 20 per cent of people who become infected with WNV will develop West Nile fever. Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, occasionally with a skin rash and swollen lymph glands.

The symptoms of severe disease include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.

Serious illness can occur in people of any age; however people over the age of 50 and some immune-compromised persons are at the highest risk for getting severely ill when infected with WNV. Incubation period is usually three to 14 days.

No vaccine is available for humans. Treatment for patients entails hospitalization, intravenous fluids, respiratory support, and prevention of secondary infections.

In the absence of a vaccine, the only way to reduce infection in people is to reduce the risk of mosquito transmission. As always recommended by CPS, eliminate standing water and destroy other mosquito breeding sites; use mosquito nets, insect repellent, wear light colored clothing, long sleeve shirts and trousers, avoid going outdoors at dusk and dawn without haven taken the necessary preventive measures.

The last time the Caribbean experience WNV cases were back in 1999 and 2003.

New York, USA:--- On Friday August 31st, Roxanne 'Roxxy' Webster earned the first music award of her music career at the 10th International Soca Award (ISA) ceremony which took place in New York as part of this year's Labor Day Weekend celebration. Roxxy, who represents both Anguilla and St. Maarten as a Soca and Calypso Artist was nominated for two awards for her hit release 'Delete', and is extremely happy to have won the award for 'Best Soca Music Video'. Roxxy recognizes this would not have been possible without the support of her fans who took the time to vote for her as a nominee competing against more recognized artists out of the Caribbean region, including Edwin Yearwood & Krosfyah of Barbados; Kes the Band of Trinidad and Tobago, and Mr. Machel Montano also of Trinidad and Tobago. Roxxy's music video 'Delete' won the title 'Best Soca Music Video' in tight competition tying with Mr. Machel Montano's popular 'Vibes Cyah Done' video. Regarding this major accomplishment, Roxxy says "I never thought I stood a chance, but I never stopped believing in myself, my fans, family, and friends. I love you guys."
'Delete' the music video, which now has over 24,000 hits on YouTube since its release in March of this year, was directed by Julien Kirton and produced by Rickielle Hodge and Rocklyn Maynard of R&R Productions in Anguilla. The video was shot in Anguilla; it highlights many beautiful aspects of the island, and features some of the local businesses that have pledged their support to make Roxanne's dream of having a music video possible. Roxanne is proud of her team 'Team Roxxy' which includes her sponsors, supporters, family, friends and the media, which have all contributed to the realization of her dream. "It makes me feel proud to have a great team and even better to have the support from my communities," she says.
While in New York, Roxxy had the opportunity to perform her hit track 'Delete' live at the ISA event; she made a special appearance at the Antigua & Barbuda Council of Organization Soca Splash in Manhattan, and also was a guest performer at various nightclubs. Roxanne is proud to be representing the small, yet beautiful islands of Anguilla and St. Maarten.
Roxanne returns on Wednesday September 5th, but would like to take this opportunity to thank the Anguilla Tourist Board for its commitment in assisting with her travel requirements to be able to attend and participate in the 2012 Soca Awards. She would also like to thank Trevor Lake, Trevor Connor, the Department of Youth & Culture, Cora Richardson-Hodge, Sheila Haskins, Digicel, R& R Productions, Mitchell & Keesha Lake, Tropical Distributors Ltd., Josephine Gumbs-Connor, Josette Hodge, Enrick Harrigan, Anguilla Lights & Stage, Tackle Box Sports Center, the media, family, friends, her supporters, and well-wishers for their support and encouragement. Special thanks to those whose names may have been inadvertently omitted but have supported and assisted in one way or another.

The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams will continue the U 2 Can Move fitness campaign which she initiated. On Friday some two hundred and fifty civil servants joined in the Soualiga Walk event and the fitness campaign will continue with the Zumba classes which will be held starting on the 5th of September.

Last week the Prime Minister distributed thirty pedometers to the first thirty civil servants who registered for the walk. Various departments and ministries joined in the walk including the community police officers who signed up for the event last week. All participants were given special U 2 Can Move t-shirts especially for the events.

The Prime Minister said previously that the events are a part of a larger fitness campaign where she encourages Civil Servants to take their health and fitness seriously. "There is much we can do for ourselves as individuals and as a country as far as good health is concerned. Information, diet and exercise are the basic ABC's and are valuable in any situation. I want to encourage our health institutions, practitioners and NGO's in this field to focus on educating our community on aspects of health and I call on all, especially our women, to take responsibility for their health, regular check-ups, and to heed warning signs such as aches and pains," the prime minister said. These two events are no different and I encourage Civil Servants to get up and move and be active," commented the Prime Minister.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- On Monday, a delegation from the Sint Maarten Social Economic Council (SER) paid a visit to the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary. The delegation spoke to Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Mathias S. Voges, director Cor James, policy advisor Perry Geerlings and policy advisor Carol Voges. The chairman of the SER René Richardson updated minister Voges on the role and objectives of the SER.

Minister Voges exchanged information and upcoming activities of his cabinet. The meeting was a follow up to the previous meeting that was held earlier this year in May. Minister Voges could not be present at the first meeting, due to the swearing in of the new government.

In addition to the visit to the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary, Chairman René Richardson will attend the official farewell ceremony/reception of outgoing SER Chairman of the Netherlands Alexander Rinnooy Kan, and will also make use of the opportunity to meet the new incoming Chairman W. Draijer. Concluding its work visit to the Netherlands, the SER will meet with the Dutch Central Statistical Office (CBS).

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure (MinVROMI) is inviting residents and stakeholders of the Cul de Sac basin (South Reward, Ebenezer, St. Peters, Saunders, St. John's Estate, Mary's Fancy and environs), Little Bay and Cay Bay, for a town hall meeting on Monday evening.

The town hall meeting will take place at the Belair Community Center, from 7:00pm to 9:30pm. The meeting is part of the process of drafting "development plans" for country Sint Maarten.

This meeting will allow residents, stakeholders and interested persons of the aforementioned districts to provide their views and ideas with respect to the future development of their districts.

The drafting of the development plans will take approximately 24 months and the aforementioned plans will guide the future spatial development of the country where it relates to government and private land.

Philipsburg:--- St. Maarten Baseball champions, The St. Maarten Mets, take to the baseball field Sunday sporting brand new colors of team sponsor TelEm Group.

The Mets are counting on the company's blazing red color to continue to put fear in their opponents in the new baseball season, starting with their first game against last season's #4 team, the Blue Jays.

According to St. Maarten Pony League president, Mr. Gabriel Brown, the Mets team is made up of players who have been together since they played in the Pony League as youngsters, including Milton Peters College (MPC) student Gonzalez, 18, and 19-year-old PJAIE worker, Francisco.

"The Mets have won the adult league championship back to back for two consecutive years. They deserve any assistance they can get to continue to play the game at the highest level," said Mr. Brown.

He said sponsorship by TelEm Group includes a full uniform of cap, jersey and pants, along with a tote-bag and a safety helmet. Balls and bats for future games may also be forthcoming.

"Our sponsorship of The Mets is in keeping with our heightened presence in the community and around St. Maarten, said TelEm Group Lead Customer Service representative Suraj Ramdas.

He said as a good corporate citizen, TelEm Group believes in the promotion of sports and sporting activities as a healthy pursuit for St. Maarten's youth.

Both he and fellow coordinator on the project, Ms. Angel Richardson, are confident the team will continue with their winning ways and will make the company colors proud.

"We have urged the Mets to win by all means but most off all to have fun and compete in the best spirit of the game," said Angel.

The first pitch of the game - St. Maarten Mets vs the Blue Jays - takes place at the Little League ballfield, Sunday. All baseball fans are invited to turn out and to give their support.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- As of 31 August 2012, the National Park Service Office of Public Healh (NPS) has reported six cases of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) among visitors to Yosemite National Park in California, United States of America. Two of the six cases died.

Investigations carried out by the NPS revealed that the six cases contracted the disease in June and July of this year. Five of these six cases stayed in the same "Signature Tent cabins" in the Curry Village area of the park.

NPS is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health to detect additional cases and to heighten public awareness of Hantavirus and HPS, in order to rapidly identify potential new cases and provide treatment early.

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, is appealing to residents who during the summer school holidays may have travelled to the Yosemite Park, to contact CPS for information or if they develop symptoms to contact their family physician.

As part of the Minister's public health campaign of "Get Checked," Minister responsible for Public Health, Social Development & Labour Hon. Cornelius de Weever encourages holiday travelers to: "Check with CPS before and in this case after traveling. Do not hesitate to contact CPS for travel requirements and any additional information that you may need."

HPS is a rare but serious disease and is caused by a virus that individuals get through contact with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents. The deer mouse is the primary host of the virus.

The disease begins with fever, chills, muscle aches, and/or gastrointestinal symptoms, but can progress rapidly to life-threatening illness.

Symptoms of HPS typically occur from two to four weeks after initial exposure to the virus. However, symptoms can appear as early as one week and as late as six weeks following exposure. Person-to-person transmission of Hantavirus has not been reported in the United States.

There is no specific treatment, cure or vaccine for Hantavirus infection. Early recognition and treatment of infected individuals can reduce disease progression.

Persons can reach CPS at the following telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-2078.

The Social Economic Council (SER) attended the farewell ceremony of their Dutch counterpart's chairman Alexander Rinnooy Kan last Thursday. Mr Rinnooy Kan completed a six year tenure as chairman of the main Dutch advisory body on socio-economic issues. Rinnooy Kan was succeeded by Wiebe Draijer, former Benelux CEO of consultancy firm McKinsey. During the ceremony, Draijer was formally appointed by minister Kamp of Social Affairs and Employment. The new chairman has his work cut out for him, as Kamp presented the SER with a list of no less than nine new advice requests from the parting Dutch government, underscoring the importance of this advisory body to the Dutch social and political system. Draijer from his part stressed the gravity of the socio-economic challenges the Netherlands and therefore the SER face. The new chairman further announced a more transparent and speedier operating style by the advisory body, providing ideas that might be equally useful in the Sint Maarten context.
The Sint Maarten SER was represented at the ceremony by chaiman René Richardson, secretary-general Gerard Richardson and legal adviser Daniëlle Choennie-Babel.
The Sint Maarten delegation made use of the opportunity to strengthen the ties with the Dutch SER, while making arrangements for future cooperation and exchange of best practices. Additionally, visits were paid to crucial partners like the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) and to the cabinet of the minister plenipotentiary, Mr. Mathias Voges.
In the same week, the SER representatives attended the much publicized dialogue with Dutch caretakeer minister of Kingdom Affairs Liesbeth Spies, about the recent developments in the new countries and new public entities of the Kingdom. Spies reflected positively upon a number of recent developments in Sint Maarten, especially in the financial field.
A full report on the SER trip to the Netherlands can be found on the recently launched website www.sersxm.org.
The cost involved in the SER trip to the Rinnooy Kan's farewell was covered by Dutch cooperation funds managed by USONA.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT) Hon. Romeo Pantophlet last week met with Dutch Aviation officials at his request with respect to aviation matters. The meeting included officials from Sint Maarten's Department of Civil Aviation, and the discussion was about what must be put in place to return the country's airport to a Category 1; provisions necessary to establish an aviation registry; and what type of assistance the Netherlands could provide.

Postal Services St. Maarten NV (PSS) recently wrapped up its SUMMER PARCEL SPECIAL to the Nertherlands with a very good turn out and results with parcels being delivered in days of leaving St. Maarten, ahead of the two week time period allotted. The special exceeded its target by far. PSS and its team hereby thanks all the parents, students and persons that made use of the special and entrusted your post office to deliver as promised.

The PSS team worked hard to ensure that all the parcels were properly labelled, stored and secured at its facilities, and finally delivered. All the packages left the island as planned on Friday 31st August for the Netherlands. Many students were pleasantly surprised to receive their boxes in days, as early as Tuesday 4th September. To date just about all have received their packages since with a just a few waiting to be delivered after attempts to deliver were made unsuccessful. PSS urges those few who are still awaiting their parcels to contact their local dutch post office to arrange for their delivery to avoid the packages being sent back after a number of failed delivery attempts is made, back to St. Maarten.

Postal Services St. Maarten (PSS) will be making this Summer Parcel Special an annual event, and says special thanks to our Hon. Minister Jacobs and her Ministry of Education team, KLM, parents, students here and abroad for helping to promote the special to make it a success. In addition to this summer event PSS will be having a Christmas Special to ensure our students and St. Maartener's abroad in the Netherlands can have a nice warm Christmas, so please stay tuned for this upcoming special.

Should anyone wish to enquire about their package or wish to get more information in general please feel free to contact our local Post Office at Tel.: +1 721 542 2289 ext. 100 or 127 or by e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PSS and the team again say thank you and we are here to serve you, by bringing the postal world to your doorsteps, while we continue to build and grow our Post Office.

The St. Maarten Nature Foundation in cooperation with Pearl 98.1 FM will be relaunching the Nature Watch Radio Program to be aired every Friday at ten in the morning. The original Nature Watch radio program was started by Jadira Veen, president of the St. Maarten Pride Foundation. The Nature Foundation has taken over the program with host Tadzio Bervoets explaining Nature in General and making the listeners experience some of the work which is conducted by the Nature Foundation in the field.

"The idea is to not only provide information to the listener about Nature on the Island in general, but to also bring the listener into the field with the staff and volunteers of the St. Maarten Nature Foundation. This way we can introduce people who are not used to spending time with turtles or pelicans or diving within the Marine Park for example," commented Bervoets.

The first program of Nature Watch aired on Friday the 14th of September with information on bat and bat research which will be conducted on the island. Nature Foundation staff were also recently in Bonaire where they were trained by staff of the Bonaire Nature Foundation STINAPA in the capturing and studying bats. Listeners were also explained why bats are important to the ecosystem of St. Maarten.

Next week's program will feature information on Sea Turtles, Nature Education and research being conducted in the Marine Park. Nature Foundation Nature Watch will air every Friday from ten to eleven in the morning on 98.1 Pearl FM.

The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams welcomed on Thursday Reverend Mooreland William at her offices. The Reverend, accompanied by his wife Mrs. William, came to St. Maarten from the British Virgin Islands. Mr. William will be country reverend for the St. Maarten Methodist Church.

Mr. William replaces Reverend Charles Seaton who left with his family to the BVI last month to take up a similar post there. The Prime Minister wishes Reverend and Mrs. William much success and strength on St. Maarten carrying out God's work at the Methodist Congregation.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

...

Great Bay:--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development, & Labor, Cornelius De Weever extends congratulations to Mrs. Vrutaal of the St. Maarten Laboratory Services for her many years in service.
"I would personally like to thank Mrs. Vrutaal for her many years of dedication, as she was part of the process in bringing the lab from where it was back in the Netherlands Antilles time to what it is now as a part of St. Maarten," said Minister De Weever.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Tuesday afternoon the 1st Vice President of Parliament Hon. Member of Parliament (MP) Romain Laville, met with the Chairman of the Social Economic Council (SER) Rene Richardson.

The purpose of the meeting was for the SER to present its first advice for the year to Parliament on the draft initiative ordinance on elimination of the abuse of temporary labor contracts as requested by letter dated June 29, 2012.

The request for the advice was discussed in a SER meeting on August 23, 2012. The advice was discussed and approved unanimously on August 30 and September 13, 2012.

The draft initiative ordinance on elimination of the abuse of temporary labour contracts was submitted to Parliament by the National Alliance (NA) faction on June 6, 2012.

Also sitting in on the meeting was Arjen Alberts, Senior Policy Adviser to the SER and Acting Secretary General of Parliament Nancy Joubert.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications has taken note of inquiries with respect to the recent fuel price increases.

Gasoline prices are affected by a composition of various factors, including, on-going Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production trends; oil inventory levels; demand from developing non-OECD countries; demand trends from more mature OECD economies; market altering events from bad weather to political upheaval; financial market activity which also induce speculators that can drive up the prices.

Currently there is a mix of the aforementioned developments. For instance, analyst has forecasted that the expectation that the Federal Reserve will take action to keep interest rates lower until the end of 2012, will help the US economy, but should also boost oil prices because demand for energy should pick up.

In addition as a small non-oil producing country, the effects are harder felt and the cost to the end consumer higher.

The local prices of refined petroleum products follow the trend of the price of crude oil on the international market.

However, there is a lag in the prices changes, which is due to the fact that Sint Maarten is fully import dependent and the shipments of the petroleum products are usually every three to four weeks.

For discussion purposes, if the wholesaler purchases 1000 gallons at a higher price, that is the price the product will be sold on the market until that stock is completed. This means if the prices decrease, within that period, the local market will continue paying for the higher price, and vice versa.

As such, Sint Maarten cannot always respond as quickly on the international price changes, so even though internationally the prices are decreasing, the local prices may still remain high until a next fuel shipment arrives on the island.

Additionally, the final consumer tank price is made up of different factors, including taxes (Naf.0.29 guilder cents per liter), transportation cost, insurance, freight, port and landing fees and the Wholesaler and Retailer profit margins.

These price components are added to the base rates, and are inevitably higher than what we see in the United States.

In addition, the prices of gasoline on the surrounding islands may vary and are higher (Grenada Naf. 3.00) or lower (Aruba Naf. 2.447, Curacao Naf. 2.327) due to the fact that some islands subsidize the petroleum products, or have their own oil refinery. According to the Bermuda Government in September 2012, gasoline prices hit an all-time high this year to date, Naf.4.03 per litre.

With no natural gas available, almost all Caribbean islands except for a handful must import and the prices of petroleum products are very expensive compared to the USA and Canada.

The options available to most Caribbean islands are to subsidize. However, subsidizing must be funded, which result in a higher tax burden elsewhere, such as Value Added Tax (VAT), Consumption Tax, Property Tax, or tariffs (including domestically produced products) and Import Duties, therefore other taxes are levied to cover the costs.

Sint Maarten is not in the position of providing a subsidy as the tax burden on the general public will have to increase in order to provide these subsidies.

Instead, the Ministry of TEZVT sets maximum prices in order to mitigate high price increases. For example, the reason for the recent price increases (August 29 and September 4, 2012) for Gasoline is due to the fact that Government levelled out the initial price increase of 24 Antillean cents over several weeks.

The levelling out is used as a strategy to spread out the burden of the high price increase on the end consumer. The third most recent price increase of 12 Antillean cents (September 19), was due to the abovementioned international developments.

The Ministry of TEZVT are looking at all available options to try and lower the burden on the consumer. In order to provide relief for the public, the Ministry of TEZVT commissioned SOAB (Stichting Overheidsaccountant Bureau) to review the Gasoline and Diesel margins of the wholesaler, retailers and LPG distributors.

Further, the study will look at the price build-up to determine if any changes are possible. Global oil prices have now been volatile for the past 10 years, compared with historical trends, with sharp volatility characterizing the markets since the latter half of 2007.

Managing oil price volatility is a constant challenge for all Caribbean islands. The Ministry is committed to reviewing all feasible available options to lower the burden for the end consumer.

The SOAB report is expected to be finalized at the end of December.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (TEATT) Hon. Romeo Pantophlet, last week Friday met with representatives from the Association of Haitian Physicians Abroad (AMHE), who are strongly considering the destination as a location to hosts its 40th Annual Convention.

AMHE will celebrate its 40th Annual Convention in July 2013. AMHE is a 40-year old membership not-for-profit organization of over 5000 physicians of Haitian ancestry.

They are represented in clinical practice and academia throughout the United States and Canada.

Acting Head of the Tourist Bureau Augusto Priest said the destination is particularly interested in possibly supporting this event, and that it would bring much needed business to the island during the off season.

The primary focus of the organization is to assist in meeting the health care needs of the community-at-large and to provide professional development opportunities for the Haitian Physician.

The Annual Convention of the AMHE consists of approximately 300-400 Physicians and their families traveling from the United States and Canada.

The convention is a seven day conference that includes scientific sessions as well as a host of social activities and island excursions and would take place in the last week of July.

Previous convention locations have included Aruba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Montreal, and Panama.

Philipsburg:--- Vice President of the Windward Islands Chamber of Labour Unions Claire Elshot called on all workers on St. Maarten during the union's weekly press briefing on Thursday to verify that they are registered at APS (the general pension fund on St. Maarten). Elshot said that APS sent out a notice to workers which is dated one day before St. Maarten became a country. Elshot said in 2002, the APNA implemented a pension overview on a yearly basis. Elshot explained that members of APNA should have all their annual overviews while the 2010 overview would be up to October 9th, 2010. Elshot said that last overview issued by APNA is a very important overview since it outlines the status of the employees/pensioners.

Elshot said that workers should go through the overview carefully and ensure that all the information including their salaries are correct. She said that if there are errors there is a grace period given to workers to send in a letter to APS requesting that the necessary corrections be made. Elshot said she had a personal experience with her co-insurer and when she queried the information, APS told her that there was a glitch in the computer.

Elshot said in another instance, a teacher that was insured since 1996 was only put in the system as of 2010. "This teacher's premiums were being deducted since 1998 and she bought one extra year and all of that money she paid into the pension fund could have been lost. Elshot said she only found out about this because this was the first time she got an overview from that teacher and she took it upon herself to call APNA and they told her that APNA only entered her name in the system as of 2010." The WICLU vice president said that the pension premium is compulsory and it is being deducted from the moment the person begins working. Elshot insisted that workers should verify and ensure that their rights are protected. "Workers should not take their status for granted because the premiums are being deducted. They need to visit the APS office and verify if their information that is in the system is correct.

WITU President Calls on Education Minister to give Teachers their Resolution.

The President of the Windward Islands Teachers Union also called on the Minister of Education to hand over the resolution to all teachers working for public schools on St. Maarten. Elshot told reporters on Thursday that while there are number of swearing in ceremonies taking place on the island, the workers have not been given any resolution to state that they are working country St. Maarten. "I am calling on the Ministry of Education to make sure the teachers working in public schools receive their resolution." Elshot said she complained several times to the Ministry and to do date the teachers working in public education cannot get their resolution. Elshot said that the union ran out of time and they intend to send a demand to the Minister of Education and Personnel Affairs which would have a deadline included.

COLA Payments not fully Completed --- Pensioners are not being paid.

The Vice President of the of WITU Claire Elshot confirmed that the COLA payments for 2010 are not yet complete since all the pensioners did not receive their COLA payments as yet. Elshot also confirmed that the union met with the Prime Minister to discuss how the 2011 COLA payments will be made. Elshot said the Prime Minister maintained that the government of St. Maarten cannot continue paying the COLA payments under the same structure. Elshot said that while government is saying they cannot pay the COLA as is, the cost of living on St. Maarten is rising on a daily basis. "Just recently gas price increased again and government doesn't seem to understand that these workers need to live and the only thing that helps them is the COLA payments.

Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. Dr. Ruth Douglass from the United Peoples (UP) Party is calling on the Minister of Public Health to stop playing out this sensitive matter in public, and handle this in a productive and professional manner that will ultimately produce positive results with respect to the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC).

The Permanent Committee of Parliament for Public Health, Social Development and Labour met with some of the main stakeholders so far. The public exchange in the media continues with respect to the situation at our only medical facility on the Dutch side, and this is not creating an atmosphere of advancing safe and compassionate patient care.

A speedy resolution to this matter is urgently needed in order to restore the confidence of the community in SMMC. Those suffering are the community and the dedicated and hardworking staff of SMMC.

As a medical doctor, the situation is very tense because people in our communities are extremely concerned and some are literally fearful about going to SMMC. The Minister of Public Health should be more responsible and use tact.

Patients and consumers can play an important role in efforts to improve the quality and safety of health care around the world and including here on Sint Maarten. I would recommend to consumers and patients to check out the following website: http://www.who.int/patientsafety/worldalliance/en/index.html ; where one can engage in a discussion that can help shape the future of patient-centered care. Every patient and consumer can make a difference.

In October 2004 the World Health Organization (WHO) officially launched a patient safety programme dedicated to bringing significant benefits to patients in countries rich and poor, developed and developing, in all corners of the globe.

The patient safety programme was established in response to Resolution WHA55.18, adopted by the WHO's 55th World Health Assembly in May 2002, which urged member states to pay the closest possible attention to patient safety and establish science-based systems for improving safety and the quality of care. The resolution reflected and advanced various calls to action to make patient safety a public health priority.

With respect to social welfare, the UP Faction office as well as other UP MPs has received numerous complaints from welfare recipients about being removed from the social help lists. We have to question why is this continuing? I am calling on the Minister of Social Development Hon. Cornelius de Weever to stop playing games with the welfare of our people.

Our people are living in difficult times and the challenges of high GEBE bills, food prices etc. are seriously impacting the community and the people are demanding relief. Where is the relief for our pensioners?

Philipsburg (DCOMM):--- On behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten, my cabinet, and my family, I would like to extend my condolences to the family and friends of Michael and Thelma King. They were loyal visitors to our destination and as a Government and community we are saddened by this horrifying tragedy that took place on our island.

That being said, I would also like to applaud the Police Force for their excellent work in capturing a suspect in this case in record time. Government is and will continue to use every resource necessary to investigate and solve this case.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Central Committee of Parliament will meet in public session on September 28. The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour Hon. Cornelius de Weever has been invited to Parliament.

The meeting will take place on Friday morning at 10:00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House of Parliament at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The meeting has been requested by the United Peoples (UP) Party faction.

The agenda points are the portfolios of the Minister, Public Health, Social Development and Labour.

The central committee session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 20, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com, and also via www.sxmparliament.org.

Philipburg:--- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs & Sport, Ms. Silveria Jacobs, was at the Princess Juliana International Airport Wednesday to give a warm send-off to St. Maarten's team for the All-Star International Tae Kwon do Open Tournament at Colorado Springs Resort and Convention Center, Orlando, USA.
It's the first time Grand Master Theo Liu is taking a team to the United States to compete in this prestigious contest by invitation, and Minister Jacobs says all of St. Maarten should be proud of the team's participation.
"I understand you have had some amazing results during completion on St. Maarten and overseas of the years and I wish every one of you much success and good sportsmanship," said Minister Jacobs in a brief address to the team members and their chaperones.
Grand Master Liu says 14 athletes aged from seven (7) to 18 and ranking from white belt with yellow stripe to black belt are included in the team.
He assured the Minister that the group has been training hard with extra practice and intend to make a good showing in Orlando.

Grand Master Liu further thanked all the sponsors who in one way or another made it possible for St. Maarten athletes to compete in this international event.

The St. Maarten Tae Kwon Do team consists of:
White belt with yellow stripe: Michael Arrindell (7), Ivyanne Louisa (11).
Yellow belts: Kairan George (11); Marijn Luijks (11).
Green belts: Joanne Berry (15); Malik Loor (8); Naomi Loor (10); Ian Soriano (13).
Blue belts: Malik Dupersoy (18); Naem Duperson (14); Lee-Ann Lui (13).
Red belts: Reuel Kerdijk (12).
Black belts: Roberto Patrick (16); Armani Aventurin (16).

Philipsburg:--- Recently two subsidy contracts were handed over by AMFO to the No Kidding with our Kids Foundation and to the Sr. Magda Primary School.
The No kidding with our Kids Foundation got a subsidy of more than Naf. 600,000.00 for the "After School Activities Program". Within this program about 135 – 160 children within the age group 4 – 14 years old will receive guidance with their homework, but are also offered creative, social educative, and recreational activities and a hot meal. The program is specifically aimed at children who do not have supervision in the afternoon and who are from families that are under difficult circumstances. This necessity is often brought forward by the schools. The program already existed for years and is directed by Mrs. Merlyn Schaminee. Due to the fact that AMFO will cease to exist in 2013, the program is shortened until July. AMFO considers this project as a very successful and well executed program that has been financed for the past few years.
The Breakfast at School program of the Sr. Magda Primary School received an amount of about Naf. 42.000. It is well known that the lack of breakfast has a great impact on the performance of children at school. About 10% of the pupils arrive at school without any breakfast. A selection is made by the teachers and 35 children will receive a healthy breakfast.
As AMFO ceases to exist, AMFO really hopes that these projects, amongst others, will find ways to continue their activities in the future as it appeals to a greater need within the community.
By means of this press release, AMFO wants to thank the Sint Maarten Non Governmental Organizations for the very pleasant and constructive collaboration and wishes them all the best in their search for future support and financing.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Three parliamentarians are currently in Montevideo, Uruguay attending several Parlatino meetings. The delegation left on Tuesday and will return over the weekend.

Members of Parliament (MP) Hon. George Pantophlet and MP Romain Laville are attending sessions of the Committee for Political and Municipal Affairs and of Integration.

MP Hon. drs. Gracita Arrindell is attending sessions of the Committee of Education, Culture, Science, Technology and Communication.

Parlatino is a regional, permanent and unicameral organization, comprising the National Latin American Parliaments elected democratically upon popular vote. Parlatino was created on December 7, 1964.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Central Committee of Parliament will meet in public session on October 08. The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour Hon. Cornelius de Weever will be present for the parliamentary session.

The meeting will take place on Monday morning, October 08 at 10:00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House of Parliament at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The meeting has been requested by the United Peoples (UP) Party faction. It was initially planned for September 28 but was cancelled.

The agenda point is: information on the health situation at the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), with its impact on the social and labour policies.

The central committee session of October 08 will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 20, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com, and also via www.sxmparliament.org.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Fourteen young men who have completed the SBO Maritime level 1 course were honored in a touching ceremony held at the Milton Peters College (MPC) on Wednesday September 26th, 2012.

Guest speakers for the event were General Director of the Milton Peters College Wim de Visser, S.V.O.B.E., Director J. Rogers as well as the Honorable Minister of Education Silveria Jacobs.

In her speech the minister commended the management and staff of MPC, its Board and Director, the SBO Maritime staff, especially coordinator Rien Korteknie and Project Manager Saskia Kliphuis, for doing all that was necessary to make it possible to be able to offer the course for the fourth year.

The minister directed the rest of her comments to the young men who had put in the time in practical training as well as learning from the books to achieve their goals of certificates and even diplomas.

Many of the participants had the life changing experiences of working on, repairing, building as well as sailing boats. They also learned to swim, qualified as first aid providers, and had the opportunity to learn the necessary skills to qualify for the Certificate of Competence with which they can apply for a boating license.

The Maritime coordinator was quite proud of his students and highlighted their achievements, many whom attained their very first diploma. Several sailed in the Heineken and Captain Oliver Regattas as well as on a big sail boat to Bermuda. He was very satisfied with the excellent results. Top Student of the course was the student O'Brien.

In this respect the minister is very proud of these students who have defied the odds, and made a start on improving their future in the Maritime field.

"The Maritime industry is a growing industry on St. Maarten and it is a great initiative when our educational opportunities meet the needs of the labor market.

"St. Maarten can be very proud of our youngsters and as a government we will continue to provide opportunities for higher Vocational and Technical Education in order to meet the needs of our students and the community" Minister Jacobs said to the gathering.

Philipsburg:--- Ramesis Jamaloodin is one step closer to protecting his business Gold Chest N.V. and finally stopping the constant harassment by certain civil servants whom he claims have been receiving monies from his half brother Robertico Dos Santos.

On August 31st, 2012, the Department of Economic Affairs issued a letter to Jamaloodin which states that they are unable to produce a copy of a license for the MONEY GAME N.V. that is drawing numbers every night on St. Maarten.

The Department of Economic Affairs provided Jamaloodin with copies of the licenses the government of St. Maarten issued for Smartplay N.V. and Jamorama N.V. The three companies are owned and operated by Robertico Dos Santos who is currently under criminal investigations for money laundering, fraud, and tax evasion.

The owner of Gold Chest N.V. said that Robertico Dos Santos cheated the government of St. Maarten of close to Naf. 10 million guilders since he is not paying the monthly fees of Naf. 30,000.00 which is required by law for holders of number game licenses. Jamaloodin said he will be filing an injunction on Monday or Tuesday at the Court of First Instance so that the court could order the government of St. Maarten to close down the Money Game Offices since his company has been receiving unfair competition from an illegal company. Jamaloodin said he will also be seeking damages while he intends to file a complaint with the Prosecutor's office against the government of St. Maarten and particularly against the civil servant who is supposed to ensure that the company has a valid license before they could draw numbers. Jamaloodin said that certain civil servants have been harassing him and have been leaking information about his company to his half brother's lawyer which is being used in court against him, he said had he not been prepared he would have lost the case.

So far, Jamaloodin has filed a complaint with the office of the Ombudsman requesting that she investigates the Department of Economic Affairs for failure to comply with "Landsverordening Openbaarheid van Bestuur" when they failed to respond to his letter of August 13th, 2012 where he requested public information regarding the Money Game N.V. and other companies his half brother owns.

Jamaloodin also sent a letter to the Minister of Economic Affairs Romeo Pantophlet and to the Governor of St. Maarten requesting that they revoke the license they granted to his brother Robertico Dos Santos on May 15th, 2012 knowing that his brother was convicted in the past and is currently under criminal investigations.

It should be noted that Robertico Dos Santos sent an undated letter some five years ago to former Chief Prosecutor and now Solicitor General Taco Stein under the name the Money Game requesting that Jamaloodin be investigated. Jamaloodin said that Stein did not investigate to see if the accusations his half brother made were true but he ordered his arrest. "I have not said one word for five years, I lost my home in Curacao and everything else that I owned because of the maliciousness of my half brother but today I will fight to the very end to make sure I preserve my rights. If it means I have to go after the legal system I will do just that because there are people in high places that are on the payroll of my brother and I will expose them one way or the other," Jamaloodin told SMN News.

Click here to view copy of the letter the Department of Economic Affairs issued to Jamaloodin on Friday August 31st, 2012.

Philipsburg:--- On August 28th, the CPOs held a meeting with the pastors of the Seventh Day Adventist Churches on forming a good working relationship and partnership between parties. The pastors were very honored and pleased to be part of this concept which is new to Sint Maarten. They also commended the CPOs for this new approach. The pastors agreed that through this type of policing the communication between the community and police will become much closer on all levels.

On Friday August 31st, a meeting was held at the police Station between the Sint Maarten Bus Drivers Association headed by the President Mr. Jose Slack and the CPOs. Part of the discussion was regarding buses after hours in the Maho Reef, Mullet Bay, and the Low Lands area. The President of the association promised that he would look into this matter with his colleagues to alleviate that situation. Mr. Slack also assured the CPOs that their association is on board with them and that they are looking forward on building a great working and communication relationship with the police department and in doing so building a better and safer community.

Also on Friday August 31st, a meeting between school directors and managers of Public School and the CPOs was held at the Philipsburg Police Station. The head of the public schools Miss Glenda Davis-Holiday welcomed the idea of working "hand in hand" with the CPOs/Police. During this meeting many issues were discussed such as how to tackle the problems the teachers face on a daily basis. The newly formed partnership is definitely a big step in the right direction in jointly handling these situations.

On Saturday September 1st, CPO Major E. Josepha and Mr. Michael Kanaby Chief Security of the Medical School organized a clean-up campaign on the Jordan road in the Low Lands area. The clean-up was organized to remove the overgrown bushes and trees which blocked the street lights. In this area, many medical students and tourists have become victims of robbery because of the culprits being able to hide in the bushes near a concrete building on that street. Removing these bushes and cutting the trees minimizes the threats or possibilities of being robbed.
A special thank you goes out to Mr. Sindo Davis of JAZZ General Contracting for cutting the bushes and trimming the trees and Mr. James Richardson of All Waste in Place N.V. for providing the garbage bins. Also taking part in the clean-up were police recruits Angelo Blijden, Jeward Martis, and Nikita van Heyningen
CPO Sergeant S. Crispulo, Officer R. Henson, and Commissioner Carl John spearheaded the CPO-project. During the clean-up a vehicle that was reported stolen the day before was found in the same area. The car was confiscated for further investigation.

Great Bay:--- The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labor is pleased to unveil their innovative logo and slogan for the SEI project "Employability through Training". The logo is circular and features the outline of St. Maarten and the gesture of partnership with the various stakeholders. The slogan of the project was developed to represent the three key components of this endeavor. The Ministry embarked on a mission to address the needs of the labor market by training and empowering persons seeking employment.
"This is a project that has my full support, as it is important to get our young people into jobs, and moreover it gives individuals the opportunity to obtain a skill(s), and get on the job training, which will only boost their potential for future jobs," said Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor, Cornelius De Weever.



"Training Me" symbolizes the participant and the needs of the average worker to be skilled and equipped with the necessary tools to not only obtain but to also maintain viable employment in the form of a career path in today's challenging and ever changing employment market.
"= A Sustainable You" symbolizes the employer; the specific business and or organization seeking a type of committed worker, not only committed by need but also committed to the fundamental knowledge that through this company/internship lies path to greater opportunity. In a larger sense the word "You" in the slogan encompasses the society of St. Maarten and the wish of any modern society to curb unemployment for vulnerable groups.
Together, Training Me the participant equals A Sustainable You the employer/ Country St. Maarten
The power within this shared vision forms the basis of the SEI project "Employability Through Training."

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- In the aftermath of the fictitious hurricane Joseph the local Fire Department and the Royal Dutch Marines were in a fight against time to save the lives of over eight people.
After following mandatory evacuation orders due to a flood warning, residents of Cay Hill returned to their homes on Friday to assess their properties after the curfew was lifted.
During the assessment however a roof collapsed causing a minor explosion injuring and trapping two persons. One bus driver was distracted by the explosion which caused his bus to collide with another vehicle. The bus turned over, injuring four passengers who were then stuck in the bus.
Royal Dutch Marine troops that were patrolling in the area discovered the accidents and notified the Fire Department immediately.
The Royal Dutch Marines assisted local fire fighters and under the guidance of the fire department they were able to help stabilize the incident and rescue victims.
This was the scenario of a huge incident that was staged in a very realistic manner to close off a day of training for the Royal Dutch Marines and the Fire Department.

During the week of Monday 27th to Thursday August 30th the Royal Dutch Marines kept its annual Hurricane Exercise "HurEx" together with several Emergency Response Services that are mainly responsible for disaster relief on Sint Maarten. On Thursday August 30th the focus was on assisting the Fire Department.
A group of 90 marines were trained in several techniques that are needed while assisting the Fire Department after a hurricane.
These techniques included using a chainsaw, fire extinguishers, safe use of a ladder and stabilizing and cutting a vehicle.
The main focus was on stabilizing a situation, creating a safe work area and putting one's own safety first. All exercises where performed under the supervision of the Fire Department's instructors.
The training ended in the afternoon where all the trained skills were needed in a huge exercise with lots of challenges like fire, operating on heights, collapsed building, trapped victims in a building and a bus, multiple accidents simultaneously, an angry crowd and the coordination of the Royal Dutch Marines providing the Fire Department civil assistance.
In case of a disaster like a big storm, assistance from the marines might be needed. Good coordination and cooperation between several disaster relief agencies is always essential. Both the Royal Dutch Marines and the Fire Department look back at a day where they worked together as one team. The Fire Department would like to thank all who helped making the training possible.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Disaster Coordinator Winston Salomon is advising residents and the business community to remain prepared as the 13 storm of the season formed on Tuesday, Tropical Storm (TS) Michael.

TS Michael is in the Northern Atlantic Ocean and does not pose a threat to the Leeward Islands where Sint Maarten is located.

The month of September is a peak month for storm and hurricane activity. The peak storm period runs from August 15 through October 15.

As the Office of Disaster Management annual theme says, "It only takes one," continue to maintain a state of preparedness until the end of the season.

The remaining names of potential storms for the 2012 season are: Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sandy, Tony, Valerie and William.

The hurricane season runs through November 30.

Philipsburg:--- The Police Sports Association will this year be hosting the 62nd Annual Police Sports Week. This week of sporting and social events will commence on October 2nd, 2012 and ends on October 14th, 2012. During this week delegates from the Netherlands, Suriname, Curacao, Aruba, and the BES Islands, consisting of mainly police officers, will compete in several sporting events such as softball, volleyball, basketball, indoor soccer, shooting, billiards, and dominoes. This year the Coast Guard department will also be joining us in the sporting events.
This year special attention has been paid to the social events. As customary, there will be a Police Song Festival, in which the officers will compete for the coveted best singer award. There will also be a dance competition and a culture night. During this night the various ethnic groups on the island will have an opportunity to display their countries culture through music, dance, food, and drinks.
Police Day will be also celebrated on October 10th, 2012. There will be a church service in the morning hours followed by a parade by the various uniformed troupes from Sint Maarten and abroad.
In an effort to raise funds for these upcoming events, the PSA will be hosting a Pre-Song Festival. On this night we will determine who will represent Sint Maarten in the Main Police Song Festival. Competing are: Naomi Alexander, Moceda Egen, Samantha Theodore, George York, Eric Wiel, Rumini Rogers, and Kalvin Mason. This is scheduled for September 15th, 2012 at 8pm. The venue for this event will be the Rock House in Port de Plaisance. MC for the evening will be Fox. There will be a dance following the song festival with the 911 Band and DJ EZ Ric. Tickets for this event is US10.--.
The PSA has also organized a raffle. Prizes for the raffle are as follows: 1st prize: a cruise for 2 valued at $2,000.--. 2nd prize: a cruise for 2 valued at $1,500.--. 3rd prize: 2 airline tickets to any Insel Air destination. 4th prize: a 50 inch LG flat screen tv. Price per ticket is $10.--.
Tickets for the Pre-Song Festival and raffle are now on sale and can be purchased at the Philipsburg Police Station or from any of the contestants.
The PSA hereby takes this opportunity to thank all persons who have thus far been instrumental in the organizing of these events and hereby urges the community at large to come out and support our Law Enforcement Officers.

During the weekly Council of Minister's Press Briefing the Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams reflected on the seventeenth Anniversary since the passing of Hurricane Luis on St. Maarten. "This Seventeenth Anniversary of Hurricane Luis I pause to reflect on a disaster that changed both the mental, physical and emotional landscape of St. Maarten forever," commented the Prime Minister.
Hurricane Luis was one of the deadliest and most destructive hurricanes of the 1995 Atlantic hurricane season, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (220 km/h). The storm was the twelfth tropical storm, sixth hurricane, and second major hurricane of the season. Luis was also the strongest hurricane to make landfall, and the second most intense tropical cyclone recorded during the extremely active season. At one point, the storm was one of four simultaneous tropical systems in the Atlantic basin, along with Humberto, Iris, and Karen. The storm lasted for 15 days between late August and nearly middle September when it struck the Island for eighteen hours on September fifth and sixth.
The PM continued by stating that she wished to express gratitude for St Maarten having been spared a major hurricane since such as Luis in 1995 and Lenny in 1999; "Yes we have had bad weather and close callas but we have been spared the likes of Hurricane Luis," continued the PM.
Hurricane Luis caused catastrophic damage, especially in on St. Maarten but also in Antigua, Barbuda, St. Barths, and Anguilla. The storm accounted for 19 deaths, left nearly 20,000 homeless (mostly in Sint Maarten, Antigua, and Barbuda) and wrought roughly $3 billion in damage across the affected areas.
"Today as we remember this solemn and since we are still in the middle of the Hurricane Season we must remind ourselves that it only takes one and that was quite evident in the case of Luis and the years thereafter. St. Maarten should be grateful for having granted the time to recover but we should never let our guards down," concluded the Prime Minister.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The World Health Organization (WHO) is releasing a framework for addressing the underlying causes of suicide and for developing action plans to suit each country and its communities. The framework will be released on World Suicide Day.

Suicide is seen as a major preventable cause of premature death.

Monday, 10 September, is World Suicide Prevention Day. On average, almost 3000 people commit suicide daily. For every person who completes a suicide, 20 or more may attempt to end their lives.

Suicide, though largely preventable, is one of the three leading causes of death among those in the most economically productive age group (15-44 years), and the second leading cause of death of those 15-19.

At the other end of the age spectrum, the elderly are also at high risk.

The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, joins the international community of nations in demonstrating its commitment to prevent suicide.

As part of the Minister's public health campaign of "Get Checked," Minister responsible for Public Health, Social Development & Labour (MinVSA) Hon. Cornelius de Weever calls on the community: "...but more importantly, the family and friends to be vigilant. Listen to every word that they say, observe their actions and do not be afraid to help or support them, those who need help.

"There is a certain guilt associated when one loses a friend or family member to suicide. The question of what could I have done or said to prevent this from happening lingers with you long after they are gone. I have personally experienced this with a teenager and I implore on everyone to be vigilant and proactive. Every life is sacred."

The sponsoring International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), the co-sponsor WHO and other partners advocate for the prevention of suicidal behavior, provision of adequate treatment and follow-up care for people who attempted suicide, as well as responsible reporting of suicides in the media.

Mental disorders (particularly depression and alcohol use disorders) are a major risk factor for suicide in Europe and North America; however, in Asian countries impulsiveness plays an important role. Suicide is complex with psychological, social, biological, cultural and environmental factors involved.

Acknowledgement of World Suicide Day is part of Collection Prevention Services (CPS), a health agency of MinVSA, annual Health Calendar of Observances.

For more information contact Section General Public Health at the following telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-2078 or visit the following website: www.iasp.info/.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Last week Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon. Silveria Jacobs paid a site visit to the new elementary school that is currently under construction in Belvedere.

The school should be completed in time for the 2013-2014 school year. It will accommodate approximately 200 students to be housed in eight classrooms. Other amenities are a gym, library, a classroom for preschoolers and a covered play area.

The project is funded by USONA and the Government of Sint Maarten.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon. Silveria Jacobs attended and spoke at the Speedy Plus Club Award Ceremony.

The ceremony was held in honor of the athletes who recently returned from a successful trip to France for the 2012 French athletics championship. Both Dutch and French side athletes participated in the championships. Two of the athletes were invited to be part of a special delegation that travelled to the 2012 London Olympics.

Calvin Bryan, President and head trainer of the Speedy Plus Club, was on hand to award the athletes their certificates and plaques. The support staff and team of the club were also congratulated and given their awards for their efforts throughout the years with the athletes and the club.

Though Speedy Plus Club has its origins on the French Side, athletes from the French Caribbean Islands and Dutch St. Maarten also train with the club.

During her speech, Minister Jacobs touched on the Ministry's vision for Sports on the island, and expressed her desire to work closely with the French side on several of the aspects of the vision.

Five athletes from Dutch St. Maarten were part of the award recipients. These athletes under the supervision of Abdule Wattley of Dynamics Sport Club Foundation faired extremely well during the championships.

Dynamics Sport Club collaborated their trainings with Speedy Plus Club to give the optimal training. The athletes trained in various different distances and excelled during the championships.

Fernando Brooks 200m + 100m dash, Faucher Antonia 100m dash, Sheldon Wilson 400m + 200m dash, Mike Destin200m +100m dash, and with the most outstanding Dutch athlete Ranisha.

Minister Jacobs extended her congratulations to the athletes and encouraged them to stay focused. She expressed her wish to see these and more athletes excel in the coming years and pledged her support in doing all that her Ministry can to assist the athletes in their training, by way of upgrading facilities and promoting sports in the schools.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- On Monday, Chief Public Prosecutor Hans Mos and Attorney General Dick Piar paid a visit to the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary in The Hague.

The delegation met with Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Mathias S. Voges, director and head of the legal department Cor James, and policy advisor and assistant director Perry Geerlings.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Out of a global population of seven billion people, nearly 3.8 billion people according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is now covered by an effective tobacco control measure.

The number of people now protected by tobacco control measures is growing at a remarkable pace. The progress made on applying measures that reduce the demand for tobacco is a sign of the increasing impact of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which continues to be one of the most rapidly embraced, measurably successful treaties in United Nations history.

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour (MinVSA), is spearheading an initiative of Minister of MinVSA Hon. Cornelius de Weever to implement 100% Smoke Free Schools by 2014.

A number of stakeholders meetings will take place over the coming weeks and months to create awareness about the initiative.

According to the third periodic country-level WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2011 "Warning about the dangers of tobacco," tobacco continues to kill nearly six million people each year, including more than 600,000 non-smokers who die from exposure to tobacco smoke. Up to half of the world's one billion smokers will eventually die of a tobacco-related disease.

As part of the Minister's "Get Checked," campaign, the people have the power to change the aforementioned circumstances, and the logical step is creating smoke-free public spaces.

Minister Cornelius de Weever: "A few months ago I asked the public and the businesses in particular to create smoke free areas in their establishments. I want to encourage them to continue doing so.

"Now is the time to step up our awareness and the best place to begin is in our schools. The consequences of smoking are detrimental to our health and this in turn is costly for the treatment and care of patients. I encourage all those who do not smoke to continue not smoking and those who smoke to reduce and/or stop smoking completely," Minister Cornelius de Weever said on Tuesday.

The opening of the stakeholders meeting was done by Dr. Virginia Asin-Oostberg, CPS Head followed by an introduction to the "Tobacco Cessation campaign: 100% Smoke Free Schools by 2014," by Dr. Daphne Illis, Team Coordinator of the aforementioned.

Presentations were done by Minerva Maccow on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports with respect to the role of education in the campaign.

Tanya Bobo-Lenoci spoke about the Global Youth Tobacco Survey as a monitoring tool for Tobacco Control, and Dr. Adrianna Blanca, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Technical Officer from Washington DC, presented an expert perspective on Tobacco Control and Tobacco Cessation Programs.

Those in attendance at the stakeholders meeting comprised of government and non-governmental organizations, and health sector representatives.

Persons can reach CPS at the following telephone numbers for further information: 542-3003 or 542-2078.

The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams attended the opening presentation for the Government Public Service Center which is to be constructed in Simpson Bay. The Public Service center will house various Government Services and aims to provide information, services, and products from Government to the public of St. Maarten.

The Prime Minister stated that Government has gone through a long road I order to decentralize some of the services; "with decentralize I mean to take services closer to the public in general and in this case to take some of Governments vital services over the hill as we like to call it. It has taken a while and it has naturally taken a lot of work and cooperation but I think that finally we are seeing it ready to start in the coming months. And so I want to encourage you to continue to work on the energy you have been working with on this project," stated the Prime Minister. It is Governments intention to start in Simpson Bay and to then move on into the other districts.

"It requires us thinking somewhat out of the box as far as our own departments are concerned, but once we apply ourselves to completing the project this surely will work in the benefit of the people. For a long time the cry of the Cole Bay/ Simpson Bay districts has been for a service area in order for people to not have to travel to town. We also know how it is where some of the queues and lines are concerned and so I am truly exited about this particular start of the public service centers which is part of giving more services as part of one location," concluded the Prime Minister.

Construction of the Service Center should start by next week.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

Philipsburg:--- The Windward Islands Bank Ltd. (WIB) was very pleased to provide a donation to assist the Sint Maarten Police Sports Association with the hosting of their annual Police Sports week which is scheduled from October 2nd to October 14th, 2012. Participating delegates will be from Aruba, Bonaire (BES), Curacao, Holland, and Suriname. The week will consist of several sporting events such as softball, basketball, volleyball, billiards, song festival and more. WIB wishes success to all police delegates attending and urges our community to support the Police Sports Week.
The donation was made to Mr. Turhan "Pico" Simmons (President SXM PSA) and Mr. Ricardo Henson (Police Spokesman). The cheque was presented by Mr. Kelvin Bloyden (Assistant Managing Director, WIB).

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Mini Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Meeting currently being held at the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Hotel & Casino, will come to an end on Friday morning.

Some of the issues to be addressed on the final day of the conference is a presentation by Dutch representatives on changes and responsibilities in the program; rationale for the introduction of new vaccines; introduction of the Heel prick; and lessons learned from last coverage surveys.

The conference comes to an end after a Round-table discussion on the way forward about strengthening cooperation between islands and international agencies after the constitutional change; experiences and challenges with reaching clients in our small communities; and reaching Rubella negative women for vaccination post-partum.

Health officials from Aruba, Curacao, BES islands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba), the Netherlands, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Caribbean Epidemiology Centre from Trinidad & Tobago, and PAHO Washington Office, arrived on Wednesday to attend the two-day mini conference.

Closing remarks will be delivered by Secretary General drs. Jorien Wuite at midday.

Marigot:--- A former employee of Tac Gaz which is owned by the President of the Chamber of Commerce on French St. Martin Steve Tackling has taken his employer to court on Friday citing that he has been working for four years for the company and was never declared. David Marc told SMN News at the Palais de Justice on Friday morning that he is a born St. Martiner and he was hired four years ago as a handyman and his boss who is now the President of the Chamber of Commerce on French St. Martin never declared him at the Social Security and labour entities. Marc said sometime in December 2011 the French Labour Inspector visited the Tac Gaz station and conducted an inspection to see if all the workers of the establishment were registered. "The labor inspector found me working at the Tac Gaz station illegally and he began an investigation but my boss accused me of calling in the labor inspector and he eventually fired me from my job." Marc said he never called the labor inspector and ever since he was fired he was trying to obtain free legal aid which took months, and even though he went through the process he did not obtain legal aid but the union made them self available to assist him with the case. Marc further explained that while he was seeking legal aid to fight for his rights, the labor inspector was also busy conducting an investigation at Tac Gaz.

The General Secretary of the CFDT union Mme Lucie Major and her deputy were also at the Palais de Justice on Friday to see if the employer and employee could have come to a settlement. The CFDT General Secretary said that they could not come to any agreement because the employer has since produced documents claiming that his employee was declared on the Dutch side of the island. The union representative said that Marc is an employee on the French side of the island and the only thing he does is go over to the Dutch side to fill up the gas tanks and return them to the French side where he was found by the labor inspector. "The documents that the employer who is also the President of the Chamber of Commerce produced are all false documents so we could not accept mediation today, we had to ask the judge to send the case to the criminal courts which might take place early next year."

Several attempts by SMN News to reach Mr. Tackling on Friday proved futile as he could not be reached by phone.

...

Philipsburg:--- The police core of St. Maarten turned out in large numbers on Tuesday to pay their last respects to the family and friends of Police Inspector Guillermo Rumnit who passed away last week after being ill for a long period of time. Attending the service on behalf of the Government of St. Maarten were Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams, Deputy Prime Minister William Marlin, Member of Parliament George Pantophlet, and Minister of Justice Roland Duncan.
Member of Parliament George Pantophlet described Rumnit as a role model, the one that taught him how to conduct interviews with people seeking to become Dutch citizens. Other colleagues described Rumnit as a great singer, he was part of the Methodist Church Choir and the Police Choir where he served not only as an officer of the law, but as someone who was precise with his musical talent. The late Inspector Rumnit was also described as someone who loved to invent and believed in science. He loved gardening and was also known for his dancing skills.
Police Inspector Pico Simmons in his tribute said that he believes that good officers should be given their flowers when they are alive. Simmons who was obviously emotional in his tribute said that he and Rumnit joined the force at the same time in Aruba and besides being colleagues, they were also friends. Simmons said Rumnit served the Police Korps for 35 years and he is calling on the management team of KPSM to make sure they hand over the honorary award for the years of service Rumnit served to his relatives.
Police Inspector Antonio Rogers also described Rumnit as an outstanding officer of the law. Rogers said Rumnit was someone who always had good advice for those that sought it, especially when it came to maintaining law and order.
Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte in his message said that he was not privileged to meet Rumnit in service when he was appointed Chief Commissioner of Police on St. Maarten. However, based on what he has heard from his colleagues in KPSM, he came to the conclusion that Inspector Rumnit was a highly dedicated and respected police officer who was working at the Simpson Bay Police Outpost. De Witte said that he even felt as though he knew Rumnit for years based on the stories he heard about him prior to him becoming ill. De Witte gave a breakdown of the years Rumnit dedicated to the force. He said Inspector Rumnit joined the police force in Aruba on May 1st, 1976 as a recruit.
On June 1st 1978 he was appointed constable;
On June 1st 1980 he was promoted to officer first class;
On June 1st 1985 to December 1st 1985 he was temporarily transferred from the Police Force of Aruba to the Police Force of the Windward Islands.
On May 1st 1994 he was promoted to sergeant on St. Maarten.
On February 1st, 1995 he was promoted to Police Major.
On September 1st 2000 he was appointed as Inspector of Police and assigned to Simpson bay Police Station as team leader.
The St. Maarten Chief Commissioner of Police said that the late Rumnit worked in various departments including the investigating (detective) department, Special Regulation, Surveillance Service, and also as an Assistant Public Prosecutor. On May 1st, 2012 he celebrated 35th anniversary in the Police Force.
De Witte also expressed his condolences to the family of the late Inspector Rumnit especially his only daughter Lauren Rumnit. After the service at the Royal Funeral Home the body as taken by police escort to the home where Rumnit resided for years on E. Camille Richardson Street, then to the Police Station in Philipsburg where Chief of Police Peter de Witte handed over a photograph to the late Rumnit's daughter for her to place among the fallen officers of the force.
On the way to the Cul de Sac Cemetery, the police marched from Le Grand Marche to the cemetery for internment.


Click here to view more photos of the Farewell Ceremony for the late Inspector Rumnit.

 

From left to right: Former First President of Parliament of Sint Maarten and Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. drs. Gracita Arrindell and Aruba's President of Parliament drs. P. Croes, outside the Ridderzaal where minutes before Her Majesty Queen Beatrix opened the new parliamentary year and read the Crown's Speech on Prinsjesdag on Tuesday in The Hague, the Netherlands.
"It was a pleasure to have been present for Prinsjesdag ceremonies. It is a continuation of my duties as MP as well as an opportunity to meet with some key members of the Second Chamber both incoming and outgoing. I also met in a private setting with outgoing President of the Second Chamber of Parliament Gerdi Verbeet who will be stepping down after eight years," said Arrindell.

Philipsburg:--- The Inspectorate of Health and Labour has no intention of budging on his position regarding the higher supervision that was placed at the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) since September 8th, 2012. SMN News has been reliably informed that Dr. Earl Best has informed Attorney at Law Maarten Le Poole that the Inspectorate is within its rights to place the medical institution under higher supervision until the Supervisory Board and Management of the institution comes up with an action plan for St. Maarten Medical Center. During the period of higher supervision, the Inspectorate can conduct unannounced inspections at least three times per month.
Dr. Scot requested an extension of ten days on the day of the deadline to respond to the draft report. According to a letter dispatched to the SMMC on September 8th, 2012, the Inspector General informed the SMMC Medical Director Dr. George Scot that despite receiving the draft report on the investigation that was conducted at the institution, he did not distribute the report to the specialists that are working at the institution until more than a week and half after he received the draft report. Furthermore, some of the specialists had to basically run behind Dr. Scot to obtain the report. The letter sent to the Medical Director further states that based on many critical findings that needed to be addressed, necessary measures had to be taken regarding quality of health care and patient safety, thus the inspectorate decided to put the institution under higher supervision for a period of one year. This means that the board of directors would have to present a solid and feasible action plan to the inspectorate within two weeks which would address the critical issues at the SMMC. The inspectorate will also conduct announced and unannounced inspections at least three times per month as they follow up on the action plan.
Should the SMMC not comply with the stipulations of the higher supervision, they can be fined or the inspectorate can close specific functional units at SMMC. The higher supervision placed on SMMC was not based on administrative law and as such objections cannot be raised neither can the medical institution file an appeal against the decision of the Inspector General.
It should be noted that the Inspector General of Curacao closed the operation room of SMMC sometime in 2004 when one of the specialists working at the institution penned him a letter and also sent some photographs to the inspectorate to show the deplorable conditions of the operation room at SMMC. SMN News further learnt that LICCOM was contracted to repair the operation room before it could have been inspected and reopened. During that time, emergency cases were sent to the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital for treatment.
While the SMMC is under higher supervision and the attorney representing SMMC is threatening to file an injunction to order the inspectorate to lift the higher supervision that was placed on the institution, the Medical Director of SMMC left the island last week Friday to the Netherlands. According to the letter sent to the Medical Director, a follow up meeting will take place next week, since two weeks were given to present the action plan. SMN News also learnt that the Parliament of St. Maarten will be proceeding with a parliamentary inquiry against the institution since neither the supervisory council nor the board of directors has complied with their request to meet with Members of Parliament.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- World Alzheimer's Day, September 21, is observed each year around the world where Alzheimer organizations around the globe concentrate their efforts on raising awareness about Alzheimer's and dementia.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, a group of disorders that impairs mental functioning. It is the most common form of dementia and is a progressive, irreversible brain disease that destroys memory and thinking skills, and causes changes in personality, mood, or behavior.

The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour Hon. Cornelius de Weever joins the rest of the world in observing World Alzheimer's Day.

"It is not only a family's disease, but also a workplace issue. I am asking everyone to be proactive and recognize the signs, be patient, and help the family member who is taking care of that person on a daily basis," Minister De Weever said on Friday.

Alzheimer's disease is often called a family disease, because the chronic stress of watching a loved one slowly decline affects everyone.

Alzheimer's interferes with the daily life and activities of affected persons and eventually they will not be able to care for themselves.

Worldwide 36 million people are believed to be living with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Every 68 seconds, someone develops the disease. In the Caribbean region, it is estimated that 8.1 per cent of persons aged 60 and over have dementia.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association SHTA has expressed its hope that more departments will follow the lead of Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour Cornelius de Weever and institute name badges for staffers.
A release issued by SHTA stated De Weever must be commended for his decision to give his staff name tags as such an act creates an atmosphere of accountability. Executive Director for SHTA Alfred Harley said, "Employees, especially the ones who primarily deal with the public will find name badges very useful." He said the name badges make an employee more approachable to customers and inform them who they are talking to, in case they need to ask for the employee again. And it can speed up a follow up visit that does not have to begin with "I don't know the name of the person I was dealing with."
He said, "This is especially helpful in a business or government office that has a large number of employees or has a large number of potential and current customers who frequent the business."
The release also stated, "Name tags also allow us to recognize excellent service as well as hold people accountable for the information and service they provide in both a positive and negative manner."
The release stated, the Department name and the position of employees printed on a name badge may also in some cases be an added value as it allows customers to identify the correct person to deal with their specific problem or answer a relevant question.
As the SHTA continues to advocate for the need for accountability it has lauded De Weever's efforts and says it believes that instituting name tags for staff in public offices was a step in the right direction. This is an opportunity to remove the anonymity that people have without them. According to the release having a nametag allows people to introduce themselves to someone whom they don't know by saying their name instead of asking them who they are. This allows the conversation to get right to the point immediately. It also mentioned Head of the Department of Labour Affairs Peggy Ann Dross and said her buying into the idea of name badges should also be commended.
Harley said he hoped that through the institution of the name tags staff members, customers, and visitors to the various offices where the mandatory name tags have been introduced can all be at ease and concentrate on their purpose of being there, allowing people to find the individual they need to talk with much easier.

PHILIPSBURG:--- President of Parliament Hon. Drs. Rodolphe Samuel expresses his heartfelt condolences on behalf of himself, his family and the Parliament of Sint Maarten, to the family and friends of Michael and Thelma King who were murdered last week.

President Samuel also commends the Special Police Task Force that was established to investigate the crime, for its success in making an arrest with respect to the case.

Samuel added that tourism is the main pillar of the island's economy. Crime can have a negative impact on the industry, but he feels confident that the quick apprehension of a suspect in the case will limit the long-term effects.

The quick apprehension of a suspect Samuel pointed out, is an indication that law enforcement of Sint Maarten is doing a good job, and we all hope that this terrible crime doesn't have a long term effect on our economy.

The President of Parliament said that crime overall, against residents and visitors, cannot be tolerated, and calls on the community to continue to be vigilant in what is happening in their neighbourhoods, and to report criminal activity to law enforcement.

Samuel concluded that the nation is keeping the King family in their thoughts and prayers during this very difficult period as we mourn this tragedy together.

Philipsburg:--- The Governor of Sint Maarten is pleased to announce that Mr. André Hoeneveld has been appointed as Director of the Cabinet of the Governor of St. Maarten per October 1, 2012. Mr. Hoeneveld succeeds Rob Bats who left on May 1, 2012 to become mayor of Haaren in the Netherlands.
Mr. Hoeneveld (1959) has worked at the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations since 1988. Since his appointment, he worked for many years as a lawyer at the Directorate for Constitutional Affairs and Legislation and several years as a (senior) staff in various other departments of the Ministry.
During his tenure at the Ministry, he has taken up assignments in the Netherlands Antilles:

• • 1992 to 1997 Deputy Director of the Cabinet of the Governor of the Netherlands Antilles where in 1996 he also functioned as Acting Director for a period
• • 2004 to 2005 senior government lawyer in the Office of the Lt. Governor of St. Maarten
• • 2006 to 2010 legal adviser to the Cabinet of the Governor of the Netherlands Antilles
• • 2010 to 2011 legal adviser to the Cabinet of the Governor of Curaçao

Mr. Hoeneveld started his career in 1985 as a policy worker in the Department Municipal Tax in Rotterdam. He studied Dutch law and graduated in private and international law.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour Hon. Cornelius de Weever, says the World Bank, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and WASH Advocates, have become the newest members of a Regional Coalition on Water and Sanitation for the Elimination of Cholera in the Island of Hispanola (Haiti/Dominican Republic).

Representatives of the four organizations signed a declaration at the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) recently where they pledged to work together with other coalition members to promote universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation as the key to eliminating cholera from Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

More than half a million people are estimated to have been sickened by cholera in Haiti between October 2010 and mid-September 2012, with more than 7,500 deaths. The Dominican Republic has reported more than 21,000 cases and over 400 deaths from cholera.

In the 1990s, a cholera epidemic spread to over 20 countries in Latin America, but investments in water and sanitation infrastructure and health promotion helped stem the epidemic and contributed to the near elimination of cholera from Central and South America within eight years.

Even before the 2010 earthquake, only 69 per cent of Haiti's residents had access to safe drinking water, and access to sanitation had dropped from 26 per cent of the population in 1990 to 17 per cent in 2010.

In the Dominican Republic, 86 per cent of the population has access to improved drinking water sources, and 83 per cent had access to improved sanitation in 2010.

The coalition was originally launched in June of this year to bring technical expertise, raise new funds, and mobilize previously committed pledges to support the governments of Haiti and the Dominican Republic in improving access to water and sanitation.

SIMPSON BAY:--- Management, fellow employees, and family members convened in the boardroom at PJIAE last Friday for a pre-retirement send-off for Vernon Romney, Manager of PJIAE's Electrical Department.

Vernon Romney has worked for the Princess Juliana International Airport company (PJIAE) for 26 years. In April 1986, fresh from his studies in The Netherlands, Romney took an entry-level position as an electrical technician at the airport.

The young technician was challenged to develop leadership skills from the very start. Romney recalled that within three weeks of his employment in the department, "my superiors left on vacation, leaving me to hold down the fort." Several years later he was promoted to supervisor.

In 2001, Romney moved up the ranks to manager of the Electrical Department.

At the reception last Friday afternoon, tributes to the soon-to-be-retired 60-year-old poured out, some were humorous, some were emotional and others inspirational.

Norma Brill, Manager of Human Resources, said that Romney was "dedicated to his job; an inspiration and guide to his team."

Mirto Breell, the Technical Department Manager, called Romney "a technician at heart (who) loved to get into the field. There were times that he would get into the process of executing projects when he could have simply delegated others to do it."

PJIAE Managing Director Regina LaBega said that she was moved to hear how Romney's co-workers credited him for managing them as "a team."

When it was his turn to address the gathering, Vernon Romney said that he felt good leaving the company knowing that he did a good job. He attributed teamwork as the key to the success of the Electrical Department. "Because of the nature of the job, dealing with electricity, a partnership among team members (that) can look out for each other" is essential, said Rombley.

Romney encouraged his successor, Denniscio Boasman, to keep the team positive. He also joked about being willing to be on-call even after his formal retirement date of October 1, 2012.

Please be informed that due to maintenance works to be carried out by GEBE, the Backstreet from the intersection of the Gevangenis Steeg to Long Wall Road will be closed to vehicular traffic on Sunday September 30, 2012 from 7:30am to 3:30pm. Pedestrians are urged to take precaution.
All side streets/roads from Cannegieter Road leading to Front Street will remain open.

The Ministry of VROMI apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.

Philipsburg:--- The Windward Islands Civil Servants Union (WICSU/PSU) contacted SMN News via email and said that the union finds it necessary to react to an article that was published on SMN News (www.smn-news.com) on Friday regarding the decision taken by the Minister of Education and the Council of Ministers to place the Head of Public Education Mrs. Glenderlin Davis-Holiday on inactive duty while an investigation takes place at the Department of Public Education. The Assistant General Secretary of WICSU/PSU Eric Knight said Mrs. Davis-Holiday is a long standing member of their union. The union felt that both the headline and the story in their opinion is misleading and can potentially damage Mrs. Davis-Holiday's credibility. WICSU claims that that their member was not placed on inactive duty and neither is she under investigation. WICSU explained that the Division of Public Education is to be investigated and Mrs. Davis-Holiday has been instructed not to report to work during this time.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (TEATT) Hon. Romeo Pantophlet, left the island on Sunday leading a delegation to the 19th Annual Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference and Trade Show that is being hosted by Curacao.

Minister Pantophlet and port officials will be meeting with key FCCA executives during the conference where they will share ideas and discuss industry trends.

Executives from the FCCA Member Lines will once again participate in a series of round table discussions in the areas of marketing, shore excursions and operations.

The FCCA is a not-for-profit trade organization composed of 14 member cruise lines operating more than 100 vessels in Floridian, Caribbean and Latin American waters.

The organization was created in 1972 to provide a forum for discussion on tourism development, ports, safety, security and other cruise industry issues.

The FCCA Conference runs from October 1 – 5.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (TEATT) Hon. Romeo Pantophlet, would like to congratulate taxi drivers who took part in the customer service training workshops that was organized by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau.

The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau recently introduced the "Successful Taxi Driver" as a customer service training program coordinated by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), which provides quality customer service training for taxi drivers. A total of 25 taxi drivers took part from the four (4) associations to undertake the initial training.

St. Peters:--- On Monday September 17th at approximately 07:20pm, police arrested a man with initials T.D.W. (18) from Sint Maarten at his home as a suspect of armed robbery. The incident took place at approximately 07:00pm at the Sunshine Supermarket on the Genip road in Sint Peters, when according to the victim with initials Q.H. an unknown man, dressed completely in black with his face covered armed with a handgun stormed into the supermarket. The suspect threatened to use the weapon if no cooperation was given. The suspect then took all the cash that was in the cash register. After committing this act, the suspect fled the scene on foot. The victim and an witness chased the suspect through the neighborhood while notifying the police of what was taking place. The chase lead police to an address in the Retreat Estate area where the suspect went into hiding. After the home was completely surrounded by police, a search of the home was done. The suspect was arrested and the clothing he wore during robbery along with the cash that was stolen were recovered and confiscated. The suspect admitted to having committed the act. He was taken to the Philipsburg Police Station and handed over to the Detective Department for further investigation.

The suspect in this case was immediately arrested due to the fact that the citizens in the Sint Peters area who had seen what happened called the police department and gave information that helped with this arrest.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- On Friday August 31, 2012 the Methodist Church welcomed the new Rev. and Mrs. Moreland O. Williams.

The church service was held at the Philipsburg Methodist Chapel.

The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Hon. Silveria Jacobs, spoke on behalf of the Council of Ministers. She welcomed the incoming Superintendent Minister and Mrs. Williams to our friendly shores on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten.

Minister Jacobs also pledged the continued support of the Government of Sint Maarten to Christian Council.

Registration for all Carnival 2013 activities will open on Tuesday, September 4. The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) announced over the weekend that it is ready to accept registrants for what it expects to be another successful carnival season.

Persons interested in taking part in Carnival must register before December 1, 2012 when the process will be closed. Registration forms can be picked up at the Government Administration Building in Philipsburg and returned to the same location. The forms can also be sent digitally once a request is emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Registration is open for booth holders, queen pageants, junior and senior calypso shows, children and grand parades. Persons who already have a booth in the village are reminded that they still have to register for their booth. Should they fail to do so, they will forfeit their booth for Carnival 2013 and beyond.

"In keeping with our early preparations, we encourage everyone interested in registering for Carnival to do so before the deadline. We will not extend this deadline. Being registered early gives everyone enough time to prepare and stage impressive events," SCDF President Stuart Johnson said.

The SCDF can also be reached by calling 5220509 or 5225133.

Philipsburg:--- Strictly maintaining the stipulations in the Kingdom Act financial supervision for Curaçao and Sint Maarten (Rijkswet financieel toezicht Curaçao en Sint Maarten), leads to more usage of financial instruments and cash flow outside of the budget, via governmental companies, foundations and funds that have been created especially for this purpose. By doing so though, the Kingdom Act can still be formally complied with, but this may represent a threat to the financial stability of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. Moreover, the budget right of the Parliament will be jeopardized. This was the conclusion of the Board of financial supervision in its seventh semi annual report.

In the seventh semi annual report the Board extensively elaborates on the developments that led to the instruction the Kingdom Council of Ministers (Rijksministerraad) gave to Curaçao on July 13th, last. The Board concludes that Curaçao has a worrisome financial situation and that the financial management was insufficient. The financial situation becomes even more acute in the long run. The costs for the medical healthcare still increase rapidly and the aging population is creating rapidly increasing costs for the provisions of the pension funds. Implementation of necessary measures to change the situation continuously turns out in delays. The institutions outside the government show great deficits; in connection to this the Board mentions care funds and the AOV fund, Aqualectra and the Curaçaose Dok Maatschappij. At the same time reserves are being used to cover old deficits and new financial constructions are introduced, which may indeed not put more weight on the budget on short-term, but are undesired from the point of view of correct financial management. For example the 5 cents tax on every liter of gasoline bought and the financing of free education. The Board is of the opinion that the budget right of the Staten is jeopardized by these measures. Out of a joint investigation from the Board concerning the status of the financial management on Curaçao, it seems that the supervision and he control from the Parliament as well as the follow up on advice from the General Audit (Algemene Rekenkamer) are also already brought forward as points of concern.

The year 2011 was closed with a substantial deficit for Curaçao, which has been communicated long after year end. Because of this it was not possible to take the necessary measures during the year. This deficit has to be compensated in the coming years. That the information has been made available so late is a clear indication that the financial management and especially the provision of information are not well organized.

Sint Maarten's budget 2012 was approved by the Staten in April. The Board has indicated that this budget may be executed, if setbacks in the tax atmosphere are compensated. This led to the first adaptation in the budget since 10-10-'10. The Board tied a set of conditions to the approval of the budget and the adaption to the budget. In time Sint Maarten will also be confronted with the consequences of an aging population and the increasing costs of health care. The Board is of the opinion that Sint Maarten has to be well prepared for this and has to take appropriate measures as of now. To this end Sint Maarten will have to make a planning of all year long financial developments, including the impact of the financial statements of 2009 and 2010.

Furthermore the Board concludes that the financial management of Sint Maarten has significant short comings. Out of a joint investigation from the Board and the government of Sint Maarten it seems that Sint Maarten scores low on the credibility of its budget and its completeness. The Board finds that this is not surprising for a new country which is still in the construction phase, but at the same time indicates that big steps have to be taken rapidly. Concerning the government companies the Board concludes that these do not constitute a menace in general for the budget, but rather offer opportunities to develop a dividend policy. Yet the Board notices that no progress was made in the area of corporate governance in the recent period.

The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams Sarah Wescot-Williams joined with the Voluntary Corps of St. Maarten and the Royal Dutch Marines in firearms training on Saturday. The training, held at the firing range in Indigo Bay, was part of the HUREX Exercises carried out by the Marine Contingent which was on St. Maarten last week. The Prime Minister, accompanied by Minister Jacobs and Minister De Weever practiced their shooting skills at the firing range under the instruction of members of the Voluntary Corp of St Maarten.

The Prime Minister also met with Kingdom Minister of Defense Hans Hillen on Monday where matters related to the defense of the country were discussed, including the establishment of a Royal Marines Base on St. Maarten. Last week the Prime Minister met with Lieutenant Edwin Hofma, the Commanding Officer of the Marine Barracks Savaneta located in Aruba and Chairman of the Workgroup for the establishment of the Marine Base on the island, to get a briefing regarding the process of establishing the Marine Barracks.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

Philipsburg:--- The conclusion of GIFTED Inter-church basketball competition was nothing short of high energy and intensity. The much anticipated rematch between the Seventh Day Adventist church (SDA) and Christian Faith Ministries (CFM) resulted in a reverse outcome as SDA defeated CFM 27-25. It was like de-ja-vu for SDA defending a 2 point lead with seconds remaining.
SDA was given 30 minutes rest to recover and be prepared for the finals against the undefeated New Testament Church of God (COG). SDA started off with a commanding performance; ending the first half with an 8 point lead. COG came relentlessly in the second half with a well-organized defense which led to multiple fast break points decreasing the lead rapidly. Despite having COG over the limit with fouls in both halves, SDA failed to capitalize on the numerous free throw attempts. This proved to be very costly as COG defeated SDA by four points 35-31.
GIFTED Foundation congratulates COG on a flawless performance being undefeated throughout the tournament.

Look out for upcoming events by GIFTED such as GLOW Party "Light up de Night" on September 29, 2012 and the GIFTED Inter-church futsal tournament in October. Like our page on http://www.facebook.com/#!/GIFTEDLIGHT for upcoming events and to know what we're about.

Philipsburg:--- The L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium and the John Larmonie Center benefited from the generosity of the Windward Islands Bank Ltd. (WIB) who donated a 400 kilowatt Caterpillar generator along with the fuel tank and electrical supplies needed to make the installation a success.

Both facilitates will be able to share this generator and in the event of power outages any games or events taking place at these locations will continue thanks to WIB. Having the generator will also allow for these two Centers to be used as hurricane shelters as well.

The White and Yellow Cross and Mental Health Foundations recently signed a service agreement to improve psychiatric care. The agreement between the two foundations formalizes psychiatric services to all the departments of the White and Yellow Cross.
Mental Health Foundation guarantees quality service by their psychiatrist to the clients of the WYC. These services will consist of consultations at the different locations of the foundation and even at the client's home. It will also entail education and training of the different care teams to ensure that the staff is best equipped to care for all the clients. Information evenings and lectures to families and caretakers of clients will also be an important part of the agreement.
WYCF is not a mental hospital but in its different departments it cares for clients with many forms of mental illness. To properly diagnose, treat and guide these clients and their families is very important and requires professionals. The structures in place at the Mental Health Foundation and the availability of two psychiatrists made it a logical step to approach them for an agreement.
Mental Health Foundation also saw the advantage of working together as they care for clients who use services of both foundations. The service agreement will avoid duplication of services and will enhance the overall well being of the clients.
As the WYC is in the process of opening a new Daycare for clients with dementia, the added hours of psychiatric care is extra welcome.

The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams emphasized that her Government continues to work diligently towards Governmental systems that aim to improve the overall administration of government. "Not withstanding what I have mentioned on several occasions and regarding the challenges that we face as new country St. Maarten, and especially the balance between the General Government Administration and the individual responsibilities of the respective Ministers," stated the Prime Minister.
The PM continued by stating that Government continues to work diligently in the area of General Governance including the Full launching of the Personnel Information System; "I can mention among other things and also with my thoughts on the report that was made by the General Audit Chamber that the Personnel Information System which has been in the works since 2009 and in 2010 is nearing completion. The implementation of this system allows us to digitalize our personnel information, personnel files and will also serve to establish the link between the various Departments of Government. New components are currently being introduced and we will be for several months be working with a shadow system until it becomes fully operational," concluded the PM.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

The National Archive Ordinance for country St. Maarten has been approved by the council of ministers and will be sent to parliament. This ordinance is extremely important in terms of keeping archives. It is based on that ordinance that while Ministries are responsible for their dynamic archives before they go to the national static archive this ordinance gives an indication or guideline as to what the process Ministers must adhere to in terms of keeping archives for which they are responsible. That law is going through the necessary steps after the approval by the Council of Ministers.
The Prime Minister also stated that the Council of Minister has also approved training for Document Management and persons involved with archiving, documentation and registration from the different ministries will be part of this training which will last several months and will conclude with a certificate for those which are taking part. This is necessary as we continue to prepare our central registry but also other Ministries as well.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

...

Cole Bay:--- Motorworld continues to invest in training their auto technicians to be the most up to date and advanced on the island. Their Auto Technicians have recently completed a rigorous and extensive training in the Hyundai, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, and Jeep brand of vehicles. The training was attended by all the Motorworld Auto Technicians as well as persons from Hyundai dealerships of Trinidad, Antigua, St. Kitts, Anguilla, Tortola, and Barbados.

The training updated the already skilled technicians on Electrical and Diagnostic technology and techniques. With the world changing it is no longer enough to be just a mechanic; hence their updated position of Auto Technician. All vehicles now come with computers and sophisticated electronic equipment. Motorworld is proud to say that not only do they have all the high-tech equipment to be able to service the various vehicles of the brands they carry, they also have highly professional and trained Auto Technicians who are able to diagnose and repair any problems related to Hyundai, Honda, Daihatsu, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, and Jeep brands of vehicles.

It just never ends at Motorworld; they are always trying their best to make your car shopping and after sales service experience the BEST!

During her visit to Aruba, the Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams met both with her Aruban counterpart Prime Minister Mike Oduber and Aruban Minister of Infrastructure Sevinger. The two meetings were held in order to discuss various matters of importance to the two countries.

During their meeting both Prime Ministers discussed the state of affairs in their respective countries, particularly the financial-economic statuses of the 2 countries and events in the Dutch Kingdom in general.

The Prime Minister also visited the Aruban Minister for Infrastructure, Mr. Sevinger. The Visit was prompted by the PM's interest in Aruba's approach to Integrated Neighborhood Development, an approach that the St. Maarten government has embraced as a focal point of its own governing program and actions.

This approach not only encompasses the physical upgrades of neighborhoods, but also the more social elements and services, hence the St. Maarten Integrated Neighborhood Development Plan. Ongoing activities, in addition to the infrastructural projects include the Community Help Desks, the District Service Centers and related projects, including the Community Police.

Community participation has been recently encouraged in the various Integrated Neighborhood Development Plans through the holding of various "town hall" meetings and general education programs.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

Great Bay:--- As Minister charged with public health, it is my duty to see to it that all care institutions on St. Maarten not only adhere to the laws governing the health care sector, but to also ensure that the provisions made in those laws are not only enforced but can be justly enforced. Patients, nurses, specialists, staff, management and board members of care institutions must know their responsibilities and should have been provided with the means to effectively perform their duties or seek their rights.
No one care institute in the world is perfect. However, that doesn't mean that together we cannot strive for perfection. It is not uncommon that at times members of boards develop tunnel vision that no longer allows them to see their faults even when presented with sound arguments thereto. Boards at times may have established practices that are either inconsistent with the rules governing their institutions or that are interpretable/questionable. Both situations are undesirable with regards to the provision of care. Rules must be clear, logical and adhered to. Non adherence to, misinterpretation or circumvention of laws, bylaws or own code of conduct is not conducive to any board especially if such relates to our country's largest care institute.
The laws of our nation charges the Minister of Public Health with the issuance of various care related licenses, the amendment or revocation of previously issued ones. Furthermore, the Minister of Public Health can initiate and together with his colleague ministers, pass resolutions (laws) that may have far reaching consequences. Subsequently or independently, government may together with the Parliament of St. Maarten pass new ordinances or amend existing ones to ensure that the minister charged with public health can effectively and proactively ensure the well being of the citizens of St. Maarten and visitors alike. The extent in which the present laws allow government to intervene is far reaching and doesn't exclude intervening on the highest levels of any care institution.
The situation at the SMMC is a very delicate matter and must be handled with the most care and as professional as possible. The Public Health Department (research/policy) the Inspectorate of Public Health (inspection/issuance of fines/set instructions) play a crucial role in the public health management field and in my capacity as Minister, I cannot simply ignore those two key departments when addressing matters as presently is the case. As stated earlier no institution is perfect, it is therefore necessary to continuously consult relevant stakeholders and professionals in the health care sector to strengthen and improve the governing structures of health care providers so they may improve their provision of care.
Rest assured that I will do all that is necessary within my capacity to ensure that St. Maarten has a medical center that is of the highest standards and that can meet the needs of the specialists, nurses, staff and most importantly the patients of the SMMC. Any actions taken by the Minister and/or government must be within the legal framework of our country and will not and shall not exclude the introduction of new legislation or amend existing laws or the amendment of existing licenses. Legislative processes take time considering the necessary consultations and checks and balances. However, in the event no other options are left, I shall proceed and expedite matters in the general interest of St. Maarten and my duty of care.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Last week Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Mathias S. Voges attended a reception onboard the Dutch War Ship H.M. De Ruyter. The reception was organized by the Royal Dutch Navy and the vessel was docked in the Port of Rotterdam. A number of dignitaries were in attendance.

PHILIPSBURG:--- As the first wholesaler is (reportedly) preparing to shut its doors for good, potentially leaving several people without gainful employment at least in the near future, the sector is sounding the alarm bell for the umpteenth time.
Continued downturn in economic activity, uncertainty regarding the proposed new tax-system, served on a bed of a relatively high tax burden due to the low overall tax-compliance (36%reportedly), followed up with a proposed increased rigidity as opposed to more flexibility in certain labor laws, and the continuing rise in (local) cost of doing business is what brought the Wholesalers Division of the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) together last Thursday.

This section of the supply-chain – more than any other sector in the market – is, and always has been unfairly affected by the implementation of TOT. It gives any company interested in doing business direct from outside St Maarten an unfair advantage that is – in hard numbers - at least as large as the % in TOT. And the higher the TOT percentage the bigger the unfair advantage is. Unfair because unlike the locally based wholesalers; companies based abroad do not pay a business license fee, do not pay any taxes into our government's coffers, do not store any goods locally (leaving the population in a lurch when swells hit the port and goods cannot be off-loaded in time) and do not employ anyone on the island, thereby not contributing to the local purchasing power either.

"We warned government prior to the temporary introduction of TOT in '98 that this tax would have detrimental consequences for the economy of St. Maarten. Always when the economic activity is good on a whole it's easy (for government) to ignore the warning signs. Clearly our warnings throughout the years have not been heeded; rather on many occasions we've seen increases in the tax, the last being the temporary increase to 5% early in 2011." Slowly we have seen our economic base being eroded, even though the economic activity was still good on a whole, but no changes were made to TOT, rather we've had to contend with insinuations that the business community doesn't want to pay tax and are in general evil persons". "We wonder what alternative employment government has to offer our combined approx. 500 employees when all of the local wholesalers are forced to cease local operations because of the continued unfair advantage given to outside businesses, let alone the self-imposed rising inflation due to the cumulative effect of TOT."

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, and Sports Hon. Silveria Jacobs and a delegation, left the island on Wednesday for Montevideo Uruguay, to attend a two-day consultation meeting for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Member States and National Commissions of Latin America and the Caribbean region, for the elaboration of the new Medium-Term Strategy.

Incoming UNESCO Secretary General representative Marcellia Henry is part of the Ministers delegation traveling to Uruguay.

The conference, which will take place from September 14th – 16th, will be focusing on Sub-regional consultations on the objectives, priorities and actions of the Caribbean and Latin America. Additional discussions will focus on UNESCO's cooperation with National Commissions, partners and network.

This includes the remit, terms of reference, and Latin American and Caribbean National Commissions' representation.

St. Maarten's participation in this and future meetings is essential to strengthen ties and cooperation between countries and territories within the Caribbean and Latin America.

During the two-day conference the Minister and her delegation will have the opportunity to network with regional and Latin members and delegates, and have open dialogue on the Program and Budget for 2014-2017.

THE BOTTOM, Saba:--- The Windward Islands Bank Ltd. (WIB) understands the importance of overall health and fitness in both adults and youths. In this regard, our WIB Saba branch was very pleased to provide a donation to aid in the purchase of dance equipment for the re-opening of the Saba Dance School.

The donation was made to Ms. Kelly Johnson (Treasurer- Saba Amateur Boxing Association). Presenting the cheque on behalf of WIB is Saba Branch Manager Mrs. Maureen Kingsale.

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao:--- Tuesday marked the eleventh anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11. It also marked a day when the American Embassy in Cairo and the American Consulate in Benghazi were attacked. The attack in Benghazi resulted in the loss of life, including the life of the U.S. Ambassador John Christopher Stevens.
In memory of the people who lost their lives, the Consulate General of the United States will open a Condolence Book. The Condolence Book will be available for signing at the Consulate General on Friday, September 14 from 9-11 AM and 2-4 PM and on Monday, September 17 from 9-11 AM and 2-4 PM.

Address:
Consulate General of the United States
J.B. Gorsiraweg 1

Having lowered our flags to have mast in their honor, the U.S. Consulate General in Curacao mourns the loss of these dedicated public servants and takes this opportunity to share the words of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton:

Quote: Yesterday, our U.S. diplomatic post in Benghazi, Libya was attacked. Heavily armed militants assaulted the compound and set fire to our buildings. American and Libyan security personnel battled the attackers together. Four Americans were killed. They included Sean Smith, a Foreign Service information management officer, and our Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens. We are still making next of kin notifications for the other two individuals.
This is an attack that should shock the conscience of people of all faiths around the world. We condemn in the strongest terms this senseless act of violence, and we send our prayers to the families, friends, and colleagues of those we've lost.
All over the world, every day, America's diplomats and development experts risk their lives in the service of our country and our values, because they believe that the United States must be a force for peace and progress in the world, that these aspirations are worth striving and sacrificing for. Alongside our men and women in uniform, they represent the best traditions of a bold and generous nation.

....Some have sought to justify this vicious behavior, along with the protest that took place at our Embassy in Cairo yesterday, as a response to inflammatory material posted on the internet. America's commitment to religious tolerance goes back to the very beginning of our nation. But let me be clear – there is no justification for this, none. Violence like this is no way to honor religion or faith. And as long as there are those who would take innocent life in the name of God, the world will never know a true and lasting peace.
It is especially difficult that this happened on September 11th. It's an anniversary that means a great deal to all Americans. Every year on that day, we are reminded that our work is not yet finished, that the job of putting an end to violent extremism and building a safe and stable world continues. But September 11th means even more than that. It is a day on which we remember thousands of American heroes, the bonds that connect all Americans, wherever we are on this Earth, and the values that see us through every storm. And now it is a day on which we will remember Sean, Chris, and their colleagues.
May God bless them, and may God bless the thousands of Americans working in every corner of the world who make this country the greatest force for peace, prosperity, and progress, and a force that has always stood for human dignity. End quote.

Grand Case:--- A small cargo plane carrying the name "Cessnar Grand Caravan" encountered some mechanical failure as it was landing at the Grand Case (L'Esperance) Airport on Thursday afternoon. According to witnesses at the Airport, the cargo plane just stopped at the middle of the runway. One eyewitness said that Air Caraibes was circling the Grand Case area for more than forty five minutes before the pilot decided to land at the Princess Juliana International Airport while Air Antilles was unable to leave St. Martin.

Commandant of the Gendarmerie Paul Betaille confirmed that the aircraft encountered some mechanical failure at the middle of the runaway. Betaille said that the firemen and other mechanical workers were trying their best to remove the aircraft but they were not successful on Thursday afternoon. Betaille said it is expected that the aircraft will be removed sometime Thursday evening and the airport will reopen for regular services on Friday morning. The head of the Gendarmerie also made clear that no one was hurt during the incident.

Dutch Quarter:--- Minister of Justice Roland Duncan and several members of his cabinet inaugurated the Justice Academy and the first community police outlet in Dutch Quarter on Friday afternoon.

Several Members of the Council of Ministers and Members of Parliament from the Justice Committee attended the ceremony. They include Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams, Minister of Health and Labour Cornelius de Weever, Minister of Tourism and Transportation Romeo Pantophlet, President of Parliament Rudolph Samuel, and Members of Parliament Jules James and Patrick Illidge. Among those celebrating the historic moment on Friday were the Attorney General of St. Maarten Taco Stein and the first batch of community police officers that are currently working around the island. Other invited guests were Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte, Commandant of the VKS Jean Illidge, and several representatives of the House of Detention of Pointe Blanche.

The leader that is spearheading the community police project Commissioner of Police Carl John in his remarks told the gathering that he was chosen to deliver the address because he waited some 26 years to send a strong message to his professors in Curacao who told him that he would not be a good police officer because he was too friendly. "When I got my first evaluation as a police officer, my instructor said that I would not be good police officer because I was too friendly with the community. I want my instructors in Curacao to know that the police cannot maintain order by themselves, we need the community to do so. I waited a very long time to say this. It has been too long that the community of St. Maarten has been left out when it comes to the decision making. There is not enough done to involve the community. Seventy-two fines per month is not enough, right now we need to go to the root of the problems in order to eradicate crime." John called on the community of St. Maarten to work with the police so that they can get to the root of crime in order for them to eradicate it. "I can assure you that with the installation of the community police crime on St. Maarten will decrease tremendously by next year." John said that the thoughts of the police are good but the execution will take a lot more to eradicate crime on the island.

Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams congratulated the Minister of Justice for his accomplishment by having the first Justice Academy on the island. She also called on the members of the community to be involved and educate themselves at the institution.

Minister of Justice Roland Duncan thanked the Minister of Education for allowing him to use the Martin Luther King Jr. School since the building was not being used. The Minister also made clear that community policing was not his idea, it was something he met in the pipeline when he took office two years ago. Minister Duncan congratulated the police for their efforts and hard work because the community police officers already began to bear fruits with their labor. "Sometimes I abuse my workers and I give the Police Management Team a very hard time but this time they deserve the credit because I am not the one that initiated this project."

Minister Duncan told SMN News that it cost the Ministry of Justice some $40,000.00 to repair and furnish the building that now houses the Justice Academy and Community Police Center of Dutch Quarter. He also gave lots of credit to the prisoners who repainted the building and cleaned its surroundings free of cost. Minister Duncan also explained that the paperwork to fully operate the Justice Academy is not yet complete, he said his idea is to have a foundation run the institution and he is busy working on getting that done.

The Minister said the Justice Academy is already operational and the language of instruction will be English while Dutch will be a strong second language. He said his intention is to have all officers learn Spanish, French, and Creole so that they can properly deal with crime in the community. However, the latter languages will start later on when the institution is fully operational. The Minister said right now St. Maarten is working with the Miami Dade Police Academy and he also intends to work with the Hanze Hogeschool in the Netherlands. When asked by SMN News if the programs offered at the institution will be accredited, the Minister said all programs will be accredited because the certification the community police officers received was signed by him and the President of the Miami Dade Police Academy. Diplomas will be prepared by the St. Maarten Education Ministry and not an outside institution.


Click here to view more photos of the Inauguration Ceremony for the Justice Academy in Dutch Quarter.

Philipsburg:--- On Thursday September 13th, 2012, representatives from the Fire Department and Helpdesk met with the Community Police Officers at the Philipsburg Police Station. This meeting was mainly to reinforce the working relationship between both groups by openly sharing information. Also the events for the yearly upcoming Fire and Safety Awareness week were discussed.

Philipsburg:--- On September 16, 2012, Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise was a part of a massive clean-up campaign at la Belle Creole Beach. The clean-up campaign was organized by the Pride Foundation and Eco-Minded Hiking Group "SXM Trails". Many other organizations were invited to participate in this event. The clean-up was from 8 – 10 am. Hundreds of persons showed up for this event Rotary Club and the Rotaract Club of St. Martin Sunrise turned out in numbers to be a part of this event also. Garbage bags and gloves were provided to all volunteers, while working in numbers to achieve one goal, Rotary Sunrise was able to fill four 33 gallon garbage bags with trash. At first sight the beach did not look dirty, however, once the cleanup started plastic bottles, ropes, soda cans, clothing amongst others left behind garbage were found. Rotary Sunrise a nonprofit organization along with the Rotaract Sunrise aims to put "Service Above Self" and we did just that. Rotary commends the organizers of this event. Rotary Sunrise meets every Tuesday morning at 7:00am at Air Lekker Bek and Rotaract Sunrise meets every 2nd Saturday at Holland House Hotel at 7pm.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, is recommending high risk groups to get their seasonal flu vaccination.

As part of the Minister of Public Health's "Get Checked," campaign, influenza is an acute viral infection that spreads very easily from person to person, and can affect anybody in any age group.

Influenza is a serious public health problem that causes severe illnesses and deaths for higher risk populations. Vaccination (flu shot) is the most effective way to prevent infection.

"Check to see whether or not you are part of the high risk group and be proactive. Get vaccinated," Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour Hon. Cornelius de Weever said on Tuesday.

Persons who form part of the risk groups are:

• all pregnant women who are in the last six months of pregnancy or second trimester – from their fourth month onwards;
• with pulmonary disease: asthma (when maintenance medication is given; this also holds true for children), COPD, carcinoma of the lung, anthracosilicosis, lungfibrosis , mucoviscidosis, severe kyfoscoliosis, status after resection of a lung, breathing difficulties;
• with cardiac disease: having experienced a myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, arrhythmias, valve dysfunction, cardiac failure;
• with diabetes mellitus, even if not on medication;
• with chronic kidney disease/failure: dialysis, kidney transplant;
• after a recent bone marrow transplant;
• with HIV-infection;
• with an intellectual disability in an intramural setting;
• with a diminished resistance to infections: livercirrosis, (functional) asplenia, auto-immune illnesses, chemotherapy, immunosuppressive medication;
• 60 years and older.

Front-line workers as well as health care workers who may be in contact with patients pertaining to the medical risk groups (personnel in nursing homes, senior citizen home, hospital, outpatient clinics and general practitioner/specialist practices), should also get the flu vaccination.

Home care givers of people with a very high risk for severe illness and mortality due to the flu should also be vaccinated.

The symptoms of influenza A (H1N1) flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with the virus.

Members of the community are advised to check with their family physician on their seasonal flu vaccine and are strongly advised to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their family members from infection by maintaining high standards of personal hygiene.

Steps of personal hygiene entail covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough; washing your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after contact with respiratory secretions (e.g., after sneezing and coughing).

Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Consult your family physician in due time and do not place others at risk. Take the necessary protection when in the vicinity of any sick persons.

Eat healthy foods, get a lot of exercise and maintain a good sleep schedule which is usually eight hours.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour Hon. Cornelius de Weever welcomes the news of a new regional health organization, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).

CARPHA has been created by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) with support from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organization (WHO) and international partners including Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.

On Saturday PAHO Director Dr. Mirta Roses and CARPHA's Executive Board Chairman, Minister of Health of Guyana Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, signed an agreement to carry out joint cooperation activities and public health interventions in the Caribbean.

Minister De Weever has met with several CARICOM Ministers of Public Health who attended the PAHO meeting regarding CARPHA. "I understand their objective, because the Caribbean as a region has and may have unique health priorities. It is important that they have a united voice when addressing international health initiatives," Minister of Cornelius de Weever said on Tuesday.

CARPHA will facilitate public health research to address common health problems in the region, including the rising epidemic of chronic non-communicable diseases, violence and injuries, and emerging and re-emerging diseases such as tuberculosis-HIV co-infection.

CARPHA comprises of the merging of operations of five regional health institutions: the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC), the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute (CFNI), the Caribbean Health Research Council (CHRC), the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI), and the Caribbean Regional Drug Testing Laboratory (CRDTL).

CARPHA was legally established on 2 July 2011 through an inter-governmental agreement signed by CARICOM Member States.

It is based in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, and is scheduled to become operational in January 2013.

Marigot:--- The department of labour and the Inspectorate of labour on St. Maarten have confirmed in writing that Marc David, a resident of Grand Case, is not registered with the labour department as an employee of Tac Gaz which is also a registered company on the Dutch side of the island.

David provided SMN News with the original copies of letters he received from the head of the Department of Labour drs. Peggy Ann Dros who confirmed to him in writing that Blue Flames N.V. doing business as Tac Gaz, located at 54 Cannegieter Street, Philipsburg has been registered with the department of labour affairs since 2008 with an updated business registration of October 2011.
Dros further stated in her letter that the company Blue Flames doing business as Tac Gaz has two employees registered in their employ but Marc David is not one of them.

In another letter which was also provided to SMN News by Marc David, Acting Head Inspector of Labour Andrew Budike confirmed that after investigating, the inspectorate also found that Tac Gaz is a registered company on the Dutch side of the island but Marc David is not a registered employee of the company.

Marc David also provided a warning letter dated June 10th, 2010 which was addressed to him, signed by a representative of Tac Gaz, and copied to the Island Labour Department. In that letter the writer states that David is always late for work and that was his final warning letter.

David told reporters on Friday at the Palais de Justice that he was working for Tac Gaz for the past four years and was not declared by his employer who happens to be the President of the Chamber of Commerce. He said that he was fired in December 2011 when the labour inspector visited Tac Gaz on French St. Martin to conduct a control and found him to be working for the company illegally. David said his employer accused him of calling the labour inspector because he was having problems with the company. David and his union representatives have taken Tac Gaz to court while the labour inspector is also conducting an investigation. The case has been deferred to the criminal courts and will be heard sometime in February next year.

SMN News made several attempts to contact the owner of Tac Gaz for a comment on the issue but he could not be reached by telephone.

Click here to view the letter from Head of Labour Affairs Peggy Ann Dros, letter from Acting Head Inspector of Labour Andrew Budike, and the warning letter that was forwarded to the Labour Department.

On September 17, 2012 USM management attended the "Leraren aan het stuur congress" a congress organized by the Directie onderwijs Aruba in collaboration with LOOK (Wetenschappelijk Centrum Leraren Onderzoek) and made business calls to the Universities in Aruba (University of Aruba (UA) and the Instituto Pedagogico Aruba (IPA)). The congress centered primarily on networking but also explored various educational topics, among others, the accreditation possibilities available to the Dutch Caribbean. On Wednesday September 19, 2012, USM President Annelies van den Assem and Dean of Academics Glen Yeung paid a work visit to UNA to discuss further and additional cooperation with USM. As part of the already established collaboration, the Bachelor in Business administration (BBA) and bachelor in accounting (BA), accredited by the" Nederlands Vlaamse Accreditatie Organizatie" (NVAO), are scheduled to commence on September 28, 2012 with 21 USM alumni.
Persons who are interested in more information on these programs are requested to contact the University of St. Martin at tel. 542-5171 Ext. 1004.

HeadMade Factory's call to emerging and professional artists of the island, aiming to select artists willing to rebrand the touristic image of St. Martin & Sint Maarten. Contemporary Artists willing to reinforce the idea that the island is a land of creation and culture. HMF will organize an artistic event to exhibit the selected artists' work. The curator's chosen theme is « Hey you? What do you see ?» of St. Martin, artists from all fields can present their works (performances, choregraphy, video,installation, contempory painting & drawing, photography, contemporary dance...)
For the event, HMF will invite three contemporary art and caribbean art experts to gage the artistic potential of the island in order to organize the first comtemporary art Biennale of St. Martin. Régine Cuzin, Richard Conte, & Fabienne Pourtein will attend the varnishing and will be guided to visit the workshops of the selected artists but only five artists will have their works exposed at «Hey you? What do you see?».
The experts will host a roundtable on the topic of «Tourism & contemporary creation » on November 24 & 25th, the general public will also be invited to expose their views on the cultural and econimic implications of development of art related tourism.
Five artists will be retained from this call, three St. Martin artists living abroad and five HMF artists will be invited. So at least 13 artists will be present at «Hey you?What do you see?» of St. Martin.

Useful Informations

Exhibition Saturday November 24th to Thursday December 20th, 2012.
Round tables Saturday November 24th to Sunday November 25th, 2012
Workshop visit (appointments) November 26 to 30th, 2012.

 

Call to Artists Timetable

• Apply by email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and /or send your CD or flash disk by registered mail at: HMF S/C ATYPIQUE 4 Rue du Général de Gaulle Marigot St. Martin (FWI). Reception
  Deadline: Monday 22nd October, 2012.
• Selection results by Monday 29th October, 2012.

At the Parliamentary ceremonies (Troonrede) on Tuesday September 18th and the Farewell Parliamentary meeting followed by a reception of Gerdi Verbeet (former President of the Second Chamber), Member of Parliament (MP) Drs Gracita R. Arrindell (UP Faction), met members of the Second Chamber, including Chairlady of the Kingdom Parliamentary Committee, Brigitte van der Burg.
On Friday, MP Arrindell held a courtesy visit with the Vice Chairman of the Council of State Piet Hein-Donner.
Arrindell states: "As an active MP, I will continue to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones with members of the First and Second Chambers as well as with other governmental entities within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, including Holland. Especially, in these turbulent political, financial times currently haunting the European Union. Parties in the Netherlands tend to focus more on issues affecting their own constituency, and political survival.
"Since October 2010, we chartered our own Constitutional footprint as a young Nation, compared to the Netherlands with two hundred years of Parliamentary history. We must take advantage of expertise offered and readily available to prepare and further our own causes through for example legislation".

Philipsburg:--- The government of St. Maarten will pump USD 400,000.00 into the 7th Anniversary Celebration of TEMPO which is to be held on St. Maarten from November 25th, 2012 to December 1st, 2012 in Festival Village. The announcement was made on Monday by Minister of Tourism, Transportation, and Economic Affairs, Romeo Pantophlet. TELEM group of companies donated USD 20,000.00 while the Harbor Group of Companies donated USD 25,000.00 for the event. Owner of TEMPO Frederic Morton told reporters that the annual concerts cost millions of dollars and he is hoping that more companies will follow the path of government and make their contributions to TEMPO so that the 7th Anniversary Celebration would be bigger and more successful. TEMPO he said will spend over a million dollars on advertising the 7th Anniversary Celebration while they will also endure some other expenses. Morton said St. Maarten was chosen as the destination to host the TEMPO's 7th Anniversary when he began negotiations with Member of Parliament Romain Laville. MP Laville was also present at the press conference on Monday.

The week long event will focus on the Christian foundation and youths. The opening night will begin with praise and worship, while they will also focus on the youths of St. Maarten. One of their well known talents "Badness out of Style" will be featured, while emphasis will be placed on the elderly.

Morton said that the TEMPO concert will generate more GDP for St. Maarten which in turn translates into economic value for the island. He said St. Maarten will receive at least 600 adverts in the US tri-state areas. Profits that are made from the concert will be shared 50% while 80% of the ticket sales will remain on the island.

However, Morton could not assure the media on Monday if Reggae artist Marshal Montana will be part of the event since he swore never to return to St. Maarten after being arrested for marijuana possession some years ago by St. Maarten police. Morton said that he could not say for sure if his friend Montana will decide to participate because so far the discussions he had with him have not been positive. "It's an uphill battle for me to get Montana here because he has not forgotten his ordeal with the police on St. Maarten. When asked by SMN News if Montana knows that possession of marijuana is a crime on St. Maarten, Morton said that based on what he knew of the incident police on St. Maarten did not have sufficient evidence and the case against Montana was dismissed."

Philipsburg:--- A dream born 21 years ago will become reality as St. Maarten top schools in artistic training and development embark on a journey of full merger to create N.I.A. National Institute of Arts (St. Maarten).

Under the mentorship of artistic advisor Hans Minnaert, directors Arlene Halley and Clara Reyes have been undergoing intensive training to evolve their respective dance centers into the innovative National Institute of the Arts. Mr. Minnaert, former Artistic Director of CODARTS, Circus Arts, and former dancer with the International Dans Theatre, brings with him a wealth of expertise in his capacity as artistic advisor to Ms. Halley and Ms. Reyes.

Mr. Minnaert is no stranger to St. Maarten having first travelled to St. Maarten some 20 years ago as member of the International Dans Theatre and as recent as five years ago at the invitation of Motiance Director of Cees Van Dolderen, he staged "Total Theatre." An interdisciplinary theatrical production performed on St. Maarten to much public acclaim. Over the years, his expertise has included drama, dance, music, circus and total theatre.

Both Ms. Halley and Ms. Reyes consider them themselves very fortunate in having secured an artist of such caliber to guide them through the process of uniting the two performing arts centers.

The two schools, having fulfilled their personal journey of discovery in dance developmental and later in interdisciplinary art education, have in recent years began exploring the possibility of the a fusion. However, due the illness and eventually the passing of Motiance pioneering dance school founder Cees van Dolderen, the schools and the mission to merge took a back seat.
However, this year, with everything in place the two directors have taken up the baton to fulfill a vision established a long while ago.

Imbali and Motiance dance school respectively with a combined teaching expertise of over 40 years in St. Maarten have established themselves as the leader in cultural and in artistic development. Both directors have distinguished themselves with numerous awards and distinctions and look forward to this new personal and professional growth for themselves as well for the development of arts on St. Maarten.

The National Institute of Arts will be accessible to the community at large, children through adults, with a professional stream to train, coach and guide the career minded talents. NIA has already forged international links with among others CODARTS in Rotterdam, Head Made Factory and is in discussions with the Edna Manley College for Visual and the Performing Arts, in Jamaica.

Philipsburg:--- Meyshane Kemar Johnson, the man police believe murdered the American couple Michael and Thelma King in their Cupe Coy Beach home last week will be led before the judge of instruction on Wednesday confirmed Attorney General of St. Maarten Taco Stein in press release. Stein said the autopsies on the bodies were conducted on Tuesday and they were subsequently released to the family. St. Maarten's Attorney General said based on the preliminary findings the pathologist said the Kings died from severe blood loss due to stab wounds they received from the culprit(s). SMN News contacted Attorney General Taco Stein to gain further information. When asked by SMN News how many stab wounds the victims received, Stein said that in the interest of the investigation that information will not be released. SMN News then asked if the suspect confessed to the gruesome murder and robbery he is suspected of committing last Wednesday evening, Stein said that the suspect told police some things but he is not talking much about the killing of the Kings.
Meyshane Kemar Johnson was born in Clarendon Jamaica on December 16th, 1983. He was an employee of Checkmate Security Services on St. Maarten. It is not yet known how long Johnson has been living on the island and where he worked before, but he is listed as a mechanic in his home country.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Six government entities namely, Inspectorate of Public Health, Social Development, Labour and Food Safety, Tax Department, Fire Department, VROMI Building Safety & Environment and TEVZT Inspections, will carry out joint multi-disciplinary inspections of businesses as of October 1 throughout the Dutch side of the island.

The teams will be looking at employee health and safety on the job; food safety (proper storage of food, hygienic work stations, preparations procedures); tax compliance (registration of the business at the Tax Department, registration of employees and quick scan of the internal control with regards to sales); administration (business licence, work schedule, personnel list, labour registry, resident and employment permits, business licence etc.), state and use of the building, waste management, fire safety, like the number of and state of fire exits (shouldn't be blocked and free of any obstructions like combustible material), fire extinguishers (serviced annually by a certified company, and must be properly labelled when the certification took place and must be written in the Dutch or English language).

Businesses must meet certain operation standards and maintain safety codes which are mainly stated in their operational license.

The objective of the inspections are to guarantee quality service to residents and visitors on the island, assuring that establishments currently operating and serving the public, are adhering to the rules and regulations that govern their operations.

Violations which do not have an immediate impact on the business and customers will result in a warning and a specific amount of time will be granted to the business to comply.

Major hazardous situations discovered during the inspection will result in the establishment being closed immediately. After closure, the business will have to contact the department of economic affairs to request a re-inspection.

Inspections will continue on a regular basis. The joint multi-disciplinary team is looking forward towards the full cooperation of the business community and is requesting that they have all the required permits and other administrative documentation on hand to present to officials when they visit their establishment of business.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) which is part of the Ministry of Public Health, says October 1, marks International Day of Older Persons. On this day countries around the globe will acknowledge the older persons within their communities.

The theme for this international day is: Older people – a new power for development.

A demographic revolution is underway throughout the world. Today, world-wide, there are around 600 million persons aged 60 years and over; this total will double by 2025 and will reach virtually two billion by 2050 – the vast majority of them in the developing world.

Older people play a critical role through volunteer work, transmitting experience and knowledge, helping their families with caring responsibilities and increasing their participation in the paid labor force.

Contributions made by older persons can only be ensured if older persons enjoy adequate levels of health.

The theme of World Health Day earlier this year was, "Good health adds life to years." Research and studies have shown that good health throughout life can help older men and women lead full and productive lives and be a resource for their families and communities.

As part of the Minister of Public Health's "Get Checked," campaign, the creation of 'age-friendly' physical and social environments can have a big impact on improving the active participation and independence of older people in the communities where they live.

Healthy ageing starts with healthy behaviors in earlier stages of life. These include what we eat, how physically active we are and our levels of exposure to health risks such as those caused by smoking, harmful consumption of alcohol, or exposure to toxic substances.

"Get Checked," it's never too late to start; for example, the risk of premature death decreases by 50 per cent if someone gives up smoking between 60 and 75 years of age.

International Day of Older Persons is part of CPS's annual calendar of observances.

The Social Economic Council (SER) attended the celebration of their Aruban sister organization's 25th anniversary last Monday. The Aruban SER was launched the second year after the island's status aparte in 1986, and therefore celebrated their silver jubilee this year in the presence of their Caribbean counterparts.
The Sint Maarten SER was represented at the ceremony by Chairman René Richardson, accompanied by SER members William Reed and Arthur Bute. Chairman Richardson in his congratulatory speech referred to the impressive economic development Aruba realized since it attained its Status Aparte, and the pivotal role the SER played in ensuring social harmony and balanced economic growth. He touched upon the social and economic challenges the rapid development entailed, and on the parallels between Aruba's and Sint Maarten's social and economic conditions. The reliance on tourism, the fast growing population and the pressure on the social and physical infrastructure are some of the similarities between the two countries. As Sint Maarten is a new country in the Kingdom and Aruba has 25 years of experience, the SER Chairman expressed the hope of a long-standing and fruitful cooperation between the two.
At the event, Governor Fredis Refunjol and Prime Minister Mike Eman reflected on the history and the role of the SER in Aruba, especially in the difficult start of the Aruban development at the time of the closing of the Lago refinery, coinciding with the achievement of the Status Aparte.
During the three day stay of the delegation, additional visits were paid to the Aruban Chamber of Commerce, to politicians involved in major socio-economic plans, and other stakeholders.
On their mission, the SER board members were accompanied by Secretary-general Gerard Richardson, senior policy adviser Arjen Alberts and policy worker Bas Peters. In a parallel program, the SER staff members extended their network to the Central Bank of Aruba, the Central Bureau of Statistics and the University of Aruba. These institutions are of crucial importance to the Sint Maarten SER due to the strong similarity between our two countries within the Dutch Kingdom.
A full report on the SER trip to Aruba will be available shortly on the SER website www.sersxm.org.
The costs involved in the SER trip to Aruba were covered by Dutch cooperation funds managed by USONA.

On September 18, 2012 the court in first Instance ruled in the Case of Emil Lee vs. the Westin Dawn Beach Resort and Spa.

As of SMART in May of 2011, The Westin has banned Mr. Lee from entering their hotel under any circumstances even in the case of invitation by clients that have rented facilities at the Westin. The dispute revolves around an ongoing lawsuit whereby Princess Heights Hotel is suing the Westin for violation of their hindrance permit with regards to the noise and hours of operation of their generator and cooling towers. Because of this, the Westin has banned Mr. Lee from entering the Westin Hotel on two occasions amongst which the reception hosted by the Governor of Sint Maarten on the occasion of the Royal visit to which Lee was invited.

"As President of SHTA, I am often invited to official receptions and meetings, some of which are held at the Westin. Because I choose to defend my legal rights to peaceful enjoyment of my home and business, the Westin has looked for any means possible to harass and embarrass me. I have never done anything other than speak the truth and defend my rights and for this the Westin has sought to "punish" me. I refuse to be bullied into subjugating my rights. The purpose of the lawsuit was never about financial compensation. It was about standing up for your rights. It was about refusing to be intimidated." Said Emil Lee

The court's reasoning was that in principle a business has the right to deny a third party access to its premises. But a hotel is a public place, that obviously does not go for its rooms, offices etc but is does for its lobby, hallways, shops and restaurants.(as well as facilities such as spa and function rooms when contracted out) Same goes for rented out spaces in case the renter allows one access. Seeing the characteristics of this hotel (*), a denial of access (of Lee) to the hotel can only be imposed when circumstances come up in which case Westin cannot in any reasonable way be required to allow access in case a reasonable threat exists that Lee will behave unlawfully towards Westin or one or more persons on their premises. There is no evidence substantiating that Lee is in anyway threatening or destructive. Therefore.....

The ruling by the court was as follows:

1. The Westin was incorrect in denying access during SMART 2011 and the Royal Reception of November 2011.
2. The Westin is ordered to allow Lee access to events in the hotel for which he can show an invitation or ticket as well as to public areas of the hotel.
3. Westin is ordered to pay Lee $500 for every day or part thereof in noncompliance to a maximum of $25,000 USD.
4. Westin is ordered to pay for Lee's portion of the legal procedure as well as salary of lawyers,
5. Judgment is effective immediately.

In closing Mr. Lee stated, "I would like to thank my lawyer, Jeroen Veen of Lexwell, for his passion and effort to successfully defend my rights. I am happy that this chapter of a distasteful dispute is over. Ultimately, my hope is that we can all move forward and operate peacefully in an atmosphere of mutual respect."

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports, Minister Hon. Silveria Jacobs,
paid tribute to the Camille Baly Esquire at his funeral on Thursday August 30th 2012.

A speech highlighting the life, cultural and educational endeavors of Baly was rendered by the Minister. Tributes and stories recanting the life and inspirational ideas of Camille Baly were part of the service prior to Baly being laid to rest at the Cay Bay cemetery.

As an educator for many years, the late Camille Baly touched the lives of many in the community of St. Maarten/St. Martin. The wide cross section of the community that attended the funeral service reflected the many lives he touched.

In addition Government Officials from both sides of the island were in attendance.

Baly was honored by the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports at the first celebration of Emancipation Day. A diamond shaped plaque with numeral 26 engraved to signify the Diamond 26 slaves who had escaped slavery to the Northern side of the island was presented to the Cultural Icon.

Camille Baly was a mentor and valued adviser, his passing is a loss for the entire St. Maarten community. His contributions to St. Maarten and its Cultural Heritage will be properly documented.

May his soul rest in peace!

Philipsburg:--- The Solicitor General of St. Maarten Taco Stein said he is not authorized to speak on cases that are being investigated by the Lands Recherché. SMN News contacted the Solicitor General on several occasions for information regarding at least three cases that are being investigated by this body. Stein said that if media personnel wants information on the cases then they are to contact the public relations officer in Curacao who was hired on May 12th, 2012.
Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos has also refused to provide adequate information to the media regarding the infamous Vote Buying Investigation that involves a police officer, two VKS officers, and a civil servant working at the Philipsburg Police Station. The Police Internal Affairs conducted an indepth investigation into the case when four police personnel began a verbal fight because three of the officers got greedy and withheld the monies that were given to them by a political party for one of the four officers. The dossier on the internal investigation conducted by the Police Internal Affairs was turned over to St. Maarten's Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos over two years ago but for some reason the case has been placed on the non priority list even though Attorney General Dick Piar has given the green light to go ahead and investigate.
One of Mos' excuses for not investigating was the lack of personnel and a special investigating unit at the department. The Lands Recherché got six detectives from the Police Department yet not one of the cases they began investigating two years ago have been completed. Mos said the Lands Recherché investigated the cases that relates to two prison escapes and the human smuggling to Tortola where a number of persons lost their lives. He said the report on those cases which came long after the Vote Buying and the Buncamper's case was submitted to Minister of Justice Roland Duncan.
Another case that is sitting on the shelves of the Lands Recherché is the case involving former Minister of Health Maria Buncamper Molanus and her husband Claudius Buncamper who sold the economic rights of government lease land for three million dollars. SMN News has been reliably informed that the Buncamper's lawyers have sent a letter to the Prosecutor's Office requesting information on the status of the investigation. It should be noted that the head of the Lands Recherché Ademar Doran once lived in a house belonging to the Buncamper's and he also took a donation from the Buncamper's for the police band some years ago. It behooves the public of St. Maarten as well as SMN News if Doran can investigate this case in a transparent and honest manner or if there would be need for an independent body to intervene investigate and finally say whether or not the Buncamper's are culpable for any crime and if they will be charged.
The Lands Recherché also started an investigation against the former director of the Tourism Bureau Regina Labega. Detectives from the department searched the Government Administration Building on at least two occasions while the former director of finance Bas Roorda provided Mos with stacks of documents that shows irregularities at the Department of Finance.
SMN News also learnt that the investigators found substantial evidence at a bank in New York that shows that some 1.2 million dollars per year were transferred to an account belonging to DMC (a company where Regina Labega is the sole shareholder) whose bank account is in Anguilla, yet the investigation came to a halt when Mos said some months ago that they do not have the financial experts that are needed to complete the investigation. A source close to the investigation said that when the detectives uncovered the transactions between the New York bank and the one of DMC in Anguilla they invited Labega to their office but she did not cooperate. It is not yet known if the Lands Recherché realized that the SOAB is capable of conducting financial investigations and they are readily available to the office of the Solicitor General and Prosecutor's office.
Due to the reactions SMN News got and the run around to obtain information locally about the three cases that are being investigated by those in authority on St. Maarten we decided to interview the Minister of Justice Roland Duncan on Friday for his views on the pending cases. Minister of Duncan said that two years of waiting is indeed a long period of time and he also believes that there is enough reason for concern.
The Minister explained that he normally keeps his distance from investigations but he does ask the Prosecutor and the Solicitor General for updates. Duncan further stated that even though the Solicitor is bombarded with work, it is time for him to put some pressure on those investigating to do what they need to do regarding the pending cases. Duncan said after two years a preliminary report should be available by now.

Willemstad/Philipsburg:--- The spokesman for the Attorney General's office of Curacao, St. Maarten, and the BES Islands Norman Serphos gave answers to the several questions SMN News posed to him regarding ongoing investigations that are being conducted by the Landsrecherche.

It should be noted that the answers provided to SMN News by email are the same as the ones we have been getting from the Chief Prosecutor of St. Maarten Hans Mos these past months whenever we ask for an update on at least three specific cases.

SMN News requested information on the investigations on the Vote Buying Fraud Case which was already investigated by the Police Internal Affairs, the investigation involving former Minister of Health Maria Buncamper Molanus and her husband Claudius Buncamper for the selling of the economic rights of government leased land, and the investigation involving former Director of the Tourist Bureau Regina Labega.

The only difference this time is that Mos did not give the information to SMN News directly he released it to the spokesman of the Attorney General's office Norman Serphos. Mos already indicated to SMN News that he is not authorized neither is he in charge of the operations of the Landsrecherche. However, he admitted that he is fully aware of the operations of the Landsrecherche.

Serphos said the organization on St. Maarten is new even though it was established two years ago. According to Serphos, the Landsrecherche started in December 2010 with only four positions filled at the time. He said shortly after one more position was filled, but since January there are nine persons working at the Landsrecherche which includes the department head Ademar Doran and his secretary, while country St. Maarten is aiming to have 16 persons in that department. Serphos said the Landsrecherche of Sint Maarten is at this moment involved in several investigations. Many are ongoing investigations and have not yet been finalized. When finalized, those involved will be informed first.

The Attorney General spokesman who was hired on May 12, 2012 said that since the year 2010 the department investigated the following cases.

1. The escape of Omar Nelson
2. The escape of R. Spencer
3. The death of prisoner Reid
4. The death of nine persons at sea near Tortola related to the Cerberus investigation
5. Investigation to the embezzlement in the prison
6. Two disciplinary investigations
7. A large international request for mutual legal assistance (rechtshulpverzoek)
8. Investigation into the fraud/bribery of a civil servant at the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI). This case will go to court at the beginning of September

The conclusions of investigations 1, 2, and 4 were reported to the Attorney-General and reported by the Attorney-General to the Minister of Justice with the necessary recommendations. The Attorney General's Spokesman further stated that the Landsrecherche initiated several fact finding investigations which are still ongoing. When SMN News asked Mr. Serphos to provide further information on the infamous Vote buying investigation that involves three officers and a civil servant working at the Philipsburg Police Station. Serhpos said the investigation into the election fraud as well as the other cases mentioned such as the Buncamper's investigation and the Regina Labega investigation are still ongoing and the Attorney General's Office cannot and will not make any further statements.

SMN News also asked Serphos if there is a conflict of interest or semblance of conflict of interest with Ademar Doran investigating a case in which his former landlords are involved and since Mr. Doran also took a donation from the Sky of the Limit foundation for the police band. Serphos said there is no conflict of interest since there is no proof of such. Due to these remarks, SMN News has decided to show proof that the Head of the Landsrecherche Ademar Doran accepted a check from the President of the Sky is the Limit Foundation Maria Buncamper Molanus. The presentation of the check was published in the Daily Herald on Saturday August 12, 2006.

Norman Serphos further stated that it should be clear to all that investigations do not always lead to court. Investigations by the Landsrecherche can also lead to disciplinary actions, or can even be the reason for changes within organizations or structures within the government. The final result should be that mistakes can be avoided in the future.

Click here to view the publication in the Daily Herald where Head of the Landsrecherche Ademar Doran received a check from the President of the Sky is Limit Foundation Maria Buncamper Molanus.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Four new Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard officials were recently sworn in as extra ordinary police by the Minister of Justice Hon. Roland Duncan.

The Coast Guard officials have completed the theoretical part of their training and are ready to proceed with the practical training at the Sint Maarten Sub Station in Simpson Bay.

The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams stated during the weekly Council of Ministers Press Briefing that she and her cabinet is preparing for a meeting with the so-called GOA, the Consultation Instance for Matters pertaining to Government Personnel. "We are looking at having a meeting week after next to talk about the matter of the Cost of Living Indexation. The Indexation for 2011 was finally paid out earlier this year and both the Minister of Finance and I indicated that it is necessary that we have discussions regarding how the procedure evolved with the representatives of the workers of the Government in the GOA where Union Representatives will be present. We want to and look forward to having that discussion particularly considering how the indexation that is now applied to all salaries of Government, which is not governed by any specific law but a Government Policy that states that the indexation will be paid out in full depending on the financial rules of the Government. Therefore I think it extremely important that we have those discussions ahead of time so that we won't end up in a situation such as we had with the payment of the last indexation that was not taken up in the Budget", commented the Prime Minister. The PM concluded by stating that she want to avoid frustration by Government Workers who did not know what was occurring regarding the Index; "We were finally pleased that we still could have paid out the indexation this year but we want to avoid this for next and subsequent years", concluded the PM.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

Philipsburg:--- The Windward Islands Bank Ltd. made a financial contribution to the St. Maarten Domino Federation whom are presently hosting a championship competition on the island. The game of dominoes has always been local favorite past time and social sport. The winning team here will represent country St. Maarten in an International Domino Competition in Panama from October 27th to November 3rd, 2012. We wish our country St. Maarten team much success.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Eight Inspectors from the Inspectorate of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Inspectorate VSA) were sworn in as extra ordinary police by the Minister of Justice Hon. Roland Duncan.

In October 2010 the end of the Netherlands Antilles became a fact. The "new country" Sint Maarten took up the responsibility for its legislation and enforcement of the law.

To be able to do this Sint Maarten had to establish its own supervision and enforcement institutions in several areas. These include healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food safety, daycare centers, labor and labor safety and environmental hygiene.

The Inspectorate VSA is headed by the Inspector General Dr. Earl Best.

Inspections can be conducted either announced or unannounced. To fulfill her task the Inspectorate is authorized to demand all information necessary such as demanding the inspection of books, documents, records and authorized to copy those or temporarily confiscate the aforementioned.

The Inspectorate is authorized to enter any place, if needed with the help of the police. Private homes are an exception, permission must be granted by the tenant.

To accomplish its task, the Inspectorate has several means to enforce the law, a simple warning, confiscation, a fine or closure. If necessary a case can be handed over to the public prosecutor's office or a disciplinary judicial entity.

The Inspectorate also has an advisory role to the Minister VSA and to other departments within the ministry.

Philipsburg:--- The Inspector General of Health and Labor Dr. Earl Best dispatched a letter to the Medical Director of the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) Dr. George Scot informing him that the deadline for him to submit his comments on the draft report which was submitted to him on August 24th, 2012 has passed and there will be no extensions. When the draft report was compiled after a series of thematic inspections, Dr. Scot was given until September 7th to respond to Dr. Best's findings. Dr. Scot asked the Inspector General for an extension so that he could submit his comments but the inspector general has denied the request. According to reliable information provided to SMN News, the Inspector General asked the Medical Director to comment on four categories.

A well placed source said that Dr. Scot distributed the report one and half week after receipt to the doctors and specialists. The SMMC director submitted a letter to request more time on the day of the deadline which according to the inspector general does not demonstrate adherence to good governance.

The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams returned from Aruba on Saturday where she attended the ECOCT Steering Committee and Planning Meeting. The Prime Minister is the Territorial Authorizing Officer for the Project Steering Committee (SC) and as chaired the meeting.

The meeting was coordinated by the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), with financial support from the European Community (EC). Participants included focal points and steering committee members from the British and Dutch Overseas Caribbean Territories and community advocates from St. Maarten, the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica and Venezuela.

The Prime Minister stated that after two days of meetings the Dutch and British OCT's reviewed two important instances with regards to the approach of controlling the HIV/ AIDS epidemic in the region. "We reviewed the mid-term evaluation report as well as the report of the monitoring mission, both of these having been undertaken as part of the EC sponsored program "Strengthening the integration of the British and Dutch OCTs in the Regional Response to HIV/AIDS within the PANCAP Framework", commented the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister also stated that during the 2 day event, participants participated in several plenary and break out sessions; "one of the main events took place on Friday morning when the program's Steering Committee met to review the above mentioned reports as well as the concluded activities of year three and the work plan for year four," continued the Prime Minister. The last time that a steering committee meeting was held for this project in 2010, St. Maarten was still part of the Netherlands Antilles.

Critical issues debated during the meeting were the sustainability of the program and the HIV/AIDS responses in the territories, the integration of national HIV/AIDS programs and regional collaboration in the face of limited human and financial resources. Special sessions such as those on Human Rights and health information systems were also conducted.

PAHO is the agency responsible for the program's execution. St. Maarten will be formally joining the Pan American Health Organization within short.

The Prime Minister, as the Regional Territorial Authorizing Officer for this program, which is a function required by the EC for these types of programs, chaired the SC meeting. Secretary General for VSA Ms. Jorien Wuite also participated on behalf of St. Maarten as well as the Country's HIV/AIDS Program Focal Point, Mrs. Suzette Moses-Burton.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

On Thursday the Nature Foundation was alerted by the Police Bike Patrol on the Board Walk that a sick Pelican was seen on Great Bay Beach in the vicinity of Cornie's Beach Bar. Upon arrival Staff of the Nature Foundation noticed an injured pelican that was rescued by Mr. Cornelius De Weever after it was struck by a Jet Ski. The Nature Foundation transported the injured animal to the St. Maarten Veterinary Clinic where the animal did not show any broken bones or fractures. The Pelican was given a dose of steroids to overcome the shock and was subsequently transported to the St. Maarten zoo where it is currently recovering.

The Brown Pelican is the national bird of St. Maarten and carries with it a high biological, historical and cultural significance. Based on previous research conducted by the Nature Foundation an overall total of 339 individuals were recorded on St. Maarten with 8 chicks and 35 sub-adults recorded. It was further determined that breeding season for adult pelicans runs from approximately the beginning of June through August with the peak occurring at the end of July through the beginning of August.
The numerous threats faced by the resident pelican population on St. Maarten were also researched with the primary threat being related to habitat destruction. The resident pelican population has decreased drastically in the last four decades which coincides with the building boom experienced on St. Maarten during the nineteen sixties and seventies when numerous breeding locations had to make way for sea-front development.

Pelicans also face threats from being struck by boats and other watercraft, including Jet Skis as was evident with the case on Thursday.

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

Philipsburg:--- Chief Public Prosecutor Hans Mos and the Attorney General of St. Maarten Taco Stein shot themselves in the foot on Monday when they raided a house in Pointe Blanche that yielded nothing.

According to a press release from Attorney General of St. Maarten Taco Stein, the police conducted a search operation in Pointe Blanche which was led by the judge of instruction. The release which was signed by St. Maarten's Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos states that police were unable to find corroboration of the information that lead to the search. Mos said in the interest of the investigation, no additional comment will be made.

SMN News was reliably informed that the raid was conducted in the home and garden of Ace Home Center owners, Samie and Josef Al-Yousef. According to information reaching SMN News, the prosecutor's office was informed by an outside source that the businessmen had several weapons in their homes and they ordered the search which was conducted by the RST and KPSM. The judge of instruction was also present when the search took place.

It is not yet clear who the informant was and what motivated the person to set law enforcement on the well known Arab businessmen. A source close to the Ministry of Justice said the police received a tip and they conducted an investigation and subsequent raid of the family's residence which was built about four years ago in Pointe Blanche.

Residents of Montserrat were treated to one of the largest Customer appreciation days ever held on their island recently, organized and hosted by NAGICO Insurances, to mark the insurance company's 30th year of existence.

Government officials, dignitaries, clients and non-clients flocked the island's popular venue; The Lyme where a brief formal ceremony was held to commemorate this milestone, during which the Prime Minister of Montserrat; Premier Reuben T. Meade praised NAGICO for the work they have been doing in Montserrat, since NAGICO entered their market 15 years ago.

"When you look at the recent history of insurance and the OECS (Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States), NAGICO seems to be one on of those companies that is a rock solid company," he said. "Montserrat has gone through the debacle of CL Financials and all of the issues that are pertaining thereto, as a consequence, the OECS governments have taken the decision that insurance companies will be more closely monitored but I know in the case of NAGICO, you are almost self-monitored."

Premier Meade spoke of the resiliency of the natives of Montserrat and praised NAGICO for remaining in their island especially in times of need. "NAGICO has been with the people of Montserrat through thick and thin," he said. "One of the very little known things is that NAGICO is a very good social citizen, because in almost every social function, whether school debating competitions, health or sports, NAGICO is always there willing to sponsor and do something within the community, thank you NAGICO."
Following the ceremony, the audience was treated to lively Caribbean music which set a comfortable tone in which the residents were able to mingle and talk with the CEO of NAGICO; Mr. Imran Amjad-McSood, while been treated to a variety of local dishes.

McSood thanked the people of Montserrat for welcoming NAGICO into their community and reaffirmed his commitment to the island by making sizeable donations to three non-profit organizations there, namely: The Diabetes Foundation, The Montserrat Festival Committee and the Montserrat National Spelling Bee Foundation.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Central Committee of Parliament will meet in a closed door session on September 14.

Minister responsible for Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure Hon. William Marlin will make a presentation to Members of Parliament about the Zoning Policy and Development Plans for the country.

The meeting will take place on Friday morning at 10:00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House of Parliament at Wilhelmina Straat #2.1 in Philipsburg.

The Philipsburg Jubilee Library in collaboration with the Ark foundation will once again organize its 3rd and final year of storytelling workshops entitled, "It Takes a Story to Raise a Child". This remarkable workshop is designed to develop persons in our community with the capability to tell stories and to enhance those persons, who already have some experience in this field.
Mr. Wijnand Stomp, a well known Dutch Antillean, theatrical storyteller in the Netherlands, who specializes in Anansi stories, will be conducting these workshops for the third year.
This storytelling workshop is scheduled to be held from Monday, September 24th to Thursday September 27, 2012 between 5:30 and 9:00pm at the Sundial School. The course fee is only 50 guilders for the entire workshop. After completing all sessions, the participants will be showing off their skills to the general public with their very own storytelling exhibition on September 29, 2012 at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library.
A free preview of Mr. Stomp's storytelling skills will be showcased on Sunday, September 23, 2012 at the Cultural Center at 7:30PM. You are welcome to come and see his exciting and interactive storytelling abilities for yourself.
Registration for this remarkable storytelling workshop is possible at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library on the following dates:

• Thursday, September 13, 2012 between 2:00 and 8:00pm.
• Friday, September 14, 2012 between 9am – 12:30pm and 2:00pm-5:00pm.

For additional information, please contact Morenika Arrindell, the Activity Manager at library, by calling 542-2970 or Ingrid Hollaman of the Ark Foundation at 554-1637.

The Hague, Netherlands:--- On October 6th 2012, Stichting Soualiga Foundation will be kicking off its second initiative in the Netherlands, namely: 1ST Annual Unity Movement Day.
This sporting event is meant to be a fun and informal pre-Sint Maarten's Day celebration, as well as a way to bring Sint Maarteners together to socialize with one anotherwhile showcasing the awesome competitive spirit through the sports that we know and love.
"One of the things that we found out from the research that we carried out with the SSF Student Forum in April is that some Sint Maarten students have trouble integrating in Dutch society. Unfortunately, this can sometimes negatively affect their academic performance and general development. We want to be there for our fellow Sint Maarteners, and this is just one of the many initiatives we have planned to let them know that we are here for them!" SSF Chairman, Mr. Perry Geerlings said.
The 1ST Annual Unity Movement Day will be held on October 6th 2012 in the 'SportshalOranjeplein' in The Hague. The event begins at 10:00 a.m. The sporting activities (basketball, volleyball and football) will be take place between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., followed by a networking session between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
"Sports is something that young people from St. Maarten love and we thought that we should create an opportunity for them to play and to get together with other people from home," SSF board member and organizing committee chairman Garrick Richardson said. "But even the people that are not on a team are more than welcome to come and support. We have good music and plenty of local food and drink, so we know that everyone will have a good time," he continued.
Stichting Soualiga Foundation is extremely grateful for the support of other Sint Maarten organizations in the Netherlands, particularly the leaders and members of Stichting Unified Sint Maarten Connection. They have demonstrated their alliance to SSF'S goal of being a haven for all Sint Maarteners in the Netherlands by collaborating with the foundation in their second initiative.

St. Peters:--- Board Members of Milton Peters College (MPC) filed an official complaint with the Fraud Department on Monday against the concierge of the school whom they accused of stealing $74,000.00 from the school's canteen. According to well placed sources at the school, Janina Andrade who is also an employee of Robbie's Lottery works as a concierge at MPC and he is responsible for depositing the monies from the canteen at the bank.

The source said that no monies have been deposited since November 2010 and only recently the school board realized that someone has been committing fraud. SMN News learnt that Andrade was fired on the spot two weeks ago. The school board is also looking closely at the school's accountant who did not notify them of the incident. SMN News further learnt that this is the second time a concierge of the Milton Peters College has been fired for stealing monies from the canteen. The first incident it is said was never reported.

Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte confirmed that a complaint has been filed against the concierge and an investigation is currently taking place.

CUL-DE-SAC:--- The St. Maarten Academy family stepped up to the plate in recent weeks, raising funds and collecting food and clothing for one of the families affected by the recent fire Over the Bank.
Upon hearing of the news and realizing that one of the students at the school had lost everything, including school books, the school's Student Government Association (SGA) jumped into action and organized a Jeans Day where students were encouraged to give generously. The students donated a total of $497, while teachers donated $238. An additional sum of $300 was donated by School Counselor, Mrs. Baly-Vanterpool. The latter amount was, in part, raised after the passing of Mrs. Baly's mom less than a year ago, and the family had requested that the sum be donated to a charity.
Several boxes and bags of clothing, shoes, and food items, along with $1,035 were handed over to Mr. Henry Dennis, the father of the student affected by the fire. Mr. Dennis was very grateful for the donation and said the family is very happy. They are currently staying at Flamingo Resort, where Dennis works, but must find a home by the end of the month.
He reported that the five children are coping well after the blaze and that they have everything for school. The Dennis family was one of several left homeless after fire destroyed their homes on August 26.
The school's SGA would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all who contributed, or stood by the family through this difficult period.

St. Peters:--- A lone gunman entered Sunshine Supermarket located on Genip Road late Monday evening and robbed the owners. According to an eyewitness, the suspect was armed with a shotgun. SMN News learnt that police managed to arrest the culprit along with another suspect that was outside the supermarket acting as a lookout. The money and clothes that were stolen were also recovered. Andy Huang and his mother were inside the supermarket when the incident occurred. Huang said that the gunman entered the supermarket and demanded that they turn over all the monies they had in the cash register.

Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte confirmed that the robbery took place and two suspects were arrested. De Witte said police are busy investing the latest armed robbery.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Eight Tobacco Cessation Trainers were trained by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recently as part of the Minister of Public Health's Tobacco Cessation 100% Smoke Free Schools Initiative.

The workshop represented another major step forward in the implementation of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in the country, in particular of Article 14, Demand reduction measures concerning tobacco dependence and cessation, and Article 12(d), which states that each Party shall promote and strengthen public awareness of tobacco control issues, including through effective and appropriate training or sensitization and awareness programs.

Facilitator Dr. Adriana Blanco, advisor in Tobacco Control PAHO Washington DC, conducted the three-day workshop.

Collective Prevention Services (CPS) of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour (MinVSA), is spearheading an initiative of Minister of MinVSA Hon. Cornelius de Weever to implement 100% Smoke Free Schools by 2014.

As part of the Minister's "Get Checked," campaign, the people have the power to change the aforementioned circumstances, and the logical step is creating smoke-free public spaces.

Minister Cornelius de Weever: "PAHO and Sint Maarten are working together in many areas to improve overall health care. I would like to thank the facilitator of this workshop and I know we can all benefit from tobacco cessation," Minister Cornelius de Weever said on Monday.

The Trainers are now prepared to sensitize and inform partners and stakeholders in health about tobacco control, and assist in and support tobacco cessation activities.

The three-day workshop comprised of nine modules covering the following areas: The role of primary health care providers in tobacco and tobacco dependence treatment; Basics of tobacco control and tobacco dependence treatment; Overview of tobacco interventions; Asking, advising and assessing readiness to quit; Dealing with low motivation; Assisting and arranging for follow-up; Addressing non-smokers' exposure to secondhand smoke; Introduction to pharmacotherapy; and promoting brief tobacco interventions in the community.

Please be informed that due to the installation of the final discharge pipe in the Rolandus Channel on Wednesday September 19, the lane heading to Sucker Garden road will be closed to all vehicular traffic from Wednesday morning 9:00am until 5:00pm.

The Ministry of VROMI apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The fourth annual "Summer Speaks", an evening combining spoken word, poetry, short story, music and fine dining will take place on Thursday, October 27, at 7:30pm.
This year the event, which is being called "Summer Speaks: Autumn Edition", will be held at Sheer restaurant on Frontstreet in Philipsburg. The theme of this year's event is "Now...I am free."
Event organizer, Lysanne Charles, said that while the event usually ran in July, this year she had opted to organize the venture later in the year.
"This year has been one of tremendous opportunity and growth for both myself and Clara Reyes of Imbali Center for Creative Movement, the entity with which I usually collaborate for both Summer Speaks and Winters Words. After a hectic start of 2012 I had initially decided to not have the event this year, but after several inquiries by poets and attendees from previous years I decided to simply postpone it until later in the year," Charles said.
Charles said that since its inception Summer Speaks had been hosted at various venues across the island and when the opportunity to partner with Sheer had been put forth she had jumped at the offer.
"From the initial meeting with Valentin Davis of Sheer he expressed great enthusiasm for the arts in general and poetry in particular and really threw himself wholeheartedly behind this event. Sheer is a really beautiful setting and provides exactly the right ambiance for Summer Speaks. Mr. Davis has also promised to provide a scrumptious buffet dinner," Charles said.
Charles also explained that this year's event would also consist of only one evening rather than the usual three or four and so the line-up for "Now...I am free" was a very forceful one. Scheduled poets include Sumaiyah, Giovanni "Gino" Olivacce, Marianne Tefft, Stephan "Stretch" Rodney, and Anderson Percival. There will also be musical performances by members of Catch 22, Shakiya Arrindell and Lena Browne.
"Usually the program runs over several weeks, but this year I wanted to do it a little different, just for this once while I tweak the formats for both Summer Speaks and Winter's Words and continue with the development of Soualigan Fyah. So just this once Summer Speaks is only going to run for one night, but I'm definitely looking forward to working with Mr. Davis again in the near future for Winter's Words," Charles said.
This year Charles, who is preparing for a performance related trip to Tortola, will not be reading poetry, but will read one short story and act as co-MC with Clara Reyes.
"The line-up will not miss me. The evening is choked full of power poets and spoken word artists and amazingly beautiful musicians and singers. Every year we try and do it different and better, this year is no exception. So I'm encouraging all the supporters of both "Summer Speaks" and "Winter's Words" to come out and enjoy this evening with us and bring a friend. But space is limited so call, reserve and buy your ticket in advance," Charles said.
For more information about cost of tickets and where they can be purchased people should contact Charles at 586-1266 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Philipsburg:--- Meyshane Kemar Johnson, the Jamaican suspect who was arrested early Sunday morning for the gruesome murder of American citizens Michael and Thelma King also robbed the Happy Star Chinese Restaurant on September 19th, 2012. According to reliable information reaching SMN News, Johnson borrowed someone's car to commit the robbery and police fired a shot at the vehicle.

Sources say the owner of the vehicle called police when he noticed that his vehicle had a bullet hole on it and there were suspicious items inside. SMN News also learnt that police found several incriminating items in the vehicle when they searched it and it is believed that the Kings were murdered that same night. Some of the items found in the vehicle were credit cards and a cell phone belonging to the late Michael King.

According to reliable sources, Johnson was illegally residing on the island and even though he was employed at Checkmate Security Company he indicated to his employer that he applied for the Brooks Tower (BTA) residency papers. SMN News also learnt that since the robbery of Happy Star Restaurant, Johnson did not report to work, instead he called in sick.

The sources further explained that Meyshane Kemar Johnson was working at the Souliga Service Point (SSP) and he was removed from the location, and placed as one of the company's reserves but he never worked for Ocean Club even though Checkmate Security provides guards for the timeshare resort during the morning hours.

SMN News also learnt that police is also looking for another suspect that they believe was involved in the robbery of and gruesome murder of the Kings. Sources close to the investigation state that the second suspect is a St. Maarten born minor of Jamaican descent. 

 Statement From Checkmate Security Concerning Cupe Coy Murder Case.

With reference to the recent murder-case, where an American couple was murdered in their hotel-room, we respectfully wish to inform you that our Company is very concerned especially with the fact that one of our employees has been suspected in this horrible crime.

Our company would first like to say that we condemn this barbaric act to Michael and Thelma King to the highest degree. We deeply sympathize with the family and friends of these long time visitors to our island and we mourn with them for their irreplaceable loss. Our company is in the business of protecting people and property and we cannot in any way associate ourselves with this heinous crime.

We are cognizant that the police is still investigating this horrible crime. However, based on widespread media reports our company would like to state that our operation certainly does considerable investigation before we employ someone as a security guard. It is quite common for us to request various sorts of proof of previous employment of possible candidates.

Not only with the local authorities, but whenever possible also with foreign agencies.

The person concerned is originally from Jamaica and before his services were engaged, our Company obtained information also from his country of origin. There was no indication of any reason to consider this case even a "doubtful one".

Within our Company we believe that this person is an example of cases where a human being can change and commit things completely out of the ordinary. Quite often negative influences/relations, and even overconfidence may lead to wrong and even criminal actions. Such actions are regularly published in the local and international press. Cases with law enforcement authorities have also happened in the past.

You may even recall that not too long ago in St. Maarten a person employed with the authorities was sentenced and sent to prison for various crimes committed while he occupied an important position with the Government.

Our company wishes to mention that it has cooperated in every possible way with the police authorities to solve this crime soonest possible.

Our Company wishes to assure you that this case is compelling us to be even more careful than we already are in our screening and investigations when engaging security employees.

 

Updated press release issued by Public Prosecutor's Office concerning Cupe Coy Murder Case.

 

Philipsburg (DCOMM):--- Prime Minister of St. Maarten, the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams made the following statement on receiving the news early Sunday morning that a suspect has been apprehended in the Cupecoy murders case.

"I am convinced that like myself, the entire community of St. Maarten hoped and prayed that the perpetrator(s) of last week's heinous crime would be apprehended and persecuted in the shortest time possible. This was important for our island and its law enforcement, as well as the families of the victims and for law abiding and compassionate people everywhere.

I had not dared hope however, that before the weekend was over, a suspect in this senseless and brutal act would be arrested. That this has indeed happened must be credited to our entire police force and in particular the team that worked on this investigation. As a nation, we are proud and indebted to you.

I am particularly proud by the way that you have acted under the stress which must have been present all during this ordeal. I know your work is far from over, but to hear personally from the family of the victims how professional and compassionate the detectives and police officers have been all along, has given me immense pride in our "men and women in blue". Thank you!

To the members of our community who in whichever way assisted the police force of St. Maarten, my thanks to you as well. To the family of the victims, I again express my Government and my deepest condolences. May God grant you and our nation St. Maarten strength during the times ahead."

Philipsburg:--- With its ruling of September 21, 2012, the Court of First Instance at Sint Maarten lifted all attachments placed by Rain Forest on the Emilio Wilson Estate.

The Owners of the Estate recently started summary proceedings before the Court of First Instance at Sint Maarten against the attachment placed on the estate by Rain Forest. The latter claimed that the owners of the estate had committed themselves to deliver ownership of 75 percent of the estate and that it is entitled to take ownership. The latter also claimed that it is entitled to financial compensation of about US$ 15.5 million if the deal is to fall through. The Court had limited the attachment for compensation of damages to US$ 5 million. On September 7, 2012 a court hearing took place during which the owners of the estate, represented by attorneys Brenda Brooks and Mark Meijjer, argued that the cooperation agreement between owners and Rain Forest specifically allows them to sell the estate to government. Owners also argued that Rain Forest unilaterally changed the financial components of the transaction, with which owners do not and will not agree, and that Rain Forest because of that cannot meet its obligations under the agreement.

The Court of First Instance, in its ruling of September 21, 2012, took into consideration that owners are under no obligation to accept the alternative financing of the project, of which the most prominent is that Rain Forest had agreed under the cooperation agreement to bring in equity in the amount of US$ 6.5 million, whereas from the financing agreement with Carnival it appears that only US$ 1,78 million will be brought in as equity. Due to this alternative financing, owners will receive far less for the property as has been agreed upon. According to the Court, owners are under no obligation to transfer ownership now that Rain Forest did not meet all stipulations of the cooperation agreement. Because of the above the alleged claim for performance (i.e. the transfer of ownership) is summarily proven to be unjustified.

Owners also argued that the claim for compensation of damages is unjustified, which argument the Court followed. Rain Forest had argued that it will suffer damages if the project falls through. Because Rain Forest did not present to the court its petition to place the attachments nor the petition on the merits of the case, the court considered Rain Forest's claim for compensation of damages insufficiently substantiated. The claim for compensation of damages is therefore summarily proven to be unjustified also.

Under those circumstances, according to the court, owner's interest in lifting the attachment outweighs Rain Forest's interest in performance or compensation of its so far summarily proven unjustified claims. The court considered it that unlikely that Rain Forest is entitled to performance or compensation of damages that owners, who want to transfer ownership to government, cannot be expected to wait for the outcome of the proceeding on the merits of the case before they can do so.

With this ruling of the Court of First Instance there is no obstacle for government to take ownership of the estate. Owners presented the ruling to government and urged government to proceed.

Click here to view the verdict for Henri Brookson vs. Rain Forest Adventures.

Philipsburg:--- National Alliance (NA) leader and Deputy Prime Minister William Marlin has strongly condemned the murder of American couple Michael and Thelma King whose bodies were found in the Ocean Club Villas on Friday.
Marlin, who returned to the island on Sunday and learnt of the brutal incident, joins his colleagues in government in expressing his deepest condolences to the friends and families of the long time visitors of the island. He said St. Maarten was mourning with the families of the victims and shares in their pain.
Marlin said on behalf of the National Alliance party, he deeply regretted that this barbaric act occurred on this peaceful island. He commended law enforcement officers and the team working arduously to solve this heinous crime for the speedy arrest of a person of interest early Sunday morning. Marlin said he is confident that authorities will spare no resources to bring the culprit(s) to justice.
The Deputy Prime Minister said this isolated incident in no way reflects the general situation on the Friendly Island, which he assured, is a safe place for visitors.
He said St. Maarten welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors by cruise and air annually and these visitors enjoy the tranquility of St. Maarten and leave with pleasant memories resulting in many repeat visits and positive word of mouth marketing.
He said the world should not look at this incident as a reflection of what occurs in St. Maarten. He urged anyone in the community with information on this crime to pass on this information to police on their tip line: 9300 (local) or international tip line: 1-721-54-20345

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour Hon. Cornelius de Weever welcomes Dr. Carissa Etienne of Dominica who has been elected the new Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

Etienne was recently elected by PAHO Member States during the 28th Pan American Sanitary Conference.

"As a newly born Associate Member of PAHO, we the country of Sint Maarten, hereby want to express our sincere congratulations to the newly elected Director of PAHO, Dr. Carissa Etienne. We welcome her with a warm heart, and wish her success in the new position," Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour Hon. Cornelius de Weever said on Monday.

The new Director will start her five-year term on February 1, 2013, succeeding Dr. Mirta Roses Periago of Argentina, who has been PAHO Director since 2003.

Dr. Etienne is currently Assistant Director General, Health Systems and Services of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva. From 2003 to 2008 she served as Assistant Director of PAHO, WHO's Regional Office for the Americas.

In her acceptance speech, Dr. Etienne said she looked forward to working for the countries of the Americas, which have achieved many advances in health and development, but which also face many challenges. In thanking the ministers of health of PAHO member countries for electing her, Dr. Etienne pledged to build on the rich tradition of Pan Americanism.

Great Bay:--- On Tuesday afternoon, The Positive Foundation together with Elektralyets Foundation presented the Breast Cancer Awareness Month Calendar of Events to Prime Minister Sarah Wescott-Williams; Minister of Education, Culture Youth & Sports, Silveria Jacobs and Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor, Cornelius De Weever.
The two foundations are extending an invitation to the Government of St. Maarten to participate in their entire month of activities, which officially kicks off on Friday, October 5, 2012 with a Pink March/Parade through Philipsburg. The Positive Foundation and Mercedes "Elektra" Wyatt have organized a number of events intended to spread the word that in the fight against breast cancer "Early detection is our Best Protection."

Philipsburg:--- Police are currently investigating all information that was gathered the past few days. In order to get a good overview of all relevant information, analysts and detectives are running through all statements in combination with technical information such as information retrieved from the telephones of the victims and the suspect who was apprehended.
Furthermore, new witnesses were questioned on Thursday. This process may go on for a few more days since, based on statements of earlier witnesses, other names of possible witnesses came up. Besides that, a vast amount of video-footage has to be studied for all relevant details. Police retrieved camera footage from over 10 locations. This all has to be studied which is time consuming.
The prosecution is preparing official requests for assistance to be sent to the US authorities. Especially information on the background of the victims and from people close to the victims which could be relevant for the investigation. This is where the help of the FBI could come in and would make these investigations go faster and smoother.

Press Release from Public Prosecutor's Office

Ilulissat, Greenland- Representatives from the St. Maarten Nature Foundation are currently attending the Overseas Countries and Territories Green Forum held in Ilulissat, Greenland.

During both the EC OTC forum in Greenland and the Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories, representatives of the Nature Foundation were able to discuss various environmental matters with various organizations. One of the most significant discussions were centered around the possibility of St. Maarten becoming a member of the 20/20 Challenge, a Caribbean initiative which hopes to protect twenty percent of Caribbean countries' territorial waters as Marine Parks and Marine Protective Areas by the year 2020. Caribbean Countries which are signatory to the Caribbean Challenge Initiative are eligible for funding from the European Union for Marine Conservation Projects within Protected Areas. The St. Maarten Nature Foundation Manages the Man of War Shoal Marine Park; St. Maarten's first and only natural protected area and national park. Discussions were held regarding project based funding to strengthen the capacity of the understaffed Foundation to more effectively manage the Man of War Shoal Marine Park.

Follow up consultations were also held regarding the possibilities of establishing a Marine Research Institute on St. Maarten, the joint proposal submitted by the Nature Foundation and the St. Maarten Harbor Holding Company for the Mangrove Reforestation Project in the Simpson Bay Lagoon, and the establishment of a Lobby Group to protect the Great Salt Pond as a site of environmental and cultural heritage of national and international importance.

Representatives were also given a first hand account of the melting of the polar icecap when they were given a tour of the Ilulissat Glacier, the largest and most productive glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. The melting of the polar Greenlandic Icecap will have a significant impact on St. Maarten including changing weather patterns and rising seawater levels. The Nature Foundation discussed possibilities that are available for the mitigation of the effects of Climate Change on small island states such as St. Maarten.

The presence of the Nature Foundation at the European Commission Overseas Countries and Territories was made possible through funding made available by the European Union.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Two out of six areas that the multi-disciplinary inspection teams will be looking at when they hit the streets on Monday October 1, is occupational safety and health at workplaces, and food safety.

A healthy workplace is one in which workers and managers collaborate to use a continual improvement process to protect and promote the health, safety and wellbeing of workers, and the sustainability of the workplace.

The most successful and competitive companies are those that have the best health and safety records, and the most physically and mentally healthy and satisfied workers.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that two million women and men die each year as a result of occupational accidents and work-related illnesses.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 160 million new cases of work-related illnesses occur every year, and stipulates that workplace conditions account for over a third of back pain, 16 per cent of hearing loss, nearly 10 per cent of lung cancer; and that eight per cent of the burden of depression can be attributed to workplace risk.

Food safety is a public health priority. Millions of people every year fall ill, and many die as a result of eating unsafe food. Serious outbreaks of foodborne disease have been documented on every continent in the past decade, and in many countries rates of illnesses are increasing significantly.

It is important for food establishments that provide such services to the public and visitors, to practice safe food preparation. Each individual should know how to ensure safe food handling practices and prevent foodborne diseases.

The five keys to safer food are: keep clean; separate raw and cooked; cook thoroughly; keep food at safe temperatures; and use safe water and raw materials.

The six government entities that will carry out inspections are, Inspectorate of Public Health, Social Development, Labour and Food Safety, Tax Department, Fire Department, VROMI Building Safety & Environment and TEVZT Inspections.

Inspections will continue on a regular basis. The joint multi-disciplinary team is looking forward towards the full cooperation of the business community and is requesting that businesses have all the required permits and other administrative documentation on hand to present to officials when they visit their establishment.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure (MinVROMI) everything is in place for the public consultation town hall meeting on Monday evening in the Gym at the Sister Regina School in Simpson Bay.

The follow-up town hall meeting at the Sister Regina Primary School will start at 7:00pm and run until 9:30pm. Residents and stakeholders of Simpson Bay, Airport area and Beacon Hill are invited to come to the meeting. The meeting is part of process of drafting of "development plans" for country Sint Maarten.

The follow-up meeting would allow residents, stakeholders and interested persons of the Simpson Bay community, Airport and Beacon Hill areas to review the outline for a development plan for the aforementioned.

The drafting of the development plans will take approximately 24 months and the aforementioned plans will guide the future spatial development of the country where it relates to government and private land.

The second town hall meeting will be held on Thursday, September 6 at Carl's Unique Inn Conference room, Cole Bay from 7:00pm to 9:30pm. This meeting is for residents and stakeholders of Cole Bay, Billy Folly and Cay Bay.

Philipsburg:--- The Medical Director of the St. Maarten Medical Center, Dr. George Scot and the newly appointed members of the Supervisory Council kept the Members of Parliament on Monday waiting as they did not show up for the scheduled meeting which was to be held between the SMMC and the Permanent Committee of Health on Monday afternoon. Dr. Scot dispatched a letter to the Parliament of St. Maarten where he informed them that the St. Maarten Medical Center is not fully aware as to whom they have invited to Parliament.

Dr. Scot in his letter dated August 31st, 2012 said that the Parliament of St. Maarten invited the Supervisory Board of Directors of SMMC and the medical practitioners and surgeons that were involved in the cases of negligence that were published in the local media. According to Dr. Scot's letter, the agenda for the meetings called by the Permanent Committee of Parliament is to discuss the expansion of SMMC, alleged cases of medical negligence at the SMMC and actions by the SMMC to address these matters, reporting of medical incidents and contagious diseases, and the compilation and legality of the SMMC board.
According to Dr. Scot it is unclear to the SMMC as to whom the Parliament of St. Maarten is addressing since SMMC does not have a Supervisory Board. He referred to the articles of association, where it states that the SMMC has two corporate bodies being the Board of Directors and the Supervisory Council. He said that they (SMMC) took it that the Permanent Committee of Health wants to see both the Supervisory Council and the Board of Directors.

The SMMC Medical Director further stated in his letter to Parliament that if the two bodies are to meet with Parliament in a Permanent Committee meeting then the Parliament of St. Maarten must send the SMMC the agenda points so that both parties can agree on what that they want to discuss. In addition, Parliament must stick to the agenda points and the Parliament of St. Maarten must also find an independent chairman or chairwoman who would chair the meeting if they decide to meet.

SMN News learnt that even though the Members of the Supervisory Board and Dr. George Scot did not respect the wishes of the Permanent Committee of Health, the Members of Parliament have decided that they will give the SMMC Supervisory Council and Medical Director one more chance. Sources within Parliament said that the Members of Parliament especially those on the Permanent Committee of Health will invite the Supervisory Council and its Medical Director to separate meetings. Should the Supervisory Council and the Medical Director not comply then the Parliament of St. Maarten will hold a public session of Central Committee where they will send a clear instruction the Minister of Health instructing him of the actions they want taken against the SMMC.

The SMMC Medical Director also asked Parliament to specify the exact purpose and objective per agenda point and the scope of the meeting. He also asked that the Parliament of St. Maarten provide SMMC with a more detailed agenda in respect to items 2, 3, and 4 of their suggested agenda and to specify why the committee wishes to discuss the points.

SMN News has been reliably informed that at least one of the Members of the Supervisory Council who was appointed last week resigned on Saturday shortly after he was presented with a letter by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare Dr. Cornelius de Weever. The source said Ruben Essed who was appointed as the legal expertise and vice chairman of the Supervisory Council resigned since he is also an adviser to the Council of Ministers.

SMN News also learnt from reliable sources that the members of the current Supervisory Council met with Dr. George Scot on Saturday after meeting with the Minister of Health and they presented the SMMC Director with one of the poorest evaluations.

SMN News learnt that Dr. George Scot began using obscene language in the meeting when he was presented with the evaluation and he realized that the Supervisory Council rated him as being incompetent.

Efforts made to reach Dr. George Scot on Monday evening proved futile as he could not be reached by phone.

Click here to view letter sent by Dr. George Scot to the Parliament of St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The 2011-2012 Parliamentary Year will close on Monday, September 10 in a meeting of Parliament.

President of Parliament Hon. drs. Rodolphe E. Samuel will be opening the session at 10:00am in the General Assembly Chamber at the House of Parliament, Wilhelminastraat, Philipsburg.

The two agenda points for Monday are incoming documents, and closure of the 2011-2012 Parliamentary Year.

On Tuesday, September 11, at 10:00am, a solemn session for the opening of the 2012-2013 Parliamentary Year will begin, chaired by the President of Parliament. Additional information with respect to the program will be released within short.

A solemn meeting of Parliament marks the start of the Parliamentary Year and the Governor's Speech sets out the government's agenda.

The opening represents a public statement of the government's legislative programme for Parliament's next working year. A new Parliamentary Year is opened every second Tuesday of September.

The main element is the Governor's Speech written by the government and read out in the General Assembly Chamber in the House of Parliament to invited guests such as members of the High Councils of State, the Judiciary and other government officials. The Council of Ministers will also be part of the solemn meeting.

Both sessions of the House of Parliament on the aforementioned dates will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, will stream live on the internet via Parliament's website www.sxmparliament.org, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1 (audio), and also via www.pearlfmradio.com.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT) Hon. Romeo Pantophlet is looking forward to more customer service training workshops for taxi drivers.

The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau recently introduced the "Successful Taxi Driver" as a customer service training program coordinated by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) which provides quality customer service training for taxi drivers.

This training program provides a great insight and understanding on relative customer service training topics and respond to the issues outlined in the above mentioned.

The taxi drivers are selected primarily for the pilot phase of the training programme; as a result of their constant contact with visitors on a daily basis.

They are considered to be second contact between host and guest of tourism front line workers after immigration officers for arriving visitors at the destination.

The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau aim is to ensure that visitors are provided with accurate information about the destination and that they also receive the highest quality customer service.

A total of 25 taxi drivers took part from the four (4) associations to undertake the initial training.

"A Train the Trainee" component will also form part of the initial program to ensure the continuity of the training program for all licensed taxi drivers on the island, so that they can all be exposed to the training.

Certificates will be handed out at the end of the program for the participants. The training also included a two hour walking tour of Philipsburg, by a tour guide.

St. Maarten Tourist Bureau also used this opportunity to hand out, to all participants, the recently published handbook the "Most Frequently Asked Questions" about St. Maarten.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, and Sports Hon. Silveria Jacobs this week commenced the Ministry initiative program within schools "Making a difference".

The Minister and members of her Cabinet are volunteering 30 – 45 minutes once per week to go to a school of their choice to read with a child, a group or a class; or assist with any other subject; assist in any other weak area; give assistance on projects or mentor a child or group of children.

Minister Jacobs would also like to see more parents volunteering their time. In doing so she is asking the employers to give the employees this time off to do so.

The reason the minister decided to start this program, she believes that it takes a community to raise a child. As an Educator, the minister saw that this was a well needed program and felt that she should lead by example.

Schools will receive an official letter from the minister endorsing volunteerism in the classrooms. Schools will be required to regulate the visits so that employees can justify the time spent away from their jobs.

Philipsburg:--- In connection with the ceremony for the opening of the Parliamentary year 2012-2013, which will take place in Philipsburg on Tuesday September 11th, 2012 the following roads will be closed namely: Voges street, Emmaplein, Back street, School steeg, Front street, Gevangenis steeg, Cannegieter street, D.C. Steeg, Wilhelmina straat, Peterson Street, and E. Camille Richardson street.

These streets will be closed to all motor vehicle traffic as of 5:30am on that date. The public is urged to pay close attention to these traffic measures.

KPSM Press Release

...

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,

Today we stand just one month removed from the second anniversary of the birth of our country St. Maarten. Over that 23 months period our country has faced the challenges of a continued volatile global environment. A global environment of weak growth, recurring high fuel costs, and persistent financial fragility; a global volatility the end of which is not yet in sight. With our tourism-based open economy, these developments continue to put pressure on the overall financial and economic situation of Sint Maarten.
It is under these unfavorable conditions that the government continues to take steps to consolidate the accomplishments of the 2010 constitutional reform and to build and shape our young country. It is under these circumstances that the current government formulated the Governing Program 2012 – 2014, with the theme "Working for the People". The objective of which is to develop and execute policies that touch the lives of our people through a broad common agenda for sustainable development grounded in sound financial governance.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,
Essential to government's vision is a cohesive national society. It is government's policy, as part of its nation building efforts, to strengthen awareness of and pride in being a St. Maartener. Culture as a unifying factor represents our identity as a people, as a nation. It is the foundation upon which we must build our St. Maarten Nation. We must therefore through the education of our students and the community at large preserve our culture. Actions in this regard include:

• Promotion of knowledge and proper use of our national symbols, such as our flag and anthem
• Recognizing and protecting our national monuments;
• Building of a National Museum;
• Building of a National Theatre for the Performing Arts of St. Maarten;
• Building the archives of our historical and cultural heritage in recognition of our National Heroes/Heroines; and
• Promoting the development and recognition of national artists.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,
Framed by government's vision of improving the future of the people of Sint Maarten and conscious of the realities of the day the governing program cites: Education, Safety, the Economy, the Environment, Infrastructure, Health Care, Social Welfare, District Improvements and Housing, as areas of initial concentration to be developed and acted upon.
A critical reality is the challenge of limited financial resources to fund the plans required to achieve the envisioned objectives. A reality as reflected in the corrective measures implemented to amend and balance the 2012 budget in July of this year. Realities which, through government's policy agenda, have led to a shift in priorities in some instances, while Government has given its support to ongoing initiatives in others, to avoid potential litigation and stagnation of other vital activities.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,
Looking ahead, government's ambitions will have a strong focus on the development needs of our new nation. Government's Integrated Development Planning Approach, will bring government, the public and private stakeholders together. This approach will as a result create social cohesion, strengthen the nation and serve as an umbrella for promoting Good Governance at different levels of society.
Government believes that residents ought to take responsibility for their neighborhoods. With government showing keen interest in the districts on St. Maarten, the aim of neighborhood development is to strengthen neighborhood organizations, such as community councils, and assist them in getting the residents to participate in district programs to build vibrant districts. These are districts where people enjoy living; where businesses will set up shop, and where children will grow up happy. On a macro level, this will translate into love for and pride in Sint Maarten, the country we all call home.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,
Critical to the development and execution of government's policies, government is investing in data collection and management systems. By digitalizing the archives of the Civil Registry, the Government of St. Maarten has made an important start in creating sustainable data storage. This project is just the beginning, and the government of St. Maarten will take further actions to set up a national archive and develop a policy regarding digitalizing and archiving for other departments in the future. Besides sustainable data storage, a digital archive also contributes to faster and more customer friendly public services.
Moreover, in promoting sound fact based decision making and in keeping with the principles of democratic governance, government will, present Sint Maarten's Comprehensive Integrity Policy at the end of 2012, which will be followed by the establishment of the Integrity Bureau as of January 1st, 2013.
To bring its policies to the people, government shall redirect its integrated neighborhood development planning concept resulting in "providing public services from different locations, operating as one department". In that context government has decided to start up a public services center in the Simpson Bay area, which will be the pilot project for all other centers, including the public service center in the New Government Building.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,
In pursuing government's ambitions of working for the people, the vision for education plays a central role.
Governments strategic objective is to set standards of education at primary, secondary and tertiary levels. This is aimed at providing a well-rounded education which meets the needs of St. Maarten's students in academics, technology, culture, sports and artistic development as well as to socially and emotionally enable them to reach their highest potential. To achieve this government will take steps to, among others:

• improve the knowledge level of St. Maarten in both English and Dutch;
• promote a culture of continuous learning through support and development of higher learning institutions to meet the needs of the job market;
• foster entrepreneurship programs within secondary and tertiary schools; and
• provide opportunities for educational achievement for students with special needs, as well as guidance and support for their families

Furthermore, government considers sports to be a fundamental part of cultivating a healthy body, mind and spirit. The goal therefore is to further strengthen and develop sports on St. Maarten and to ensure that all citizens will have the opportunity to develop this fundamental foundation by supporting and promoting recreational as well as sporting competitions locally, regionally and internationally to allow for our athletes to reach their highest potential.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,
Like education, good health is a basic condition for the people to grow and develop. To promote and protect the health, safety and general well-being of all St. Maarteners, government is engaged in health care policy reforms. These reforms include preparations for the phased introduction of a new health insurance system. The National Health Insurance legislation, based on the philosophy of equal access to essential health services, will be presented for decision making in 2012. Additionally the Government is preparing a new law to secure quality care to strengthen controls on the quality, registration and training requirements of medical professionals.
It is a global trend that health care costs are continuing to rise due to various factors. As a result government, to secure the sustainability of the health care system and services, is pursuing consistent investments in prevention and primary health services. Government is therefore committed to projects and programs such as:
  a. "Nutrition and Physical education",
  b. "Get checked": and
  c. "Health Observances Days".

Moreover, government will, as part of its investments in public infrastructure, foster investments in the "infrastructure" of public health, healthcare systems and social services. In concrete terms, government will continue to take steps to ensure that the St. Maarten Medical Center meets the needs of a growing and changing St. Maarten demography as well as expands its services to accommodate more medical specialties and support services. In addition, government intends to further the development of medical tourism on Sint Maarten. At the same time, government shall also build its oversight capacity by placing emphasis on an effective Inspectorate of Public Health.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,
Another, focal point of government's vision is St. Maarten's Social Agenda. Government's aim therefore is to make social services more accessible, transparent, fair and sustainable, targeting vulnerable groups and those living in or on the brink of poverty. In living up to international standards and adopted international treaties, government will ensure the establishment of a Council for the Elderly and a Human Rights Platform to enable initiatives based on consensus and consultation. In this regard, social security policies and legislation have been reviewed and the outcome of the proposed revisions will be decided on in 2012. The government will introduce a revised financial aid ordinance that adjusts the benefits to the cost of living, and ease current bureaucracy. The results of extensive research and consultations indicate that St. Maarten should also take the factors of aging and a sustainable social security into consideration. Pension reform will be prepared including a first phase of adjustments in the Old Age Pension legislation (AOV) to increase the pension age to 62 and adjust benefits to pensioners. With the introduction of the new National Health Insurance law, the current medical assistance legislation and services will cease to exist and current beneficiaries of this medical aid will receive the health care package and services.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,
Additionally community development will take shape through a combination of simultaneous activities, summed up as integrated neighborhood development. This is a process of integrating social, cultural, economic and environmental planning to build community commitment and capacity. The first phase of the multi annual program will be concluded with an evaluation report of the three established community help desks. With the community help desk for the elderly and handicapped scheduled to be opened shortly, government will plan and introduce a second phase of community help desks. The inclusion of services that fall outside of social, labor and community development will be reviewed in order to introduce the concept of Government Public Service Centers.
On the short term, revision of the foreign employment policy will be done in tripartite dialogue, taking the social partners' and stakeholders' needs into consideration. Other areas of the labor market which are under review are the dismissal law, employment agencies, curbing the use of 6 months contracts and mechanisms such as a labor market information system to guide policy decisions and adjustments. Moreover, it is government's policy to continue to actively stimulate the entry into the labor force of those persons who are unemployed.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,
Housing or the provision of affordable living accommodations in various districts is a core element in government's program to work for the people. Government's ambition is to foster home ownership for young professionals and to build affordable homes for senior citizens. Considering existing financial constraints and the scarcity of land government to deliver its housing program is committed to pursue public – private partnerships through co-development programs. Social cohesion and integration will be encouraged by these programs because they uplift the district overall through decent homes, adequate infrastructure and overall cleanliness. This positive development will be further strengthened by the continued connections of buildings to sewage plants. Developments in this regard include plans to connect the St. Peters area by the end of this year and to build a sewage plant for the Cole Bay, Cape Bay and Billy Folly area.

In addition to addressing the shortage in housing government is committed to resolving the congestion on our roads through the execution of the Comprehensive Road Network Plan aimed at eliminating a number of key traffic bottlenecks. Moreover, supporting its infrastructure policies government is carrying on with the zoning project and is busy finalizing zoning plans with presentations to the communities. The Zoning St. Maarten project aims to have all zoning plans covered by laws in 2014.
Consistent with its zoning plan, government appreciates the work being done by several NGOs in the area of environmental preservation and management. The focus in this regard is on the further development of the marine park and on the designation of a terrestrial park. In this regard government plans to formalize the purchase of the Emilio Wilson Estate within short and charge existing NGOs with its management. Moreover, government will establish an Energy Policy which will include the use of alternative energy such as Solar and Wind and the introduction of a Net Metering Policy. Additionally, government is in the process of working out plans to build a Waste to Energy facility to offer a sustainable solution to the waste management on our island.
Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,
To increase public order and safety, government envisions the expansion of the Police Force to approximately 400 employees within the next few years. That will meet the community's and visitors demand for higher security and visibility of police officers and the objective of government to put safety as first priority. It is against this background that government has introduced community policing in 2012. That brings the police officers closer to the citizens in their own neighborhoods.
In addition, government has taken steps to reorganize its immigration services, by separating it from the police. The new immigration service can thus direct its focus solely on border control and admission and expulsion coordination for Sint Maarten aimed at providing quality services and maintaining border control.
Whereas government's first priority is the prevention of crime, government at the same time is taking steps to expand and improve detention facilities to guarantee the protection of our community from offenders.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,

To help achieve its vision for the people, government will reform the management of the local tourism industry with the establishment of the St. Maarten Tourism Authority as of January 1, 2013. Through this vehicle government, in conjunction with the private sector, will continue to pursue initiatives to realize year round tourism. Actions include promoting Princes Juliana International Airport as a Hub, the development of niche tourism markets such as convention tourism, sports tourism and off-shore educational and medical services as well as the strengthening of the South American and European markets. Moreover government will, move to implement its Statistical Dashboard, reorganize public transportation through the changing lanes project and set up the Gaming Control Board.

The central objective of government's economic policies is to create jobs in support of the education and social agenda. As such government will support initiatives with an emphasis on promoting and supporting entrepreneurship and small business development. In particular the St. Maarten Aquaponic Farm will be established in 2013 to diversify the economic activities.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament

In view of the overall management of the economy, government will continue to pursue the building-up of the capacity of the Branch of the Central Bank of Curacao and St. Maarten here on St. Maarten. In addition, government will on the monetary front in preparation of its currency decision solicit broad advice on the currency issue. Government also plans to establish a stock exchange to give an impulse to Sint Maarten as a financial center. Moreover, government considers compliance with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) requirements essential for the confidence in our financial system and economy and shall work with its partners locally and abroad to realize its objectives.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,

On a foreign relations level, Government considers cooperation on a Kingdom, regional and international level important to foster and guarantee the interest of the people of Sint Maarten. In order to achieve a solid foreign strategy and service, the government shall institute an international relations commission and strengthen its directorate of foreign relations further. An important priority of government is the stepping up of effective cooperation and partnering with French St. Martin. This is underscored by the start and ongoing joint passenger immigration control at Juliana airport and cross border police cooperation.

Moreover, government attaches great importance to regional cooperation as it is viewed as a tool to assist Caribbean countries in coping with our common challenges. To this end, government has taken-up and considers membership in regional organizations:
  a. that will help with institutional building;
  b. that will provide opportunities for social and economic progress;
  c. that will facilitate transfer of knowledge and best practices;
  d. that will offer technical and financial assistance in specialized areas; and
  e. that will serve domestic goals such as migration, social development, justice and diversification.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,

On a European relations level, Sint Maarten forms part of the European Union's Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) grouping. During the summer of 2012 the European Commission delivered a proposal for a new legislative package to the Council. The new Decision will reflect a modernized relationship between the EU and OCTs that is characterized by a shift from classical development - with a focus on poverty reduction - to one based on a model that reconciles economic activities and social well-being in the long run, while preserving natural resources and ecosystems for future generations.

For St. Maarten, these aspects are strongly anchored in the ambitions of the National Development Plan that will be drafted in close cooperation with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The Government of St. Maarten recognizes that regional cooperation within the EU framework is critical to the economic progress of the country. For this purpose, St. Maarten is participating in European Development Fund (EDF) regional projects related to HIV/AIDS, small and medium enterprise development and disaster risk reduction initiative (R3I). In addition, Government has signed its Single Programming Document for the 10th EDF towards the realization of the Dutch Quarter Sewage and Drainage Project. It is therefore the intention of government to dedicate more resources to further strengthen the coordination and management of mentioned and future EU projects.

This has become even more important given that the plans for the termination of Dutch development cooperation funding via agencies such as USONA and AMFO, are in full execution. It is within this framework that the government of St. Maarten must research creative and innovative ways
  a. of keeping its most important economic pillar vibrant,
  b. of seeking new complimentary industries, and
  c. of simultaneously creating an enabling social environment and social safety nets for those segments of the population, that need such.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,

To realize its objectives and associated investments, government is working on a phased overhaul of the tax system along with a multi-annual financing plan which is to result in a simpler and more balanced system, with a stronger emphasis on indirect taxation. Components of the overhaul include the planned introduction of flat taxes, both in the income tax and profit tax areas. The first phase of the overhaul, which is planned to go into effect in 2013, will be aimed at providing direct financial relief and more spending power to those citizens who earn a maximum of ANG. 5.000,00 per month.

Government is also preparing a dividend policy for government-owned companies, which will take the companies' investment strategies and debt ratios into consideration. This policy is needed to bring government and its companies in compliance with the requirements of good (corporate) governance.

Along with its reforms on the revenue side, government is working on making improvements to the budget process and the financial management. The focus is to strengthen the internal control and the treasury functions within government and develop a more substantiated budget to provide a clearer picture and more effective government management of government's finances in the interest of the people.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,
Notwithstanding the difficult external environment, government is optimistic that the outlined path provides the basis for sustained and balanced national and socio-economic developments for the people of Sint Maarten. This because it is grounded on building and expanding our society, based on the strengths of the people in the districts that make-up our country.

Mr. Chairman, Members of Parliament,
In this new parliamentary year, government will reach out to you with various legislative initiatives towards the execution of its plans and realization of its objectives. As representatives of the people of Sint Maarten, government looks forward to your participation and your support in achieving the outlined vision for the coming period in the interest of the people of Sint Maarten. And as you deliberate on the issues ahead, I wish you much wisdom, strength, and God's speed.

Thank you.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The consulate of Colombia, stationed in Curacao, has confirmed that it is preparing a mission to St. Maarten. The mission would be to provide consular services to members of the Colombian community and to the general public of St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius.
Towards that end, Colombian nationals residing in St. Maarten are being invited to submit all information pertaining to desired services, and requirements of the Colombian community in St. Maarten, at this time.
Those required assistance from the Colombian consulate are asked to contact the liaison official in a timely manner, so that a date can be determined for the proposed consular visit to St. Maarten.

Philipsburg:--- Newly formed BaySide Clothing Company has struck a deal with Philipsburg urban clothing store Galaxy Fashions to carry the company's line of trendy youth apparel – including an iconic "I Love St. Maarten" Tee.

BaySide co-founder Rae Dominique says demand for Bayside T-shirts has forced the company to offer a limited number of male and female T-shirts and snap-backs (hats) to the St. Maarten market.

"Our business model is set up for online sales, however, we have had such a great response from friends, family and other interested persons from both sides of the island who are hearing about BaySide, that we just had to have an outlet where the t-shirts and hats can be bought locally," said Rae.

He said one French side customer so believes in the product that he has outfitted himself with 10 matching BaySide T-shirts and hats in a single purchase.

"We expected a great response, but not so soon after announcing our plans. It has certainly given us a lot of encouragement," said the young businessman.

The brothers are especially thankful to Galaxy Fashions Manager, Mr. Vic Manni, for being the first company on St. Maarten to offer the BaySide brand in his store.

"As a young man going to school on St. Maarten Galaxy Fashions was our first stop when it came to buying the latest styles in caps and Tees. It's a great feeling to be back in the store offering the type of urban wear that my brother and I are now designing and marketing," continued Rae.

The Galaxy Fashions store owner for his part wishes the BaySide venture the best of luck in the competitive youth apparel market.

"I read about what these two young men were doing and I was very happy to meet Rae personally and to offer BaySide a place to sell their products locally," said Mr. Manni.

He said he is especially impressed with the "I Love St. Maarten" design, one of which he has already reserved for an international conference overseas later in the year.

BaySide Clothing Company is the clothing venture of brothers and former St. Dominic Schoolboys Lee and Rae Dominique. Both say they are setting out to develop "cool" urban clothing for their peers.

The brothers, are developing their brand in the United Kingdom, where they currently reside, with the "made in St. Maarten" label playing an important part of their marketing plans.

In addition to clothing and accessories they will also be offering a total package of clothing, Review on music, movies and games and other lifestyle things that young people like them are involved with. Future plans include bespoke jewelry and customized tattoo designs.
Making use of social media and readily available websites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and a host of other avenues, the brothers are promoting custom-made hats, T-shirts, tank-tops, dress shirts, hoodies and other apparel that young people associate with.

The brothers are taking all they have learned on St. Maarten these past weeks back with them to the UK where they will be seeking additional investment for their venture.

"No doubt about it – We love St. Maarten and we want to dedicate our first Tee – "I 'Love' SXM" to the place that we call home. We think the design is unique and even iconic because we have replaced the heart that you would see in other similar tees with the island of St. Maarten – because that is where our heart is," explained Rae.

"Along with some limited designs and colours it's a good start but we promise we will be out with bigger and better things very soon," the brothers added.

To chat with Lee and Rae and to check out some fresh designs visit (and like) them on Facebook or on Twitter where they will also tell you more about their developing website and other plans for the future.

Rae's Facebook and Twitter contact information: -
http://www.facebook.com/rae.dominique
http://twitter.com/djspincyclesxm

Lee's Facebook and Twitter contact information: -
http://www.facebook.com/nonchalantsxm
http://twitter.com/nonchalantsxm

There is also a Bayside Facebook page:-

http://facebook.com/baysidesxm

Middle Region:--- On Wednesday September 12th, 2012, several supermarkets in the Middle region area were checked by controllers of Economic Affairs namely M. Wilson and P. Hook. The Community Police Officer Helen Cristina-Romeo was also present during these controls. Those supermarkets that were not in the possession of the necessary permits were told to have these documents immediately regulated or stand the risk of being closed down.

KPSM Press Release

Philipsburg:--- As previously indicated APS, the general pension fund administrator, has enlisted the personnel departments of the various employers of APS participants in distributing the final specification from APNA. This specification provides amongst others an overview of the accrued pension through October 9, 2010. The specifications were distributed for informative purposes to participants, since APS feels it is important to provide participants with data on how they were registered at APNA as per the above mentioned date.
APS had asked participants to inform itif they noticed discrepancies with their pension specifications,so that the general pension fund could work with them, in order to resolve their concerns.
There are four important points to look at as these influence the accrued pension directly: the participant's date of birth, the registration date in the fund ("datum toetreding"), whether the participant "bought back" additional years ("inkoop") and the salary based on which the accrued pension is calculated.
APS has already been getting some feedback and questions from participants.
It is important for persons to realize that this specification is as per October 9, 2010. If a civil servant started working in 2011, they would not receive one of these specifications, at this time. Participants should also realize that the specification mentions the salary that was known to APNA as per October 9, 2010. A participant may have since had a salary change which would not be reflected in the specification being distributed.
APS further noticed that it did not receive specifications for many participants who were employed at a federal level, such as those employed by police, immigration and coast guard organizations. These participants are asked not to be concerned that they do not have a pension. It is more likely that these persons have been incorrectly allocated to either Algemeen Pensioenfonds Curaçao (APC) or Pensioenfonds Caribisch Nederland (PCN).

At present, APS is nearing completion of the process to ensure that all of the persons that should be registered with APS, are indeed registered with the general pension fund administrator. In the meantime, it is important for persons who were expecting to receive a specification but did not receive such, to contact APS, enabling it to expedite the updating of its data.
To facilitate the process, persons who have discovered discrepancies with their specifications need to submit documentation substantiating the required change. APS would not be able to properly look into cases if these documents are not forthcoming.
Persons who have not received a pension specification, but know their APNA registration number ("stamnummer) can present it along with their personal details, to APS.

The St. Maarten Nature Foundation was alerted to the presence of dying fish in the Rolandus Canal recently. Upon arrival it was noticed that a large number of fish were in very shallow water closet where Works were being conducted on the Rolandus Canal. It was soon determined that the fish were dying due to a lack of oxygen in the area. Windward Roads assisted with transporting all of the fish safely to a more suitable location. In the picture, a worker from Windward Roads is removing smaller fish with a bucket to transport to a safer location.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure (MinVROMI) cancelled Town Hall meeting covering the Cul de Sac basin (South Reward, Ebenezer, St. Peters, Saunders, St. John's Estate, Mary's Fancy and environs), Little Bay and Cay Hill, is now scheduled for Tuesday, 18 September.

Residents, stakeholders and interested persons are invited to attend the town hall meeting which will take place at the Belair Community Center, from 7:00pm to 9:30pm. The meeting is part of the process of drafting "development plans" for country Sint Maarten.

The development plan will comprise of a legal framework for possible future development that would take place in the district; to designate and/or reserve land for desired use; to prevent undesired development; and to offer legal security to residents about future development in their district.

This is the first meeting for this area which will allow residents, stakeholders and interested persons of the aforementioned districts to provide their views and ideas with respect to the future development of their districts. The views presented by the public will then be included into the design development plan and re-presented to the community in a follow-up town hall meeting.

The main topics that will be discussed are traffic (roads, other infrastructure), tourism (tourism, recreation), industry (commercial, industrial), residential (housing, public space and facilities), nature (ecology, landscape and water), and culture (cultural heritage, archaeology).

The process to develop the development plans are funded by the Dutch agency USONA to the tune of Naf. 2 million.

Philipsburg:--- Armed gunmen entered the Happy Star Chinese Restaurant shortly before 8pm Wednesday night and robbed the owners. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson confirmed that the restaurant located on Cannegieter Street was robbed. Henson said when police reached the area they saw the suspect/suspects escaping in a new Japanese vehicle and police fired warning shots but the culprits still managed to escape the long arms of the law. Up to the press time, the police spokesman said that the area was surrounded by police as they continued to search for the culprits.

Philipsburg:--- Information reaching SMN News states that the lawyers representing the owner of Atlantis Casino Francesco Corallo are currently on St. Maarten and met with the Minister of Justice Roland Duncan on two consecutive days last week. SMN News further learned that Attorney at law A.J.N. van Stigt met with Minister Duncan on Thursday and Friday to discuss possible arrangements pertaining to Corallo's extradition to Italy. It should be noted that Corallo's name was placed on the Interpol watch list since late July 2012. An Italian Prosecutor placed Corallo's name on Interpol's most wanted list and an arrest warrant is also out for Corallo. It should also be noted that St. Maarten is a full-fledged member of Interpol.

In an invited comment, Minister of Justice Roland Duncan admitted to meeting with the lawyers representing Francesco Corallo this past week. "The lawyers for Mr. Corallo asked for a courtesy meeting and I met with them with my department heads. I did not meet with the lawyers on two consecutive days as is rumored. I met them once and I made clear that I am not the prosecutor or Attorney General. Furthermore, no deals have been made with the lawyers for Mr. Francesco Corallo." Minister Duncan said he meets with anyone who asks to meet with him and the only persons he has refused to meet with thus far is the prison inmates association. Mr. Corallo is a Dutch citizen and his lawyers requested a courtesy meeting so I met with them. "I don't see anything wrong in meeting with them and listening to what they have to say."

On June 22, 2012, A.J.N. van Stigt expedited a letter to the Attorney General of St. Maarten Taco Stein demanding that certain conditions be made in advance should Italy issue an arrest warrant for Corallo, even though his name was not yet placed on Interpol's most wanted list and the arrest warrant was not yet published. However, prosecutors are not allowed to make arrangements or deals with persons that are wanted by any country. Furthermore, now that Corallo is wanted by Italy, St. Maarten's Interpol division has no choice but to arrest him whenever he is seen on St. Maarten since the Prosecutor in Italy already provided St. Maarten with the arrest warrant. However, since Corallo is a Dutch citizen and one that holds several other nationalities he has the right to contest the extradition. When that happens then Italy would have 18 days in which to submit the entire file on the crimes Corallo committed in Italy so that the extradition procedure can be handled by a judge locally.

St. Maarten's Attorney General Taco Stein said in an invited comment that he replied to the letter sent to him by the attorney representing Corallo and he made clear to them that only a judge on St. Maarten will decide if Corallo will be extradited to Italy. SMN News also learnt that the Attorney General for St. Maarten, Curacao, and the BES islands Dick Piar made clear that no deals will be made with the lawyers representing Corallo.

Several persons within the judicial system and government apparatus said they cannot understand why the Minister of Justice has chosen to meet with the lawyer representing Francesco Corallo because the Minister of Justice has no jurisdiction or say whatsoever on how the Attorney General Dick Piar and Taco Stein handles the case. "Francesco Corallo needs to surrender to the St. Maarten Police before trying to negotiate his extradition." A well known citizen and lawyer on St. Maarten told SMN News that the Minister of Justice thinks he can help Mr. Corallo because he (Corallo) pumped monies into the pockets of several politicians during the 2010 election campaign. Corallo is the man who formed the government of St. Maarten and Curacao and he is the one that was calling the shots here, but now that he is wanted internationally politicians cannot help him or make deals for him. The well known attorney said everyone is innocent until proven guilty and if Corallo is not guilty of the crimes he is suspected of committing in Italy then he should go and face the justice system there and clear his name.

The Rotaract Club of St. Maarten Sunrise held their first induction ceremony for the term 2012-2013 on Saturday 22nd September 2012 at the Rooftop Bar @ Grill. Among Rotaractors and Rotarians; 6 new members were welcomed into the Rotaract family. The new members joining the club are Anjolie Carty, Tashana Samuels, Kimoya Sinclair, Noelani Riely, Tasha Aventurin and Keysy Ramirez. Special guest at the induction ceremony was ADRR Sarah Khalfaoui who conducted the induction proceeding while all new members were pinned by Rotaract President Elisia Lake. President Lake congratulated the 6 new members and encouraged them to be the best they can be and remember to put service above self in anything you think say or do. Along with the Rotaract board members by her side, President Lake continued by congratulating all the current members of the club on the good deeds that they are doing in the community and with 6 new members she expects the club to keep up with the enthusiasm. She concluded by saying that we are a team and together we can make a difference. The Rotaract Club of St. Maarten Sunrise has increased their membership from 12 members to 18 members.

The Rotaract Club of St. Maarten is a service club where four types of activities take place in varying degrees: professional development, leadership development, service projects and social activities. Together, these four areas ensure a balance program and provide important experience and opportunities for the personal development of each Rotaractor.

The Club encourages persons between the age of 18-30 to become a member of the organization and give back to your community. The Rotaract Club of St. Maarten Sunrise meets every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month at 7pm at the Holland House Conference Room. The club's next general meeting is scheduled for Saturday 13th October 2012 and young persons are invited to attend. For more information about the club you can visit our facebook page: "RotaractSunrise St Maarten" or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Philipsburg:--- On Tuesday September 25th, 2012, Chief of Police Peter de Witte, on behalf of the Minister of Justice, officially received the keys for four
new police vehicles that were very much needed for the police to be able to continue to provide the necessary assistance to the community. These vehicles
are three double cabin Nissan 4x4 diesel pick-up trucks and one Nissan Xtrail. The pick-ups will be used for the Uniformed Division in the Simpson Bay and Philipsburg Districts and the Nissan Xtrail will be used by the Community Police Officers. A special word of gratitude goes out to Mr. Junior Halley, representative/manager from NISSAN Sint Maarten Cars who has been instrumental in having these vehicles immediately delivered upon request.

Philipsburg:--- TEMPO Networks founder and CEO Mr. Frederick A. Morton Jr. loves St. Maarten – So much so that he is planning to host the company's "Special" 7th birthday celebration in a week-long event right here in November.

The Tempo boss was persuaded by St. Maarten Senator, Mr. Romaine Laville to choose St. Maarten after considering what other Caribbean islands and destinations had to offer.
In the end the special relationship that Tempo has been developing with St. Maarten/St. Martin during the past months through the hard work of local Tempo representative, Mr. Peter Gittens, paid off with a commitment from the government of St. Maarten to stage the Tempo Turns 7 event on St. Maarten.

The announcement was officially made by Minister of Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications Mr. Romeo Pantophlet during a press conference in the Dr. A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall on Monday, September 24.

Minister Pantophlet presented Tempo with a check to the amount of $20,000 from TelEm Group in support of the event and announced that another $25,000 has already been sent to Tempo by the Harbour Group of Companies who is also supporting government in the hosting of the Tempo Turns 7 event.

Minister Pantophlet also presented Tempo with a complimentary T-shirt donated by young St. Maarten entrepreneurs Lee Dominique and Rae Dominique of the newly formed BaySide Clothing Company.

The pair said they were "thrilled" to be presenting the iconic message to Mr. Tempo himself especially since he has been a great inspiration to them.

"Mr. Morton Jr. has shown us in the Caribbean that we can also dream big dreams and make them happen if we are committed in what we do, if we remain passionate in what we want to achieve and most of all, if we make it a mission make hard work fun," they continued.

Both thanked Mr. Morton for accepting the Tee and also for some inspirational words, which they appreciate as words of wisdom as they continue to develop their own lifestyle brand.

During the press conference Mr. Morton Jr. outlined his search for the best destination to host the special event and also commented on the "remarkable talent" that he has found on St. Maarten and would like to expose.

The Tempo boss hinted at closer relations with St. Maarten/St. Martin even after the event is staged in November, with the possibility of officially announcing a Tempo branch on St. Maarten itself.

BaySide Press Release

Philipsburg:--- The Head of Public Education Glenderlin Davis Holiday has been placed on inactive duty for one month pending an investigation.
SMN News learnt that the Council of Ministers took the decision on Tuesday to place Davis Holiday on inactive duty as the Minister of Education conducts an investigation into the functioning of the Department of Public Education.

Davis Holiday was notified on Thursday about the decision taken by Minister of Education Silveria Jacobs which was also supported by the Council of Ministers.

This year's theme aims to highlight tourism's role in a brighter energy future; a future in which the world's entire population has access to modern, efficient and affordable energy services.

Tourism, one of the world's largest economic sectors, has already taken important steps towards this future – improving energy efficiency and increasingly using renewable energy technologies in its operations. These steps are creating jobs, lifting people out of poverty and helping to protect the planet.

Minister of Energy Affairs Hon. William Marlin, around mid-September informed the nation that his Ministry was working on an energy vision and policy that would be presented within short.

Some of the renewable energy resources being looked are a waste to energy plant to be built at the landfill in Philipsburg. The idea is to clean-up the landfill and it would then become an extension of Philipsburg.

GEBE would purchase the electricity, and the plant is expected to produce eight megawatts.

The waste to energy plant is just one aspect of a mix that Minister Marlin is looking into. Other renewable energy options are a wind farm and solar energy.

Minister Marlin believes that the country's energy future is in renewables and that will be the way forward as the country continues to develop. As the theme of World Tourism Day says: "Tourism and Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development.

Businessman and restaurant owner/operator Lee Halley has made a considerable investment into his restaurant Lee's Roadside Grill near the Simpson Bay Bridge. His investment also includes green energy with respect to solar panels, something other than energy producer GEBE. Lee is using the natural sun light to generate 125 kilowatts per day. He has 109 solar panels and will need an additional 100 panels. Lee has also changed over to LED light bulbs in order to reduce his restaurant's energy reliance on GEBE, and is very pleased with it so far.

Lee said he wanted something sustainable for his restaurant business especially looking at the high costs of energy. He did some research into solar energy and found a contact that was interested in helping him to develop his green energy restaurant concept.

Today, five months later, Lee's Roadside Grill is well on its way to becoming a green energy efficient establishment on the island, and Lee encourages others on Sint Maarten to go into green energy, adding that we do have enough of sunlight for everybody.

Lee concludes that tourism is the backbone of business on the island, and everywhere in the world individuals and businesses are looking at green energy was the way forward. He said that Sint Maarten even though small, also has a role to play in becoming a green energy efficient country.

"One of the world's largest economic sectors, tourism is especially well-placed to promote environmental sustainability, green growth and our struggle against climate change through its relationship with energy," United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said

Another tourism property going green is Indigo Bay.

Representative of the Property Developer of Indigo Bay Estates Marc van de Bilt, says that making the property a green sustainable development is well underway. The project kicked off in 2006, but things changed in 2008 when the financial crisis and global recession took root.

A new model for the 147 acre property had to be conceptualized based on new market conditions, and a green sustainable development was born. The application of green technology has been at the top of the agenda in developing the property to date.

Water runoff retention ponds have been built in order to protect the coastal reefs. Palm trees have been planted in order to further enhance the natural development of the property, adding to the retention zones and wetlands.

The concept of having solar cells on the roofs of homes is being looked into. Developers have installed 40 solar LED lights which operate independently from GEBE grid.

Van de Bilt, who is also Vice President of the St Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA), says the developers have received tremendous positive feedback from the Government and environmental organizations as well as buyers. He added that going green at Indigo Bay Estates is only the tip of the iceberg, pointing out that this is the way to go, and the developer is taking the right step forward and is the right thing to do in enhancing the island's environment, and in particular in this area of the island.

Developers are also looking at using a new construction technique that would better insulate homes and reduce the costs of energy for homeowners.

Van de Bilt said that tourism should never become a burden on the environment. He added that Indigo Bay Estates is working towards leaving behind a carbon neutral footprint.

Environmentalist Rueben Thompson from the Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) organization is very conscious of tourism and environmental development. He points out that the island is dependent on tourism and derives approximately 80 per cent of its income from the sector. The sector also employs directly and indirectly 1000s of people.

Thompson says a balance must be found and sustainable development is the way to go as tourism is based on natural and cultural heritage, and the latter is what makes the destination unique when compared to others.

The environmentalist would like to see a number of things take place that would improve the overall environment in the short and long-term.

Environmental education should become a part of the school curriculum. Environmental groups have taken it upon themselves to lobby for this and natural and cultural heritage should also be included.

Environmental legislation is another area that needs to be looked into where existing laws are updated and new ones introduced that would enhance the sustainable development of the country.

Residents also have a very important role to play as well. Rueben says everybody needs to look at their personal waste and derive a personal waste management strategy where they reduce plastic usage and use reusable bags.

Thompson encourages the Government to look into sustainable energy options such as solar, and wind as they would make a huge difference in cutting energy usage. Rueben even encourages residents to look into the aforementioned as it would be make a huge difference in cutting energy bills therefore reducing costs and is good for the environment.

In connection with World Tourism Day, Learning Unlimited (LU) Preparatory School Green Team says it's time for Sint Maarten to go GREEN. Changes start with the young people of a nation. Green is the goal and sustainable energy is the way to go.

LU's Green Team says Sint Maarten should look into the development of hydrogen as fossil fuels pollute the air and the water. Solar and geothermal energy are also options that need to be explored and developed.

Water is also seen as a main source for fuel. LU's Green Team has developed Project Blue Gold which promotes water as renewable energy. Bacteria are used to clean up the beaches and lagoons.

LU's Annual Science Fair is very popular. The main goal of the fair is to promote alternate energy sources in order to have a sustainable environment for all of us. The students present many ideas and feel that for Sint Maarten, the only way to go is GREEN.

Philipsburg:--- Police have put all their efforts into investigating the information that they obtained last week. Based on that information, prosecution and police will move forward. As long as this process is ongoing no more press releases will be forwarded until after the weekend, unless new developments give reason to do so.

Family members of the deceased Michael and Thelma King spoke again to the prosecution this morning before they returned to the US. With them they took the bodies of both victims who will be buried in the USA.

Press Release from Public Prosecutor's Office

In a recent meeting with TEMPO CEO, Frederick Morton Jr. and MP Romain Laville, the Church council was informed of the TEMPO turns 7 event and the role the Church Ministers will play in the opening night which is dedicated to praise and worship. In the meeting, Frederick explained the purpose of TEMPO as it pertains to the upliftment of the community and the advancement of Caribbean people on a whole and went into details regarding the opening night of the TEMPO turns 7 event, which will take place from November 25th – December 1st. On the opening night TEMPO will reveal its 7 principles and will ask 7 prominent Ministers from the Church council to each elaborate on 1 of the 7 principles, TEMPO's CEO explained. After which, the evening will be officially opened with a positive and inspiring artist that all can enjoy. The Church council pledged their support to the event as it encompasses every aspect of the community and is positive for the youth and positive upliftment of the country. The list of artists and schedule of events for TEMPO turns 7 will be revealed within short.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Collective Prevention Services (CPS) from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, are working closely with a number of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), to organize a Cancer Conference at the end of October.

The theme of the conference is: "Cancer and aging, collectively improving our local cancer care and responsibility!"

The four areas to be highlighted at the conference are breast cancer, cervical, colon and prostate cancer. The conference is set for Friday and Saturday October 26 and 27.

The conference will focus on sharing information on the specific cancers mentioned above with the objective of developing a strategic plan and approach in registering, managing and monitoring cancers; increased awareness; and new treatments/techniques.

The general public can visit the conference on October 27 where they can get information, and other groups can come to the conference on October 26. Additional information will be available shortly on the Government's website (www.sintmaartengov.org) by visiting the tab "What's New," where the agenda for the two days will be available.

The stakeholders involved in this activity are: Cancer Foundation, Positive Foundation, The Lions, Kelaha Projects, St. Maarten Medical Center, Windward Islands Medical Association, St. Maarten Medical Association, St. Maarten Laboratory Services, SZV Social Insurance Bank, Pharmacies, Insurance Companies, and individuals. The Department of Communications is also providing support.

Persons interested in getting information about the conference can contact the following persons via email: Section General Public Health This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Cancer Foundation This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; and Positive Foundation This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or call CPS at 542-2078.

PHILIPSBURG:--- President of Parliament Hon. Drs. Rodolphe Samuel during his working visit to the Netherlands recently, met with Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Mathias Voges, Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary Henrietta Doran-York, and the cabinet staff.

The meeting with Voges and Doran-York dealt with a number of issues such as the current location of the Sint Maarten House, which is in a rented building, and looking at the owning their own property; and about the student support organization S4 also relocating to the Bezuidenhoutseweg #93B address where the office of Sint Maarten representation is located in The Hague.

The possibility of having a travel agency also set up at the same location was briefly explored; and the continued reference in the Netherlands of Antilleans, when the Netherlands Antilles ceases to exists, was also briefly discussed.

President Samuel met with representatives from the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG) where a number of matters were discussed such as training workshops for the President of Parliament, Secretary General, and an assessment of the parliamentary secretariat.

Samuel said the first two priorities would be the assessment and the training for President of Parliament.

Philipsburg:--- Minister of Health Cornelius de Weever called an emergency meeting with the newly appointed Supervisory Board of the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) on Saturday and asked them to make their positions available to the shareholder representative.
SMN News learnt that the board of the St. Maarten Medical Center appointed five persons to the board after its former chairman/consultant Clarence Richardson was forced to resign. A reliable source informed SMN News that the St. Maarten Medical Center dispatched a letter to the Minister of Health informing him that Richardson stepped down after realizing that he reached the statutory age of 70 and Mr. Ruben Essed and Robert Jan James were newly appointed.
It should be noted that Ruben Essed was appointed as legal expertise and vice chairman of the board while he is currently serving as the legal adviser to the Council of Ministers, a clear conflict of interest. Mr. Edward Benjamin holds the position of business and managerial expertise, Mr. Izzy Gerstenbluth medical expertise and interim chairman, Robert Jan James expertise on re-organization processes and management while Sixto Peters has been appointed as the financial management expertise.
SMN News also learnt that the Minister of Health sent the SMMC numerous letters informing them that their supervisory board was defunct since its former chairman Robert Velasquez resigned in October 2011. The source said that there were two positions on the board that were vacant and the SMMC made no attempt to fill the positions based on good governance. In one of the letters the Minister sent to SMMC he made clear that he is of the opinion that the Corporate Governance Council headed by Louis Duzanzon should be the ones to screen the persons that are to be appointed to the SMMC board. He further explained the SMMC outgoing board that he believes that the shareholder needs to have at least one person sitting on the supervisory board.
The source further explained that the Minister even dispatched a letter to the Corporate Governance Council requesting their advice on the articles of incorporation which the SMMC uses to appoint board members but to date the Minister of Health has not received a response from the Council  regarding the articles of incorporation of the SMMC. In the SMMC articles of incorporation, article 9 section 2 allows the supervisory board to make a binding nomination of the candidate they wish to have appointed. This means that the binding nomination has to be accepted by the shareholder representative who is the Minister of Health. The same article in sub section "c" provides the Minister with the possibility to appoint a candidate if the Supervisory Board fails to do so within a specific period of time. However, if the shareholder (government) decides to appoint someone then that person would have to be screened by the Corporate Governance Council.

CUL-DE-SAC:--- For yet another year, St. Maarten Academy has recorded 100 per cent passes at the May/June Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.
Of the 75 students who wrote the CSEC exams as well as the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in Dutch through the University of Cambridge, 74 (99%) obtained passes in more than eight subjects and one, secured passes in six subjects. Most colleges require five passes at grades I, II and III.
"As expected all of the students were successful. This represents a passing rate of 100 per cent," said Principal Shareed Hussain.
A breakdown of the results shows that two students obtained passes in 12 subjects, 14 students passed 11 subjects, 24 students passed 10 subjects, an equal number passed nine subjects, and 10 students passed eight subjects.
Hussain, who released the official statistics at the Heads of Department Meeting Tuesday, said he is very proud of the results as all candidates passed outright at one sitting of the examination.
The subjects with the strongest showings were Physics and Integrated Science with 100 per passes; followed by Principles of Business, Social Studies, and English B with 98, 97, and 94 per cent passes, respectively. Other subjects with a high percentage of passes included Biology (90%), Human and Social Biology (89%), Information Technology (88%), Chemistry (85%), English A (81%) and Spanish (80%).
There were many outstanding performances. Suaad Mohammed, from the Science Stream secured grade one in seven subjects, namely Biology, Chemistry, English A, English B, Human and Social Biology, Mathematics and Physics; and grade two in Information Technology, Social Studies and Spanish.
Also performing well from the Science Stream were Linedia Masson, Diedra Murphy, and Julique Hodge. Masson copped six grade ones in Biology, Chemistry, French, Human and Social Biology, Mathematics and Physics, and grade two in English A, Information Technology, Social Studies and Art; while Murphy scored grade one in English A, English B, Human and Social Biology, Mathematics and Physics, grade two in Biology, Chemistry, and Social Studies, and two threes in Information Technology and Spanish.
Hodge, meanwhile, was awarded grade one passes in Physics, Human and Social Biology, and Mathematics; and grade two passes in Chemistry, Biology, Spanish, Information Technology, Social Studies, English A, and English B.
The top four performing Business students were Glory Waakzaam, Nikita Mukhi, Jamila Boirard, and Sahaira Hughes. Waakzaam copped grade one in English A, English B, and Principles of Business, and grade two in Geography, Information Technology, Mathematics, Principles of Accounts, Social Studies and Spanish, as well as a grade three in Human and Social Biology.
Mukhi, meanwhile, secured grade one passes in Mathematics, English A, and Integrated Science; grade two in Geography, Principles of Business, Information Technology, and Social Studies, as well as grade three in Spanish and Principles of Accounts. Boirard copped three ones in Principles of Business, Principles of Accounts and Social Studies; grade two in Information Technology, Integrated Science and Mathematics; and grade three in English A, Geography and Spanish.
Hughes was awarded grade one in Principles of Business and Social Studies; grade two in English A, Information Technology, Integrated Science, Mathematics, Principles of Accounts; and grade three in History and French.
Since its inception in 1986, the St. Maarten Academy has had a great reputation of students excelling at these examinations, Hussain said. "Last year's group was no exception. They maintained the tradition of excellence at the St. Maarten Academy. They must be congratulated for such outstanding achievement. The teachers did a great job!"
The Board of the Foundation for Academic and Vocational Education (FAVE) extends congratulations of the Class of 2012, the Management Team, and the teachers and wishes them continued success in their future endeavours.

Written by Kim Lucas-Felix

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts:--- Caribbean Sub-regional airline, Winair, will recommence regular flights between St. Maarten and St. Kitts on 29th October, 2012.
That announcement was made by St. Kitts & Nevis Minister of Tourism & International Transport, Senator Ricky Skerritt, following a confirmation visit last Thursday, of a three-man delegation from Winair headed by Michael Cleaver, President and CEO of Winair.
Minister Skerritt said Winair's 19 seat twin-engine aircraft will conveniently connect St. Kitts with key incoming international flights to St. Maarten from Europe and North America, and will reintroduce a domestic air service between Nevis and St. Kitts.
"I am particularly excited that Winair will be providing travelers with a daily airlift option between St. Kitts and Nevis, a route which is presently served only by sea ferries and small individual charter aircraft," Minister Skerritt said. "Incoming transfers into St. Maarten's Princess Juliana Airport destined for St. Kitts or Nevis will also now have a smoother experience, with a shorter wait time as well."
The new service will start Oct.29 and will depart St. Maarten at 5:55 pm daily for St. Kitts and overnight in Nevis nightly after arriving from St. Kitts at 6:55 pm. The flight will start its daily morning journey back to St. Maarten at 9:00 am from Nevis and 9:35 am from St. Kitts, arriving in St. Maarten at 10:05 am.
Winair's President and CEO Michael Cleaver said "Winair is a leaner and better airline after our recent reorganization and we are confident that our reliability is top quality. We are happy to be re-introducing service to St. Kitts after a gap of more than three years."
Cleaver was accompanied on his one-day visit to St. Kitts by Advisor to Winair Michael Ferrier and Roberto Gibbs, VP and CFO of Winair.
Minister Skerritt was joined in this airlift planning meeting by his Advisor in the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, Cedric Liburd; that Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Patricia Martin; St. Christopher Air and Sea Port Authority (SCASPA) CEO, Jonathan Bass, and Director of Civil Aviation, McClean Hobson.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon. Silveria Jacobs was present when several high school and elementary school students converged on the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex to represent their schools in a warm up Interscholastic Track and Field meet.

The meet was the initiative of Les Brown and his group of volunteers.

Minister Jacobs applauded the efforts of all involved and noted with pleasure the amount of students who are interested in keeping themselves positively busy with activities that build their bodies, mind and spirits.

In her opening speech on both days (Saturday for High Schools, and Sunday for Elementary Schools), the minister pledged her undying support to all budding athletes, as well as government's obligation to get the facilities in a condition worthy of St. Maarten athletes.

All four sporting facilities are scheduled to be repaired, and the Ministry is planning a year of events geared towards training and competing in various sports.

The minister also reiterated that her vision encompasses making it possible for each child to have the opportunity to develop to his highest potential in academics, sports as well as cultural and artistic development, by incorporating these aspects into the afternoon curriculum of schools.

The students of the various schools taking part in this event were encouraged to push hard to win, but win, lose or draw to show sportsman like behavior.

"Just by being here today to represent your schools makes you all winners!" Minister Jacobs commended the young athletes.

Parents were also encouraged to continue to come out in support of their children.

The Minister believes that keeping our youth positively engaged will lead to a happier, productive and a more positive future for all of us here on St. Maarten.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The 14th storm of the season Nadine formed on Tuesday and is forecasted to become a hurricane.

Tropical Storm (TS) Nadine does not pose a threat to the country and is forecast to pass several hundred miles to the North of the island in the coming days.

The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) does advise residents and the business community to remain prepared and ready to take action in the event of a hurricane threat.

The 2012 Atlantic hurricane season is now one of just 19 hurricane seasons over the past 162 years to have fourteen or more tropical storms. Nadine's formation date of September 10 put 2012 in 5th place for earliest formation date of the season's 14th tropical storm.

As the ODM annual theme says, "It only takes one," continue to maintain a state of preparedness until the end of the season.

The remaining names of potential storms for the 2012 season are: Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sandy, Tony, Valerie and William.

The hurricane season runs through November 30.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour Hon. Cornelius de Weever will officially open the Mini Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Meeting at the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Hotel & Casino on Thursday morning.

The welcome will be done by Secretary General drs. Jorien Wuite where she will welcome health officials from Aruba, Curacao, BES islands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba), the Netherlands, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Caribbean Epidemiology Centre from Trinidad & Tobago, and PAHO Washington Office.

On the first day the conference representatives will look at the results of a SWOT analysis that was carried out with respect to the constitutional change that took place within the Kingdom in 2010.

Statistical information related to the incidence of Hepatitis B/C and the HPV will also be presented by SLS St. Maarten Lab.

Country immunization program reports of the BES islands/Netherlands will be presented under the heading: "Challenges with interpretation of foreign vaccination records and obtaining records from non-English speaking Caribbean countries and others – best practices."

Other agenda points for the morning hours are country reports from Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten, and information about the Syndromic Surveillance in the Dutch Caribbean/the Netherlands PAHO/CAREC/Sint Maarten.

For the afternoon sessions, a presentation will be made about, surveillance challenges in preventing Measles, Mumps, Pertusis outbreaks in light of open borders.

Two other agenda points to be dealt with by health representatives are the introduction of and procurement of new vaccines in the Dutch Caribbean; and result of Measles and Rubella Verification and Elimination reports PAHO/CAREC.

Sint Maarten is the host and the organization and facilitation is being carried out by the Collective Prevention Services (CPS) of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour.

The meeting will continue on Friday with the closing remarks being made by Secretary General drs. Jorien Wuite.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- School Bussing & Taxi Dispatching Inspection Department of Economic Affairs Head Martha Thewet, extends her deepest condolences on behalf of her department to the families of Khan and Mc. Sood on the passing of school bus driver Salim Khan.

Thewet said that Khan worked diligently and took his job very seriously when it came to the safe transportation of school children.

"Salim Khan worked for a quarter of a century bussing school children. He is well known for his caring ways amongst the kids. He will be missed by all. May his soul rest in peace," School Bussing Inspection Department Head Martha Thewet said on Wednesday.

Khan became ill about a year ago and took a leave of absence from his job.

Philipsburg:--- UTS and the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise have collaborated on a pilot project at the Martin Luther King School offering a portion of the student population who come to school without having breakfast a nutritional, healthy breakfast. The school, UTS, and Rotary Sunrise signed an MOU on Wednesday, committing all parties to the breakfast program for the duration of the 2012-2013 school year. "In speaking with a number of educators during the past year, it has become very evident that there is a significant part of the student population that comes to school hungry in the morning. These students frequently have difficulty taking in information during their classes and in some cases also exhibit behavioral problems," says UTS Marketing and Communication Officer, Ivy Lambert. "The difficult economic climate affects everyone in our community and it's understandable that some parents struggle with expenses like school fees, uniforms, and such. We are happy to assist in this project because it will benefit the long term development of a child that may struggle otherwise. A good education is one of the basic building blocks for future success. If we can help a child get there by providing them with the right nutrition for optimal learning, we cannot hesitate. The decision to help was a very easy one to take," Lambert continued.

"The start of the new breakfast program at our school would not have been possible without the joint cooperation between the Rotary Sunrise Club, UTS, and the school's management," remarked School Manager of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Primary School Stuart Johnson. Johnson added, "Whenever a sponsorship of any type is given to a school, it is an investment towards our future. The thirty-five students participating in our program shows that we have social needs on our island and collectively we all must lend a helping hand to quell these woes." He concluded in saying, "We deeply appreciate this support for these participating students as they continue along their educational journey."

Rotary Sunrise president Marcellia Henry states: "To increase the probability of students eating a nutritious breakfast in the morning and to in turn improve and enhance their learning, the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise decided to pilot a school breakfast program at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School in collaboration with UTS and at the Ruby Labega School in collaboration with Sheriff Security. The purpose of the breakfast program is not to replace parents'/guardians' role as a provider, but to assist the schools with promoting healthy nutritional habits and to increase the academic performance of the students who participate in the program."

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday morning, Minister in charge of VROMI, William Marlin announced that he had decided to put an end to the suffering of the drivers who use the A. T. Illidge Road. The Minister said that he had received many complaints about the bad condition of the road.

But, Minister Marlin said, that recently he went to take a look at the road himself and immediately ordered the repair of the road. Plans had been to upgrade the road completely, next year.

The Minister said that the road will still have to be dug up to lay certain cables, etc., next year, but he said, it was not fair at all to the road users to have them suffer for that long.

Many drivers have been avoiding the use of the road in the heart of Dutch Quarter, but the persons who live in that area have no other choice but to drive over the worse road on the island.

In a meeting held on Wednesday, it was decided to repair the road as early as possible. The section of the A. T. Illidge Road from the Belvedere Round-A-Bout up to the foot of Mount William Hill will be recapped. Work on the road will start as early as Saturday September 22nd. The milling will start on Saturday and Sunday, and the recapping of the road will commence on Monday.

Motorists are asked to pay keen attention to the works being carried out on the road on Saturday and Sunday and to drive with the necessary caution.

The road will be partly closed during the milling and recapping works and the necessary understanding for these works is requested by the ministry.

The ministry sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience these works may cause for the road users and the residents of the area. But by the end of next week, the residents of Dutch particularly and surrounding areas, will finally have a decent road they deserve.

Paris/St. Martin:--- Jean Marc Sharpless (Makaveli), a former TV show host for MSR TV who spent 14 months in a Guadeloupe prison as the prime suspect for the murder of Rigobert Bertin Maurice in September 2009 was arrested and sentenced for spousal abuse in central France sometime last week.

Sharpless was released from prison over a year ago and was supposed to remain in Guadeloupe pending his murder trial. However, he managed to escape from the authorities in Guadeloupe to join his wife and two children in Auvergne, Central France who is there training at the expense of the Collectivity of St. Martin. Sharpless joined his wife in France in the month of September 2012 despite his wife's disapproval. SMN News learnt that the COM employee and wife of Jean Marc Sharpless wanted her husband to follow the letter of the law since he is awaiting a murder trial. SMN News further learnt that Sharpless and his wife began arguing about two weeks ago and at some point there was complete silence between them and he thought his wife had requested a divorce. On Tuesday night, Sharpless reportedly locked his wife in her room and began slapping her. He also beat her with a piece of wood taken out from their bed frame. "He even went as far as telling her to say goodbye to their twin daughters." His wife filed a complaint against Sharpless because she believed that their marriage and relationship ended that night in their Clermont apartment. Jean Marc Sharpless (Makaveli) was sentenced to nine months, three of which are suspended. He is also forbidden to contact his wife and when his stint in prison is over in France he will be sent back to Guadeloupe to stand trial for the murder of Rigobert Bertin Maurice, while he will also be charged for escaping from judicial authority.

Philipsburg:--- The suspect that police arrested for the murders of Michael and Thelma King was arraigned on Wednesday morning shortly after 11am at the Court of First Instance. Meyshane Kemar Johnson, was brought to the Court House by three detectives in a grey private car. He was clad in a short black pants, white Kooyman T-shirt, and black shoes. The T-shirt was pulled over his head to cover his face. The judge of instruction extended the pre-trial detention for seven more days, making it ten days since his arrest which is in conformity with the Dutch legal system.

During this period, the prosecution would have to bring more evidence to court that would link Johnson to the murder of the Kings and the Armed Robbery committed last week Wednesday evening at Happy Star Chinese Restaurant on Cannegieter Street. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday October 3nd, 2012 where the prosecution will request another eight days as they continue with the investigation.

According to information provided to SMN News, the Prosecutor's Office ordered the detectives that escorted the suspect to court to have the suspect's face covered so that no one would see the stitches he received after being beaten by police during his arrest early Sunday morning. Late last week, the Attorney General of St. Maarten Taco Stein said in a press release that Johnson had resisted his arrest and he had to be taken to the hospital for treatment. Stein also said that police searched the house where the suspect was found hiding out but at no time did he say that they arrested or detained the suspect's girlfriend or police mistreated her.

On Wednesday, 28 year old M.K.J. was led before the judge of instruction. The judge considered both the arrest and the prolongation of the custody as lawful. Custody will now last until October 3rd, 2012, when a new decision on pre-trial detention will have to be taken.
The suspect refrained from giving any statement to the judge and the police pertaining to the case.
After the first 10 days of custody, the prosecution will decide whether they will ask the judge for another extension of the suspect's pre-trial detention. This phase could last a maximum of another 106 days. However, a judge will have to decide on prolongation several times during that period of time. Only by the end of the pre-trial detention the prosecution will decide whether they will charge the suspect or release him, pending further investigation.
Police conducted a door-to-door investigation at the Ocean Club Resort where they questioned possible witnesses on Wednesday. In addition, over the past few days an extensive amount of video footage from surveillance cameras was secured which will be studied.
Police and prosecution have been in contact with the FBI who offered assistance in the investigation. This offer was kindly accepted and both Police and prosecution are now discussing with FBI where the help could be most effective. It is likely that some investigation will have to be conducted in the USA. This will be formally asked for.
The first information reached the Police through the police information lines. This information will be investigated.
In case of relevant information: please call 9300 (on Sint Maarten) or when abroad: call +1-721-542 0345

Click here to view more photos of the suspect as he was taken to the Court House on Wednesday morning.

SIMPSON BAY:--- A top-level delegation of the Princess Juliana International Airport operating company (PJIAE) met with representatives of airlines and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) at the trade association's regional office in Miami, Florida on September 13.

The delegation, led by PJIAE Managing Director Regina LaBega, updated the airline and aviation officials about the proposed amendments to the Passenger Accommodation Fees and other important developments at the airport, particularly the Runway Extension Project.

Present at the meeting were representatives of Delta, JetBlue, and American Airlines. US Airways and KLM apologized for not being able to attend. Insel Air, which had initially indicated it would attend the meeting, could not make it either.

Following a Power Point presentation that highlighted some of the attractions of the destination and offered detailed updates of the ongoing or soon-to-be-started projects at the airport, the proposed amendments to the passenger fees were explained in detail.

PJIAE levies aeronautical rates and charges to cover the operational and capital costs incurred in the provision of airport services, it was disclosed.

Passenger and airline fees at the airport have not increased since 2005, this despite the fact that cost of living in the period 2005 – 2011 went up considerably by 18.2%.

The proposed amendment to the passenger fees will see the Airport Departure Fee (ADF) for international passengers move from its current ANG 54 (US$30) to ANG 59.40 (US$33), with effect from November 1, 2012. As from that date, domestic passengers will pay an ADF of ANG 36 (US$20) while transfer passengers will pay ANG 9.90 (US$5.50). The passenger screening fee will become ANG 18 (US$10).

The new rates are on par with what obtains in the region, according to a study conducted by InterVISTAS, the consultancy group retained by PJIAE.

It was agreed that these fees will apply to all tickets sold on or after November 1, 2012. However, a "grace period" will be established, with the assistance of IATA, which will assign a project manager, for tickets that do not have the new rates incorporated. Historical data from the last amendments will be used for this purpose.

IATA's Cyriel Kronenburg further recommended that SXM [ed. Note: SXM is the designator code for PJIA] should hold an Airline Consultation Conference on a bi-annual basis and offered to coordinate such meetings on behalf of IATA. This would contribute to an improvement of communications between the airport and the corporate offices of the airlines.

LaBega stressed that PJIAE is considering various alternatives to increase its non-aeronautical revenues, which would help in off-setting some of the operational costs, since aeronautical revenues alone account for over 80% of the airport's current income.

Regarding the fuel farm, the IATA and airline representatives were told that the project for the expansion of the capacity hold of SOL is progressing according to plan. SOL is finalizing construction of its new tank, increasing its storage capacity at its fuel farm to 40,000 barrels.

This should be completed in time for this winter season, the airline and aviation officials were told. In addition, GB/Chevron plans to increase its storage capacity to 25,000 barrels. All of this should significantly minimize the aviation fuel storage challenges faced in the past.

Philipsburg:--- A special committee named "BE ABLE", installed by the Top Promotions Foundation will be hosting an awareness week from November 25 to December 2, 2012. The foundation's objectives during this week are to create more awareness for the situation of the disabled on our island and the promotion of sports and other activities for this specific group in our society. UTS committed to the purchase of 10 tickets for the fundraising dinner of the BE ABLE committee of Top Promotions' foundation, totaling a financial contribution of $1000. The tickets were then offered back to the foundation so that they may make the tickets available to local handicapped athletes and other handicapped persons to attend the event. During the awareness week the foundation wants to offer them more perspective and more social contact. On one hand show the possibilities and on the other hand get them involved not only in sports, but also in social activities like a choir, handicraft club, outings etc.. For that they are dependent and by creating awareness the foundation hopes to activate all kinds of people and groups to organize activities for the disabled. By hearing the life stories of the professional wheel chair players that will be coming to the wheel chair tournament, we hope that this will inspire these specific persons to pursue aim high. The intention is also to educate and inform the general public of the problems disabled persons face on St. Maarten, ranging from accessibility to social isolation. The fundraising dinner will be held on Saturday, September 29th at Port De Plaisance. Persons interested in purchasing tickets to the event can contact Krebbers at 542 5103. Visit www.breakingbarrierssxm.com for more information on the upcoming events and the BE ABLE committee of Top Promotion.

Harbour View:--- His Excellency the Governor of Sint Maarten, drs. E.B. Holiday, paid a working visit to the Public Prosecutors Office on Thursday September 27, 2012. The Governor, in a meeting with Attorney General, Dick Piar, Solicitor-General, Taco Stein, and Chief Prosecutor, Hans Mos and Staff has been updated on the challenges faced by, current state of affairs at and plans of the Public Prosecutors Office. During the visit the Governor emphasized the importance of the Public Prosecutors Office for the enforcement of the law and commended the management and staff for their committed and invaluable service to the safety and security of the people of Sint Maarten.

Philipsburg:--- Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte reacted to the statements made by ABVO President Keturah Brown at the Windward Islands Chamber of Labour Unions' (WICLU) press briefing on Thursday. De Witte said the statements made by Brown where she said the KPSM is striving towards splitting the police force like a Dutch Gendarmerie and the Police Municipal is totally an absurd assumption. De Witte said the police are working together to build a stronger and better quality Police Force. "This is something that cannot be achieved in one day we will encounter many obstacles during the process. The process is natural and for this reason the Management team of KPSM is in constant talks with the unions concerning the subjects raised by ABVO."
De Witte explained that the ABVO and the NABP requested a meeting with the management team on Thursday. However, the ABVO did not attended the meeting they requested, instead they went to a press conference to criticize the KPSM management team and the Minister of Justice. De Witte said the meeting held on Thursday ended in a satisfactory manner and both parties namely the NAPB and the KPSM Management team was satisfied with the outcome.

The Chief Commissioner of Police made clear that the KPSM management remains prepared to fully cooperate with the ABVO in a transparent manner.

De Witte further explained that several files belonging to officers that were transferred from the Police Force of the Netherlands Antilles to KPSM were not properly handled and neither were they complete. He said just two days ago the KPSM received information from the "vereffenings-commissie" who informed them that they completed most of the files and Naf. 2.4 million was transferred to St. Maarten's Ministry of Finance for payout to the justice staff. De Witte said if the ABVO President had attended the meeting she requested with the Management Team of KPSM on Thursday she would have gotten the information from them directly.
However, Minister Justice Roland Duncan told SMN News that he shared some of the same concerns of the ABVO and he is busy working on the problems they highlighted. Minister Duncan told SMN News in an exclusive interview that he is of the opinion that locals must be given a fair chance in excelling in their careers, but he will not condone arbitrariness. Duncan said in the past persons were placed in positions pending an appointment while the Minister is not informed about the appointment. "When these persons spend years in the positions they can take the Minister to court and the judge would condemn the Minister and force him or her to pay these people certain benefits while they were not officially appointed." Duncan said that it should be made known when positions are available and everyone should be able to apply for the position and those that are qualified will be chosen.
He said in the past police officers were receiving promotions based on family relationships and friendships with those in high places. The Minister of Justice said that he wants the Management Team of KPSM to seek out quality people among their staff and send him and advice based on transparency for the person to be appointed. Duncan said there is a problem with the selection process, especially how the Management team of KPSM is dealing with the matter. He said the selection process is not fair and for him it is not good one. Because of lack of promotions and arbitrariness the police force is not functioning the way it ought to.
Duncan said today he wants every officer of the force to receive and complete proper trainings so that they can be promoted. "I don't want to promote an officer based on the amount of years he spent as a brigadier. I want to see officers work and upgrade themselves so that they can assume the positions they are given." When asked by SMN News why he did not appoint the Inspector Randolph Bloieman and Carlyle Rogers to the position they were selected for, Minister Duncan said that Rogers went to court and lost, he said the judge shared the same sentiments he shared because it is impossible for Rogers to be president of a union and part of the management team of KPSM. He said he made clear that Rogers cannot represent the members of the unions who voted for him and also be part of management team. He said he told Rogers that he should not resign from the union to get the position because he believes that the members of NAPB voted for Rogers and he should represent them. As for Bloieman, Minister Duncan said he received the advice to promote Bloieman it also stated that the officer had to complete a course. He said that he is totally against such because he cannot appoint someone who did not complete the necessary courses. "What if I promote him and he never finalizes the courses he was supposed to take, then what could I do about it?"

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon. Silveria Jacobs and several members of her Cabinet, took part in the 6k 'You 2 Can Move' walk on Friday August 31st 2012.

The walk, organized by the Cabinet of the Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot –Williams, was attended by a large group of participants.

Each participant received a T-shirt and the first 30 registrants received a pedometer to monitor their progress during the walk. The walk took participants around the pond through the Sucker Garden, Arch Road, Madame Estate, Illidge Road and Pondfill Area.

This was not the first time Minister Jacobs had completed the 6k route as this had been part of her morning exercise, a routine walk designed to get Sint Maarten into the mindset of healthier habits.

The 'You 2 Can Move' walk is part of a promotional campaign to motivate fitness on the island. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports joins the Prime Minister in encouraging the population of Sint Maarten to strive to live a healthier lifestyle, including regular exercise, and healthy eating.

The Inspectorate for Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) conducted a governance audit of the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) and thematic site inspections at the end of 2011 to the first half of 2012.
Quality of care, internal supervision (governance), the surgical operations, the emergency department and the handling of accidents and incidents were audited through inspection visits and conversations with staff members, the board of directors and the supervisory council. For the audits on governance and surgical operations support was provided by the Inspectorate for Healthcare from Holland (IGZ).
The Inspectorate is aware of the fact that Sint Maarten is a small island with only one hospital, the SMMC. Demanding of this hospital that it complies with all requirements as stipulated for hospitals in the western world would be unrealistic and not feasible, but one must expect the SMMC to comply with basic quality –and patient safety standards and health care ordinances and regulations.
The audit and inspections leave much to desire. A common and important finding is the lack of proper communication in different areas and at different levels resulting in severe delay in the development of a basic quality- and safety system and a high risk for the patient. This situation is worsened by the fact that the Board of Directors is frequently (50% of the time) off island and replaced by a staff member without mandated authority and an incomplete Supervisory Council that cannot exercise its supervisory role adequately.
Also included in this report are some investigative results of incidents that occurred in 2010, 2011 and 2012, because they provide insight in the way the SMMC is organized. On one hand about the communication amongst professionals, and amongst professionals and the board of directors, and on the other hand how transparent the management is towards external supervision.
When publishing a report the Inspectorate takes into account the norms as prescribed by legislation such as the "Landsverordening Openbaarheid van Bestuur". This means that wherever possible personal information will not be mentioned in this report e.g. patient name and staff members of the SMMC will be mentioned as much as possible by their function.
Due to the Board of Directors not being very cooperative, it wasn't until July 12th 2012 the Inspectorate could speak with the director. The provided information has been processed in this report.
The Inspectorate uses the following ordinances and regulations for this audit and measures to be taken;

1. Landsverordening zorginstellingen (PB 2007 no. 19)
2. Landsverordening Corporate Governance (PB2009 no.74)
3. Landsverordening Inspectie volksgezondheid (PB 2003 no. 8)
4. Landsverordening Beperking vestiging medische beroepsbeoefenaren (PB 2005 no.69)
5. Landsverordening Uitoefening geneeskunst (PB 1958 no. 174)
6. BW boek 7 afdeling 5 Overeenkomst inzake geneeskundige behandeling
7. Statuten SMMC 25 April 2008
8. Basis Reglementen Raad van Toezicht – SMMC 26 September 2011
9. Gedragcode Raad van Toezicht SMMC Juni 2011
10. Model Toelatingsovereenkomst SMMC 2010 versie 6.0

The findings of this audit have been compiled in a draft report which was delivered on August 24th to the board of directors of the SMMC for comment prior to publication. The deadline to deliver any comment to the Inspectorate was September 7th. On September 7th the board indicated in a letter to the Inspectorate that they couldn't comply with the deadline due to several internal delays and requested an extension till September 17th. The inspectorate denied this request and indicated that possible comments will be dealt with when discussing the action plan to be drafted.
Based on the findings and measures that need to be taken with regard to quality of care and patient safety, some on short term and others within a year, the Inspectorate has put the SMMC under higher supervision as of September 8th 2012.
This means that the board of directors must present a feasible action plan within two weeks to address many of the critical issues found and that the Inspectorate will be conducting announced and unannounced inspections at least three times a month following up on the action plan. Failure to comply may result in (temporary) closure of specific functional units.

Great Bay:--- The Ministry of Public Health Social Development & Labor introduced name badges to their staff of the Departments of Labor Affairs, Social Affairs, Collective Preventive Services, Community Development and Public Health recently.
The purpose of wearing these mandatory badges, is so that the names of the workers will be visible to their clients and clients in turn will know who they are conducting business with.

Having name badges introduced to staff, especially those dealing directly with the public has been of utter importance to Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor, Cornelius De Weever, as this portrays a good presentation to the public.

"I have received compliments and complaints from many people but when I ask them what is the name of the person who provided the service I get a description instead. With the badges our clients can now report by name as we continue to improve our customer service, said Minister De Weever."
Head of the Department of Labor Affairs, Peggy Ann Dros stated that "being able to be readily identifiable to our customers is important, giving them the opportunity to praise us when we do things well, and inform us of areas we can improve on. Additionally, we will continue to strive towards 'customer-empowerment' by implementing a Ministry-wide Complaint System, with the intention to launch this within short."
The name badges are a mandatory part of the presentation of all the staff members that received them, and all staff members are required to wear the name badge, visible at all times to the customer.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Permanent Committee of Parliament for Kingdom Affairs and Inter Parliamentary Relations will meet on September 20.

The meeting will take place on Thursday morning at 10:00am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House of Parliament at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg.

The first agenda point is the Convention for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage; second agenda point, measures related to the Treaty of Antarctica; third agenda point, answers to questions from the Dutch Second Chamber of Parliament with respect to cross-Atlantic ticket price differences which were raised at the Inter parliamentary meeting in January between delegations from the four parliaments in the Kingdom.

The fourth agenda point is changes to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships; 5., a report over the state of affairs regarding parliamentary approval of treaties; 6., a proposal regarding cooperation of the Kingdom inter parliamentary meeting; 7., a proposal to change a Kingdom Law regarding Nationality for obtaining and granting the Dutch nationality; 8., a proposal to approve a Kingdom Law dealing with a protocol from 1 November 2002, London, Treaty of Athens relating to the transportation of passengers and their luggage; 9. a Kingdom Law related to Strasbourg Convention on Illicit Traffic by Sea and implementing Article 17 of the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Drugs and Psychotropic Substances; 10. A law proposal regarding the Kingdom Law on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters, signed in Paris, France

The chairman of the committee is Member of Parliament (MP) from the Democratic Party Hon. Roy Marlin. Other committee members are: MP Hon. Dr. Ruth Douglass (United Peoples party), MP Hon. Patrick Illidge (Independent), MP. Hon. George Pantophlet (National Alliance), MP Hon. Frans Richardson (Independent), and MP Hon. Romain Laville (Independent).

The permanent committee meeting will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, with a live stream on the internet via Parliament's website www.sxmparliament.org, Pearl Radio FM 98.1 (audio), and also via www.pearlfmradio.com.

The St. Maarten Nature Foundation removed numerous animals that make their home in the Simpson Bay Lagoon from the building site of the Causeway. The Foundation requested from the contractor Volkers Caribbean that they send notification when dredging works will start at the landing site at the Port de Plaisance side of the Lagoon. Earlier this week the Foundation received information that dredging works will start and the Foundation initiated removal of a large amount of lagoon specimens including upside down jellyfish, sea cucumbers, crabs, starfish and conch. The majority of the animals which were removed were taken to thier new home by Little Key or in Mullet Pond. The dredging work carried out for the Causeway would have seriously negatively affected the animals had they not been removed.

Tri-Sport also initiated a similar campaign with a volunteer program called "Save the Lagoon Jellyfish campaign" where volunteers are asked to join in to remove the numerous animals affected by the building of the Causeway. The removal will start on Friday the 21st of September at 4pm at Kim Sha Beach.

The Nature Foundation is also continuing with its mangrove relocation campaign supported by the St. Maarten Harbour Group of companies where mangroves are removed from the causeway landing site and housed at a nursery to be replanted when work at the causeway is complete.

The removal of the animals affected by the Causeway is an ongoing process which will continue as long as the construction will be taking place. If there are people in the community that are interested in helping with the project they are urged to contact either Tri-Sport or the St. Maarten Nature Foundation at 5444267.

Philipsburg:--- The Police Force of St. Maarten headed by Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte managed to apprehend a suspect they believe brutally murdered the two Americans in Cupe-Coy sometime Friday.

According to well placed sources within the police force, the suspect was arrested sometime around 4am Sunday morning in the Cay Bay area and a house search was conducted where the suspect was arrested.

SMN News learnt that the suspect is of Jamaican descent and he is an employee of Checkmate Security Services. The suspect has been identified as Meyshane Johnson born on December 16th, 1983 on the island of Jamaica. One source said that Johnson had contact with the victims Michael and Thelma King of Colombia South Carolina. Police also believe that this person was involved in other crimes on St. Maarten. While police are tight-lipped on the motives of the gruesome murder, SMN News learnt that the killing was robbery motivated. SMN News has been reliably informed that Johnson was working as a security guard at the Souliga Service Point (SSP) on the Pondfill but due to his suspicious behavior the manager of that company requested that he be removed from the location.

Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said in a press release that on September 21st, 2012 two bodies were found on the island of Sint Maarten. The male victim was identified as Michael William KING, age 53. The female victim was identified as his wife, Thelma Strickland KING, age 57. Both were citizens of the United States of America.

The local police force instantly started an investigation with the support of the Special Police Task Force. This investigation resulted into the arrest of one male person. The arrest took place around 4 o'clock in the morning on the 23th of September, 2012.

In the interest of the investigation, no further details can be released at this time. As soon as more information can be divulged to the public, a new press release will follow.

Attorney General of St. Maarten Taco Stein also confirmed the arrest of a suspect but declined to identify the suspect or his nationality, claiming that police did not divulge much information to him as they are continuing with the investigation. When asked by SMN News if any items were seized Stein answered in the affirmative but said he could not say what exactly police seized. SMN News also asked if the motive of the gruesome killing was robbery, Stein said that is what police are looking at but it is way too early for them to speculate.

SMN News will bring you more information on this high profile murder investigation as it unfolds.

Philipsburg:--- Veronica Young, aunt of the suspect arrested for the murders of American citizens Michael and Thelma King said that the police on St. Maarten jumped to conclusions when they arrested her nephew Meyshane Kemar Johnson for the murder of the Kings. Young said heavily armed police officers visited her home on at least two occasions to look for Johnson but he was not at her house at the time.

The aggravated aunt said that police bypassed the person who found the dead bodies and signed a business contract with the Kings just two days prior to the killings. "People are speaking out on this and I don't condone or harbor criminals. The police said my nephew was a suspect in the Cannegieter Street robbery when they began looking for him." Young further explained that on the night of the robbery her nephew came to her in a hysterical state after police shot at the vehicle he was driving. She said she wanted to take Johnson to the police station that same moment but her nephew told her that he was not involved in any wrong doings. "If my nephew is involved in that robbery then he should be charged for that crime and do the time, but I don't agree with the police trying to pin two murders on him because I know he is innocent." When asked by SMN News if she believes her nephew was involved in the Chinese Restaurant Robbery, Young said she believes that he did it because he was the driver of the car and he is the one that removed the bullet from the vehicle prior to police finding it. Young further explained that police did not find anything in the car because the owner of the car who is operating his father's car rental in Cole Bay told the family that there was nothing in the car when police seized the vehicle. Besides that, the owner of the car collected $300.00 that same night from Johnson to repair the vehicle. "The owner of the car and my nephew have been friends for years and he would always lend his friends cars." The woman admitted that there was more than one person in the vehicle at the time of the robbery but she does not know who those persons are.

 

Johnson was deported but Returned to the Island Unnoticed.

Young said her nephew was living on the island for quite some years illegally and he was once deported but managed to return to the island. The aunt could not say how long ago Johnson returned to St. Maarten but she said that he began working for Checkmate Security about a year ago as reported by SMN News in an earlier report. When pressed by SMN New reporter to explain why her nephew was moved from Soualiga Service Point (SSP) where he was working for some months, Young said her nephew used to ask the clients that visit the money gram weird questions. "He would ask them how much money they are working for and also take tips from them to put them in the line so that they could conduct their business faster. His boss moved him and placed him at Scotia Bank."

 

Aunt Accuses Police of Police Brutality --- Police beat him badly when they arrested him.

Veronica Young also accused the detectives that arrested Meyshane Kemar Johnson early Sunday morning of police brutality. She said that when police broke into the house where Johnson and his girlfriend were sleeping they brutalized him. "The police beat him so badly that they had to take him to the hospital for stitches and they also had him on drips at the Simpson Bay Police Outpost. His girlfriend told me that the police even slapped her and called her a bitch and they also arrested her when they arrested Meyshane Johnson."

Philipsburg:--- The G.I.F.T.E.D. Foundation returns with their series of praise parties with GLOW Party- "Light Up Di Night" on September 29th at the John Larmonie Centre starting at 7pm in collaboration with international performing gospel artiste and DJ, Joshua DRJ Ferrol for a double celebration and birthday bash.
Joshua (DRJ) Ferrol was born on St. Martin on September 29, 1985. Born blind with additional handicaps, it was a challenge while growing up. However, through the power of God he received his sight at a very early age. Called into ministry at the tender age of 15, he started traveling the Caribbean preaching and teaching the word of God. In 2006 he travelled to St. Kitts to study medicine but ended up as an undergrad in Psychology. He is now an ordained minister still traveling the world, counseling young people, and is faithfully attending the CTC ministries in St. Maarten. A former DJ of well known radio stations around the island, he is still doing it big for Christ with music, singing, producing and leading worship. He is currently finishing his first two books and is aiming to do all he can to bring young people closer to the love of the creator.
Guest gospel DJ, Kasseem (DJ Kass) Forde from Anguilla, will be the DJ for the night alongside the birthday boy, DRJ. There will also be other performances for the night including one from local gospel artiste, Likkle Bless. Patrons are expected to dress to illuminate the dark, in line with the theme "Light Up di Night". There will be prizes for the best dressed, as well as other prizes and surprises. Free drinks will be served to the Early Birds from 7pm to 8pm.
GIFTED's GLOW parties and other activities have been getting much attention on social network sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Local youth groups and individuals are also in on the buzz and quite excited about the party series by GIFTED. GLOW parties provide wholesome entertainment for young Christ-minded people and create an experience with good friends, great music, and great memories. GLOW parties are held on the last Saturday of every month. At the end of a GIFTED party, each person is energized to Go Light Our World! Go to www.facebook.com/GIFTEDLIGHT and click "Like" to keep up-to-date with GIFTED activities. For tickets and/or more details you may call 581-0448.

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Section General Public Health (SGPH), an organ of the Collective Prevention Services (CPS) that falls under the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, is monitoring information from the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Alert and Response (GAR) system, with respect to novel coronavirus infection that was discovered recently in the United Kingdom (UK).

Family Physicians have also been alerted by Epidemiologist Izzy Gerstenbluth with respect to the case definition for case finding.

On September 22, the UK informed WHO of a case of acute respiratory syndrome with travel history to Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The case is a previously healthy, 49-year-old male that presented with symptoms on September 3. On September 7 he was admitted to an intensive care unit.

As of September 25, no additional cases of acute respiratory syndrome with renal failure due to infection with a novel coronavirus have been reported to the WHO.

WHO is continuing investigations into two recently confirmed infections identified as a novel coronavirus.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which includes viruses that cause the common cold and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).

This week the WHO issued an interim case definition to help countries strengthen health protection measures against the new virus.

The case definition, based on the cases so far, includes criteria for identifying a 'patient under investigation,' a 'probable case,' and a 'confirmed case.' These criteria are based on clinical, epidemiological and laboratory indicators.

International efforts are being stepped up across all WHO six regions throughout the world to ensure an appropriate and effective response with a WHO specialist team in daily contact with more than a dozen international and regional technical partners.

Philipsburg:--- The workers of the Simpson Bay Resort Management Company (SBRMC) left the Court of First Instance very distraught and angry when the Appeals Court delivered its verdict which is in favor of the company. On April 2nd, 2012, the Court of First Instance ruled that the SBRMC is fully responsible for the 183 workers who were dismissed some two years ago and since November 2011 have not been paid by the company.
Attorney at law Wim van Sambeek and Maarten Le Poole from HBN Law expressed disgust and disappointment when they received the verdict.

Van Sambeek said in a invited comment to SMN News that the judges on the Appeals Court bench have a different opinion from the lower court. Van Sambeek explained that this seems to be a never ending trend and right now it is an unfortunate situation for the workers who have their bills to pay and families to feed. According to the Appeals Court, the workers of Pelican Resort were never transferred to SBRMC therefore SBRMC has no obligations to the workers.

When asked if the Workers Institute for Organized Labour (WIFOL) would pursue judgment in the Supreme Court, Van Sambeek said that they would have to further discuss the verdict with their client and decide if the WIFOL would file an appeal with the Supreme Court. Van Sambeek said that going to the Supreme Court is a time consuming and costly procedure and he is not sure if the workers can go through this much longer. When asked if the judges on the Appeals Court are the same ones that deliberated on their last case which was also thrown out, Van Sambeek said it's a different set of judges and all they can do at this time is respect the verdict the court has rendered.

Attorney at Law Jairo Bloem who is representing the SBRMC said in a written statement to SMN News that the Resort is extremely pleased with the ruling of the Court of Appeals: "Finally justice has prevailed," Bloem said.

As is known, the Resort has waged a two-year battle on behalf of the resort members and also the present employees of the Resort to avoid being saddled with a labor contract entered into by the resort's previous owner, Tenant Association Pelican Resort Club (TAPRC), and the WIFOL labor union.

"Today, we are very happy to report that the Court of Appeals reversed a lower-court decision that forced SBRMC to assume the TAPRC's old labor contract. The appeals court decision means that SBRMC is not responsible for the increased costs and obligations under that contract, and saves SBRMC from being forced to pay millions of dollars in back pay and severance to workers that SBRMC never employed in the first place, and that the resort never needed to operate efficiently.

The Appeals Court's ruling also means that there is no longer any basis for the bankruptcy action against SBRMC since the only basis for this moratorium was the now overturned lower-court verdict.

This is the third time the union has tried to saddle SBRMC with the previous owner's labor contract, and the third time the Court of Appeals has reversed that decision. The appeals court verdict in favor of SBRMC means that the resort can once again progress toward its goal of continual financial stability. Further, the verdict ensures piece-of-mind for the many permanent, local employees who currently work at the resort.

The Resort thanks all its members and in particular its present labor force of 91 permanently employed persons. It is with the support of these dedicated employees that it has been able to continue providing exemplary service as acknowledged by positive feedback from the members."

Great Bay:--- Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor, Cornelius De Weever met last Friday with the New York Executive Committee of the Association of Haitian Physicians Abroad (AMHE) who were here on a site visit, as they are planning to keep their 2013 convention here on the island.
"I am very pleased that this group of physicians have considered St. Maarten for their next convention, and we are looking forward to partnering with them in various areas," said Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor, Cornelius De Weever.
The minister further stated that this can be seen as another form of medical/health tourism, as the island tries to attract these types of events to our shores during the off-season.
The group of physicians were on the island from September 14th- 16th with their main aim being to meet with venues, local government officials and community-based organizations in preparation for their 2013 Convention. This Executive Planning Committee consisted of Practicing Physicians in the State of New York. The 2013 Convention will host approximately 200 Physicians (plus their families). Participation Convention attendees are Physicians who practice throughout the United States and Canada, and the small delegation is responsible for the convention agenda and support activities.
The delegation comprised of a neurologist, gastroenterologist, internist and pediatricians. The group further stated during their meeting with the minister that they want to engage the local health care industry as much as possible, and it is their desire to not only engage with the Haitian Community but also the entire St. Maarten community at large.

Cay Hill:--- A feud broke out on Wednesday afternoon between the specialists working at the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) and Medical Director Dr. George Scot who showed up at a meeting that was requested by the specialists with the Inspector General to discuss the report on the investigation conducted by the Inspectorate.

According to one of the specialists, Dr. Scot showed up to the meeting they called with a lawyer and claimed that since he is their boss he has a right to know what is being discussed. The specialist said the Inspector General Dr. Earl Best also went to the meeting which was held at the SMMC with his lawyer Jairo Bloem. The specialist said the Chairman of the Specialists Association Dr. Felix Holiday seems to be working against them because he withheld a three page email Dr. George Scot sent to him requesting to be part of the meeting. The specialist who preferred to remain anonymous said that it appears to them as though the Chairman of the Specialist Association gave the Medical Director permission to attend the meeting with his lawyer without consulting with them.

At some point, most of the specialists spoke out against Dr. Scot presence and he was eventually asked to leave with his lawyer because if he did not the meeting would have cancelled. The specialist who was obviously angry when he spoke to SMN News said that Dr. George Scot left the institution in a rage, while Dr. Best also requested that his lawyer Jairo Bloem to leave the meeting. At that meeting the specialists said that they believe that for the St. Maarten Medical Center to function as a hospital the Management of SMMC must change. The specialists also raised concern about the negative impact the report now has had on St. Maarten Medical Center and doctors that are working for the institution.

SMN News further learnt that Dr. George Scot was scheduled to meet with the Inspector General at 2pm on Thursday to discuss his action plan and other matters related to health care provided to patients at the SMMC. Sources within the SMMC said that at noon on Thursday Dr. Scot sent an email to the Inspectorate informing him that he will not attend the meeting and he also sent a new action plan. It should be noted that the SMMC was given five days which expires on Friday to provide an action plan but to date the Management team and Supervisory Council of SMMC have not been cooperating with the Inspectorate.

SMN News was reliably informed that the Minister of Health along with the Parliament of St. Maarten are working on taking decisive action against SMMC as early as next week.

Great Bay:--- Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor, Cornelius De Weever is commending the White & Yellow Cross Foundation for opening the day care service for dementia patients.
"The White & Yellow Cross Foundation have picked an opportune time to open this service, seeing that the month of September is World Alzheimer's Month," said Minister De Weever
According to Alzheimer's Disease International September 2012 marks the first global World Alzheimer's Month, which is an international campaign to raise awareness and challenge stigma. The theme this year was Dementia: Living together.
"By the White and Yellow Cross providing living spaces during the day and by going into the living spaces of their clients proves that they are living up to the theme, said Minister De Weever."

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon. Silveria Jacobs last Sunday was invited by the new board of the St. Maarten Baseball Association to assist in the opening and to give a speech including plans for moving sports forward.

Several veteran players were honored by the association such as Sam Jacobs, Manfred Cannegieter, St. Clair Vanterpool, Bernard Davis, Franklyn Vanterpool and many others.

Minister Jacobs commended the athletes both young and old for coming out and putting their all into a sport that was one of the main sports played on the island, which had produced several top players.

Thanks and appreciation was also given to the scorers and referees who help to make sure that the games are played and recorded.

Minister Jacobs outlined her vision and pledged to get the facilities the needed repairs and upgraded in order to facilitate training and local competition as well as to be able to host international competitions and games.

Minister Jacobs reminded the fans and supporters, athletes and other government officials that it would take a cooperative effort to get sports to the desired level here on St. Maarten.

The opening pitch was tossed by His Excellency Governor Hon. Drs. Eugene Holiday, while Health Minister Hon. Cornelius de Weever did the catching and Minister Hon. Silveria Jacobs stood ready to bat.

The St. Maarten baseball association pledged to start with an A-class division for the youth players over 16 years.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Sixty (60) days left for the 7th Annual SHTA Crystal Pineapple Awards Fundraiser and tickets are now available. Tickets can be purchase at the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) office. Ticket price this year is $150.00 per person. For questions, ticket reservations, or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us at the office.
The Award Gala is being held on November 30th at Sonesta Maho Ball Room and is St. Maarten's premier annual black tie event.
Nominations are continuing to roll in. If you haven't nominated, please visit our Facebook page to nominate an individual who stands out and has done an exceptional job within their business field. SHTA stated in a press release that it has already received nominations in five categories for several persons within the island.
The association is encouraging business owners, managers, employees and residents in the community in general, to nominate and their candidate soon before the nomination period closes. Nomination forms have been digitized and can be found on our Crystal Pineapple Awards Facebook page, along with a list of category details. Nominations period will close on November 9th, or until all categories have been filled.
The awards consist of 14 categories and this year we are only accepting four nominees per award, which means 56 individuals or organizations, will be recognized and valued for the work they have accomplished over the years. The organizing committee is reminding the general public to ensure that when they nominate a person or company "please write why you would like to nominate the particular individual". "
Nomination period ends on November 9th.
SHTA encourages the community to visit us on Facebook: "Crystal Pineapple Awards" and stay up to date on the latest updates. For more information, please contact the SHTA office: 542-0108, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot Williams received a courtesy call by the President of the Constitutional Court of St. Maarten Justice Jacob Wit. During the courtesy meeting the Prime Minister and Justice Wit discussed various items pertaining to St. Maarten's role in the Caribbean Court of Justice and the Country's Constitutional Court.

The Honorable Justice Jacob Wit took a degree of Master of Law with honors from Vrije Universiteit (Free University) of Amsterdam in 1977. Mr. Justice Wit was admitted in March 1978 as a Judicial Trainee at the studiecentrum Rechtspleging (Training and Study Centre for the Judiciary) in Zutphen, where he remained until 1984. During this period he held the posts of Law Clerk in the Rotterdam District Court (1978-1980); Deputy Prosecutor at the Amsterdam District Court (1980-1982); and worked as an Attorney-at-Law with the Law Firm of Van Doorne & Sjollema in Rotterdam.

Mr. Justice Wit was appointed by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands as Deputy Judge of the Rotterdam District Court in January 1984, Judge of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba on 1 October 1986 where he functioned as Coordinating Judge, Court of First Instance, Curacao (1993-1996); Coordinator Judge of Instruction, Netherlands Antilles (1994-1997); Coordinating Judge for the Dutch Windward Islands of Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius and Saba and from 2001 to 2005 as Senior Justice and Acting Chief Justice.

He is a Judicial Educator and a Lecturer in Law. Justice Jacob Wit took the Oath of Office as a Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice on Wednesday 1 June 2005 and was in 2010 installed as President of the Constitutional Court of Sint Maarten.

From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT) Hon. Romeo Pantophlet congratulates the management and staff of the Princess Juliana International Airport PJIA) with respect to the recognition that has been received from World Routes 2012 Marketing Awards.

PJIA was one of the airports nominated and shortlisted under the category of an Airport Under Four Million Passengers.

This year the Airport Marketing Awards includes a special award for Airports Under Four Million Passengers.

The World Routes Awards have grown and developed over the last 15 years and are unique within the industry because they are voted for exclusively by the airline network planning community.

The awards recognize the excellence in air service development by airports and over the last few months airlines have been voting for the airports who they feel have made the most efficient use of their marketing over the last 12 months.

There are five main Airport Award categories split by region and airport size.

Winners of these highly regarded awards will be announced during a ceremony which will take place during the 18th World Route Development Forum at the Abu Dhabi Networking Evening on Monday 1st October.